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Plain and Ugly
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 09-27-11 14:42
"We can go, I'm ready." Johanna announced, as she joined John in the living room. Her father was there reading the Daily Prophet. Her mother wasn't home; she decided to take the day to do some shopping.
"For the love of Merlin! What is all that?" John said staring at Johanna. For a moment she wondered if her clothes and make-up were too much, but she had checked her new look at the mirror a thousand times and she knew she was all right. Roger would be impressed and Felicia would be jealous. Gus wouldn't even notice, but she could care less about him. As for Mark and Kate, Johanna secretly hoped this would be the night they finally get together or something.
"I'm ready, let's go." Johanna repeated.
"You're not going anywhere like that. That skirt is too short and what is that in your face?"
"It's called make-up you idiot."
"It's too much. Is it because of that boy I saw you leaving the Hogwarts' express with when I went to pick you up to Kings Cross? Who is he? Your boyfriend?"
"He is not my boyfriend. " Johanna replied annoyed. And then she added in a lot voice: "Yet. But it's none of your business anyway. Dad, please tell John to take me to the fest. I don't want to be late!"
Finally Anthony Steele put his newspaper away and looked at Johanna. He tried to hide his amused smile and tried to explain is 14 year old daughter that John was right, she had exaggerated with her looks.
"You're all saying that because you're men and you don't get it. Mom would understand." Johanna then went back to her bedroom and annoyed she took off the mini skirt she was wearing and put some jeans on. Then she removed the heavy makeup she applied that she saw in a magazine for young muggle girls.
Johanna went back to the living room and this time John gave his approval. Her father had focused his attention again on his newspaper, but Johanna was pretty sure he had taken a look at her because he didn't say a word. If something was still wrong with her looks, he would have said something.
"We can go now if you're ready." John said.
"I hate you. Now I look plain and ugly and it's all ruined." She replied crossing her arms.
"Stop complaining and let's go. I thought you didn't want to be late." Her brother teased her, quoting her.
"I hate you!" Johanna repeated as they left, ready to go to Emrys Fest.
Planning the Day at Emrys Fest
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 09-27-11 18:01
Emry's Fest...it was the highlight of the summer and the thing that Isma was looking most forward to. She would be spending the entire day with Blake, Eric unfortunately wouldn't be home for another two weeks, but she promised she'd buy him a couple of shirts from his favorite bands.
Blake and Isma met up at the gates and soon were in. "Alright, what do you want to see first?" They looked over the list of bands that composed the line-up and headed first toward the merchandise tables.
"Definitely Dynamic Duo at twelve fifteen, they are on stage two. Starting off at ten Basilisk is on stage one, not really keen on them...I think Snitch at eleven thirty on stage one before heading over to Dynamic Duo at twelve fifteen." He said, sliding a arm around her as they looked over the merchandise tables.
"Its unfortunate that I won't get to see Xavier today. None of his bands are performing today. But, its alright, there are still some FANTASTIC bands performing today. Dynamic Duo is definitely amongst my favorites, and am looking forward to seeing Dragon later too." Isma said, as she picked up a couple of shirts for Eric, tucking them into her bag. One was a Dynamic Duo shirt, there was a Dragon shirt as well as a Crash Test Mummies shirt.
For herself she grabbed some new band t-shirts and Blake got some shirts as well and both of them got some new posters for their bedrooms and one or two for their dorm rooms when they went back to school in September. "Want to see what kind of foods they have out? That, and I could use a pumpkin juice..." Isma said as she leaned into Blake, a contented smile upon her lips. She was simply glad that her parents had let her come to Emry's Fest without supervision, and more importantly that they'd made it back to London in time for the large scale Wizarding World concert.
Picnic at Emrys Fest
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 09-27-11 18:04
Hermione and Ron sat on a blanket with a picnic basket between them and watched Snitch perform on Stage One at Emrys Fest. They'd arrived at the music festival early enough to snatch up a perfect stretch of lawn with a view of both stages. Basilisk and Piper and the Bags had already played their sets. Snitch was the third band on the roster.
They wrapped up their set with a hearty, "Thank you, St. Emrys!" and exited the stage to wild cheers.
Hermione turned to Ron to tell him what she thought of the band, but then she noticed Harry and Ginny approaching from a distance.
"Look, there's Harry and Ginny," she announced. They had made plans to meet up with them at Emrys Fest, so Hermione wasn't surprised to see them.
Ron turned his head to follow her gaze and waved at the others. "Did you pack enough food for everyone?" he asked, turning back to Hermione. He lifted one of the basket's flaps to peek inside. The basket was magical and held more than a Muggle basket of the same size would.
"Of course," Hermione replied. "There's enough for the four of us and anybody else who might turn up."
"You're so good, Hermione," Ron said, pulling an apple from the basket. He bit into it and nodded. "So good."
"Hermione, Ron," Harry said by way of greeting.
Hermione moved the basket to her other side and snuggled next to Ron to make more room on the blanket for Harry and Ginny.
"You made it," she said.
"We got delayed by mum," Ginny replied.
"Was it wedding related?"
"Actually, no. She wants everyone over at the Burrow for a special birthday dinner tomorrow night. You both will come, won't you?" Ginny asked.
"We deliberately didn't make any plans in case Harry had something planned," Hermione answered.
"I wasn't going to plan anything," Harry said, "but I guessed somebody else might. What did we miss?"
Hermione and Ron filled the pair in on the first three bands and soon they focused their attentions on Stage Two to watch Dynamic Duo play.
Emrys Fest - Good music, Good friends, and Eye Candy
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 09-27-11 18:11
After the visit with Bronwyn yesterday at the Castle, I'd gladly accepted the invite to come with her to Emry's Fest, it meant that I wouldn't be alone at the festival. Also, it meant that the two of us would be able to spend the day together as Bron was not 'working' the festival today, but actually here as a guest like the hundreds of others that filled the area designated for the performances.
"Alright, so who do you want to see first?" Bron asked as they headed into the area and looked over the list of bands that were playing throughout the day.
"I don't know, but I am seriously going to grab some posters and some new shirts to add to my wardrobe." I said with a grin. "I'm looking forward to seeing Dragon truth be told, and Dark Magic later tonight. But, to start the day, I think the first group I am looking forward to seeing is Dynamic Duo because they are the only group on here that I truly do not recognize."
"Dynamic Duo has a couple of Hogwarts graduates in it, and several Hogwarts Alumnai in it." Bronwyn explained as they wandered through the growing crowd. She also told me of the interviews she'd done with some of the bands that were on the performer's list and some of the funniest moments.
"I think, first and foremost I want a chilled pumpkin juice and cruise the merchandise tables, before heading over and catching Dynamic Duo first." I said, and we wandered over toward a vendor selling chilled pumpkin juice and then went to look over the merchandise tables. Ultimately we found a place to settle just before Dynamic Duo took the stage.
Relaxation
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 09-27-11 20:13
Meagan was currently sound asleep in her swing, and I was getting some much needed alone time. The house was quiet, Jim was meeting with a few friends at Emry's Fest and they were going to a pub after, since he was on vacation this week. Today was all about Meagan and mommy. The rest of the week would simply be about Orei and Jim, with Meagan spending the remainder of the week with Grandma and Grandpa McCoi.
At the moment, I was folding laundry, and within moments of putting away a stack of towels I heard the pop of the house elf making her presence known. "Miss should be relaxing not doing household chores. Miss should be planning wedding not folding towels and baby blankets."
I laughed and allowed Lilly to take the pile of towels from me. "Thank you Lilly, I am going to run a couple of errands, Meagan is sleeping right now and I've her bottle ready for when she wakes up. I shouldn't be gone too terribly long, I want to get my hair done and a manicure and pedicure."
"Miss should take her time. Lilly can more than handle Miss Meagan and will ensure that she is well cared for. Will Master Jim be home late tonight?" Lilly asked and Orei nodded.
"Yes, he is at Emry's Fest with a few friends that had graduated Hogwarts with him then they are going for a few drinks at his favorite pub. So, he'll be gone for most of the day."
Lilly nodded. "Lilly will have dinner ready for you and will ensure that Miss Meagan gets her bottle and changed and has some time on her playmat while you are gone. Now, Miss should go have some time for herself."
"Alright Lilly, I'm going to take a quick shower, and then head to my favorite boutique in London. I'll be home before dinner." Before I could make it to my room I heard the distinctive sound of someone coming through the fireplace.
"Hello...." I smiled brightly at the sound of my mother arriving.
"Mum, hey. I wasn't expecting you until sometime tomorrow or the day after. How's dad?" She asked giving her mum a hug and quick peck on the cheek.
"I was just heading out to get a mani-pedi, leaving Meagan with Lilly for a few hours. Want to come along?" I asked with a grin.
"No, actually I wanted to see if we could take Meagan a day or two early, give you and Jim a bit more time to yourselves and perhaps finish planning the wedding." My mom said with a knowing grin, knowing well enough that I'd been putting off the wedding planning since at least three months before Meagan was born.
"That is sneaky, underhanded and just like you." I gave Celia McCoi a bright smile. "Go ahead, she should be just waking up now. Lilly manages to get to her before she even gets out the first cry. Nursery is just there next to mine and Jim's room. I am going to take a quick shower, and head to London to Colette's Boutique for overall pampering."
"Alright then, I will give your dad love from you and Jim. Let me know what you come up with when you talk it over with Jim about the wedding." She said, and vanished into the nursery where I heard her talking with Lilly.
While my mother busied herself in the nursery, getting Meagan's things together and cooing over her granddaughter, I retreated into the bedroom pulling out my favorite pair of skinny jeans, a spaghetti strapped tank and my sheer button down that I would leave open. Tossing them on the bed, I headed into the bathroom and took a quick shower to save the stylist the chore of washing my hair before the styling.
By the time I got out of the shower my mum was already gone with Meagan in tow and Lilly was currently busying herself with the household chores. I dressed, adding my favorite pair of heeled sandals to the outfit. "I'll be back later Lilly." With that I apparated to Daigon Alley, where I headed out through The Leaky Cauldron and headed toward my favorite Muggle boutique in the heart of London.
Single And A Rock Star For The Day
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 09-27-11 20:52
Since Emerald broke up with him Phin hasn't shown much interest in anyone else. He's had a few openly flirt with him and while all are nice enough young ladies, he's been too busy telling himself to be patient, that Emerald will want him back soon enough. When he arrived at Emrys Fest this morning, all that changed. Or the part about not showing interest back, that is.
Upon arriving, Phin found himself with female after female wanting a photo with him or his autograph, wanting to give him a kiss or be kissed. This happens at Emrys Fest every year but this time many of them somehow knew he's single. As Dynamic Duo is not a band that plays regular weekly gigs at the usual night spots, doesn't do a lot of concerts, or anything like that, and it's not a band that gets a huge amount of air on the WWN, Phin has no idea why or how so many would know of his relationship status. What's even more odd is that at least one of the young ladies who was more pushy than some of the others is someone he saw just yesterday in Diagon Alley and beyond flashing him a smile, she'd not given any indication she's a raving fan girl.
Without the need to be faithful to Emerald, Phin allowed himself to get carried away with the attention. He now fully grasps why so many musicians always have a different girl on their arms, and how those who aren't strong in their commitments to a significant other or who have weak characters cheat so often on spouses and girlfriends. Phin let himself get carried away enough that when Piper and the Bags exited stage 2 and Dynamic Duo was to start setting up and doing sound checks, the sounds of Snitch down on stage 1 already rocking the festival, Anthony had to repeatedly tap Phin on the shoulder to get his attention from the very cute redhead Phin was snogging.
After set-up and sound check, they'd returned to the offstage area to await their intro, which would be after Snitch's set down on stage 1. There, Phin had taken to snogging the redhead again, and again it was Anthony getting his attention.
"Okay, Hot Lips, time to go on."
"Hot lips?"
"Seems somewhat fitting at the moment, no?"
"Says the man with lipstick all over his throat and face."
"What? Where?"
"Everywhere. And is that a hickey?"
"It's a bruise. Alex's aim needs work when we play catch."
"It's a hickey."
"You two coming or going to start making out again?" Kody asks.
"You still here? I thought you and Daria went to get a room," Phin says with a wink and a grin.
Kody smirks, not denying he was having his own snogging session a short time ago. "Where's Plum?"
"Touching up her lipstick," Anthony replies, eyes not meeting Phin's because they both know they will start snickering.
"I'm here," Plum says, hurring over to the steps leading up to the stage.
As he moves that direction Phin catches Drake rolling his eyes. "What's that for?" he asks.
"Just amused at the antics of you children."
About that same time Plum reaches up and rubs her finger vigorously along Drake's lower lip and along his jawline. "Ophelia's wearing a really bright red lipstick today. It would stand out from onstage, giving your mouth a weird appearance."
That does it. Phin starts snickering and then Anthony. A short time later, when Dynamic Duo is being announced and the five of them are energetically taking the stage, the two of them are still having trouble with the giggling making Phin glad that their opening number does not require him to sing any of the back-up vocals.
(Heraklion Greece, Crete) Grecian Goddess
Author: Adina Blackwood
Date: 09-27-11 21:15
Agia Pelagia Mononaftis was the perfect place for a summer sunbathing, and Adina was currently soaking up the sun. Athena, Mika, and Mikos all lounged around her, she was after all the queen bee of her little circle in Greece and she missed them horribly. "Remind me to thank your dad for this fantastic retreat." Athena said, shifting in her lounge chair and taking a sip of her sour cherry coridal and sighing happily.
"Most definitely. I mean, he's done nothing but spoil you, hell all of us since you got here earlier this month. You think he's just trying to get on your good side now that he and your mum are finally divorced?" Mika asked, shifting so that her feet sunk into the sun-warmed sand and she could look over at her friends.
"Probably, or he's getting ready to introduce me to his new girlfriend. The one he thinks I don't know about, but I've known for about a week and a half now. She's pretty, not as pretty as mom, but hey, he is free to see who he wants." Adina said, sliding a hand through her hair and shifting in her chair, adjusting the straps of her swimsuit. "I think I'm going to slip into the water for a few minutes." She said, and Mika pushed up and followed her toward the water.
"You are only heading into the water because you saw your dad and his new girlfriend coming..." She whispered and Adina laughed.
"Of course. But, beyond that, I want a dip in the sea for a few minutes." She said before stepping into the surf and relishing in the sunwarmed water as it lapped up around her hips. She spent long enough in the water to cool her down for a little while, before she would venture back up upon the beach.
"Hi Daddy! Who is that?" She said with a bright smile at the twenty-something woman that was settled on the lounge chair beside her father in a floppy straw hat decorated with a bright summery flower and floral print ribbon.
"This is my girlfriend, Claudette. Claudette, this is my daughter Adina, her friends Athena, Mika and Mikos." He introduced all of them in turn.
"Pleasure to meet you Claudette, now if you'll excuse us, we need to get a couple of fresh drinks." Adina looked at her friends who nodded, getting up from their lounge chairs and heading toward the beach side cafe leaving her father and his new girlfriend on their lounge chairs.
"She is at least ten years younger than mom, and I swear, if she tries to be like my older sister I am liable to puke, or try and rip her hair out." Adina said settling a stool and waiting for her friends to settle on either side of her.
"What in the hell was he thinking? And I hope your mum hasn't seen her yet." Mikos said shaking his head.
"No, thank god, and I want to be safely back at school before Mum meets Claudette. I do not think that the world is ready for that nuclear explosion." Adina said and turned her attention to the newly returned tender, who was rather cute.
"What can I get for you?" He asked the group.
"I'll have a frappe" Mika said.
"A sour cherry cordial." Athena's signature and favorite drink.
"I'll have a Greek Lantern..." Mikos said, looking out over the beach.
"Ariani for me, a little extra salt in the mix please." Adina said shifting to press her back against the edge of the bar, her gaze traveling over the beach toward her dad and his new girlfriend who was only about ten to twelve years older than Adina.
"He wants to have a little family dinner tonight. Sorry guys, but I gotta deal with that tonight and would rather spend it filling myself on sweets and watching movies with you guys. Speaking of, prepare a horror movie marathon for when I get back, choose ones that involve blonde leads dying horrible deaths." Adina said with a mischevious little smile.
"Will do, and make sure there is pleanty of popcorn and soda for the marathon as well." Athena said, knowing well that they were all sharing a common thought and Athena was glad she'd packed some cauldron cakes and chocolate frogs as well.
A Visit to Azkaban
Author: Mildred
Date: 09-28-11 05:09
It's a beautiful sunny day here at St. Emrys. For those of you who can't be here thank you for choosing our station. We will comeback pretty soon with more music. Please don't leave your seat, plenty more bands will still perform today and…
The radio was turned off and Mildred turned her head only to see her grandmother standing by the radio with a disapproval look in her face.
"What were you hearing girl?"
"Music. Live from Emrys Fest." Mildred replied. Her mother once promised her when she got older she would take Mildred there to see the bands and have fun. Now Mildred knew that was something that would never happen.
"That cannot be called music! That is just noise. Now go and change your clothes girl. And comb your hair. We are going out."
Mildred did what her grandmother told her, wondering where they were going. She thought maybe Diagon Alley. A feeling of excitement invaded the little witch, as she combed her long brown hair. She wondered what type of wand she would have, the content of her school books and if she could try and make a potion on her own with her new cauldron. She placed the list of items she received from Hogwarts in her pocket, just in case her grandmother would forget something. After putting on her shoes she went downstairs to the hall. Her grandmother was already there with a very austere look in her old face.
"We are going to Azkaban." She announced.
Mildred felt butterflies in her stomach and she tried very hard not to hug her grandmother. There was no secret that the old witch disliked her father and for the past days she feared she was not going to take her to the prison to see him.
"I expect you to behave or we are not coming back there again until you are seventeen. Understood?"
Mildred used her head to give her grandmother an affirmative answer. It wasn't her first trip to Azkaban and she knew the rules.
*
After the usual security procedures, finally the two witches were sent to the visitation room. Moments later Alexander Campbell arrived. He was a middle aged wizard, medium height, brown eyes and hair. He hasn't shaved himself for a couple of days and that caused the disgusted look her mother in law sent him. She never understood how her daughter could have married someone like him.
Alexander Campbell greeted his mother in law with a brief recognition nod and then his attention turned to his only daughter. Mildred hugged her father deeply. She had promised herself she was not going to cry. He had promised the same thing earlier in his cell.
"How is my little girl doing?"
They sat in front of each other, Mildred's grandmother ignoring them (or pretending to do so) by studying the bare walls of the visitation room.
Mildred told her father she received the letter from Hogwarts and he announced that he was very proud of her. They spoke in an almost cheerful tone about everything that had to do with the school, none of them mentioning Mildred's mother. After a while Alexander turned to his mother in law and announced that the money for Mildred's school supplies should come from his vault at Gringotts.
"I'll write them a letter allowing you to use the money in my vault."
Mildred grandmother's nodded, probably pleased she wouldn't have to spend a single knut with her granddaughter. Unfortunately for Mildred a prison guard come and announced the end of the visitation. Mildred sighed disappointed: time with her father was never enough and she already missed him. She hugged him again.
"Be brave will you? And don't forget I'm proud of you, Mildred."
He then told his mother in law he would like to speak with her alone sometime. The old witch assured him she would come back and Alexander waved goodbye to Mildred as he followed the guard leaving the visitation room.
Mildred wished to ask her grandmother when would she see her father again, but she decided not to bother her. She wondered if she should thank her or not. That dilemma followed her all the way home.
Having A Nice Time
Author: Sage Porter
Date: 09-28-11 20:32
Sage roots around in one of the picnic baskets finally selecting an apple juice only to have Niccola come over, grin at him, hold out a hand then gleefully dance off on her chubby toddler legs the apple juice clutched to her chest. He looks for another and asks Georgia, "You want anything?"
"Not now, thanks," then as a heavily pregnant woman walks past she asks, "What's the lastest on your brother's name?"
"Dad's still pushing for Sumac but Birdie is holding strong against it."
"But her choice is one of your middle names."
"Yeah, but as I don't go by it. Same with Coriander, which is actually her first choice if doing an herb or spice name."
"So long as they don't take our name Wasabi."
"Sage! Hi!"
Georgia and Sage look to the speaker. As he gets to his feet he returns the greeting. "Esperanza, hello. Having a good time?"
"Yes, this is insane. I wish I'd come before now but I had no idea Emrys Fest was so great. Oh, I'm being rude." She gestures to a bloke standing at her side. "Frank, this is Savannah's step-brother Sage. Sage, this is my boyfriend Frank."
Sage shakes hands with Frank then with a half turn to Georgia whose moved to stand next to him. "This is Georgia. Georgia, this is Birdie's cousin Esperanza and her boyfriend Frank. And the dancing queen there is my niece Niccola."
"Do you know if Savannah's here? I want to her to meet Frank."
"She and her boyfriend are walking around to some of the booths. If you want, wait here for her."
"Is that all right with you?" Esperanza asks Frank.
"Yeah, fine with me."
They all move to sit down on the blankets spread out, Sage offering, "Want something? We've got so much food."
The four sit talking and enjoying the music, and keeping an eye on Nic, who is having a grand time, getting them all to dance with her at one point. As nice a time as he's had so far though, Sage is very much looking forward to being alone later with Georgia.