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Going Out
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 01-24-07 09:59
Sirius has no idea where Drucilla is and, Merlin help him, he finds it difficult to care even a little. The inability to do so for months now tears at Sirius. This is the woman he loves, the mother of his children, and he doesn't currently give a fig if she shows up sometimes today or not and he has not the least bit of curiosity about where she's gone for the day without a word.
Sirius does still love Drucilla. He simply doesn't like her very much. His like and respect for Dru steadily declined the longer she went with ignoring James and acting as though Mira is their only child. Even with Dru showing more of an interest in James lately, and that's still not very much at all, Sirius continues to have a hard time dealing with the fact that a mother could love one child so very much, acting as though the sun and moon revolved around that child, while ignoring so totally and completely the other child.
Sirius puts all thoughts of Drucilla from his mind. He picks up James and finishes bundling his son up. Before leaving Sirius fills Wendy's food and water bowls and does the same for the bowls he still has for Crookshanks even though Hermione is now living above the Weasley's twins' Zonko's location. Crookshanks still comes to visit so Sirius makes sure the cat has food and knows he's always welcome.
Putting James in a pushchair then tucking blankets around the child, Sirius heads out. Sirius walks briskly until they reach the busy High Street. Sirius slows down then because James loves looking at all the students and at the bright window displays in the shops. Several times Sirius is asked how old James is to which he proudly responds, "Nine months."
When they reach Twice Told Tales Sirius leaves the pushchair outside. He can tell that the bookstore is crowded just enough that having the stroller in there would do nothing but block the aisles. Carry James in, Sirius goes straight to the children's section, looking for some of those books, such as the cloth ones, that baby's can play hard with yet not destroy.
As he sits on the floor with James in his lap, Sirius once again feels the pang of loss of not having Mira as well. Trying not to think about the hurt of her missing and how he's not been able to find Mira and bring her home, Sirius pulls some of the books off the shelf while hugging James closer to him.
In London To Meet Friends
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 01-24-07 12:29
When the apparition lesson ended, I'd gone up to the apartment Saffron and I share and changed into jeans and a sweater. Saffron, dressed similarly, and I then Floo'd to The Leaky Cauldron in London. I used to have a Floo conduit active at the flat in London, established after I learned I'm a Wizard, but since I don't actually live there anymore and since Mom isn't either, I had that conduit shut off. It's not that far of a walk from The Leaky Cauldron to there but that doesn't really matter since we're not going to the apartment today.
My friends Bernie and Andie are in town. Bernie had gotten a promotion that sent him to the other side of the world. Much as I miss seeing Andie and he regularly, having them that far away has really cut down on their questions about where I mainly live now and how come I don't see them as often. The fact that Saffron and I eloped also helps in that we couldn't very well invite them to a Wizarding World wedding.
Mom did send them an invitation to the ceremony Amica and she put on but given the timing of that ceremony, they couldn't come. I'm both thankful for that and disappointed. Afterall, I was Bernie's and Andie's best man yet they've missed out on both weddings. Then again, the same can be said of Bill Weasley. Maybe Mom's right and we at least need some sort of reception for those friends who couldn't be with us Christmas Eve.
I hail a cab and tell the driver the address where we're meeting up with Andie and Bernie. Saffron's a little nervous about it because she's not had much contact with them. As my friends she wants to make a good impression and isn't sure she can do that in an totally Muggle environment without the occassionally gawking at something.
Sliding an arm around her shoulders I say near her ear, "Everything will be fine."
She leans her head against me. "Deep down I know that but that doesn't keep me from feeling a little nervous. I'm also concerned about Sage."
Sage had been extremely down since breaking up with Aubrey earlier in the week, just before Valentine's. When Saffron and I left Hogwarts Sage was on the couch in our flat with no lights on and no plans on moving anytime soon.
Saffron sighs then says, "I know he'll be all right but this being his first breakup, he seems to be taking it harder than I remember taking mine."
"I took mine pretty hard but then I'd also had a crush on Gretchen since I was about five. She dumped me for Greg Stillman when he promised to take her for ice cream every day after school that she wanted."
Saffron laughs. "I did the dumping that first time but only because Amos told me that I kissed like a fish. Amos was the son of Da's then business partner and I was so mad at Amos that I went to Da and told him to fire Mr. Berkshire. Typical of Da he just laughed and told me to mind my own business."
The taxi pulls to a stop. I can see Bernie and Andie climbing out of another cab just ahead. "There they are."
I pay the cabbie and get out, holding the door for Saffron. Taking her hand in mine I raise my other hand in a wave, calling to my friends. We four stand outside the restaurant for a few minutes, hugging and talking before moving inside where we can talk more in the warmth of the restaurant over a meal.
Cold But Fun (Olive)
Author: Emerald Green
Date: 01-24-07 18:02
Waiting for the signal to start one of the obstacle courses, Olive takes that moment to pull her coat more tightly around her. The pervasive chill is the only thing that has detracted from the day's fun. It's made Olive decide that if by the time she's learned quite a bit of magic no one's invented a spell to protect flyers from the elements, she'll do it.
The signal comes and Olive is off like a shot. The first set of obstacles are rotating hoops so while trying to keep her speed constistent, Olive also must time going through the hoops just right or else it means going back. Going back means taking longer to get through the course and that's not on Olive's agenda.
Olive makes it through the last of the rotating hoops without touching any of them. Touching a hoop or missing one without going back to it mean time penalties. Although the the obstacle courses today and the ones she's been practicing on for months now are different from the obstacles courses for the SAT, basic elements and how to approach them are the same. In Olive's way of thinking that means no matter how a course is laid out, getting through without time penalties or being slowed down by having to go back and redo something will greatly help her chances in the SAT broom racing.
If she's chosen that is.
Olive hopes to be in at least one of the four broom racing events, having put her name in each event's goblet the first day the ones for broom racing were made available. She even got Emerald to put in for sprint and long distance. Olive's been thinking about putting Emmie's name in for the two obstacle courses. If Emerald's chosen for one Olive's certain her sister wouldn't back out to allow someone else to do it. Emmie would feel like she had to carry through even if it were Olive who puts her name in the goblet.
The question is, if Olive puts Emerald's name is, would the goblet accept it? Olive will have to figure out a way to get Emmie's signature twice, one for each of the obstacle course goblets.
Coming up on the next to the last obstacle set, a series of walls which Olive must fly under, over, under, then over again before diving steeply to set up for the last obstacle, Olive can't help but giggle aloud. As cold as this is, it's also a blast or as these Brits she's come to call friends would say, a bloody riot.
Going Home
Author: Drucilla Eternal
Date: 01-24-07 19:48
It had all gone as planned and I couldn’t be happier. For once, the smile that was fixed on my face was genuine and true. And most importantly, I had my book.
“You seem very pleased with yourself,” commented Lysander as we stepped through the floo network that led us back to Hogsmeade.
I laughed in delight. “That is because I am. Very pleased.” I practically purred the last word.
“Not to put a damper on your pleasure but…”
I paused to give Lysander a serious look. “It’s taken care of Lysander. You have nothing to worry about. I’ve covered our tracks and I dealt with the witch who saw us come in. She won’t remember our names, let alone our visit. All she will remember is going to the basement and discovering the very unfortunate accident of Mr. Ironside. I, of course, trust that you will stand by your claim of client confidentiality and not discuss with anyone what took place today. It would be very upsetting if we had to break our business ties after such a successful transaction. You are happy with the transaction, are you not?”
I watched Lysander’s face carefully. This would be the telling moment. Could I trust him? If not, I would have to eliminate him. It would be a pitiful waste to get rid of such a useful man with such interesting business connections.
Lysander patted the spot underneath his robes that concealed the envelope with the money plus the added Black jewels. “I’m very pleased with the transaction. I hope we can do business again in the near future.”
I nodded. We continued to walk side-by side down the street towards Twice Told Tales. When we reached the entrance I turned to Lysander once more.
“I will not forget your professionalism. Thank you for helping me locate this book. It means the world to me…” I stopped talking as I felt my throat tighten with emotion. I was so close now! So close to finding Mira!
I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see Lysander giving me an understanding look. “I would do anything for my daughter too.”
I gave a curt nod and touched his hand briefly.
“Can you please explain to me why you are touching my wife?”
I stiffened in annoyance. Sirius. Where had he come from?? And how did he have the habit of always showing up at the worse moment? He was the thorn in my heel and yet for some reason I hadn’t killed him off yet. Why was that? Oh right. Future benefits. I wasn’t quite done with him yet. Not until I found Mira. So instead of telling him off, I turned towards him and rolled my eyes dramatically.
“Oh darling, you are so dramatic! Lysander was just stopping me to let me know you were inside, weren’t you Lysander?”
Lysander gave a curt nod. Giving Sirius a curious look, he moved around him and went into the shop leaving me alone with Sirius and James.
“Let’s get James in the pushchair and get him home. He must be tired after such a long day. Has he been fed?”
Sirius frowned. “Yes, of course he’s been fed. You would know these things if you spent more time with him.”
“Isn’t that what I’m doing now?” I answered carefully.
“Well yes, but…” Sirius frowned again as he stared at the ground. If I didn’t know better, I could almost swear he was mouthing the numbers one through ten. “Never mind, Dru. Let’s go home.”
“Yes, let’s go home.”
I watched James like a hawk as we walked toward Sirius’ house. Soon, I thought to myself. Soon.
A Good Day
Author: Emerald Green
Date: 01-25-07 12:15
Back at Briar's Bakery once again, the group Emerald is with finishes out the day with a snack to tide some of the guys over until supper. For Daria, Phin, and Emerald, dinner will be at Hogwarts. For Ophelia, Plum, Anthony, Kody, and Drake, dinner will be wherever they please.
Just after Phin rushed back to Hogwarts this morning, Emerald had at first felt a little strange hanging out with the others while waiting for Phin and Daria to join them. It didn't take long though for Emerald to feel comfortable because the two older girls and three guys treated her as they would have if Phin were around. That is to say, they treated her like a true friend who'd been part of the group for ages even though to date the time she's spent with them has always been with Phin.
Lunch at been at The Imperial Crown & Cauldron with Daria, Ophelia, and Emerald being left alone a couple of times while the Dynamic Duo members played two sets with a break in between. Afterwards it was back out to stroll around the village though Daria and Kody did break away from the group for awhile.
Emerald thoroughly enjoyed the day but was also on the depressed side as she's been for months. There have been more up days then down lately and Emerald is finally beginning to feel like she really is part of this while magical community that was thrust on her in the midst of tragedy. She had thought the ache of missing her parents would have lessened by now but if anything it's stronger. Emerald would have thought she'd be more depressed than ever, unable to have a great time like she did today.
Emerald concludes that it's having Phin and his friends, whom she supposes she can call her friends now too, and friends from school like Jared and Alanna, and it's not feeling so extremely flustered every time she has to use her wand for something. Whatever the reasons, Emerald's glad to no longer want to wallow in misery every day.
Patting her pocket to make sure she's got the bags with candy for Olive and to send the twins, Emerald smiles at everyone around the table as they all start to rise. "I had a great time today, thanks."
Goodbyes are said then Phin and she start the walk back to Hogwarts with Daria and Kody coming behind much more slowly, that couple not wanting to have to say goodbye when they reach the school gates.
With Jewel
Author: Bailey
Date: 01-25-07 16:01
Jewel and Bailey had decided to stay in Hogsmeade for as long as possible. Sitting now at a table near one of the windows of The Three Broomsticks Bailey is amazed for the zillionth time today that his voice is working and what's more it's working as he wants it to.
"One more drink?" he asks.
Jewel turns from looking out at students trudging past in the snow, heading up the lane towards school. "Yes, thanks. Another spiced tea, please."
Bailey goes to the bar to put in the order for Jewel's tea and to get himself another butterbeer. He leans against the bar to look around the room that was so crowded earlier but is now only a third full. Bailey turns back around to pick up the drinks and to pay for them then returns to sit across from Jewel.
"I've had a great time today, Bailey. Thanks for asking me to come with you."
Jewel flashes a smile at Bailey. It's the smile that whenever he sees it Bailey's heart feels like it starts thudding. Bailey's cheeks get a little hot from the flustered flush of having Jewel smiling at him and sitting across from him as his date. His date!
It all seems so surreal to Bailey that not only did he successfully ask Jewel out but that she said yes and then to have the day turn out to be all the more enjoyable because he didn't make a complete gormless oik of himself.
In the time leading up to today Bailey had been somewhat relieved that Jewel and he first had apparation lessons this morning. Now, with things having gone so well here in the village, Bailey's regretting that time they had to be in the lesson instead of here in Hogsmeade together.
Jewel breaks into Bailey's thoughts by asking, "What are you thinking about?"
Bailey blushes again, stammering out, "Urmmm, that we hadn't, emmm, you know, the full, erm, day."
There's that smile again. Jewel nods in agreement. "Stupid lessons eatting up our rare day off from school. I doubt I'll refer to the lessons as stupid once I have my apparition license in hand." She sighs, slowly spinning her teacup around. "I'm sorry to say my drink's all gone."
"Why's that?" Bailey asks, momentarily confused.
"Because it means the time we have to go back is that much nearer. I'd rather sit here with you."
Bailey's cheeks burn fiercely and he feels tingly all over. "I, er, feel the same way."
Noticing Bailey's butterbeer bottle is also empty, Jewel stands and reaches for her coat. Bailey gets up as well, hastily reaching over to help Jewel with her coat on before putting on his. At the door, Bailey holds it open for Jewel, missing the warmth of inside the second the icy blast hits them.
Jewel holds her hand out to Bailey. He takes it but then lets go to slide an arm around Jewel's shoulder, using part of his body to block the wind from hers. Bailey did it without thinking which is probably a good thing because if he'd thought about doing that he's sure he wouldn't have.
Bellatrix and the Baby
Author: Bellatrix Lestrange
Date: 01-25-07 17:29
It had been a tough couple of months; even Bellatrix had to admit that. Regaining some semblence of sanity had been nice, although she decided it was the best interests of everyone if she stayed clear of the top tower of the BOO. This was where the Baron de Belleme's ghost was currently residing, congratulating himself on finally getting the better of Bellatrix and managing to push her down the stairs.
Yes, she had regained her metal acuity, but at the same time come to the alarming realization that she had been fantasizing about Snape on a regular basis. Never mind the fact she'd thought she was her sister and was married to Lucius. So things had been rather strained around the BOO, and the only person currently keeping her company was Catweazle the pig.
The little dear was at this moment standing by her side as she sat at the desk, occasionally snorting hopefully at her, just in case she had a nice treat handy. Absent mindedly she fed Catweazle a piece of toast with butter on it, while at the same time turning the pages of the book she was reading.
She was bored.
Anyone with a smidgen of sense would have run a mile, but the house elves were still getting used to the fact she was back to normal and had become complacent of her moods.
Carefully she shut the book and stared out the window. She sighed and then that bloody baby began to cry again. It worked itself up into a furor of screaming until Bellatrix lost her temper. She pushed the chair away, earning a grunt of surprise from the pig, and marched into one of the smaller rooms of the main hallway. The baby was squalling it's lungs out. She glared at it from above the cot, daring it to continue.
She couldn't get used to the fact it had a gender. It was simply just a baby and one that apparently liked to crawl around a lot. The elderly house elf who was currently acting as Nanny cowered by the side of the cot, wringing its hands.
"Why is it still screaming?" Bellatrix asked. "Can't you do anything to stop it?"
"No, mistress," squeaked the elf. "This is what baby's do."
"Well I've had enough," Bella pronounced. She pulled out her wand and before the house elf could do anything, she cast a Silencio charm. The baby continued to scream, but it was undetectable. Bellatrix watched with something resembling smug interest, wondering if she should just kill it and be done with it all.
"That should keep it quiet," she said and left the room to return to her book.