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Dynamic Duo Is Ready To Rock
Author: Plum
Date: 07-29-10 15:27
When the Emrys Fest line-up was first announced, Plum had secretly been miffed that Dynamic Duo, highly popular at previous festivals, had been bumped down to be the first band of the day. Upon further examination of why else was scheduled, Plum changed her mind for two reasons. The first is that other than Dragon, all the bands are very well known band, most extremely popular on playlists throughout the Wizarding World, not just in Great Britain. Dragon is very well known by now as well though its members, like all of Dynamic Duo, are not professional musicians with their main income from playing venues.
The second reason is that by being first up, Anthony and she are free to spend the rest of the day enjoying Emrys Fest without having to watch the clock. Laura and Christopher are going to keep an eye on Alex while Anthony and Plum are busy with their set. After they, they can kick back and watch the other bands, take Alex around to the various booths, eat, drink, and have fun.
Phin, Drake, Kody, Anthony, and Plum arrive early to get their equipment to Stage 1 so they can get set-up and a sound check done in plenty of time before the festival kicks off. Dynamic Duo is slated for 10 and will play just under 45 minutes. At 10:45, The Squibs start their set directly opposite across an expanse of lawn on Stage 2. First though will be the official opening of the festival with an MC greeting the festival goers. Already there is quite a throng and if past Emrys Fests are anything to go by, the crowd will just get thicker as the day wears on.
Plum spots several wearing Dynamic Duo t-shirts, some old and some new today, offered at one of the booths. "How's the crowd look now?" Kody asks, coming up behind Plum to peer through the curtains that shield the bands from view before their sets.
"Large, which is good but I am nervous."
"You hide it well."
"I'll be fine, I know, but right now my insides are jelly. I think it's because we haven't played to any substantial audience in awhile." The band has played msall places here and there but lately, with work and school schedues, finding time to properly rehearse, especially the new songs, has been hard enough without throwing in lots of shows to play at nightclubs, pubs, and other places.
Phin comes over to peer out saying as he does, "It's about time isn't it?"
Kody nods, glancing at his watch, "Yeah. I'm guessing the MC is going to be here any second now."
Anthony and Drake join them as they continue talking until the MC arrives, their cue to get into their places for when the curtain opens and Emrys Fest 2004 gets off to a rocking start.
Showtime
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 07-29-10 17:48
Bronwyn stood at the booth for St. Emrys University's WWN station, but she wasn't at the magical microphone as she had been in previous years. Two student WWN announcers were at the helm, making opening announcements for their listeners, and then one got up and addressed the crowd at large with a boisterous, "ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?????"
The crowd responded with "YEAH!!!!!!!!"
"Then let me present to you, the opening band for EMRYS FEST 2004... DYNAMIC DUO!!!!!!!!"
The crowd cheered once more as the opening tones of the band's first song played, but soon the shouts died off and the music rang loud and clear throughout the festival grounds. Bronwyn and Dylan Cornfoot, the university station's manager, exchanged smiles and high-fives. The project they had worked so hard on since last spring was finally here and off to a rip-roaring start.
Bronwyn slipped away from the booth to rove the grounds and meet up with her husband and her friends. Toby was easy to spot. He was wearing a Dynamic Duo t-shirt in support of his brother Anthony, who played bass for the band. His hands were in the air, and he sang very loudly all of the words to every song Plum sung. Desi, who stood beside Toby, looked both embarrassed and amused.
When Toby saw Bronwyn, he slipped an arm around her shoulders and pecked her on the cheek. Tomorrow would be their third anniversary. It was hard to believe that so much time had passed already!
Bronwyn looked over at Desi, who was listening to Dynamic Duo with interest. They weren't a heavy metal band and therefore not entirely her taste in music, but she could appreciate that they were good musicians. Plus, she had grown rather fond of Anthony since getting to know him better while on the job.
Not only was her coworker performing today, but her boyfriend was too, and twice! Xavier Schoonmaker's band Wicked Wizards of the West would play first, and his side project Cleaver would close out the festival. Bronwyn couldn't tell if Desi was excited about it or not. Desi didn't show gushy emotions when it came to guys, so it was usually hard to tell what she was thinking when it came to Xavier.
Bronwyn moved over to Toby's other side so that she and Desi could talk over the music.
"Have you heard from Arley or Seb recently?" Bronwyn shouted in Desi's ear.
"No, have you?"
"No."
Bronwyn knew that they were probably trying to get their lives back together. She had heard that the trial in Texas had ended and that they had both returned to New York, but beyond that she didn't know much. She didn't even know where Fallon had ended up. She knew that the boys were probably very busy these days and she couldn't blame them for not keeping in better touch, but she hoped that they would check in every now and again. Bron did want to know how Arley was fairing and hoped that he was recovering splendidly from not only his physical injury but also the traumatic ordeal he'd experienced from having been kidnapped and tortured by his own father.
"Do you remember when we first saw them again a year ago after not having seen them for so long?" Bronwyn asked.
Desi nodded. She remembered the reunion quite well. Arley and Seb had gone to Emrys Fest last year, and it had been their first meeting with the girls since Hogwarts.
"If Anthony finds out you've been talking over his band's performance, you'll be in big trouble!" Toby joked, poking Bronwyn in the side.
Bronwyn took the hint and clamped her mouth shut, but only until the next band took the stage.
Wasn't Here Last Year
Author: Zabrynna
Date: 07-29-10 18:55
Philippa, Anne, and Zabrynna had arrived early for Emrys Fest, getting onto the grounds shortly after they were open to the public. As they'd made their way across the grounds, laden with a large blanket, beach chairs, cooler, and picnic hamper, Philippa suggested, "Let's see if we can get a spot about where we were last year."
Anne had immediately agreed, "Yes, good idea. That was a great spot to see both stages but not directly in the middle of everything."
"Zabrynna?"
"Wherever you two think is good is fine with me."
"Sorry, I forgot for a sec that you weren't with us last year."
Anne grinned, "Noooo, Zabrynna wasn't at boring little Emrys Fest. She was schmoozing with hot, brown skinned boys on a Costa Rican beach. Or were you schmoozing with hot, brown skinned boys in exciting Mexico City that day? Or both?"
If only they knew the truth. If she's not mistaken, part of the day of Emrys Fest last year had been spent in a counseling session. Zabrynna couldn't tell them that so instead just shrugged and said without elaborating, "I think I was in Mexico City that day."
"Ooooh, that's a cool shirt!" Anne exclaimed as they went past one of the vendors still getting setup. Some booths were ready and already doing business while others that early weren't quite ready. "After we put our stuff down and get the blanket spread and chairs open, we'll have to make a circuit to see who's got what this year."
"Will our stuff be all right? Zabrynna asked.
"Yeah. Should be. We didn't have any trouble last year. Then again, we did charm our spot. We can do that again this year. That way, one of us doesn't have to stay put while the other two go look," Anne replied.
It didn't take them long to reach the spot and get their stuff organized. Shortly after the girls made their first circuit around the grounds, seeing what booths there were and where as well as stopping periodically to speak to people they knew. As they walked, Zabrynna couldn't help thinking how great it would be if Declan were there. Even if they didn't speak, it would be so nice to just see him. It's been weeks since she saw him before leaving Hogwarts for summer holiday. Even though Declan, along with Professor Dumbledore, spoke to her parents that same day while she was still on the Hogwarts Express, resulting in her mother being in a bad mood when Zabrynna arrived home, she isn't angry with Declan. Completely the opposite. His taking the time to meet with her parents when he didn't have to tells Zabrynna that he does care.
Zabrynna still doesn't like herself overly much and is still convinced that Professor Isuki hates her, and at times she still thinks Declan hates her too. But knowing he spoke to her parents and that it was out of concern for her allows Zabrynna to have moments when she can accept that he's forgiven her at least some and doesn't out and out hate her.
Since learning that Zabrynna thinks her parents hate her as well, Margretta and Nolan have gone with her to some of her counseling sessons. She knows her parents love her but people can both love and hate someone at the same time and she still thinks that's the case with her parents, especially her mother. Margretta doesn't deny how deeply disappointed she was with Zabrynna, though now she claims it was more with Zabrynna's actions and poor judgement and never actually with Zabrynna herself. On that point, Zabrynna still isn't sure what to believe.
At least she's got two good friends in Anne and Philippa, though another thing Zabrynna still grapples with is the COLOSSAL secrets she's forced to keep. She constantly wonders if they'd still be friends with her if they knew.
By the time they've returned to their spot and the first band, Dynamic Duo, is performing, Zabrynna's gone very quiet, thinking about everything again while searching faces in the crowd for a glimpse of Declan. When Philippa asks halfway through Dynamic Duo's set, "Are you okay? You're being awfully quiet?" Zabrynna smiles at her friend and replies, "Just enjoying being here and watching the show. Besides, Anne's doing enough talking for all of us."
Anne has been chattering up a storm and was on the lookout for Indigo McFusty. With a glance her direction, Philippa then grins at Zabrynna, satisfied with the reply. When Dynamic Duo's set ends, they cheer wildly for the great performance then turn to face the other direction for the next band up, The Squibs.
Time For A Show
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 07-30-10 02:45
Isma, Blake, and Eric had met up early that morning, around 8 or so, and had breakfast at the Stone's household, before they'd all come to Emry's Fest where the three gryffindors would be spending the entire day. Money in hand for food and merchandise from the vendors, they quickly found a place to set up that would give them a fantastic view of both stages so they wouldn't miss out on a single performance. This was their first year attending the concert and they were thankful that it was without parental supervision.
All three of them had sung along with many people in the crowd when Dynamic Duo had taken the stage as the opening band. The three of them knew that most of the band members had/did attend Hogwarts which made it all the more fantastic.
Blake was looking forward to seeing Killed by a Curse, Crash Test Mummies and Dragon. Eric was looking forward to seeing The Squibs, Crash Test Mummies, Werewolf Cod of Conduct and Dragon. Isma on the other hand was waiting to see Clever, The Wicked Wizards of the West, Dragon, and The Broomstick Boys.
Isma had already spent some money when they'd gone and done a first and second circuit around the vendors - for food and other merchandise. Currently, she was sipping pumpkin juice and listening to The Squib's performance - she didn't know the song, but it was decent enough.
Blast from the Past
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 07-30-10 18:56
"Fleur, we're going to miss Charlie's show if you take much longer!" Bill called out to his wife, who was primping herself in front of the mirror in the bathroom of their Hogsmeade home.
"Only a few minutes more," Fleur replied, as she applied eyeshadow to her eyelids.
Bill shook his head, not understanding women in the slightest, and opened up Victoire's diaper bag to make sure it was fully stocked with everything they would need to keep her happy while they took her out to see Uncle Charlie play at Emrys Fest. He rummaged in the kitchen for some juice and snacks and a couple of bottles of water for himself and Fleur and checked the time once more.
"Fleur!"
She had already emerged from the bathroom and was now making sure that Victoire was properly dressed. She produced a baby-sized sun hat out of nowhere and stuffed it into the diaper bag.
"Okay, now I am ready," she announced, holding Victoire on her hip.
"Great, I––"
A staccato tapping sound at the dining room window forced him to abandon his sentence. He looked over and saw an unfamiliar owl hovering there. It was large and jet black with bright yellow eyes.
Bill crossed the room and threw open the window. The owl landed on the sill and held out its leg. Tied to it with a short piece of twine was a rolled up scrap of parchment. Bill carefully untied the string and took the note. As soon as he did, the owl flapped its large wings and flew away.
"Bah!" Victoire cried out, stretching out her little arms and opening and closing her hands as if she wanted to catch the owl.
"Bill?" Fleur asked, when she noticed his body stiffen.
He didn't respond at first. There was only one sentence on the parchment scrap, and it was written in a handwriting Bill hadn't seen in years.
Do you remember how angry you were with her in the moments before her death, or have you forgotten after seven years?
"Bill?" Fleur asked again, and Bill jumped when he felt her hand touch his back. When he turned, he saw that both his wife and daughter were looking at him curiously.
"Who wrote ze note and what does eet say?" Fleur asked him.
"I don't know," Bill said, but then, "I recognize the handwriting, but it's impossible that she wrote it because she's dead."
"Who eez she?" Fleur asked, confused.
Bill sighed deeply and said, "Adriana Fairchild."
Fleur knew about Adriana from what Bill had told her. "Zat cannot be."
"No, it can't."
Fleur furrowed her brow. "And ze person ze note refers to?"
Bill said nothing for a long while as he thought about it. Just receiving a note that looked like it had been written by a dead woman boggled the mind. As for its content... "Helena Tufton," Bill finally said. He wasn't a hundred percent sure that Helena had been murdered exactly seven years ago, but it could be true and likely was so.
"Sharlie's ex-wife," Fleur murmured.
"Yes," Bill said. He rolled up the note and stuffed it into his pocket. "Something to show him later, I suppose. I just wish I knew what it means," he went on. It didn't make any sense to him and seemed to have come out of the blue.
Fleur looked extremely worried. Something bad always happened to Bill. He was a magnet for trouble, and that note, from wherever it had come, possibly even from beyond the grave, sounded like big trouble.
Bill shook his head. "Let's not worry about it just yet. Painful boils aren't appearing on my hand, and I don't think I've inhaled any sort of poisonous gas, so I don't think we are dealing with the person behind the attacks on Harry and Ron."
"Neverzeless, I zink you should report eet," Fleur said. "You must."
Bill nodded. "I will, then, but we should go to St. Emrys before we really do miss Charlie's set!"
Resigned, Fleur agreed to go, but she would make Bill talk to the authorities about the note after the concert whether he wanted to or not.
Who Decides What
Author: Blossom
Date: 07-30-10 19:06
Seth's bright red, Weasley-esque head bobs up and down as he simultaneously waggles his stocky little rear. He is off beat, going at a much faster tempo than the music but is oblivious to the fact and laughing with enjoyment. Gideon, who was born with dark hair that has lightened a tiny but but is still a deep, rich chocolate, is laughing as well but because he's spinning in circles until he falls down, waits a few seconds then gets back up to do it again. Larkin, chestnut hair taking on more red highlights in the not quite five years since she was born, is standing one foot on each of Fred's, hands tightly held in his, and ordering imperiously, "Dance faster, Daddy!"
Through all this Blossom is sitting comfortable chair, an extremely frosty cold beer as per her American tastes in the chair's cup holder, a smile on her lips as she enjoys simply relaxing. It won't last long. One of the triplets will want or need something, be it food, drink, potty, or to just go look around in the crowd to people watch or to take a pass around the grounds to see what all the different vendors are selling. For the moment, however, Blossom is kicked back and enjoying the music.
Gideon falls down again, lies there on the blanket they've got spread out before heaving himself up again. Instead of spinning around more he comes over to flop at Blossom's feet. "When's Charwie's band pwaying, Mummy?"
"Soon."
"When is soon?"
"After this band is done."
"What's this band?"
"Spellorama."
"Spewowama then Dwagon?"
"Yes, though Uncle Charlie's band will be on the other stage, down there."
Gideon opens his mouth but instead of another question about the bands and stages, typical of a four year old he abruptly changes topics. "Warkin says she's gonna be in Won's wedding but not me or Sef. Or Fweddie or Fabian."
"Larkin MIGHT be in the wedding and so might Seth and you. Your sister is probably right about Freddie and Fabian. They are just babies. As for whether you are or are not in the wedding, that is up to Hermione and Ron, and mainly it's up to Hermione."
"Why?"
"Because she is the bride."
"What's a bwide."
"A bride is a lady who is getting married and has a wedding."
"When?"
"When is the wedding?"
"Yeah."
"Don't say yeah."
"Yes."
"I don't know when the wedding is. That's up to Hermione and Ron."
Gideon suddenly frowns. "He'mione and Won decide everyfing?"
"Yes."
"Where are they now?"
"I don't know where they are right now but I'm sure we'll see them today."
"When we see dem I want to tell dem I want a puppy for my birfday."
"Isn't that something your daddy and I should know?"
"No. You said He'mione and Won decide everyfing," Gideon says quite seriously.
Blossom can't help but laugh then scoops Gideon into her lap to explain what she meant by "everything."
At Emrys Fest and Loving It
Author: Adina Blackwood
Date: 07-31-10 12:43
She'd found the loop hole in being grounded for the duration of the summer and getting to go to Emry's Fest - it was spending a week or so at Marlow's. The biggest portion of this achievement was getting to go to Emry's Fest. She'd get to see Xavier - and that in and of itself was a fantastic thing and always brightened Adina's mood.
She slid a hand through her hair as she sat on the blanket, pulling an iced sugar biscuit from the container it was in and munching on it happily. She had some money to spend on merchandise, and wanted to make a circuit of the vendors again and this time actually buy something. The first round she and the other girls had done was to simply browse as the vendors hadn't fully set up yet.
They had sung along with the songs played by Dynamic Duo, and were currently getting ready to sing along with Dragon after Spellorama finished with their set. After Dragon, Adina planned on heading to the vendors, to get some new shirts from The Wicked Wizards of the West, and there were even a few new shirts for Cleaver which was Xavier's side project. There were also a few more bands she wanted to get stuff from: Dragon, Dynamic Duo, The Broomstick Boys, and Cassandra's Orb.
Once Dragon was done, Marlow and Adina headed over to the vendors and got a few T-shirts and other things and headed back to the blankets just in time for the last few songs from Charmed, and then it would be time for The Wicked Wizards of the West and Adina would be singing at the top of her lungs with -every- song that they sang.
She talked and laughed with Marlow while they waited for The Wicked Wizards of the West to take the stage at 1:45 PM.