|
|
Don't Want To Get Up
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 01-21-07 07:37
"Harry's breakfast is ready," Pinky's cheerful voice cuts through to Harry's dreams.
Harry mumbles something unintelligible, simultaneously burrowing deeper under his blanket. Pinky pokes Harry. "Pancakes are getting cold. Would Harry like one of Pinky's sodas to drink with breakfast?"
"Harry wants to sleep, Pinky."
"But Harry has to get up."
Moving a corner of the blanket so that he can crack open an eye to peer at Pinky, Harry finds the House Elf's face looming a mere inch from his. Harry blinks in surprised, barely quelling a yell that threatened to give voice to that surprise.
"I'm trying to sleep, Pinky," Harry says, stating the obvious.
"Pinky knows that but it's time for Harry to get up."
"I want to sleep. I don't want breakfast though thank you for fixing it."
Pinky gives the sigh of one who's been pushed to the brink and impatience and exasperation are setting in. "Harry told Pinky he must be up this morning so now it's time for Harry to must be up."
Harry's response is to pull the covers firmly back over his head and snuggle down even further. Pinky says with resignation, "Pinky did not want to have to resort to last measures but if Harry is going to be difficult... Rocko!"
Next thing Harry knows a huge weight is landing on top of him. The weight then begins using head butts and giant front paws starts pushing Harry off the bed. Protesting, Harry demands Rocko to stop but typically of the large dog, he listens to Pinky before he listens to Harry.
With a thud Harry lands on the floor in a tangle of covers. Pinky stands with one hand patting Rocko approvingly and the other with a finger pointed at Harry. "Harry is busy this morning. If Harry doesn't hurry Harry won't be getting any of his now cold breakfast."
Only then does Harry remember that since he has no Fireballs practice today he'd told Viktor Krum he'd help out at the flying and Quidditch workshop Viktor gives on Hogsmeade weekends. It comes out in a grumble but Harry thanks Pinky and feeling chastised, gets up and dutifully follows Pinky and Rocko to the kitchen for breakfast.
Finding a Friend
Author: Alanna Beck
Date: 01-21-07 07:55
Alanna picked up her cloak and draped it over her arm. She checked the pockets of her jeans to make sure she had all the money she wanted to take into Hogsmeade with her and then left her dormitory room for the common room. It was virtually deserted, with students either already heading to Hogsmeade or to the Great Hall for the apparition lesson. Some younger students were putting on their coats in anticipation of the Quidditch and flying workshop at the Pitch.
The usual crowd that Alanna often spent time with had already begun to part ways. Brisa had left Hogwarts already. Rebecka had made a new best friend and no longer needed the others. Sandra always had a new boyfriend to take up her time. That left Aubrey, but ever since breaking things off with Sage, she'd been reclusive. Alanna didn't expect to see her in Hogsmeade today.
She left the common room and navigated the basement corridor for the stairs that led up to the entrance hall. Before leaving the castle, Alanna put on her cloak. Then she stepped out into the cold and followed the well-worn path to the gates of Hogsmeade.
She'd not gotten far when she spotted someone she knew standing alone. He was adjusting the gloves on his hands.
"Jared!" Alanna called, waving to him over the heads of a few third years who walked between them.
He turned toward her call and smiled. "Hi, Alanna."
She went to him. "Mind if I join you today?"
"Not at all." Jared grinned. "Can I buy you a drink at the Three Broomsticks?"
"If you let me buy you something from Briar's in exchange." Alanna smiled.
"Fair enough." Jared laughed.
The two friends walked to the pub and shed their cloaks as soon as they stepped inside the warm interior. They took a table towards the back and enjoyed their drinks and good conversation until they were ready to move on to another establishment in Hogsmeade.
Third Apparition Lesson
Author: Ariella Beck
Date: 01-21-07 08:06
Ariella had yet to master the art and science of apparition. Try as she might, she'd failed time and time again to successfully transport herself from where she stood to the very center of her hoop. At best, she'd managed to splinch herself a few times, but even that she couldn't manage very often. She felt like the worst student in the apparition lessons, which was quite unusual for Ariella since she almost always did well in everything she attempted.
She tried not to get discouraged, but everytime someone else managed to splinch themselves less and less or when someone managed to apparate 100% successfully, she wondered if she'd ever get it right. Anytime she did splinch herself, she gave herself a mental pat on the back because at least it was something.
Ariella knew that apparition was quite possibly one of the most difficult spells any wizard could master. Some students learned quickly. Others needed much more practice. Ariella already knew she fell in with the second crowd, though she honestly wondered whether she'd ever be successful. She didn't feel very good about it at all. She simply had to remind herself that it was only the third lesson and that she had nine more to go. Surely she'd get it right before the end.
Both Toby and Anthony had managed to pass their apparition exams. If they could do it, Ariella could too... right?
She tried to focus on the task at hand. In the background, she could hear Wilkie Tywcross' voice stating the three Ds ad infinitum. Every once in a while, a crack would shatter through the Great Hall. Sometimes someone fell over or accidentally kicked their hoop across the room. Ariella tried to tune out all the noise.
She concentrated on the hoop. She tried to picture herself standing where she stood and then appearing fully in the hoop a moment later. She tried to visualize the entire process of apparition. Ariella tried, spun where she stood, and wound up nearly tripping over her shoelaces.
She sighed and put her hands on her hips, blowing her hair from her face with frustration.
"Practice makes perfect," a kind voice reminded her. Ariella saw Professor Miller smiling at her. She managed a small smile, knowing he was absolutely right. She just had to keep trying.
Visiting Hogsmeade
Author: Anthony Beck
Date: 01-21-07 08:22
Anthony apparated to Hogsmeade and immediately turned up the collar of his jacket. The ends of his scarf blew wildly in the fierce wind. He shivered and stuffed his hands into his pockets. Moments later, Plum apparated by his side. She buttoned her coat to the top and linked one of her arms with Anthony's, leaning close to his body for warmth.
"It's so much colder here than it is in Stratford," she mused, nuzzling her chin into Anthony's arm.
"I don't think it was quite as windy when we left," Anthony agreed. "Come on, let's see if we can find the others."
Since Phin was still at Hogwarts, the band didn't really get together as often to practice or play but they were really hoping to jam together at the Imperial Crown & Cauldron, just like in the good old days when they'd all been at Hogwarts together.
They all agreed to meet at Briar's sometime in the morning, but they hadn't fixed an absolute time since everyone figured Kody would want to spend some quality time with Daria first. Both Anthony and Plum hadn't had any breakfast yet, so they went straight to Briar's to get something sweet to eat and something warm to drink. They didn't mind at all sitting there in the warm bakery until the rest of their friends arrived.
Drake and Ophelia were the first to join them. The bakery was pretty crowded, but Anthony and Plum managed to make room for them at their small table. They'd already put a dent in the baked goods they'd purchased but hadn't yet gotten full. Anthony picked up a chocolate-covered donut and ate it in just a few bites.
"You have chocolate on your face," Plum said, laughing. "Let me help you with that."
She wiped a napkin over his face and then kissed his cheek.
"Don't make me ask you two to get a room," Drake joked. "Maybe there's one next door to the one Kody and Daria have." He winked.
Just then, Phin walked into the bakery with his friend Emerald.
"Hush, there are minors entering the room," Anthony said, winking. He called out to Phin and Emerald and waved them over to the table.
They had to shift around to make room at the small table, but they somehow managed it. The six ate and drank until they were sated and warm and then talked amongst themselves, waiting to see if and when Kody and Daria might join them.
It's Going To Be A Busy Day
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 01-21-07 08:45
A few intrepid early birds were waiting at the bookstore's door when Julian unlocked it and turned the sign to OPEN. One pretty little girl, who Julian thinks has the markings of being a great beauty when she's older, went straight to the Home Gardening section and after great deliberation plucked a hefty tome off the shelf. Julian scurried around the counter to help her with it.
As her total was being run up, the girl asked, "Do you giftwrap?"
"We do," Julian affirmed. "Birthday?"
"Yes, for my grandmum Flanders. I'm Matilda Flanders," the girl adds.
"Well, Matilda, how about I wrap this for you and owl it to your grandmother at now extra charge?"
"That would be lovely, thank you, Mr. Valentine."
Matilda picked out a bright gift wrap of grass green with bold yellow and magenta flowers. Julian waved his wand to wrap the gift as Matilda filled out a gift card to add with it. She wrote down the address for him and then handed over the money for the book. In return Julian handed Matilda a small box.
He explained, "Valentine's chocolates with every purchase."
"Yum!" she grinned, taking the box.
With another thank you and a wave, pretty Matilda skipped out of the shop. Telling Lysander he'd be right back, Julian took the birthday gift for Grandmother Flanders and popped over to the owl post where the bookshop keeps several large delivery owls.
Back at Twice Told Tales Julian is soon busy again helping another student select a study aid for Potions.
Arriving Alone
Author: Kody
Date: 01-21-07 09:00
Alone, Kody enters Briar's Bakery stepping to the side as he pauses to look for his friends. He sees them at a table about the same time they see him. Kody weaves through the throng, not at all amazed the bakery is this crowded this early in the day.
Reaching the table, Kody's asked by Ophelia, "Where's Daria?"
"Daria decided she'd better not skip her apparition lesson. She's going to catch us up later."
Phin suddenly shoots out of his chair. "Apparition! I'm supposed to be there."
He bolts for the door, skids to a stop, turns around and says, "I'll catch up later too. Sorry, Emerald!"
Phin dashes for the door again leaving the others laughing. Kody takes Phin's vacated seat and loops an arm around Emerald. "Looks like you're stuck with me for a little while, sweetheart."
Plum snickers, "Awww, poor Emerald. Kody really just wants whatever pastry you don't eat and that Phin left."
"You know me too well, Plum," Kody grins.
Drake looks at Plum, "Scary, isn't it?"
Ophelia nudges Drake, "You're just sorry Kody's made a play for those pastries before you could."
Anthony chuckles, "It's not as if there isn't plenty but we know how your stomachs operate, Kody and Drake."
Kody claps his hands together. "Enough of this talk about eating. Time for me to dig in."
As the remaining food is polished off and then more is bought, the group debates where to head after leaving the bakery, if that is, they can get Drake and Kody out of there before it's time to go to the Imperial Crown & Cauldron.
Time For The Workshop
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 01-21-07 10:13
As usual on Hogsmeade weekends, Viktor was up early and down at the pitch, looking forward to another workshop sesson. He's got the pitch ready as well as areas set up across the grounds for practicing all four of the SAT broom racing events.
Today students coming to the workshop can get practicing improving their flying, practice on any of the four courses, and practice playing Quidditch. As always, students attending may participate in the entire workshop or only the portions the student is interested in, sitting in the stands or on the sidelines in between.
The workshop today and a date with Lyric tonight. The only way today would be any better is for Viktor to himself be playing in a Quidditch match somewhere.
Olive Green and Alexa Wenlock are the first students to arrive, Alexa finishing off a buttery looking biscuit from breakfast. She grins at Viktor. "I was slow eating and got ran out of the Great Hall for those apparition lessons."
Viktor chuckles and points to one of the locker rooms. "If you are still being hungry, there is a table with snacks set up in there."
Alexa licks the crumbs off her fingers then tugs on Olive's sleeve, "Let's go see."
"Do workshop assistants get snacks too?"
Viktor turns at the voice, extending his hand in greeting. "Of course, Oliver. Thank you for coming today."
Oliver Wood shakes Viktor's hand. "Thank you for asking. I'm bloody stoked about being back here and helping out with your workshop. I would have thought though you'd ask your own teammates to assist."
"They often do but the Humbatas are practicing today for a match tomorrow and my Bulgarian teammates are in New Zealand today."
Another voice joins them, chuckling, "Hearing that I'm doubly glad I said I'd help even if it did mean having to get up early on a day I could sleep in. Great to see you, Oliver!"
Oliver Wood and Harry Potter shake hands then Harry greets Viktor by shaking hands as well. By that time more students have arrived. Viktor directs everyone towards the locker room for warm drinks and snacks as they wait for everyone else to arrive.
Within a half hour, all the students who are most likely going to participate today have arrived as have the other assistants - Randolph Keitch a retired Falmouth Falcons player, Anna Genoa a Tutshill Tornados chaser, captain and a beater for the Holyhead Harpies Gwenog Jones, and Babukar Senghor of the St. Emrys team the Chimaeras.
Viktor quickly divides students into groups and soon the sky over the Hogwarts pitch and part of the grounds is full of students.
Fed Up
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 01-21-07 14:48
Briar is busy back and forth from the kitchen to the front, taking tray after tray of pastries, cookies, candies, pies, and cakes. She notes that the lines of waiting customers are slower moving than normal. Even when the bakery is busy like this customers are generally waited on much more speedily. That's when Briar sees that while there should be two people on the registers and two filling customer orders, Melisande is nowhere to be seen.
With so many Hogwart students within hearing range, Briar refrains from uttering the choice words that came to her lips. Briar puts the tray she's carrying into the display case then helps get customers waited on, every now and again running into the kitchen to take care of something there.
Once the lines are much more manageable, Briar looks for her cousin. She's had it with that woman! Briar had spoken to Geoffrey about how to handle Melisande's implied threats about revealing the Wizarding World to the Muggle media. Geoffrey told Briar to document each indicent and when she's got a list, they will speak to a Wizengamot member about officially Obliviating Melisande. It's a harsh step but if Melisande is going to continue making veiled threats when she doesn't get her way then the authorities will do what's necessary to ensure that Briar's magicless relative does not have a chance to carry out any of her threats.
Finding Melisande outside flirting with a gentleman, Briar forces a smile before asking why her cousin isn't working as promised, taking note of date, time, and location to write down once back inside. When push comes to shove, the authorities can more easily find the memories Briar has of each event if they have some of the specifics to go on when the time comes.
Pressing Matters
Author: Drucilla Eternal
Date: 01-21-07 17:28
I made my way towards the discreet coffee shop close to Twice Told Tales. Lysander had suggested this meeting spot as opposed to myself showing up at the bookshop. He said to meet after the lunch time crowd, which I noted as I entered the coffee shop, were just about finished their lunch.
Finding a quiet and secluded corner, I ordered a coffee and waited. As if on cue, Lysander showed up right when my coffee did. Lifting a finger he wordlessly order the same for himself. I gave him a moment to settle in his chair before saying anything.
I softly cast a privacy spell to keep our conversation within a safe boundary. “I assume it is all arranged.” I murmured softly.
“Of course.”
I watched Lysander closely. I couldn’t figure out if the gleam in his eye was due to excitement or nervousness. Maybe it was a bit of both.
“So, what does your husband think you’re up to today?” he asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.
“Spa. And you?”
“I told Julian I had some pressing needs to take care of.”
“Ah…” I smiled knowingly.
“At least when he asked if those needs involved a beautiful woman I didn’t have to lie,” he winked.
I laughed, as was expected. The waitress came back with Lysander’s coffee. Waiting until she had stepped over the privacy boundary line, I leaned closer towards Lysander. “Incase you were in doubt, I have the money on me. I feel more comfortable holding onto it until the transaction has been completed.”
“As would be expected.” He was the charming businessman once again as we got down to business. “I have a place where we can floo without being tracked. Not that anyone would be keeping an eye on us, but I feel more comfortable with arrangements this way. Like I’ve said before, I’m known for my discretion when it comes to keeping my clients matters private.”
I smiled warmly hoping to elude a bit of my Veela charm (something that had been hard to do ever since losing Mira). “Shall we be off then? Best you go first and I’ll follow behind you.”
Nodding, Lysander placed a generous amount of galleons to cover the two coffees and headed towards the door of the coffee shop. Waiting a moment, I stood up as well and followed.