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Little Annoyings and Little Treasures
Author: Alice Cullen
Date: 09-03-07 15:03
“Jasper!” Alice cried grabbing the box that was about to fall down on her fiancé’s head.
“Thanks!” Jasper said taking the box and digging through it, he found a small box of oriental tea. “ Here you go.” He said handing the small box to a third year Hogwarts Student. The shop that Alice owned was booming with business.
“Jasper, please be more careful, when you help out. I can't have my fiancé getting hurt over a box,” Alice said and spun on her feet to nearly knock over another student. She heard Jasper shuffle back laughter.
“I am so very sorry.” She said coming down to the third year whom was so small, that the child could have passed for a second year. “How can I help you?”
“Are you a real fortune teller?” The child asked.
“Yes of course, I am. I wouldn’t own a shop like this if I wasn’t.” Alice answered standing back up.
“My Mum says that fortune tellers a bunch of hocus pocus. And that they don’t really tell the future.”
“Really?” Alice said raising an eyebrow now trying not to glare. It wasn’t the child’s fault that his mother said what she did.
“She also said that they only really tell the future once in a while. Like when they get a prophesy or something.”
“Did she now?” Alice said softly as she crossed her arms over her chest. She was getting tired of listening to this little person tell her how his mother thought that fortune tellers didn’t know how to tell the future. “ How would you like a free reading?”
The little boys eyes grew wide and he shook his head backing up. “ But Mum says…”
Alice shook her head and walked away. She had given the child a chance at a free reading and he had turned her down. She would not offer it again. She frowned as she wandered into her café and sat down at the counter.
“Alice, what a delightful surprised. I thought you were going to be doing readings.” Maggie exclaimed as she plopped a warm cup of mint tea in front of Alice.
“I was, but the children seem more interested in what is inside the shop rather then my fortune readings.” Alice whined.
“That’s to be expected. Most people don’t go to a fortune readers unless for a reason.” Maggie commented as she placed a piece of buttered bread in front of Alice. Trying to sooth her employer.
“I know that. But I was so hoping to use my talents today.”
“Oh, but you have already darling.” Maggie said. “ You said you did some readings. And some readings are better then none. Cheer up child. At least your store is booming with business today.”
“I guess I can't complain too much. Can I?” Alice said smiling a little. It was hard not to smile around Maggie.
“Oh you can complain. But there isn’t any need for it. You have no reason.”
Alice laughed softly and shook her head. She gulped down her tea and her bread. Then she kissed Maggie on the cheek.
“Thanks Maggie. You’re a dear. You always make me feel better.” Alice said bouncing back over to her little corner to tell more fortunes.
Heirlooms and Memories
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 09-03-07 20:34
Lawrence had apperated to the flat about fifteen to twenty minutes after Eloise had ambushed him coming out of the greenhouses. He currently was sitting at the small table in the kitchen, staring at the package in front of him. The name on the package said it was from Aunt Maribel, who had been dead a year...Had the solicitor sent it on her behalf? Or had it gotten lost in the post for nearly a year or two? Was it to be a care package while he was at Hogwarts?
Eloise was right to come get him for this, however, she'd not known who Maribel was as Eloise had come into his service -after- the woman's death. "Master, who is package from?" Eloise's inquisitive voice broke through the fog of his thoughts.
"From my Aunt Maribel, she was my guardian after my parents died. Her and David. David, I've not seen him since I went back to Australia. However, Maribel has been dead for nearly a year. I don't know what to make of this particular package." He said, finally picking up a knife and breaking the steal of the tape on the box.
Opening the box, he pulled out the packaging. Why had it been shipped a Muggle way? Packed a Muggle way? Neither Maribel nor David, nor Maribel's solicitor were Muggles. He was confused, completely, and utterly confused. Once the packaging was taken out a letter was pulled from the top of a pair of velvet boxes. There were more than the velvet boxes in the box, but for now, the letter captured his attention.
My dearest Lawrence,
If you are reading this, then you know I have well passed on. Within this package, are things that I've asked my solicitor to hold on to until a year after my passing, they were not part of my will, nor were they included in my estate. These are items that are to go directly to you. I know you are asking why. So, I will tell you. Why? Because you are my favorite nephew, you are the one who has known the most tragedy in our family and I know that at some point in your future, these items will bring you happiness. They are heirlooms, treasured by me and I know you will treasure them also.
The first velveteen box holds the wedding band set that was given to me by your Uncle Mortimer. The second box holds the pearl and emerald tiara that I wore at my wedding to Mortimer. The final box holds a clock, what Muggles might call an Anniversary clock. It was a gift to your Uncle and I on our first wedding anniversary by your mother, god rest her soul. Beneath the final box you will find a manila envelope, within it are wedding pictures from my wedding to Mortimer, your parents' wedding, and your childhood that I'd treasured.
Use the items wisely, you will make some girl very happy. I know Vera would be honored to receive such heirlooms. But, should things not work out between the two of you, I wish you the best when you do find that special girl that stops your heart at every turn and makes you want to better yourself simply to bring a smile to her face.
All my love...
Maribel
Lawrence couldn't hold back the tears, they streamed down his cheeks as he pulled the boxes from the larger packing box. He opened the box that held the wedding band set...platinum with an emerald set for the engagement ring, the wedding band was alternating emeralds and diamonds set also in platinum. He fondly remembered Maribel wearing them and looking at them fondly when ever she told stories about Uncle Mortimer.
The tiara he'd not seen before, and it was absolutely beautiful. He quickly pushed aside the image of Ariella wearing it, it was too early, their relationship still too new. Anything could happen, especially with the stresses put on them by the new edicts being passed seemingly daily at Hogwarts. Though, he thought that if they could survive this year, they could survive anything.
He pulled the clock from its box and tucked it on the mantle piece, right where it belonged. He adjusted the time and then gathered the pictures. It was still early in the day, he thought about apperating to Hogsmeade and meeting Ariella for lunch, finding out if Snider had issued a new edict in reference to the Hogsmeade trip that was scheduled for today. No, he needed to stay here, he shouldn't put any added stress on Ariella by trying to spend time with her when they could easily be caught.
Ariella,
Sorry I couldn't be there for Hogsmeade weekend, would have been nice to try and spend some time with you. Am spending the weekend in the flat, going through a package that arrived from Aunt Maribel's solicitor, some things that she wanted only me to have and for some reason not get them until a year after their passing.
Have fun and I will see you either in class on Monday or at dinner Sunday night.
Love,
Lawrence
He quickly penned a letter to her and summoned Eloise to him. "Eloise, deliver this to Ariella, she is most likely in Hogsmeade, as it is still early try Briar's Bakery first."
Once Eloise had vanished with an audible pop, Lawrence cleared off the kitchen table and began looking at the abundance of pictures that had been in the manila envelope.
Earning Trust (Euphemia Smythe-Jones)
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 09-04-07 09:38
Whatever Lucius - as if Euphemia's falling for the Balthazar routine -had put into the drink at The Hanged Man made Euphemia woozy. A nice, find things amusing, the room only spins a little as if she's a teensy bit drink woozy. Euphemia blinks, trying to figure out why the room has completely changed.
It takes a few seconds for her muddled thoughts to pin point what's happened. Lucius - that is to say, Balthazar - disapparated with Euphemia. This new room is bright in the extremely early morning light, a little plain, but much cleaner than the room at The Hanged Man. There is a woman coming towards Euphemia.
"Up you go, dearie. Time to change."
Euphemia grins, "So helpful of you."
Euphemia does her best to focus her eyes, noticing that Balthazar isn't in the room and that the woman has the sort of glazed over look of someone who won't remember any of this in an hour. Probably means she's Imperiused as well.
Euphemia giggles. She doesn't want to but she can't seem to help herself. It's that drug she was given. Euphemia wants to close her eyes and still giggling she does. The woman scolds, "Not now, dearie. You have to help me if this is to go quickly."
Euphemia can't get her eyes to open but she does manage to help get out of the clothes she was wearing and into others. One would think Lucius doesn't trust her. How silly is that? Euphemia shakes her head to clear her thoughts. Not silly at all. Smart not to take her word for it.
The clarity leaves again as quickly as it came. Euphemia frowns trying to grasp at the fleeting rational thoughts but the effort doubles the desire to lie down and sleep. She feels Lucius's, Balthazar's, a great green troll's or whomever take hold of her arm.
When Euphemia opens her eyes again she's got a blinding headache and the room is different again. Or was she imaginging that other different room? A glass of something is put in her hand.
"Go on, drink. It's mainly water."
"Mainly?" she croaks with her parched vocal chords.
"A litte something added to help with the headache brought on by the various potions you've had this morning."
"More than one?"
"Yes. At our fourth stop there was veritaserum. At the fifth another truth serum used by Muggles, and at the sixth something to help clear you of the remains of that one and of the veritaserum, then at the seventh more veritaserum."
"I don't remember..." Euphemia's voice trails off as it cracks. Needing the water more than she needs to worry about what's in it she drinks.
Several minutes later the headache is clearing and her thoughts aren't so muddled. Between drinking more water, this time just water, Euphemia furrows her brow and asks with distaste, "You gave me a Muggle serum?"
"Yes, sodium thiopental though I do believe the Muggles more commonly call it sodium pentothal."
"Where's Balthazar?"
"Gone. His duty done."
"Where is this?"
Lucius holds up a pitcher of icy cold water. Euphemia nods and as Lucius pours more into her glass replies, "This is where you will meet Bellatrix. Telling you anything more than that would be foolish."
"But you have to know by now I'm telling the truth about wanting to resolve the issues that threaten more incarceration for the Lestranges."
"One can never be too careful."
Euphemia can do nothing but agree since it's a statement of fact. She would certainly have gone to these lengths, perhaps even more, if she were the one being asked to trust someone she couldn't be sure was trustworthy. Blind faith is good in theory but is so very uncommon in practice she's found.
Her head much clearer now and the ache entirely gone, Euphemia drinks more of the water, knowingwithout checking that her wand is gone as is anything else she might have had with her and that she can do nothing more than wait for Bellatrix Lestrange to make an appearance.
A Dreamy Workshop To Be Certain
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 09-04-07 18:06
Ella, Eric and Isma had met in the Great Hall for breakfast early, hearing a few students grumbling, it seems another edict had come down from Harry the Snide concerning the Hogsmeade trip that was scheduled for today. They caught a snippet of conversation from a couple of third year nons who were heading out for their time in the village.
"Can you believe it, we have an hour and a half from the time we leave school grounds. This woman has gone mental. Seriously."
None of the trio knew who the two third years were, one was in Hufflepuff and the other in Ravenclaw. "I swear, it is like she is trying to exterminate all those who aren't pureblooded. Make our lives a living hell and we won't want to come back." She shook her head and slipped a hand through her hair. "Let's just get to the workshop. Besides, Professor Krum is such a hottie." Isma grinned impishly and she and Ella shared a laugh, Eric just shook his head. This is what happens when he decided to be friends with two girls...he had to deal with their girlie moments.
The trio headed out to the pitch, and watched as Theodosia, the new flying instructor took a group of five off. "Good morning Professor Krum." The trio said in unison as they were now at the head of the line. They were quickly bundled into a group of five adding Robin Sluefoot from Ravenclaw and Kate Dewhurst from Hufflepuff. Isma had seen Kate, because she'd been in the great hall the day Kate had gotten detention after Gus and Mark had been tormenting her simply because they could.
"Hey Kate." She said as the five headed over to where Oliver Wood was standing. They were going to be working with him for the workshop. Ella and Isma couldn't help but giggle when they saw Oliver, he was definitely hot! And, he'd gone to Hogwarts and had been in Gryffindor. Definitely a good thing...Eric rolled his eyes and just shook his head. When Oliver cleared his throat he instantly had the attention of the five. Soon enough they were up in the air and working through the exercises.
Stating the Facts
Author: Bellatrix Lestrange
Date: 09-04-07 19:01
Bellatrix was impressed with the lengths Lucius had gone to with the Minister. Of course that was probably just Lucius just doing his level best to ensure a number of things, the chief of which was not being killed by his sister in law should events turn out badly.
That was of course assuming Bellatrix survived the experience. She smirked; Lucius really was taking a gamble with this one. At the very least both of them would end up in Azkaban, at the worst they or the minister would be dead. However for Bella it was just another solvable problem, she had her wand close at hand, and the remaining filleting knife in her pocket that Lucius had given her for her birthday a couple of years back.
However this was a matter to take very seriously. Should the woman be sincere, this was a golden opportunity to walk free at last. Being on the run was very wearing after a while, and what was wrong with taking this chance with both hands? For once Rodolphus had actually been speaking sense, albeit his words came from one desperate to be found innocent and free of the taint of the Dark Lord at last. Perhaps even the fact he had almost tried to cut his arm off to get rid of the Dark Mark would count in his favour.
Bellatrix could hear the soft murmur of voices from the adjoining room; Lucius’ familiar drawl, and now a woman’s – slowly gaining strength from the slurred speech of a minute ago. The truth was despite her initial reluctance to actually show herself to a ministry official for the first time in a number of years, she was looking forward to the verbal sparring which was ahead. She was relishing the look on the Minister’s face when she finally opened that door. She smiled at Rodolphus and it was a wintry smile, one full of cold, frozen logic mixed with the thrill of the hunt. She had never felt more sane in her life.
Rodolphus opened the door and stood aside, allowing Bellatrix to step into the room. She sized up Euphemia Smyth-Jones with a raised eyebrow, and then smiled.
“My husband, Rodolphus,” she said. Rodolphus came forward and shook the minister’s hand before sitting down across from her.
Bellatrix didn’t sit down; she could feel the usual surge of adrenaline coursing through her body, so instead she chose to stand. She turned to Lucius and said, “So, here we are. I understand you think the Minister believes in the supremacy of the Purebloods. I’m glad someone finally has the right idea.”
She looked at Euphemia. “I do so admire the changes you’ve made recently, Minister,” she continued. “The segregation of the blood traitors and the mudbloods from those of pure lineage is a wonderful start. I can imagine you would go far with the right people to help you along that road. And I’m sure you have a wonderful pool of talent at Hogwarts just waiting to step into the shoes of those that do not deserve the honor.”
There was little point in beating about the bush any longer. She had irrevocably stated her intention regarding where she stood in the Pureblood issue, and now it was up to the Minister to present her views on the real issue at hand.
Woolly Is Such A Wally
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 09-04-07 20:50
We reach the edge of the village, all of us still sniping about Woolly's newest rule. Isabella comes ot a complete stop just as The Three Broomsticks comes into view. "I can't do most of the day without you. Any of you," she wails.
"Aw, you can do it, Izzy wizzy," I encourage while secretly hoping she can't.
Edith emphatically points into Hogsmeade. "Have a nervy spaz later, Izzy. Some of us don't have time to waste."
Catherine taps her wrist as if she's wearing a watch. "Time is ticking away."
"We need a time turner," I state, linking arms with Izzy to pull her along.
"If we had one we could go back far enough in time to stop Dumbledore from leaving that last day he's known to have been around school," Edith muses.
"No Woolly ever would be vair double cool with knobs," Izzy agrees.
"We'd still have classes together," I sigh.
Catherine nods, mournfully saying, "Woolly is such a wally. An evil wally at that."
We all nod, saying in unison, "Woolly is vair chav."
Edith says, "Enough about Woolly. Let's get to Gladrags first. There's a good sale."
Gladrags is fine with the rest of us so we pick up our pace, trying to make the most of what little time Edith, Catherine, and I have left of our hour and a half.
Translations:
Woolly = a snide, hairy creature running a certain school of magic
nervy spaz = nervous spasm
vair = very
vair double cool with knobs = very cool, extremely great
wally = a prat with no sense of style
chav = a coarse, common, altogether rude person
sex god = But sex god wasn't used even once in the above post so why is it even here you ask. Had to use it somewhere now did I? It's a crime not to.
(Kate) Making Changes
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 09-04-07 20:54
Kate had thought to spend all of Hogsmeade Saturday alone in her dormitory room but she realized that she should probably stop sulking and start trying to make her Hogwarts experience better, even if the odds were entirely against her. Having seen the notices about the Quidditch and flying workshops, she went down to the Pitch and gathered there with the other first and second years.
She was very surprised when a fellow Gryffindor addressed her. Kate knew Charisma from her classes, of course, but she didn't think any of her classmates paid much attention to her to know her name. Kate certainly hadn't made an effort for people to get to know her. She made a mental note to try to make friends.
"Hi, Charisma," she responded, putting a small smile on her face. See, that wasn't so hard, she told herself.
She joined Charisma, Eric Ling, Adella Darling and Robin Sluefoot in the group being workshopped by Oliver Wood. Kate felt herself blush when Oliver looked at her and hoped that he hadn't noticed. She didn't have a broomstick of her own––none of the first years did, since they weren't allowed––so she used one of the school's old Comets.
Oliver, who played for Puddlemere United, had them all mount their brooms and touch up from the ground. Kate remembered the exercise from the flying lessons she'd had with Professor Krum last month. She'd gotten better at getting her broom to rise into her hand but still had a bit of trouble kicking off from the ground.
After all the first years had managed to hover into the air for a few minutes, Oliver got out a quaffle and had them practice tossing it to one another while still hovering. Kate wasn't the most athletic, but she could toss and catch all right. She just wasn't sure about doing it while actually moving.
For a while, she forgot that she was mostly miserable while at Hogwarts. Kate was actually having a bit of fun!