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Better Outlook This Halloween
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 01-21-13 14:31
Reaching for a pitcher to refill his glass Viktor surveys the tables filled with students, a good many of them in costume, some in their dress robes, while others wear what they might normally wear to dinner, some with their school robes, some without. This time last year, still deeply grieving for Theodosia Batuti who had been killed only a few weeks earlier, Viktor had been dressed as a god of thunder and had only been in fancy dress because Marjani pressed him into it. This year Viktor had gone for something completely different. With permission from Rubeus Hagrid, he's dressed as the large, shaggy groundskeeper complete with a black toy dog resembling fang.
Seated next to Olive Green at the Slytherin table Zuberi is wearing something Muggle inspired that Olive helped him with. He's dressed as a character known as both Strider and Aragorn, from a series of Muggle books. Marjani, on the other hand, has a Wizarding world inspired outfit. She is the famed healer Gunhilda of Gorsemoor as portrayed on the woman's Wizard trading card.
Catching Viktor looking her way Marjani smiles, gives a little wave then raises her glass toward him in an unspoken toast. She thinks it's great they made it past the first anniversary of Theodosia's death without any of them regressing into total grief. Marjani has found that having NEWTs for which to study this year has helped her stay more focused, even on those days she most wants to stay curled up in bed, blanket pulled over her head and the drapes around the bed closed. Making herself participate in Quidditch and a few clubs has helped as well. Or, maybe after several years spent dealing with the grief of losing both her parents at once she's just gotten better at coping.
For Zuberi, there's staying up on his studies and already getting in some NEWT prep, his volunteer work that Professor McGonagall was nice enough to consent to letting him continue, a few clubs, and having a girlfriend who knows all too well what someone goes through dealing with the loss of a close family member. Seeing Marjani raise her glass to Viktor he does the same.
Viktor had never thought to become a father figure or big brother figure or whatever he is to two teenagers, both of whom are now legally adults in the Wizarding world. It's made him think about what it would be like to have his children of his own. The problem though is he has is in no relationship and it's been a long time since he's had one that did not involve a psycho.
Eyes continuing to rove around the Great Hall, he sighs quietly. He looks in turn to the four 2006-2007 Kendra Beck Scholarship recipients, wondering if any of them suspect he's behind the anonymously granted award. He's never said anything to Ethan Somerset but has a feeling his friend has long known, afterall, there aren't many with the monetary backing to support a long-term scholarship of this nature who would have a reason to name it after Kendra Beck. The four recipients this school year are Etta Wynbourne, Basil Wynbourn, Mark Farnon, and Ramona Mickle. The solicitor who handles the award notification for him let him know back in September that all four had written thank yous. As always the selections were not easy to make. Alexa Wenlock was certainly on the short list as was Marjani. If Viktor isn't careful, soon there will be no short list because he will just give everyone who makes the list a scholarship award.
Suppressing another sigh, Viktor turns his attention to neighbor and good friend Ethan and to Ethan's too cute for words daughter, letting Lilly play with his toy dog Fang.
(Angharad Carter-Cadin) Alice in Wonderland
Author: Cai Pembroke Carter
Date: 01-21-13 14:36
In the past weeks I'd spent some time looking through catologues of different Muggle costumes and debated on what I wanted for Halloween this year to wear at the feast. Ultimately I was debating between going as Alice from Alice in Wonderland or as Princess Jasmine from the Walt Disney story Aladdin. I ended up selecting Alice in Wonderland and ordered the costume, or rather had my mom order the costume from the Muggle store and she sent it to me with time to spare.
I'd gone to classes and ultimately spent time getting ready for the feast. The costume was perfect, and by the time I'd added the headband to my hair, and looked at myself in the mirror, I was pleased to see that I looked like the young woman in Lewis Carroll's stories.
I'd even managed to get a small stuffed cat that looked just like the Cheshire cat in the Walt Disney animated film. I had the feline tucked neatly upon my shoulder, grinning his famous cheshire grin. I'd even managed to charm him to fade in and out every so often leaving only his eyes and that Cheshire grin hovering in mid air.
Heading over to the Hufflepuff table, I offer a smile toward Aderyn and Cai and even Broderick who is currently standing near the Slytherin table talking to his girlfriend...why he's dating someone a year younger than him I have no idea, and honestly if I have to over hear her talking about how great a kisser he is I will have some very -unhufflepuff- like thoughts about her.
Either way, I would not dwell on the fact that I was still single and Cai and Broderick were both in relationships that were blossoming. Shaking my thoughts out of places that breed jealousy and unhappy thoughts I turn my attention to the others milling about or already eating at their respective house tables.
For some reason, I let my gaze flick over the Slytherin table again and again. I couldn't quite pin point why my attention kept shifting back to that table, I mean it wasn't like I liked anyone over there or anything. I found the guy who had run into me at the Homecoming and Exhibition matches, he played on the Slytherin team, that much I knew. Beyond that I couldn't recall his name or anything about him.
I turned to Anita, who was sitting next to me. "Do you know who that guy is over there? The one sitting next to, I think her name is Johanna?"
Anita blinked, and looked where I was pointing. "Oh! That's Gus Van Tassel, Slytherin Keeper. He had been dating Polly Potts in Gryffindor I think, not too long ago."
I nodded and studied him for a few moments, his vampire costume was really well done and I considered briefly going over to say hello to him. I hadn't really talked to him or seen him since the Exhibition game, though she had classes with him, just hadn't bothered paying attention to the fact.
"Thanks..." I said offering Anita a smile, before shifting my attention to the bite of sausage that I had speared with my fork a few minutes ago.
Fleet Of Foot
Author: Dante Knight
Date: 01-21-13 17:38
Like some others gathered in the Great Hall Dante had turned to mythology for a costume idea, Greek mythology specifically. He's wearing a one shouldered, short toga, a winged hat, winged shoes, and carrying a staff known as a kerykeion, or in Latin a caduceus, which is also winged as well as having two snakes twined around it. Dante is the Greek god Hermes, also known as Mercury in the Roman pantheon.
He'd had a hard time deciding on what to wear and had almost come to the conclusion he'd just wear a nice set of robes when something Hit Wizard Isreal had said one day on a run. He'd commented that as fleet a foot as Dante is, he appreciated the Dante always makes sure he's able to keep up. Isreal wouldn't have wanted to report having lost sight of Dante even for a few seconds when the professor was off school grounds.
The fleet of foot remark is what led to Dante eventually deciding to be Hermes for the Halloween Feast. It's not the warmest of outfits in the late October chill of Scotland but while there were a few cold drafts on the walk down from his castle flat the Great Hall is, for the most part, on the warm side.
Leaning slightly to one side for more of a particularly savory sausage dish he catches sight of Minerva McGonagall speaking with Marzipan Ravenscroft. Both Marzipan and Ethan Somerset have been targets of that trashy journalist Rita Skeeter. Dante has been, to put it mildly, petrified Skeeter will dig up information about who he really is. If that happens, even though he wasn't even born when his parents committed their worst crimes, to use an expression he first heard when the family was in a Muggle town in Nebraska, the shit will hit the fan. So far the most that has happened is someone asked why of late there always seems to be someone running with Dante when he's off the grounds. The explanation given was simple enough. "I'm helping someone who needs the added motivation of a running partner to get in shape."
More of the sausage dish on his plate Dante looks at the other platters and bowls in his immediate vicinity, trying to decide what else he'd like more of before slowing down and saving room for something sweet, and trying not to let the worry of others finding out about his family interfere with an appetite that has fallen off greatly the past several weeks.
(Wesley) Tea With Family
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 01-21-13 18:32
With the departure of the three, Wesley Diamond and Aemilia Dewhurst found themselves alone for the first time in three years. No children or spouses with them. There was a moment of silence.
"Tea?' Aemilia asked.
"Sure," Wesley replied. He followed her into the kitchen.
"Batman hmm?" Aemilia asked as she filled the kettle.
"Picked it out all by himself. Turned Desi's closet into his cave."
Aemilia laughed, "He's so precious. I only wish he could stay here more often."
"You're always welcome to come see him, and I can see what we can do to bring him over here more often."
"That would be great. Maybe he can teach Wotan about Batman!" She said with a laugh. Wesley laughed along with her. After another moment she asked, "How's Bianca doing?"
"She's well. I think taking care of Wolfie has helped her as much as the doctor."
"Good. It's just amazing the power of children."
"Yeah. Even without magic powers."
"Has he displayed any ability yet?" The kettle started to whistle, and she pulled it off the burner.
"Not that I've seen. Even after two children with powers, I still don't know what to look for."
"They are tricky," Aemilia agreed as she poured, "Wotan figured out Bronwyn and Siegfried had magic before I did."
"Life was so much easier when magic wasn't involved," Wesley sighed. Aemilia handed him a cup.
"I'm sure life is easier with magic," She countered.
"If you can use it. Give me a computer any day."
"That's right, you're a muggle too."
"Yes I am," Wesley acknowledged. They continued talking for several hours, sharing their outsider's perspective on the wizarding world.
A St. Emrys Halloween Shindig
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 01-22-13 14:44
A Muggle Studies oriented group decided to sponsor a Halloween party at St. Emrys and the nature of the group what it is, fancy dress had been strongly encouraged. Because the person behind the disappearance and murders of several women has not yet been caught, the party is in a large conference hall with a main entrance directly across from several Floo conduits. The other exits are locked and are guarded. There are guards in the hallway at the entrance and Floos. Anyone not using the Floo is strongly encouraged to not travel alone through the mainly empty corridors or if alone, to use the volunteer escorts that have been a staple on campus since St. Emrys went on high alert.
My sex god boyfriend, Sage Porter, and I decided to go with a matching theme. Sage is dressed as a 1920s Muggle American gangster and I am dressed as a flapper, complete with spangled boy entrancers. Sage's sister Savannah and her current beau went for a slightly earlier time period, dressing as an Edwardian lady and gentleman. Sage's brother Ezra is here as well with a girl I've not yet met. I've saw Ezra in his fancy dress before he left the house he shares with Sage and Savannah. He's dressed as an American football player, which is an entirely different style of outfit and equipment than a footballer from anywhere else in the world. Having a Muggleborn mother means I know a lot of this sort of thing. I've never been able to decide if that's a vair good thing or a vair bad one or somewhere in between.
I vair much want to meet Ezra's date if only to see her fancy dress. She'd told him she was going to dress as a house elf complete with pointy ears. Isabella Hastings was going to dress as a house elf but changed her mind on that when she was asked by someone in our tres vair dull history course. She'd been dating Wilbur Tremaine but even if he wasn't behind a year in school because of Happy Haven, he'd still only be a seventh year. Izzy wizzy still likes Wilbur and he her but she told him she wouldn't hold him to not seeing anyone else and if she were asked out, she would consider accepting the invitation. He seems double cool with knobs about it but that's a Hufflepuff for you.
Izzy and her date, a French chap by the name of Lothaire, who speaks rather excellent English for someone from Froggie-a-go-go land. For someone who speaketh like a native he is a daft fule at times understanding it. I have been in complete and utter aggers with him over the number of times he's asked me to repeat myself. Why, I spake Billy Shakespeare's language as well as anyone else. I have concluded that when it comes to Lothaire understanding English versus speaking it, he is somewhat lurgified. But, I digress. Izzy and Lothaire are dressed as a Spanish flamenco dancer and a bull fighter.
Edith Parr and her gorgy Fortescue Fitzmorris, who has recently popped the question and because Fortescue is her one and only one Edith of course accepted - but, once more I digress. Edith and Fortescue are dressed as Egyptians. As for Catherine Scott, her crush of seventh year at Hogwarts Edward Croft surprised her by asking her to this party. She had long thought he'd forgotten about her over the summer hols but but then they both ended up in the same section of an art course and became chummy. Catherine had no idea Edward might be interested in her until he asked her to accompany him this evening. She about had a nervy spaz trying to decide on a perfect costume. It didn't help that they weren't coming in matching outfits or in anything of the same theme. After much dithering on her part Catherine elected to come as a butterfly. Edward is dressed as a garden gnome. Is it wrong that I keep wanting to pick him up by his feet and swing him around?
The party had begun with a WWN announcer playing tunes but a new band, made up of members of the Muggle Studies group putting on this shindig and going by the odd name of Tangerine Dagger, has just started playing. The first song, a cover of an old Captain Electron and the Boomers tune, has most of us out on the dance floor. I spot Ezra with his date and think she's short enough to pass as a real house elf, not that I would say that to anyone. Anyway, for now I get to dance with my sex god boyfriend Sage Porter and pretend that I do not have an important exam tomorrow afternoon for which I should currently be studying.
Translations:
sex god = those such as Sage Porter
spangled boy entrancers = boy entrancers, only sparkly, okay fine, boy entrancers = false eyelashes
vair = very
tres vair = even more very? or, you know, something like that
double cool with knobs = a much snappier expression rather than saying very, very, very, very
Froggie-a-go-go land = France
fule = a more sophisticated sounding way of saying fool
aggers = agony
lurgified = in Lothaire's instance, this would mean mentally lurgy, or another way of putting it is that his brain is slow to understand simple Eeeeengleeesh
gorgy = gorgeous
nervy spaz = nervous spasm
In Attendance This Year
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 01-22-13 18:25
This time last year Drucilla and Sirius were in a St. Mungo's maternity ward delivery room, Dru in labor with Zaria. Majandra and George Weasley saw after Mira and James, even taking them to the Hogwarts Halloween Feast, Mira as a lilac colored rose and James as a red dragon based on a Chinese Fireball. This Halloween Feast, the Eternal-Black contingent is in full attendance.
This year Mira wanted to come in a bumblebee inspired outfit but Mira being Mira would have none of the yellow and black. Her "bee" is a medium shade of pink Dru informed Sirius is called carnation and a chartreuse that's more green than yellow, which Sirius blames Harry on for introducing to the child. James is frog, a normal looking frog at that, but getting him to go anywhere while is costume has been frustrating because he keeps wanting to hop while croaking, "Ribbit, ribbit." Dru and Sirius hadn't been going to dress Zaria in costume until the twins both insisted she HAD to have one too. Picking fancy dress for a one year old was much harder than Sirius had thought it might be. The finally settled on a cute chocolate brown poodle outfit for the birthday girl.
Drucilla decided to dress in what only could be described as as a Muggle Dutch girl. She's got the braids, the hat that Sirius always thinks of as being an upside down tulip shape, apron over a blouse, bodice, and skirt, a basket with fresh tulips, and, of course, wooden shoes. Sirius had a harder time deciding what his fancy dress would be than they'd had selecting something for Zaria. In the end he'd gone with a swimmer being eaten by a shark costume much to the eye rolls of his wife. Mira has been somewhat indifferent to it but James thinks it's funny as have several of his students this evening based on the reactions.
Because it's Zaria's first birthday, when desserts are served a large cake is being brought out as well, along with a very small one with a candle for Zaria to blow out as well as a one year old child can. It's also one she can dig her hands into. The large cake will be cut up for anyone in the Great Hall wanting a slice. The family already did gifts, an event that took place this morning at breakfast, a breakfast that Mira picked out. She'd told her parents, "Zaria's too little to have a favorite breakfast so James and I decided she would want us to have cinnamon rolls and French toast."
As more and more around the Great Hall slow their eating of the main dishes, either from being overly full or wanting to save room for the sweets, Sirius knows it won't be long before the desserts appear on tables and the large cake few know about is brought in. He greatly expects that Mira being Mira, she will want to help oversee the cutting of that large cake, which is fine as long as she doesn't make a scene about it. Sirius would hate to end the evening by having to forcibly remove his older daughter from the festivities.
Arriving In Style
Author: Arlington J Montgomery
Date: 01-22-13 18:56
"Seb, does it really take this long to get our costumes on right?" Arley and Seb were finishing up getting dressed to head to Bronwyn and Toby's Halloween party, and were being a little on the slow side, at least they had about an hour before the party started.
Sebastian only grinned as he moved over towards his partner, and Arley wrapped his arms around the tall Swede.
"You know, I think we look hot in these, you especially." He raked his gaze over the tall muscular frame of Seb.
"Next year though, I ain't wearin' it in France."
Seb gave him a mischievous smile. He was about to protest, when Arley cut him off with a deep, passionate kiss. The pair relaxed in each other's arms for a few moments. Sebastian rested his head on Arley's shoulder and looked up at him.
"I am also glad we made our relationship legal, Arlington."
Arley nodded in response, they hadn't told any one about them being legal partners, and no one had bothered to ask either. "Though I still wish we were more accepted, and could actually get married…"
"As do I, but it is a step in the right direction. We can adopt now though." Sebastian smiled again at the thought of him and Arlington becoming fabulous parents.
"I know I've actually had some ideas about that. Maybe we can think about it after the party?"
"Okay. So long as you promise to dance with me tonight." The boys shared another kiss and Arley blinked after Seb pulled out his wand and tapped him on the head, something fell from the wand and sprinkled all across Arley's arms and torso.
"Uh, honey, did you just charm glitter all over me?"
Seb nodded. "Yes. Only a light dusting." He rolled his eyes at Arley's put. "Oh honey, don't you dare pout. Just call it muscle defining metallic powder."
"Oh, I think I can work with that, besides it does make me sparkle."
Sebastian laughed, "I love you more than anything silly boy…" Seb's voice trailed off as his eyes studied the muscles across Arlington's abdominals.
"You know, if we keep gawkin' at each other, we'll never make it to Bron and Toby's house." Arley pulled Seb in close, a hand reached up to trail through the blonde's hair, and then his index finger traced across Sebastian's jaw line where his hand stopped to cup Seb's cheek.
"Although, we are usually fashionably late." The boys grinned at each other, knowing looks danced across each of their faces.
A little while later they finally apparated to just outside the Becks place. In lieu of knocking they walked right inside. The house was crowded; Seb was convinced the party must have been crashed as people were also hanging out on the front lawn. Arley and Seb stood in the entryway; they held hands and their fingers were laced together. It felt like the music had stopped and everyone turned to stare.
Seb couldn't help a light giggle. "We do like to arrive in style."
The couple was barefoot, wearing nothing but black Speedos, Arley's bore the American flag while Seb's bore the Swiss flag. Arley had his hair pulled back and Seb's was spiked up tonight. As models they were both very well built and in fantastic shape. Arley was much more solid and muscular than his lanky, toned counterpart. Seb still liked to compare Arley to a Greek god.
Bronwyn looked over and the boys thought their friend's jaw would hit floor. "Oh! Hi Arley, hi Seb! You guys look great!"
"Thank ya, Bron. You guys have a full house tonight, was everyone supposed to be here?" Bron and the boys chatted for a few minutes before she was pulled away by someone else. Arley and Seb made their rounds, running into several of their friends, and meeting a lot of new people. Nearly a few hours later the majority of the crowd had been having a little too much fun, Seb had been separated from Arley, but when Arley caught a glimpse of his partner, he realized someone was trying to see what was under the Swede's swimsuit.
"Hey! Let him go! This ain't no place for that!" He could feel the fire rise up in his cheeks as he pushed through the crowd, wishing he had his wand with him to stun the girls around his man. At first he didn't realize it; someone had grabbed him by the back of his Speedo. Before he could stop them though, it was down.
Seb blushed bright red seeing Arley exposed in a house full of strangers and friends. He tried to lighten the mood anyways. "Honey, you've done photo shoots like that before…"
"Yeah, but…I…people we know…" He looked around and his eyes met Desi's across the room as he pulled his costume back on. He hadn't seen her around earlier in the evening.
"Well, Happy Halloween everyone, thank you for the trick!" Seb smiled and almost jumped in Arley's arms as he kissed him.
The Warlock's Hairy Heart
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 01-23-13 12:44
Not sure what to do while she displayed her affection towards the cat, Nott collected his gloves from the sofa, wondering if he should put them back on. He didn't like the sight of his hand.
Phyllida turned around, holding the cat, looking at him awkwardly. Ptolemy leapt out of her arms. "Are you going somewhere?"
"To bed. I'm tired. It has been a long day, love." He gazed after the cat, who had just disappeared down the dark corridor.
"You haven't explained how you got…that," she said, gesturing at his chest.
"It's a long story..."
"You can explain while I help you to bed." The girl put her arm around his.
He was about to refuse her offer but her proximity made him change his mind. They climbed the creaking stairs together.
She helped him along the corridor. "Which one is your room?"
"The last door on the right." They walked along the semi-dark corridor. The curious eyes of the portraits followed them, but they remained in silence. The moment the couple entered the room, and the door closed behind them, they started to travel into each other's canvases, and whispered gossip invaded the whole house.
Phyllida sat him down on the bed and made sure the fire was lit. She stood over him, not sure what to do next. "Well?"
"First, we get some privacy." He strode towards a corner of the large bedroom, where a small portrait of a country house was hung upon the wall. Several painted faces peeked out from the windows, and there was even a young wizard who had managed to climb on the roof. Tiberius hung his dark jacket over the painting. "I don't like spies."
She smiled. "There's probably portraits connecting to Black Friar's, too, so that's a good idea. In case my mother finds out."
He nodded. "Exactly." He moved towards her, and looked her in the eyes. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
She wasn't sure what he meant, but she nodded carefully. "Yes."
"Very well, then. Just give me a moment." Tiberius walked into the bathroom, closing the door. He looked at his face in the mirror, but not for long. Once he used to like what he saw. But now he hated it. He removed his shirt, and walked back into the room with some modesty and even shame. Now it was possible to see the extension of his condition, his black heart fully exposed to her.
She flinched a little when she saw him. She tried to step closer, but she found she couldn't move.
"Not a pretty image at all, eh, love? It's repulsive, I know. And you're still free to walk away. No hard feelings."
"It's fine…but you owe me an explanation."
"Soon. I promise. Now hold this." He handed her a chipped enamel bowl, decorated with delicate lilacs.
"What are you doing?" She held the bowl.
"I need to drain the corrupted blood." He went to the dresser and took a dagger from one of the drawers. "I read this a Muggle book I found in our library. They call it 'medicine', not healing. That's why I use the dagger. The book said nothing about wands." Tiberius placed his arm near the tin. He saw Phyllida's eyes rest on the sharp blade, and without hesitating, he made a small cut near his elbow.
"Tiberius...this is awful," she protested, collecting the black, congealed blood dripping from his wound. "There must be a more sanitary way to heal you."
"This process doesn't heal me. It only buys me time, and brings a small relief to my constant pain." He looked at his own blood inside the bowl, repulsed.
"What will happen if you don't bleed yourself?"
"I'll die a lot faster." He dropped the blade into the tin, producing a metallic sound. The he picked up one of the last clean towels he had managed to find. He missed Osky more than ever. His faithful servant did not enjoy his master's ritual; he could not bear to see him get hurt. Tiberius tried to explain to him that this was something that did good to him, but the poor creature was never able to understand. He cleaned his arm with it, grimacing.
"Shh, let me help." She took the cloth from his hand and held it to his arm to stop the bleeding. She took the tin from his hand and put it down. He felt shakier than before; she guided him gently to the bed, sitting next to him.
Her gentle care made him smiles. "I guess I was right. You are indeed talented at healing as well."
"I usually cause more pain than cure it." She smiled reassuringly.
"Well, not tonight." He found himself laughing. "All Hallows' Eve. The perfect night for this little horror tale, don't you think?"
She held his hand. "Perhaps. Are you the Hairy-Hearted Warlock?"
"I guess you could say that I am, yes."
"If you are, you were supposed to deny it, before you tear out my heart."
"Is that how the story goes? I don't remember it."
"You don't? The one where the young warlock cuts out his heart and keeps it in a box so that he doesn't have to be encumbered by love?"
"I did not cut out my heart. I guess I am not the warlock, then"
"It doesn't have to be literal."
"I know." He looked at their hands, still entwined. "I did it because I thought it would give me superiority."
She looked at him with crossed brows. "I don't understand."
"Have you ever felt, during your life, that what you were wasn't enough? That you needed more?"
She considered the question for a moment, and then replied, clearly, "Yes. I have."
"Magic is so versatile. There are charms, jinxes, curses...why not a spell to change our condition? To make us better than what we are? I wanted more. I was not pleased with what I had."
"What else could you want? You appear to have everything...talent, an ancient name, good looks..."
"That's all very nice when you don't have to live under your family's shadow. They even told me who should I marry with." He avoided looking at her. "I needed some peace."
"Why are you obsessed with being alone?"
"Because that's what I like."
"Are you sure? That's not what it looks like."
"Not now. Not when I'm dying. No one likes to die alone. But at first..." he smiled, nostalgic, "at first I was very happy with my solitude. I was better than everyone else."
She covered his shoulders with his robe. "You're not going to die."
"Don't promise me something you can't keep, Phyllida." He adjusted the robe, hiding his black heart with it.
"If you want to live, you can't keep pushing people who want to help you away."
"If I recall, I was the one who drove you here." He looked at her expression, detecting the irritation forming in her look. He placed a finger on her lips before she started protesting. "But I am very thankful for your presence."
She kissed his cheek. "I know you have a heart, Tiberius. You just pretend you don't."
"My father would call that a weakness."
"I think your father is in Azkaban for a reason."
"What about yours?"
"He's innocent!" she replied with conviction.
"Perhaps...I'm not really concerned about the father. But I do care about the daughter."
"That doesn't sound convincing."
"It doesn't? How so?"
"I thought you didn't care for anyone."
"There is only one person in the world I care about. And that person isn't here right now. However...I guess that since I shared my little secret with you that makes us friends in a certain way. And friends care about each other, am I correct?"
"Yes, I suppose so."
"So there you go: I do care about you."
She took her hand away suddenly. "You should rest."
"Yes...So should you."
She smiled. "It's still early for a healthy person."
"So what do you plan to do?"
"Make sure you fall asleep, and don't stay up drinking."
"How do you...? Wait...let me guess: the painting with the nun told you. She keeps telling me drinking is a sin and drives me away from the good path."
She laughed. "I guessed. You're going to fall asleep the old-fashioned way tonight."
"She is probably praying for me at the moment. By now she had probably heard how I brought a woman into my room. She says my soul is condemned."
"Your virtue is safe with me."
"Shouldn't I be the one telling you that?"
"You're the one who's weak and vulnerable," she replied.
"I'm not..." He raised himself on his elbows to protest, but felt a dizziness, only to rest his head back on the pillow. "You're right."
She helped him lie back down, stroking his brow. "You'll feel better tomorrow."
Murderer in Disguise
Author: Carys
Date: 01-23-13 17:57
The party at St. Emrys was in full swing. Griffin had agreed to work security for the evening, though under the guise of a student attending the party. He was dressed as a cowboy in boots, tight jeans, shiny belt buckle, work shirt, and hat. Carys was his date and a cowgirl. She dressed to match, only she wore a jean skirt instead of pants.
They had danced earlier in the evening and now stood off to the side and socialized with Mindy Fort and her date, who were both dressed up as teddy bears.
"Are you excited about the wedding?" Mindy asked, and then she rolled her eyes at herself. "What am I saying. Of course you're excited!"
Carys smiled at looked up at Griff, who had taken a moment to surveil the room. He did so periodically, since he was technically on the job, and because the murderer was still on the loose. Although it seemed unlikely the suspect would act tonight, everyone needed to remain vigilant––and those working security most of all.
"I can't believe it's almost here," Carys said, turning back to Mindy. The wedding was this Saturday and was taking place at a park near their home. They were hoping for good weather, but had a marquee on standby just in case.
"I'm sure Tristan is excited too," Mindy remarked.
Carys nodded in the affirmative. Her son had gone over to the neighbor boy's for the evening and would be home before bedtime, with Alun to look after him until Carys and Griffin returned home. Tristan had been talking incessantly about his parents' impending nuptials, but tonight being Halloween had finally given him something else to ramble on about.
"I'm thirsty all of a sudden," Carys said, eyeing the nearby drink table. "Can I get anyone anything?"
The two bears and Griffin still had drinks in their hands, but Carys had tossed her cup some time ago.
"I think we're fine," Mindy said, looking from her date to Griffin and finally to Carys. "Try the punch. It's amazing!"
"I'll come with you," Griff said, but he got as far as a step when one of the other undercover aurors came to his side. He hesitated and then waved Carys on. Both knew that she would remain in his line of sight, and she wasn't going very far anyway.
She approached the table and grabbed a cup before turning to the punch bowl. The liquid was bright red and somewhat thick. It almost had the appearance of fresh blood, but the aroma wasn't coppery––it was fruity.
Carys picked up the ladle and poured herself a full cup. When she turned to head back to her friends, the under sole of her boot hit something slick and she slipped, hitting the ground rather hard. Griff was immediately by her side, trying to help her up.
"Are you all right?"
Carys groaned. "I think I hurt my tailbone." She reached back to massage her aching butt, when she noticed that there was more than a little spilled punch on the floor. Griffin noticed it too.
"That's not…" he started to say, and then he leaned forward and pushed on the black tablecloth that draped over the drinks table to the floor.
Carys made a noise in between a gasp and a shriek. There was a body under the table, and somebody had slit its throat.
A lot of things happened all at once. Somebody pulled slightly on the tablecloth in the other direction, causing it to shift higher and reveal the body for more to see. People started yelling, and others converged on the locked doors of the conference hall, in a panic to leave.
Griff's partner shouted, "There!", and pointed to a figure dressed in a ninja costume, who had just slunk out from the end of the table and was hastily trying to get away. Although there was no weapon in sight, knife or wand, there was no doubt that the suspect was extremely dangerous.
Griff hauled Carys to her feet and sent her over to Mindy, and then joined the pursuit of the ninja, who had no where to go and was appearing desperate, despite his covered face.
Party Central
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 01-23-13 23:00
It came to me the very last second. What to have Orion dress up as and myself for that matter. Since I'm not used to having a boyfriend I really wanted to do something as a couple. However, I had a hard time coming up with something. Until it just came to me.
Magic made getting the costumes easy, the hard part, getting Orion to wear his. I put my costume on, and got ready for the party at Bronwyn's house. With about a half hour before the party was to start, I walked over to Orion and tossed his costume at him.
"What's this?" Orion asked looking over the costume, then giving me a once over. "And you're in a dress? I thought you said you don't wear dresses."
"I don't normally. And that's your costume for Bronwyn's party."
"Tights?" He asked holding up part of the costume, look of disgust on his face.
"Robin Hood wears tights!" I told him.
"I'm not wearing tights."
"Oh come on, you get to be a hero, and get the girl. Besides, it's only a few hours."
"Hmmm… Let me guess, it's this or something worse?"
"Yup. Besides, I know you'll find some way to get me back."
Orion sighed, "Fine…" He walked off to get changed. After some time, Orion came back in his tights. He looked great, honestly. He seemed to perk up a bit when he got handed weapons.
"Now let's go." A few moments later we were in front of Bronwyn's packed house. I didn't have to see Orion to know his discomfort level had jumped. So had mine for that matter. Bronwyn said nothing about so many people.
Trying to navigate inside the house was nightmarish. Finally we made our way to the Native Americans, Toby and Bronwyn. Bronwyn looked great with black hair, and I let her know. Arley and Seb made an appearance, I wasn't sure if they were swimmers or body builders. Because of the crowed, I could never reach them.
However, I did catch sight of Arley when someone dropped his speedo. Orion noticed and wasn't happy, until I told him that he didn't have to worry about Arley. Arley and Seb were gone shortly afterwards. I'll have to tease Arley about the whole thing later.
It took a while, but I made my way back to Bronwyn.
"Hey," I yelled to get her attention, "Just give the word, and I'll clear everyone out of here."