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A Face In The Crowd
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 08-01-10 17:44
As with past Emrys Fests, the Crown & Cauldron has a food booth. I'd help gotten things set up and the first food offerings ready before Dynamic Duo started at ten. When they played, I chose to go stand where I could better watch my son perform. After that I took a quick swing around to look at the other vendors before returning to take another shift at the C&C booth. One of our waiters who'd signed up to help today since it meant both getting paid AND getting a free ticket into Emrys Fest ended up breaking his arm when he tripped and fell so while Lars helped him get go to one of the medic stations, as we didn't know right away the arm was broken, I stayed on longer. When the time finally came that I could entirely relax if I chose or stay and help.
My usual tendency is to stay and help. I put in a lot of hours at the restaurant, more so than I would have if Phin weren't the age he is now, and when there's something such as this food booth that has the name Crown & Cauldron attached, I can't help but want to be directly involved, making sure that the product going out to the customers is up to my exacting standards. For some reason today, I'm not sure why really, I decided what the hey? I'll take a real break and let those working the shift work their shift without me hovering.
I make the circuit around to the various vendors again, this time going slowly and paying attention to what each has to offer. At a booth selling Rusty Cauldron merchandise, I run into Phin and Emerald and end up buying them each a t-shirt. It's good to see them still together. I know Phin was worried she might break things off because of feeling like she wasn't ready for the depth of commitment he is. I'd like to see them end together for good but am not quite ready for my son to settle down and get married. I married young and we all know how well that turned out. At least Virgil and I are now on good enough terms that I don't want to smack the back of his head whenever he's around.
At another stall, this one selling jewelry, I see my nieces Hydrangea and Glori with some of their friends and just because I can, buy them each a bracelet and one charm to go on it. Each of the girls, not just my nieces that is.
Elsewhere I buy a charmed music box that plays Werewolf Code of Conduct tunes. I'm a fan. What can I say?
The last booth I buy something from, for the moment anyway, is a food booth by some Americans. They've got good old fashioned hot dogs like Virgil and I used to eat early in our marriage, in the US. I wouldn't admit to anyone now how good those hot dogs always tasted and that I occassionally crave one just as I regularly did when pregnant with Phin. I buy one for nostalgic reasons, with the works, and enjoy every single bite, even the first one that was just toppings and warm bun.
As I'm wiping my mouth, contemplating buying one more, I see through a gap in the crowd a figure I had long accepted as one I'd never see again. Hurrying forward, I call out but my voice is lost in the din of music and people. I pick up my pace, continuing to call out as he moves the opposite direction. I call more loudly, earning myself odd looks from those in my immediate vicinity. I'm practically running now, trying not to lose sight of him, calling out the entire time but he never turns.
Just when I think I should be close enough for him to finally hear me, I get bumped by some dancing teens, causing me to stumble and look to the ground to regain my footing. When I look up again he's gone. I move rapidly through the crowd, searching, searching, searching, but cannot catch sight of him again.
I must have spent a solid hour combing the crowd, several times climbing up onto things to get a better vantage point from which to search. I finally made myself stop being so frantic. I did what I should have done to begin with and go to one of the security stations, march up to someone I know to be working the concert for a little extra money but whose regular job is as a Ministry hit wizard, and report, "I am positive I saw Forest Woods."
"Missing and presumed dead Head Auror Forest Woods?"
"Yes, but I couldn't catch up to him then I lost sight of him. With everything that happened at those prison camps, he have made it out alive but without his memory."
"I'll put out the word and have others on the lookout."
"Thank you."
I slowly make my way back to the C&C booth, eyes continuing to scan the crowd for Forest, fervently hoping it really was him I saw and not someone who simply reminded me of him from a distance.
Good Music, Good Food - And Better Friends
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 08-02-10 05:33
Orei and Jim had met up with Maddie, Titus and Artemis at Emry's Fest earlier that morning. However, things were still rather frosty between Maddie and Orei over what, none of the other three were entirely certain. They knew that Maddie had moved out of the house in Hogsmeade and Jim had moved in after they'd gotten back from their trip in Japan - but what exactly had happened between the once long time friends was anyone's guess.
"You need to talk to her Orei. Find out what happened, what made her hate you so much that she wanted to move out." Jim was telling her for he fifteen-millionthtime today, as he passed her the butterbeer they were sharing.
"I don't want to ruin today with a fight, I really don't. That is what it is going to end up being and you know it Jim. It was a fight the day she moved out, and every day after that I've tried to talk to her." Orei sad sinking against him, closing her eyes and cradling the butterbeer on her knees as she looked up at the stage where Dragon had just finished their set, and the next group was setting up on that stage and the next band was getting readty to start their set on the other.
Jim let it drop for the time being, and took up a conversation with Titus about Quidditch, and plans now that both boys were done with school at Hogwarts. After a few minutes, Orei pushed herself up and moved over to where Maddie and Artemis were talking. "Maddie, can I talk to you for a minute..."
Artemis descretely slipped away and Maddie attempted to leave as well - however, Orei's hand on her shoulder stopped her. "I want to know what went wrong? What happened between us Maddie?" Orei asked as they moved off to the side so they could talk without screaming over the music.
"Nothing happened between us Orei, it had nothing to do with you. I am just mad at the world right now and I don't know how to fix it. My parents just got a divorce, and my grandmother died the day I moved out." Maddie said, eyes sliding closed as she sank against the trunk of a tree and attempted to compose herself.
"Then why..." Orei thought about the question she was going to ask, and then shook her head, moving to embrace Maddie lightly. "Why didn't you say something instead of running? We've always talked about everything in the past."
"I..I didn't say anything because you were so happy, you've got Jim and your parents are still together, and you've got a wonderful job at the Ministry doing what you love. Me? I'm stuck working two jobs, one of them I wish I could quit, to try and make ends meet." Maddie said and broke into tears.
"Maddie. Let me help you. You are a wonderful journalist, and let me see what I can do about getting you something that will make your life easier. If you want, you can still move back into the house in the Village, your room is still open, because Jim and I are sharing mine..." Orei said with a grin.
"I'll talk to Titus, but I don't think it will be a problem. Besides, I miss having you as a roommate." Maddie said and hugged Orei and they headed back to the group.
Mr. Bagshot
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 08-02-10 16:14
Johanna had managed to convince her father to let her go to the St. Emrys fest. The only reason Anthony agreed was because John was there and would serve as the perfect chaperon. Her half-brother didn’t seem at all excited with the task and
Johanna understood why, when a group of witches passed near them giggling. John’s eyes were on one of the witches and Johanna understood he was eager to go talk to her.
She looked around the crowd of witches and wizards but unfortunately she hasn’t found a familiar face.
“Why don’t you let me sit over there and enjoy the music while you go chat with that girl you’re always looking at?” Johanna asked her brother.
“I’m not going to let you here alone. You might get lost or something.”
“Maybe this is the last chance you have to talk with that girl. She’s pretty. What’s her name?”
Not that Johanna didn’t like John’s company and wanted to get rid of him but he was exaggerating with the promise he had made to their father, saying he wouldn’t take his eyes off Johanna for a minute. Too much responsibility annoyed her, and she was tired of having a bodyguard. She wanted to blend in the crowd, try to get near the stage and with lucky find her friends from Hogwarts.
Johanna had invited her cousins, Evelyn and Edgar to come with her, but her aunt said ‘no’. Luke was in Greece with his parents and inviting Melchior was out of question. Johanna wanted so much to see her muggle cousin, tell him all the wonders of the wizarding world but she knew starting to take him here to the fest wouldn’t be a good idea. Her father said that maybe it would be a good idea starting with Diagon-Alley.
John didn’t reply to Johanna, he kept looking to the girl. Then someone called:
“Hey Merlin!”
A wizard with dark blue robes waved into John’s direction and moved towards him. They shook their hands. John presented Johanna to the wizard. His name was Christopher Bagshot, and he was a History professor at St. Emrys.
They had been friends since the day they met at the community called City of Hope, where both were forced to live and work. Mr. Bagshot had two glasses of butter beer and offered one to Johanna. John refused the other glass and with a shrug Christopher drank himself from the glass.
“John told me you like History of Magic, isn’t that right?”
Johanna nodded and Christopher Bagshot smiled. Then like someone had jinxed him he started to talk about his favorite’s subjects and his recent researches about goblins without anyone have asked him about it. Johanna listened with attention, and made him questions that he actually answered.
It wasn’t like Mr. Binns, who fell asleep or forgot what he was saying; he changed the subject hundred times in a class. Johanna was eager to have Professor Douglas but she would have to wait at least a couple of years. Professor Bagshot, who she couldn’t tell if belonged to the family of Bathilda or not, was a great company and when they sat by a bench she realized John had gone leaving her alone with the professor. Apparently he had considered Christopher a good chaperon.
Now and then she would see a familiar face from Hogwarts, but she just waved distantly. Johanna forgot about the music, and everything around her. This was a free history lesson, on a warm summer night with a great teacher with a peculiar soundtrack.
Beautiful Women
Author: Jolyon
Date: 08-02-10 17:36
At first, Jolyon hadn't planned on going to Emrys Fest. He liked live music well enough, but he didn't care much for crowds and also had no one with whom he could attend. Then earlier in the week, when he'd met his half-sister Julia for coffee, she'd asked if he wanted to go with her and some of her friends. He'd said yes, and that was how he found himself lounging on a picnic blanket surrounded by a group of beautiful women.
Julia's best friend was Elswyth Hanley. They'd met at Hogwarts, where they'd gotten off on the wrong foot because they'd both had a crush on the same boy. When that boy had passed them both over for someone else, they'd somehow become friends. They still competed for the attention of men, but it was a friendly competition now. Elswyth was definitely giving Jolyon the eye, which he found very flattering and somewhat amusing.
Also in the group was Lidia Schlumberger, who wrote for The Daily Prophet, Anya Epperson, who worked as a mortician, and Sarina Saltwood, who owned and operated a bed & breakfast in Cornwall. Lidia and Anya were hopelessly single and greatly interested in Jolyon. Somehow, he had the feeling his sister hoped to set him up with one of her friends by day's end.
Only Sarina didn't outwardly display interest in Jolyon, which was too bad, since out of the group, he liked her the best. She was not only beautiful, but she seemed smart and well-spoken too. He wouldn't mind asking her out on a date, but would she say yes to him? Jolyon would have to wait to find out the answer because he didn't want to ask Sarina in front of the others.
"So, Jolyon. Have you always known that you wanted to teach Care of Magical Creatures?" Elswyth asked.
"No," Jolyon replied. "I thought I would always be a veterinary healer, which I was for quite some time."
"You must really love animals," she purred.
Jolyon smiled. "I do."
"That owl looks like it's coming towards us," Julia commented, indicating to a speck in the sky that was approaching them rapidly. Sure enough, the owl did swoop down and land in the middle of their picnic blanket. Julia recognized it as the one belonging to her parents.
She hastily took the letter from its talons and read it silently. Her expression fell, and she wordlessly handed the note to Jolyon to read. While he did, she started to get up.
"It's my dad," she said. "He's at St. Mungo's. I have to leave."
Jolyon got up. "I'm coming with you."
The other girls started to rise but Julia waved them down. "No, you should stay. I'll give you an update later."
Jolyon put an arm around Julia's shoulder. "Nice meeting you ladies," he said kindly to the group before leading his sister a few paces away where they could apparate without disturbing some of the other festival-goers.
Emrys Fest As A Birthday Party
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 08-02-10 19:40
Harry eyes what's left of Neville's and his birthday cake. Neville's birthday was yesterday and Harry's is today so at some point along the way of everyone planning to meet up at Emry's Fest a decision was made to have cake and presents. The cake is excellent and Harry really wants another slice yet at the same time he thinks if he has even one more crumb or even the smallest drop of drink he will explode. Patting his stuffed stomach, Harry supposes there's always taking some of the cake home and having it tomorrow.
Getting presents, as always, is exciting. For too many years Harry never got a thing. Even though he's had people in his life again after his parents' death who have been giving him gifts for as long as he did without, Harry still gets amazed at the sight of gifts marked for him. Of course, this year with what's been going on, getting presents meant having each one checked to be sure it was an actual gift from the person named on the card. Harry and Ron both went over each gift to both him and to Neville, plus one of their co-workers went over them as well as Bill using his curse breaking background to quadruple check everything. Luckily, none of the packages turned out to be cursed, hexed, poisoned, or otherwise tampered with.
It's been a great day with beautiful weather, excellent friends, really good bands, way too much food and drink, and lots of laughs. Harry's sorry to see it drawing to an end but soon it will be over as the last of the bands, much talked Cleaver, takes to stage two. By far, one of Harry's favorites today was Dragon, and not just because Charlie Weasley is in it. He would like their music style and songs regardless.
Earlier in the day, Harry had seen Janine with mutual friends as well as a few he doesn't know. He'd gone over to wish her a happy birthday tomorrow and to give her the present he'd gotten her ages ago, telling her, "I already had gotten it and I know it's something you wanted so it seemed a shame not to go on and give it to you. Take it as being nothing more than from one friend to another."
Janine had smile and accepted the gift with a simple thank you before adding, "I really hope you mean that about being friends. I do miss spending time with all of you but don't feel right dropping in on Hermione for a chat or asking Ginny to lunch since they are and always have been your friends more than mine."
"You know that's not true."
"And you know it is, but let's not bicker. Happy birthday. I'm sorry I don't have anything to give you."
"But you do. You've given me your friendship and you gave me some really good memories when we were together."
That had brought a smile to Janine's lips. "That's sweet of you to say."
They'd parted with a friendly hug and each pecking the other's cheek. Once back with those he was here at Emrys Fest with, Ginny come to stand next to him, asking loudly enough for Harry to hear as she looked in the direction where she knew Janine to be, "Everything's all right?"
"Yeah. I think Janine and I can truly be friends now without letting anything that happened come between us."
"Just friends or are you hoping it will progress to coupledom again?"
"Just friends and I'm fine with that."
Ginny slipped her arm around Harry's. "Good. You need to move on."
"Maybe I'll stay single for awhile. You and I didn't work out and neither did Janine. I thought each of you was it at the time. It's too bad you think of me as a brother, huh?" he joked.
Ginny squeezed his arm a little and replied without the slightest trace of teasing, "Yeah, about that... "