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Trash or Treasure
Author: Marzipan
Date: 11-03-12 13:51
Weston hadn't wanted Marzi to attend Emrys Fest without him, on account of the stalker/killer who had yet to be captured and who was likely still a threat to women on the university's campus. Weston had finally made some headway into finding his grandmother and had an appointment to meet with the private investigator he had hired to aid him in his search.
Although the meeting wouldn't last all day and there would still be time to attend a portion of Emrys Fest if they wished, both Weston and Marzi thought they might skip the music festival altogether since the boys were quite young and couldn't sit still for very long. They also worried it might be too noisy for them.
Therefore, while Weston met with his private investigator, Marzi decided to run errands in Diagon Alley. She secured Carter and Vallon in a double stroller, which rolled smoothly over the uneven cobblestones.
The wizarding shopping district was busy, it being a Saturday, and a number of the establishments she went into were broadcasting Emrys Fest live. She hummed along to the music she recognized, but not too loudly. Marzi wasn't the worst singer in the world, but she wasn't very good either.
She liked visiting the junk shop and was an avid believer in the old adage that one man's trash was another man's treasure. Marzi was especially interested in containers she could refurbish and use as planters. She wheeled the stroller into the congested shop, which had always been incredibly unorganized. Luckily, Marzi was the type of person who didn't mind taking the time to sift through random items to find something of value. Of course, now that she had two young boys, she would have to be a bit quicker.
Somehow, she navigated the stroller through towering piles of copper kettles, porcelain knick-knacks and brass keys without knocking anything to the already cluttered floor. The boys, both wide awake and interested in their surroundings, tried to reach out and touch the objects they passed. So far, everything was just out of reach.
"Can I help you with anything, Miss?" asked the sales clerk, eyeing the two toddlers warily.
"No, thanks," Marzi replied, glancing his way. "I'm just looking."
The sales clerk, a short wizard wearing a sage green vest and silver-rimmed spectacles, cast another glance at Carter and Vallon before returning to the front counter.
Marzi resumed sifting through old astronomy equipment and birdcages, while simultaneously making sure the boys didn't touch anything. They seemed content at grasping the air, not like some children who throw temper tantrums when they don't get what they want during shopping trips.
"This has potential," Marzi said to nobody in particular, picking up a porcelain colander that was painted with pink dogroses and stood on golden feet.
She started to set it on top of the stroller's canopy, when the store clerk shrilly called out, "Excuse me!"
Marzi turned, the colander in hand, and saw the little man swiftly approaching. He stopped in front of the stroller and stamped his foot.
"Your son has put merchandise in his mouth!" the clerk stated accusingly.
Marzi looked and saw that Vallon did have something in his mouth. It was somewhat oval in shape with a round end and looked large enough not to be a choking hazard.
"You'll have to pay for that," the clerk insisted.
Marzi nodded. "Of course," she said, even though a simple sanitation spell could make the object just like new, or as new as a junk shop item could be.
"I'll take this too," she said, holding up the colander.
"Is that all, then?" the clerk asked, looking slightly pleased with himself but at the same time wishing she could pick out a few more items.
"Yes, thank you," Marzi said.
She quickly paid for both items and then pushed the stroller outside onto the cobblestones. She knelt down before Vallon and asked him, "Well, what have you got there?"
Vallon plucked the item out of his mouth and held it up for his mother to see. It was covered in spit and had a chip on the base, but otherwise it looked quite nice. It was a little doll, painted and made of wood. Marzi could tell that it belonged to a set, because there was a seam on the lower half of the doll that indicated it could be opened.
"May I see it for a moment?" she asked Vallon.
He continued to hold it out to her, so she took it and gave it a gentle shake. When it didn't rattle, she suspected it was empty, but opened it up to be sure.
Vallon looked a bit surprised to see the doll in two pieces and looked like he might cry, but Marzi had it back together again in no time and put it back into his small hand.
"Let's not put anything else in our mouths, okay?" she told him.
Vallon promptly put his doll back into his mouth, sucking on it like a dummy or a lolly. Marzi ruffled his hair and then ruffled Carter's hair for good measure. Then she stepped back behind the stroller and pushed it down the cobblestoned road.
Averting a Crisis
Author: Orion Howell
Date: 11-03-12 14:14
Orion wasn't stupid, he knew better than to do anything to Desi's arse. What he'd actually been doing was slipping a note from his boss into her pocket, as he'd been asked to deliver it and he didn't want to do anything publicly that would risk their cover. But Driver had just gone too far.
Dark eyes turned from playful to glacial, his face shifting from his normal smirk into an outright scowl as he glared at the other male. With a casual flick of his wand, dropped down from his sleeve, he took the disillusionment charm off his Ministry of Magic employee badge just long enough to make it seen before putting it back on and casting a quick Muffliato.
"Don't be so sure anything is what it seems," he drawled. Another touch from the other male and he would not be held responsible for his actions, paperwork be damned. The only reason he wasn't lashing out is that he hated the paperwork that went with beating the snot out of a civilian. When Driver shoved him again, Orion growled and grabbed for the other male, slamming him into a nearby tree. "Don't be stupid. I can lock you so far in the Department of Mysteries that no one would ever find you. I hear they have some hungry experiments down there these days."
"Orion! Put him down," he heard Desi behind him and he shook his head.
"Not until I'm certain he's not going to fly off the handle again about things he doesn't understand. This is why I don't usually have partners. This is what I hoped you'd make sure didn't happen. You said there was no reason we couldn't use our cover. It looks like you forgot about something," he said, a hint of his anger showing through.
Desi put her hand on his shoulder. "I didn't think he'd react like that."
"Obviously," the Unspeakable growled but he let go anyway. "Handle it, Desi. I'm not re-working the cover, not now. Your vacation is going to be hard enough to explain." He shot a look around, hoping none of the students would chalk it up to more than a little bit of a lover's spat. A few of the Aurors shot him a look and he shook his head, letting them know it was under control.
Old News, New Worries
Author: Griet
Date: 11-03-12 14:32
Griet, Cornelia and Aleydis had made plans to attend Emrys Fest together, with Griet's boyfriend Tucker acting as their male chaperone. Cornelia hadn't wanted to be the third wheel but felt better with Aleydis around, even if she and Aleydis weren't close. The four stood in a row in the middle of the crowd, with Tucker on one end with an arm around Griet, Cornelia in the middle, and Aleydis on the other end.
Both Griet and Cornelia were still reeling over the news that Clover Blakely had been released from Azkaban. Neither had seen Clover since hearing the news, nor had Griet seen Morgan since that night outside Amarna.
There were times when Griet missed her ex-best friend, even after all these years apart, but all Griet ever had to do in order to remember why she and Clover had stopped being friends was to relive the moment when she'd found Cornelia in a pool of blood at Hogwarts. Griet could never forgive Clover for the attempted murder of Cornelia, even if it had happened during a time when the sisters had hated each other.
Cornelia told everybody that she wasn't concerned that Clover would try to finish the job she'd started, but the truth was that she did worry a little. Rumor had it that prison hardened a person. What if Clover hadn't reformed behind bars, but had learned how to become an even more dangerous criminal? Cornelia absentmindedly ran her finger over the thin, pink scar that encircled her neck.
Griet noticed the gesture and frowned. Obviously, she and Cornelia were thinking about the same thing instead of concentrating on the awesome concert taking place.
But it couldn't be helped. In one way or another, Clover had been a major part of their lives, and her return to civilization could affect more than just their thoughts.
Aleydis nudged Cornelia, startling her so badly that she jumped where she stood.
"Merlin's beard, Aleydis!" Cornelia angrily exclaimed. "You scared me half to death!"
"Sorry," Aleydis replied, though she didn't sound the least bit sorry. "I think a fight just broke out over there," she said, pointing in the direction where a few onlookers had gathered.
It seemed to be over as soon as it had started, however, and Aleydis tore her gaze away to look at the band on stage again. She had kind of hoped to see Basil at Emrys Fest, but she realized she had been stupid to think she might spot him in the crowd, even if he was there. She had come to realize that she was open to dating him, if he really was interested like everyone claimed him to be. From the conversations they'd had, she knew him to be a decent person and intelligent, too. He also wasn't bad-looking in the slightest.
Her gaze raked over the crowd and then stopped when she saw a pair of wizards she recognized. Basil wasn't among them. She glanced sideways at Cornelia and then over at Griet, but neither noticed the two wizards Aleydis had seen. She kind of hoped they never would, especially Cornelia, who might cause a scene. No, it would be better not to point out that their old boyfriends, Oberon Smith and Gervaise Taylor were just yards away, enjoying the concert themselves.
Secrets and Fights
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 11-03-12 15:10
Since first arriving at Emrys Fest, Bronwyn had spent every waking moment socializing with somebody she knew––and Bronwyn knew a lot of people. She talked with people she knew from her days at the university. She talked with people she knew from the WWN. She talked with members of the various bands she had interviewed in the past and even struck up conversations with those she hadn't yet met. She talked to friends and to family, too.
She was at the university's WWN booth when Xavier Schoonmaker arrived and threw his arm around her shoulders. Bronwyn would always remember how happy Desi had been when she and Xavier had been an item. In many ways, Bronwyn was sorry that Bianca had mucked everything up, but then again, Desi's love life seemed to have gotten more interesting lately.
Bronwyn had known that Desi had started talking to Xavier again, and then there was Driver, who was obviously interested in Desi. The letters he had written her had been duly scrutinized by Bronwyn, so she knew without a doubt that he was hankering to take Desi out on a date.
And then there was Orion, with whom Desi had been working closely for a little while now, but seeing them together now had Bronwyn wondering just how close they had gotten. Desi was actually leaning into the man, and did he just touch her butt???
She should have been used to Desi keeping secrets from her by now, but as Desi's desginated BFF, Bronwyn couldn't help but feel a little bit slighted whenever Desi failed to mention something as important as a blossoming relationship.
"Having fun, kiddo?" Xavier asked.
"Loads," Bronwyn replied. "So what is up with them?" she asked, turning the subject immediately to Desi and Orion.
Xavier looked over and said, "Dunno, really, but I suspect he's her date. You should go over there and find out."
"What, for you?" Bronwyn teased, but really, what wasn't Desi telling her these days?
"Nah," Xavier protested, "I just think you need to keep an eye on her. You know our Desi has a knack for trouble."
"Are you sure you're not describing me?" Bronwyn asked, but both of their attentions were diverted from an answer when they noticed Driver Morgan join Desi and Orion.
Bronwyn watched breathlessly as Driver shoved Orion. She knew it shouldn't excite her, but she loved the idea of men fighting over Desi. Xavier watched with interest but whatever emotions he felt never made it to his face.
The disagreement didn't last long and while it drew the attention of those in the immediate area, it didn't cause a major scene or disrupt the concert. Bronwyn longed to go over and get a front row seat, but she forced herself to stay put. Xavier, on the other hand, pecked Bronwyn on the cheek and told her he had to get ready for Cleaver's set. She hardly noticed him leave.
She felt somebody else come up beside her and heard Toby ask, "What's got you so anxious?"
"What? Oh," she said, turning to him. "It's nothing… except that once again, Desi's kept me out of the loop about something big."
Toby playfully tugged on her ponytail. "I doubt she's doing it to hurt you."
"I know, but––"
"But you always have to be in the know," Toby finished for her, not unkindly. "I know that. Say, did you see that guy with Kate?"
"What guy?"
Bronwyn searched the crowd where she had last seen her cousin and uncle and then let out gasp. "He's hot!"
Toby laughed. "I'm not sure he's legal."
"Damn!"
Bronwyn allowed herself to be momentarily distracted by the boy holding her cousin's hand, but soon found herself looking at Desi, who stood between Driver and Orion and didn't look amused in the slightest.
Little Sisters Can Be As Bad As Big Brothers (Caerwyn)
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 11-03-12 18:13
So far Caerwyn's been having a really great time at Emrys Fest. Though he's long known Johanna Steele, they had never hung out to speak of before today. He's found her to be really good company and now he knows some of her friends better as well. He still doesn't have much of a feel beyond what he already did for Felicia and Baltus because those two have spent most of their time, from what Caerwyn can tell, liplocked. How can they possibly get adequate oxygen with their faces glued constantly together?
Caerwyn's virtual Siamese twin Augustus Hodfuffer had been somewhat close mouthed about who he was coming with. Caerwyn had started to wonder if Gus actually didn't have a date and was going to show up with some story about how he had asked someone but she was forced to cancel last minute. Because of thinking this he was both pleased and surprised when Gus showed up accompanied by Liannah MacDougal. She's another Caerwyn knows but hadn't known to speak of until today. He supposes much of that is because though roughly the same age, Liannah is a year behind Gus and he at Hogwarts.
The size and makeup of the group has been in flux much of the day as one, two, or more peel away to get something to eat or wander around looking at the different booths or meet up with other friends. At the moment the Merry Magpies are on stage two and Caerwyn is ready for more sustenance. Leaning in close to Johanna's ear he asks, "If I go to the Briar's Bakery booth to get snacks for everyone, do you want to come with me?"
With the noise level, to indicate a simple yes, it's far easier to nod, which is what Johanna does. Caerwyn offers Johanna his hand after they'd told a few of the others where they're going. The music is still loud as they move further from the stage but they reach a point where they can talk without to put lips to ear or have to yell to be heard.
"It's nice of you to buy Briar's for everyone," Johanna comments.
Caerwyn can't help but grin when he explains, "I'm not as generous as you think. My little sister I mentioned, "
"Grace."
"Right. Briar is Grace's mother. Briar isn't my stepmum, not really, but she sort of acts like it, especially as I don't have a mum anymore."
"I didn't know that. I'm sorry."
"Thank you," Caerwyn solemnly replies before the smile returns to his face. "Anyway, because of me being Grace's brother, Briar gives me as much free from the bakery as I want. She told me the other day she'd be happy to feed any friends today I want so, really, she's the one who's being extremely nice."
Caerwyn wasn't sure when or even if Briar was doing a shift at the bakery's stand today. As it turns out not only is she there when Johanna and he arrive but Grace is there too. Seeing him, Grace comes running, acting as if she's not seen him for weeks instead of just this morning. Her shouted, "CAERWYN!" comes with a flying hug. Caerwyn lets go of Johanna's hand to better catch his sister.
Grace is followed by Charlotte who Caerwyn had not noticed at first. He readjusts his hold on Grace to pick her up as well, then swings the eight and six year old girls around a couple of times before setting them down. "Johanna, this is my sister Grace and this is Charlotte Stratford, who's sort of like a sister too. Grace, Charlotte, this is my friend Johanna."
"Hi, Johanna. Are you Caerwyn's girlfriend?" The question is asked in a sing song cadence.
"Grace!" Caerwyn barks out.
"Well is she?" Charlotte wheedles.
"Johanna's my friend and she's a girl, so if you want to be technical about it, that would make her a girlfriend."
"Do you kiss?" Grace follows this with lip smacking kissy noises which Charlotte quickly mimics.
Briar intervenes. "Grace and Charlotte, leave Caerwyn alone."
"But we want to know," Grace counters.
Briar points. "Go over there, both of you. I will be done here in a minute and then we will go back to our picnic. Or do you both prefer going home?"
Grace heaves a mighty sigh before pouting to Charlotte, "Come on."
Charlotte, who can be a force of nature unto herself when she wants but who tends to follow Grace's lead when they're together matches Grace's pout as they walk over to the spot Briar indicated. Only when they are well on their way does Briar drop her stern expression to smile. "Sorry about that." She offers her hand to Johanna. "Hi, Johanna, I've seen you in the bakery and around Hogwarts but I don't think we've ever officially met."
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Rose."
"Please, call me Briar. Practically everyone does. Caerwyn, how many are you with so I know about how much to put in this box for you."
Caerwyn and Johanna do a quick count, keeping in mind that a few people have been coming and going from their general group all day. With a rough idea in mind, Briar packs up not one box but two of assorted biscuits, biscuit balls, and cake pops. After profusely thanking Briar, and when he doesn't think Johanna's looking, giving Briar a little hug, Caerwyn waves at Grace and Charlotte then Johanna and he make the return trip.
After they've walked a short way he offers up his own apology for the two younger girls. "I'm sorry about Grace and Charlotte. I didn't know they'd be there and I definitely didn't know they'd be so nosy."
Johanna shoots him a broad smile, a smile that Caerwyn thinks is a rather nice one. "I didn't mind much. They're cute."
Hoping she's not just being overly polite and really thinks Grace and Charlotte are horribly rude brats, Caerwyn returns her smile before rapidly changing the subject.
The Worst Is Over, I Think
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 11-03-12 20:26
I couldn't believe what just happened in front of me. Driver just attacked Orion! Well, pushed, but still. Now I'm supposed to handle it? I walked over to Driver, who's no longer leaning against the tree. I went right up into his face, as close as I could get.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I hissed in his face
"Sorry…"
"Do you have any idea how much trouble you could have been in?" I asked, "I'm already having enough problems without you starting fights! If you feel the need to start another one, I'll make sure it ends. Got it?" He refused to make eye contact with me, just tried to look at his feet.
Driver nodded almost imperceptibly but said nothing. I waited an extra second or two before I turned and walked over towards Orion. He had moved a little ways away but hadn't disappeared.
"Orion, I'm sorry about that," I started before I fully reached him, "That's Driver, one of Ember's older brothers."
"It's ok," Orion said turning around. He looked fine, like nothing had happened.
"The vacation was planned before we… met. So, it's not that hard to explain…"
"I guess you're right. I was just a little worked up from all the excitement." He was now using a lighthearted tone. I have no idea how he could calm down so quick, but I guess it was time to get some things over with.
"Well," I started, "With that over, I guess it's time for you to meet my friends that you haven't already thrown around."
"Can I help it if your friends are so easy to throw?"
I sighed and rolled my eyes a little as I walked over to where Bronwyn and Toby stood. Xavier nowhere to be found. Bron and Toby were looking at something, but turned as the two of us approached.
"Everyone," I said to Toby and Bronwyn, "This is Orion. Orion, this is Toby Beck," I said introducing the two men. There was a brief, polite, handshake. "And, this is Bronwyn."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Orion said with a charming smile, "Desi speaks so highly of you."
I couldn't help but wonder, why couldn't he always be that charming…
(Caleb) Being Lectured
Author: Celeste Quigley
Date: 11-04-12 02:13
"What was going on in your head that made you think that playing duels with a stick was a good idea?"
Caleb was seated on the sofa of the living room, looking down. His aunt was walking around and it was clear that she was mad. His uncle on the other hand was seated in an armchair and looked very calm and somewhat amused.
"Sophie was the one suggesting it," Caleb told in his defense. He felt bad for blaming Sophie but he thought it was his best way out.
"You should have said 'no'. What if she wasn't a witch? How would I explain her parents this accident? You even put me in the position of asking her what her blood status was, which is a very rude question to ask as you know. But I needed to know. If she was a muggleborn her parents wouldn't understand if I told them their daughter needed to control her magic. The same applies to you. Once at Hogwarts you will learn how to use a wand and these accidents won't happen. You could have hurt yourself…Playing sword duel for Merlin's beard!"
"I'm sorry, Aunt Celeste," Caleb said. He knew she was right: it had been a bad idea and who knew they could end up injured. He knew his aunt was also preoccupied because she was responsible for him and if something happened under her care she would have to justify to her parents.
"You better be, young boy. I will still have to write a letter to your parents telling them about this and no more wondering around with that girl. She is a bad influence."
"She's my friend!" he protested.
He wouldn't mind being grounded as long as it didn't mean he couldn't talk to Sophie again. Caleb had never had a friend like her before, someone he would play all the time, someone with his age he could talk with. They had yet so many things they wanted to do together and now that he found out she was a witch they could talk about new topics like Quidditch and Hogwarts.
"You will make new friends once the school year starts," his aunt stated.
"I think Caleb can still see his friend, Celeste."
Both Caleb and his aunt looked at Eugene. He quickly exposed the situation: yes, both his nephew and Sophie were young and they couldn't control their magic. But that didn't mean they should be forbidden to meet with each other. He declared that Sophie could come to their house and she and Caleb could spend some time together in the living room or in the boy's room. He doubted there would be any more accidents like this but since there would be an adult in the house the children would be under supervision.
Caleb looked anxious at his aunt hoping she would be convinced by her husbands' words. Finally she agreed, but he noticed there was some reluctance there. He was dismissed to his bedroom and he couldn't wait for the chance to see Sophie again. He was dying to know which Quidditch team she supported.
A Difficult Position
Author: Liam Murray
Date: 11-04-12 03:49
The only reason why Liam parents authorized him to go to the Emrys Fest was because Orville's father and Jake's mother had agreed on going and serve as chaperones. Both Andrew and Emily wanted to go, but their parents thought they were too young to attend and Liam was the only one who could go. The group was constituted by Cody, Jake, Orville and Liam and it didn't take long for Cody to declare how pathetic they were because none of them brought a date.
"Are we that ugly?" Jake asked adjusting his hair the moment a witch with orange robes was passing by.
The others laughed because he would never have the chance with such an older woman. And in fact the witch ignored him. The four boys enjoyed the music that was playing and from time to time they would see a familiar face from Hogwarts. Jake and Orville offered to fetch some food while another band was getting ready to go on stage. Suddenly Liam felt someone poking his arm. It was Cody. He whispered in an apprehensive tone:
"Are they allowed to do that?"
Liam turned and watched Jake's mother kissing Orville's father. Both their children were gone and they have seemed to forget about him and Cody. Liam knew both of them were married and he knew what they were doing was wrong. However he wasn't sure if he should interrupt them. Cody stayed still as well. Finally the couple broke the kiss and moments later Jake and Orville arrived. Both of them were smiling as they ignored what had just happened under their noses.
But Liam and Cody were shocked and once the music started to play they looked at each other and stepped away from the group for a moment. Liam excused himself saying that they needed to use the bathroom.
"Shall we tell them?" Cody asked.
"No. It's none of our business," Liam decided.
"If I was in their place I would like to know. What kind of friends are we if we don't tell them what we just saw?"
"You're right, but still I think we should let the grownups solve this. I think Jake said his parents were thinking about a divorce, right?"
"I don't remember. And what if nothing changes? What if they are having an affair? Our friends should know about this."
Liam knew Cody was right but at the same time he was reluctant in getting involved. He would rather pretend nothing had happened.
"Let's wait for a while, ok? If nothing happens we tell them."
Cody agreed and they returned back to the group. From time to time both of them would look at Mrs. Neilson and Mr. Packward but there was no sign of their previous passionate behavior. Liam just wished Cody hadn't seen what had happened otherwise he would just tell himself he was imagining things. But he knew that what he had seen was real. He wondered if he should tell his parents about it. Suddenly the Emrys Fest lost all its fun as Liam and Cody found themselves in a difficult position.