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A Little Down Time Before Taking Stage
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 11-02-12 19:28
It's a little while before the band called Dragon takes the stage but as fast as the day has gone by so far, Charlie knows that time will be here before he knows it. For that reason he's glad Hendrika, the kids, and he have already done the walk around the grounds to see what there is while listening to other performances. He's sure Schuyler and Artie are going to want to run around more later but for now they are tired and more than willing to crash on the oversized picnic blanket spread where they can see both stages but are out of the main traffic flow.
Hendrika packed some food but they've also bought a few things from food vendors. Schuyler is sprawled on his back, using his bare feet to poke Artie in a tickling manner. Artie is giggling and squirming and telling Schuyler to stop but hasn't gotten up to move indicating that despite his words he doesn't actually mind the tickling. Ava, somehow despite the noise, is passed out. As Hen fixes plates for the boys Charlie rigs a little umbrella to cast shade on his sleeping daughter.
"Mind if we join you?"
Charlie looks up from his task to shake his head at Dragon bandmate Jericho Japes and girlfriend Fionna Gairden. "No, not at all."
Fionna goes to sit in the chair Jericho popped over for her but after attempting a few different maneuvers to lower herself she ends up saying, "Help, please."
Both Jericho and Charlie move to help get her seated, Fionna grunting as she gets settled, "This chair isn't that low. It shouldn't be such a problem."
Hen grins, "Wait until you need to get up."
Fionna pats her pregnant belly. "Unfortunately, that may be sooner rather than later. I swear I can't even look at something to drink without having to go."
Glancing at her own three children, Hen offers a sympathetic smile. "I completely understand."
After offering Fionna and Jericho feed and Charlie and Hen getting their own plates, the two women talk more about pregnancy and babies while Jericho and Charlie discuss the performances of the bands who've played Emrys Fest so far. From time to time someone comes over asking for an autograph or picture. Just as Charlie had thought it would, the time does seem to go by quickly. Jericho and Charlie need to go join up with the rest of Dragon backstage at Stage 1 to change and do an equipment check in preparation of setting up onstage.
Charlie kisses Hendrika as the boys promise to be good for Mummy while Jericho also gives Fionna a kiss. The two men leave, hoping they allowed themselves plenty of time for more autograph and photo requests as they wade through the throng of people in the direction of stage 1.
Being an Arse
Author: Orion Howell
Date: 11-02-12 19:34
Orion stepped up beside Desi. He didn't really sneak up on her, just sort of wasn't there and then he was. He'd heard her talking with Xavier but didn't approach until she was alone. In one hand, he held an open bottle of water, and he offered her the closed bottle in his other hand.
"Miss me?" he drawled, winking as he looked at her.
"Where did you.. Never mind, I know, you have your ways."
"That's right. So, still thinking about the transfer offer?"
"Yeah."
"Alright. I expected as much. You're welcome to ask questions, if you'd like. Or I can shut up about it," he said.
"That might be nice."
"Oh yes, cause I'm just so nice," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Any decent bands that I missed?"
"You are rather late, but nothing really."
"Yeah, I suppose I should apologize for that. Stupid office types, no respect for anyone else's schedules or plans. They just would not shut up."
"Oh, poor baby. What were they on about now?"
"No idea. I quit listening about when I realized they just wanted to hear themselves talk for an hour. It was just supposed to be a simple report and go, but no, not for me. They had to ask how our partnership was working, then they wanted details, and then they had to ask about the Auror from a few weeks ago. Apparently, they just got his paperwork."
Desi snorted and leaned against her partner, looking probably far more romantic than they were, but then, that was the whole point of their partnership. To look like they were far more than they were. Which would, of course, be complicated when her friends caught sight of them, since he was fairly sure she hadn't told them the true nature of her assignment, or even much about him in general. A slight smirk twisted his mouth, but it wasn't unpleasant. This event certainly wouldn't be boring.
"So anything more that I should know about?"
"You mean other than the odd looks we're getting?"
"Yeah, other than those."
Orion shrugged. "Depends on your definition of should, I suppose. Like I suppose you should know that your arse looks fabulous in those pants, but still," he said, his guarded eyes showing just a hint of mischief. "Or that there's a rather angry young man glaring at us about now."
Like Mother, Like Daughter (both Nephele and Cloris) - Mockridge TownHouse and Dower House
Author: Nephele Mockridge
Date: 11-02-12 20:43
In her office at the Mockridge Townhouse, Nephele was taking the chance to catch up on her correspondence. On her brother's behalf, and because Cloris had insisted, Nephele had been working on the thank-you notes from the Ministry fundraiser, handling a number of the younger attendees, and those that Cloris didn't normally associate with. It had been her task often for the last few years, handling the notes that Cloris was not as comfortable with, such as for the Potters, important members of Society since the fall of the Dark Lord, the Weasleys, and Kirley's associates at the Ministry. When she reached one name on her list, she couldn't resist a smirk, penning a rather short note that would've had Cloris' wand against her ear, if the Mockridge Matriarch would've sunk to such measures.
Mr. Hartcrofte,
As grateful as I am for your assistance, could you please take care to remember your trousers in the future?
N. Mockridge
As she finished with the rest of her list, she looked over to where one of the house-elves was standing, patiently waiting for her to finish.
"Yes?"
"Sorry, Young Miss, but Old Mistress sent Ippy to ask if you are finished with the notes," it squeaked.
"Yes, that was the last. Here, take these to Mother and you can send them all at the same time."
It squeaked a response and disappeared with a loud crack. When it reappeared, in the Dower House, Cloris was sitting at her own desk, working on her final notes. The names listed were not the correct ones, but it wouldn't be right to risk anyone connecting those three names with her old friends. Quickly jotting a note to Lucius that should the three wish, they would all be welcome to stop by the Dower House whenever they wished quite safely, she wrapped it up by thanking them for taking the risk to attend. It had been good for her, to see old friends once more and she found herself wishing for that more often, even if Bellatrix and she did not always see eye to eye. And it was lonely in the Dower House, since her children had moved out, taking her granddaughter along.
She handed the elf one stack. "These, along with the ones you collected from Nephele, should be sent in country. These other three, I will send myself with one of our own long distance birds. Bring me one of the long -distance ones, as well as the box that was delivered earlier." She might as well send the small present she'd gotten for young Miss Malfoy along with the letters, she was certain that birthday was rapidly approaching. Hopefully she would like the stuffed dragon charmed to move and even blow harmless fire. Valeria had adored hers for most of her childhood.
"Yes, Old Mistress," it squeaked and Cloris glared. "Do not use that word. If I hear you refer to me as anything other than Mistress or Mrs. Mockridge, I will insist that Kirley give you clothes. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Mistress Mockridge," it squeaked.
Cloris shook her head and glanced at the family tree that graced her walls. A few small burn marks littered the tapestry, the idea stolen from Walburga Black, who had been a distant relation. She idly wondered what her mother would say about the state of the world today, but then realized she was being foolish. Her mother would've reminded her that her job was to continue the family lines. To keep traditions alive, to make sure her children understood the importance of being a Pure Blood, and to survive, with all of her cunning and ambition. And that, Cloris Parkinson Mockridge excelled at.
Worry
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 11-02-12 22:07
Standing behind Olive, arms around her, Zuberi and she sway to the music. When he starts nibbling on her neck Marjani, who's beside them, makes a gagging sound. "Get a room already, you two. Better yet, I'll go see who else I can find."
Zuberi can hear the eye roll in his sister's voice. He puts a hand out to touch her arm. "Watch going where there aren't many people, okay?"
Marjani turns to make a face at him. "I'm not an idiot."
"I'm not saying you are."
Olive jumps in before the two start bickering. "We just mean be careful. Even with all these people about it would still be easy to make someone disappear, especially if that person wanted for those murders uses magic."
"I get it, really. Go back to making out and pretending I'm not here," Marjani says with a wave of her hand as she walks away, eyes already scanning for other friends. She knows most of them are here, or will be here at some point. It's just finding any of them with all these people here when no meeting spot was agreed upon beforehand.
After she's been moving slowly, the better to look at faces, for five or ten minutes, Marjani starts getting the prickly being watched feeling on the back of her neck. Stopping her forward movement she does a shuffling three-sixty, searching for any sign that someone is tracking her movements. Not immediately spotting anyone, she continues on but almost instantly pauses once again.
This time she sees the culprit and starts his direction. Caught, Viktor starts walking, meeting her halfway. Marjani says nothing, just puts one hand on her hip and gives him the explain yourself stare. He smiles sheepishly at her. "I'm sorry. I vas vanting to make sure you got to others friends safely."
As his English has improved over the years and with Viktor making conscious effort to not uses Vs for Ws, that he is now tells Marjani he's either tired or he's worried (vorried?). As he does not look the least bit tired Marjani goes with worried but is it worry he thinks she's mad at him or worry for her safety?
"As I told Zuberi, I'm not an idiot, Viktor. I'm not going to go off with a stranger or go find some deserted spot and stand there alone in invitation to the bloke they're after or some other freak."
"I know. It's just ."
"Would you have followed Zuberi around if he weren't here with Olive?"
"No, probably not."
"So you think I'm less capable than he is."
"No, you are quite capable."
"Dumb enough to go off with a strange or do somewhere deserted all by myself."
"No! Vill you let me finish vat I vanted to say."
"Okay. Fine. What is it?"
"As far as I have heard, all the missing and known to be murdered are vomen. Those who have been attacked but were not taken are vomen. That is vy I vouldn't follow after Zuberi if he vere alone. You, I vorry about. You are like my daughter now. I only vanted to ensure you found some of your other friends and then I vould have stopped following."
Marjani finds his reasoning hard to fault but is still a little upset he chose to stalk behind her instead of just offering to walk with her. She starts to say so but apparently Viktor isn't done speaking.
"You know, maybe I vould follow Zuberi around too if he vere going off alone. I vorry about you both. All ze time. Do you sleep enough? Do you eat enough? Are you happy? What if zumthing happens to one of you? Vat vould Theodosia say? You parents? I didn't even know your parents but vat vould they say?"
Marjani closes what little distance there is between Viktor and her to put a hand on each of his shoulders. "Viktor. It's okay. Take a breath."
She had no idea he agonized so much over Zuberi's and her well being. Her eyes narrow slightly as she takes a really good look at Viktor for probably the first time ever. She'd not thought he looked tired but there are faint purplish circles under his eyes. He also looks a little thinner than she remembers. How could she not have noticed any of this when they live under the same roof or when school was still in, still seeing him every day there. She knew he'd been depressed about Theodosia, maybe even nearly as much as Zuberi and she had been but since Christmas holiday when he'd made them all go to a New Year's Eve street party, they'd all seem to be doing much better. Viktor has seemed fine for the most part. Happy enough under the circumstances with his work at Hogwarts, with the Humbatas, and with his Quidditch shoppe.
Still scrutinizing him she says, "I think more to the point is are you sleeping? Are you eating?"
"There is no need to vorry about me."
"Oh, so it's all right for you to worry about me but not for me to worry about you?"
"It is my job to vorry about you."
"We're family now, you said so yourself. It's just as much my job to worry about you as it is for you to worry about me." Marjani purses her lips. "You seriously need a girlfriend, Viktor, so that you don't have as much time to needlessly worry." She takes one of his hands in hers, tugging to get him moving. "Who do we know that would be suitable."
"I don't need a matchmaker, Marjani."
"I'm not match making. I am helping you sort through the single, available women to help you narrow down the list of potential girlfriends."
He attempts to disengage hands. "I don't need you to help, thank you."
"But if I help you, then you will find one all the sooner, giving you less time to worry over Zuberi and me, which means you will be sleeping normally again all that much quicker nad have your appetite back to where it should be. What about Travis Ravenclaw from Botanicals & Beyond? She's very pretty and single I think. Or Briar Rose? Her sweets would certainly put some weight back on you."
"Really, Marjani, I don't need Look. There's Julietta and isn't that Jill with her?"
This time when he pulls his hand away, Marjani lets go. She's both bemused and sad when he gives her friends a wave and hurries off. It's nice that he worries about Zuberi and her but he's letting it get to him, which is not at all a good thing. Deny all he wants but Viktor definitely needs a girlfriend. Continuing to compile the girlfriend list Marjani goes to join her friends.
Making Plans
Author: Nathaniel Ross
Date: 11-03-12 04:52
So far, the summer holidays had been nothing but sleeping until late morning and lazy days in the sun, having a book for company. Sometimes, he would run errands for his mother, and of course he had listened to the Quidditch World Cup on the radio. Nate kept up correspondence with his friends from Hogwarts. Most of them would be going to St. Emrys, and he could not help to feel a tip of jealousy when they would mention moving out of their parents' houses, and how they were getting ready for the life at the campus.
He, however, was going to start working at the Ministry of Magic in September, as an assistant in his father's department. On one side, Nate liked the idea of starting a career at the Ministry and earning his own money, but on the another, he also wouldn't have minded going back to the routine of attending classes and doing homework.
Phyllida seemed to be the only one that wasn't preoccupied with her future. In her letters, she would talk about her time at her house, a party she had attended not long ago, and how she missed him. Nate knew there was much more that she wanted to say, probably related to that little notebook of hers, but he had the feeling she wanted to tell him directly and not in a letter.
Both of them had tickets for Emrys Fest, and he was so glad to finally meet her again that there was not even room for a serious conversation. They just made out as the Merry Magpies were playing on one of the stages. He wasn't even listening to the music. The only reason they became un-glued was because they got hungry and decided to eat something.
Soon he was filling his mouth with a cauldron cake that she brought especially for him. Nate noticed despite the fact that she had claimed she was starving, she didn't touch any of hers.
"What's the matter?" he asked, in a worried tone.
"I need to leave my house," Phyllida declared.
"Oh me too. My parents are driving me crazy. They are not controlling but I think I could need a space on my own to…"
"No. I really need to leave." There was an urgent tone in her voice and then he understood the request hidden in her eyes. He formulated the question for her:
"Would you like to stay in my family house? We have a guest room…"
She smiled and nodded. Then she thanked him, adding that she had money to pay the rent.
"Don't be silly. You'll be able to stay as long as you like."
Nate smiled, happy he would have his girlfriend spending the Summer with him. He was sure that his parents wouldn't mind. Actually, they'd be thrilled that Nate was dating a well-mannered witch like Phyllida, and he was more than sure his mother would dropping hints about wedding cakes and bridal gowns soon. Not in a serious tone, of course, but with dreamy eyes. Nate knew she wanted grandchildren, and she would curse him if he didn't give her any in the future.
"So when shall I expect you?"
Phyllida's face became serious once again; he could see her thinking. Finally, she said, "Wait for me in one week from now, outside your house, at midnight."
He nodded, and he was about to ask her why so late in the night, but she kissed him again, leaving no room for more questions.
The Duel
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 11-03-12 07:53
It had been her idea to use the wooden sticks as swords. It would be almost like a duel with wands but instead of casting spells they would have to use their arms. Like always Caleb seemed apprehensive when she suggested it to him, but in the end after some persuasion and daring words he ended up accepting the challenge.
The rules of the game were simple: no pointing to each other's heads (Caleb had insisted on that rule, he didn't want anyone to lose an eye), if the stick touched their body they would score a point. The person with more points would win.
At first both of them moved slowly, giving timid attacks. But finally they started getting used to the game and they would try bolder moves. Sophie's cheeks got red with the effort and Caleb started to breath faster. From time to time one of them would exclaim 'En guard!' or 'Touché!', even though they were not pretty sure what those words were used for.
The duel's intensity was starting to rise:
"You're going down Quigley!"
"Say your last words McCourt!"
And then something odd happened.
Sophie felt her stick pulling away from her hand and she had no option but to let it go. The stick was up in the air a few inches from her head. Right away she knew magic was involved and she looked at Caleb embarrassed not really knowing how she would explain this to the Muggle boy. Maybe she would have to ask her mother to erase his memory and she would have to make sure he wasn't going to tell what happened to her uncle and aunt or she would be even in a bigger trouble.
But Caleb had the same afflictive expression in his face because his stick was also up in the air. Was she powerful enough to raise the two sticks at the same time? Sophie doubted that. And before she could start interrogating her friend, the sticks stopped being still and suspended. Her stick attacked Caleb's legs making him trip and fall on the ground. His stick on the other hand hit her nose so hard that she lost her equilibrium and also fell. Then the two sticks fall on the floor, inanimate.
Sophie felt the warm blood falling from her nose and staining her shirt. Caleb had already stood up and run towards her.
"Sophie, are you all right?"
The nose hurt but she ignored the pain. Instead she replied with a smile:
"You fool! Why didn't you tell me you are a wizard? All this time I thought you were a Muggle!"
"I thought you were the Muggle!"
They laughed somewhat relieved none of them would get into trouble by this accident. Caleb helped Sophie to stand up and took her to his house that was nearby. His aunt showed up in no time and she was about to take care of Sophie in the Muggle way when Caleb told her she could use her wand because Sophie was a witch.
Sophie sat on chair by the kitchen while Caleb's aunt pointed her wand to her nose. She had the feeling Mrs. Quigley didn't seem very happy when she found out she was a witch. The bleeding stopped and after a careful observation she declared she got lucky because the nose wasn't broken. As Mrs. Quigley removed the stains of Sophie's shirt with her wand Caleb told her the incident with the sticks.
"You two were very lucky," she said. "You could have been hurt badly."
Then she asked what Sophie's blood status was. Sophie thought that was a really rude question but she told Caleb's aunt she was a pureblood and she lived with her mother and stepfather at the nearby village. Mrs. Quigley declared she was going to escort Sophie home and told Caleb to stay at home. He tried to protest but she sent him a look that gave no room for arguing.
Sophie said goodbye to her friend and she followed Caleb's aunt into the village. None of them spoke, and Sophie was grateful for that. She really had the feeling this witch didn't like her at all and she just hoped they would arrive to her home rapidly so she could get rid of her. She wondered if her mother would punish her. If so she didn't really care: at least now she knew Caleb was a wizard and that changed everything.
Everyone to Emrys
Author: Arlington J Montgomery
Date: 11-03-12 13:21
The majority of the Morgan clan had all met up at Fletcher and Fallon's house in Hogsmeade. From there they would head to St. Emrys University for the start of Emry's Fest. Arley and Sebastian had planned to meet up with everyone at the event. For the moment, everyone sat around talking. They would leave soon, or at least they planned too.
Ember sat quietly on the couch, most of the family now knew about her pregnancy. She was still amazed that everyone had accepted it so well, and having Cameron around helped.
"Are you alright, Em?" Karma moved over to sit next to Ember and Cameron.
Em sighed a little and hugged her friend. "Yes, I'm fine. I'm just adjusting to everything. Going back to St. Emrys is still rough."
"You will be fine sweetie; you have all of us with you too. Desi and Bron should be there as well." Karma wrapped an arm around the younger girl. "C'mon. Let's go have some fun."
"Okay. So long as I don't have to watch Dexter dance." Ember chuckled at the thought of her brother making a fool of himself, and was happy to change the subject.
"Hey! I didn't think you were going to make it, bro." Dexter grinned over at Driver, who had apparated in at the last moment.
"I know I had to sort some things out at wor…"
"D! No talking about work, we're having fun today. So behave or you're on kid patrol." Dex interrupted his brother, a sly grin played across his lips. It was rare for Driver to be away from the bar. He was always working, but took today off; no matter how much responsibility he had, besides he wanted to see the woman he liked. The man needed some time off, and the trip to the South of France couldn't come soon enough.
Fallon checked the time and picked up her youngest son. "Okay guys, we need to leave now or we're going to be late." Etch nodded in agreement and the family all apparated, Etch and Fal side-alonged with the kids, to St. Emrys.
When the group arrived, the crowd was already formed and it was difficult to navigate the throng of people. One of the bands was already playing, and the music quickly filled the air accompanied by the screams of fans.
"I swear you guys can't be on time to anything." Arley laughed and moved over to the Morgans to hug his sister and greet everyone. Sebastian grinned and plucked Mase from Fallon's arms.
"Hello to everyone!" Seb nearly had to scream to be heard over the noise. "I love Emrys Fest!!"
Arley just shook his head as Seb moved to better see the band, swaying along with the music with little Mase.
Fal smiled at the sight of her brother's boyfriend with her youngest son. "You guys would be excellent fathers Arlington."
Arley couldn't hide the blush from his sister's comment. "Thanks, Fal. We've talked about it. Now, let's go have fun."
"Yeah I want to Dance!" Dexter grinned; somehow the youngest of the Morgan boys was more hyper than normal. His siblings thought he had been drinking, but in truth he was just happy to be with his family and most amazing girlfriend.
"NO!" Fletcher, Driver and Ember all shouted in unison.
"Seriously Karma, keep a leash on your man. Dex goes crazy when there's a party like this. I wish you luck." Fletcher said. Before he could elaborate on a story from when they were kids at a party several fans came up to ask him for autographs and photos. Etch and Fal had agreed though Fallon was still a little shocked to be asked for an autograph, as she was only an alternate for the British National team. Maybe it was because she was married to one of the star players? Maybe they knew her when she was one of the main chasers for the Stonewall Stormers? Etch picked up Crew to set him on his shoulders, he could see the stages better from the height, before they were swarmed by more fans. They had to admit, they loved the attention, and Crew was quick to jump in with a story of his own about his parents or his own flying abilities.
Ember stuck close to Cameron, he made her feel safe. The pair had grown closer over the past few weeks, and were inseparable for the most part. She noticed several of her classmates watching her walk through the crowd and she couldn't help but overhear two girls talking about her.
"That's her! She's the one who was raped and attacked another student!" The girl's story wasn't half wrong, she attacked her attacker.
"Yeah, I hear she's crazy. Don't mess with her." The other girl laughed.
One of Ember's better friends approached the two girls. "She is not! Ember Morgan is a good person; she's fun to be around too. I've had a lot of classes with her. You don't know what she went through." The girl, Addy, waved over at her friend. "Besides, her brother is Fletcher Morgan. Of the winning Quidditch World Cup team!" That statement made the other two girls quiet down.
Em smiled to her friend in thanks, before Cameron steered her away from the girls. "C'mon hon, don't let them get to you." The two followed Karma and Dex closer to Stage 1 so they could relax and enjoy themselves, hopefully a wave of morning sickness wouldn't hit her soon.
"Hey Kar, where's Driver?" Dex glanced around, his middle brother nowhere in sight.
"I think he said he wanted to go talk to someone if she's here or something. I'm sure he's fine; he's a big boy, Dexter. He doesn't need us watching his every move."
"Yeah, I guess so babe." Dex retorted, before he wrapped his arms around Karma's waist.
Driver had caught a glimpse of a multi-colored head, he knew instantly he had found who he was looking for. He walked over, slowing as he noticed that Desi wasn't' alone. She was leaning against some guy, who was talking about her arse. That seemed a little out of character for her, not that he knew her that well yet, but is still seemed odd. He thought she was single? Just then he noticed Orion had spotted him. Driver decided to move in, he couldn't help but give the man a once over as he sized him up.
"Hey, Desi." He smiled a little. "Who's you're friend?" Driver noticed Orion look him over too, had Desi told this guy anything about him? He doubted that. Driver noticed Orion lightly squeeze Desi's bottom and he caught the very slight grimace of annoyance on Desi's face.
"Hey! Don't be so rude man! I don't think she likes that."
"She doesn't?" Orion grinned at the man in front of him. "How do you know what she does or doesn't want me to do?"
Driver had to set his jaw slightly; this guy seemed like a jerk. Maybe he wasn't, but Driver's anger had gotten the better of him. He stepped closer to Orion and shoved him, a little harder than he meant to. Last night he had another muggle MMA fight, and he was still coming off of the adrenaline rush.
"Why don't you show some respect for a lady." He glared at Orion again and clinched his hands into fists, ready for whatever happened next.