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No Longer in Denial
Author: Drucilla Eternal
Date: 09-20-07 21:57
I tried to discreetly wipe away a tear as I watched the happy bride and groom make their departure. It had been a beautiful wedding – the most beautiful wedding I had ever seen. The most beautiful wedding I could remember. In fact, the only wedding I could remember.
“There they go. Never thought I’d see the day ol’ Moony would get hitched.”
I felt Sirius’s hand on my shoulder as he rubbed it absently. I knew this had to be hard on him, watching his best friend leave. His friends had always been important to him. He hadn’t told me this. I had figured it out just by watching him with Remus. The way they laughed together. The ease in their comradery. There was a closeness there that I secretly longed for myself. That I secretly envied.
“Our wedding wasn’t like this.” I said this in a matter-of-fact way. I couldn’t remember it of course but the pictures in our album had been very different. My dress had sparkled and flowed almost floating down the aisle. The guests had numbered in the hundreds. Bottomless champagne and an endless assembly line of food had been flaunted to the guests. I shuddered to think what the end cost had been.
“Our wedding was our own.” Sirius’s other hand moved to rest gently on the small of my back. “This wedding was definitely Tonks’ and Remus’s.
“I think I preferred this one,” I murmured softly as I leaned back ever so slightly into Sirius.
Sirius chuckled softly. “Trust me, if I had my way it would have been more like this than what we had.”
I turned, feeling a slight frown on my brow. “But why didn’t you say anything? Why did you do it my way?”
Sirius looked down, the content smile still on his lips. “A man in love cannot deny his bride anything.”
I felt the tears start to sting my eyes again and quickly looked away as I dug for a handkerchief to wipe them away. “Sorry,” I dabbed at my eyes quickly. “It’s the wedding. So emotional.” I fumbled over my words feeling off balanced by the emotions that had hit me when Sirius had said those words. A man in love… Not that it meant anything of course. It wasn’t as if he were still in love with me now. A fact that stung all the more since I was in love with him.
I stared ahead in shock as I watched Tonks and Remus leave, not daring to look at Sirius.
I was in love with Sirius Black!
Great News
Author: Ivy Whitmen
Date: 09-21-07 04:19
Ivy took dinner in her office, she figured grading papers would be a better use of her time then having to look at the dejected face of their so called "lesser" students. All were great kids she loved each of them but of course people blinded by their status such as Snider couldn't see that. She sighed and took small bites of her food until her cat brushed against her leg, she leaned down to pet him and feed him some food. Ivy heard pecking at the window, an owl carried a letter addressed to her, she smiled as she opened the letter there was three pieces of parchment written by each of her sisters. She read Ilona's first then Iris and Isis, Ivy couldnt help laughing through most of their letters and quickly pulled out some parchment to write them back. They wanted to visit for the holidays which Ivy was more than thrilled about and couldn't wait to see them. As she finished up the first letter Alex and Skyler walked in, she smiled at them but never stopped writing.
"Whats up mom?" Alex asked, she smiled and signed her name before replying.
"Your aunt wants to visit" she said finally he leaned against the wall and nodded.
"Oh yeah which one?" he replied, Ivy smiled and looked at him.
"All of them" she said happily.
"Wait, so I get to meet them finally" Skyler interrupted. Ivy nodded.
"Yup, they are coming to spend the holiday with us, Cailyn to right? Oh and is your boyfriend coming?" she rambled. Alex and Skyler exchanged glances then began laughing. Ivy looked confused and asked them why their were laughing.
"Dude mom, you're talking a mile a minute. Yeah Cailyn is gonna be there" he answered, then looked at Skyler not knowing about her boyfriend.
"As far as I know Jake will come by and Kordelia too" Skyler answered.
"Wow were going to have a full house, not including your other cousins and you tia's husbands. Aye where are we going to put everyone?" she asked reclining in her chair. Alex just shrugged and Skyler stood watching.
"I dont know ma' but you'll figure it out" Alex said and ruffled his hair.
"Wait why are you two here and not with your uh boyfriend and girlfriend" Ivy asked.
"Jake's still eating, he has a bottomless pit for a stomach" Skyler answered with a shrug, she checked her watch then looked at Alex.
"Studying, I haven't seen much of her actually" Alex said thoughtfully. Skyler sighed and shook her head,
"I think you're sprung my friend" she said, Ivy tried to contain her laughter and Alex looked over at his cousin in shock.
"I am not, I liker her yeah but Im not...not well how do you not what sprung is anyway?" he asked, she rolled her eyes.
"I cross the big bad muggle world and saw a movie or two" she replied sarcastically. Ivy laughed and shook her head she could barely contain her excitement at the idea of seeing her sisters.
(Cornelia) Special Halloween Event
Author: Griet
Date: 09-21-07 08:46
Although Cornelia felt bad for her older sister Griet, she wanted to see what all the fuss was about in the pureblood common common room. She had no intention to protest the special event by not attending, because she thought she deserved to have an extra nice evening. She just thought Griet was entitled to the same treatment. In Cornelia's mind, Griet wasn't a half-blood. She was still pure through and through. Too bad Snider didn't see it the same way.
The room was decked out as the Great Hall had never been for the Halloween Feast, which was incredibly impressive since Cornelia had always been amazed by the floating jack-o'-lanterns that decorated the Great Hall on Halloween. There were jack-o-lanterns in the common room, but they were bigger and better than any she'd ever seen. There was candy everywhere. Cornelia made a mental note to stuff her pockets so that she could bring Griet something sweet.
Cornelia sat down in an overly comfy chair with a plate loaded down with what looked like the most delicious meal she would ever eat. The aroma made her mouth water and when she put the first bite of honeyed ham into her mouth, she closed her eyes in ecstasy.
"Hi, Cornelia!"
Cornelia opened her eyes and frowned at Aleydis. "What are you doing here?"
"Same thing you are," Aleydis replied, looking around the room with wide, amazed eyes. "Ever since Griet started at Hogwarts, I've always dreamed of going to the Halloween Feast, but I never imagined anything quite as wonderful as this."
"Yeah, too bad Griet is missing out on this. She's stuck in the Great Hall with all the losers. That's not right."
"Griet told me Mum and Dad have turned their back on her," Aleydis said sorrowfully. "Why would they do that?"
"Mum and Dad are trying to stay on top of the world," Cornelia said, shrugging. "They still love her. They just can't show that publicly."
"That's sad."
"Yeah. I'm half-expecting Snider to come up to us and tell us to abandon Griet too."
"What will you say if she does?"
Cornelia hesitated. "I haven't decided yet." She suddenly narrowed her eyes at Aleydis. "Honestly, I'd rather abandon you than Griet. At least she got into Slytherin."
Aleydis pouted. "What's wrong with Hufflepuff?"
"Everything," Cornelia said matter-of-factly.
Aleydis started sulking and swept herself away to talk to some of her Hufflepuff friends.
With Aleydis gone, Cornelia could enjoy her meal again.
Confessing All
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 09-21-07 12:38
Ethan had gone to his family's home for supper on Halloween. His brothers and sister were also there, but Alton's wife had taken the children to her parents' for a small party. Ethan was glad to have just his parents and siblings at the house because he was ready to divulge more of his life to them. They'd taken the news that he was a wizard very well, but how would they cope with the knowledge that Ethan was also a murderer?
They'd already eaten their dinner and were now just sitting around the table laughing and sharing stories. When the laughter subsided and Ethan found his opening, he cleared his throat.
"There's something I've been wanting to tell you all for some time."
"You're a wizard?!" Callum exclaimed. "Wait, you already told us that." He grinned. "Well, what now? Hobbits and elves really do exist?"
Ethan didn't know what a Hobbit was, but he chuckled. "It's a bit serious." And he sobered immediately. "Up until recently, most of my past was a mystery. It went beyond me not knowing who my family was. In fact, for a long time, I didn't know that the people who raised me weren't my biological parents."
He took a deep breath and started talking. Ethan told them about everything that had happened to him over the last five or six years, leaving no detail unsaid. He watched his family's faces as he talked. They seemed surprised by much of what he said, and with good reason. When he finally fell silent, he waited for one of them to speak. It was his own mother who said the first words.
"What you've said sounds like something out of a storybook, but I believe that you've told us the very truth. I'm sorry that you were taken from us and forced to live such a difficult life."
Ethan felt like smiling on the inside. It sounded like she would continue to accept him for who he was.
His father sighed and looked grave. "This wizarding world sounds awfully frightening. Have you ever thought about leaving it?"
Ethan shook his head. "It's my home, but you're right. It is frightening. The Minister of Magic––she's equivalent to your prime minister––has just pardoned wizards guilty of crimes worse than anything I have done."
"You were under someone else's control, like, hypnotized?" Ariadne asked.
"You could put it that way," Ethan said.
"Hmm," she said thoughtfully. "But you got the all-clear right? I mean, it was different for you than it is for these other wizards who just got pardoned, wasn't it?"
"Yes, and I've been lobbying to get the others like me set free too but the new administration won't have any of it."
"Sounds like your government is corrupted," Ethan's father commented.
"What government isn't, Dad?" Alton stated. He turned to Ethan. "It sounds like you've had a very interesting life which might normally be something a person might be envious of, but I'm glad I haven't seen or done half the things you have. I'm also glad that your life has improved for the better. I just hope your world does too before things get even worse."
"So... you all are okay with the fact that my past involves, well, murder?"
Callum said, "Well, you said the person you killed wasn't exactly a model citizen, so I guess we can overlook it."
"Besides, you weren't yourself then," Ariadne pointed out.
Everyone at the table nodded and spoke words or encouragement. This had gone so much better than it had when Ethan had broken the news to the Mays!
Not Missing Out Anymore
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 09-21-07 14:30
Ever since waking from his coma, Bill had committed himself to getting his body and mind back into shape again. He went to physical therapy everyday to regain the strength in his legs. The first few days made him feel as if he were a baby learning to walk again. Now, two weeks later, Bill could walk and do so unassisted, but he didn't think he could run a marathon or do very much more than go from his house to Gringotts in Hogsmeade.
He sat and watched the merry-making at Tonks and Lupin's wedding ceremony. The happy couple had already gone, but the reception was still in full-swing. Fleur was flitting around looking positively dazzling in a shimmery, light blue dress. He hadn't seen her happier, not even on their own wedding day.
A lot of people came up to Bill to talk to him, since he didn't feel up to doing much standing or walking himself. He had wonderful conversations with his friends and his family, sometimes feeling as if no time had passed since he fell into his coma but knowing that so much had changed during his downtime.
It had come to a shock to him to hear about all the changes at Hogwarts. Dumbledore was gone and some woman who looked more like a man was in his place, calling all the shots. A whole new set of teachers were at Hogwarts, too, assigned to teach only the purebloods, while the old set, including Professors McGonagall and Snape, were teaching the remainder of the student body.
But it wasn't just at Hogwarts that changes were taking place. The Ministry of Magic became segregated too, and other places, like St. Emrys University would likely follow. Bill hadn't heard any rumblings about Gringotts falling under the same umbrella but then again, he'd only been back at work at Monday, and he'd only been working half-days since then. Those days had been devoted to catching up on everything he'd missed since the summer. He was no where near to being up-to-date yet.
Fleur stopped mingling and came over to Bill. She slid into his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I'm glad I didn't miss out on this wedding," Bill said.
"Me too," she murmured, kissing his nose. "Do you want to go home?"
"Soon," Bill replied. "I am getting tired but I want to stay a little longer and catch up with those I haven't yet spoken to. Also, I think I need to thank Hermione for the millionth time."
Fleur smiled. "Me too. Without 'er 'elp, I wouldn't 'ave you 'ere with me. I am vairy grateful for all 'er 'ard work, and for 'Arry's and Ron's too."
Bill nodded in their direction. Harry, Janine, Ron and Hermione were all standing together, talking over drinks. "See if you can get that group to migrate this way, or maybe I'll put my legs to work."
Fleur got up and helped Bill from his chair. His legs felt stiff but otherwise pretty good. He hadn't used them too much this evening. Arm in arm, the happy couple went to speak to the other two pairs.
What's Not To Enjoy? (Basil and Etta)
Author: Jared
Date: 09-21-07 15:34
Basil looks over at his cousin Etta. Alexa, Jill, and she have been overly quiet for such a festive occassion with an excellent band like Orange November providing the entertainment. Basil also notes that Etta doesn't appear to be as happy as she should. Normally he doesn't care what Etta thinks or does but Basil finds he is curious as to why Etta wouldn't be happy being in attendance at such a grand feast.
"What's the matter with you?"
Etta has a mind to tell him that having Basil and his best chum Ivan sitting so near is a huge part of the problem. Deciding she'd best not say that even though Basil would have said it to her she's certain, Etta simply shrugs. "Just wishing everyone could be enjoying this."
Basil's mouth turns up in a sneer. "I'm not."
"Yes, well, two of your best friends aren't stuck in the Great Hall having a ho-hum feast."
"How do you know it's ho-hum?"
"We met up with Cora and Olive there. There's hardly any decoration and the food didn't look like much more then what we'd get normally."
Basil gives Etta a so, what's your point? look but says nothing. Etta rolls her eyes at him, thinking maybe she'll leave early. Basil rolls his eyes right back at her, wishing that the Nons were shunted off into their own houses so Nons like Olive Green didn't befoul Slytherin House.
Etta leans over to say something to Jill and Alexa then gets up. Basil just grins, snapping his fingers to call a house elf over to refill his drink and to get him another slice of pumpkin spice cake.
Encountering Snider
Author: Jet
Date: 09-21-07 18:36
*written with input from Harriet Snider's writer*
Leaning on elbows, Jet looks out one of the first floor windows, an empty plate on the wide, stone sill. At the sound of a heavy tread behind him, Jet turns. He's not at all pleased to see Professor Snider walking towards him. She's dressed for Halloween in a volunimous robe of bright pumpkin orange with black trim and with bright green leaves. Jet supposes the leaves are supposed to be representing the leaves a pumpkin has while still in the patch.
"Mr. Obsidian. Overindulged at the feast? Were you not enjoying the concert?" Snider asks, her lips turning up into a smile that makes the hair their stick out at odd angles.
Jet forces a smile in return, not letting his eyes linger on the wispy caterpillery mustache on the headmistress's lip. He thinks he'll start laughing if he were to look at it for too long. "I didn't go to the feast and concert."
Snider's eyes flick to the empty plate on the sill, "But you did eat."
"Yes, ma'am. I got something in the Great Hall then went out into one of the courtyards for awhile. I came here just a short while ago with dessert."
Snider sits on a bench opposite the window, her portly frame causing her robes to billow out more, giving the impression of a perching pumpkin. Jet wishes there were a reason for him to don sunglasses so that he could only pretend to be looking at her while really he'd be looking at the portrait of a stick thin man, currently pacing back and forth in his frame, muttering to himself.
Still smiling at Jet, Snider asks, "Why did you not attend? Not feeling well?"
Jet shakes his head. "That's not it."
Jet's feeling well enough, relatively speaking. The headache he often has is dulled at the moment and the nasty little voice has been quiet all day.
Jet, keeping his eyes focused to a point just over Snider's head so that it appeas as though he's looking at her when he speaks, tells her, "I don't go into that particular common room."
"You don't go? Ever?"
"Never have. Probably won't ever."
Snider's eyes widen in obvious surprise. "Why not? The whole purpose of that room is to give you students a place to mingle and relax."
Jet's matter-of-fact reply is, "Only some students."
"The deserving ones."
"Why are only pureblooded Witches and Wizards deserving? We are taught in history that some of the most talented and most heroic Wizarding folk aren't pureblooded. Is a pureblood who is a coward more deserving than a halfblood or Muggleborn who is brave? Is a pureblood with little ability more deserving than a highly gifted halfblood or Muggleborn?" Jet asks earnestly but not confrontationally.
Jet takes in the whole of Snider's face, looking for anger to flash in her eyes and her mouth to angrily set. Instead she thoughtfully purses her lips. When she speaks a few seconds later it's not with anything remotely near an answer to Jet's questions.
"You seem highly intelligent, Jet. Did the Sorting Hat debate between putting you in Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw? It did with me. I was thrilled when I got Hufflepuff. Practically everyone in my family had been Ravenclaw. The pressure to keep grades up was horrible. I thought that by being in Hufflepuff I could still excell in my studies but without the awful pressure from my family to live up to the true brilliance they would expect of a Ravenclaw; and I was right. I was so happy in Hufflepuff..."
Snider's voice trails off and her eyes sort of glaze over as she loses herself in pleasant memories, all the while Jet is inwardly cringing at learning that he's in the same house that Snider was. He cringes more when he considers that if he gives in to that nasty inner voice, he'll be like her. Or worse.
Jet clears his throat to get Snider's attention long enough to say, "I should get this plate to the Great Hall then should go work on a paper that's due on Friday."
As Jet walks away, empty plate in hand, the snotty little voice pipes up for the first time today, "Go on and drop by the Pures Only common room. Give in to your blood right superiority. You know you want to."
Cringing again, Jet hurries to drop the plate off then hastens to Hufflepuff House, going straight to his room and doing his best to ignore the voice that has once again taken to calling itself Sal.