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(Aralyn) Question without an Answer
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 12-05-11 08:24
Desiring something other than the breakfast offered at the inn, Aralyn set out down High Street for The Three Broomsticks. It was a cool morning, but it was already quite sunny. She wasn't yet aware that today was the day Hogwarts students would get their first chance to visit the village.
The pub was warm and cozy when she entered and took a seat at a small table away from the door. Aralyn browsed the menu options and decided on eggs, sausage links, bacon and potatoes. She selected coffee for her beverage. Her shifts at Petals always ended in the wee hours of the morning. A lot of times, Aralyn slept until noon to recover, but this morning she'd woken up early with an appetite––but she was still tired. Maybe the caffeine would do the trick.
Her food arrived before the first students began trickling into the pub. By the time she finished her breakfast, The Three Broomsticks was packed. Aralyn finished her coffee and then stood, reaching into her purse for some coins to pay for her meal. She didn't have a lot. Her job at Petals paid enough to get by but most of the money went to the inn. Things would be better once Kristos found himself a new job.
She paid for breakfast and then navigated the crowd to go outside. Aralyn wanted another cup of coffee, or perhaps even some hot tea. She debated one of the other establishments around the village but knew that they wouldn't necessarily be any less crowded than The Three Broomsticks. Then she thought about Twice Told Tales. The used bookstore had a coffeee nook. Perhaps Lysander would take pity on her and let her squat in his store for a few hours.
She reached Twice Told Tales in short order and saw through the window that busy was brisk, though the used bookstore wasn't as jam-packed as the pub had been. Both Julian and Lysander were at the counter, and Chyler was talking to a young customer.
Aralyn looked closely at Chyler, or as closely as she could through the window and from a distance. She certainly looked alive. Chyler was smiling and then laughed at something the Hogwarts student told her. She looked so young and lively, even though she and Aralyn were the same age. Aralyn supposed that Chyler must have good genes to still look like a twenty-something when she was really in her thirties.
So how to explain the headstone in the cemetery bearing Chyler's name? Aralyn hadn't mentioned it to anybody. Not Kristos, not Lysander. Surely Lysander must have noticed it during his frequent walks through the cemetery, though.
Chyler stopped talking to the customer and turned toward the window for a moment, catching sight of Aralyn standing there. Her face broke out into a smile and then she waved.
Aralyn smiled and waved back and then stepped inside the shoppe.
"What were you doing, standing out there in the cold?" Chyler asked Aralyn. Then she turned her head and stated loudly, "Lysander, look who just came in?"
Lysander, who was in the middle of counting out change for a customer, glanced up and saw Aralyn. He did a quick scan between her and Astrid, who had gotten very good at pretending to be Chyler at the drop of a hat. He nodded to Aralyn in acknowledgement and then finished up with the customer.
It was too busy for him to step away from the counter just then, but Astrid seemed to have things in hand. She led Aralyn to an empty chair, sat down in the one adjacent to it, and proceeded to talk her ear off.
(Mark) Just the Two of Us
Author: Isolde
Date: 12-05-11 11:53
Mark and Kate stood around in the courtyard at Hogwarts, waiting for Johanna, Felicia and Gus to arrive. They'd already submitted their permission slips to Professor McGonagall, who along with Mr. Filch were prepared to deny access to Hogsmeade to any student without parental permission. From the looks of things, the majority of students didn't have to worry about being told no.
The young couple stood in a patch of sun. It was cold outside, even in the sun, but at least it was warmer there than in the shade.
"Do you think they've left without us?" Kate asked after a while.
"Maybe," Mark replied, shrugging his shoulders. "We didn't exactly agree on anything last night. Let's just go. We can find them in the village if we want."
"Okay." Kate slipped a mittened hand into Mark's and together they set off for the gates of Hogwarts.
A short while later they reached the village. They initially thought about visiting The Three Broomsticks first, but there was a line outside the door by the time they arrived. Instead, they backtracked a few steps and then went to Brews and Stews Café. The café wasn't empty by any stretch of the imagination, but it wasn't too terribly crowded either.
Mark and Kate sat down at a cozy table for two near a fireplace and browsed the breakfast menu. Once they had ordered, they fell into relaxed conversation.
"Do you think it will be an extremely harsh winter this year?" Kate asked.
"Definitely a cold one," Mark replied with a bit of a grin. "We're in Scotland. When is winter never extremely unbearable?"
"True," Kate replied, laughing.
Mark leaned over the table and took her hands. "I like it when you laugh."
Kate smiled. "What about me laughing do you like? The sound I make, or what?"
"That, but it's mostly the way your face lights up. It's nice." Mark wasn't usually this sentimental. Kate seemed to bring it out of him.
"Thanks," Kate murmured, feeling bashful for reasons unknown to Mark. Then she leaned forward. Their table was so tiny it didn't serve as an obstruction. Soon, their faces were just inches apart. And then they kissed.
All this time together and they'd not kissed once. They'd held hands a lot. Hugged each other. Danced. But not kissed.
Mark found himself wondering why they'd waited so long. They'd really missed out on something amazing!
But then a shrill voice sounded. "Mark Arthur Farnon! What do you think you're doing?!"
Shopping with Artemis
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 12-05-11 13:35
Artemis and I were going to spend the day together, along with Meagan, starting with breakfast at The Three Broomsticks, which soon filled with students from Hogwarts as it was the first Hogsmeade weekend of the school year. Several came over to greet both Orei and Artemis as well as coo over Meagan, asking about Jim as well who was currently working.
Meagan was currently lapping up all the attention, cooing and babbling gorgeously for all those that came to stop by and tickle her tummy or hold her for a few moments. During the lull Meagan found herself settled on Artemis' chest while we ate breakfast. When the fidgeting three month old became more of a hinderance than a decoration Arti put her back in the chair, and gave her her favorite stuffed unicorn to gnaw on.
"She's never let go of that thing since she was born. It's become her favorite toy, I guess that means you are one of her favorite people Artemis." I said with a laugh. We finished breakfast and once more bundling Meagan into her pram and Arti and I put our coats on and headed back into the chilly morning air.
"Where to? The village is going to be absolutely insane throughout the day. Want to head into London or just putter around here?" She asked, fingertips tapping lightly in her hip.
"We can stay here, I want to head to Twice Told Tales first and grab a few things if I can get through this madness. Beyond that I think there is a sale going on at Gladrags today too." I said smiling and begin pushing toward the used book store for the time being, which was quite busy already despite the fact that it was still early in the day.
"Sounds like a plan. I also noticed that you are running low on tea when I went to make a cup last night..." Arti said with a grin. "We should probably stop at Rose Lee Teabags and Botanicals and Beyond to get some teas. I hear Travis has some fantastic blends at Botanicals..." She said with an impish grin.
I couldn't help but laugh as we managed to maneuver the pram into Twice Told Tales a wave to Lysander and Julian who were busy dealing with the line of students wishing to purchase items and those still needing to find items within the shop. Artemis and I quickly gathered what we both wanted and got in line to make our purchases and then managed to slip out of the shop and head toward Gladrags.
(Kate) Unacceptable
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 12-05-11 14:15
At the sound of the sharp voice, Kate and Mark immediately pulled apart and gazed at a woman towering over their table.
"Mum?" Mark exclaimed, noting then that his father was standing just behind Mrs. Farnon.
Kate didn't know how to react. She'd seen Mark's parents at campus events like the Fall Fair and Spring Social, but she'd never met them. In the few seconds in their company, she could already tell that they were like older versions of the Mark Kate had first met five years ago. That Mark had been cruel and snobbish. Kate was very glad that Mark had grown up into a much better person.
"We had heard that today was a Hogsmeade visit and thought we might surprise you with a shopping spree and lunch. Imagine my surprise when your father and I decided on a little breakfast to start out our day only to find you locking lips with that––" Mrs. Farnon glanced at Kate as if she were nothing more than the dirt under the soles of her shoes.
"That what?" Mark questioned angrily, rising from his chair.
Mrs. Farnon looked taken aback. Although she knew her son was a natural leader, he'd never once argued with her.
Mr. Farnon stepped in to say, "Your mother has talked to you about this. This is simply unacceptable."
Kate really wished a hole would open up underneath her chair so that she could just disappear. She was glad that Mark was sticking up for her, though. It showed that he really did care about her and that he wasn't going to let his parents dictate to him who he could and could not date.
"No, this is unacceptable!" Mark exclaimed, waving his hand at his parents. "I'm old enough to date whomever I like and I don't need you both causing a scene in public just because you abhor my taste in witches! Come on, Kate, let's get out of here," he added, holding out his hand for her to take.
"Mark, if you leave this café––" Mrs. Farnon started to threaten.
Kate sprang up suddenly, nearly knocking down her chair. Luckily, she caught it before it could collide into the back of the chair so very near behind her own. She glanced down at Mark's hand before looking up at him with a shake of her hand. "It's okay, really, Mark. I'll just go find the others and you talk to your parents."
Mark didn't like that idea one bit but he gave her a stiff nod. "Fine. I'll find you when I'm done here."
Kate nodded, mumbled her goodbyes to the Farnon parents, and then escaped from Brews and Stews Café. She walked swiftly down High Street, miraculously avoiding collisions with all of the students walking up and down the cobbled pathway. She felt immensely sad––for herself and for Mark. Kate didn't like it that his parents didn't like her. She felt bad that she was a source of argument for Mark and his parents, too.
"Kate!"
She backhanded a stray tear that had started to fall from the corner of her eye and turned to find Felicia standing in the doorway to Briar's Bakery. Kate hadn't realized she'd walked so far so quickly. She walked over to Felicia.
"Hi."
"Hi, where's Mark? Hey, are you okay?"
Kate sighed. "I'm starving. Let me get something from here and then I'll tell you everything..."
Separate Time then Couple Time
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 12-05-11 15:13
While Blake and the guys played some laser tag and paint ball earlier Isma decided to do some girly type shopping, including getting a few early holiday gifts while her boyfriend was elsewhere, especially since some of them were for him.
She wandered to Gladrags because they were having a sale today since it was the first Hogsmeade trip of the school year. Gaze shifting over the expanse of clothing racks, picking out a few things for herself, an item or two for Blake and Eric for holidays. She also got a couple of items for her Mum that would be perfect, as well as a few accessories. She wasn't scheduled to meet up with Blake until almost lunch time, and so she still had some time to kill she wanted to grab a couple of things to tuck into her bag.
Two more stops to be made before she would ultimately meet up with Blake. She slipped into Twice Told Tales and got a couple of books that she wanted to add to her collection, before heading to Honeydukes to grab some sweets including some Berty Bott's and a few other sweets to survive for a couple of weeks. She also grabbed a few of Blake's favorites since they would probably spend the rest of the afternoon back at the castle after lunch.
After she was done at Honeyduke's she headed toward Brews and Stews Cafe where she was going to be meeting Blake for lunch since they'd both agreed that The Imperial Crown & Cauldron would too crowded, not that the cafe would be any less so, but it would be easier to get their lunch without an extended wait.
They grabbed a delightful lunch while Blake boasted that he managed to be on the winning team of both the paint ball match and the laser tag game. "I want to hit one more store before we head to the castle, I've heard that there are some fantastic teas at Botanicals and Beyond and I want to get a couple to try and maybe send to mum for her birthday."
"Sounds like a plan, besides I want to get something from Honeydukes, and put in an owl order at Briar's and I need more ink." Blake said with a light shrug.
"Yeah, I need more ink and some quills. I also want to check out the music shop on the first floor of that building." Isma said with a light smile.
"Alright. Sounds like a plan." He said, before paying for lunch and they headed out to run the last of their errands.
"By the way, you don't need to go to Honeydukes because I've already been." She said pulling the bag from her shopping bags and handing it to him. "All your favorites."
"See, this is why you are my girlfriend." He said with a grin and checked the bag, before giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Now, let's get going."
A Decent Proposal
Author: Mildred
Date: 12-06-11 02:09
The castle seemed to be abandoned. It was the first trip to Hogsmeade of the year and all the students with age enough and permission to leave the castle did so, eager to spend a day outside the school. As a first year, Mildred was not allowed to go out in such a trip and so she watched from a window as the elder students rushed towards the exit, looking for some kind of freedom and fun. The silence in the corridors was a blessing.
The little witch had read in the informative panel at the Gryffindor Common Room that there was going to be a flying and quidditch workshop later at the grounds. Mildred didn't want to miss that. It would be good to keep her distracted from everything else, a break from homework and essays. She also thought it was a very nice way for not feeling excluded. While the others were at Hogsmeade, she would be riding a broom. It was a fair trade.
Mildred hoped there wouldn't be too many people attending the workshop but she was pretty sure that wouldn't be an impossible scenario. She then wished that at least her Gryffindor colleagues wouldn't be there. She didn't want Queenie, Melpomene and Amelia to whisper at the dorms about her, once more. Mildred had the feeling they would do so if they caught her riding a broom today. They thought Mildred was odd, because she had refused being friends with them. Mildred was starting to get used to the distant between the other girls and she was thankful they had ended their attempts to get close to her. That way they wouldn't ask her about the letters she received at breakfast, they wouldn't bother to look at them notice that the address said 'Azkaban'.
"Hey, Campbell!" Mildred didn't recognize the voice that called for her and took her back to reality, and so she didn't bother to look behind. She kept going on her way to the grounds, ignoring the voice that called her again. She hoped he would give up and leave her alone. "For Merlin's sake Campbell, I am talking to you!"
Finally she turned around, facing the person who called her. Achilles was in front of her, breathless. His dark hair was all sloppy and his robes out of their place. Mildred could tell he had been running in order to catch her. After adjusting his robes and composing himself a bit, Achilles started to explain the reason he wanted to speak to Mildred: Like herself, he had signed into school's Chess Club. No one else from his group of friends had done so and no matter how hard he tried to challenge them to a match no one seemed to accept.
"They already know they are going to lose, so they don't even try. They are a bunch of cowards," Achilles joked adding they shouldn't be in Gryffindor at all. Mildred smiled a little bit when he asked if there was any chance he could play with her. Achilles added he could ask an elder student or someone from another house, but since Mildred had the same schedule as him and was in the Chess Club as well, it would be really dumb of him to ask someone else first. "So what do you think? You want to play with me one of these days?"
Mildred felt tempted to give a positive reply right away. She had no one play with and Achilles was right about the schedules. It made perfect sense for them to play against each other. However Mildred knew how a chess match could develop. Probably they would start talking, they would become friends and then Mildred would be forced to tell Achilles about her father. And then the friendship would end. No, Mildred couldn't play with Achilles. And that's what she told him in a polite tone, hoping he wouldn't be mad at her.
The boy didn't seem surprised or upset. Achilles confessed he was actually expecting her answer. Mildred was about to turn his back to him when he added that he had found a solution for this situation. Her eyes open wide, curious about what he had come up with. She stayed where she was, listening to him.
"I know you don't like to talk. We all noticed that," he stated and then added very quickly: "And I respect that. So I propose a deal: We don't exchange a word while we play chess. I promise, Campbell that we will just focus on the match."
The proposal seemed quite decent. Mildred wondered if she could trust Achilles. He looked at her, a bit hesitant, waiting for her reply. She stayed in silence for a while, observing her colleague, in search for a look that would reveal he had second intentions about this. But Achilles seemed clean: all he wanted to do was to play chess with someone.
Finally she gave in.
"All right. I will play chess with you," her voice came out very low and unsure.
"Really? Thank Merlin! Oh this is going to be fun. You're a quiet person, but my mom always told me we should be careful about them. I sense you're a lethal player, Campbell."
Achilles had been invaded by a huge enthusiasm. Mildred blushed and then she excused herself, saying she would be late for the flying and quidditch workshop if she wouldn't hurry. Achilles nodded and turned in the other direction announcing he would prepare his board so they could play soon.
Busy Shoppers
Author: Phyllida
Date: 12-06-11 13:03
Phyllida bustled through the door to Scrivenschaft's, tailed by a bemused Nathaniel. A throng of third years were milling around the quill shop. The shopkeeper looked discomfited, adjusting his horn-rimmed spectacles. Her face fell.
"What's the rush?" Nathaniel narrowly avoided colliding with an over-wrought third year, clutching a handful of tooled leather notebooks to her loving breast.
"I have to pick a present for Ferne before she finishes at Twice Told Tales…" She looked at Nathaniel, whose brow was tilted quizzically. "It's her birthday on October 31st."
As Nathaniel mouthed an 'oh' of understanding, Phyllida was already moving towards the mahogany shelving. She saw some very nice quills on a shelf above the heads of three excited third years – quite out of reach. She scoffed.
"Why is it so busy?"
"First trip for third years." Nathaniel gnawed on a sugar quill – their first stop had, naturally, been Honeydukes. "Why are you so impatient?"
"I already told you…"
"Right. Well, that quill looks nice." He pointed at a blue quill labelled grey heron with brass filigree grip, seven galleons.
Phyllida tried to reach over the head of a third year, but was unsuccessful. "Could you reach it for me?"
Nathaniel nodded and with his long arm he reached out for the quill, handing it carefully to Phyllida. She muttered a 'thank you' and her green eyes started to study the quill. He didn't interrupt her as she did so, knowing she was considering every detail of the quill, making sure it was a gift worthy of her cousin. Finally after a long inspection Phyllida seemed pleased with the object.
They had to fight a horde of third years to reach the old wooden balcony where the old shopkeeper was. He smiled at them happy to have real customers at his shop. He complained that every year at the first Hogsmeade trip the third years did nothing but turn his shop upside down, but they rarely bought a thing. Phyllida then showed some concern about the quill she was about to buy to her cousin, but the shopper assured her it was one of the finest quills she could get. He started to give her a detailed description of how the quill had been manufactured, giving Phyllida the guarantee that she couldn't pick a better quill. Nathaniel knew that already, due to the price of the quill. But the money didn't seem to bother Phyllida who without hesitating gave the shopper the galleons he required. The Hufflepuff's eyes opened wide, since he had never seen so many galleons in a Hogwarts student's hand before. He actually had to leave a package of chocolate frogs behind, at Honeydukes, because he couldn't afford to pay for it.
For their relief, they finally they left the busy shop. The cold wind was a blessing after the suffocating environment of Scrivenshaft's.
"Be a gentleman and carry this for me, will you?"Phyllida said, handing the bag containing the quill to Nathaniel.
He started protesting but she silenced him right away, saying she didn't want Ferne to suspect she bought her a quill for her birthday. "If you carry the bag she will think you bought something for you."
Nathaniel nodded and they walked around the village, not going in any particular direction.
They had been friends for a while now and he found himself enjoying her company more and more. She could be a Slytherin with a bad temper but he liked to spend time with her. Sometimes she even made him laugh.
"I should get a gift for Ferne, as well," he shared his thoughts out loud with her. Phyllida assured that he didn't have to, but Nathaniel had already his mind made up. But before he could start hunting for a gift he complained about how thirsty he was, as he put another sugar quill inside his mouth.
"Of course you are thirsty! After eating all those sweets I wouldn't be surprised." Phyllida started to drag Nathaniel towards The Three Broomsticks, comparing him to a child who needed to go the toilet all the time. He laughed which made her even angrier with him. But by now Nathaniel knew her rage attacks were something that come and gone like the waves of a beach. Unless they would be talking about Quidditch. That would be a completely different issue.
Only Minutes To Go
Author: Plum
Date: 12-06-11 17:55
The section of the Reese-Emerson garden chosen for the wedding looks absolutely stunning. When first seeing it today, finished and awaiting guests and the wedding party Plum got teary eyed. Thanks to various charms, the garden greenery looks every bit as fresh as if brought in today from a hot house. Chairs are arranged in neat rows with a center aisle down which a champagne colored carpet runs. The chairs have matching covers and ribbons, which go with the overall color scheme of the wedding. The colors are fall colors with the bridesmaids and flower girls dresses a deep fall red and the flowers decorating everything are in rusts, reds, yellows, and oranges. All the bouquets are a mix of cream and autumn red Oriental lilies. Plum's dress is a shade of cream as well instead of snowy white.
Plum peers out at the seating area from the room just off the garden from where she'll make her entrance. The ushers are busy seating people but nearly all the chairs are filled at this point. Alex pushes against Plum, "I wanna see, Pum."
She smooths down a couple of his hairs sticking straight up. "You look so grown up in your tuxedo, Alex."
"That's 'cause I am grown up. Is it nearly time for cake?"
"Just a little longer. It's nearly time for us to walk down the aisle, just like we practiced and then it will be time for the reception."
"I won't drop the rings."
"Anthony and I know you'll do an excellent job."
"Is everyone here?" Laura asks, doing a head count.
There are two flower girls, Larkin Weasley and Miranda Weasley, both of whom Plum knows fairly well from her time spent working at Blossom's, besides also being friends with Blossom and Majandra, their mothers. Ariella and Bronwyn who have readings during the ceremony are already seated, near the front in the rows reserved for family as are Katherine and Ophelia who are singing. Alanna, who is maid of honor, Daria and Kordelia are here with Plum, waiting for the cue for the bridesmaids, which should be soon.
One of the decisions Plum had had to make was whether to have the Alex as ring bearer, the two flower girls, and the bridesmaids to proceed before her entrance or to come after. It was an easy decision for her to make. She thought it would be nice if they got a little of the attention, knowing how nice everyone would look, before she made an appearance because no matter how good or bad a bride looks, unless someone in the wedding party is putting on quite a show of some sort, everyone's attention goes to the bride.
Laura pats Plum on the arm. "Just a few more minutes."
Plum nods and smiles then moves to where Evan Lancaster stands. Though so much better than he'd been since coming out of his alcohol induced coma, he's a shadow of his former self both physically and mentally. Mary's murder, for that is how Plum views her mother's death, shattered Evan is so many ways. As rocky as her relationship with her father has been over the years, Plum is so very glad he wanted to not only be here today but asked if she'd let him walk her down the aisle. Plum had been going to ask him so was happy to tell him yes, she'd like that, though made it clear that he wasn't giving her away. That traditional question isn't even being asked during the ceremony.
"Almost time, Evan. Dad."
He gives her a shaky smile. "I don't think I've mentioned how beautiful you are. You remind me of Mary."
Evan fumbles in a pocket. "Where did I put it? Here it is. Plum, this is for you."
Plum takes the small, tissue wrapped gift as Evan explains, "It hasn't had its own box in years."
Inside the tissue is a bracelet with a charm of two entwined hearts. "This was Mum's."
"I gave it to her the day we got married. I described it to Anthony and he got it from her things we have stored."
Plum kisses Evan's cheek then holds out one wrist. "Help me put it on, Dad?"
Evan fumbles with it but manages. Plum turns her wrist this way and that, admiring the pretty bangle just as Laura returns to say, "Places everyone."
(Anthony) From This Moment
Author: Beck
Date: 12-06-11 18:34
The moment Anthony had been waiting for had finally arrived. He stood at the altar with Toby, his best man, by his side. On Toby's other side stood Anthony's groomsmen, Kody and Deak. Anthony's grandparents sat in the front row and beamed at him. He couldn't help but grin back, never feeling happier than in that moment.
The string quartet that had been playing quietly in the background while guests were taking their seats began a processional piece. A moment later, Larkin and Miranda emerged from the house, strewing rose petals on the path to the altar. The guests all smiled and gushed about the little girls, who looked so pretty in their dresses and new shoes. Anthony found them very cute.
After Larkin and Miranda came Alex, the ring bearer. He looked very sharp in a tuxedo that matched those of the rest of the men in the wedding party. Alex seemed to bask in the attention he was getting from the wedding guests and flashed big grins at everyone he passed. He took great care with the pillow that carried the rings, perhaps realizing just how important they were.
Following Alex came the first of the bridesmaids, Daria, followed a moment later by Kordelia. They looked radiant in their dresses and carried sweet-smelling flower bouquets. Alanna, as the maid of honor, came next. She walked slowly, seeking out Jared, who sat close to the front. He smiled back at her. Then Alanna smiled and winked at Anthony, who was brimming with anticipation. The person he most wanted to see was next.
When Plum arrived on the arm of her father, Anthony's breath caught in his throat. He'd always considered her beautiful and found her a knockout on those occasions when she dressed up extra nice for a special occasion. The way she looked now was completely breathtaking. He realized he must have been staring dumbly because Toby elbowed him in the ribs and whispered, "You've got a bit of drool there."
Anthony chuckled under his breath at Toby's joke and smiled so hard his cheeks hurt. It seemed like an eternity for Plum to reach him. She and Evan faced each other so that he could lift her veil and give her a kiss on the cheek. Then he placed her hand into Anthony's.