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Amazing
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 09-29-11 06:47
When Crash Test Mummies took the stage, Bronwyn and Karma were right in front, screaming and cheering with the rest of the crowd. They jumped up and down to the music, singing the lyrics when they knew them, and squealing each time one of the handsome band members happened to look their way. One might guess the two witches were teenagers again and not the twenty-somethings they actually were.
When the set ended, Bronwyn wiped some sweat from her brow and told Karma, "I need something to drink. Want something?"
"I'll come with you," Karma replied, looking a bit hot and parched herself.
They wove through the crowd that had thinned out a bit, since activity was about to start on Stage Two. The pair made it to the nearest concession stand, which had a line about a mile long.
"We should have gone while the band was still playing," Bronwyn mused.
"And missed being right there in front of the stage?" Karma asked. "No way!"
Bronwyn grinned. "You're right."
"So, was Emrys Fest this amazing last year?" asked Karma, sounding a bit out of breath.
Bronwyn thought back to last year. Although she'd no longer been working for the WWN station at St. Emrys by that time, her old boss had enlisted her to help out at the festival. She'd gladly obliged, having known how much fun the previous shows had been. Plus, she'd gotten to meet a lot of rock stars and had gotten several amazing interviews.
Toby had been there. So had Desi, who'd been dating Xavier Schoonmaker, whose band the Wicked Wizards of the West and side project band Cleaver had both performed last year. Both acts weren't in the line-up today for obvious reasons.
Bronwyn hadn't heard that either band had broken up, but she knew the band members were probably still adjusting to Bianca's betrayal. If they ever performed again, it probably wouldn't be any time soon.
"It was great," Bronwyn said. "It always is."
"I bet."
The girls edged closer to the concession stand. In the background, Dream Weavers greeted the ground and then launched into one of their newest WWN hits.
Bronwyn had to shout to be heard. "Want to check on the merchandise while we're here?"
"Sure. I've already got my eye on a couple of T-shirts I've seen some people wearing," Karma loudly answered.
They finally reached the counter and ordered two ice-cold butterbeers. Bronwyn also got herself a giant, soft pretzel.
Armed with sustenance, they went to check out the vendor booths.
(Kate) Coupling Up
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 09-29-11 07:11
Kate's father had originally wanted to see her off to Emrys Fest. She wouldn't have minded terribly, since she enjoyed spending time with her father and he rarely embarrassed her. It would seem he'd forgotten that she wasn't a little girl anymore, though. Kate was fifteen years old, just two years away from being a legal adult in the wizarding world.
It had hit Will Dewhurst like a ton of bricks at breakfast this morning. Perhaps not seeing Kate for most of the year made it easy for him to forget that she wasn't that eleven year old he'd sent off to Hogwarts all those years ago. She was a teenager, and she looked the part too.
Kate had left the house feeling a little sorry for her father. He'd looked so sad, watching her leave through the Floo Network.
Despite the early crowd, it hadn't taken Kate long to find the first of her friends. Johanna was there with her brother John. Roger, Johanna's almost-boyfriend, was also already there. Soon Felicia arrived, followed by Gus. Mark, who'd never confirmed whether or not he'd actually attend Emrys Fest, arrived just before the first band went on stage.
It had been less than a month since Kate had seen him last, but he looked somehow different. A little older, perhaps. He'd grown taller, but the difference wasn't so great as Gus' had been last summer.
Maybe Kate had changed too, because Mark had given her a strange look when he'd first laid eyes on her. She wasn't sure if it was a good strange or a bad strange and decided not to inquire.
The bands so far were quite good. Right now, Dream Weaver played on Stage Two. They'd started out with a song that had been playing on the WWN lately. Their next song was a ballad, slow and sweet.
The couples in the crowd, those standing at any rate, paired off and started to slow dance. Others put their arms around one another and swayed to the music. A few were making out.
Roger took Johanna's hand and started to dance with her. He was quite the gentleman, and probably not just because John was watching him.
Maybe because Gus just happened to be standing next to Felicia and not Kate, he asked her quite loudly if she would like to dance. All the girls in the vicinity who'd been lusting after Gus looked very disappointed that he hadn't asked any of them.
Felicia, who liked Gus very much as a friend but wasn't one of the girls lusting after him, looked surprised but nodded. "Sure," she said.
That left Kate and Mark. At first, they kept their eyes glued to the stage. When Mark's fingers brushed against her hand, she almost jumped. She gave him a startled look.
At first he looked like he might become cross, but then he said, "We might as well dance. Everybody else is."
Kate didn't know what to say. Did he really want to dance with her? Was he just being a strange boy who didn't know how to express how he really felt? Or maybe he didn't want to express how he really felt. How did he even feel about her? And why was she even wondering how he felt about her?
She felt herself start to blush and hoped that he only thought she was flushed from the heat of the crowd. Kate looked at the band again and racked her brain for an answer or an action. She kind of wanted to walk away and clear her head.
Then she felt his little finger wrap around hers. She looked at him. This time he didn't look cross. He didn't look confused either.
She moved her hand so that it was fully in his and turned to him. Without saying anything, the two started to dance in perfect rhythm to the music.
Dragon Takes The Stage
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 09-29-11 14:18
When Dream Weavers is playing its last song Charlie kisses the top of Ava's head, gives Hendrika a peck on the cheek, and reminds Schuyler and Artie to be good and stay close to the picnic blankets where a number of the Weasleys are sprawled or sitting or grouped about in lawn chairs. As they've done in the past, the children's ears, especially the baby's, are buffered with a charm from the loud music. It has never stopped the boys from enjoying the music though Schuyler long ago learned to "pretend" not to hear when an adult was telling him to behave. Artie, as with so many things, learned just as early on to mimic his older brother in this. At least his two aren't the only ones. Seth, Larkin, and Gideon certainly know how to be a triple threat and Georgie devotedly follows Miranda's lead. Victoire is very sweet but even at only two she can easily wrap males around her little finger when she wants. Fabian and Freddie both have mischievious looks about them.
Charlie has no doubt that any other children born into the Weasley clan will fit in just as easily. It will be in their DNA.
When he reaches the spot where the members of Dragon had agreed to meet, Charlie greets Jericho Japes and Gavin Tapling. Lead singer Ronan Japes arrives a few seconds later followed by someone who's only been with the band a few months, guitar player Vance Edgecomb. Together they make their way to where they'd stowed their equipment in a backstage area early this morning. Dream Weavers wraps and as Spellorama is introduced down on stage 1, the Dream Weavers equipment is whisked off stage 2. Members from the two bands stand talking for a few minutes, the Dream Weavers all in agreement that it's a great crowd today.
After making sure their equipment is set up properly and all is in working order, they return offstage, talking more with others hanging about and listening to Spellorama's set. As the designated time for Dragon to take the stage nears, Charlie can't help but think how great all this is. Dragon isn't one of the huge bands like some of the others and they aren't one of the new, up and coming bands hoping to make it huge. All the members of Dragon have regular jobs, and in fact they'd recently been joking about changing the band's name from Dragon to Keep Your Day Job. They play a few clubs, pubs, and similar venues a month, and occassionally play other events such as the Hogwarts Spring Social back in April. Their songs do get some play on the WWN, but nothing like the more well known bands. Charlie thinks it's fabulous, and a little amazing, that they are always greeted with such enthusiasm here at Emrys Fest and that the Dragon merchandise usually sells out by the end of the day.
Soon enough Dragon is being announced, bounding energetically onto the stage and launching immediately into their first number. When it ends, Ronan introduces each band member saying when he gets to Gavin, "Congratulations are in order for Gavin, folks. His wife and he welcomed a son last month, Gavin Junior." When he gets to Charlie he says, "Have you heard that Charlie has a new lady in his life? Her name is Ava and she's all of three months old. This next song is for Ava and Gavin Junior."
The set, which lasts just under 45 minutes, goes quickly by. Before Charlie knows it, they are calling out thank yous to the crowd for being so great and for continuing to give the band such excellent support. They get their equipment stowed back away, talk a little with a couple of members of The Broomstick Boys, then disperse to enjoy the rest of Emrys Fest, the sounds of Suzie the Beansidhe down on stage 1 filling the air.
Third Wheel
Author: Zabrynna
Date: 09-29-11 19:53
Philippa nudges Zabrynna, leaning in close to ask, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong."
"You're even quieter than usual. So, I repeat, what's wrong?"
"Really, it's nothing."
Philippa straightens, eyes going back to the band currently performing, Suzie the Beansidhe. After a minute she leans into Zabrynna again. "At a guess, I'd say you're sort of feeling like a third wheel."
"That doesn't mean there's anything wrong."
"Sure it does. I can tell Renaldo I'll catch up again with him later."
"Don't be silly."
Zabrynna is feeling something of a third wheel. Anne and John are snuggled together, looking every bit the happy newlyweds. Renaldo is someone Philippa met at one of the IQT matches. He'd contacted her recently to say he was coming to Stratford-upon-Avon for Emrys Fest and to ask if she'd like to spend some time with him at it. Mariposa is here but of course is with Professor Hodfuffer - AJ - so going over to where her sister is doesn't take away from the feeling of being a third wheel.
The hardest thing though is having seen Declan Douglass several times and wanting nothing more than to go up to him and asking if she could spend part of the day with him. At least he's not been with a date any of the times she's seen him. Much as she needs to let go and accept that she's never going to be with him, Zabrynna is definitely not ready for Declan to be in a relationship with someone.
Zabrynna gives Philippa a gentle nudge. "I am going to get a drink and maybe look at some of the merchandise booths."
"I'll come with you."
"You'll stay and keep Renaldo company."
"You're sure?"
"Positive."
"He's nice, isn't he?"
"And very cute."
Philippa flashes a grin and Zabrynna gets up to go get a butterbeer and look around a bit more.
Pieter's News
Author: Griet
Date: 09-30-11 06:31
When Griet, Oberon, Cornelia and Gervaise had arrived at Emrys Fest in the morning, they'd staked out side-by-side plots for their picnic blankets. After a few sets, Griet and Oberon decided to move elsewhere. Cornelia and Gervaise had attached themselves at the lips and didn't seem to have any plans whatsoever to come up for air.
Not that Griet and Oberon didn't do their share of kissing. They just didn't spend the entire day sucking each other's faces off.
When Suzie and the Beansidhe started to play, Griet decided to get some food. She left Oberon to guard the blanket and went over to the concession stand. She passed Cornelia and Gervaise on the way. They were still making out.
The line wasn't very long. Griet got in the queue and looked up at the menu board. She quickly settled on something for herself and something she knew Oberon would like.
The person at the front of the line seemed to be ordering food for twenty people. The witch directly in front of Griet had grown impatient and kept muttering unkind things under her breath. Griet hid a smile and looked out at the crowd. That was when she spotted her uncle.
He met her eyes around the same time she saw him and hesitated. Then he came over.
"Uncle Pieter. I didn't know you were coming to Emrys Fest."
"I didn't initial plan on it," he admitted. "I just... had to get away, and I thought I would go somewhere I could blend in."
Griet frowned. "Is something the matter?"
Pieter opened his mouth to say something but then he hesitated again.
The person at the front of the line finally finished and tottered away with an armful of food and drink.
"Uncle Pieter?" Griet asked, growing concerned that something was seriously wrong. She couldn't quite decipher the look on his face.
The witch in front of Griet was quick to order and get her food.
Pieter gestured at the counter. "Order what you like. I'll pay, and then we can talk."
Griet started to say that he didn't have to pay for her food but Pieter cut her off with a, "Go on."
Griet quickly ordered and then stepped out of line. "I'm sitting on the lawn with Oberon. Can we talk while we walk or do you want to go somewhere more private?"
"We can talk while we walk," Pieter said. "This won't take long."
They set off. For what felt like forever, Uncle Pieter didn't say anything. Griet was starting to think that they would reach Oberon before Pieter ever got the chance to reveal what was on his mind.
Finally, he said, "I have a son."
Griet stopped in her tracks and nearly dropped the food she was carrying.
"What? I didn't know you were seeing anybody."
"I'm not," Pieter said. "This is from a past relationship."
Griet studied her uncle for a long moment. He looked kind of embarrassed, as well as lost.
"How old is he?"
Pieter sighed. "He's eleven, and he's starting at Hogwarts in the fall."
"Have you met him yet?"
"This morning, for the very first time. I didn't even know he existed until that meeting. Autumn contacted me out of the blue and told me she had something she wanted to talk to me about. I went, because I hadn't seen her in years and I was looking forward to catching up. I wasn't expecting to learn I'd fathered a child."
The words came tumbling out in a rush.
"Does Dad know? Granddad?"
"No," Pieter said. "You're the first person I've run into. Griet, do me a favor and don't tell anybody what I just told you. Everybody needs to hear it from me first."
"Okay," Griet agreed, "but how long do I have to keep your secret?"
"Not long at all. I plan on telling everybody today. I just needed some time alone to think." Then Pieter actually smiled at Griet. "I feel a bit better, having gotten it off my chest. Thanks, Griet."
Griet shrugged. She hadn't done anything but listen. "You're welcome. Look, there's Oberon."
All talk about Pieter's lovechild ceased for the moment. He sat with the young couple until he felt ready to tell his father and brother about the new addition to the Vanderbilt family.
(Ariella) Danube Cruise
Author: Beck
Date: 09-30-11 14:10
The Hotel Ambra was located in downtown Budapest in a popular shopping and entertainment district. Lawrence and Ariella had arrived in the Hungarian capital last night after their 11-day trip through Romania. It had been an amazing trip so far, and Ariella couldn't wait to see what Lawrence had in store for her for the next 8 days.
They'd spent the day mostly relaxing, which Ariella found quite nice after their busy Romanian itinerary. In the late afternoon, both showered and dressed for an evening dinner cruise of the Danube.
Lawrence looked handsome in a pair of slacks and a dress shirt, while Ariella wore a little black dress and heels.
The pair set off early for the Danube Palace, the starting point for the dinner cruise. It was a fifteen minute walk under normal circumstances, but took a little bit longer in Ariella's heels.
Once all the passengers had tickets in hand, they went across the street to the waiting boat. Lawrence and Ariella handed over their tickets at the top of the gangplank and were led to a table for two by a hostess.
The lights were dimmed, though the effect wasn't very startling because it was still daylight outside. In the summer, it didn't get dark until late evening.
Ariella smiled across the table at Lawrence.
"This is nice," she said.
"I'm glad you like it," Lawrence replied. He reached over the table and took her hand.
She gave his a loving squeeze and turned to the window.
After the boat filled up with passengers, the captain welcomed his guests over the PA system, first in Hungarian and then in English. The boat gently pulled away from the dock and then set off along the river.
Lawrence and Ariella stopped holding hands to receive their glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. Shortly after that, they received their appetizer, goulash soup.
The main course was a buffet and offered options like grilled chicken breast, sausage, rice, buttered potatoes, steamed vegetables, and various salads. Dessert would follow the main course.
Lawrence and Ariella clinked their glasses together and toasted to each other and their amazing summer holiday.
(Mark) Feelings
Author: Isolde
Date: 09-30-11 19:43
The Broomstick Boys were in the middle of their set and had the attention of every witch in the audience. Even those who were bigger rock fans than pop fans couldn't help but admire the good-looking wizards in the all-boy band.
Mark, however, was less than impressed. He wasn't a fan of their music and didn't understand why all the girls loved them. He couldn't help but be a little amused, though. Kate had the biggest smile on her face and couldn't keep her eyes off of the five pop stars on stage. He watched her more than the activity around him and wondered why he wasn't feeling jealous that she had eyes for other wizards.
Since their dance earlier, Mark knew he couldn't deny the fact that he had feelings for Kate. He wasn't quite sure how she felt about him, though. Mark supposed he probably wouldn't ever know unless he asked, and he wasn't quite sure if he wanted to take that step yet.
Well, he wanted to, but there were aspects about Kate that gave him pause. She was a Hufflepuff and a half-blood.
Then again, it wasn't so much that those qualities bothered Mark anymore, but rather the fact that he knew his parents would take issue with him dating Kate. He could already imagine the fallout, and it wouldn't be pretty.
This was all assuming she even wanted to date him, of course.
A witch ran up onto the stage and tried to hug the lead singer, but a security wizard quickly hauled her away. By the time The Broomstick Boys finished their last song, the stage was strewn with lingerie.
Kate turned to Mark with a wild grin. "They were good, weren't they?"
"If you say so."
"Who's next?" she asked the group at large.
Felicia squealed, "Romeo Butterwick!"
Mark groaned. "Another pop singer?"
Kate laughed, turning her attention to Stage One. A number of witches had flocked to the front of the stage, ready to drool over the pop star. Mark rolled his eyes, especially when Kate, Felicia and Johanna started emitting high-pitched shrieks to match those of the girls around them.
The screaming died down when Romeo launched into his first song, a familiar hit. Mark smiled at the look of utter devotion on Kate's face and couldn't help but wonder if she'd ever look at him that way.
At the Fest
Author: Nathaniel Ross
Date: 10-01-11 13:32
Nate went to Emrys Fest with Lilac and her cousin Celia. Lilac told him Cyril wanted to come as well but her aunt thought he was still very young for this kind of festival. Nate had promised Mrs. Middleton he would watch out for Lilac and Celia.
"Oh he is here!" Celia squeaked when she spotted some guy among the crowd that she had a crush on and that also studied at Hogwarts. Lilac encouraged her cousin to go and chat with him but Celia didn't want to. The two girls started to argue and Nate decided to leave them alone and just enjoy the band that was on stage.
"Nate!" Adelaide Adams called. She was reunited with a group of Hufflepuffs from Nate's year.
"Want a butter beer?" Matilda Flanders offered. Nate accepted it and then Timothy Gabble congratulated him for being selected as a perfect for the next school year at Hogwarts. Nate congratulated Timothy as well since he had been chosen for Head Boy.
"I was just doing you a favor. Now you can see for yourself the wonders of the perfects' bathroom."
"I can't wait." Nate joked. His parents had been really happy and proud when he received the perfect badge via owl. Nate was eager to prove he deserved his new position at the school. In fact Adelaide seemed eager to chat about it because she was already informing him on corridors' patrol and how to welcome new students. She said they were going to make a good team.
Sophia Hall then interrupted Adelaide asking if Nate wanted to dance, telling her friend she was bothering them all with school talk and they were here to have some fun.
"He has a girlfriend Soph!" William Reade warned her. That was the moment Lilac choose to appear and although she was younger than the rest of the group she didn't get intimidated. Instead she told Nate her cousin finally decided to talk to the guy she liked and they seemed to get along. But Lilac also added it might just be a fling, that Celia was always changing her mind when it came to boys. Then she asked if Nate wanted to dance.
William sent a look to Sophia as if saying 'I told you so!'. The others seemed amused as they watched Nate walking away with Lilac ready to dance with her.
Do We Have To? (Liannah, Marlow, Lauren)
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 10-01-11 18:31
Halfway through The Sniglets's set Madeline MacDougal waves Liannah, Marlow, and Lauren back to the blanket where the MacDougals had spread a picnic blanket alongside those of a number of friends and relatives. "It's getting late, girls. Say your goodbyes."
"But, Mum, the two top acts haven't performed yet!" Liannah protests.
"I realize that but I'm tired and want to go home."
"Why do we have to leave too?" Liannah presses.
"Yeah, why?" Marlow and Lauren echo.
"You're all too young to stay here that late on your own," Madeline explains.
Ophelia Darling Bennett happens to be near enough that even with the music she hears the exchange. She whispers something to Scott MacDougal who in turn draws near enough his wife to speak in a low voice with her. Madeline looks to her daughters then to Ophelia who smiles and nods.
Madeline looks back to the three girls. "Ophelia has offered to act as chaperone. If I let you stay, do you each promise to behave, no fighting with each other, and when Ophelia says it's time to go then you do it without question."
"Yes, Mum," Liannah, Marlow, and Lauren reply in unison.
Madeline confers with Scott again then hands each daughter some coins. "Spend wisely and if you run out, no begging from anyone else. Got it?"
"Yes," Lauren nods. "Yes, Mum. Thank you," Liannah replies. "Got it," Marlow says, stepping close to hug Madeline.
Madeline and Scott finish gathering up their things then after a, "Thank you, Ophelia!" and a, "Girls, we're off," they wend their way to the edge of the St. Emrys grounds from where they disapparate. Liannah immediately points out some of her friends to Ophelia and runs to join them while Marlow and Lauren are content for the time being to stay where they are, dancing to a lively Sniglets tune.
Nearly Over
Author: Griffin Price
Date: 10-01-11 22:59
At 9:15, the last band to play Emrys Fest 2005 takes the stage. Carys is somewhere that she can get good shots of Killed By A Curse performing and of the crowd enjoying the band's music. She, Tristan, and Griff have been here all day with Carys taking photographs. At times Tristan and he have been with her and at times they went their own way, allowing Carys to work uninterrupted.
Now is one of those times that it's just Tristan and Griff. Like so many others in attendance, they've got a blanket spread out. Griff is sitting in a low slung lawn chair on top of the blanket and Tristan is passed out beside him. After a very long day outside, during which he'd been too hyper to take a nap, the four year old had finally crashed a couple of hours ago while Romeo Butterwick was performing. As with many of the younger children here today, they'd put a charm on Tristan to protect his little ears from the loud music and as he sleeps so heavily now, Griff wonders if part of it is due to having the loud sounds somewhat muted.
Griff could have taken Tristan home at any time but Tristan was having such a good time he hated to cut it short. When Tristan fell asleep, Griff didn't see the harm in staying. His son is comfortable and he's fine sitting there, waiting for Carys to finish working. He'll have Tristan home in bed soon enough and it will be nice to all go together. Besides that, even if Griff were to take Tristan home, he'd leave the child in Alun's care and return to the St. Emrys University grounds to wait for Carys to be done then make sure she got home safely.
Reaching out a hand, Griff places it on Tristan's back, He'd scan the crowd for Carys but sitting down so low as he is, the only way he'd spot her is if she were taking photos of the people in his immediate vicinity. Instead, he settles back further into the low chair to enjoy what little's left of the festival.