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Another Family Visit
Author: Dante Knight
Date: 12-06-11 20:47
During a recent faculty meeting volunteers were requested for the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend. It's an easy duty the simply requires walking around the village, making sure students are behaving themselves. Dante signed up for the morning shift and after his usual early morning run and a shower, had arrived in Hogsmeade before the first students were leaving campus. Although Dante doesn't talk much about himself that doesn't mean he's not friendly and this morning has been enjoyable, walking around, munching on pastry from Briar's, and drinking mulled cider while greeting students and making the occasional small talk.
After reaching the west end of the High Street again, Dante's moving back the other direction when tumbling puppies in the McFusty's window catches his eye. He's never had a pet. His parent used their penchant for moving the family around so much as an excuse not to get a dog or a cat. They always had an owl but tended to pick ones that weren't overly friendly to children or teens. When Dante decided to leave that way of life, he was so busy learning his job and finding out what it meant to live a more normal, ordinary life that he'd never given much thought to getting even so much as a fish. Now that he's been settled a handful of years and now that he's living somewhere like Hogwarts that has inviting open spaces and a number of pets belong to others running around, looking at these puppies in the window, Dante's starting to think that he might like to get a pet.
"Cute, aren't they?"
Dante turns to the woman who's standing slightly behind him. "Why am I not surprised to see you?"
"Is that any way to greet your only sister?"
Dante takes a step to give her a hug and a peck on the cheek. "Hello, Sunshine," he says, using her nickname.
With another name change with practically every move, the unchanging nicknames helped them as children when having a memory lapse about who they were a given day.
"He told you where to find me?" Dante states as much as asks.
"Rocky told Mum and Dad about seeing you in Diagon Alley. He's told me, but not them, about tracking you to working at Hogwarts. I know I should have written asking to see you but I thought you might say no, and I really wanted to see for myself that you're doing well."
"Did Rocky tell you why he felt the urge to track me down?"
"He didn't have to. He'd already tried getting me to loan him money. When he told me you were here and he'd paid you a visit, I knew what had motivated him. I was surprised to learn you'd left that other job."
"The company was going through some changes. I'd been reassigned and didn't care much the new position."
By this time Dante and his sister are slowly walking, though not into the heart of the village but back to the west.
"Are you happy?"
"Yeah, for the most part."
"For the most part?"
"I don't miss the lifestyle but I do miss having regular contact with family. I have friends but no one close. I'm getting used to be a teacher and some days I have more doubts about it than others, but overall I think I'm doing well with it. What about you? Are you happy?"
"Most of the time. Unlike you, I don't mind the lifestyle but there are times I need a break. Rocky told you why he wanted the money?"
"He did. What do you think of her?"
"She's nice. I wasn't sure about her at first but now I that I know her better I like her. Mum and Dad adore her and are estastic about the baby."
"I hear a wistful tone there."
"Maybe a little. I'd very much like to meet someone I love and trust enough to be able to bring him into the family. I'd very much like to have a baby. I could easily go out and get pregnant but go it without the father in the picture, but that's not something I'm desperate enough yet to do. It was nice of you to loan brother dear the money for that gorgeous but extremely ostentatious and pricey ring."
"Nice had nothing to do with it. It was give him the money or "
"A few secrets spilled?" She does a quick look around to ensure no one else is around then in a near whisper says with overly exaggerated fake surprise. "I can't imagine why you'd not want anyone knowing you grew up running cons and that your parents are wanted."
Dante dryly replies, "Shocking, I know."
They stop walking, Dante looking back down the High Street. "I'm sort of on duty right now. I'll be done soon though if you want to hang around and have lunch with me."
"I'd like that. We've not seen each other in such a long time I don't want to rush off after a few minutes' conversation."
"I might have to introduce you to colleagues or even some of my students, and I may be asked about you later. What name do you want me to use? Keep in mind whatever we use is the one you'd use from here on out if visiting me."
"Hmmmmm. To go with the last name Knight. Let's see. How about Tamara?"
"You're sure?"
"Do you not like it?"
"I like it just fine but it doesn't matter if I like it or not. It's the one you'll be stuck with if you come here again to see me."
"Tamara Knight. Yes, I like it so I want to be Tamara. I don't think I've ever been Tamara before. Tammy once for three days in some backwater town in America but never a Tamara."
"Tamara it is. Next question. Do you want to stroll with me while I finish my shift or do you want to just meet in an hour at the restaurant just up ahead, the Crown & Cauldron?"
"I'll let you do whatever duty it is that has you strolling around Hogsmeade and I'll do some shopping. There's a dress shoppe I saw with a sale sign. See you in an hour."
His sister strides off, crossing the street, most likely headed to Gladrags. Keeping the same, somewhat sedate pace, Dante resumes patrolling, looking forward to getting to spend more time with his sister.
Trying To Pay Attention To The Ceremony
Author: Kody
Date: 12-07-11 12:54
Standing as one of Anthony's groomsman Kody had had a good view of Daria coming down the aisle. She looks gorgeous, but then she always does even when she's got her hair pulled back in a sloppy ponytail, old ratty jeans and worn pullover on. With Drake and Ophelia married now, Anthony and Plum about to be, and Kody not only back with Daria but the two of them not pretending to be just friends, others have started hinting around that another wedding will be taking place sooner rather than later.
Kody has thought about marriage. He's simply not ready for that step. Daria and he haven't been back together all that long and he still keeps expecting her to huff around in a jealous snit if he so much as says hello to another female. That's not exactly the best situation to be rushing into getting married and even more so when the rush would be more because everyone else is getting or has recently gotten married. Having a wedding simply because it's what everyone else is doing is not the way to start a life together.
Deep in thought Kody only half listens to the first song, a duet with Ophelia and Katherine, and Bronwyn's reading. He tries to pay better attention as the minister talks a little about the bonds in a relationship that only come with true commitment. From rehearsal the previous evening Kody knows that this is going to lead into Ariella's reading, another song, then a traditional exchange of vows along with Plum and Anthony each giving some of their own and then the rings. There might be another song but for some reason Kody can't remember.
Daria. That's why he can't remember. Last night she'd caught his eye and was purposely making silly faces at him trying to get him to laugh out loud. He'd been working hard not to interrupt and cause a slow down during rehearsal. He'd been concentrating so hard on trying not to look at Daria and not to laugh that he'd missed part of the proceedings.
Remembering this has Kody looking at Daria again. She's got her eyes fixed on Plum and Anthony. She looks almost as radiant as Plum. When Emma Crusher had dumped Kody, the girl he thought he was supposed to be with forever, the one who made him realize just how wrong he'd been about that forever type of love was Daria. When they broke up because of her jealous rages the depression he'd experienced after Emma paled in comparison.
Right now, Plum is telling Anthony, "You are my present and my future." When Kody looks at Daria that's how he feels. Daria is definitely the one Kody pictures when thinking about life twenty years from now. He's just got to get over his wariness about her jealousy issues. Must as he considers Daria to be THE ONE, he rather be miserable without her than be constantly at odds with her because she can't handle him simply being nice to another woman much less being friends with one.
Daria feels Kody's eyes on her and shifts her gaze from the bride and groom to him, her eyes alight and her smile beaming. Kody smiles back then as if in silent agreement not to do anything to detract from the ceremony taking place, they looks back to the happy couple, Kody determined not to let his mind stray for the rest of the ceremony.
Confuzzled
Author: Sage Porter
Date: 12-07-11 16:38
Co-written with Georgia Copperpot
"You're acting strange."
"You must have me confuzzled with Isabella. She's vair dreary of late."
"Seriously, Georgia. What's going on?"
"The usual. Tired of school. Tired of hardly seeing you. And Izzy really is barmy about something but she won't say what. I think she and ickle Wilbur Tremaine broke up."
"He's hardly ickle these days. He's nearly as tall as I am. As for us, we've toughed it out this long. Are are you hinting that you're wanting to take a break?"
"Maybe. I'm not sure. I quite like having a sex god boyfriend. I like having you as my boyfriend. It's just that... Oh. I don't know. Perhaps I have gone as mental as my insaner than an insanely mental little sister."
"Is there someone else?"
"While there are some nice lads at Hogwarts, and while there are some nice ones who've graduated in recent years, and while I've met a few nice blokes through you, no, Sage, there is no one else."
"You aren't sure if you want to take a break. You're tired of life right now. You don't have the vibrant sparkle that is so maddeningly endearing."
"I'm sorry. I am being a vair wet wally."
Sage pulls Georgia into a hug. "Don't apologize. I think with the pressure of seventh year level courses along with NEWTs looming at the end of term, and the trauma of Happy Haven and the year before it are finally catching up to you, you're burnt out, Georgia. Would it help if we did take a break? Not break up, just take a step back."
"Not sure how we could do that when we hardly see each other as it is."
"Thanks to Saffron and Aaron living at the castle, we see each other more than most couples in which one's still at Hogwarts and the other has graduated. I could stop coming around as often. That way you wouldn't have to take time out from studying and relaxing with friends to see me."
"But I like seeing you. I don't want you to think I don't."
"I don't think that. I'm just trying to figure out a way to help. We could try it for two weeks. That time we spend together you could spend with your friends or sleeping or however you need to spend it without having the added pressure of keeping your boyfriend happy."
Within the circle of his arms Georgia sniffles, "Are you really trying to say you like me but don't want to be my sex god boyfriend any longer."
"No! That's not what I'm saying at all! Also, I have never been a sex god."
"You're just humble. It's a vair nice trait but take my word for it, yes, you are a sex god."
"I'm not going to argue the point when there's something more important under discussion."
"Good, because you would lose. You really want to take a break?"
"I don't want to, but I think we need so we can see if that helps you even a little."
Georgia sniffles again. "Fine. I don't like it, but fine. Just let's not take the break right away. I'd like to get in more snigging first. Just let me touch up my lippy."
(Cornelia) On No You Didn't
Author: Griet
Date: 12-07-11 18:38
Cornelia and Gervaise shared a cozy table at Madam Puddifoot's. The tea room was filled to capacity with happy couples gazing longingly into each other's eyes.
"I'm so glad we could spend today together," Cornelia murmured, not for the first time since Gervaise had first met her in Hogsmeade earlier. "It's cruel that we had to wait a whole month to see each other again. When do you suppose we'll have another chance? The next Hogsmeade trip isn't until December."
After a short pause she said, "I guess there's Homecoming and the Fall Fair. Oh, and Quidditch, of course. Still, it's not like before when I could see you everyday. Did you miss me as much as I've missed you?"
Gervaise started to answer but he couldn't seem to find the right words. After a brief moment of deliberation, he gently pulled his hands from Cornelia's where they had been resting on the table. She immediately picked up her fork to eat from her slice of chocolate cake. The bite was already in her mouth when she noticed that he hadn't moved to pick up his fork. His buttermilk pound cake remained untouched.
She swallowed the moist bite in her mouth and asked, "Gervaise? Is something wrong?"
Again, Gervaise opened and closed his mouth, struggling for words.
Slowly, an impossible thought came to Cornelia's mind. The more it formed, the more her eyes narrowed. Then she slammed down her fork, causing her plate to jump with a clatter.
Gervaise, no longer mute, hissed, "What's gotten into you?" He was vaguely aware that those nearest to their table were looking at them curiously.
"What's gotten into me?" Cornelia shrieked. "What's gotten into you? Is there somebody else? Did you come here to break up with me?"
"No! Yes! I mean––" Gervaise stopped, noting the furor that had spread across Cornelia's face.
"No, I haven't met anyone," Gervaise answered in a rush, "and I haven't taken a renewed interest in your sister either, if that's your next question!"
"Then why did you say yes just now?!" Cornelia queried, her eyes flashing with anger.
"Because I did come here to break up with you," Gervaise said after a long pause.
Cornelia's eyes narrowed into slits. "Why." The word was said in a low, deadly voice.
Gervaise sighed. "Because we're in two different places right now."
"So you don't want to be with me anymore because I'm still at Hogwarts and you're out in the real world, is that it?"
Gervaise gave her a solemn nod. "That's basically it."
Cornelia blinked at him. "That's stupid." She got up abruptly and picked up her fork. "And so are you!" she yelled.
He should have seen it coming. She leaned over and jabbed the fork at his hand resting on the table. It didn't stick there, but it did draw blood.
Cornelia stormed out of the tea room. Gervaise, wincing, waved Madam Puddifoot away, who had been on her way over to tell Cornelia to lower her voice. He pressed a napkin to his hand and said, "It's all right. I'm all right," and ignored the stares and whispers of the students who had witnessed Cornelia's tirade.
Gervaise knew Cornelia had a nasty temper and that the break-up wouldn't end well, but it most certainly could have turned out much, much worse.
Learn Something New Every Day
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 12-07-11 19:44
Julian hands change to the fifth year buying an OWL study guide then smiles at the next customer in line. "Hello, Orchid, I never saw you come in."
Orchid, an employee at Petals, has become a regular at Twice Told Tales since the strip club opened. Some of the women who work there fit the stereotype of not being overly intelligent but having gotten to know Orchid he knows she's definitely not one of them.
"You were busy with some of the students. I've been browsing biographies." She holds up two books, one of which is a pricier vintage limited edition.
Julian rings up both books saying as he does, "You know this one's a lot more expensive than what you usually buy?"
"I know but as I'm usually fairly frugal I thought I'd splurge for a change. It will make an excellent addition to my collection. There's another of your higher priced volumes I've had my eye on. I may have to splurge again soon."
Keeping in mind where Orchid works and that she's also been taking classes at St. Emrys for the last several terms Julian offers, "If you need, we can work out a payment plan."
"I'll keep that in mind but I don't think I'll need to. Tuition is paid and I'm set for funds for textbooks and other supplies, and I actually make enough at Petals that every now and then I think maybe I'll stop attending St. Emrys, forget about a real career for awhile."
Based on things Lysander has said and impressions Aralyn has given Julian was under the impression that working at Petals didn't pay well. He says as much in a roundabout way without naming Aralyn. "I had heard that you ladies don't make all that much working there."
"That's true for some. Base pay isn't much and there are a few girls who never get tips or who do but only a few galleons a night. Some of us, on the other hand, make a tidy sum each night."
Hearing this, knowing about Aralyn's situation, Julian comes close to snickering. He restrains himself, but only just.
Orchid flashes a smile. "I'm holding up the line. I'd best be off anyway. I have other errands and I'm working tonight. Bye."
"Thanks, Orchid. Have a good day."
Julian greets the next person in line, Caerwyn's friend Demetrius, and looks for Lysander. He can't wait to get him alone for a minute to tell Lysander what he's just learned.
A Brief Break
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 12-08-11 15:05
"Excellent catch, Bernard," Viktor calls out to Bernard Ollis.
The first year seems fairly competent on a broom considering that, according to him, he's only had the broom lessons all first years are required to take. Bernard isn't sure he'll ever want to go out for the Hufflepuff team but he does think he might like to be able to play a pick up game with friends every now and then so he came to today's workshop. Viktor pulled him from some group activities a bit ago to work one on one with Bernard on improving his catching skills while flying.
A few minutes later he sends Bernard back to his group and asks that the boy send Amorica Wenlock over. Amorica has asperations to play for Slytherin but unlike her sister Alexa she's expressed an interest in both the seeker and the keeper positions. Viktor is going to work with her on keeper drills. After that he'll work with one more student before joining in with one of the groups to close out this first flying and Quidditch workshop of the term.
While waiting for Amorica to finish whatever her group is doing and come over to join him, Viktor debates getting something to drink. He's turning to go in the direction of refreshments when Theodosia is suddenly in front of him, extending a cup of something steaming.
"Hot chocolate?"
"You must have read my mind before I even before I had the thought." Viktor grins, accepting the offered beverage. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. There's a good turnout today."
"I never know from vorkshop to vorkshop but even if only one student shows up I'd still be happy."
"You must be tired. You're Ws are Vs," she chuckles.
"Maybe a little. Has Karamoh written recently?"
"Yes, he and Zuberi owl back and forth constantly. The Chapmans treat him as their own just like they do Zaria and Lambri. Karamoh's adjusting to his new school and loves America and is thrilled that they were able to make arrangements for him to go at least one weekend a month to help with the continued improvements at the orphanage and school. In fact, Zuberi and he both will be there tomorrow. Zuberi can't wait."
Viktor notices Amorica is standing a little ways off. "I should get back to vork. Thank you again for the hot chocolate." He turns in Amorica's direction then back to Theodosia. "After the vorkshop, vould you like to get dinner vith me in Hogsmeade?"
"Yes, that would be nice, thank you. I'll meet you back here in a bit."
Viktor nods, "See you in a little while," then drinking some of what remains in his cup, walks over to join Amorica.
Something Wrong
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 12-09-11 09:44
There was something wrong with Kate. Maybe it was the way Felicia was patting her arm, or the look in Kate's face. She seemed sad and Johanna only recalled seeing her that way when they were at Happy Haven.
She shook away those thoughts about their past, hoping one day she would be able to forget that year of her life forever. She wondered if there was a spell to just erase one year of memories - she should do some research at the library once she returned to the castle.
Johanna approached her two friends, followed by Gus who of course was too busy devouring some cinnamon muffins he just brought at Briar's Bakery to notice Kate's face.
"Are you all right?" Johanna asked in a concerned tone. Gus on the other hand asked where Mark was, spreading crumbles all over his robes. Kate called him sloppy and tried to help him to remove the crumbles with her wand. Meanwhile Johanna sent a glance to Felicia who in a whisper said Kate needed some moments with just the girls.
That was an easy but expensive task for Johanna. She opened her wallet and put in Gus' hands all the money she had in it.
"Thank you but it's not my birthday today," he replied with a laugh.
"No, silly! I want you to go to Briar's again and get me some cakes."
"With this money you are asking me to buy the store instead," Gus observed.
"I need to offer something to my cousins, since they still can't visit the village. Now go. You can buy more of those muffins for yourself as well."
The trap worked, because Gus entered the bakery without more protests. Johanna knew that it would take him a while in the line and then another while to pick up the cakes. She turned to Kate, worried and asked her once again how she was doing, hoping she could help her friend whatever was wrong with her.
Unfortunately there wasn't much she could do regarding Mr and Mrs. Farnon. Johanna was glad when Kate told her Mark had defended her and she really hoped this incident with his parents wouldn't make her friends stop dating. Not when it took them ages to do so and when obviously they liked each other a lot.
Wedding Photographer
Author: Carys
Date: 12-09-11 12:23
The Granger-Weasley wedding had been just what Carys had needed to get her name out there. A good referral and word-of-mouth had landed her the Lancaster-Beck job. The wedding ceremony was long over, but the end of the reception wasn't yet in sight. Carys roved around the garden, snapping photos of everybody and everything.
She'd taken numerous photos before the wedding. Of the bride getting ready. Of the groom joking around with his friends. Of the setting for the ceremony and the reception. Then the guests began trickling in. She took photos as they arrived and as they were escorted to their seats.
Carys snapped photos of the wedding party getting into place, and then as the procession began. That was the most challenging part of her assignment, for she wanted to take pictures of those walking down the aisle and also the groom's reaction when he first laid eyes on his bride. The ceremony itself was the easiest part, because everyone remained more or less stationary.
After the ceremony, Carys had everyone pose for photographs. She took some of the bride and groom alone. Some with them and one side of the family, then the other, then all of them together. She took pictures of the wedding party. The bridesmaids. The groomsmen. The flower girls and ring bearer. By the time they were finished, the reception was in full-swing, allowing the bride and groom to make their grand entrance together.
Carys took pictures of everything. The first dance. The bride dancing with his father. The groom dancing with his grandmother. The food. The cake. The guests. And she wasn't finished yet.
She didn't mind one bit, though. Carys was enjoying herself, even if it was work. She was doing what she loved.
And after the wedding, she had a date with Griffin. Not a bad way to end an already great day!
Scriven Squared
Author: Ferne
Date: 12-09-11 12:48
Exiting through the doors of Twice Told Tales, Ferne was greeted by a blast of cool air. It pierced her lungs, but not in a painful way, as she breathed in deeply. The feeling exhilarated Ferne. Ever since school had started, she spent the majority of her time inside the castle. To be outside, away from hallowed halls of knowledge, was beneficial for both Ferne's mental and physical health. Particularly, her mental health considering the fire she started in the library yesterday evening. Gossip about the case of accidental magic had spread like wildfire throughout the castle. Because Ferne was a Slytherin, people who didn't know her assumed the worst.
But Ferne didn't want to think about that situation. Not today at least. She breathed in deeply again. Despite the coolness, it was a sunny day. Not a cloud threatening with rain was in sight. Ferne loved October—not only because she was born on October 31st and received presents throughout the entire month, as it was Grimshaw-Spore tradition, nor the Halloween holiday feasting that happened to be on her birthday—but mainly because the seasonal change it brought. It brought the end of the summer's harvest.
"Summer's harvest…" contemplated Ferne. "I should visit Botanicals & Beyond for my personal stock."
Not wanting to spend her entire Hogsmeade trip in one store since the next trip wouldn't be until December, Ferne decided to make time to visit her other favorite stores shortly after entering Twice Told Tales. It, along with Scrivenschaft's Quill Shop, was one of those favorites. She could, would, spend hours in either store if she didn't pay attention to the time. If Ferne stayed in a store too long, Phyllida would always abandon her and wonder elsewhere. That's if Phyllida hadn't prevented Ferne from entering a store entirely.
"Hmmm…Botanicals or Scrivenschaft's first?"
Ferne, still standing outside of Twice Told Tales, glanced around at the nearby stores. Trying to make a decision, she refused to look at the bookstore because she knew that she would be drawn back inside. She recalled that Scrivenschaft's was closer. Readjusting her bags that contained a few purchases from Honeydukes Sweetshop and Twice Told Tales, Ferne maneuvered her way through the crowds of shoppers until she reached her destination.
Upon entering Scrivenschaft's, Ferne heard "Ah, my best customer!" over the din. The old shopkeeper had greeted her so loudly that it caused nearly ever shopper in the store to look at her. Standing in the doorway, Ferne blushed. She maneuvered her way to him.
"Mr. Mac Cléirich," greeted Ferne as the shopkeeper removed himself from behind the counter. Another employee soon replaced Mr. Mac Cléirich as cashier. The shopkeeper wobbled to the storeroom and Ferne followed him.
"You came at an excellent time, Miss Scrivener, I have one item in particular that'll interest you."
Standing before the storeroom door, Mr. Mac Cléirich unlocked it for Ferne. He held the door open for her. Peeking in the storeroom like a child peeking under the Christmas tree, Ferne entered. Mr. Mac Cléirich wobbled in and closed the door before directing her to the section containing journals.
"These, my dear," he showed a leather journal so small that it could be worn on a leather strip around one's neck to Ferne, "are journals that are charmed to change size. They decrease in size when they're closed and increase in size when they're open."
Mr. Mac Cléirich proceeded with a demonstration. Removing the miniature key holding it closed, he opened the journal. It was just as Mr. Mac Cléirich had explained. The journal, previously the size of a pendant, became the size of an average book. He offered Ferne the full-sized journal. Gently placing her bags on the floor, she waited for Mr. Mac Cléirich to hand it to her.
"No doubt the surname Scrivener will replace the surname Scrivenschaft one day."
"I would never entirely remove the history of Scrivenschaft," Ferne answered with devotion while continuing her inspection of the journal. "I would rename the store in honor of the old and the new."
"And what would you rename it?"
She looked into Mr. Mac Cléirich's face. Taking in his twinkling eyes behind those horn-rimmed spectacles and comforting smile, she wondered what she would rename it. "I would rename Scrivenschaft's as Scriven Squared."