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(Beatrix) A Sight to See
Author: Griet
Date: 05-22-13 16:49
Beatrix slung the Love tote bag she had gotten for Christmas over her shoulder and said, "Okay, where do you want to go next?"
She and Rowan had just left Honeydukes, which always seemed to be one of the more crowded shoppes in Hogsmeade. Their shopping bags were heavier than when they'd come into the candy shop, but their coin purses were much lighter.
"I wouldn't mind something hot to drink," Rowan said, shivering for emphasis. It was very cold, and while it looked like it might snow, so far it hadn't.
The girls weighed their options and eventually decided to visit Briar's Bakery, since it was next door. They stepped into the queue, which mercifully ended just inside the bakery, and debated on whether to get something to eat too. They had gotten breakfast at The Three Broomsticks and were still quite full food-wise.
Beatrix ended up only ordering a hot cocoa. She fished out the correct change needed for the drink and then took her mug to the only available table in the room. It just happened to be right next to a table occupied by none other than Oberon Smith and Clover Blakely.
Beatrix stopped short of the table, hesitant to go any further. The couple––the fact that their lips were locked together was evidence they were very much together––didn't even notice her, since they were too busy giving each other attention.
Rowan came up behind Beatrix with her own mug and asked, "What?"
Beatrix murmured, "That's my sister Griet's ex-boyfriend with her ex-best friend, the one who nearly killed Cornelia."
"Ohhhh," Rowan exclaimed.
A group of boys sidestepped the girls to claim the table for themselves. Beatrix almost felt relieved, but now they had nowhere to sit.
Rowan looked around and indicated to an empty wall across the room. They could lean there and drink their cocoas and also be out of everyone else's way.
Beatrix followed Rowan to the spot and turned to look at Oberon and Clover again.
"I wonder if my sisters know about that," she said, taking a sip of her cocoa and wincing because it was still too hot to drink.
"Why don't we owl them after this?" Rowan suggested. "The post office is just there," she added, indicating in the general direction of the Owl Post with her free hand.
"Yeah, let's," Beatrix agreed. She couldn't believe that Oberon and Clover were together. It didn't seem right at all.
The girls took their time drinking their hot cocoas but when finished, set their empty mugs on the counter and then filed out the door to go to the post office.
(Serano Estate to Unknown Location) A Task to Perform
Author: Xiomara Sofia Serano
Date: 05-22-13 18:28
The past week had been filled with preparations for a birthday party in the next couple of weeks. Jasmine would be turning ten soon, and while she was not yet accepted into Hogwarts, nor did she have a large number of friends, but there would still be a party of large size to honor her turning ten. There had also been an owl received from Adriana, providing me with a task.
Even as I'd read the letter, I'd smiled quite a bit, because I would be interrogating the wizard that had aided Berthold in getting close to Adriana in attempts to kill her in revenge for the murder of some wizard or another – not that the deceased was someone of import for me, but I did do my own research and was currently preparing to go to the location where I would begin the interrogation of Hans Freitag.
"Alexander, I will not be home for perhaps a handful of days, do make certain that all the preparations are complete for Jasmine's birthday..." I said as I stepped out of my study, shutting the door behind me.
"Yes Ma'am. The tutor will be sending Miss Jasmine's final marks for this unit to you in the next couple of days as well."
"Very well. I will look forward to seeing them. Ensure that they are on my desk the moment they arrive, and that the envelope is not tampered with."
"Yes Ma'am. Is there anything else you require?"
"Yes, there is a volume missing from my library, do alert the cleaning staff to the missing volume and note that it should be handed to you upon it's relocation and placed within my study in its rightful place."
"Very well Ma'am."
With that I dismissed him with a wave of my hand and headed upstairs to my room to gather a few things from the hidden compartment in my wardrobe. The ward dispelled with a flick of my wand, and after a moment, I had the items I required tucked safely into a satchel. Everything in order, I would step from my room, after once more warding that secret compartment.
Quick movements would carry me downstairs and out into the garden. Cowl of my cloak pulled upward to shield from the wind, the clouds, heavy and pendulous threatening to spill a fresh blanket of snow on the frigid earth below. She was among those that wished that this frigid weather would be gone for good and allow the beginnings of springs warmth and greenery to begin seeping through and ultimately lay claim to the world once more.
"Mama!"
I had been just about to apparate when the voice of my daughter stopped me, and I turned to face her, a light smile upon my lips.
"Yes mine angel?"
She raced toward me and leapt into my arms, I held her to me and rained kisses upon her cheeks as she kissed me.
"Were you going to leave without saying good bye Mama?"
What I would not give that she kept this childlike innocence through her coming years, but I knew eventually she would begin to hold it against me that I was always gone, but I would find a way to make it up to her.
"But of course not mine angel. Why would I leave without saying goodbye to my most precious one?"
"Because you looked like you were going to apparate away before I could catch you and hug you and kiss you."
"Well, that was not the case my sweet one. I was merely waiting for you to come out and wish me farewell."
I stood with her in the cold for a few moments longer, before setting her down with a final kiss.
"Now, inside my sweet. Mummy's got some business to tend to, I will be back as soon as I am able. I promise."
The beginnings of a petulant pout formed on the young girl's lips, but I quickly shook my head. "No pouting, or I'll not bring you home a surprise from my journey..."
That, instantly wiped the pout from her lips and replaced it with a gleeful smile. "Alright Mama! See you when you get back."
Jasmine raced inside and watched from the window until I was gone.
A few moments later, boot heels crunched upon the ground as she landed outside the abbey. Her presence acknowledged, and within moments she moved into the location where Hans Freitag was currently being kept.
Errands
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 05-23-13 17:25
When it became a little warmer outside, which only meant that the overnight frost had dissipated a small amount, Hermione set out to run errands with Rose strapped to her chest in a homemade sling. A few weekends ago, Hermione had attended a sling meet-up at Baby Witch, where she had learned how to make a sling out of a piece of cloth and a pair of rings. The fun part was choosing different fabric colors and patterns to use for the sling.
Besides being nestled against Hermione, Rose also drew warmth from the layers of clothing she wore. She couldn't have been cozier, except for being inside, wrapped up in a blanket before a roaring fire.
For now Rose seemed content to simply take in her surroundings while her mum took her around the village to the various stops on her list. It was especially busy because it was Hogsmeade weekend for the Hogwarts students eligible to visit the village. Rose took in the sights and sounds of the older children running around with great interest. Her mother, on the other hand, grumbled at some of the longer lines in the stores.
They had just left Gladrags Wizardwear, when they bumped into a colleague from Hermione's work.
"Imogene, hi," Hermione greeted, giving the pediatric healer a hug from the side so as not to squash Rose.
"Hi, Hermione. Hi, little Rose," Imogene said, touching an index finger to the baby's nose. Rose smiled.
"Off today?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, and trying to reacclimatize myself to the day shift," Imogene said. "I worked nights this week and feel completely out of sorts."
"I know what you mean," Hermione said. "It's difficult going back and forth." She looked down at Rose and added, "I guess in a way I've been working nights since October." She grinned.
Imogene laughed. "Not a good sleeper?"
"Sometimes. She's still young enough that she wants or needs something at some point during the night," Hermione answered.
"The good news is she will eventually grow out of it," Imogene replied with a laugh. "So," she began, turning serious, "what did you think about Clapp's sentence?"
Hermione sighed. "I guess she got what she deserved," referring to the former St. Mungo's maintenance witch imprisoned for killing off Muggle-born patients. Monika Clapp had received a life sentence in Azkaban.
"I just wonder if she will stay in prison," Hermione added.
"Why wouldn't she?" Imogene asked.
"Considering two Death Eaters were very recently released, I don't have much faith that others who ought to remain behind bars will," Hermione replied with a frown.
"Let's hope that was a fluke," Imogene said. She shivered and rubbed her arms. "It's cold, isn't it?"
"Yes. Let's not stand here and turn into icicles. Do you want to accompany us to the library?"
"Sure, why not? I could use something to read," Imogene replied.
They set into motion, never quite warming up but somehow feeling more comfortable by walking instead of standing in the cold. They thawed out once inside the warmth of the library and began their search for good books to read.
Unexpected Owl
Author: Declan
Date: 05-23-13 20:15
Declan had signed up to do a later afternoon patrol in Hogsmeade. With a friend's stag party last night he knew he'd be wanting to sleep in Saturday morning. Slept in is exactly what he'd done and for far longer than he'd intended. Fortified with a strong, and large, cup of coffee, he still felt somewhat bleary eyed as he set out for the village despite the bracingly cold air that met him when he'd exited the castle.
Not quite ready for lunch, he'd perused a few shoppes but decided to wait until after he'd eaten lunch to make any purchases. Finding himself in front of Brews & Stews, Declan decided soup and and a sandwich would be just the thing he needed. After a meal of lentil with bacon and ham soup and a toasted club sandwich, as well as more coffee, he felt more himself though he suspects he'll start to feel drowsy again soon, even with the extra coffee, thanks to the filling lunch.
Back out on the lane again he takes several deep breaths, trying to decide where to start with the shopping he needs to do. Because it's right there, he turns towards Tomes & Scrolls, wanting to see if any newly released books catch his eye. A half hour later, lighter by enough galleons to purchase two works of fiction, one with a historical setting and the other an action adventure plot, Declan's off to Dogweed & Deathcap for some herbs he likes to use when he does his own cooking.
He's not long in the herb shopped and is soon off to buy more stationary. He's nearly out and he's a little overdue writing his Mum and Dad and his sister. Declan also tends to send regular letters to his niece and nephews, Aiden enjoying getting mail at school and Isla and Joseph loving to get owls just for them. He's nearly to Scrivenschaft's Quill Shop when one of those very birds comes zooming straight for him, causing a few students to dodge out of the way. The tawny owl drops an envelope when it reaches Declan then circles back around to fly in the same direction from which it has come.
Not expecting a letter just then, Declan missed catching it. Shifting his parcels to hold with one hand, he stoops to retrieve the envelope, not recognizing the handwriting. Resuming walking in the direction of Scrivenschaft's, he flips the envelope open, the image formed on the wax seal also not one that sparks even a flicker of familiarity.
Extracting an ivory colored parchment he unfolds it to find another piece of parchment different in thickness and quality, and a medium peach in color, on top of it. The same hand that wrote his name on the envelope penned a short message on the peach sheet.
I simply couldn't wait for Sunday's Daily Prophet. Here is a sneak peek at an article that will appear in tomorrow's newspaper. I think you will find it fascinating. I know I do!
The note is not signed nor is there a return name or address on the envelope. Turning his attention to the ivory parchment, seeing that it's actually two pages, Declan literally staggers, dropping both shopping bags and nearly knocking into a student. He hastily apologizes with, "I stumbled. So sorry."
Bags in hand once more, Declan fully reads through the two pages, going even more numb with every word. Until he finds himself on the West Lane in front of AJ's and Mariposa's house he'd not known he'd been walking the entire time. Making his way up the walk, so nauseous he thinks he may be physically ill and hoping at least one of them is home. After knocking several times, he leans against the door frame, wondering who the hell spoke to Skeeter.
(Angharad Carter-Cadin) Avoiding Family and No Longer Single
Author: Cai Pembroke Carter
Date: 05-23-13 20:21
At a larger table in the Crown & Cauldron the Carters, Ratcliffes, and Lings sat for lunch. If any of the families had lived in the village the collective group would have met there rather than patron one of the restaurants in the village.
The building was not a quite place, given that once the Apparation lesson had completed, those that had been taking it were now in the village stocking up on sweets, and various other things that they needed or wanted to add to their own stores to last them between now and the up coming break.
Broderick sat next to Driz, Cai next to Eric, Evan had brought his current piece of arm candy - a pretty red-head named Jasmine, that he'd been dating for about a month and a half or something like that. No one really keeps track of who Evan is dating unless they happen to last longer than two months. Angharad currently sat on Evan's other side, but didn't look like she was enjoying herself.
"I think I'm going to wander for a bit. I'm just not feeling like being social right now. Sorry..." She said, pushing herself up and giving her father and stepmother a light hug, and one to Evan. She'd whispered to Evan that she'd owl him later, when he frowned at her concerned with her lack of wanting to be around family.
She bundled back up in her coat as she stepped outside and let her gaze flick along the length of the street, looking for someone in particular.
She turned her attention back into the establishment that currently housed the family that she continued to try and be a part of, but without her mother there, she didn't really feel all that much like part of the family - then again, there were really only two people that made her feel like the outcast, and they were Broderick and Cai. She didn't quite understand why they hated her so much, but it was what it was and she accepted it and avoided them as much as she could while they were at school and even when they were home on holidays.
She'd lost herself in thought, and nearly jumped out of her skin when someone tapped her on the shoulder.
"There you are..."
Angahrad smiled when she realized that it was Perla.
"Hey, sorry, was debating on going back and joining my family for lunch, but I'm not really feeling like being around them besides it still isn't the same with my mum not being there."
"I know sweetie, but if you want, we can go ahead and wander around for a little bit. Maybe find a quiet place to snog?" She teased, and that got another smile, a brighter smile than the first.
"Maybe..." She teased, but ultimately the pair of them headed off to find something to nibble on and procure a few sweets from Honeydukes to take back into the castle with them.
They'd ultimately headed into Burger Wizard for chips and a drink to split.
"So, I guess this is kind of our first date..." Perla said, toying with one of the chips from the large order they were splitting.
"Yeah, I guess it is. I just wish we were doing something a little more exciting."
"Well, this works for a first official date...we can always do better next time, especially since the next trip we have into the village it will be warmer."
"Very true."
Angharad leaned into Perla and sighed contently. "I'm glad that I'd asked you to do something with me on Valentine's Day."
"Me too..." Perla said kissing her lightly.
"Now, I just have to figure out how to tell everyone that we are dating..."
Perla frowned. "Not sure how they are going to take to the fact that you are dating a girl?"
Angharad shrugged. "Yeah, there's that, but I mean it isn't like I can tell my Mum. I have no idea where she is, or if I'm going to see her again any time soon."
"I know sweetie, but if you want, we can tell your parents over Easter Hols, since my parents and I will be coming to the big thing your parents are hosting with the Lings and Ratcliffes."
"I think that will work, and nothing like a little bit of drama on the holidays."
Perla laughed and kissed her cheek lightly, before they both tucked into finishing off the chips and drink that they'd gotten.
"I think I'm about ready to head up to the castle, I'm tired of dealing with the cold."
"Sounds like a plan to me. I think maybe some cuddling in the Common Commons, or snogging in an alcove would work.."
Angharad laughed and kissed Perla lightly. "Just what am I going to do with you?"
Perla shrugged and the pair of them headed back out into the cold and ultimately back to the Castle, pausing to put their things away in their rooms before ultimately curling up on Angharad's bed and talking with occasional pauses for a little snogging, but ultimately they behaved themselves.
(Aderyn) Studious Saturday
Author: Cai Pembroke Carter
Date: 05-23-13 20:36
Since she was still too young to go to the village, or take apparation lessons, she'd opted to spend the chilly Saturday morning in the library working on her essays and various other projects that needed to be completed for the upcoming due dates. She'd considered taking the Flying & Quidditch workshop hosted by Coach Krum, but she'd no desire to be out in this weather for four hours. As it was, she was going to be attending the upcoming Quidditch match, mainly in support of Cai, but because she enjoyed watching and studying the other players this year in relation to her own playing.
In front of her, she had several books opened for her transfiguration homework, and honestly, she could not wait until fifth year when she would have someone other than Professor Flint...he was dull, dreary and honestly taught well over the heads of most of his students - and it wasn't only the first years that struggled in his class.
Shifting lightly in her seat, she pondered heading to the Great Hall and grabbing something to eat, but she wasn't quite ready to leave off in her essay due Tuesday morning, and honestly, it was the tougher of the ones that she had to write, and so that one was done first.
She also had Professor Morgan's essay that was due Tuesday as well to get done, but she already knew what she was writing for that and it would take her about an hour and a half to get that one done - if that. Then there was potions, Charms, and DADA that needed to be done but those were her best subjects. Her star chart for Astronomy was done, and Herbology wasn't going to be difficult either.
She pushed herself up lightly and moved a bit, heading over to one of the shelves to replace a book, and pluck another one that she needed for a reference point in her scroll. Once her essay was complete for Transfiguration, at least the first draft. She'd probably go back and edit it after she'd finished with some other assignments, giving her brain a chance to reset itself.
She penned the first draft of her History of Magic essay, which would be edited once she was back after lunch, she tucked her things away, and headed to the Great Hall for lunch. Once she was done with lunch, she checked in with her roommates, who were in the Common Commons, for the most part, at least Araxie had been, and she let her know that if anyone needed her she'd be in the library finishing up some assignments.
Once that was done, and after snagging a particularly tasty looking fairy cake from one of the platters, she headed back to the library, making sure that she finished the cake before venturing back in.
In Need of a Distraction
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 05-23-13 22:08
When not at the castle I'd spent the last few weeks getting the girls' room ready for when they arrived from India during the holiday coming up in a little while. Dex and I would be going to Mumbai to finish the paperwork that would officially make Karma Jade and Jui Charisma our daughters, and then shortly after that we would welcome our newborn daughter into the world.
Three children in less than a year of marriage, anyone would think that we are completely mental for taking on so much in just the first year of our relationship, but this is the life that Dexter and I want for ourselves and we have a fantastic support system. Though, currently we were all dealing with the fact that Driver had been missing since his last MMA fight.
At the moment, I was attempting to distract Dex with a homemade lunch of lamb curry, jasmine rice and sweets that I'd gotten from Briar's Bakery earlier this morning before the students had begun filtering down from the castle.
I had a late afternoon shift in the village that I'd signed up for today, and Dex said that he'd walk with me and help keep an eye out for those that were causing trouble or otherwise breaking the rules.
"Dex, we'll find him. Desi will find him, just trust that everything will work out."
"I know, I just can't shake the feeling that something bad happened to him after his last fight. I don't know..."
Dex fell silent and pushed a bit of lamb and veggies around on his plate and frowned. "I'm really hoping that Desi finds something out soon and we can get Driver home."
I moved over and leaned into him, kissing his cheek lightly, before turning him to face me. "Desi will find him. She's one of the best aurors in the Ministry and I know she's with Orion, but Driver is her friend and she will do everything she can to find him."
Dex nodded and leaned into me, sighing. "Thank you for lunch it is absolutely wonderful, I just don't really have much of an appetite."
"It's alright. I'm thinking of starting my patrol a little early, maybe pick up a couple of things at The Magic Neep and make a few other stops. I'm nearly out of tea and want to see if I can get coffee as well."
Dex shot her a look.
"Don't give me that look Dexter Morgan, I've been behaving myself through out this entire pregnancy. I have only been having one cup of coffee a day, as well as one glass of red wine. I've been following the healer's orders perfectly."
Dex couldn't help but smile as he wrapped an arm around her waist and let his other hand smooth over the swell of her belly, laughing when he felt the baby kick beneath his palm.
"Alright, let's get bundled up and head out so we can do our own shopping while keeping an eye on the students."
With that the pair of them bundled up in coats, scarves, mittens, hats and wellies before heading out into the frigid February day, soon leaving the residential area and entering into the bustling shopping hub of the village.