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Renovations, Lesson Plans, then Emrys Fest
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 09-18-14 13:20
The house was quiet, the girls were currently at the Morgan's for a little while during the summer and they would be returning closer to the start of the school year, Jui and Karma would be attending the day school in Hogsmeade and Nuri would be at daycare while I was teaching this year.
I'd take the opportunity to go through their rooms while they were gone, getting rid of toys that were broken and redecorating their rooms. Three bedrooms neatly organized and decorated, desks for each Jui and Karma to do their school work on.
At the moment, I was currently working on rearranging the master bedroom. New sheets, new curtains, new pillows. Everything was redone within the bedroom. I'd also worked on the bathroom this summer, having the fixtures renovated and updated a bit. I would more than likely be setting my sights upon the kitchen for the remaining half of the summer.
The renovation project was not something that I was doing to erase the touch of my husband in our home, no it was to recreate the house in the life that I now had to lead without him by my side to raise our daughters without him. As it was I'd ordered a photograph from our Hindu wedding to be retouched, as well as the frame redone that would hang within the living room above the fireplace.
After finishing in the bedroom, I stood in the doorway and looked around. The large bed redone in rich sapphire and midnight sheets, with pillows of the same hues scattered about the bed. The walls were covered in a rich buttercream colored wallpaper, and the curtains the rich sapphire mirrored in the bedspread.
Quick shower and a change into my favorite pair of jeans, tank top with a picture of the New York skyline on it, and a pair of trainers I pulled my hair back into a loose knot and headed into the kitchen.
I opted to make a simple lunch that involved me reheating a bit of left over curry and rice from dinner last night, before I settled down at the table to go over my lesson plans for the upcoming school year. A fresh group of first years would be coming in, and I was also reworking the syllabus for the second through fourth years to ensure that there was as little redundancies as possible through the course this year.
I wanted to get some work done, before I ultimately headed to Emrys Fest where I would be meeting up with Bronwyn and possibly her friend Chance, but ultimately it would be very, very good to spend some much needed time with Bronwyn.
A Visit to Azkaban
Author: Araxie Loren
Date: 09-18-14 13:41
"Do you want me to come in with you?" Matthew asked as we stood in the waiting room, the auror had just called my name to go visit with my dad.
After a few moments of contemplation I shook my head, "No, I'll be okay. This is something that I need to do for myself."
Matthew nodded, giving me a tight hug, before retreating to step back and sit down and wait for me to return once I was done speaking with my father.
Chewing nervously on my bottom lip I entered the room, and seated myself at the table. My sketchpad on the surface of the table and I played nervously with the edges of the pages, the pencil lightly tapping against my thigh in my other hand. It was a few moments before my dad entered the room, and was soon seated across from me, a proud smile upon his face, but there was trepidation within his eyes because the last time we sat across from each other I was heading to Hogwarts and wasn't going to see him again. That had all changed this past school year, when the nightmares had kicked up.
"You are growing up very nicely, you look just like your mother." Daniel said.
"Thank you. Did you look at the package I sent you?"
"I did. You were dreaming about this?"
"Nightmares that, if Nichole hadn't been there for me, I probably would be repeating my second year at Hogwarts this coming fall."
"You know what it is right?"
As if I hadn't already figured it out, I knew exactly what was in each of those drawings, including the new ones he hadn't seen yet that were tucked properly into the sketchbook in between us on the table.
"The night before and the night my mother died," I managed, swallowing hard, refusing to let myself succumb to the abundance of emotions that raced through me at this very moment.
"Exactly, and I'd honestly thought you were too young to remember anything from that night. It makes me wonder what is making you remember now, what had happened that night."
"I honestly don't know, Dad. What I want to know is, exactly what does it mean? I mean, the images prove that you didn't actually do what you are being imprisoned for, but will they actually open the case again?"
I refused to let the hope that I felt enter my voice, but at the same time mingled with the hope was the nervousness that my dad would want to take me away from the life that I had with my Aunt and Uncle and more importantly would take me away from Nichole, my best friend and want to attempt to make a life with just me and him.
"I have talked to my lawyer already, and he will be going over the drawings you sent me and comparing it to the testimony and other information from that night and my trial," Daniel said and leaned back in his chair, watching me. "He won't know anything for another few days because there are quite a few drawings and things to go through. Chances are he will be showing up at your Aunt and Uncle's house to talk to you about the drawings and the nightmares."
I nodded my head, shifting slightly in my chair, "I hope that what I'd done will help you get out of here, I really do. But, at the same time I'm afraid of what will happen if you really do get out of here. Simply because I don't know you, and I'm afraid you'll want to take me away from everything I have with Aunt Charline and Uncle Matthew."
Daniel shook his head and reached out to place his hand on mine, "I will not take you away from your aunt and uncle, but if I do get out of here I will find a place that is suitable to have you come stay with me whenever you like. If you want, it can even be in the Village and you can come see me on the Hogsmeade trips while you are in school."
I nodded, and we talked a bit more, before our time was ultimately brought to an end. It is amazing what a year can do to make someone grow and change, and with a hug and a kiss to the cheek, I left my father to return to his cell and I returned to the waiting area and my Uncle.
"Everything alright?" Matthew asked, once I joined him.
"Yeah, he gave the drawings and stuff to his attorney and he said that they will probably be coming by the house to talk to me about it. There is a possibility, but I'm not getting my hopes up, that he could potentially get out of here."
Matthew wrapped me in a hug and we soon were out of the prison, heading to the Village where we were going to meet my Aunt for an early dinner, before I went to Emrys Fest to catch the last few performances with Nichole and her parents who had been there all day.
Snacks and Music
Author: Mildred
Date: 09-19-14 15:11
Mildred and her friends were seated on the grass, eating all sorts of sweets and snacks and drinking butter beer. They could hear the music playing from one of the stages not that far from where they were seated. Amelia was taping her foot at the beat, while Melpomene was trying to decide which bands were worth to watch. Queenie wanted to be there for the Broomstick Boys, but Wesley and Achilles preferred to skip that concert. Amelia would like to see the Weird Sisters while Mildred didn't care who she was going to watch as long as it was not the Werewolf Code of Conduct, which she really disliked. So Melpomene was trying to find the best solution that would please everyone.
While she studied the program of the festival carefully, Queenie and Wesley were competing between the two to see who could last longer with an acid pop in their mouths. Mildred was trying to avoid assisting to such disgusting competition and instead she tried to focus all her attention in a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. Since she was little she had acquired the habit of separating those she thought had decent flavors from those who didn't. Achilles had offered to be her guinea pig and so far he hasn't tasted a nasty bean yet. He was starting to believe that Mildred had a gift to pick the right beans.
"You're a natural!" he exclaimed.
Mildred just grinned.
It was good to be able to relax among her friends. For the past weeks she had been at home with her grandmother with nothing to do but sit in her bedroom among all the information she had gathered over the years about the Sims, her mother and her father and trying to solve the mystery that occupied a large portion of her life.
One day, feeling frustrated that she was not moving forward at all, she let her temper take control of her and she tossed the newspaper cuts, the photographs and other items to the floor. She had resembled a little child with such tantrum and it took Mildred a few minutes to calm herself down. Then, carefully, she collected all the objects from the ground and placed them inside a wooden box, which she later hide inside her wardrobe, under her old uniform of the Salem's Witches Institute.
Mildred decided it was time to put everything that happened behind her back and live a normal life from now on. She should just accept that her father was at Azkaban and that no matter what the Sims did or didn't do, knowing the truth would not bring her mother back. During the last school year she had dueled against Mr. Sims in the bathroom and she got hurt. The discovery of Erica's grave at Hogsmeade and later its disappearance had disturbed Mildred too much and sneaking into St. Mungo's during the Christmas holidays had not been a piece of cake. Mildred was determined to start enjoying life a little a bit more and act like the teenage witch she was.
Queenie laughed when Wesley spit his acid pop, which landed on the grass. Melpomene told him to pick it up and threw it to the bin. He obeyed her, complaining she was bossy. Queenie stood up as well and urged everyone to do the same.
"Let's go near the stage. I want to be in the front rows when the Broomstick Boys start performing."
Amelia, sharing Queenie's energy, started to pack the food in her bag as she talked about who she thought was the cutest member of the band. Melpomene helped her and joined the debate. Achilles helped Mildred to stand up. She accepted his help and once everything was packed the group marched towards stage one.
Queenie and Amelia joined the hysterical horde of girls, screaming for the Broomstick Boys, while Wesley pretended he was going to throw up. Melpomene consulted her program once again. Achilles held Mildred's hand as the music started and she didn't let it go for the entire concert.
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 09-19-14 17:43
This was the first year that Bronwyn wasn't directly involved in Emrys Fest. She was there solely as spectator, which was a nice change of pace. As just another face in the crowd, she didn't have to worry about anything behind the scenes and also wouldn't have to miss anything happening on stage if she got busy. On the other hand, not being involved behind the scenes meant she wouldn't necessarily talk to any of the musicians, except those she already knew personally. There were definitely pros and cons to both positions.
She had come to Emrys Fest with Toby, with plans of meeting up with Chance and maybe Karma. This time last year, she was with Desi. Not having Desi around made Bronwyn feel a bit sad and also nostalgic. Without meaning to, Desi had managed to cause drama at several Emrys Fests, and the drama always involved a guy! Bronwyn supposed there would be no danger of such drama this time around. The only thing she couldn't guarantee was not getting kidnapped again, but she supposed that was also unlikely, especially with Toby watching her like a hawk.
Chance arrived with Jonathan in tow, which gave Toby someone to talk to while the girls gushed about all the handsome musicians. When Karma arrived, the party really started. She brought a picnic basket full of naan and various dipping sauces, as well as a bottle of wine.
Bronwyn thought that Karma and Chance would make good friends. Both had suffered a major loss recently, but not only that, they lived in Hogsmeade. Chance liked kids and would probably be happy to help watch the girls from time to time, and if it never worked out for her to have her own and adoption was something she might someday consider, than she could go to Karma for advice. Bronwyn almost felt like she was setting up a grown-up playdate.
Chance elbowed her in the side. "Why are you grinning?"
Bronwyn held up her little plastic wine glass in response.
"Oh, is that all?" Chance teased.
Karma pointed at a musician on the stage who had just torn open his shirt, sending buttons flying into the crowd. His washboard abs glistened in the sunlight. "If that isn't a reason to grin stupidly, then I don't know what is."
Bronwyn and Chance nodded and stared dreamily up at the musician, whose gyrating hips were mesmerizing. After several minutes of being entranced, the song ended along with the metronomic thrusting. The three witches snapped out of their glazed-over looks and partook in a little snacking and drinking.
Bronwyn pointed at the wine bottle neck protruding from Karma's basket. "You think it's okay for you to have that with some of your students around?"
Karma shrugged and said, "I'm not at work, just like they're not at school. For example, if we were at Hogwarts, I would have to separate that amorous couple over there." She pointed, and Bronwyn and Chance looked to see two teenagers with lips locked and not a sliver a space between their bodies. The girl's hands were on the guy's butt, too.
"But that's somebody else's problem here," Karma finished.
"Most likely their parents," Chance said, "though I'm guessing those two are old enough to be here on their own and will keep on with the groping."
"And bumping and grinding," Bron said. "Oh, I love this song!" She put her hands in the air and started to shake her hips to the music. Chance and Karma joined in. One thing was for sure: the three were having a great time at Emrys Fest so far!
Checking Out
Author: Alaia Rothstein
Date: 09-19-14 17:52
At first Lee had refused to let Alaia come to the hospital but with some coaxing she finally convinced him that she should be there with him. Now it was the day he was being released from the hospital and Alaia was there to take him home.
"Hey, Baby, how are you feeling?" Alaia asked as she walked in with flowers in hand; each day she had brought him something either a book, flowers or something else that she knew that he would like.
"I am feeling better." He said honestly. He had told her that a criminal at the ministry had tried to escape and he was in the wrong place at the wrong time – it worried Alaia.
"I've been thinking that you should come home to my flat because I don't want you home alone right now. We can stop by your place and get your things and then head to my house."
Lee made to argue but saw the look on her face and decided that he should not fight the inevitable.
The healer knocked on the door and Lee straightened up in bed and waited for him to check him over one last time before releasing him from the hospital.
"I am sure you are eager to leave?" The healer said.
"You could say that." Lee replied.
"Well you look fit as a fiddle and should not have any problems from the spell that hit you."
"Good." Lee smiled and glanced at Alaia whom he hoped would not learn the truth of what really happened anytime soon; but at the same time he hated keeping secrets from her.
Alaia gathered Lee's things while he dressed and then the two headed out.
It was a short walk from St. Mungo's to Lee's flat in London and the two enjoyed the summer air. When they reached the flat they gathered Lee's things and headed back into Diagon Alley to Alaia's flat above the bakery.
Have The Right To Know
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 09-19-14 18:18
Though Dragon doesn't perform as often as it did when the band was first formed, they still do a gig at least once a month and sometimes more as time allows. Charlie had been going to withdraw or take a leave because of things with Hendrika but she insisted he needed to continue with his interests and hobbies to help maintain his sanity. Charlie decided to stay but he also has continued his daily schedule as if St. Emrys were still in session. Instead of going to the university to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he's home spending time with Hen and the kids.
Still popular but with a lower profile Dragon is one of the earlier bands slated on the St. Emrys roster. Charlie doesn't know about his bandmates but he's pleased with that. He actually wouldn't have minded an even earlier slot. The sooner the band plays, the more time Charlie has with his family, and friends, the rest of the day.
As the time draws near for the Dragon bandmembers to gather backstage at Stage Two, Charlie gives Hendrika a kiss, reluctant to go. She playfully shoves him. "I'll be fine. I'm surrounded by Weasleys and Weasley friends."
Knowing he can be bad about hovering even though she's been showing improvement and hasn't been tiring out as quickly, Charlie gives her another kiss before heading for Stage 2. He's halfway there when a familiar figure stops him.
"Hello, Charlie. Do you have a minute?"
"Hello, and only if it's quick, otherwise it will have to wait until after Dragon's set."
A grim expression marring her features Isabella Sinistra-Wyndam blurts, "Belladonna is being released today."
"Why wasn't I told before now?"
"I only just found out this morning and that's only because I happened to speak with Mum and she just happened to mention getting Bells' room ready for her. I believe Gisela's being released soon as well."
"Thanks for telling me. I'll pass the news along to Ron. I know this seems like I'm running from what I consider bad news but I do have to go. My bandmates will be waiting."
Isabella gives Charlie a tight smile. "I'm sorry. I hope I didn't ruin your day but I saw you and thought you have the right to know."
"I'm glad you stopped me."
They exchange a brief, somewhat awkward, parting hug then Charlie hustles to meet the other members of Dragon, trying not to think overly much about his crazy ex being released upon the world again.
New Flat
Author: Capri Brycin
Date: 09-19-14 18:27
Capri had immediately fallen in love with the flat that Mark had shown her and they put money down on it that day.
"I love it." She gushed as she wrapped her arms around Mark and he spun her in a circle. "Thank you."
Mark smiled and kissed her forehead, "You're welcome."
*****
Capri unpacked boxed before work and after work and anytime she wasn't doing something else. She didn't have a lot of stuff but it combined with Mark's things made for a lot of unpacking.
She put this here and that there and unpacked the kitchen in its entirety. Things were starting to come together and Capri liked how things were starting to look.
Her parents had not been sure how they felt about her moving out and in with Mark. They liked Mark and had met him on a number of occasions at school but this was different – Their eldest was moving out and in with her boyfriend. They had even questioned if she was pregnant; Capri had blushed at the question and watched as Andromeda waited on baited breath for her answer. She however, was not pregnant not did she have any plans on becoming so anytime soon.
Andromeda was happy that Capri was moving out because that meant that she had their room all to herself now. She didn't have to put up with Capri listening to her music or doing things that annoyed her. Her brother was also happy for her but because she was doing something she liked and with someone she loved.
Capri spun around and into Mark's arms, "Mmmm," She said as he kissed her firmly on the mouth.
"I love you." She whispered into his ear.
"Me too." He smiled. "I was thinking about going and getting a pizza for dinner, what do you think?"
"Sounds good." He said as he stepped back away from Capri and looked around the kitchen that she had been decorating. "It looks really good you have a real flair for decorating."
"Thank you." She smiled. "I'm hungry, you want to walk with me to get the pizza. We can bring it home and have our first official meal in our new home."
"I'd like that." Mark said with another smile and the two headed out to the pizzeria.
(Kate & Tessa) Emrys Fest
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 09-19-14 18:37
Elsewhere on the grounds of St. Emrys were Kate and Hugo and their third wheel, Tessa. In the short time since entering the Dewhurst household, Tessa had learned a lot about the wizarding world and had also adjusted well to all the major changes in her life. Although deep down she missed her mother, she never showed it. She liked Will Dewhurst a lot and wished he was her real father and not just her guardian.
She didn't know Kate as well as Will, since Kate was always at Hogwarts. Kate was a very nice person and her boyfriend Hugo was very funny. They were nice to let her tag along to Emrys Fest, but she could tell that they kind of wished to be alone. They never said anything or made it obvious on their faces, but she could just tell. Besides, they were practically grown, and she was just a kid.
When Will suggested to Kate that she bring Tessa along to Emrys Fest, she'd agreed without hesitation, though Kate had really been hoping to spend the day with her boyfriend and any of her friends from Hogwarts. The last she'd heard, it was still up in the air as to who all would show up, but Kate figured somebody from the gang would turn up during the course of the day.
She and Hugo hadn't seen each other much since leaving Hogwarts, first because he'd gone on holiday with his family and then because he started working for his uncle, who was a chocolatier. Hugo worked quality control, which meant he ate a lot of chocolate that wasn't fit to sell and had plenty to give away to his friends. Tessa had a nice sack of chocolates that were a bit funny shaped but nevertheless tasted super delicious.
"Are you nervous about starting at Hogwarts?" Hugo asked between songs.
Tessa nodded. "Yes, a little bit. I won't know anybody there."
"Now that's not true," Hugo said. "You'll know us."
Tessa offered him a shy smile. "I meant I won't know anybody my own age."
"You'll make friends," Kate said. "I promise you."
Tessa hoped so. She looked around the crowded university grounds and saw kids of all ages. Maybe some of them were her age, but she probably wouldn't know till September first, which was already less than a month away. She hadn't even gone school supply shopping yet.
She looked up at Hugo, who now had his attention on Kate. He whispered something into her ear, causing her to laugh, and then they kissed. Tessa wasn't of an age where she liked boys yet, but she wondered if she would like someone like Hugo kissing her, or having his arm around her waist. She contemplated it for a moment and then turned to watch the band on stage.
Kate leaned into Hugo and hummed. She remembered how awful last year's Emrys Fest had been, but then she also knew that this year wouldn't be a repeat of what happened. Besides, Mark wasn't even there as far as she knew, and if he was, would she even care? She was with Hugo now, and he made her happy. She smiled up at him, kissed his cheek, and felt his arm tighten around her waist.
Yes, she decided, this was definitely an improvement from last year!
A Quiet Afternoon
Author: Celeste Quigley
Date: 09-20-14 07:08
Celeste was seated under the porch of her summer house, next to Eugene. Celestina Warback was playing on the radio and the couple was taking their afternoon tea outside. Not that far away, Caleb was playing Quidditch with his friend Sophie McCourt. She was holding a quaffle and he was trying to snatch it from her, but without any success. Seated on the grass was Patricia, Sophie's sister. She too was watching Caleb and Sophie, in a tranquil pose, but her eyes unmasked her posture as they trembled with excitement whenever Caleb flew near her.
This time it hasn't been her brother in law, Tobias, who had brought Caleb to their house to spent part of the summer with them. It has been Caleb himself who choose to be with Celeste and Eugene, near the Muggle village where Sophie's mother and stepfather lived. Jennifer Barker, Caleb's mother, had explained to Celeste when she came to drop her son out that this year her ex-husband's obsession with ghosts had been taken to another level and he had moved into a house with not one but two poltergeists inside. Tobias was hoping to convince the two ghosts to stop with their mischief behavior and his plan was to write a book on the matter.
Caleb was growing up and the adoration he felt for his father was diminishing as he grew older and started seeing that for Tobias his work came first than his family. Besides, Jennifer added, she would not want her son in the same ceiling as two poltergeists, without permission to perform magic. Caleb would be helpless if the two ghostly beings happened to turn against him, even if Tobias had guaranteed he had everything under control.
"It is good to see the two them speaking again," Eugene commented, referring to Sophie and Caleb.
When the holidays started Caleb had avoided Sophie, pretending he was not home when the girl came to visit him. Celeste was not the sort of witch to interfere in the life of her thirteen year old nephew but she did not want him to cowardly hide under her skirts whenever Sophie knocked at the door. So, one day, she had a conversation with him and he reluctantly explained her that he was pretty sure Sophie was lying to him, because when he had been ill at the Hospital Wing, he knew she had held his hand while she thought he was asleep, but she kept denying doing so. He was hurt because Sophie was his friend and he didn't want her to lie to him.
Without breaking the promise she made to Patricia, Celeste told Caleb that indeed he had been visited by a girl during his stay at the Hospital Wing, but that the girl was not Sophie. Caleb had seemed very relieved and for Celeste's surprise he did not even ask who that other girl was. He was just happy it hasn't been Sophie. The next time the McCourt girl had knocked to their door Caleb went outside to play with her just like old times.
"Yes, I think so too. She challenges him. If it wasn't for her, he would spend the whole summer locked inside the house. She makes him go out and play Quidditch, and go for walks around the property."
"Thank Merlin you told me to charm the area around so the Muggles wouldn't see the broomsticks. It could cause some trouble if they did."
Celeste nodded in agreement and she served herself with some more tea. There were some loud exclamations as Caleb and Sophie were now making a race with their brooms, to see who was faster. Patricia has been elected the judge of the race.
"I'm just glad he didn't insist on going to the Emrys Fest," Celeste confessed.
If Caleb had wanted to go badly, she would have no option but to take him. And Celeste was not in a mood to go to a music festival where she would probably meet half her students and watch them having indecorous behaviors.
"You were off the hook this year, but I don't think next year you'll be able to escape. Maybe you should wear that set of yellow robes, the ones you used to wear when we went to that concert in London, when we were at college. Do you think they still fit you?"
Celeste sent her husband a furious glance and continued drinking her tea, wondering if later she would hex her husband for his awful comment or not.