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Minding the Shoppe
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 09-20-14 08:35
Although Julian had offered to work part of the day at the book shop so that Lysander could check out some of the bands at Emrys Fest, Lysander had opted to stay behind and let Julian spend as much time as he wanted at the musical festival and with all the kids. With the twins still so young, though, it seemed unlikely they would last the entire day, but perhaps they would and then have a very restful night's sleep.
Business was steady at the store, as it tended to be on the weekends versus during the week, but it was by no means overwhelming. Dexter sat in a patch of sun in the window and watched passersby. Velvet, the cat Caerwyn shared with his best friend Gus, was home from Hogwarts and sat on the arm of a comfy chair and stared at Dexter from afar. The WWN was on low and played a live broadcast of Emrys Fest.
Lysander bobbed his head to a familiar song and then looked up at the sound of laughter. He saw Astrid standing in the doorway.
"What?" he asked.
"You looked like a pecking chicken," Astrid replied, still laughing.
There was something about Astrid that had him laughing with her instead of scowling. "Fine, so I shouldn't quit my day job. What are you doing here?" he asked, changing the subject. "I thought you would be at Emrys Fest."
"I thought about it, but then Axel has to work and I have a laundry list of errands to run."
"Including a trip to your fiancé's rival?" Lysander asked. He meant the store and not himself, but he knew how it sounded and didn't feel the need to clarify.
Astrid paused and then said, "Well, no. I was just walking by and thought I would see if you were here. I didn't expect you to be since you had mentioned that you might go to Emrys Fest. Is Charlotte home too?"
"No, she went with Julian and the others."
"Good for her. I hope she gets Darion Buttermaker's autograph."
Lysander's smile was practically a grimace. His daughter was too young to have a crush on a yellow-haired pop star.
He changed the subject again. "All set for your wedding? It's coming up soon."
"I know," Astrid said, smiling. "Just some last minute details to take care of before everything's truly ready."
"That's good. Let me know if there's anything more you need from Charlotte… or me."
Astrid smiled. "I will, thanks." She gave a quick glance around the store and then said, "I guess I should take care of all my errands. See you later, Lysander."
"Yeah, see you," Lysander said.
He watched her go and thought wistfully how it really was too bad she was getting married. She looked better than ever. Phenomenal, really. He stared after her for what seemed like ages before snapping out of it and getting back to work.
Found Out
Author: Jolyon
Date: 09-20-14 11:21
It had been Bridget's idea to take Asher and Arielle to Emrys Fest. Gaius was out of the country on a fishing trip with some of his friends, so she escorted them alone. The twins were fine with their grandmother's company, Bridget seemingly the only Kent relation Asher actually liked.
While they were off enjoying the music festival, Jolyon was in Ayr at the aquarium where he often took his students on field trips. Surprisingly, Lorrie had never been, so he thought it the perfect site for another one of their secret dates. There was something thrilling about keeping their relationship undisclosed. Making plans in secret and meeting without anyone else knowing made things exciting, much more so than the ordinary thrill one got by simply being in a brand new relationship.
Jolyon didn't want to keep the relationship from his family forever, especially knowing that it would come out eventually, but for the moment he was content to keep it strictly between himself and Lorrie. Lorrie, whatever her reasons were, felt the same way.
Unfortunately, the news broke sooner than either anticipated. They turned away from a large tank in which a beautiful hippocampus serenely floated, only to find themselves face to face with Merrie and Lancelot.
Merrie looked between Jolyon and Lorrie with an extremely puzzled expression on her face, which gradually took on a different look as realization dawned. Jolyon and Lorrie were standing closely together, and Lorrie had her arm looped through his. Her hand rested on his arm. It was far too late for them to separate, so neither moved.
Jolyon spoke first to break the awkward silence. "Hello, Merrie. Lancelot."
"Hi, Jolyon," said Lancelot, as ever looking like he just stepped off the cover of a romance novel. He eyed Lorrie appreciatively and greeted, "Hello there."
Merrie found her voice. "I didn't expect to see you here," and then as an afterthought, "together."
Lorrie said, "I know. Isn't it funny we bumped into each other?"
"Hilarious," Merrie muttered, glancing at Jolyon suspiciously. Just how long had he been dating her little sister, and when was he planning on telling her about it? She thought back to the last time they'd all been in the same room together, which would have been at a dinner party at her house at the very beginning of summer. Had the romance kicked off then?
Jolyon could see his ex-wife's mind working and said, "Lorrie told me she's never been here before, so I suggested we visit today thinking it wouldn't be very crowded, what with Emrys Fest taking place."
"We had the same idea," Lancelot said. "I'm not that fond of fish, except for the ones on my dinner plate, but Merrie appreciates magical creatures for what they are. Also, this place does sort of have a romantic atmosphere, doesn't it?"
Merrie and Jolyon just looked at once another, but Lorrie nodded her head and said, "It does, a little bit. They could put in a restaurant surrounded by giant aquariums. It would be very romantic."
Merrie couldn't help herself. "So, is this a date?"
Jolyon and Lorrie exchanged looks. They knew any lie they told wouldn't be believable.
Jolyon was the one to answer. "Yes, we're on a date."
"How nice!" Lancelot exclaimed. "We can turn this into a double."
Merrie didn't look very happy but she nodded and said, "Yes, let's, unless you would rather continue on alone?"
Jolyon and Lorrie exchanged another quick look and simultaneously answered, "No."
Jolyon added, "We'd be happy to double with you."
Merrie's eyebrows rose slightly and then she told Lancelot, "Jolyon being an expert on all things magical creatures can give us a guided tour."
"Only if you really want to hear all the nitty-gritty details," Lancelot said, just there for the company and not much else.
"Oh, I do," Merrie said. "I want to know everything."
Jolyon took her meaning very plainly, but that was a conversation that would have to wait for another time. Instead, he did as she first stated and talked about some of the aquatic creatures they encountered at Ayr Aquarium.
(Mark) Here and Now
Author: Isolde
Date: 09-21-14 09:30
Mark looked around the flat he shared with Capri. It was still messy here and there, with boxes half unpacked and contents stacked in temporary places until they could get put away properly, but at the same time it was beginning to look like home. Mark almost couldn't believe he was out on his own, and living with a girl at that. Once upon a time, he thought that girl might be Kate.
His gaze settled on Capri, who was pulling a slice of extra cheesy pizza from the box. A long string of cheese came with it, which she pinched off with her fingers and stuffed into her mouth with a moan of satisfaction.
"That good, huh?" he asked her, grinning slightly.
"Better than good," Capri corrected. "This might be the best slice of pizza I've ever eaten." She flushed then and added, "I think it's partly because we did it. We moved out of our homes and in with each other. We're here together, eating our first meal in our first flat. Mark, I'm so happy. Aren't you?"
Mark smiled and reached across the table for one of her hands. "Yeah."
She ran her thumb over his hand and said, "We should put on some music." She reached for her wand and waved it at the WWN receiver, which was tuned to the station broadcasting Emrys Fest.
Mark was instantly taken back to last year, when he'd intentionally sought out a random girl––he couldn't even remember her name anymore––and made out with her knowing Kate was watching. If not for the interference of his parents, then he never would have broken her heart and they would probably be together still. Too bad he couldn't have foreshadowed his mother's own deception, or he'd have never followed through with their wishes for him.
Capri noted the look of contemplation on her boyfriend's face and asked what was the matter.
He shook his head, determined to move on from the past, one baby step at a time. It helped knowing that Kate was probably at Emrys Fest right now making out with that git Hugo Hathi.
"I was just thinking about how grown up we've become," he said. "It's weird, but kind of nice."
"I know," Capri said. She got out of her chair and climbed onto his lap. "We don't have to worry about anybody but ourselves," she said, pressing a kiss to his lips. "No teachers, no parents, no annoying little sisters." She kissed him again. "It's just you and me…"
When she kissed him again, Mark cleared his mind of the past and thought only of the then and there.
In Violation
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 09-21-14 10:02
"Pleeeeeease?" Grace pleads. "It's just riiiight there."
Julian looks from his daughter to the snack stand where she's pointing. Charlotte presses close to Grace, adding her own pitiful look to the mix. Julian finally relents. "Only to the one stand. I'll be watching."
The girls accept the money he gives them with promises to bring something for Jasmine and Xavier then holding hands skip off.
Located about halfway between the two stages and out on the fringe of the bulk of the crowd, Julian shifts his lawn chair enough to have a better line of sight of Grace and Charlotte. The twins are standing in the middle of the large blanket, bouncing and gyrating to the music, oblivious to how awkward and amusing they are. Around the perimeter of the blanket is an age line so that he doesn't have to worry about Xavier or Jasmine wandering off while he's doing things such as watching Grace exerting her independence.
Briar has been here but had to leave long enough to supervise the delivery of an intricate wedding cake. She'll be back but until then Julian is on his own with the four younger children. Caerwyn is here as well but has gone off with some of his friends including Augustus Hodfuffer and Gus's pretty girlfriend Ramona Mickle.
"I hope you've gotten photos of all this cuteness."
Julian doesn't turn around at the sound of his sister's voice, clearly heard in the lull as the band ends one song and moves into another. "You're violating the restraining order, Vanessa."
"Lots of people here. I didn't see you until I was nearly on top of you."
"Then you should move along or I'll have to report the violation."
"Whatever happened to my sweet, obliging baby brother?"
"As I recall you used to call me an annoying bratty pest."
Still standing in the same spot Vanessa says, "That little girl with you, Lysander Stratford's, reminds me to ask whatever happened to the third wheel. Chrissy? Chyselis? Something."
"Chyler. She died."
"Poor little girl. Growing up not knowing her mummy. Sort of like Jasmine if you persist."
"Move along, Vanessa. Last warning."
She steps into view, smiling and waggling fingers at the twins who wave back but don't register any sort of recognition for the woman who gave them up in exchange for a payoff when neither were even crawling yet. "I'm going. I'm going. Don't think I won't be around though. I'm either going to get at least partial custody of my children or you're going to compensate me well for the pain and suffering of my loss."
Vanessa walks off into the crowd, a smugly smiling.
"Who's that, Dad?" Caerwyn stands at one edge of the blanket, a butterbeer in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other.
Caerwyn knows where the twins came from, if not the full circumstances, so Julian sees no point in lying. "My sister."
"That's Aunt Vanessa? Why doesn't she stay for a little while?"
"She has no interest in us. She only came over to try and irritate me."
"Oh. Where are Grace and Charlotte?"
Julian points. "Over there getting ice cream."
"Want me to go check on them?"
"They seem fine for now so only if you're wanting ice cream."
"That sounds good but I should finish this pizza first." Caerwyn sits on the blanket only to be swarmed by the twins wanting bites.
As he tears off small pieces for them Julian asks, "What happened to your friends?"
"They're all paired off so I thought I'd give them couples time without an extra along."
With a piece of pizza in each hand the twins return to their toddler awkward style of dancing. Caerwyn quickly finishes off what's left of the pizza slice and jumps back to his feet. "I'm going to get some ice cream and see if the girls need help."
With Caerwyn going to join the girls, Julian doesn't keep as close an eye on them. Instead, he looks in the direction Vanessa went, knowing he's going to report the restraining order violation despite having let her think he wouldn't if she left them alone.
Julian enjoys the rest of his time at Emrys Fest though perhaps not as much as he'd would have if his sister hadn't decided to make her presence known.
(Adriana) Ivanova version 2.0
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 09-21-14 12:07
Natalya Ivanova looked a lot like her older brother. Already in the short time since her arrival at Death Eater Headquarters, Natalya had become a favorite of Adriana's. Not only did she look like her brother, her mannerisms and ideals matched his as well. Adriana didn't think anybody could ever replace her fallen soldier, but his sister was a fair substitute.
Natalya shared many insights into the wizard who had been by Adriana's side since the very beginning. Born Nikolay Ivanov, he had been teased since a young age for being girly, simply because he didn't like to play outside or roughhouse with the other boys his age. The female nickname Ivanova stuck and was later used as a show of strength in character, especially as time went on and he became more successful than his erstwhile peers.
That Adriana had never known or thought to ask his real name made her feel a bit disappointed in herself, but then she had treated him as a servant and not the confidant, if not friend he had ultimately become. To make up for it, she had an elaborate gravesite made for him in the cloister. She hoped never to have to bury another body there, but there was always death in war, and the war was far from over.
The business with Beatenberg, as well as her come-and-go mental illness, had distracted her from her work. Beatenberg was out of her hair, but the other matter wasn't yet resolved. Adriana knew what it would take to fix the problem, but unless she gave it all up now, she could only remain patient. She had come too far to quit, though her bouts of insanity worried her. What if she became so out of her mind that she walked straight into the Ministry of Magic and gave herself up to the authorities? Then everything would be for nothing.
She was tempted to confide in Natalya, but despite the extreme resemblance to the other Ivanova, Adriana couldn't yet bring herself to tell all. Besides, she hadn't told Ivanova anything about it either. If she couldn't tell him, who could she tell?
She had other work to do, such as resuming her search for the Resurrection Stone and Lord Voldemort's body. She had no inkling where to look on the former, what with all of Lysander's research falling flat. As for the latter… she was beginning to have a kernel of an idea on where to start.
A Moment With Alex
Author: Plum
Date: 09-21-14 19:01
Her stomach a little off, Plum is stretched out on a blanket, eyes closed, humming along to the song currently being played. She's forced to readjust her position when Alex snuggles up next to her. At first, he says nothing but then after pulling Plum's arm more closely around himself he speaks.
"Pum? Why can't I go to Hogwarts?"
"You have to be eleven."
"I will be."
"Not for a few years."
"But nobody will be there then."
"Lots of people will be there."
"Not Justin."
"No, not by then."
"But why?"
"But why what?"
"Do I has to be 'leben."
"That's just the rule and it's been the rule for a very long time. Do you not like going to school in Hogsmeade?"
"Mostly."
"What don't you like about it?"
"Not enough time to play."
Plum cracks open an eye and chuckles lightly. "There's even less time for that at Hogwarts, poppet."
"Really?"
"Really. There's time for fun but Hogwarts also takes a lot of work."
"Pum?"
"Yes, Alex?"
"I changed my mind. When I'm 'leben I'll stay home with you."
Plum chuckles lightly again, giving Alex a squeeze. He snuggles in even closer, staying still and quiet until the band on stage ends its set. "Pum? Is it time for ice cream or candy?"
Her stomach upset enough that the thought of any food sounds horrible - enough so she's glad there weren't any problems when Dynamic Duo was playing on stage one earlier today - Plum nevertheless drops her arm from around Alex and says, "Help me up and we'll go get something."
After checking with Anthony and the others gathered with them at the moment if they want anything, Alex tugs Plum along to a line of food stalls wondering how much sugary sweets he'll be able to convince Plum to let him have.
Brattiest Brat That Has Ever Bratted
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 09-22-14 15:15
"Georgiiiaaaaa!"
"A bleeding minute, Libby."
"Noooow!" Libby stomps a foot for emphasis.
"You are the brattiest brat that has ever bratted, you know that?"
"Am not."
Georgia sighs a sigh of long suffering. "Liberty Annette Copperpot, you ARE being vair bratty and you know it. Now go sit down and I'll be with you in a minute."
Libby's eyes narrow and her arms cross. She huffs several times but walks back over to take a seat. Georgia gives her attention back to Magical Match Miles, aka Miles Mortimer. "Sorry about that."
"Quite all right. I was simply wondering if you are free next Friday. A mate of mine is having a party."
"Yes, sure. I can't think of anything I've got going that night."
"Double check and owl me tomorrow."
"First thing."
Miles looks as though he'd like to continue engaging Georgia in conversation but he leans to peer around her. "Your sister is scarpering off."
"Bloody hell!" Georgia exclaims spinning around and dashing off, calling out over her shoulder to Miles, "Thank you!"
With Georgia in pursuit Libby goes from a walk to a run, dashing through the Emrys Fest crowd. If the stupid cheeky monkey had just come when Libby said, she wouldn't be darting here and there, losing track of her goal. She's forced to stop to reassess, then takes off again.
Georgia closes the gap on Libby because of that stop but though her legs are much longer Libby is faster and maneuvers more easily around the legs of the festival goers. Georgia's own progress abruptly ends when someone snags her around the waist.
"You're in a big hurry."
"Libby's on the loose."
Sage Porter lets Georgia go. "I'll help."
"She'll listen to you better anyway."
The two take off at a fast trot, searching for Libby. Sage spots her first and increases his pace. Over the music and the noise of the crowd he calls out, "Libby! Libby Copperpot!"
By some miracle she hears him, or perhaps she had been checking over her shoulder for Georgia and saw him. Libby comes to a stop but doesn't move back in Sage's direction. She stands where she is, forcing him to come to her, Georgia not all that far behind.
"Hi, Libby. Where are you off to?"
"Over there. Monkey wouldn't take me."
"I said I would, Libby, if you'd given me another minute or two." Georgia is so angry right now but with Sage there and so many others around, she's not going to light into Libby like she wants. That's probably a very good thing.
Sage asks, "What's over there?"
"Something I want."
"How about you show me? Here, hold my hand so I don't lose you."
Shooting Georgia a smile as if getting sex god Sage Porter to hold her hand had been her plan all along, Libby puts her small one into his much bigger one. Ignoring her older sister she tugs his arm. "This way."
The something she wants turns out to be the only stand at Emrys Fest selling bowls of apples slices with caramel sauce, something usually more associated with cooler weather. Georgia supposes that Libby saw the stand when they were walking about earlier.
While Libby is preoccupied ordering her caramel apple slices, Sage turns to Georgia. "Would you like to get dinner with me next Friday night, without the tagalong?" he says with a tilt of his head in Libby's direction.
Georgia very much wants to say yes but is now faced with the dilemma of telling Sage she's got plans for Friday or fibbing to Miles and saying she thought something planned for Saturday is actually Friday, so she can't go to that party with him. What to do? What to do?
50th Birthday Celebration
Author: Griet
Date: 09-22-14 17:49
The dining table at the Vanderbilt residence was stretched extra long to accommodate everyone attending the 50th birthday celebration of Johannes Vanderbilt. Cornelia and Aleydis were there with their significant others, Beatrix invited her new friend Cate, and Franciscus had Paton for company. Various other Vanderbilt relations were there too. Everyone present seemed to have a partner or friend, everyone but Griet.
Still fresh from her break-up with Tucker, Griet was acutely aware of the coupling up all around her. She tried not to let it get her down, especially since she wasn't interested in dating anybody right now… maybe not even ever again, but she couldn't help but feel a little lonely.
"You didn't go to Emrys Fest today?" asked Aleydis, who had spent some time there with Basil earlier in the day.
Griet shook her head. "No, I wasn't in the mood."
She hadn't wanted to run the risk of bumping into Tucker, or worse, Tucker and Kelly together. She really didn't know if they were still a couple or whatever they even were to each other, or if Tucker was serious about trying to get back together with her. Whatever the situation was, Griet wanted no part of it.
"You missed out," Aleydis remarked with a slight frown on her face. "I think the acts were all better this year than last."
"Oh, well. Maybe I'll go again next year," Griet said, with a shrug of her shoulders.
She hoped this time next year she would be in better spirits. She also hoped to be out of her parents' house. She was grateful for them taking her in, but it was a rude awakening, moving back in with parents after time on one's own. Griet had quickly come to realize that all her former freedoms had become a definite thing of the past. She was under their roof now.
They didn't try to control her life, but they did baby her. It was a far cry from several years ago, when they'd more or less cast her out of the family for becoming a half-breed. Now that she was with them, they worried even more about their eldest daughter's monthly condition and how it affected her mentally and physically. She was like a child struck with an incurable ailment and they were the parents always hoping and praying for a miracle.
At least her job was going well.
"Is it time for cake yet?" asked Franciscus, cutting into Griet's thoughts.
"Yes," the birthday boy said, nodding his head. "I think it is. Griet, Cornelia?"
The girls got up to fetch the cake, which was a decadent, several layered chocolate ganache masterpiece and was just the ticket to improving Griet's mood, at least temporarily.
The Trio
Author: Jefferson
Date: 09-22-14 21:52
Remedy and Sagitta had been dropped off at Fallon and Fletcher Morgan's first thing in the morning. The couple would be taking them, along with their son's Crew and Mase to Emry's Fest at the university today. After their first year at Hogwarts, the girls were excited to be back with their friend. Crew hadn't been himself during the year, with his friends away at school, and the death of his uncle, but that was put aside when he burst through the front door, nearly tackling the girls when they walked up.
"REMY! ITA!"
Remedy laughed and pulled away. "You miss us or something, Crewbie?"
"Well, yeah! You guys up and left me alone all year." The boy's energy level steadily rising.
"We saw you on holidays, it wasn't that long when you think about it."
Crew looked thoughtful, "I guess you're right, it still feels like forever when you're stuck at home with an annoying little brother."
Fallon stepped up behind the trio, "Hey, stop being mean to your brother, Crew. We'll be heading out in a few minutes so we can get a good spot.
"Sorry, Mom. Are Uncle Arley and Seb coming too?"
"They'll be meeting us there, they never miss this."
The kids ran inside to play until they left for St. Emrys, all looking forward to a day of fun and music, although Remedy was more excited about seeing her friends than the bands.
~
"You daydreaming' Crew?" Remedy questioned the younger boy, who was standing in front of one of a group of people with a weird look on his face.
"I saw her…Uncle Dex's wife." There was a bitterness in his tone, uncharacteristic for the outgoing boy.
Sagitta shook her head, "You can't resent her forever, but I can understand why you're upset. Crew, we're supposed to be having fun, this is our first big event of the summer."
"Ita's right. Let's go run around and get a closer look at the bands."
"Kids, stay close. I don't want the three of you getting lost on me." Fal said with a grin, she knew her eldest son had a knack for getting into trouble, just like her husband.
Remedy laughed as she ran around chasing Crew with Sagitta, it was nice to be here, but it would have been even better if her father had brought her. She thought Jefferson had mentioned something about asking Ita's uncle about a case of some sort. Rem had glanced over the letter Jeff had sent last night, something was going on with her father. She had even heard from Sagitta that she would be spending a few weeks with the Howell's, something Jeff had yet to mention.
In the end, Emry's Fest had been a huge success with the kids, and the girls ended up staying the night at the Morgan home.