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Good Food
Author: Finley
Date: 08-28-14 16:58
Like all the other Gryffindors, Finley felt a bit down about earning last place in the race for the House Cup. It was one thing not to win, but it was quite another to be the absolute worst. Phoebus, equally disappointed, at least could see on the bright side of things. After all, they had six more tries to improve.
As with every Hogwarts feast they had attended since the Start of Term Feast on the first of September, Finley and Phoebus found every dish positively divine. They ate a little bit of everything, but not too much because neither wanted to miss out on dessert. Finley steadily worked her way through a glistening turkey leg, while Phoebus ate mashed potatoes so creamy and good, he moaned with every bite.
"Maybe," he said, after swallowing a mouthful of food, "you can sneak a house-elf into the orphanage so that all your meals there are this good."
"No meal can ever be this good," Finley said. "I also don't think a house-elf can work in the kitchen undetected. What would the cook think?"
"House-elves are sneaky. They can hide and improve on whatever the cook makes when her back is turned."
"Our main cook is a man," Finley said, "but I still don't think that would work."
"I know!" Phoebus exclaimed. "The house-elf can masquerade as an orphan."
"Now I know you're joking."
"Just think about it. House-elves are small and childlike, and it would make sense for one to pass as a really ugly orphan nobody wants to adopt."
"That's terrible."
Phoebus thought for a moment and then said, "You're right. But it's too bad it wouldn't work."
"We're not allowed to work in the kitchen anyway. Child labor laws and all that."
"I guess you're stuck eating boring orphanage food till the next Hogwarts feast, then," Phoebus said a bit sadly.
"Unless we meet up during the summer," Finley said. "That's still the plan, isn't it?"
"Yes, that's still the plan." Phoebus put down his fork and rubbed his full belly. "I can't believe we got through our first year."
"I know," Finley said. "It was a pretty great year."
One thing was for sure: never in her life had she been happier than her time at Hogwarts.
Would Have Won (Mason)
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 08-28-14 18:03
Grumbling once again about Slytherin coming in second Boris starts on his second round of favorite dishes. "If we'd been allowed to play for the Quidditch Cup instead of Hufflepuff, we might have won the House Cup as well."
"We would have had to win that match."
Too busy with selecting dishes to add to the growing mound on his plate Boris ask Mason, "So? We would have. We'd done it once already."
"Doesn't matter what we'd done in another match. All that would have mattered is that specific match."
"If what was done in another match doesn't matter, they why was Hufflepuff allowed to play for the championship and not us."
Mason shrugs. "I don't know why they decided as they did instead of letting us play for it."
"That's a case of what happened in another match mattering."
"Yeah, but what I meant is that the game play itself can be so different from one match to the next even if all the players are exactly the same. You know how it is. One day we go out to play and you can do no wrong. No mistakes. Everything is spot on. Another time, you can't catch the quaffle for shite, timing is constantly off. It seems like you're a bludger magnet."
"I see your point," Boris concedes.
Mason grins at his friend. "We definitely would have won the Quidditch Cup if we'd been allowed to play."
Boris returns Mason's grin and as they both continue enjoying all the food of the End of Term Feast, their talk turns from the Quidditch Cup to attending Quidditch Con this summer.
At the Feast
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 08-29-14 10:35
The environment at the Slytherin table was a bit awkward. Gus chewed his food in silence, adding spoons and spoons of gravy to his meat at a time. By now he would have already made an angry speech about how unfair it has been that their house hasn't been allowed to play the Championship Cup, or even gloating about how Slytherin had ended up in the second place, above Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. He would also call the Ravenclaw students a bunch of nerds and try to make their victory seem less important that it really really was.
Felicia had her eyes red from crying. While they were getting ready for the feast she had some sort of meltdown in the dormitory. This would be Baltus' last hours at the school and next year she wouldn't have her boyfriend around. She was very afraid that in his new life outside Hogwarts, Baltus decided he had no room for Felicia and he would break things up with her. Johanna tried to console Felicia saying that she was sure Baltus loved her and that just because he wouldn't be back to the castle next year and he would see her fewer times it didn't mean he wouldn't stop liking her.
Now Felicia had recovered part of her good disposition but she still didn't seem like her old self, trying to steal kisses from her boyfriend whenever she could. Instead she seemed in a semi state of apathy. Johanna noticed the way Baltus was holding Felicia's hand under the table, as if assuring her that he was not going anywhere.
Then Johanna decided to ask Gus what was going on with him.
"Nothing. I'm fine," he replied in harsh tone. "I'm just trying to enjoy my meal."
"It's his mother," Taran revealed. Johanna hadn't realized her ex-boyfriend was seated next to them. "She got herself a new boyfriend."
"Shut up Tremaine!" Gus barked. "And if I see you going over my stuff again I'll make you regret it!"
"Hey, the letter was over my bed, wide open. If it was private then you should have kept it elsewhere. Who told you could scatter your things on my bed while you were packing? It's not my fault that I needed something from my bedside table and I had happened to set my eyes at it. You should have seen the dorm's state Johanna: his belongings were all spread around the dorm. Ash should win an award, because he was the only one who didn't complain about Gus' mess. That guy has the patience of a saint."
Gus didn't reply but Johanna could tell he was angry by the expression in his face. Maybe if they weren't at the Great Hall with all the teachers just a few meters away from them at the High Table, she would bet Gus would not remain quiet and he would answer to Taran. Maybe he would use his fits too and Johanna knew it wouldn't be because of Taran reading his mother's letter but because Katrina Van Tassel had a new boyfriend. Since his parents' divorce Gus had become the only man of his mother's life as well as the man of the house. This new boyfriend was threat to his world.
Johanna served herself with some more pumpkin juice and she decided to focus on herself for the rest of the feast. She would have time to worry about Gus and Felicia later. Now she should just enjoy the delicious food at peace. She contemplated the night sky reflected on the enchanted ceiling, as she took the goblet to her lips. She was excited about her internship at the Royal Museum of Magic and she couldn't wait to get start. Hopefully this would be her first step into a brilliant career in the History of Magic field, her passion since she was young.
But Johanna also hoped she would be given the day off during the St. Emrys Fest day. She really wanted to attend the event with her friends. Her eyes moved to the Ravenclaw table, where she found Roger goofing around with her friends, including Joanna Porter, Gus' ex-girlfriend, and Donald Li, who Johanna just couldn't stand for some reason. She still wasn't sure if she wanted to accept Roger's invitation to hang out with him at the fest.
She looked away and placed the goblet on the table. She still had some time to make a decision about it and she wasn't going to spoil this splendid feast thinking about a possible date with Roger Gesner.
Meeting Astrid and Axel
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 08-29-14 17:21
Lysander and Charlotte arrived at the Crown & Cauldron to meet Astrid and Axel. They had gone out to dinner only one other time, the night after Lysander and Astrid had bumped into each other after their lengthly separation. Lysander would have preferred an earlier meeting, if only so he could put Charlotte to bed at her normal time. Charlotte had insisted she was a big girl, however, and that she could stay up later at least sometimes, like on New Year's Eve, which also happened to be her birthday.
Lysander planned on being back home well before midnight tonight. He spoke to the hostess, who led them to a table in the garden area, where Astrid and Axel were already seated. Both got up to greet the newcomers.
"Are you glad school is out for the summer?" Astrid asked Charlotte.
Charlotte nodded and primly spread her napkin over her lap. "Yes, but I like school."
She liked school now more than ever because of having gone without any sort of education while in Aralyn's care. Charlotte was a quick study, but sometimes she still felt as if she didn't know as much as her peers. It was discouraging at times, but then she had her dad, Uncle Julian, Aunt Briar, and Grace to help her with her homework whenever she needed it. If Caerwyn were home during the school year, then he would probably help her too.
"How is your work going?" Lysander asked Axel.
"Very well, thank you." He had just started as the manager at Tomes and Scrolls. It both was and wasn't competition for Twice Told Tales, being another bookstore in the village, but one that didn't sell used or vintage books. "Heathcote Barnaby just agreed to do a book signing to promote his new autobiography, I've Got Rhythm (Guitar). It's sure to be a bestseller."
"When's that due out?"
"The week before Emrys Fest at the university," Axel said in his Swedish accent.
"Will you attend?" Astrid asked.
"We might," Lysander replied. "It depends on what else is going on."
"I want to see The Kneazles and The Broomstick Boys," Charlotte put in.
"Who's your favorite member of the Broomstick Boys?" asked Astrid.
"Darion Buttermaker."
"How come?"
"Because he has yellow hair."
Astrid laughed and turned to Lysander. "Watch out. Looks like she has a thing for blonds."
Lysander wasn't ready to think about his daughter noticing members of the opposite sex in the slightest way. He changed the subject and asked, "How goes the wedding planning?"
"Oh, it's going fine!" Astrid exclaimed. "Actually, that's why I asked you both here tonight. I wanted to ask Charlotte a question, with your permission of course, Lysander."
Lysander didn't give a verbal answer, but he inclined his head ever so slightly for her to go on.
"Charlotte, I was wondering if you would be the flower girl in my wedding. You see, I don't have any younger sisters or cousins, and none of my friends have little girls. Axel doesn't have any little girls on his side of the family either. Do you think you would like to be our flower girl?"
Charlotte's eyes got big and a smile spread across her face. "Do I get a pretty dress?"
"Of course!"
She nodded. "Yes, I'll be your flower girl!" She turned to Lysander. "Daddy, can I?"
Lysander asked, "Remind me again the date?"
"August 30th."
He nodded slowly. "I can't think of any prior engagement then. Yes, Charlotte, you can be the flower girl if that's what you want."
"I want."
Astrid squealed. "Yay! I'm so happy."
Charlotte was too and wanted to know all about her dress and what kinds of flower petals she'd get to throw at the wedding. Lysander sat back and listened to his daughter chatter, glad to see her so happy.
The Good Food
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 08-29-14 19:43
Leaning closer to Drucilla Sirius asks, "How are you?"
"I'm still good," Dru answers with a smile.
"Not too tired?"
"Not yet. Now stop acting like I'm giving birth any second now."
Mindful of the hall full of students Sirius curbs the impulse to lean in even closer for a quick kiss. Instead, he makes do with giving her hand a squeeze. "Sorry. I know I can overdue it."
From behind them a voice interrupts. "Mummy, Daddy, Mira says it's time for the good food."
As it's far easier for Sirius to get up than the eight months pregnant Drucilla, he gets up to see to James, Mira, and Zaria having some of the sweets starting to make an appearance. If Sirius takes too long to respond, Mira will take it upon herself to dole out portions. She wouldn't stop at just herself, her brother, or sister either. Having put herself in charge, Mira would make sure the other children within close proximity received desserts. Mira tends to be extremely generous if left to her own devices when it comes to portion sizes of cakes, pies, tarts, and anything else she deems the good food.
Once he's that's taken care of, at least for the moment, Sirius returns to his seat, deciding he might have one of the many pudding offerings as well. There's a coconut cake that looks particularly tasty. As Dru debates between a mixed fruit tart and a peach trifle, she reaches for one of his hands to place on her belly to feel the baby kicking. Those flutters always bring a smile, just as they did when Dru was expecting the twins and then Zaria.
This baby is so active at times Sirius told Dru he might be one of those Muggle footballers. James and Mira had overhead this remark, prompting them to ask what footballers are. With the help of Harry, Viktor Krum, Aaron Miller, and even Majandra Weasley, the twins have now become fledgling footie players.
When Filius Flitwick expresses an interest in the baby, Dru allows him to also feel the steady kicking. Both his hands free for the moment Sirius gets some of that coconut cake that's caling to him and then decides he wants some chocolate almond pie as well. As he digs his fork into the sweet confections he's under no illusion as to where Mira gets her love of the "good" food.
State of Fine
Author: Errol
Date: 08-30-14 08:50
"You ever decide about St. Emrys?"
Errols eyes go from a cheesecake he's considering trying to roommate William Henshaw sitting directly across from him. "I've applied and have gotten an acceptance letter pending NEWT results. Unless I effed those up I'm in."
Next to him Megara dolefully says, "Getting in and actually going are two different things."
William looks confused. "You mean you applied but don't know if you're going to go?"
"Something like that." Errol doesn't elaborate.
William stares for a moment then shrugs, turning his attention to Alastor Jenkins and a discussion of which St. Emrys Quidditch team is the best. Errol feels Megara steely glare but ignores it, and her, for the moment. They've had several conversations with Megara annoyed over Errol's somewhat vague plans for the coming months once the Muggle Studies Club trip is over. The only firm plan he's given her is that he'll be going home for a short time but will be in England to attend Emrys Fest with her.
Errol helps himself to a sliver of the cheesecake and a little peach and plum crisp. There are enough good desserts within easy reach, not to mention those he'd have to get passed to him, that Errol is trying to do small tastes of as many as he can rather than a heaping helping of one or two. Of course, that he did this during the main part of the feast and continues the small portions now has Megara once again convinced he hardly eats. Even as he dollops the fruit crisp on his plate she gives an exaggerated sigh. "Is that all you're having?"
"I'm having some of everything just like I did with the main course."
"You didn't have some of everything then. You didn't have any of the brussel sprouts."
"I didn't see any brussel sprouts."
"Excuses, excuses."
"You're mad at me because I didn't have any brussel sprouts?"
"Yes, that's it exactly." Her eye roll is so big it's a wonder she doesn't pull a muscle.
"We've been over this, Megara."
"No, we've had snippets of conversation in which you won't say much of anything. Is it really so hard to commit to attending university? By university I mean St. Emrys and not one of those others, which are all surely substandard in their efforts to copy the St. Emrys model."
"Yes."
"Yes, what?"
"Yes, it's hard."
"Why?"
"Because I have no idea what's going to happen this summer."
"What's going to happen is your uncle is going to tell you to come to St. Emrys."
"You don't know that."
"Pleeeaaaase."
"Okay, maybe he will."
"No maybe about it."
"Would it really be so bad if I did go to school somewhere else or did something other than go to school?"
"Yes. Earth shatteringly bad."
"You did fine without me before I came to Hogwarts. You'd do fine without me at St. Emrys."
"This isn't about whether I'll be fine or not. You are the one whose state of fine is in question."
"State of fine?"
Megara makes a face and shoves some pie onto Errol's plate. "Here. Eat some of this. I've hidden the brussel sprouts inside."
Errol does his own eye rolling, glad she's finished harping on this for now, turning her attention instead to ask Catriona Amherst if Christopher and she will be at Emrys Fest.
Listening More Than Talking (Jade)
Author: Emerald Green
Date: 08-30-14 17:55
Looking over all the different desserts Jade mulls over having something more. She's full but not stuffed and everything looks so good. Motioning for someone to pass the sticky toffee pudding she's not yet had tonight Jade turns her head in Penny Puckett's direction when her roommate comments, "You've been quite, Jade."
"Have I? I guess I've just been listening more than talking."
And she has. But Jade has also been thinking that while she enjoys feasts such as this one, with this being Olive's absolute last night as a Hogwarts student, it would have been nice to have the less informal seating usually seen about the Great Hall. Jade would have liked to have spent at least a few minutes sitting with her sister. She KNOWS Olive wouldn't have minded getting to sit with Jill, her only BFF left at Hogwarts.
Coming back in September and not seeing Olive anywhere, not playing against her in Quidditch is going to seem strange for awhile. Also not getting to see many of Olive's matches at St. Emrys is unfortunate. That is if Olive makes a team. There's over Christmas and Easter, if her team has something scheduled then. There's always the WWN but having a television the first half of her life and sporadically since then, Jade thinks she'll always preferred watching a televised sporting event over listening to it on the radio.
Realizing Penny is looking expectantly at her, Jade gets a spoonful of the sticky toffee pudding and asks, "Other than Emrys Fest and Quidditch Con, what summer plans do you have?"
After Penny fills her on a a trip the Pucketts are taking and they discuss meeting up at both the Quidditch convention and the musical festival, pulling Heather Rabnott into the conversation in the process, Jade updates the two of them on Emerald's wedding plans, with a promise that once back in their dorm room, she'll show them the pictures of possible bridesmaid dresses Em's sent the other day.
By the time the feast is winding down, the girls have made plans to meet up other than just at Emrys Fest and Quidditch Con. Once on the train tomorrow, with other friends present in whatever compartment they all share, Jade is sure those plans will be firmed up and expanded on and additional plans made. Though tomorrow means only Hunter and she will still be Hogwarts students and that Olive's moving on to being part of the Auror program at St. Emrys, Jade is excited enough that despite starting to have that full feeling, she's not sure if she'll sleep much tonight. If she can't, she's sure Penny will also be up for a good part of the night so at least she'll have company.