|
|
DADA Final
Author: Ellis
Date: 08-20-14 18:08
Alys sat in Defense Against the Dark Arts class and wrote her final exam. It was the third of seven exams scheduled for this week. Her first had been Astronomy late last night. Her second had been Charms first thing this morning. Alys supposed she was lucky that the Astronomy exam hadn't taken place at midnight, but she'd still gotten into bed much later than she'd wanted. She'd woken up very tired for her 9 AM exam this morning.
She glanced up to see how much time remained in her exam––not much, she instinctively knew––and saw Professor Somerset rise from his seat. He called out, "Five minutes!", which set off a mad scribbling amongst his first year students.
Alys sucked in a deep breath and plunged back into the exam. She had five questions left, so that meant one minute per question, though probably a little less. She worked her way through one, and then two, her handwriting becoming progressively worse. By the time she got to the last question, her hand throbbed from the pressure she was putting onto her quill. It surprisingly didn't break.
"Time!" Professor Somerset called out, and with a flick of his wand, he summoned all of the parchments towards him. Alys, still in the middle of writing her last thoughts on the final question, found herself unintentionally scribbling on the desk. She stopped and frowned. She probably wouldn't have run out of time if she hadn't spent the first fifteen minutes reading through every question and debating the merits of starting with the short essay questions or the multiple choice.
She sighed quietly, hoping she had done well despite her mad rush to finish at the end. After Professor Somerset wished them a happy summer and dismissed the class, Alys gathered up her things and stepped out into the corridor. She started to head to the staircases when she stopped at the sound of her name.
"Wait up, Alys!"
She turned to see Chip hurry up to her, and then started walking again when he fell into step beside her.
"Think you did all right?" he asked.
Alys shrugged. "I dunno, maybe. You?"
"I think I aced it! Off to the Great Hall now?"
"Yeah, then my next exam."
"What is it?" Chip asked. "I have History of Magic."
"Herbology," Alys replied.
"Good luck, yeah?"
"Thanks." Alys offered him a small smile.
They went downstairs and then parted ways in the entrance hall. Chip wanted to stop by his dorm room before grabbing lunch. Alys turned into the Great Hall and sat down at the Ravenclaw table, helping herself to a plate of fish and chips. Hopefully her next exam would go better than her last!
Lunch Break Between Exams (Justin)
Author: Plum
Date: 08-20-14 18:12
Justin chews a corner of his lower lip as he contemplates the lunch options. Breakfast seems days ago, resulting in him loading his plate with a little of everything within easy reach. Beside him Nathan Stewart warns, "Don't eat so much it makes you sleepy."
Pausing with fork halfway between plate and mouth Justin grimaces, "Just what we'd need. Dozing off in the middle of Muggle Studies."
Kay Dunlap, who also takes Muggle Studies, shovels mashed potatoes onto his plate to join the three sausages there. "Fight it then take a nap after the exam. That's what I plan to do if I start getting sleepy."
"I have to stay awake and fairly alert until half past four. Fitness & Athletic is after Muggle Studies. Maybe I'll get lucky and the exam won't take the entire time," Justin tells them.
"Some days I wish I took that course but others days, like today, I'm glad I don't," Nathan states.
Kay asks, "Do we count Astronomy at midnight as part of today's exams or tomorrow's?"
"Ummm. Today's? It's given as midnight Wednesday on the schedule. Means I have five today and then we all turn around first thing in the morning for Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Nathan gives the other two a half smirk, "Yes, but then the real snooze is after that with History of Magic."
"You don't have anything in the afternoon tomorrow, do you?" Justin asks Nathan.
"Just Charms and Transfiguration on Friday," his friend says with a shake of the head.
"Then freedom," Kay says with less energy than such a thought deserved but after days of studying, two exams this morning, and more to come today, Justin can't really blame him for not sounding as eager as they all actually are. Deciding his bangers and mash also needs peas, Kay spoons some on top of the mashed potatoes while asking, "You spending the entire summer in Australia, Justin?"
"Some but as it's coming on winter there I want to spend some time over here. I really want to go to Quidditch Con."
"Your cousin getting you a ticket?" Nathan inquires.
"I guess Plum could get one from her brother-in-law for free or cheap if I needed but I got some in an egg from the Easter hunt. I promised my brother one and the sister that's been over here at St. Emrys seems interested. That leaves one for me and one for our sister Martha if she wants to come."
"And if she doesn't, you've a roommate who didn't get any Quidditch Con tickets in an egg. Hint. Hint."
Justin grins at Kay. "Are you trying to tell me something?"
Kay shakes his head. "No, not me. Never. What about Emrys Fest? Anyone going?"
"Now that I do have a free ticket for and not from an egg," Justin says. "Dynamic Duo's playing."
Nathan gives a single nod. "That's right. I forget your cousin's and her husband are in that band. I don't know why."
"Because her brother-in-law being a professional Quidditch player shoves anything else about her from your head."
"True, but two other members are associated with the game. Well, I guess three others."
"How do you figure three?" Kay asks.
"One's a pro player, one coaches a pro team, and like Plum and Anthony, the other is related to a pro player."
"Ooooh, that's right." Nathan's eyes cut down the table to where a sixth year is sitting. "Glori Hodfuffer's brother Wiggy."
The trio spend the rest of their all too short lunch talking plans for the break from Hogwarts. A little after one they leave the Great Hall together for their next final exam, Muggle Studies.
(Titus) Last Minute Study
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 08-21-14 11:12
Titus was laid on his back, on his bed, studying the little silver serpents embroidered in the canopy. He started counting them in silence. On his bedside table a small radio was playing a song by The Weird Sisters. His hand moved up and down as he caressed Saidra, that was at his side.
"Don't you have some study to do?" Bruno Tate asked, as he entered the dormitory. "I noticed you barely written a thing earlier in the DADA exam. Do you want to fail all your classes?"
"It's none of your business what I write or don't write in my exams," Titus barked, sitting up in the bed. Saidra didn't seem to like the agitation and she jumped out of Titus' bed, quickly running out of sight.
Bruno went to the trunk that was at the feet of his own bed, and pulled up his Astronomy book. He opened it in the right page and began reading it. Titus leaned back down, enjoying the rhythm of the song.
"Can't you turn off that thing? I'm trying to concentrate! We have our Astronomy final tonight!" Bruno snapped.
"So? This is a dormitory and I have the right to hear music and relax, unless someone wants to sleep. But we are in the middle of the afternoon. If you want silence you should try going the library."
Bruno closed his book and sent Titus a deadly look. He put the heavy volume under his arm and walked towards the dormitory's door.
"You're mental Nott, you know? I haven't seen you studying a thing for your finals. But that's your problem, not mine, like you said before. Now I really hope you do fail, so next year I won't have to share the room with you."
Titus did not like the way Bruno had spoken to him, but he did not care. At the moment he had more things to worry about that his colleague or even the finals. He had tried to study, but he just couldn't focus. It was as if almost nothing entered in his head and so far he had struggled to answer all the questions that have been put ahead of him. He prayed Merlin that what he had replied would be enough to pass to the third year.
Titus wanted desperately for the school year to end, so he could go back home. Once at Endhope Abbey, Titus would finally learn what was going on with his family. Deep down he knew already that something was wrong. All the letters he had sent to his mother had been returned to him, still sealed. Titus had used different owls but the result had always been the same. The letters were not being intercepted or opened, and one day at breakfast as another owl had dropped the unopened letter right into his bowl of porridge, he reached to the conclusion the reason why the owls returned with the letters was because the person who should receive them was no longer here.
On that same day, Titus visited Professor Kent in his office, in order to check if his theory was right. As much as he disliked the teacher, because he thought he favored his son, Asher, Titus didn't think twice about consulting him. Unfortunately Professor Kent did admit that if an owl returned with unopened mail was because there was no one to give the mail too. A feeling of panic had taken over Titus, as he thanked Professor Kent and left his office. He had locked himself in one of the bathroom's stalls and only with a great effort he was able to go to the Great Hall for dinner.
His mother was dead, he knew it. For the next days he barely paid attention to classes and he copied all his homework from Ravenclaw Ector Newland, in the morning. All Titus had to do was to bribe him with some galleons.
He had written other letters to Tiberius and since he didn't obtain any replies, he began to think that maybe someone has broken into Endhope Abbey, killed their mother and held his brother prisoner.
Titus had tried to contact his father at Azkaban, but he only received a harsh letter, saying that he was being an imaginative child and he should stop making up stories and focus on his school work. Titus last hope was Cecelia and Casper. He told the Hobdays everything during the Spring Social, when they came to visit him. He had lost control and started to cry, a feeling of hysteria taking over him, as he knew he would never be able to see his mother again. His aunt comforted him, and assured Titus Lucinda was fine and there has probably been a mistake with the owls. He was taken to the Hospital Wing and Madam Pomfrey made him drink some Calming Draught. However Titus had noticed the exchange of looks between his uncle and aunt and he realized right away that something wasn't right.
His last hope had been Professor Snape. Titus had gone to his office in the dungeons and begged Snape to be given permission to go home. He expressed his worries to the Potions teacher, but the only thing Snape told Titus was for him not to make him waste his time and if in fact his mother was dead, then he would be the first one to be informed. Titus was sent back to classes, feeling defeated.
He spent these last weeks acting like was under the Imperius curse, as if he was not the owner of his own body and mind. He limited himself to sit in classes, eat and sleep, not talking to anyone. He had considered running away from the school but he knew that was a bad idea and he had discarded it.
The Weird Sisters had finished their song and another one started. Titus gave a profound sigh and turned the radio down. Bruno's words about failing had affected him more than he had guessed. He picked up his Astronomy book and went to the common room wondering if Anton or any of the others would be willing to give him a last minute review on the subject.
Mother of a Three Year Old
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 08-21-14 18:18
"Meagan Amara McCoi-Raynor...."
The words left my mouth and my daughter knew she was in trouble, yes, even on her birthday she was not going to get away with acting like a brat. She quickly released Sonata's tail, and Sonata took that moment to scamper off and quickly perch herself atop the kitchen cabinets away from the grabbing hands of the now three year old.
"You know better than to pull on Sonata's tail. You have to be gentle with the kitty..." I said, bending to scoop her up and settle her on my hip before heading into the living room and curling on the couch with her.
"Towwy Mumu.." She said, looking properly chastised and her bottom lip properly extended in a somewhat repentant pout.
"Well, I'm sure Sonata will forgive you soon enough, but for now leave the kitty alone okay?"
She nodded and cuddled herself against me, resting her head on my shoulder, yawning lightly before slipping her thumb into her mouth and suckling quietly as I began rubbing her back.
"Did you enjoy your birthday?" I asked, kissing the top of her head.
A murmured yes and a nod of her head was the answer I'd gotten, as she settled a bit more against me. She'd made out like a bandit, gifts from my parents, Jim's parents, Mel and Camden also had come over as well as some other friends and family members. Jim had cooked out, and we'd spend the day enjoying the sun and summery weather.
With all the excitement I was not at all surprised that Meagan was tuckered out already, and before I'd even managed to get music on for her, she was already sound asleep curled against my chest. Soon enough, I managed to push myself up off the sofa, and carried Meagan to her room, settling her in her bed and ensuring that her favorite stuffed dragon was nestled beneath one arm.
Shutting the door, I stepped back into the hallway just as Jim was heading toward our bedroom. I knew I should probably stay up a bit longer and work on getting the house once more back to rights, but that could be done tomorrow, for now I wanted to spend some time with my husband.
Within moments, we were both settled in bed, my head resting on his chest and his arm loosely draped over my shoulders.
"I still can't believe she's three already. Time has gone so fast, and before too long we'll be taking her to London to board the Hogwarts Express and begin her time there.."
Jim chuckled, "Don't rush her too much. Still have quite a few years to go before we are shipping her off to live in the castle."
"I know, but it just feels like she's growing up too fast..."
Jim pressed a kiss to the top of my head, "She's going to grow at her own pace, and there is not a thing we can do about it."
I sighed and curled into him, knowing well enough that he was right and I am fairly certain my Mother was the same way when I was Meagan's age.
"At least she isn't asking for a brother or sister yet, though I'm fairly certain those requests will be coming in the next year or so..." Jim teased.
"I don't doubt it, the question then becomes, will we be ready for a second child or will she simply be the only one for a few more years?"
An impish grin danced upon Jim's lips, before he pressed a kiss to mine. "We could always practice a bit, and if we are successful then Meagan will have a brother or sister before she starts asking for one..."
That was all that was needed, before the 'practice' began.
Office Hours
Author: Marzipan
Date: 08-21-14 18:19
On Wednesdays, Marzi usually held office hours between three and four in the afternoon, but with it being the middle of finals week, the Herbology professor thought it best to extend her stay for those students needing last minute assistance.
Her exams were spread over three days: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. This morning she'd tested the Ravenclaw and Slytherin third years and the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff fourth years. After lunch, it had been the Ravenclaw and Slytherin first years. Tomorrow's line-up would consist of the same years but opposite houses, while both second year groups would meet on Friday.
She couldn't believe another school year was just days away from ending. Wasn't it only just the start of term? Now it was actually closer to the start of a new term, but first there would be summer. Marzi was rather looking forward to the holidays. She would be taking the boys on their first ever trip to Australia. For Marzi it would also be a bittersweet trip, because she wanted to show them her father's grave.
If only they could have met! She had no doubt Percival would be so proud of Carter and Vallon. She sighed at the thought, but her stomach growling reminded her that it was about time for supper. Because she had no one in her office just then, she decided she might as well call it an evening. She gathered together a few things and then went to her quarters, where she found Weston on all fours with Carter and Vallon riding on his back.
"What did I walk into?" Marzi asked, laughing as she put her stuff down.
"Just a bit of horseplay," Weston quipped. "All right, boys. Mummy's here. Let's wash up for supper."
The boys fell off Weston's back and let out peals of laughter as they rolled around on the floor. Weston scooped up one and then the other and carted them to the bathroom. Marzi heard the water run, more laughter, and what sounded decidedly like splashing. The three boys emerged moments later looking completely dry. Maybe Weston had worked some literal magic, but then she also had the feeling that there were puddles all over the bathroom floor.
"Ready?" she asked, deciding to check on the condition of the bathroom later.
"Ready," Weston replied. He had Carter by the hand and indicated to Vallon to go to his mother.
"Good," Marzi said, taking Vallon's hand. "Let's go get something to eat."
(Mockridge Townhouse) Planning a Summer Wedding
Author: Nephele Mockridge
Date: 08-22-14 09:07
Nephele eyed the checklist she'd taken to carrying everywhere. Her dress robes were sorted, along with the ones she'd ordered for Valeria. They had an appointment for her own final fitting and to make sure Valeria's were perfect once her niece arrived home from Hogwarts. The venue was taken care of, house elves had been busy preparing the grounds of Mockridge Manor. Cloris had wanted the ballroom, but Nephele wanted to be outside, so they had compromised. The ceremony itself would be outdoors, in the flower garden, while the party itself would be in the ballroom.
Pip had been handling his own dress robes and he'd assured his bride-to-be that those were handled. The families were thrilled with their upcoming nuptials, and had offered whatever the couple had wished. Cloris had promised the Goblin-made tiara that had graced her own head when she'd wed Nephele's father. It was a Parkinson heirloom, and after Nephele, it was assumed that Pansy would be the next bride to wear it, if she and Blaise didn't just elope.
Food was also handled, the house elves were thrilled to have a large event to keep them busy, especially one as auspicious as Mistress Nephele's wedding. One of the younger elves from the Manor would be coming with her to Pippin's home as part of her trousseau, a gift from Kirley to make sure neither his twin nor his brother-in-law would starve. For all of Neph's skill with potions, she was absolute rubbish in the kitchen.
She needed to get her jewelry for the day yet, which would mean a trip to the vault, for both herself and Valeria and probably for Cassandra as well. It was only fair that as Kirley's wife, Cass get first choice of the Mockridge family trinkets. That and the robe fittings would probably make a good day out for the three of them prior to the event. If they felt brave, they could always include Cloris, but Nephele wasn't sure how busy her mother would be, since she was spending so much time at Hogwarts these days.
In the meantime, she had just received a new owl-order catalog from France, and she did have a wedding night to plan for.
Oh Merlin!
Author: Jane Linton
Date: 08-22-14 10:47
"Oh Merlin, oh Merlin, oh Merlin… Nala help me! I'm going to fail!"
"No you're not. We've studied together and you're prepared."
"This is the worst day of my life…" Jane declared, taking a deep breath before turning to the path that led to the dungeons.
"Is she all right?" Jeb asked from behind.
"She's just nervous with the Potions' finals. Once she's done with it, she'll be fine."
"No, I won't! I'm going to fail and then I'll have to repeat the entire first year…Oh Merlin…"
Jeb laughed, while Nala rolled her eyes. They continue to walk towards the dungeons. Some of the other students were already gathered by the door waiting for Professor Weasley to let them inside the classroom. Jane started to bite her nails. It was a disgusting habit according to her mother, but it was Jane's automatic reaction to the nerves that she was feeling.
Jeb might laugh and Nala might think she was overreacting but none of them knew how she really felt about Potions. It wasn't about hating the subject, or not being able to stand in front of a cauldron without getting sick. On the contrary! Jane didn't mind learning about potions and brew them. The thing is she just had no talent for it whatsoever. There was always something she did wrong when brewing a potion; if not chopping one of the ingredients wrongly, then messing up with the order of the instructions or misreading them, or sometimes skipping a step. She made an effort to do things right, but there was no way to succeed. If it wasn't such a silly theory, she would have believed that as an infant she had been cursed by a dark wizard so she would never be good at Potions.
The classroom door opened and one by one the students occupied their seats. Jane had stopped biting her nails as she paid attention to Professor Weasley's instructions. They were pretty much the same ones Professor Flitwick had given a few hours earlier when she was about to take her Charms' final: the time they had at their disposal to complete the test, the length of it, warnings about attempts to copy from the people next to them and its consequences.
Jane contemplated the shiny surface of her cauldron and then the parchment in front of her that included the questions of her final. Professor Weasley wished good luck to them all and then she declared:
"You may begin."
Jane took a deep breath, prayed in silence for Merlin to help her and then she turned the parchment up to see what fate had reserved her.
From Snacks To Lunch (Marion & Friends)
Author: Saffron
Date: 08-22-14 15:17
Marion grabs another biscuit from the plate even as Aunt Saffron warns, "Don't spoil your lunch."
"Maybe I'll just eat these instead of going to lunch," Marion says, only half joking.
"You need a real lunch to get you through your exam. Besides, those biscuits are a gift to me. I'm sure your mum sent you some too."
"She did but this way they'll last longer." Marion gives Aunt Saffron a huge grin.
"Cheeky aren't you," Saffron says with a laugh in her voice.
"Who? Me? I don't even know what that means." Marion attempts an expression of pure angelic innocence but she knows she only partially pulls it off. Bending sideways over the chair she picks up her satchel. "Are you finished giving exams?"
"I've the sixth years tomorrow afternoon. What do you have besides Charms this afternoon?"
"Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions, both in the morning." Marion stands, hoisting her satchel to her shoulder. She has no idea why it seems so heavy when there's not as much as usual in it. After a kiss on her godmother's cheek, Marion heads for the Great Hall, the biscuits she had making her hungry for something more.
On the last set of stairs she encounters Savannah. "Hi, heading to eat?"
"Yes, but I have a feeling I've forgotten something. I had just started writing my Charms exam when I started getting the feeling. I've been trying to figure it out and really hope I wasn't so distracted that I mucked up the test."
"You've got another today?"
"Two more. Potions after lunch and Astronomy tonight." Savannah makes a sound of disgust. "Potions study cards. I meant to grab them to go over as I eat." She starts on down the rest of the stairs. "I don't want to lose time going all the way back up to Gryffindor Tower."
"Do you have any of your notes with you?"
"Yes, and a study guide."
"I'm tired of studying so wasn't going to go over anything for any of the exams I have left. I'll sit with you and help if you want."
"Thanks!"
Not long after arriving to the Great Hall, other of their friends come in for lunch as well. Though scattered among all four Hogwarts houses, they sit together as usual, this time at the Gryffindor table. With Potions just after lunch with Savannah, Lilith joins in with her and Marion for one last review. Callie, like Marion, has Charms shortly but like Marion she too is taking a break from studying. Katheryn and Hope, on the other hand, have Transfiguration and are quizzing each other. In addition to Transfiguration, Hope has Muggle Studies but she's hoping she'll have time for a quick glance over between that exam ends and the one for Muggle Studies begins.
All too soon the six friends have left the Great Hall, splitting into three groups of two, heading off to their respective final examinations.
Frozen
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 08-22-14 17:39
With term no longer in session, Fritz has upped his hours at the potion shoppe to the equivalent of full-time. He likes the steady routine of waking up early, heading into work, taking care of the various tasks in his job description, and then leaving for home after a long, productive day. This week he is working Monday through Friday, but there are some weeks that will include full Saturday shifts. Fritz doesn't mind. He's simply happy to be employed in a job he mostly likes.
The main thing he doesn't care for is the tension he sometimes feels from his co-worker Elias. Elias still considers Fritz an untrustworthy criminal for his small role in giving Berthold Beatenberg freedom, which in turn has led to murder and mayhem and much trouble for the Ministry of Magic. Fritz still feels horrible about foolishly listening to a talking book, but he can't undo the past. He also knows that the only person truly responsible for Berthold's actions is Berthold himself.
The tension has eased some since Fritz was first summoned to the Ministry of Magic for interrogation. Elias usually acts professional around Fritz, if he says anything at all, but he never says or does anything in a friendly manner. Mostly, he makes Fritz feel uncomfortable. For that reason, Fritz always takes his breaks away from J. Pippin's.
It is break time now, so Fritz lets Elias know he will be stepping out for the next fifteen minutes and then goes out the employee entrance. He heads down the steps and then leans against the wall of the building. It's cool and in the shade, and there are a number of cigarette butts on the ground from shoppe employees who stand there and smoke on their breaks. Fritz thinks about cleaning them up, like he always does, but all he wants to do is lean back against the wall and shut his eyes for a wink.
No sooner are his eyes closed, when he feels his whole body go rigid. He's able to open his eyes at least. He sees a hooded figure slink towards him in the otherwise deserted alleyway. The cowl hangs low, so Fritz can't make out the wizard's face, but what he does see forces a strangled noise from his throat. A hand holding a battered-looking wand protrudes from the sleeve of the olive-colored robes. It is a sickly green color, long and spindly. It is not a human hand.
The feeling of being watched at Demeter's Diner and Brews & Stews flits to mind. Was this creature responsible for his unease?
It stops just inches from him and raises its head so that Fritz can finally see its face. He gasps when he recognizes Berthold Beatenberg. He's never met the man, but he recognizes him from the wanted poster, first displayed after the murder of Berwick Oldridge. When Berthold speaks, Fritz instantly recognizes his voice. It is the same one that came from the book Henrietta Hockenheim had left him.
"Hallo, Fritz," Berthold greets, his voice low so as not to draw any unwanted attention.
Fritz tries to say something, but he finds he can't. It's not shock preventing him from speaking, however. Whatever spell Berthold has cast upon him is barring him from speech.
"I won't keep you long," Berthold continues in German. "I only wanted to meet you face to face in case we do not get another chance. I'm about to go into battle, and though I expect to survive, fate may have other ideas."
Fritz has no idea what he is talking about. His whole body feels twitchy, though it's not making any movement whatsoever. He feels like he's about to break right out of his skin.
"I wanted to thank you for saving me. If not for you, then the reunion with my old friends would not have been possible. If not for you, then vengeance would not be mine."
He pauses, as if waiting for a response from Fritz.
After half a second he adds, "I know your part in releasing me has caused you some trouble, and for that I am sorry. With you, I have no quarrel. In fact, you might say I owe you my life. Should I make it out alive, I will see that you are handsomely rewarded."
Fritz's eyes drop and focus on the green hand clutching the old wand.
"Yes… this," Berthold says, raising the hand in question, "is the result of that upstart Fairchild. I will strangle her with these hands, even if I have to do it with my last breath."
Berthold seems mesmerized for a moment, but then he drops his hand and says, "Thank you, Fritz. I will leave now and release you from the spell. Promise me you won't scream?"
Fritz thinks, Fat chance, but he's glad Berthold has no plans to maim or kill him.
"Goodbye, Fritz."
Fritz feels the spell collapse around him and nearly falls to the ground from the suddeness of it, even though he knew it was coming. He recovers quickly and opens his mouth, only reaching for his wand as an afterthought.
"HELP!!!!!!!"
But Berthold disapparates.