|
|
Double Shift
Author: Maggie Hawthorne
Date: 08-13-13 07:45
I had to work the breakfast shift this morning, and I'd probably have about three hours, four tops before I'd have to be back to work the dinner shift at the cafe where I worked, and I wasn't really looking forward to the double shift, but it needed to be done and the extra money wouldn't hurt either.
I'd talked to Nate throughout the week, and we'd been hanging out a little bit, but not much since we'd both been busy - me with work and school and him with work. But, we still managed to get together as friends two times a week or so.
As it was, I'd owled him before I'd gone to work today saying that we'd either have to change our plans for tonight, or just meet later because I'd be working until after dinner. I figure I'd get a reply later, or he'd pop into the cafe and let me know his decision - since I couldn't get owls while I was working the cafe as I worked in the Muggle world.
As of right now, I was ready for a nap, which I'd probably steal for a little while after I got home between shifts before I went back to work.
I was looking forward to the second of June, I had the day off and Nate and I were going to be going to the Championship match at Hogwarts to support our former house team, Hufflepuff, who was playing against Ravenclaw. If Hufflepuff won, Nate would be buying the drinks after at The Three Broomsticks, and if they lost I'd be buying the drinks. Either way, it was going to be an awesome day, that we can both enjoy it.
(Mark) Friends
Author: Isolde
Date: 08-13-13 17:43
The Three Broomsticks was crowded for the lunch rush. By some miracle, Mark, Kate, Johanna, Gus, Felicia and Baltus managed to find a table to accommodate all of them, though the seating turned out to be very cramped. They picked up their menus, being careful not to elbow each other, and quickly made their selections.
Mark ordered a smoked turkey leg, wedge chips and a butterbeer, of course. The others gave their orders to the waitress, who brought their drinks out a few minutes later.
He sipped his frothy, chilled glass and then said, "So who all has been tempted to apparate somewhere far from here?"
Gus's hand shot way up. "Definitely. We could go anywhere and get back in time to head up to the school."
"Well, why don't you?" Felicia asked, the only one in the group not yet old enough to have her apparition license.
"I'm pretty sure the permission slip our parents signed is for Hogsmeade, not the whole wide world," Kate commented.
"But you're seventeen," Felicia said. "You don't need anyone's permission to do anything anymore."
"I want you to test that theory on Professor McGonagall once you're of age!" Kate exclaimed, laughing.
"Or Professor Snape," Mark added, "though he is much more lenient with us Slytherins than your lot." He inclined his head towards Kate.
"My lot?" Kate queried, smiling. "Are you referring to Hufflepuffs or all students in a house that is not Slytherin?"
"The last one," he said.
Kate shook her head. "Should I once again bring up the fact that MY house is in the running for the Quidditch cup? Mine and another house that is not Slytherin?"
Her Slytherin friends took up a chorus around the table. "Rub it in, why don't you!" "Yeah, yeah." "Thanks for the reminder."
"Maybe we'll support Hufflepuff during the match," Johanna said, after the other chatter stopped.
"Maybe," Gus echoed.
Mark noticed that his friend's gaze was focused on a table across the room. Joanna was seated there with some of her Ravenclaw friends. When her eyes met Gus's, both their faces lit up in smiles.
Mark rolled his eyes and said, "Just go sit with her."
"How?" Gus asked, finally able to tear his eyes away from the other table. "I can't get out!"
It was true. He was wedged in the corner with Mark and Baltus pressed on either side of him.
Mark smirked. "Guess you're stuck with us, then. Oh, look. The food's here."
The waitress returned with a giant serving tray and expertly set all of their dishes in front of their places. The friends immediately tucked into their meals, which were mouth-wateringly delicious.
Easily Distracted Of Late
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 08-13-13 18:16
For today's workshop the pitch itself is where Quidditch scrimmage type matches are taking place. Each is forty minutes. For those students not playing in the current match, there are other things to do. Students interested in improving Quidditch skills while waiting a turn to play may rotate through game related stations, such as the one involving quaffle drills.
For those students waiting for a scrimmage and for those more interested in flying than in playing Quidditch, there are obstacle courses and racing. The racing involves everything from short sprints to longer distances over the school grounds. The obstacle courses range from the simple to complex, some for a single flyer to go through at a time and some designed for two or more students to go up against each other. One course even has obstacles the change every two minutes, just to add to the challenge.
As always, the flying and Quidditch workshop is come and go. No student needs to feel obligated to stay for the entire thing. Students only interest in playing in the matches are welcome as well, though very few haven't taken part in at least one of the other stations at some point. Viktor has moved from station to station though he's not participated as a referee in any of the scrimmages. He wants to be available should anyone want some one on one help with improving flying.
Truth be told, Viktor has found himself to be easily distracted of late, even here doing one of the things he most loves. Ever since the Rita Skeeter article on him ran in The Daily Prophet, Lyric Morgan has been writing Viktor. The first letter was easily ignored. It was short and somewhat catty, Lyric wanting to make sure Viktor remembered her and that she was in jail because of him. Viktor had found that part laughable. Lyric is in jail because of actions she'd undertaken in revenge for her brother Koyla's death.
Another letter followed and then another. At times Lyric's anger has been obvious. Other times, she's writes in a manner that brings to mind the sweet, charming woman Viktor had fallen for. She's also expressed increasing disappointment that he's not replied to a single letter nor has he ever thought to visit her in all this time though Viktor isn't sure why she would think he'd come visit after what she did.
He received another letter this morning, Lyric begging to see him. Viktor despises the woman for what she did, justifying her actions in the name of her insane cult leader of a brother. He's also come to realize he still cares for her on some level. He'd fallen in love with her and though he thought she'd killed those feelings, something is still there stirring.
Zooming forward to adjust a rotating ring that one student collided hard enough with to knock from its position despite the charm he's had holding it in place, Viktor grapples with trying to decide if he will pay Lyric a visit or if he'll ask the prison warden to block any further letters she wants to send to him.
Helping Out
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 08-14-13 13:07
As one of the lower members on the Obliviator totem pole, Phin is often on the Saturday or Sunday rotation. It's not unusual for him to be on both, not to mention pulling the graveyard shift. He'd done just that last night, grabbed a little sleep then came in to help at the Crown & Cauldron for Hogsmeade weekend. Phin doesn't work at the Ministry at all today but goes in again for a double shift starting Sunday afternoon. Phin could use the rest but he can use the money made today ever more.
Furnella pays her son a decent wage when he's able to help out plus there are tips. Though Emerald is still shying away from becoming engaged and looking towards planning a wedding, Phin and she have decided to get a place together. With her only working part-time because of all her school work, Emerald is more limited in what she can contribute to the house fund. The money Phin makes today mostly will go into the fund since every little bit helps.
Making a swing past all his tables to check on the diners, Phin stops at one of the small, two person garden tables where a lone student has just been seated. Phin offers a smile to his cousin. "Hi, Baron. How are you?"
"Phin, hey. I'm excellent. You?"
"Tired from my Ministry job but otherwise good. Do you know what you'd like or should I give you a few minutes?"
"I have a friend coming, one of my roommates. He needed to owl a birthday gift to his mum. We both want a butterbeer and decided to start with the sausage rolls. I think I know what I want after that but I'll look over the menu while waiting for him."
"Want me to tell you the specials?"
"I saw them on the board," Baron replies with a shake of his head.
"Then two butterbeers coming up and I'll get the appetizer order in."
Pausing at another table on his way back inside, a table where Baron's sister Hydrangea and their cousin Glori are seated. "Did you two decide if you want an after?"
They say in tandem, "Sticky toffee pudding."
"Each or one to share?"
They exchange glances then Hydrangea answers, "One to share."
"Be right back with it."
With the restaurant so busy at the moment, Phin doesn't have time to think about how tired he is, which is a good thing. It's also nice getting to see some of his cousins, even if only for a short time, what with him working and them trying to make the most of their Saturday away from Hogwarts.
(Colin) Up to No Good
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 08-14-13 13:55
"I remember when I was younger and I came here for the first time, the village seemed huge. I was so excited walking around Hogsmeade, my hands filled with bags with sweets, and thinking about if I would be lucky enough to find a place to sit at The Three Broomsticks. I was such a pathetic little child, back then."
Angus finished his narration and then he lit a cigarette. Colin did the same thing, as well as another fellow colleague from Slytherin, Jasper Hoods. The three of them were next to the gate of the Hogsmeade's cemetery, enjoying their last hours of freedom, until it was time to go back to the castle. Angus had chosen the surroundings of the cemetery because it was less likely for a teacher, or even a student, to pass by that area of the village and so they could smoke at peace.
"Now this place seems too small and it's not really that interesting. It's basically a street filled with insignificant shops and pubs." Angus concluded.
"Well, I like it," Colin declared. "You are not seeing the things from the right angle, McLeach. Hogsmeade is like a golden mine. The pubs and the shops have their sales assured. Because every year, a large number of naïve and ignorant students comes here in order to spend their pocket money.
You know how young people are when they have their pockets filled with galleons. They buy all sorts of things that they don't really need. Then there are the pubs and of course the shops that sell food and sweets. After a long day of shopping people get hungry and thirsty. If you ever wish to open a shop, make sure it's near Hogwarts."
"Thank you for your advice, but I am not planning on doing so. By the way where is your girlfriend? She is not coming here and ruin our good time, is she?"
"Jenny is shopping with her friends. And I didn't tell her where I was going to, so hopefully we won't be interrupted."
"Good," Jasper approved, speaking for the first time.
Colin would bet all the galleons he had that if Jenny caught him smoking not only she would be very shocked but she would also want to report to a teacher. Colin was not a minor anymore and Hogsmeade was not part of the Hogwarts' grounds. However, he had the feeling if a teacher saw them smoking they might get into trouble. After all it was not good for the school's image.
The three young men enjoyed their cigarettes in silence. Colin thought that the next time he could do this again was when the school year ended. He had mixed feelings about his NEWTs. He wanted to end this excruciating waiting and anxiety and get it over with, but at the same time he was not looking forward to do several important examinations in a row. Because the results would determinate his future and Colin knew that the key to a good future would be good marks on his NEWTs.
Angus was the first one to break the silence declaring:
"It's getting late. We should go back or else we might get into trouble."
Jasper put down his cigarette with reluctance and Colin did the same thing not long after. The three boys then went back to the castle, as they spoke between each others about the Championship match between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.
Neither Angus nor Jasper were supporting any particular house, but Colin had decided to root for Ravenclaw just to tease Jenny. She might be his girlfriend and he liked her a lot but he took a secret pleasure in irritating her by picking Ravenclaw as his house election.
Whose Idea Was This Again?
Author: Sage Porter
Date: 08-14-13 18:34
Sage, moving from one table and approaching another, resists the urge to feel his lips to see if he's still smiling. He's smiled so much today that his jaw hurts and a portion of the lower part of his face is numb.
The next young woman doesn't say hello and barely touches his outstretched hand to shake. Speed dating doesn't allow for some of the more cordial niceties. Her name tag says Robyn and as he takes a seat, about to ask one of the standard conversation starters, she speaks.
"You're Lohengrin Porter's son, aren't you? I recognize you from some of the articles done on your father. I'm something of a chef myself but nowhere near Chef Porter's level."
"Something of a chef, you say. Does that mean you work in the industry?"
"Not yet. I mainly just cook for friends but I'd love to break into the business working with someone like your father."
Sage ignores the hinting tones. "He's very exacting. If you'd like to eventually work for one of his restaurants, you should work on building up your CV."
"Chef travels from restaurant to restaurant but being his son you probably know where he is at any given time. I bet you take your dates to meet him. Does he do a special chef's table just for you?"
"I've never asked so I don't know if he would or not. I've never been on a date to one of his places."
"Is that because you get his creations at home all the time? I would LOVE to sit in Lohengrin Porter's kitchen while he's whipping up a creation for family and friends."
As it's clear Robyn is more interested in getting to meet Sage's Da and trying to wrangle a job with him, the rest of the short time seems to him to stretch towards infinity. He knows his eyes are somewhat glazed when the bell rings to signal the end of this speed dating round.
Moving to the next table Sage is greatly relieved to find the woman there is none other than his step-sister Savannah. "Hi, how are you faring?" she asks.
"So so. You?"
"The same. A few potential dates."
"I've met a couple I wouldn't mind seeing again. Most seem nice but I didn't get the sense of having much in common. Some are on the grating side. Some," Sage shakes his head, not finishing the sentence.
Savannah questions, "Some you have no idea how they got through the screening process?"
"That's a nice way of putting it. Where's Esperanza? I've not seen her yet."
"She's further along that way. She'll probably be one of the last you see before the speed rounds end and the open mingle portion begins."
"Drinks will be available, right?"
"Yes, and thank Merlin, because by then I'll need something."
"I know what you mean. Whose idea was this again?"
"Either mine or Esperanza's. Both of us really. Her down after reconciling only to have an even worse breakup and me because I was looking for something distracting after my own breakup. We twisted your arm to come with."
"More like Imperiused."
The bell rings again so Sage bids Savannah goodbye for the time being and moves to the next table in the spacious room Magical Match is using for the speed dating and the open mingle afterwards. Greeting the lady whose name tag reads Maureen, Sage hopes he's still smiling, resisting the urge once more to touch his lips to make sure.
Late Dinner
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 08-15-13 09:29
"I will just be glad when OWLs are done, and we have the rest of the term to relax and destress for a while until it comes time for the results to come in this summer."
"No kidding. I'm decidedly glad the last Hogsmede weekend is scheduled around OWL/NEWT time, to ensure that we have time to just relax and not deal with anything but the fun we can have in the village."
Blake and I were currently sitting at a small table in Burger Wizard having a late dinner before we headed back up to the castle and would spend the rest of the evening relaxing in the Common Commons or in the Common room of Gryffindor house. Either way, we had no intention of doing homework tonight. That would be what we'd be spending tomorrow doing.
"I'm just glad we managed to both pass our apparation testing when it happened, and by the way, your little brother is down right adorable. I can't believe he's crawling already."
"I know, and Mum said in her owl yesterday that he was already trying solid foods, he's got a tooth coming in, so he's been a bit grumpy."
"Wow, already gotten a tooth, that's crazy."
We talked for a little while longer while were eating an ultimately we headed back to the Castle where we ended up spending the evening playing wizarding chess and listening to the WWN.
(Devon) What to Do?
Author: Diana Clarisse Thatcher
Date: 08-15-13 14:52
It's the fourth Hogsmeade trip. It's Saturday and I'm bummed out. How come only the 3rd years and up can go? Well, this is unfair. Every trip we are stuck in the castle doing what? Doing absolutely nothing. We are here every single day and we are stuck.
I am mad at this for every trip I can here students talking about stores and things that they did or bought. Yes, I am a pureblood raised in wizarding world and my mom and dad always took me there but this is different. Being stuck every Hogsmeade trip makes me jealous of other students.
When I was small, my parents took me there everytime. I love Hogsmeade. I use to squeal and ran around stores and my dad should ran after me, catching a very excited child. We always go to Honeydukes or wander in the streets looking at every store. One time we went to Olivanders and they showed every single wand there is.
My dad told me I'm going to have my own wand very soon when I turned 11 years old. I am a pureblood wizard raised in wizarding world. My dad is a Ravenclaw and my mom is a Slytherin. My Hogsmeade trips are over when mom and dad sent me to Hogwarts. I didn't like it at first because I don't know anybody and plus the Hogsmeade trips.
Then everything went well. I met Diana 1st year Gryffindor, Galadriel 2nd year Gyffindor and there's Laura 1st year Ravenclaw. I met Diana doing homework and essay in the Great Hall with her friend Galadriel. I notice her writing. I then introduced myself because I like writing as well.
She always smiles, has really deep brown eyes, long blonde hair. She really is amazing and really charming. I think I am infatuated by her. We met again this Spring Social where she introduced me to her parents and also Galadriel and Laura. Now we all know each other's family.
Diana's dad and my mother are both Slytherin. I was happy about that. They talked for long time and I think they wanted to be best friends. I'm fine with that. Talking about good old days.
Back on today, I think I will be touring the castle grounds, doing the library, but first of all, I would like to owl Diana and see if she would wanted to come do things with me. I kind of miss her. Maybe she would like to spend the day with me. Also I am happy because next year. I am 3rd year and can go to Hogsmeade.
Dinner With Iola (Caerwyn)
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 08-15-13 20:09
Originally, Caerwyn had been going to meet his Aunt Iola for breakfast. He hated to think of the early meeting as getting it over with when he doesn't actually dislike her so much as he gets a weird vibe from her at times. Caerwyn preferred to think of setting the time with her for breakfast so he'd not have to clock watch the rest of the day while with friends.
Thursday night he'd received an owl from Iola saying she needed to change their get together to dinner if he could make it then. Caerwyn had written back that dinner was fine and as he thought he would probably have lunch at Gus's aunts' and uncle's restaurant, he suggested Brews & Stews for their meal.
After a typical day in Hogsmeade spent in some of the shoppes, just walking around, snacking, and playing various games at Blossom's, Caerwyn parted from his friends for the dinner. Now waiting for Iola Carew he studies the menu on display over the walk up counter, the better to know what he wants once she arrives. That way there won't be any awkward pauses at the table while perusing the menu. The potential for awkward conversation is enough without throwing awkward pauses into the mix.
Iola arrives two or three minutes later, her lips broadening into a wide smile upon seeing Caerwyn. She gives him a quick hug saying as she does, "Don't worry. I won't kiss you or give you a big bear hug and embarrass you."
Once they're at a table, menus in hand, she apologizes. "I'm so sorry for changing things on you practically last minute."
"It's fine. The main thing is we get to sit down together without going behind Dad's back."
"I'm hoping Julian will let us spend a day together during summer holiday or, better yet, allow you to come stay with me overnight."
"I think we'll just have to take things one day at a time with Dad. I don't know the full story, he won't tell me, but apparently Mum gave him reason to distrust her and anyone associated with her."
"As her sister, I was definitely associated with her," Iola says with a wry smile.
"Whatever she did wasn't helped by never telling him about me."
"Those years I was around when you were a baby, Afton always gave the impression she'd told him and he wanted nothing to do with her or with you. I suppose that was her way of staving off further questions."
"Did she ever mention him?"
"Not unless he was brought up in conjunction with you. She never even mentioned his name beyond calling him Jules."
"Do you know what she did to make him hate her so much and for her to have it so he only learned about me because she died?"
"I'm sorry, honey, no."
With the tone of the evening heading quickly towards depressing Iola brings out a photograph. The two people in it appear middle aged, a woman smiling brightly and waving and a man with an affable grin looking off to the side every now and then as if someone had been speaking to him. The woman turns as well and gestures as if inviting the speaker to join them. Whomever it was must have declined because both the man and the woman nod and broaden their gestures, a dog bounding into the view.
"Afton's and my parents. Did she mention them?"
"Only a little. She said they had died before I was born. I don't remember ever hearing her call them anything but Mum and Dad."
Iola taps the photo, causing the couple to frown at her and separate, each going to one edge of the picture but not leaving the frame. "Myfanwy Terfel Carew was a healer at a small Wizarding hospital in Wales. Her specialities were spell damage and artifact accidents. Emlyn Carew was with the Ministry of Magic's Department of Mysteries. Dad was a metamorphmagus, which, as you know, your mother was as well. I was always so envious that Afton was gifted but not me. Mum would always tell me I was gifted to, I just had to work a little harder than Afton had to find it. I didn't think that was fair either."
"I sort of know what you mean. Even now I keep hoping I'll wake up one day and discover I am a metamorphmagus after all."
"Don't tell anyone, but some days I do to."
They both grin at having something to share like that then Iola shares a few stories of childhood with Emlyn and Myfanwy as parents and Afton as her older sister. By the time Iola and Caerwyn are parting ways just outside the gates of Hogwarts Caerwyn is wondering if he imagined the weird vibe from other times around her and thinking maybe he only thought there was one because of his father's feelings for his mother spilling into reservations about his aunt.