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Final End of Term...
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 05-10-09 10:22
Orei and Maddie each let out a sigh as they enter the Great Hall for what will be the last time in their Hogwarts Careers. "I'm seriously going to miss this. Seriously, and watching all the first years and transfers come in in the fall for sorting." Orei said as she and Maddie headed over to one of the tables.
"I know! At least we'll still be close to the school, living in Hogsmeade and all." Maddie said, plopping down upon a seat and curling her feet beneath her lightly. "After this year, hopefully things will be normal again for those still here."
At least Harriet Snider will be gone, and with her those disgustingly oppresive pure/non rules that were levied by the former Minister of Magic. "They should, with Dumbledore back and the others back as well. I am just going to miss the quidditch games here, really. Though, I might go play at St. Emry's for which ever school I end up in." Orei said, settling herself near Maddie.
"What school are you going to be going to Maddie, have you decided?" Orei asked, watching as the others filtered in, all years now done with their examinations. The fifth and seventh years had had a break from everything from when their OWLS and NEWTs respectively had finished. The other years had just finished the day before, and no doubt all were glad of it.
"I am thinking Marjoribanks, and going into animal sciences and healing. Or probably Merlin. More than likely Merlin, since I am not sure I want to do animal healing...Merlin has Muggle Studies and political sciences in it, and that I think suits me a bit more." Maddie said and waved to the few that were filtering in. Hopefully things would be getting started soon.
Feasting
Author: Jolyon
Date: 05-10-09 12:36
The Great Hall had never seemed as lively all year long as it did tonight at the End of Term Feast. The students were undoubtedly eager to leave Hogwarts and enjoy the summer holidays, but there seemed to be an added exuberance in the atmosphere. The End of Term Feast was the first of the year that wasn't under the shadows of Professors Snider and Yaxley. In fact, Professor Dumbledore sat in the throne-like chair at the High Table, and Professor McGonagall sat to his right. Mixed in with the formerly ousted professors were the newer ones like Jolyon himself. Hagrid sat next to him, towering over everybody at the table.
It was Jolyon's first End of Term feast as professor at Hogwarts and his eighth overall. Back when he'd been a student, the Great Hall would have been decorated with the house colors of whichever house had collected the most points over the course of the school year. This year, only the Hogwarts banner hung from the rafters. There would be no House Cup to give, nor would a Quidditch Cup be handed out. A handful of the students who'd earned the most points over the school year would be acknowledged during Dumbledore's speech, or at least that was Jolyon's understanding.
He gazed out at the students, picking out the seventh years he'd gotten to know. Jolyon wondered what they planned to do in the future. He'd known he'd wanted to work with magical creatures after graduation and had soon found a position at a petstore. Would some of them go straight to work like he did, or would they attend St. Emrys or take on an apprenticeship of some sort like he eventually did too?
At least his future was a bit clearer now. Dumbledore had spoken to him over the weekend and had offered him the Care of Magical Creatures job for next school year. Jolyon had naturally accepted. Hagrid would resume his position as Keeper of Keys & Grounds at Hogwarts and would occasionally help Jolyon with his classes.
Now if only Joylon's personal future was as sound as his professional one. His father remained on his deathbed, though didn't appear to be any closer to dying than before. Surely if his condition was so severe, he'd have kicked the bucket by now?
Jolyon realized he was frowning when he ought to be having a good time. He also realized that Hagrid had been talking to him and he hadn't heard a word Hagrid had said. Apologizing, Jolyon asked Hagrid to repeat himself, and then he helped himself to more delicious food.
Friendly Conversation
Author: Alanna Beck
Date: 05-10-09 13:00
Alanna sat at one of the tables in the Great Hall. Jared sat next to her and Sage sat across from them. The three were very happy, since they were officially Hogwarts graduates now and had their whole futures ahead of them. At the same time they felt a little sadness, though, since they would be leaving Hogwarts forever tomorrow morning. The past year hadn't been all that nice––even the year before it hadn't been ideal––but the five at the very beginning and the last few weeks (even with the NEWT exams) had been wonderful. Alanna, for one, would definitely miss the place that had been her home away from home.
She dined on lightly spiced ground turkey patties and Greek-flavored potato wedges at the moment and already had her eye on several other dishes at the table.
"This is the problem with Hogwarts feasts," she announced to Jared and Sage. "There are far too many delicious-looking dishes to choose from, and so you end up tasting every single one."
"What's wrong with that?" Jared asked, with a grin on his face.
Alanna stuck her tongue out at him. "I'm going to get fat."
"Some men like a little meat on their women's bones," he replied very matter-of-factly.
"Oh, is that why you're with me? Because I'm fat?!" Alanna pretended to be annoyed but she couldn't keep the corners of her lips from tugging up into a smile.
"Oh, you did it now, Jared!" Sage exclaimed, laughing even though he and Jared both knew that Alanna was joking.
"I like you just the way you are," Jared replied very diplomatically.
Alanna laughed and lightly elbowed him in the side.
"Oh, I have good news!" she exclaimed suddenly. "A letter arrived from Anthony earlier this evening."
"And?" both boys asked simultaneously.
"He had a job interview at the Ministry this morning, for an auror position, and they've agreed to take him on!"
"That's great!" Jared and Sage exclaimed.
"Yeah, he mentioned wanting to go out and celebrate tonight with Plum. I think he's going to start working on Monday. Can you imagine? Anthony, an auror? I know that's what he trained for at St. Emrys but it's still strange to think of him being out in the working world when it wasn't all that long ago that he was here at Hogwarts with us."
"And soon it'll be us finding jobs and working for a living," Sage said.
"I guess we aren't kids anymore," Alanna admitted, "but that doesn't mean we can't have any fun as grown ups." That got the three friends talking about Oreileah McCoi's upcoming house party and Emrys Fest.
Changes (AJ)
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 05-10-09 16:44
Sitting at the head table, steadily working his way through a plate piled high with only some of the tasty offerings and wondering where how he's going to manage having a little of everything - which he definately intends to do - AJ can't help but still feel sad that so many students aren't here to enjoy the occassion, among them some of his own family members.
AJ was surprised that Professor Dumbledore didn't open the feast with a speech. The headmaster had been a little late, causing flutters of worry among the staff who'd been at Hogwarts two years ago for an End of Term feast during which Albus Dumbledore never showed. There had been some starters on the tables, a variety of appetizers each looking and smelling delicious, and it was obvious the students were getting hungry. With a nod from Professor McGonagall, so recently restored to her rightful position as Deputy Headmistress to the relief of many, they'd begun eating.
It was less than three minutes after that when Professor Dumbledore strolled in, smiling apologies at everyone for being tardy. Perhaps because people had begun eating that Professor Dumbledore didn't jump right into a speech. Main courses have appeared on the tables and everyone is digging in when Professor Dumbledore stands and moves.
All it takes for the Great Hall to become quiet in seconds is Professor Dumbledore standing and holding up his hands. When all eyes are on the older gentleman Professor Dumbledore clears his throat, lets his eyes roam over the students then to the staff at the head table, then finally after another clearing of the throat, he speaks.
"Forgive me for interrupting this fine feast. I promise I not keep you from your meals for long. First let me state unequivocably that I am delighted more than I am able to express at being back at Hogwarts as headmaster. My return and that of a few of my colleagues are due in part to you students who helped in big ways or small to bring about the recent changes to not only Hogwarts but to the entire British Wizarding community. Several of these fine people at the head table also deserve plaudits for the parts they played. If I were to list everyone and their contributions then this speech would be far, far longer than promised. Please do note that there is a new plaque in the entrance hall bearing the names those who played roles in bringing about the changes.
There is also a new plaque to commemorate those known to be lost forever to us. Sadly, there are still possible additions to that plaque.
Now, to happier things. With no house system this year, there is no House Cup to be awarded. There is also no Quidditch Cup, though I assure those of you who are returning in the fall that there will be a Quidditch Cup for the 2003-2004 term. On a side note, those of you who played as the Avalanches and the Cyclones, I would like to commend you for a rip roaring entertaining match, and I don't say that simply because it is the first Quidditch match I've seen in more than two years."
There's applause for the game and laughter at Professor Dumbledore's comment. When the noise has died down again, the professor continues.
"Individual points were given throughout the term with a promise of awards for those earning top scores. Although the promise was not made by me, I fully intend to uphold that promise. In third place is Sage Porter. Please come forward."
Sage Porter stands and moves to the spot indicated.
"In second place is Christopher Chant. Mr. Chant, please join Mr. Porter."
When Christopher Chant has reached the front, Professor Dumbledore announces the overall winner.
"In first place is Daniel Gelson. To the front if you will, Mr. Gelson."
When Daniel is standing with Sage and Christopher, Professor Dumbledore, who's moved around to stand in front of the head table, summons trophies for each and also produces what look like thick packets.
"Inside your envelopes you will find certificates and vouchers to various shops and establishments. Upon learning the names of the winners, I realized you each have an interest in Quidditch. Viktor Krum has graciously donated a new broom to each of you, the vouchers for which are in your packets, as well as passes to be used during summer holiday to a professional Quidditch camp run by the Hogsmeade Humbatas."
The boys all look extremely chuffed and after thanking Professor Dumbledore they return to their seats to a round of applause.
"Dinners are getting cold so I shall conclude this speech quite soon. I've already mentioned one change for next term, a return of the Quidditch Cup. There will also be a return to the House Cup. Yes, that means those of you returning in September will go back to being Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins. Those new to Hogwarts last term and this will be Sorted along with other incoming students.
Students who are not allowed to return to Hogwarts when this term began are being invited back. I hope all will accept the invitation to return and know that you all do as well.
The professors you see now are ones you will see next term, unless one decides to move on over the holiday. That said, I will also leave you with a little bit of intrigue. There will be new faces at the head table as well.
One last item. I am somewhat nostalgic at seeing another group of seventh years complete their time here at Hogwarts and am deeply saddened that I was not here to witness the entirety of this important year. I wish you well in your future endeavors.
I believe I have addressed each item I wished to address. All that is left to say is on with the feast!"
AJ joines in the applause then like those around him, resumes eating and talking with those closest to him.
Community Meeting
Author: Blossom
Date: 05-11-09 21:40
As the End of Term Feast began at Hogwarts, another sort of gathering was taking place in Hogsmeade. There'd been some debate on where to hold the community wide meeting with the initial choice of the Crown & Cauldron's ultimately decided against. There's no telling how spirited the meeting will get so even if held in one of the larger private rooms of the restaurant there would be the possibility that the meeting would interfere with the restaurant's regular dinner service.
Taking into consideration the scheduled time of the meeting, Blossom volunteered the day care and gaming center. Not only is there space for such a community meeting, there's also space for any children accompanying parents to be kept occupied and entertained. Among those behind organizing the meeting, this met with approval. Briar's and the Crown & Cauldron are providing food, with the Three Broomsticks, the Hog's Head, and Madam Puddifoot's supplying beverages. Anyone wishing to contribute additional refreshments is welcome to do so.
By the time the last of the day care children had gone, the only ones left being those whose parents are attending the meeting, some of the food had arrived. Blossom and Briar started setting things up while Daria watched over the handful of children, among them Blossom's own three.
Glancing at her, Briar says, "I hear you're expecting another. Congratulations."
"Thank you!" Patting her stomach which doesn't yet give away her condition, Blossom chuckles, "I can't decide if I hope for at least twins this time so this baby won't feel left out."
"When you are having twins, or triplets, or quadruplets or more, and moaning over having another set of multiples, I'll remind you what you said tonight."
Blossom's reply is drowned out by Aberforth Dumbledore's arrival. "Where should I put the drinks?"
"I was thinking over there," Blossom shows him. "At the back, and easy to get to, and doesn't restrict traffic flow."
As the other food and drink arrived as well as community members, a group consisiting of village residents and members of the Hogsmeade Business Association, Blossom finds herself scurrying around making sure there are enough seats, enough cups, enough plates, and of everything else needed. At one point Fred takes her by the shoulders to say, "Slow down. It's just a meeting. You aren't playing party hostess who needs to ensure all the guest have a grand time."
She'd laughed, "I keep telling myself that but I haven't been listening." Kissing him on the cheek, Blossom let Fred get her a drink of some of Madam Puddifoot's tea while she checked on Daria, who's been joined by Briar's House Elf Aegean. Returning to the large room where the meeting is taking place, Blossom is just in time to sit down beside Fred and accept her cup of tea from him as the meeting gets under way.
Standing at the front to address those gathered Wendelin Meek of Gladrags starts things off by asking, "Did anyone have any idea before Petals opened what sort of establishment it is?"
Return
Author: Illyria
Date: 05-12-09 17:14
The night air was warm when Illyria arrived in Hogsmeade. She carried with her two bags, one in each hand, of items she'd been given or purchased since gaining her freedom from Community 14-15-14. In the not-so-distant distance, the windows of Hogwarts Castle glowed. Illyria's legs itched to carry her all the way to the front doors, but instead she turned toward the Hogsmeade Inn, where she hoped to get a room for the night.
It had been a difficult decision to leave Mumbai and her entire family. After having been separated from them for so long and not knowing whether they even lived anymore, Illyria found it nearly unbearable to part from them now. But, she did want to find out if she had a job again, and it helped to know that some of her family also planned their returns home.
Some didn't, though. Erigone liked Mumbai so much that she wanted to continue living there, and her new husband Aidan was agreeable to it too. Atticus and Ione had also become comfortable in India and wanted to stay behind as well. Arsinoe, Quin and Alexandra would soon be coming home, as would Urania and Olympia.
Illyria stepped into the inn and approached the check-in counter, which was manned by a solitary witch who put down her romance novel to help the new arrival.
"Good evening," Illyria greeted, setting down each bag by her feet. "Do you have a room available?"
"That we do," the witch replied. "What's your name?"
"Illyria Jones."
The witch pulled a key off a hook behind her and got up to escort Illyria to her room. It was located on the second floor, just off the stairwell.
Illyria enclosed herself in her room, leaving her bags untouched as she crossed to the bed. She sat down and sighed, remembering Erigone's recent wedding. She and Nathan had once again had a nice time, not only at the reception but afterwards too. She hadn't heard from him since then, but it really didn't bother her. They'd had a nice time together, but she didn't see herself in a lasting relationship with him.
A smile crossed her lips. Speaking of lasting relationships, Illyria had joked with her second eldest sister that she should use Erigone Jones-Bones as her married name. For some reason Erigone hadn't taken the hyphenated surname seriously.
Laughing to herself, Illyria fell back onto the bed. Tomorrow she hoped to go up to Hogwarts and see if she had a job term. Otherwise, she'd try the Ministry of Magic.
We Won't Be Roommates (Catriona)
Author: Fionna
Date: 05-12-09 19:21
As soon as Professor Dumbledore ends his speech and the applause has died away enough to talk again, Bianca says with a sad frown and shrug, "We won't be roommates in fall."
Catriona frowns slightly, reaching for a platter holding various slices of meat including roast and pork tenderloin. Helping herself to a medallion of the pork, she forces the frown into a smile. "We'll still be friends and will have classes together."
"Not as many classes though."
"Because of differing electives if, when you finally make up your mind what you're taking, they aren't the same as mine," Cat nods.
"No, because when there are houses there are different sections of some of the classes, with two houses in each section."
"There were houses our first year but we had all our classes together," Cat says, her frown returning.
"Our first year wasn't normal. There was the segregated classes."
"Oh, right."
After a pause Cat reiterates, "We'll still be friends though."
"Yes, definately. It won't matter to me that you're Ravenclaw and I'm Slytherin. Our houses can have a rivalry and we can play up on that but in a friendly way."
"I agree!" Cat nods emphatically.
"Do you think everyone from first year will be back? With the segration, I didn't really know most of them."
"I made friends with a girl called Polly. Polly Potts." Cat's eyes feel misty all of a sudden and as she blinks she realizes just how sad she's been at not having heard yet whether Polly is alive and well or what became of Polly's family.
So that she doesn't start crying in front of everyone, Cat backhands the tears away then says, "Kate Dewhurst was rather nice."
Bianca looks and sounds a little sniffly herself when she asks, "Do you think anyone died at that place they were sent?"
"I heard lots of people died in those camps but never saw or heard anything specifically about the one where the students were taken, Happy Haven."
"That seventh year Jared Wynbourne might know. He helped with the planning for the rescue there."
"Jared's rather nice."
"How do you know?"
"First year, at Fall Festival, Jared invited me on the Magic Carpet ride with him, Alanna Beck, and Sage Porter. They were all very nice to me."
"So, you can ask him what he knows."
"First let's look on the plaques in the main hall. There might be somethere there."
"I hadn't thought of that! This is very depressing to talk about at what's supposed to be a festive occassion."
"Let's talk about something else then."
"Emry Fest! You are meeting me there, right?"
"I didn't tell you? My sister is going and she said she'd bring me with her so I can meet up with you."
"And you'll come home with me after? Mum's said you're welcome to."
"I don't see why I couldn't, but I'd best ask anyway. Fionna's going to take me one of her trips. She said I could invited someone. Do you think you'd like to?"
"Pass the peas, please. What's the trip? Some of those Terrortours are frightful I hear."
"I'm not sure yet. She mentioned A-Mazing Minotaur Encounter, which means going to Crete, but said there's a possibility it would be Bermuda Triangle cruise or a new one called Mummy Mayhem. That one's in Egypt."
"Get me the dates and I'll see what Mum says."
The two girls continue chatting away while tasting one dish after another, both making sure not to get so stuffed that there's no room for any of the sure to be scrumptious desserts.
Difficulty In Concentrating
Author: Declan
Date: 05-13-09 17:35
"... invited to visit Washington D.C. by a Muggle born friend. She's going to show me some of the famous Muggle sites there. What about you, Declan?"
Declan catches the last part of what Kissy was saying but not the first part. Instead of asking her to repeat what he missed he takes a guess at what she's asking based on what did filter into his preoccupied mind.
"See some family and friends; take in a couple of historical sites."
"Which ones?" AJ Hodfuffer asks from where he's sitting on Kissy's other side.
"I haven't decided. I've a long list I made years ago that oddly doesn't seem to be getting any shorter. That could be because I keep adding to it. Do you have plans, AJ?"
"Write, but I'm always doing that. I do have a deadline to meet with my publisher but with school over and grades done I can concentrate more on the novel. I've also got a number of relatives and friends who were either in prison camps or in hiding that I want to spend time with now that things have changed for the better."
Declan's finding it extremely difficult to pay attention to Kissy and AJ. His thoughts keep wandering and his eyes don't want to stay focused on his two colleagues whom he now thinks of as friends. Increasingly all day Declan's been finding it nearly impossibly to get one thing - or rather, one person - out of his thoughts. At war with those thoughts are ones telling him how wrong he is for thinking what he's been thinking.
What's wrong with him?
She's sixteen at most. One of his students.
Gaze falling for the millionth time tonight on Zabrynna Ravensdale, Declan has a very good supposition as to what's wrong with him. Worse, he can't seem to find the energy to care just how wrong it all is.
AJ asking him something else forces Declan to pull his attention off Zabrynna so that he can come up with some semblance of a reply.
Ice Cream
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 05-14-09 19:23
"Pig."
Bronwyn's gaze shifted from the seven scoop high ice cream cone Toby carried into the back yard to his grinning face. She stuck her tongue out at him before licking her own modest two scoops.
"Oink oink," he responded, sitting down in the empty lawn chair between his wife and his brother-in-law Siegfried. "Seven different flavors to enjoy on a warm night such as this one. What could be better than that?"
"I fully expect some of that to fall off the cone and onto your shirt," Bronwyn replied.
Beside her, Desi smirked. It was the first time since reuniting with Bronwyn that she'd come to the Dewhurst family home in London. Bronwyn wasn't sure, but she figured Desi had needed time to build up the willpower to come face to face with the man who'd impregnated her mother. Bronwyn had been somewhat nervous about that first meeting, since Desi had gotten pretty strong since becoming the American version of an auror and she'd imagined quite clearly Desi slugging Wotan the moment she saw him. But that hadn't happened. Desi had been courteous, if not a little quiet. After all, what did one say to the man who'd had an accidental affair with her mother?
Wotan had been extra polite with Desi. He'd known since the very beginning that he'd made a colossal mistake, one he could never take back. All he could do was try to make amends with everyone his bad choice had affected. As part of his desire to smooth things over with Desi, he'd learned from Bronwyn what Desi liked to eat and cooked dinner earlier that evening. Currently, he poured over blueprints on his drafting table while the younger wizards all sat outside in the dark.
The atmosphere was a happy one, despite the fact that there were still two missing persons among their families––Wesley Diamond and Aemilia Dewhurst. Desi also still hadn't found the courage to go see Bianca at the hospital, and since it was scary Bianca involved, Bronwyn hadn't been too pushy on the issue.
Toby had tried out for several Quidditch teams and been recruited to the Falmouth Falcons. He'd already been going to practices and looked forward to the start of the Quidditch season. He'd sold the flat in Brisbane, and though he one day wanted to find a new place for himself and Bronwyn, he knew that as long as her mother was missing, she'd want to stay close to her father. He didn't mind in the slightest.
Meanwhile, Siegfried had gotten his job back at Quidditch Illustrated. He'd debated whether to do so at all, since they'd summarily ejected him from the premises as soon as the pureblood movement started. Some of the individuals behind his removal weren't working for the magazine anymore, though, and many of those who'd remained employees at the sports magazine felt guilty or sorry about what had happened to Siegfried and the so many others like him. What sealed the deal for him was his love for the job and a slight pay raise.
Bronwyn had finally finalized the schedule for Emrys Fest. She absolutely couldn't wait for the show. Though it would be small in comparison to past concerts, it would still be pretty fantastic considering everything that had happened over the last year or more. She hoped that Sebastian and Arlington would be able to make it, but she hadn't received confirmation from either one yet.
Splat.
Toby's layered ice cream cone tumbled onto his shirt, just as Bronwyn predicted.
"Told ya so."
Late Night Conversation
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 05-14-09 21:08
I had spent a nice evening at the Dewhurst place. Wotan had gone out of his way to make me feel as comfortable and welcome as possible. He even somehow managed to find out my favorite food. Although, I think Bronwyn might have told him.
Bronwyn seemed nervous about me coming over and spending time with her family. She wouldn’t admit it of course, and it wasn’t something she projected, but I could tell. She wasn’t sure what I would do when I met her father. Of course I didn’t do anything other then what a polite guest was expected to do.
The evening started to wind down when ice cream came out. Toby decided to go the extra mile and take 7 scoops. I took only one. Wotan decided to go work on some plans. While Bronwyn and Toby were distracted with one another, I decided to slip off. I had to talk to Wotan in private. Bronwyn had been watching like either a hawk or mother hen all night and I couldn’t really talk to Wotan alone.
I found Wotan at his drafting table, deeply involved in the blueprints in front of him. I stood several feet behind him. I managed to finish my ice cream quietly. A few moments afterwards, Wotan turned and jumped in his seat.
“Desdemona!” he stood, “I didn’t realize you were here. Did you want anything?”
I smiled and held up a hand, “No thanks,” I put my hand down, “You can call me Desi. I just came to talk.” Wotan looked nervous when I said that.
“What about?” he asked, hoping it was something other then the obvious.
“You know what about,” I told him.
“Oh...”
“You should know from Bron that I hate dancing around stuff. Lets get everything out in the open. We know what happened and that it was an accident. I’m going to be honest. When I found out I was upset, and pissed off at you,” Wotan seemed to drop a little, “After thinking long and hard I decided that it was an honest mistake and not to hate you in any way.” Wotan seemed to perk up a bit right then.
“I know this is a strange way of looking at it, but hell, I’m getting a brother out of the whole thing. Never had one before. And since my brother-to-be is your son, that means you’re my second dad.” Wotan looked at me a little confused. I crossed my arms.
“I told you, I have a strange way of looking at it. We’re family. Get used to it, Dad.”