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Thessily and Buttercup
Author: Thessily
Date: 03-06-07 10:37
I sat at the edge of the bridge over the Bunkerhill river that was on my aunts estate. I sucked down on a lollipop I had gotten from the candy trolley on the way home. Swinging my legs back and fourth I leaned over and watched as a fish jumped out of the river. It must be awesome being a fish. I thought sighing a little and standing up.
I hadn’t wanted to come home. I hated being here. I always wanted to stay at Hogwarts. But for some reason my aunt and uncle insisted that I come home. Almost to the point where I wondered if something bad was happening. But when I got home, nothing bad happened at all. I was surprised to see my aunt home though. When I asked her what she did in Knockturn alley, all I received was a sharp;
“ Thessily dear, don’t ask such questions.”
Putting my hands in my pockets I walked over to the stables and found my house Buttercup. I smiled. She was one of the only things I had been able to take with me from Greece. When we moved back to England.
“ Hello there Buttercup. Did you miss me?” I asked, while holding out my hand and opening it. Inside was a sugar cube I had stolen from the kitchen. Buttercup nudged my hand and naed happily as she sucked on the sweet Sugar. “You want to go for a ride don’t you?” I asked.
First I saddled Buttercup. Next came the saddle blanket. Then went the saddle itself and I adjusted the straps making sure they wouldn’t come off. I had that happen before. Then, I swung myself up onto Buttercup.
“ Come on Buttercup!” I cried as we rode out into the fields.
Blossom's
Author: Blossom
Date: 03-06-07 18:12
Although there are still things to be done and the grand opening hasn't yet been scheduled, Blossom has the day care and game center open today. Mainly it's so that students from Hogwarts in town for a Hogsmeade trip and those on spring vacation who've come to Hogsmeade today to take advantage of the many sales and specials might play the Wizarding versions of lasar tag and paint ball that Majandra brainstormed to put together.
Anyone, even adults,who play either game get a discount on the price of playing. Anyone who then fills out a feedback form to help them know what might need tweaking with both games gets a coupon for 25% at either location of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes and their names in a drawing for a 20 galleon gift certificate from Weasleys' as well.
Blossom hadn't come up with a name for her new business that she's entirely pleased with so far now it's simply Blossom's. She's got rates posted for the varying plans offered for the day care portion, from hourly rates to weekly. Majandra, Molly, Ginny, Hendrika, Azara, Tulip, Parker and his fiance Tracey, Arthur, and a few others are here along with Blossom.
Daria, home from Hogwarts for the break, has been helping out but she's also been spending time with Kody. With his band playing today at The Imperial Crown & Cauldron, Daria will probably be more scarce today. Ron is splitting time helping out the the twins' shop and the lasar tag and paint ball arena's here. Other friends and family, like Garrett and Penelope, will be in to help today if and when they're able.
Three students who look to be around 14 come in wanting to try the lasar tag. Blossom tells them how much it is to play, takes their money then sends them on to Maj to find out how to play. They're followed by four more wanting to do paint ball. Before Blossom knows it, there's a line forming that includes parents with smaller children who want to come in for an hour or so to play in the big maze downstairs.
Molly comes rushing over to help expedite the line, exchanging smiles with Blossom at how well things seem to be going already.
(Cornelia) Chaperoned Hogsmeade Trip
Author: Griet
Date: 03-06-07 18:32
Because the full moon had fallen the night Griet and Cornelia were to have returned to Canterbury, had they gone home for Easter, it had been decided that both girls, or at least Griet, would stay at Hogwarts. Although it had only been a month since Gervaise and Oberon had stumbled upon Griet in the Shrieking Shack and it had been less that amount of time since all of Hogwarts had learned the truth about her special situation, Griet had also thought it best that she stay at Hogwarts over break so that she could continue to use the Shrieking Shack during her transformation from girl to werewolf. Her father had converted the basement of their home to accommodate Griet, but she really didn't want to test it out yet and unless she would have gone home any other way than via the Hogwarts Express, she'd have never made it home before nightfall. She could have only imagined what it would have been like to transform into a werewolf on the Hogwarts Express.
Cornelia had had the option to either go home or stay with Griet. Since she hadn't been too keen on going home, she'd decided to stay and now found herself among the small group of Slytherin first and second years who went to Hogsmeade with Professor Jones. Besides Cornelia, the group included Basil Wynbourne, the only other Slytherin first or second year to remain at Hogwarts over spring break. They were quickly joined by Alexa Wenlock and Olive Green, who'd both gone home for Hogwarts but had been given permission by their parents to tour Hogsmeade with their school friends.
Professor Jones ushered them into the Three Broomsticks first. Knowing that the children probably preferred having her keep her distance even while keeping a watchful eye over them, she stayed by the bar while the foursome found a table front and center and ordered butterbeers for themselves. They felt pretty grown up, or at least like the third years and up who get to attend the Hogsmeade trips without chaperones.
"So Vanderbilt," Basil commented, after they'd eased into chairs and were taking in the ambience of the darkened room, "what's it like having a freak for a sister?"
"I wouldn't know," Cornelia replied, "as none of my sisters are considered freaks. Two are quite normal––a little on the boring side, to be honest. And the other? Well, she's exceptionally cool."
"She's a freak."
"You're a freak."
"You're a freak."
"Oh, shut up Basil," Alexa cut in. "We're here to have fun, not fight."
Cornelia wanted to have the last word but could see Professor Jones watching the table from where she leaned up against the bar. If she saw any of them act out of turn, the trip would be over before they could say supernova. Cornelia really didn't want that, so she played nice with Basil from then on––or at least tried to. Sometimes she couldn't help herself, but neither could he, it seemed.
Joining Groups
Author: Saffron
Date: 03-06-07 19:14
Saffron and her small group of girls enter The Three Broomsticks. The girls rush to get a table, leaving Saffron standing there, laughing at their haste to put distance between them and her. You would think she was a fussbudget or dilettante the way they're acting. Saffron can understand though the desire to not be seen with an adult.
Seeing her colleague Illyria Jones standing at the bar, Saffron joins her. After ordering a butterbeer, Saffron surveys the room. "Those are your charges?" she asks using her bottle of butterbeer as a pointer.
"They are," Illyria nods.
"Why do you have a boy in your group? Or did you have the boy and got the girls added on?"
"Basil got added last minute. A certain Potions professor caught us as we were leaving and literally shoved Basil at me saying he only had the one student. Wouldn't want the boy to be bored all alone. Then he hustled off muttering something about being late for a Slug Club Alumni gathering."
Saffron rolls her eyes. "From what I know that sounds so typical of him. My girls want to check out the lasar tag and paint ball. Want to come with?"
"My group mentioned those games as well so yes, definately."
Finishing up their drinks the two professors then gather up their two very small groups and follow two paces behind as they head for Blossom's.
Plans Put Into Action
Author: Shane Reimann
Date: 03-07-07 13:22
Shane apparated to a place along the Bunkerhill river and walked slowly along noticing everything. His research had provided him with all the information about Eleanor that he'd needed. The woman had a family and an adopted niece, who was supposedly a Griffindor at Hogwarts. Shane sneered at the thought of the woman that he'd spent two more or less enjoyable days with having a niece who was a Griffindor. It was a disgusting thought to be sure.
Shane had picked out a small farm house in Blackpool for his hideout, it reminded him of the one that he had grown up in. All sentimentality aside, because Shane just didn't have time for it, it was the perfect place for his plans. He continued to walk until he could see a great house in the distance, he knew this is where the BlackThorns lived. Two days before Shane had come in the darkness of night and surveyed the lands and formulated his plan. He wouldn't take Eleanor, no he would go for what she loved instead. Her family.
He strode along in the morning sunlight, he wasn't afraid of being caught or seen, he had every right to walk along the river. And if anyone asked he would come up with something viable, that or he'd just have a little torturous fun with them and then kill them. Either way he didn't care, he was there for one reason and one reason only.
In the distance Shane could see something coming towards him, it looked like a horse and rider. A slow and dangerous smirk worked it's way across his face as he watched. Ducking behind a tree he waited for them to approach and when the hoof beats slowed to a walk he knew they were close.
The hoof beats stopped altogether and Shane knew that the girl, his pray, had stopped the horse by the river. Slowly and quietly he edged around the tree where he'd been hiding and watched as the girl led the horse down to the water for a drink. He knew it was now or never, he hadn't planned it this way but, things were working in his favor. He wouldn't have to take the girl from the house he could do it right here and now.
Pulling a picture out of his pocket he looked at it, studying it to make sure this was the girl he was after. It was, and he shoved the picture back into the pocket of his robe and walked out of his hiding spot. The girl didn't even notice him.
"Incarcerous!" He hissed and ropes snaked their way out of his wand and to their target. The girl fell hard onto the bank of the river as the ropes wrapped around her body binder her. Her horse terrified by the sight of the ropes and it's owner falling suddenly wheeled and ran in the opposite direction. Shane had an instantaneous urge to kill the horse but then again he wanted the BlackThorns to know that something had happened to the girl they'd been taking care of, and the surest way of that happening was to allow the horse to return home.
The girl's eyes cut around wildly searching for what had caused her to be bound and now laying on the ground. Slowly her eyes focused on a black clad man walking slowly towards her. He kneeled down to her and brushed the hair out of her face, "such a pretty thing." He sneered at her and she began to scream and Shane just uttered, "Silencio!" and the girl fell silent again.
"Well now," he laughed, "you'll have plenty of time for screaming I promise you that. You are going to come home with me now I have a few fun things planned for you, and don't worry your Aunt and Uncle will never even miss you. You know they don't want you anyway, you're just a miserable Griffindor, a black mark on their family name. But at least you'll..." he didn't finish his sentence because he didn't want to ruin the surprise for her.
With one smooth movement he grabbed the girl and disapparated to his hideout.
Called To St. Mungo's
Author: Kissy Isuki
Date: 03-07-07 15:20
Kissy had volunteered to chaperone some of the 1st and 2nd years on today's Hogsmeade trip. Instead of having fun watching the younger students enjoy a spring day in Hogsmeade on a day when sales and specials galore are to be had, on a day when she was really hoping to get to play something called laser tag and something called paint ball, Kissy is nowhere near the village. Evan Lancaster has charge of the Ravenclaw girls that Kissy was to have overseen. There's only three of them, one of whom is Aaron Miller's niece, so at least Evan won't feel overwhelmed by a bunch of 11 and 12 year old girls.
On the only hospital bed in the room, Nyoko Isuki moves then instantly settles. Kissy watches her mother, torn between the love she's always had for the woman despite all her mother did and the distaste she has for being in the same room with a mother who did things good mothers don't do to their daughters. Nyoko stirs again, this time moaning softly. Kissy rises from the one chair provided and moves to stand near the bed.
Last night, just before supper, Kissy had received the message that her mother was being moved from Azkaban to St. Mungo's. A stroke was the initial diagnosis. By this morning, the prison healer's assessment was confirmed to be correct. As Nyoko makes another sound that Kissy at first took to be moaning, she realizes her mother is trying to say something but the partial facial paralysis from the stroke is making it difficult for Nyoko to form undertandable words.
Kissy bends closer and after a few seconds grasps that Nyoko is saying something along the lines of, "You came."
Placing a hand on top of her mother's Kissy confirms with a nod, "Yes, Mum, I came. Despite all Dad and you did, I couldn't in clear conscience let you lie here alone after having a stroke."
Nyoko mumbles something else. Kissy pats the hand she's touching. "I think you're asking if that's what happened. Yes, a stroke. You've got some paralysis. That's why it's hard to talk."
The one eye not affected by any of the paralysis cuts a little to the side. Kissy tries to track where her mother's looking. There is a pitcher of water just within Nyoko's peripheral vision. Kissy asks, "You want some water?"
Another mumbled word that sounds something like yes. Kissy says, "Let me get the healer. She may not want you having sips of water just yet."
Stepping from the room, Kissy goes the short distance to the nurse's station. Back at her mother's bedside she tells Nyoko, "The healer will be here in a moment."
It's sooner than that. Barely have the words left Kissy's lips when the healer walks in. Kissy returns to the chair to get out of the healer's way, wishing she could leave yet knowing she'd never forgive herself if Nyoko were to pass away alone in the sterile environment of St. Mungo's.
More Joining Of Groups
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 03-07-07 16:28
The four Hufflepuffs in my group, Luke, Wilbur, Timothy, and Milo, as one poke me. Timothy points. "There's Professor Sacheverelle."
Wilbur adds, "And Professor Jones."
Turning I see that Saffron and Illyria with their two groups are indeed approaching to get in line behind us. "Paint ball, laser tag, or both?" I ask them.
"Both," Saffron answers.
Stepping up to where Molly Weasley is taking the fees to play each of those games, I counts heads of all three groups telling Molly how many students then say, "And three adults."
As I count out the money I ask Molly, "How's Bill? I've not had a chance to see him in awhile."
"He's good except," Molly lowers her voice, "Fleur miscarried again."
"I am so sad to hear that!"
Molly gives me a small smile, handing me the tickets for each game. "Paint ball is that way, in the back. Laser tag is downstairs. Don't lose the tickets for whichever one you're doing second."
I nod and move along, Illyria, Saffron and our small bunch of students moving in behind me. When we're all clear of anyone who might be wanting to come inside Blossom's I give the two women the tickets for their respective groups to hang on to. By this time students from the three tiny groups have decided to go boys against girls. Basil Wynbourne looks extremely relieved to have four other boys to team with even if they are Hufflepuffs to his Slytherin.
Laser tag is decided upon first so we head down the stairs and follow the sign for laser tag. Majandra Weasley greets us and as she takes our tickets nods to some storage bins. "You'll each need to put on the equipment and get the special wands."
Majandra is wearing all but the special helmet and there are well made signs that also help to show what's what and how each item is put on. She further explains, "If you're wanting to play teams, there are color strips to attach in four spots. Some of the areas in the gaming area are darkened but the colors will show up so you'll always know whether a person is a teammate or an opponent. Now, let me show you how the special wands work."
In under five minutes we're all outfitted, the boys picking what else? blue as the team color and the girls going for pink. I'd played laser tag before but it was years ago and of course done with toy guns. I'm interested to get into the arena area to see what magic might be employed there for the game.
As we walk through a curtained archway and hear laughing, pretends screams, and lots of giggles, I know I'm about to find out and I can't wait!
Hogsmeade on Spring Break
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 03-07-07 17:15
Orei had opted to stay at school during spring break, which meant that she'd be going on the Hogsmeade trip. Finally that morning came and she was up early, with a shopping list of a few things that she needed to get from various shops. She also needed to drop a package into the Owl Post Office for Mom's birthday which is in a couple of days.
She headed down to the village before breakfast, intent on grabbing something to eat from The Three Broomsticks before she started shopping. She was heading down to the village on her own, however passing groups of the first and second years who were allowed to go to the Village during this special trip on Spring Break.
Finally she'd settle at a table in the Three Broomsticks, order of pumpkin juice and a sweet roll were ordered so she could relax and simply enjoy the spring morning. She pondered heading to Aussie's and seeing if Brett was home and if he wanted to help her with the errands she needed to get, and maybe pick something out for her Mom. She'd go after she finished her breakfast, yes, breakfast first then off to Aussie's.
Booksigning (AJ)
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 03-07-07 17:25
Sitting at a table near the still relatively new coffee bar inside Twice Told Tales, AJ poses with a 40-ish woman for a picture. She thanks him in a gushy rush of words then clutching her newly signed copy of Mayhem in the Mews she takes her camera back from the Hogwarts student who'd snapped the picture then leaves the bookshoppe, grinning happily. AJ regains his seat, picks up his quill and asks the next person in line, "Do you have an special inscription request?"
"To Mirai Schultz. That's M-I-R-A-I. Schultz is S-C-H-U-L-T-Z. I can't believe I graduated Hogwarts just months before you started working there!"
AJ signs the book, smiling at the young woman's words. He's heard something similar a number of times already today. It's nice hearing it and meeting fans no matter their ages but AJ is still a little surprised that this event is at Twice Told Tales. Thought the shoppe does sometimes carry new volumes most books sold from here are used with many being considered vintage. But, here AJ is and there is a long line waiting for autographs. The long line to buy the book and to get the autograph of AJ Hundle could be because Mayhem in the Mews won't be released anywhere else for another week.
As nice as all this is, meeting fans and hearing their thoughts on his work, AJ can't help but watch the clock. Although Kissy Isuki and he are no longer dating, they knew to call it quits at a time when they could maintain an excellent friendship. With Kissy at St. Mungo's with her mother, AJ would like to pop in to see if Kissy - or her mother - need anything. He plans to do just that when he takes a break for lunch.
Smiling broadly at another young woman bemoaning graduating Hogwarts before AJ started teaching there, AJ signs her copy of his newest published book and thinks it won't be all that long before that lunch break.
Playing Paint Ball
Author: Jared
Date: 03-07-07 18:59
Jared pays close attention as Ron Weasley does a quick run through on how the paint ball wand works. Wearing a coverall to protect his clothes and a pair of goggles dangling from one hand, Jared stands with Titus, anxious to get started. Each accepts a paint ball wand from Ron, thanks him for the instructions, then walks through the gate into one of the paint ball areas.
There are already a good number of people in this particular area but not so many that it takes from the fun. At least Jared hopes this will be fun. It certainly looks like it will be!
He'd put his goggles on as he walked so he's ready to go. Peeling away from Titus, Jared immediately finds cover. Good thing too because Titus is already firing at him. Jared peers around the haystack he's behind, spotting the top of Titus's head moving along behind a half wall. Jared aims the special paint ball wand and shoots.
A burst of pale green paint fires from the wand. It mostly hits the half wall but Titus now has a distinct pale green splatter of paint across the top of his head. Jared laughs aloud as he makes a mad dash to move behind a large barrel. A splotch of dark orange paint suddenly appears on the ground right where Jared had just been. Titus loudly says, "Nearly had you!"
"Nearly isn't good enough," Jared taunts.
Chancing a look around the barrel, Jared gets a good idea of where he's moving next. He has a glimpse of Titus ducking behind another segment of half wall. Jared starts to move from his position but notices the half wall moving. Crouching down where he is, Jared aims the wand then hastily shoots when the half wall has moved enough for him to see Titus's chest. Realizing at that same moment he's been exposed, Titus flattens himself on the ground. When he raises up again, Jared's no longer behind the barrel.
Jared, behind another hay bale, waits quietly, hoping Titus will come right past him. Much as he had hoped to be home for the holiday, at the moment Jared's sort of glad his mother screwed up on which dates Etta and he would have been home. In thinking they'd be home this coming Saturday, Abigail had passed on the wrong information to her husband. Gawain, in turn, had scheduled a business trip for this week instead of next and invited Abigail to accompany him. By the time Abigail got the dates straight on when Etta and Jared would be home, it was too late for Gawain to change his plans and too late to get a refund on the nicer hotel room he'd booked in anticipation of Abigail being with him.
Titus creeps by right where Jared had hoped. Firing another shot of light green paint at his friend, Jared hits Titus squarely on the side. Laughing as he darts away, Jared calls out, "Two hits to none!"