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(Mockridge Townhouse) Sleeping Beauty and her Snake Prince
Author: Cassandra Catesby
Date: 04-22-14 01:42
"I don't get it." Cassandra Catesby Mockridge scowled at the clock as if it were the source of her current confusion. "We're well out of this month's full moon period now. Why didn't anything happen?" She crossed her arms over her chest, not at all sure what to make of this unforeseen event.
Kirley tugged on a lock of her hair. "Maybe my sister was right?" he suggested with a boyish grin.
Cass turned her scowl on him. "About what?" she said.
"About uniting the lines. Perhaps our marriage actually broke the curse," Kirley said, unphased by her scowl.
"Do I look like Sleeping Beauty to you?" she retorted. Before he could speak, "and don't even think about trying to tell me you're my Prince Charming. You're a Snake, Mockridge."
"But a charming one, Mrs. Mockridge," Kirley drawled. "Still, it is possible. Perhaps not probable, but still," he said. "Besides, I think I'd make an excellent Snake Prince."
She snorted, but it was clear her apparent displeasure had more to do with her confusion than real anger. "All slithery and serpent-like," she said dryly. "Yes, that's highly possible. Who knows where you'll slither off to next."
Kirley laughed and leaned in to kiss her. "I'm not slithering all that far from you," he murmured. "As for what's going on, we don't know why, and there's no way to know without waiting for more information. So why not just enjoy the anomaly, if it is an anomaly?"
"I guess." She leaned in against him. "I'm not keen on anomalies. I like things to make sense." But the simple fact remained: she should have shifted into feline form over the last few days because of the Catesby Curse and for the first time in goodness knows how many years... she hadn't. It had knocked her completely off-balance.
"I suppose I will need to wait and see what happens next month," she observed after a few moments silence.
He nodded and pulled her close. "In the meantime, we have a few days that we didn't plan, we could take a holiday?" he suggested. "Somewhere warm and sunny with those drinks with little umbrellas?"
"That sounds... tempting," she admitted. A brow arched over midnight-blue eyes. "Trying to lead me into bad habits, Mr Mockridge?" Her tone was teasing.
"Isn't that why you married me, Mrs. Mockridge?" he teased back. "Besides, a mini-honeymoon sounds like fun."
She laughed. "You're right, it does," she agreed, "and if you're very good, I may even be able to find a bikini lurking somewhere at the back of a drawer." She couldn't remember the last time she'd taken a proper holiday.
"If you can't, I may just transfigure one for you," he added. "I can call one of the elves and we can be packed and at a Mockridge property fairly quickly. I think we have either a small island or most of one," he said.
"Of course you do," she teased. "Your ancestors seemed to have been rabid property hunters. There are houses all over the place. Now an island. Does it have a beach? It's compulsory to have a beach. And palm trees."
"I'm pretty sure we do. And between the various generations, none of them liked each other's properties," he said.
"But, of course, none of them sold them because, well, who knows when they might come in useful..." Her expression was distinctly mischievous.
"See, now you get it. Now, there were a handful sold off, but only when it really served a good purpose, like gaining favor with a family who had something we needed," Kirley said. "I fear you've married straight into a snake pit," he teased.
"That's okay," she replied. She patted him playfully on the cheek. "Cats have claws."
"As evidenced by the scar on my thigh," he teased, catching her hand and kissing her palm. "But you can claw me as much as you'd like."
"You may regret saying that," she replied mischievously.
"Didn't you say that about my vows too?" he teased. "I haven't regretted those yet."
"There's still time," she said, but her smile softened just a little and she rose up on tiptoe to kiss him. "But hopefully not just yet."
(Alexander) Temptation
Author: Mildred
Date: 04-22-14 02:07
The mushy substance inside the bowl was supposed to be porridge. Usually he would eat it in a row, ignoring its bland flavor. It was only a matter of getting the nutrients he needed to survive. However, today, Alexander was not feeling himself capable of eating Azkaban's food. He pushed the bowl aside, leaving its content intact.
"That's a first," Phineus Grimshaw-Spore commented. "I am the one who usually isn't hungry."
Alexander didn't reply to his cellmate's provocation. He looked around at the other prisoners that were having their breakfast. There was an empty table not far from his; a table that used to be occupied in the past but now it wasn't. No one dared to sit in that table, even if its usual occupants were now gone. It was as if there was an invisible magical barrier surrounding the polished surface of the table and its worn out chairs. Phineus followed Alexander's look and a hint of a smile was formed on his lips.
"I was not expecting that you, above all people in here, would miss Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Goyle. Or even the Carrows."
"I don't miss them. I envy them." The older wizard raised his eyebrow, inviting Alexander to elaborate. "They are outside, while I am still here. And they will not be the only ones leaving this place. I heard some rumors: there has been some...recruiting."
"If that is true, then I must sadly say I was not invited," Phineus gave a theatrical sigh. "But no matter. I am sure with less people inside, I will be able to enjoy this lovely porridge quietly, while I read the newspaper." His voice was charged with acidity. Alexander suspected he was hoping to have been out of Azkaban by now. He had connections outside the prison. Powerful friends. Or so he said all the time.
"A healer would always be handy. People get hurt all the time and I am sure she could use one in her ranks. I doubt she would find someone in St. Mungo's interested in joining her cause."
He was thinking out loud but at the same time he was sharing his thoughts with Phineus. Lately he had been playing with this idea of trying to get in contact with someone related with Adriana Fairchild and offer his services to her. Alexander could care less about the witch's causes or goals, and the idea of walking into Hogsmeade and kill innocent people frankly disgusted him. But the idea of being free from prison was very tempting. To be able to see Mildred outside of Azkaban, where they could actually have a meal together, or without having a limited time to be with his daughter...She had turned fourteen and where had he been when that happened? Locked up in his cell, when he was supposed to be shopping at Diagon Alley for a gift. He could have visited her during the Hogwarts Parents Weekend. If he was free, maybe he could see her playing Quidditch. He had realized he had never seen his only daughter flying on a real broomstick.
Adriana Fairchild could give Alexander the so wanted freedom he needed and desired. It was very tempting. However, deep down he knew he could never do so and that's what been bothering him. Phineus let go an elegant laugh. Everything he did, was elegant. He placed his right hand over Alexander's shoulder, in a very fatherly gesture.
"My friend, I do not doubt your healing abilities, but I do not think she would choose you among all these lovely people we share our roof with," he waved his left arm around the room, indicating the other prisoners. "You are one of the good guys. Both of us know that. Now you may think you could join her and be part of her group but you would not stick around until the very end. You are above her."
"Perhaps. But you see, I always thought I would never be able to kill anyone; that I would never take anyone's life, I was above it. But a few years ago, I killed an eleven year old girl. Life gives many turns, Phineus."
"Indeed," the older wizard agreed, removing his hand from Alexander's shoulder.
(Professor Mockridge's Quarters) Letters from the Twins
Author: Cloris Mockridge
Date: 04-22-14 08:21
Cloris walked briskly through the halls, her robes billowing in a fashion that would have made Severus proud, had he seen it. In one hand, she clenched a piece of parchment, where her daughter's letter rested. She'd skimmed it quickly and decided a Floo call was definitely in order. Not at all because she objected, but because she was so pleased.
She'd seen the same owl give a letter to Valeria as well, and had watched her granddaughter read the letter before meeting her gaze. Both had shared a small nod and smile, sharing their pleasure that finally one of the twins was settling down.
She'd barely reached her quarters when the house elf's apperance startled her.
"Sorry Mistress," it squeaked. "I's bringses a letter from Master." The creature placed the letter on the table and then vanished.
A letter from Kirley? How odd. Unless he wished help with the contracts for Nephele's engagement. Of course, that had to be it. She reached out and opened the letter, a half-shriek escaping her, somewhere between laughter and rage.
Severus knocked at the door and came in when she waved him in, one hand still over her mouth. "Are you quite alright, Cloris?" he drawled quietly.
"Yes, yes. Though whether Kirley will be when I get through with him is entirely another matter," she replied.
"Ahh, yes. What has the irrepressible Mr. Mockridge done now?"
"He's gotten married. Eloped to Gretna Green a few weeks ago."
"Do you disapprove of the match?" Severus asked.
"Quite the contrary. The former Miss Catesby, Cassandra, not Callandra, is delightful and is an excellent match for my son."
"Then it's more the nature of things and the finding out weeks later?"
"Exactly."
"And here I thought you and Miss Mockridge seemed so pleased at breakfast."
"Oh yes, we were. You see, Nephele, following proper manners, wrote to us both to let us know she has accepted Mr. Hartcrofte's proposal of marriage. I suspect Valeria's known for a few days of Kirley's marriage, she has been unusually observant of myself."
Severus flicked his wand at the door, hitting it with a quick silencing charm before he laughed aloud and Cloris couldn't help but join him. Had anyone been able to see into the room, the sight of the normally stern professors laughing until they cried.
After a few moments, Cloris dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. "Alright. I suppose we should get on with the day. Perhaps I will collect my granddaughter and great-niece and see if they need any supplies."
"I suspect young Mr. Zabini has a list," Severus answered as he undid the silencing charm. "Especially now that the contract has been finalized."
"Yes. I was quite pleased with my nephew. It's a good match, and probably a wise decision. His wife is being quite unreasonable, but I suspect they were lucky that Petula came along. But still, there are things from outside of Hogsmeade that they may wish for and I do enjoy spoiling them."
"Yes well, do remind them that they should not hex the older students. Although I find myself unable to really blame them for the desire, especially with a certain set of sisters currently residing in the dungeons."
"I had noticed the younger Miss Brycin appeared rather less popular than before. Brawling like muggles, when will they learn?" Cloris said, escorting Severus to the door and pulling it closed behind her as they began the walk through the dungeons.
It's Missing
Author: Amanda Reynolds
Date: 04-22-14 14:01
Amanda had left the ring on her nightstand by her bed over a week ago and it was now missing. She looked all around the nightstand, under her bed and all around the room but could not find the ring. She even looked in her trunk and her jewelry box to make sure she hasn't put it in there. The only one who she could think that might have disturbed the ring would be her cat.
She searched the room for Tantomile, her cat, but could not find her. "Where is that cat?" She huffed under her breath, "she has to have that ring." When she couldn't find her she gave up and headed to the Common Room where she met Elliot.
"Are you ready it's Hogsmeade day!" Elliot bubbled happily. "Are you going to hang out with Darren and I?"
"I don't know. Wouldn't you prefer to be alone?"
"No, we don't mind you tagging along." Elliot said as they walked out of the Common Room to go find Darren who was waiting for them in the Common Commons Room.
"Hey!" Darren said as they entered the Common Commons. "You guys ready?" The two nodded their heads and they headed out of the castle and down towards Hogsmeade.
"Elliot." Amanda finally said after stewing over the problem for a while. "The ring is missing."
"The ring? You mean THE ring?" Amanda nodded her head. "Where could it have gone to?" Elliot asked.
"I don't know." She said. "But what I know is it is gone. Maybe it decided it didn't like me because I won't wear it and it has gone to someone else." Elliot gave Amanda a 'really' look and then shook his head.
"I doubt it."
"The only other thing I can think of is that Tantomile got it. But I've looked through out my whole room and I can't find it."
"Can't find what?" Cate asked as Amanda, Elliot and Darren approached the rest of their friends.
"Uh, nothing." Amanda said not wanting to tell her friends that the ring was missing just yet.
Stupid Question
Author: Declan
Date: 04-22-14 19:04
Declan had volunteered for the first shift walking the village. By doing so, he has the rest of the day as his own. He's accepted an invitation from AJ and Mariposa to meet at the Crown and Cauldron early this afternoon, but other than that, he has no set plans.
Slowing as he nears the turnstile marking one end of High Street, wondering if Zabrynna will be present at lunch as well. If so, he could ask her to do something later in the afternoon or this evening. Might ask her. Will ask her.
Declan shakes his head. He's so confused sometimes when it comes to Zabrynna. Twenty-nine years old and he's as confused about someone of the opposite sex as a boy with his first crush.
Zabrynna and he are friends now. With his permission she's used him as an excuse for getting out of the blind dates Anne and Philippa have set for her. They spend time together without others around. Occasionally grab a bite to eat just the two of them. Yet neither have ever out and out verbalized any of these things as a date.
Would Zabrynna want to go on an honest to Merlin official date?
Does he?
Stupid question.
Declan's grown weary of denying the depth of his feelings for Zabrynna, of making excuses for why should only be friends and nothing more.
The question is how does Zabrynna view Declan? If he a friend who's helped her out every now and then and nothing more? Would she be interested in evolving the friendship?
Scrubbing a hand across his face, Declan hates the way his stomach roils at the idea of Zabrynna scoffing at an overture from him. As a teen she might have been so infatuated with him to resort to using a love potion but that troubled girl is not the Zabrynna of today. He can't read anything into her not wanting to go on blind dates as meaning she harbors feelings for her.
After stopping to let a pair of students know that groping each other while snogging in the middle of the street isn't appropriate, Declan tells himself he will ask Zabrynna to dinner and he will make it clear it's a date, not just two friends getting together.
(RSAA and Vinewood) Stress
Author: Wisteria Carew
Date: 04-23-14 10:27
Wisteria sat at the desk in her office, going through some administration papers. She had agreed to help Edward and substitute his place while he tended to his sickly, near death mother. She regret the decision, having realized that she was not apt to head a school and wished she had passed the job onto George. She was more than fine with a little teaching now and again with a few papers to grade. The Academy did not have general classes, rather the students worked in a small group which was overseen by an expert. While the groups met in a classroom setting, they also met in the field; the Academy strained the importance on first hand experience as well as the book work.
A sharp jab tingled across her side and she instinctively reached for it. Since the incident at the Vinewood she suffered from intermediate pain. The pain wasn't constant; it varied in strength and moved throughout her body. She felt as though a pest had entered her system and would keep on moving until it devoured her. She let out a cry, and in a frenzy, searched her bag until she came across her tonic. Mr. Wood had provided her with pain relieving potions, one for every three hours. But the pain grew worse, seemingly adapted, to the potions and outwitted them all.
After she downed it, Wisteria removed her green-lined spectacles and left the office, being sure to lock it. She decided a nice cool air would calm her nerves, so she hastily walked down the halls to the small courtyard. Students greeted her and encouraged conversation, but she only gave a smile and a nod of the head, something out of character for she always enjoyed engaging the students.
Once outside she gasped, taking in the cool air gratefully. She collapsed on a close garden bench and looked around the favourite gathering area of the students. It was the one peaceful moment since the rivalry's return, the box's incident, and a questionable object in a school of children.
"Stress. There is so much bloody stress," she complained aloud through gritted teeth. She leaned back and closed her eyes, intending on a quick, few minute nap. She awoke to a hand pushing at her shoulder. She looked around with foggy eyes, but it was clear that it was a great deal later than was intended. She then looked to the owner of the hand, Mr. Wood. "How long was I asleep?"
"Two hours, but that's the least of your worries." Mr. Wood replied and helped her up. He said nothing as he led her back to her office, nor as she questioned him, but he eventually said two words: "Not here."
Once they were in the Vinewood, Mr. Wood sat Wisteria down and began to explain. "I've heard from Ailbe. The Sinclair brothers are in play and the disgraced Snodgrass has agreed to our terms, but there is an enemy among us. And I've received information that a Snodgrass has infiltrated the Academy."
Wisteria made a face and scolded her associate. While she hated their rivals with every fiber in her being, she could not deny anyone a chance at their education on the basis of surname and allegiance. "A Snodgrass cannot infiltrate the Academy. It is a school. So what if one of them wants to be an archaeologist!"
"No," Mr. Wood shook his head. "The Snodgrass does not want to be an archaeologist. Somehow, the found out about those certain items hidden in the underground tunnels. It is my understanding that the Snodgrass is tasked with taking them."
"Improbable. Only Edward, George, and I have a key. All three are always protected."
"But what is it that the brilliant muggle Doyle once said? When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth."
She remained silent for a moment before asking: "Do we know who the traitor is?"
A smile tingled upon Mr. Wood's lips. "How do you think Ailbe got this information?"
On Patrol
Author: Marzipan
Date: 04-23-14 18:17
Marzi and Weston walked down High Street and talked about Vallon's birthday, which was a few weeks away. They wanted to do something ordinary and of their choosing––not whatever Redberga had in mind, if she even planned on doing something for her great grandson on his birthday.
It wasn't that Marzi didn't like the woman, nor did she regret encouraging Weston to meet her. She just wished Redberga would stop exerting her influence at every turn.
Not meaning to sigh aloud, nor realizing she had done so, Marzi gazed questioningly at Weston when he asked her if she were all right. "Yes, I'm fine," she finally answered, shrugging her shoulders slightly. She didn't want to complain about his grandmother, even though she knew he shared her opinion on the matter. Instead she said, "I was just thinking about what a damper things have made on this trip."
Weston looked around and said, "The children seem fine." To prove his point, a group dashed by, shrieking and laughing. When a gust of wind whipped snow flurries into their faces, the group became even more boisterous.
"I know, but the threat still looms––"
"And that's why we're here, other than the obvious reason of making sure the children stay out of mischief," Weston said. It was why he had wanted to spend the day in Hogsmeade with his wife and why the boys were safe in London with their maternal grandmother. Weston worried about Death Eaters attacking Hogsmeade when the village was filled with innocent students, but he also felt a sense of calm. There weren't just teachers patrolling the village, but other responsible adults and most importantly, law enforcement personnel, too.
Without realizing it, the couple came upon the Crown & Cauldron, which was just in front of Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. Marzi slowed to a stop and gazed down the alley at the establishment, which was temporarily closed for business. She frowned and thought about all those who had died there.
Weston tugged gently on her arm to lead her away from the scene of the terrible crime. They carried on past Dervish and Banges and stepped into the pet store to look at the cute kittens and puppies. They had no intention of getting Vallon a pet for his birthday, but they didn't mind looking.
Breakfast With Iola (Caerwyn)
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 04-23-14 20:10
Caerwyn and Gus had been among some of the first to leave Hogwarts for the village. After grabbing sustenance at the bakery, they'd gone to the house so that Caerwyn could look through some of his mum's things for that locket. Gus helped but he kept getting distracted by a box with some of Caerwyn's baby things. Caerwyn had no idea why those items were so hilarious to Gus until his friend held up an ecru lacey dress looking outfit with a matching hat that could only be described as a bonnet. If he'd found something like that in a friend's belongings, or anyone's belongings for that matter, he'd find it pretty funny too.
After that, Gus was more interested in trying to find photos of Caerwyn in the outfit than he was in searching for the pendant. That was fine as Gus hadn't had to come with anyway. With an eye on the clock, Caerwyn searched until needing to go meet Aunt Iola. He and Gus parted ways, him to meet Iola for a heartier breakfast than a pastry from Briar's and Gus off to get more of said pastry. They'll meet up again after until early this afternoon when Gus is supposed to meet his uncle, AJ Hodfuffer, at the Crown & Cauldron.
After a hug, and a kiss on both cheeks, from Aunt Iola, they order then Iola asks the usual questions about school, Quidditch, and if he's got a girlfriend or a current crush. Caerwyn, in turn, asks the usual niceties. When he finds a good opening he tells her, "I'm sorry, but so far I've not found Mum's pendant."
There is a tightening around her eyes and mouth that isn't lost on him. Iola quickly catches herself, offering him an understanding smile, though it doesn't seem to reach her eyes. "That's all right. I'm sure you've tried."
"I have. Dad has helped. There are other things still in storage but we didn't think a pendant would be in anything there. Dad said last weekend he'd check anyway when he has a chance. I also had a thought on where it could be."
Iola instantly brightens. "Where?"
"It could be buried with Mum."
"What does does that do me?" Iola snaps. She immediately hastens to apologize. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. I was taken by surprise as that never idea never crossed my mind."
Though only in flashing small doses, Caerwyn is seeing a side of his aunt he's not witnessed before. As a result he states, "I get the feeling this pendant is more important to you than you've let on."
"It's only that it is something of an heirloom. I hate to think of it as buried with Afton or lost instead of being passed on."
It's a good answer. A logical one. It makes sense. Caerwyn accepts her reply though a little part of him wonders if there's more to the story. If there is more, then what is it?
Returning his aunt's smile, Caerwyn listens as she changes the subject to regale him with a funny story of one of a neighbor of hers he met when staying with her this past summer.