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Dinner And Cards
Author: Brett Kingston
Date: 10-10-07 15:58
Brett walks out of the kitchen carrying more butterbeer. He passes them around to Australia, Ginny, and Yuri, keeping one for himself as he retakes his seat. "Oh, forgot to ask, does anyone want dessert yet?"
"What have you got?" Aussie inquires.
"Even though your birthday is three days away, I got a small birthday cake from Briar's after you and Yuri said yes to my suggestion on getting together tonight."
Ginny, who'd been intently studying the cards in her hand, looks up, "A slice of cake sounds good, especially with it being one Briar made."
Brett gets up with Ginny putting her cards face down to get up and help. Brett carries in the cake with Ginny following with plates and forks. Brett tells them, "I've got ice cream too if anyone wants."
A few minutes later their card game resumes with everyone now having a plate with cake and ice cream along with their butterbeers. Aussie looks at the cards played, pulls one out of her hand and throws it on the table asking, "What do you hear from Orei, Brett?"
"There's some ball tonight with two bands playing. Fall Ball."
"Let me guess," Ginny says. "For purebloods only."
"You would be correct," Brett confirms. "Big fancy feast, music, formal dress suggested and it's all in that new common room for purebloods only."
"I'm so glad I'm not at Hogwarts now," Ginny states. "St. Emrys is getting to be bad enough."
Yuri pauses in take a drink of butter. "Brett told us how some people are wearing purple ribbons on their hems."
Ginny nods, "It's so very stupid. There is no rule at university about showing blood status but some are doing it anyway. For some it's almost like a joke."
Brett snorts, "For some it's to look like part of the in crowd, that crowd being those in the know, in the Ministry's pocket. Cecily has taken to wearing a purple ribbon."
"You're still seeing her?" Yuri asks.
"Not by choice."
"Her purple ribbon wearing is probably because of her husband," Aussie half asks, half states.
"I think so," Ginny answers, throwing a card on the table then pulling all four of them to her. She studies her hand then selects another card and puts it out before saying, "I did think you had cut her off, Brett."
"No, not really. I've told her several times I didn't want to be best friends with her and she should stop dropping by unannounced. I haven't, however, out and out told her we are not friends and never to come by."
"Feeling sorry for her, are you?" his sister dryly asks.
"Yeah. With her no longer trying to get me to date her and being clingy and possessive and jealous of any female I speak with, she seems sad and pathetic to me. Every time I think about telling her to stop bothering me altogether I start feeling guilty and can't stop thinking about how sad and pathetic she really is and how much she needs a friend."
Aussie reaches over and pats Brett's hand. "You're too nice of a guy, brother dear. Now," her tone turns to one of jest, "if you made me supper and got me a birthday cake, where's my wrapped present?"
Talking to Marzi
Author: Illyria
Date: 10-10-07 19:27
Illyria sat in the Great Hall next to Marzi and tried not to look too disappointed or disgruntled over the fact that one again, Professor Snider had intentionally sought to put down the nons while doing something extra-special for the pures. There wasn't anything wrong with the meal in the Great Hall. Nothing Illyria had ever eaten at Hogwarts had tasted unpleasant. It was just that knowing the pures were getting so much more broke her heart––not for herself, but for the poor students stuck listening to Hagrid play the spoons.
He was, at least, enjoying himself. Hagrid had a broad smile that everyone could see, even with the bushy beard covering half his face. He played so intently, it was as if he were performing a solo accompanied by a full symphony orchestra. He made enough noise to make it seem as if there was more than just one person playing, too!
Illyria could feel the beginnings of a headache coming on, but she tried not to grimace openly. She would just have to remember to take a potion for it later.
"I wish we could do something," Marzipan murmured.
"Me too," Illyria replied, "but we're all stuck. If we all rose against Snider, we'd get squashed in a heartbeat. She has the Ministry behind her."
"There's something I've been wondering for a little while now," Marzi said, poking at her food with her fork. "What if she has us all fired, even the pures specifically hired for the big change––I mean only those who don't exactly side with her. There are plenty of people who openly support the changes now that they aren't so new anymore. I bet the Minister and Snider would have no problem whatsoever finding replacements for us non-believers."
"I hope it doesn't come down to that," Illyria said, "but now that you mention it, I can actually see that happening."
"What will you do if it does?"
Illyria honestly didn't know. "I probably can't go back to the Ministry."
"We're both purebloods––"
"But we don't support the current government," Illyria said. "I mean, we're not open about our feelings. We'd be stupid to say so aloud, but if it comes down to it, what are you going to tell Snider?"
"I bet that's the next thing. Her sitting us down in her office for a little chat to see where our loyalties lie." Marzi shook her head, glad the noise of Hagrid's playing was drowning out their conversation so that only they could hear each other and not be overheard by an unwanted third party. "To save my skin, I could lie to her face, but only if she doesn't use veritaserum on me first."
"I wouldn't put it past her," Illryia answered.
Hagrid put on a grand finale to his current song and then paused dramatically. No one clapped at first, but then Illyria, Marzi, and a few others put their hands together and started applauding, until the whole Great Hall rang out with claps, cheers and whistles.
Thinking
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 10-11-07 19:37
Fritz has eaten his fill of supper and thinks about heading back to the Ravenclaw common room with Coco, though the so-called "feast" is hardly over yet. Hagrid is still happily making music, if one could call it that, and most everyone else is trying to make the most of what ought to be a very depressing evening. Everyone in the Great Hall knows something bigger and better is happening in the pureblood only common common room. It's not fair that the "nons" are being left out, again, but what can they do but try to keep their chins held high? Better that than whine and sulk all day.
Every once in a while, one of them comes in to check on things in the Great Hall. Mainly it's been Yaxley patrolling, but occasionally one of the Hogwarts house elf spies wanders in to report back to mistress and master. The nons and their staff have come to identify some of those watching them, though they know there are probably plenty more they haven't yet caught on to yet. That's why it's so important to keep one's thoughts to oneself these days, though Fritz won't put it past Snider to start placing mind-readers in the castle.
He actually read about something called legilimancy in a book he picked up at the library. It probably wouldn't be such a bad thing to learn how to prevent someone from reading his thoughts, especially when he has plenty of thoughts against the administration these days. He just doesn't know if he could learn more about it from just reading books on the subject, or if he needs tutoring from someone who actually knows how to do it. Then the question is, who knows anything about legilimancy at Hogwarts? He supposes he ought to ask Professor Isuki, his Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
Preventing someone from reading his mind won't help any if someone uses a truth serum on him, though. He knows from Potions class that there are ways to resist its effects, but it's not something everyone can do. Just another thing to put on his to-do list, in terms of things he probably should learn to get through life these days. He'll consider asking Snape for advice on the matter in class next week.
At least there's one thing he doesn't have to worry much over. He got his wand registered last week, though the letter from his parents with the requisite funds arrived almost too late. Fritz would have hated to have gotten his wand taken away from him!
Fritz decides he might as well help himself to more dessert. He cuts himself a slice of pumpkin pie and offers to cut one for Coco as well, but she politely declines. They talk quietly to each other, occasionally pausing to watch Hagrid's performance.
Hiding Out (AJ)
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 10-12-07 20:24
"You hide out down here way too often," Kissy says from the foot of the stairs.
"Do I?" AJ asks without looking up.
"You're only in your office duriing your posted hours. You're only in your classroom just before, during, and just after your classes. You are rarely ever in your quarters and you don't often leave school grounds. You are here. So yes, you spend way too much time down here," Kissy replies.
AJ, still not looking up, shrugs slightly. "This room feels very inviting to me. I'm comfortable and get more work done when I'm here than when I'm somewhere else."
"What are you working on now?"
"Writing out a passing, in runes of course, for my 7th years to translate Monday for an exam. Why aren't you at supper?"
"I was but it wasn't much of a feast and I was not about to go to the other feast. Since you never came to eat I brought you a plate. It's a variety from the Great Hall. I didn't think you'd want the other."
"Thanks, and you are correct." AJ looks up for the first time and the aroma coming from the covered plate Kissy carries reaches his nose. His stomach rumbles in response. "Wow, I didn't even know I was hungry until now. Thanks again!"
Kissy positions a chair to sit down opposite AJ. "I know you say you are more productive here but is part of your hiding out in this secret chamber to get away from Snider."
"Maybe partly. She doesn't seek me out or anything like that but when our paths do cross she gets positively creepy, telling me over and over what a big fan of my novels she is. Yaxley still giving you a hard time?"
"Sometimes. He keeps pressing for what he calls the next date and what I think of as the next session of pure torture. He wanted me to spend time with him at that other feast tonight. Dance one dance with him. Wait for him between his rounds of patrolling."
"Seeing as how you're here, I'm thinking I'm correct in presuming you told him no about the one dance and waiting around for him."
"He's pressured me three times now into going on a date with him. I'm really not wanting there to be a fourth time. I'm seriously thinking about telling him my friendship with Kazuo has grown into something more than that."
"Kazuo? You've seen him recently?"
"No, it's been several weeks but Yaxley doesn't have to know that."
"You could always tell him you and I have reconnected. Would that be easier?"
"Seriously? You'd do that for me?"
"What are friends for?"
"I don't want to take advantage of you and your friendship like that."
"But you would Kazuo?"
"When you put it that way, I suppose no. I wasn't thinking of it with him as taking advantage since I wasn't thinking to actually speak to him about it; but you're right. It would be. You're sure you don't mind if I tell him we're dating again?"
"Nope. Sort of like the thought of irking that bastard."
"Then consider us on again. Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet. I'm going to think of some really big way you can repay the favor," AJ chuckles.
Kissy grins in return. "If this gets Yaxley to back off, then nothing is too big to return the favor."
Leaving Early
Author: Marzipan
Date: 10-12-07 20:41
Although the meal didn't yet seem over, according to Hagrid's continued musical interlude, Marzi felt tired and wanted to turn in early. She excused herself from Illyria's company and retired to her quarters, where she poured herself a glass of wine and settled onto her sofa after kicking off her shoes. She'd drunk half the glass when she heard a tapping at her window. Marzi turned her head and saw an owl hovering behind the glass. It carried a small scroll in one of its talons.
Marzi set the wine glass aside and got up to admit the owl. It deposited the scroll in her open hand and flew straight to the plate of day-old crackers Marzi had snacked on earlier in the morning. The owl didn't seem to mind that they were stale. It ate its fill and then flew out the open window, not expecting a reply. Marzi had read the note in the meantime and shut the window quickly to prevent more cold air from coming into the room.
Meet me at the Hog's Head - W
Marzi brightened. She hadn't seen Weston all week. He'd been busy at the Ministry while she'd been busy at Hogwarts. She put her shoes back on, checked her make-up and hair, and then left her quarters and the castle for Hogsmeade. She wore a cloak to protect herself from the cold, but even the brief walk from the castle to the pub chilled her to the bone.
It was warm and toasty inside the pub. Weston was by the bar, nursing a whisky glass. He looked over when the door opened and smiled, rising from his seat.
Marzi hurried over and went into his arms. "Hi, she said breathlessly, kissing him.
"Hi," he said, pulling out a barstool for her. She sat down and then he sat down next to her.
"I'm glad you asked me to meet you here. I could use a moment outside the castle."
"That bad is it? What will you have?"
"At times, yes, and I'll have whatever you're having."
The barman poured Marzi a drink.
"Do you have to go back tonight?" Weston asked, grinning impishly at Marzi.
"Whatever did you have in mind, Weston?" Marzi asked innocently.
"Oh, I don't know. There's an inn down the street..."
"Hmm... it's awfully tempting..."
"Will it take another drink to get you to say yes?" Weston asked, laughing.
Marzi giggled. "No, just let me finish this and then I'm all yours."
Present
Author: Severus Snape
Date: 10-13-07 19:31
If it hadn't been for Minerva's subtle urge for Snape to attend the feast, or whatever one might call the disappointing evening, he would have been elsewhere––savoring a glass of wine in his rooms, working on a difficult potion in his classroom, even marking homework assignments in his office––anywhere but in the ever increasingly depressing Great Hall.
His argument to Minerva hadn't been any of those options, however. He told her he would much rather be out in the field, doing something for the Order. It chafed him to no end that recently incarcerated prisoners of Azkaban, convicted Death Eaters, now walked free. He couldn't even begin to describe how he felt knowing that Bellatrix Lestrange had been pardoned for every crime she'd ever committed and likely ever would commit in the future. He didn't doubt she'd already maimed and or killed someone since her new exonerated status.
But in the end, Minerva had pointed out that they needed to be there for the students. After all, how would they feel if not even their professors were there to suffer with them?
Snape by all means had no soft place in his heart for any of them, but he conceded to Minerva's wishes and sat through the entire evening meal––even when he wanted to stuff his wand through both his ears so that he wouldn't have to listen to Hagrid's so-called musical performance any longer.
At last, he couldn't take it anymore and rose from his seat. He passed behind Hagrid and gently laid a hand on the half-giant's shoulder.
Hagrid immediately ceased playing and looked up at Snape. "Gone overboard, 'ave I Severus?"
"It is getting late, Hagrid. The students ought to return to their common rooms." He looked out at the sea of faces and noted with satisfaction that enough were yawning to make Hagrid notice that Snape was right.
"Well, then I guess tha's it fer tonight. Hope yeh enjoyed it, children."
There was a small smattering of applause, and a good number of the kids and staff started to get up and leave the Great Hall. Snape lingered a brief moment before exiting for the dungeons.
Something Better Than A Supposed Feast
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 10-14-07 00:04
The quad of first years had decided, collectively, that they would not be attending the poor excuse for a Fall Ball feast or what have you that was in the Great Hall tonight. None of them seemed to mind that they couldn't go to see the bands playing tonight either. They were currently sipping hot chocolate that Dobby had brought them in front of the fire in the Gryffindor Common Room. The sun had long set and the flames of the fire cast dancing shadows over the commons in conjunction with the lighting already there. They'd spent the day playing wizard's chess, walking out in the chilly autumn air, and even doing homework and found the day to be quite enjoyable.
"Well, this was definitely a good idea, and the perfect way to spend the day." Isma said as she reclined against the couch cushions and sipped her hot chocolate. "Thankfully the term is almost over and we can go home for a little while."
"As if home could be much better. Though, there will be more freedom being back home. I know Mum and Dad are anxious for me to come home for a little while." 'Della said sighing softly, knowing that there had been a lot of tension between her parents because of her grandparents insisting that they get a divorce or sign 'Della over to them so that she can get the privileges she deserves for bearing the family name.
"I am just looking forward to spending some time away from the stress here and getting to see Charlie again." Isma said, and cast her gaze toward the flames flickering in the hearth.
"It's getting late. We should probably turn in. Though, I do want to play another game of wizard's chess before we go. The pures will be heading in soon, unless Hairy the Snide gave them clearance to be out until well after their already set, 10 pm curfew." Blake said, shifting lightly and slipping from between 'Della and Isma and making his way over to one of the tables. "Anyone want to play?"
'Della hopped up and headed over. "I'll play." The two started their game leaving Isma and Eric sitting on the couch.
"I think I might head to bed. Am not really looking forward to hearing the pures gloating about seeing the concert tonight and how good the food was in the Pures only commons." Isma said, pushing herself up and leaving her empty mug on the side table and headed toward her dorm room, knowing 'Della would be in eventually when her game with Blake was done or she was sent to bed because of some unreasonable curfew or quite simply because she was a non.
Boycotting the Fall Ball
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 10-14-07 00:20
Orei would really much rather be at the concert, but she'd really much rather be at the concert with -all- Hogwarts students in attendance not just those that the Ministry and Snider and Yaxley find to be better simply because they are pure blooded. That and Brett couldn't be there, so what enjoyment truly was there for her to have? Listening to the snobbish Pures gloating that they are having a fantastic feast while the nons are stuck in the Great Hall listening to Hagrid play the spoons (Which Orei is certain he is good at), and eating nothing more than fare that is served at a regular meal?
She needed to remember on the first to bring Aussie's birthday gift with her when she headed into Hogsmeade to meet up with Brett (it would be a little late, but she wanted to deliver it personally). She'd gotten Aussie some items from the Quidditch World Cup from the Ireland National Team, Aidan had sent them to her after he and Troy had returned home after giving Orei and the rest of the Gryffindor House team a few tips. Orei was going to have a brief workshop with Aidan over winter break to help improve her position as seeker, since it is a position she is new at playing.
For now, instead of joining the rest of the pures, or even the nons, Orei had retreated to the library. She was only a sixth year, but she was still in her NEWT classes and she would need to begin buckling down and working on improving her marks in a couple of classes and since she intended on enjoying at least a portion of her summer break, she could at least begin buckling down during the school year before the start of next fall came and she was going to be stressed beyond belief.
Bambi came over at about nine thirty and gave a thirty minute warning and handed Orei her required pass, though Orei doubted she'd need it because there would be pures coming back from the Pures Only Common Commons when the "Fall Ball" let out. Pushing her hand through her hair, she would gather up her books, those that she'd checked out as well being tucked in her bag. "Good night." She said to the librarian and the house elves, casting a dubious glance over Jelly before she exited the library and headed toward the portrait of the Fat Lady, offering the password for the week, liripip, the portrait swung wide and Orei ducked into the warmth of the commons.
"Dobby." She called the house elf, who appeared with a pop. "Mug of hot tea please?" "As Mistress wishes." With that he vanished again, returning several moments later with a mug of steaming tea with sugar just like Orei preferred it on a chilly day. Mug in hand she headed up the stairs to her room, and dropped her bag on the trunk at the foot of her bed and shrugged out of her robes and into her pajamas and settled in with a quill to write a quick owl to Brett to send in the morning, reminding him that the next Hogsmeade trip was going to be on the first of December. That done, attention turned to the assignment for herbology due Monday.