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Chocolates
Author: Wendy Mills
Date: 01-03-14 13:04
"And how are classes going?" Mr. Mills asked his daughter.
Wendy told him about the new plants she had learned at Herbology, the potions she had brewed, how she had managed to transform a beetle into a button on her last Transfiguration class. Then Wendy proudly announced that Professor Somerset, her Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, had awarded five points to her house because she was able to cast the Impediment jinx in perfection.
"Impediment?"
"Yes, dad. I made Andrina fall and everything. It's a spell used to temporally slow your target. We just finished learning all the basics about dueling. Now I'm prepared for any attack."
"An attack, of course..."
Mr. Mills suddenly got pale. The idea of his little girl involved in duels was enough to make him sick. At times the things Wendy told him about Hogwarts preoccupied him, but as they walked at the school grounds filled with other families, most of them dressed in the odd wizard fashion, he noticed no one else seemed that much preoccupied about their children's education. However he still told his wife he would rather have Wendy learn Mathematics and Literature, than Charms or Defense Against the Dark Arts. The name of that subject worried him. Dark Arts sounded too much like a bad omen.
Wendy didn't notice her father's expression and she continued to describe her classes to him. Peter, her older brother, kept quiet. He looked around the school grounds with an obvious look of jealousy in his eyes. He too wanted to be a wizard and perform magic. Wendy always tried to refrain herself from talking about her life at Hogwarts because of Peter, but her mother told her that she had the right to talk to her family about it, especially because of the little opportunities they had to visit her while she was at school.
They were entering the castle, when Mrs. Mills spotted a boy seated at the staircase, watching the crowd. Wendy recognized Titus Nott and his dark eyes were fixated on her and her family. Wendy could see his teasing expression as he studied her parents' clothes. She just wanted to arrive to the Great Hall fast. But Clarisse Mills also noticed the boy's look.
"Is he your friend, Wendy?"
"No. But he's from my year, and we have a few classes together. His name is Titus. He's a Slytherin," Wendy added as if that explained everything about Titus.
"Go and offer him some chocolates. And make sure you invite him to hang out with us. He seems a bit lonely."
"Ugh, now we have to hang out with him? We don't even know him!"
For the first time in a very long time, Wendy found herself agreeing with Peter. She didn't want to hang out with Titus Nott and she didn't want him near her family at all. But when her mother put something in her head it was hard to change her mind and so Wendy had no option but to drag herself all the way to the staircase where Titus was still seated.
"My mother sent you this," she said, putting a few miniature chocolates on his lap.
Titus looked to the strange packages, intrigued.
"They are Muggle chocolates," Wendy explained. "I used to have those at home and my parents bring some to me whenever they visit. I like them better than the chocolate frogs. The Mars one has caramel and nougat, Twix is made of biscuit topped with caramel and coated with milk chocolate. And these are my favourites, the Maltesers: little spheres with a malt honeycomb center, surrounded with milk chocolate."
There was a moment of silence, as Titus picked up the red package containing the Maltesers. It seemed like he was holding a bomb about to explode. Muggle objects of every kind where an enigma for him.
"My parents also invited you to hang out with us, if you're alone, that is…" Wendy added.
Titus looked at the Mills and then back to Wendy.
"Thanks, but I'm actually waiting for a person."
"Oh…right. Then I guess I'll see you later!" perhaps her voice had sounded very enthusiastic but she didn't care.
Wendy walked away feeling very relieved. Titus didn't thank her or her mother, but when she returned to her parents she told them he had expressed his many thanks for the chocolates and the invitation. Mrs. Mill smiled and the Mills continued their way towards the Great Hall, under Titus' attentive look.
Bowling
Author: Illyria
Date: 01-03-14 17:18
Illyria had signed up to work several shifts at the various booths and games at this year's Fall Fair. She was currently in charge of bowling but would soon get a break for lunch. Seventh year student Damian Lampwick let loose the ball, sending it on a direct course for the ten pins lined up at the end of the lane. It met its mark perfectly, knocking over all ten pins and earning him a prize. Damian left the game with a grin on his face.
Illyria flicked her wand at the ball to summon it back to the front of the lane and then again to line up the ten pins again. Winifred Hicks was next in line and accepted the bowling ball from the Astronomy professor. While Winifred eyeballed the pins at the end of the lane, Illyria thought back to the day after she and Nathan met at the same pub where Urania and Gustavo had been out on a date.
Urania had turned up outside her quarters unannounced but not unwelcome. Illyria had let her in, anticipating the topic of conversation but pretending as if her youngest sister visited her unexpectedly all the time.
"Can I get you some tea?" Illyria asked, as she walked into the kitchenette to fix a pot.
"That's fine." Urania followed Illyria to the entry to the kitchenette but hovered in the doorway. For a moment, the sisters were silent, but Urania couldn't keep quiet for very long.
"I know you think I'm mad at you," she said, "but I'm not, and I wasn't last night either. I just wasn't expecting to see you both there, together. It came as a little bit of a shock, and I was worried how Gustavo might react. I'm glad he never noticed you both."
"I don't know why Gustavo should feel concerned about us," Illyria replied, keeping her attention on fixing the tea. "He was never the wronged party."
"I know, but he doesn't feel comfortable about Nathan anymore, and him seeing Nathan there last night would have put a sour note on his evening."
Illyria thought about mentioning how Nathan had felt upon seeing them together last night, but she decided not to. Instead she asked, "So it doesn't bother you to see us together?"
"I would be lying if I said it didn't, but I have no right to forbid you from following your heart, not when I followed mine."
"Are you and Gustavo serious, then?"
Urania smiled for the first time. "Yes. I thought I was happy with Nathan, but I can't even describe how happy Gustavo makes me. And he is Andrew's father…" Urania had a sort of dreamy look in her eyes, but it cleared suddenly and she asked, "What about you and Nathan? Is it serious too?"
"I don't know," Illyria admitted. "We're starting over, taking things slow. I guess we'll see if we're better the second time around."
The noise of the bowling ball striking the pins pulled Illyria from the memory. Winifred had made a split, leaving two pins standing with a gap in between.
"One more try," Illyria said, summoning the ball and handing it back to Winifred. Winifred screwed up her face to think about the best way to throw the ball and allowed Illyria's thoughts to drift to her personal life once more.
She and Nathan were taking things one day at a time. For now, Nathan visiting Hogwarts was off limits, as it was not only Illyria's home but her place of work. Maybe one day, when the scandal of their affair was no longer fresh in the public's memory, would Illyria allow Nathan to visit her at the school. She had no problem meeting him in public places, however, and would continue to do so in Hogsmeade and elsewhere. She just didn't want to create rumors where she was employed and around her students.
Winifred got one of the pins but not the other. She still earned a prize and left the game satisfied though not entirely pleased with her performance. Illyria set up the pins again and then turned to the next student in line for the game.
Fall Fair Fun
Author: Christopher Chant
Date: 01-03-14 20:42
Loraine Abbott accepts three darts from her husband. Edward Abbott reminds, "You have to pop two to beat me."
Loraine smirks, "I believe you said you'd easily get all three."
Edward, looking innocent, explains, "The weights on two of my darts were slightly off."
Devon sniggers. "Sure, Dad."
The darts can be used in one of two ways to pop balloons. One way is the non-magical method of aiming and throwing. The other involves a simple spell. The Abbotts had decided to try the latter first. Edward had playfully bragged that he'd pop three balloons his first attempt but only got one. Loraine takes aim and carefully throws her first dart. It slides across the top of a balloon, creating a screechy sound, but the balloon remains intact.
Loraine's second attempt is much better. A yellow balloon bursts with a loud POP. The third dart successfully strikes a purple balloon dead center. After gloating somewhat to her husband, she steps aside to give Devon room.
The second year makes short work popping a balloon - a green, a blue, and a yellow - with each of her three darts. Devon gives a victorious squeal only to immediately try not to rub besting her parents in their faces. Filius Flitwick, currently overseeing this particular game, awards them each prizes, determined by the number of balloons popped, and congratulates Devon for a job well done.
There are others at the Balloon Pop but there is more than one board with balloons set up and as there isn't a waiting line a grinning Edward asks his wife and daughter, "Again? You have to give me a chance to beat you both."
In the spirit of fun and competition, the Abbott women readily agree. As the "winner" of the first round, Devon goes first this time, picking up a dart and eyeballing a black balloon in the upper left corner.
Outside on the grounds Devon's cousin Christopher walks hand-in-hand with Catriona Amherst. "Sorry for being late," he apologizes for the third time.
"You aren't all that late. It's also not your fault your mum took a tumble. If you'd not gotten her to St. Mungo's, who knows how long it would have taken her on her own."
Christopher's mum, Candice, had slipped in the yard, badly wrenching her knee in the process. Erasmus had left an hour earlier and wasn't due back until sometime in the afternoon. Christopher was getting ready to leave for the Hogwarts Fall Fair to see Cat. If he'd gone out the front door to apparate for Hogsmeade he might not have heard her calling for help but, luckily, he'd stepped into the backyard.
In great pain, Candice wasn't yelling as loudly as she thought she was though she'd not realized that until Christopher asked why she hadn't screamed for help. Candice was adament she had been doing just that only to be told her volume was only slightly higher than conversational level.
Unable to get up on her own, Candice had reached for her wand only to picture it sitting by the sink where'd she'd put it just before stepping outside. Christopher hadn't bothered to retrieve it. Tightly holding on to his mum he'd apparated for St. Mungo's where by another stroke of luck, they arrived at a lull in emergency cases. Candice was seen and treated fairly quickly. Christopher had then taken her back home where she was to rest the injured leg. Making sure Candice had her wand, Christopher finally left for Hogsmeade, though only after repeatedly asking his mother if she was sure she didn't need him to stay.
Though Candice had said she'd be fine until Erasmus got home and encouraged Christopher to have a good time with Cat and not to worry, he does feel somewhat guilty for leaving his mum alone with a knee that needs several hours to fully mend and another day before it will be one hundred percent again.
Sensing his thoughts Cat gives his hand a gentle squeeze. "If you want to be with your mum then go."
"But you and I have so few times this next school year to be together."
"You said she was camped out on the sitting room couch?"
"Yeah."
"If you don't want to leave here, then we can go in the castle in a bit and you can stick your head in the Floo."
"You don't mind?"
By way of answer Cat squeezes his hand again and gives his shoulder a nudge with hers.
He returns the squeeze. "In about an hour?"
"In an hour. In the meantime, I'll beat you at one of the games."
Christopher grins. "You can try to beat me but don't think that just because I love you, I'll let you win."
"I know and that's fine because even if you do win, you know you'll give me whatever the prize is if I want it."
Laughing, they randomly pick one of the nearby games, neither really caring which of them wins so long as they're together and having a good time.
Comforting A Parent
Author: Celeste Quigley
Date: 01-04-14 13:28
Celeste was at the Great Hall speaking with Mrs. Carondolet. Her son Stefan, that was in his first year, seemed somewhat embarrassed at her side. Mrs. Carondolet was expressing to Celeste her concerns about Stefan. She wanted to know if he was adapting well to the school and since he had been sorted into Slytherin, she thought Celeste was the right person to help her. Celeste guessed that the woman probably picked her over Severus because he didn't seem like the type of man who would care much for an eleven year old boy.
"I was terrified, because the castle is so big and there are many students here. Stefan comes from a small town and I couldn't help to be concerned that this would be too much for him."
"He is adapting well," Celeste assured the worried mother. "I believe he already made some friends and none of his teachers had anything bad to say about him."
"Oh good," Mrs. Carondolet replied with a sigh. She seemed more relieved now and she even let young Stefan walk away, towards one of the many activities that were being held at the Great Hall.
"If it makes you feel better, I'll keep an eye on him," Celeste offered. "But I don't think there will any problems."
It wasn't uncommon to receive concerned parents at the school and Celeste was sure she wouldn't be the only one today offering some comfort to a worried mother. Mrs. Carondolet thanked her but she didn't leave. She looked at her son who was now playing bowling with other students. After making sure he was safe she told Celeste:
"I didn't want my Stefan to come to Hogwarts. Not after all those articles that appeared in The Daily Prophet. Some people think they are just a bunch of lies, but there must be some truth on them, or they wouldn't have been published, don't you think?"
"Perhaps. But as you can see by this crowded room there are still many parents who believe Hogwarts is the best place for their children to be educated. Our values and standards have not changed and we keep with our traditions. All the staff is excellent and talented. From the house elves to the Headmistress, our only interest and concern are the students, their well being and safety. The school has excellent installations and conditions for the students to develop their many skills. I do not know what motives Miss Skeeter had to write about the people who work here, but I feel it is very ungrateful of her, after she had been a student here, and called this castle a home. She, above all people, should know the school's values and that one of them, as Albus Dumbledore had taught us, is to give people a second chance. Don't you agree?"
Mrs. Carondolet nodded. Celeste could tell she was ashamed for trying to get some information from her about the school's staff. But hopefully she had learned her lesson and wouldn't do so again.
Searching
Author: Driver Morgan
Date: 01-04-14 16:03
Driver leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. Today had been relatively quiet so far, and the bar didn't open for a few hours. After a long run with the dogs, he spent some time lost in the thoughts about his still missing younger brother. Dexter's disappearance had come as a shock, and after all this time, there were suspicions, random mutterings thrown around about his brother and his wife. Orion had said he had spotted someone who looked like Dex, and Driver was convinced that was him, that his brother was in fact alive. The sighting had opened up even more questions instead of answers, most importantly why wasn't he coming home?
"Someone's got you, Dex, I know it," he said out loud. That's when an encounter with a woman at the bar had reappeared in his head. The moment had been odd, but Driver ignored it as a coincidence. Those question's disappeared the moment the woman had walked out the door with Driver staring after her. Maybe she had done something to keep his suspicions at bay.
Suddenly one of the dogs jumped up in his lap, and they knocked him out of his thoughts and nuzzled his hand for attention. "Hey Helix, we'll go on another run tonight, okay?" He said as he scratched the dog behind his ears. "Where's your brother hiding out?" Helix jumped down, ran to the door that led to the bar and barked.
"Is he down there again? He knows better…" Driver sighed, opened the door and descended the old creaky stairs into the storeroom. "Heist! What are you up to?" The smaller, almost solid black dog with piercing blue eyes was wandering around the bar, almost following some lingering scent. Maybe they knew something he didn't. "Huh. Guys, I need to find Uncle Dexter, and I have some stuff to run by Orion, something I failed to mention." Both dogs stopped, ran over to sit at Driver's feet, which made him smile. "I don't know if Mr. Howell will want you two visiting, but I'll send him a note first, let him know what's up, he may be at the Fall Fair at Hogwarts anyways." He took the dogs back upstairs, and sat down to write a quick letter, which ended up as more of a list of his ideas.
Orion,
I've been going through some ideas lately, and I was hoping we could meet up one evening when we don't have class and chat. I had some concerning thoughts about my brother ever since you spotted him. I've had a few, dreams, so to speak, something is up with him. He looked, dark, like he's working for the bad guys. Not to mention this encounter I had at the bar.
I don't think Dex would just abandon his entire family though, but you never know. Maybe we could get Jefferson Foster involved in this some more too, between the three of us something else might just turn up. I have some interesting thoughts about an area my dogs may be of use too.
Thanks again,
Driver.
Blind Date
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 01-04-14 16:39
After endless pestering from Edith, Catherine, and Isabella, I finally agreed to a Magical Match date. That is why I am standing at the main Hogwarts gates this lovely early November Saturday. The date, someone Catherine alleges is sex god material, has not yet arrived. I'm hoping he's not overly tardy as I'm vair curious to learn why he asked me to meet him in his location.
A scant three minutes pass - I know because I am regularly checking my watch - though standing here alone the time seems closer to half an hour. One of the security personnel at the gates, in place to check the many visitors to Hogwarts because it is, apparently, the annual autumn do, tells me, "You've loitered long enough, miss."
"I'm meeting someone."
"You'll either need to come through this checkpoint or move down the path back towards the village."
I briefly consider flirting to stall for time but a) I am a bit out of practice and b) I am not wearing boy entrancers, which would great aid being out of practice. I opt for an indifferent shrug and start a slow meander away from the gates. That's when Miles Mortimer arrives. "Sorry, sorry. I know I'm only a few minutes past the appointed meeting time but I was unexpectedly delayed." A hand is thrust at me. "Miles Mortimer. A pleasure to meet you."
"Georgia Copperpot." I refrain from indicating the feeling is mutual as I do not yet know if I am pleased to meet Mr. Miles Mortimer or not.
Miles makes a sweeping gesture towards the Hogwarts gates where that one security person is pointedly staring. "Shall we go in?"
"To Hogwarts?"
"Yes, there is a fair of some sort today."
"The annual Fall Fair."
"Yes, I understand there is great amusement to be had."
"At the Fall Fair."
"I am not from the British Isles. The school I attended never held such an event as this. From your Magical Match profile I know you attended Hogwarts. Was the Fall Fair a school function when you matriculated here?"
"It was. Do you have family attending Hogwarts?"
"No, but I am currently renting a room at Hogsmeade and I was informed that village residents are welcome."
"You were correctly informed."
Miles crooks his arm and offers it to me. "Shall we?"
Not exactly what I was expecting on a blind date and there is a chance Sage will be somewhere about but playing the games and enjoying the rides of Fall Fair sounds far more appealing than sitting at a table somewhere exchanging stilted conversation with someone who clearly would have been in my house, Ravenclaw, if he had attended Hogwarts. Also, he is not unfortunate looking so if conversation doesn't work out, he's at least pretty to look at. Taking his arm, we approach the gates to pass through the first security checkpoint. Soon, Miles and I are walking in the direction of the nearest ride as he asks me questions about my days as a Hogwarts students.
McGonagalls at the Fall Fair
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 01-05-14 13:07
Professor McGonagall walked swiftly across the grounds. Although there were outdoor activities to be had at the annual Fall Fair, a good number of students and their guests were in the warmth of the castle. Minerva would be there too, but she had decided to patrol the grounds to witness the goings-on and to meet and greet with anyone she hadn't yet spoken to during the course of the day.
She had kept her eyes peeled for her wayward brother, whose last visit to Hogwarts had put her in a very sour mood. How dare he accuse her for all his troubles! She hadn't been the one to encourage him to support dark wizards, nor did she feel it fair that he blamed her for his childhood jealousies. It couldn't be helped that she had shown magical aptitude so much quicker than he.
Just thinking about Menelaus now dampened Minerva's spirit. She felt the tightness of her features and forced the frown from her face. Professor McGonagall didn't want to put anybody off or make anyone too wary of approaching her, especially not on a day such as the Fall Fair, when the school was flooded with visitors.
She made a more conscious effort to look welcoming while trying to stay warm and she continued her trek across the grounds.
Madoc and Malden, meanwhile, were also on the grounds instead of inside the castle, where the body heat of many was sure to keep the Great Hall, Commons, and other popular hangouts very cozy. With their parents, they stood just outside the stables, where Professor Kent had a number of ponies for guests to brush, feed, and ride.
Madoc and Malden were both pleased to see their families again, even if it hadn't been that long ago when Mr. and Mrs. McGonagall had visited for Homecoming. Only Malden seemed to miss his grandfather's presence, having asked about him often when his parents had first arrived before lunchtime without the elder McGonagall in tow.
Professor Kent handed Madoc a brush, which he used on a white Australian pony. Malden, meanwhile, attended to a fat, British spotted pony that looked almost dalmatian-like, at least in coloring. Every once in a while, Malden glanced over to his older brother to see what he was doing. It was almost as if they were in competition, like they would be next weekend when their Quidditch teams played each other.
Madoc ignored Malden for the most part. If things went as they had last year, then Gryffindor didn't have anything to worry about. If they didn't, then Madoc would be a good sport about it, even though he fully expected Malden to rub the loss in his face.
"Can I ride him?" Malden asked Professor Kent, once he had finished brushing the spotted pony.
"Yes, though I think we will bring them into the stables when you're finished," Professor Kent replied, looking out at the steadily setting sun. With winter fast approaching, the days were getting shorter and shorter. The temperatures were steadily falling, too.
Madoc patted his pony's neck and decided he would forgo his ride. Instead, he asked the Care of Magical Creatures professor if he could take the pony to one of the stalls. Professor Kent showed him where to place the white pony and what to do with the harness and other accoutrements. It was pleasantly warm in the stables, and the pony seemed quite content to be out of the cold.
When Malden came in, his face was noticeably pink and his hair a little windswept.
"Can we go back to the castle now?" he asked his parents, seemingly bored with the ponies, now that they were tucked away in their stalls.
"Yes, let's," Myron agreed. "Maybe we can get something hot to drink while we're there."
The family set out then for the castle and to enjoy what remained of the Fall Fair.
(Ariella) Hot Drinks
Author: Beck
Date: 01-05-14 14:05
Like some other spouses of staff members who didn't happen to be Hogwarts staff themselves, Ariella offered to volunteer at the Fall Fair. Unless out of the country on business, Ariella usually didn't work on the weekends. She was learning so much at her new job, and so far she absolutely loved it, even if a lot of it consisted of menial work, like filing or getting coffee.
"Would you like tea, hot chocolate, or apple cider?" Ariella asked the parent who stood before her at one of the concessions tables.
"Two hot chocolates for the kids, and I think two ciders for us, thanks."
"Coming right up!" Ariella fixed the four drinks and handed them off to the family in need of something warm and tasty to drink. The next person in line was none other than her husband.
"And how may I help you?" she asked him, smiling as anyone offering excellent customer service ought to do.
"In more ways than one, but for now, how about some hot chocolate?" Lawrence asked, grinning.
"Sure, thing."
The couple was very glad that Bronwyn was safe and sound again, though it was very disconcerting that her abductor had yet to be caught. According to Bronwyn, the psycho tried erasing her memory but had apparently gone into hiding nonetheless. Maybe she just wanted to lay low for a while, or maybe she had her doubts that Bronwyn wouldn't be able to identify her after all. Either way, she was still at large.
"My shift's almost done here," Ariella said, when she handed Lawrence his hot drink. "Are you free to walk around with me?"
"I am," he said. "I'm going to check out the Cake Walk. Meet me there?"
"Will do!"
Lawrence went off, cautiously sipping his hot drink and moving out of the way of anyone not watching where they were going. Ariella smiled brightly at the next person in line and asked, "Something hot to drink? Tea, hot chocolate, cider?"
Fall Fair, End of the Day
Author: Cai Pembroke Carter
Date: 01-06-14 07:59
Cai, Angharad, Aderyn, and Broderick currently enjoyed the last few hours of the Fall Fair, playing games and talking to their parents. Cai was looking forward to the up coming quidditch match, which would be against Slytherin and she kinda hoped that this would be a better year for their seeker Rylee Marks.
"So, who do you think will win the Quidditch match?" Broderick asked.
Cai shrugged.
"Rylee and I are both evenly matched this year, so it could possibly be a decent match between us."
"Very, very true." Broderick said, finishing his hot chocolate, and moving to hug his mother.
The Carters all stood near the gates and quick hugs and kisses were given, before promises were made that they would be back for the up coming Quidditch game - proudly wearing Gryffindor colors in support of Cai being the teams Seeker again.
That said and done, everyone parted ways once the children got into the castle. Cai and Broderick heading to Gryffindor Commons, Aderyn heading to the Common Commons because she was going to be meeting up with Rylee and Raz, and then Angharad headed to the library to grab a book to finish up one of her essays.
Visit and Encounter
Author: Griet
Date: 01-06-14 10:56
Griet pulled on her cloak and fastened it shut. "What did you think?"
Tucker, already dressed in a warm coat with his hands in his pockets, shrugged and said, "It was all right."
"Just all right?"
He shrugged again and said, "I'm not much for carnival games, and I don't really know anybody here but your family, and I don't even know them very well. I liked the food, though."
"I'm sorry you didn't have a good time," Griet said, frowning slightly, "but I'm glad you agreed to come. We don't have to go next time. I just thought it might be nice to visit, and it's so rare that we can all be here together."
Not only had Griet and Tucker managed to visit Hogwarts for the Fall Fair, but so had Cornelia and her boyfriend Cassander. The Vanderbilt parents, aunts and uncles had also stopped by, though they had only stayed for a couple of hours.
Tucker offered Griet a smile and put his arm around her shoulders as they began to walk across the grounds. "I didn't mind coming, honest. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. That's all that matters to me."
Griet felt a smile creep across her face. "Do you want to maybe stop somewhere in the village for a nightcap? I couldn't possible eat anymore, except perhaps something small for dessert, but something to drink sounds good."
"Sure. Let's skip The Three Broomsticks, since it's bound to be crowded with all the visitors to the village."
A little while later, they stepped into The Hog's Head, which was empty of families but not exactly devoid of visitors. Griet and Tucker ordered firewhiskeys at the bar and then went to find themselves a table, preferably near the hearth.
They stopped in their tracks when they saw Oberon and Clover seated together at a table in front of the fireplace. Before they could turn around and look elsewhere, they were spotted.
Clover's face looked hopeful, then cautious. Oberon's looked unreadable.
Finally, Clover said, "There's room for you here at our table, if you want to join us…"
Griet really didn't, but Morgan's words rang in her ears. Be civil towards her. She needs it, Griet, from you especially.
Tucker put a comforting hand on her arm. His expression asked her what she wanted to do.
"Um, sure," Griet finally said to Clover.
Oberon looked shocked but got up to pull over two chairs.
For a moment, an awkward silence passed over the table as the four nursed their drinks. Then Clover asked, "Were you just at the fair at Hogwarts?"
"Yes. Were you there?" Griet asked.
Clover shook her head. "No. I––" She hesitated, unsure whether to finish her thought. She took a fortifying sip of her own firewhiskey and then finished, "I don't think I'm welcome there after… well, after everything."
Griet had a lot to say about that, but she held her tongue. Instead she asked, "Are you allowed to go back, legally, I mean?"
"Yes. I think so, anyway, but it's probably best for everyone if I don't. Hogsmeade is as near as I'll let myself go."
Griet didn't answer. She glanced over at Oberon, who appeared to be studying the grain of the tabletop.
Clover spoked up again. "How is term going for you?"
"Fine, and you?"
"Oh, it's okay. I'm looking forward to taking real classes, but I know I have to get all these remedial ones behind me before I can do that."
"Yeah…"
Oberon finally looked up at Clover and said, "We should be going. We have that thing, remember?"
Clover looked blankly for a moment but then she said, "Oh. Yeah. That thing."
Oberon got up, pulling his coat from the back of his chair and abandoning the rest of his drink on the table. Clover took a last sip from her glass and then also got up, allowing Oberon to slip her coat over her shoulders.
"Bye," Clover said, smiling at both Griet and Tucker. "It was nice seeing you."
"Bye," Tucker said, half rising from his chair to perhaps shake Oberon's hand, but Oberon moved swiftly for the door, pulling Clover behind him. Tucker looked at Griet. "You okay?"
"Yeah. I guess." She took a swig of her whiskey and said, "That's the new, nicer me. How did I do?"
"Admirably."
Griet exhaled a deep breath. "Good for me."
All's Fair With Parents and Friends
Author: Jefferson
Date: 01-06-14 15:24
"You're late!" Remedy stood outside, her hands rested on her hips as she scowled at her father. "I hung out with Sagitta and her uncle for a while until ya got here…"
"I know, sweetie. I'm sorry, we, well I, got caught up in some research, but we're only an hour late, kiddo. I think you've grown two feet since I saw ya last, Remedy Anne!"
Rem shook her head before she jumped into her father's strong arms. "I ain't a weed, Dad! I haven't changed one bit," she said with a grin. "I missed you too, and I wasn't really mad you got here a little late. Are Mel and Cam coming?" She hopped out of his arms and stood in front of her father.
Jefferson nodded and hugged his little girl again. "They're right behind me, and they brought a surprise."
"A surprise?" She peeked around her dad, then ran over to hug Camden and Mel. "HI! I missed y'all! How's it been at home Cami?" She was bouncing on her toes as she excitedly greeted her family and told them how the first of the year was going, and she was secretly thankful her aunt hadn't shown up to ruin the fun of the day. Remedy was completely distracted when her best friend came running up the hill and tackled her in a bear hug. "AH!" She yelped as she hit the cool ground and looked up.
"Hey, Remy!"
"CREW! I wasn't expecting you to come!"
"Yea, hence the surprise goofy." The younger boy said with a grin.
Remedy laughed and got back to her feet with Crew's help. "I'm sorry we missed your birthday party, but Sagitta and I sent you letters though."
"Yup, my party was pretty cool, it would have been better if you two and my uncle had been there," he said with a sad frown, his uncle Dexter was still missing in action.
"I'm sorry, Crew…you're aunts around here somewhere I think too." She decided a change in the subject would better help her friend. "Oh! Let's go find Sagitta, she's been dying to see you!" She grabbed Crew by the hand and headed back towards her other friend. "C'mon, Camden you come too! Dad we'll be back in a little bit, love ya!"
Jefferson couldn't help but laugh, "She's gone a few months and would still rather hang out with her friends then her Daddy. I guess we should explore while she's busy then."
"SAGITTA!" She ran up and nearly slung Crew into Ita's arms as they approached the auburn-headed girl. "Look who came to visit!"
"Sorry about that, Rem is a little excitable right now." Crew hugged his other friend as he apologized for nearly knocking her over. The kids quickly fell into a comfortable conversation, catching up on what had been going on in each of their lives, with the two schoolgirls telling the younger pair how life was at Hogwarts. Eventually they rejoined the adults for a few games around the castle before saying goodbyes.
"I'm gonna miss you, Daddy. I promise I'll write more?"
"I'll hold you to that, shrimp, or else!" He said, pretending to look menacing, but they both started laughing and hugged each other.
"Geeze, Dad!"