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The Forbidden Fruit
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 04-24-14 01:29
The Three Broomsticks was even crowded than usual. Since Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop was closed, all its clients seemed to have transferred themselves to Madam Rosmerta's establishment. She had to shove a few couples away from the pub because once they settled themselves into a corner they did nothing but making out, sometimes even forgetting to ask for a drink or some food.
Johanna had managed to get a table by the window, that she occupied with Kate, Gus and Felicia. Baltus planned to meet with Felicia later, after finishing some late homework at the castle. And, who knows, maybe Hugo would join them at some point as well. The four friends stayed in silence for a while, gazing at their butterbeers. Then Felicia complained about the hot inside the pub and she removed her coat. Gus picked up his glass, drank its content in a row and cleaned his mouth with the back of his hand. He placed the money over the table and stood up, announcing he was going back to the castle because there was something he forgot to do.
"Such a lame excuse. He is going to meet with your cousin, I'm sure," Felicia said, once the door of the pub closed behind Gus.
Johanna shrugged her shoulders.
"He tries so hard to hide what's going on between him and Evelyn. Why don't you just tell him you know all about it and end with his suffering?" Kate asked.
"Because then I will have to get mad with him. And with her. I was about to yell at them when I saw them making out, behind one of the greenhouses. But then I thought it would make it no good. I know Evelyn, and if you tell her she can't do something, then that's exactly the thing she will want to achieve."
"Ah, the forbidden fruit."
"Exactly. So I better stay quiet and pretend I don't know anything. Eventually, I bet that Gus will get tired of making out with my cousin. You know how he is, soon he will loose interest in Evelyn and move on to another girl."
"He's not normal. He can never settle in with a girl for long," Felicia said, beginning to analyze Gus. "I think Polly Potts has damaged him or something. He doesn't have the capacity to love."
Johanna and Kate laughed.
"He's clever. He has all the girls he wants, no strings attached. Today is Evelyn, tomorrow might be someone else. The problem it's not Gus, but the girls. They are the ones who like being locked up at the supplies closets with him. It doesn't sound very appealing to me."
"That's because you have never tried, Johanna. You have no idea the adrenaline you can feel while inside. Filch might open the door at any moment and catch you..."
"That's awful," Kate complained.
Felicia turned to her, with a malicious glint in her eyes.
"You should try it one of these days with Hugo. You'll see what I mean. It's very thrilling. It's the forbidden fruit all over again, you know?"
Special Delivery
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 04-24-14 09:21
Lysander rang up a student purchasing O.W.L. review material and slipped in a free bookmark the bookshop had received as a promotional gift. The bookmarks were made of slim pieces of wood and decorated either with paint, engravings or art cutouts. The one Lysander gave to the student was birch veneer with an ornate clover design and a green tassel.
"Have a nice day," Lysander said with a smile.
"Can I have this one?" Charlotte asked, where she was perched on a stool behind the counter. She held up another bookmark, this one made of cherry wood and with a hearts and roses design.
"Only if you find yourself a book to read," Lysander told her.
Charlotte made a face but hopped off the stool and went into the children's section to find something she might like. She had made great strides since the ordeal that had kept her away from her father. Charlotte had managed to catch up on her studies and hardly ever thought about the unhappy business with her maternal side of the family.
She didn't think about the Death Eaters swooping in on the house much either, except more recently when they attacked the tea shop in the village. The attack had shocked even Lysander, who hadn't expected Adriana to strike so close to his home. It was a foolish thought, knowing what she had done at Hogwarts not all that long ago, but somehow he hadn't thought she would target a place that even pureblooded wizards and their supporters frequented.
He hadn't seen her since New Year's Eve night, nor had he heard from her since. He fervently hoped she had given up on his aid entirely…
Just then, an owl swooped through the door just when it opened to admit a new crowd of students. The black-feathered, yellow-eyed, rather menacing-looking bird flew directly to Lysander and deposited a package on the counter. It made a wide circle beneath the ceiling and then flew back out the open door.
The package was unmarked. Narrowing his eyes, Lysander debating carrying it away to open later but curiosity got the better of him. He cut through the string and unwrapped the brown packing paper to reveal a slim, rectangular box the size of an average book. Lysander lifted the lid and blinked in surprise. Protected by a cushioning charm was the mirror Charlotte had left behind in Ashton-Hotwell. There was also a small, folded note that simply read:
Sorry it took so long. I hope you haven't been too anxious for its recovery.
-A
"What's that?" Charlotte asked, having returned without Lysander realizing it.
He crumpled up the note in his fist and said, "I managed to get back Auntie Synn's mirror. Why don't you take it up to your room?"
"How did you get it back?" Charlotte asked, taking the box from her father and looking at the hand mirror she never expected to see again.
"Dumb luck," Lysander said, hoping she would drop the subject. "Did you find something to read?"
"Yeah." She held up a book without even looking at it and said, "Can I have the bookmark now?"
"Yes. Go."
She snatched up the bookmark and took it, her book, and the box with her lost mirror upstairs. Lysander was half tempted to follow her so that he could dispose of Adriana's note properly, but a customer approached the counter just then. He stuffed the crumpled note into his pocket and asked, "Did you find everything okay?"
(Kate) A Kettle of Fish
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 04-24-14 11:27
The three girls stayed in The Three Broomsticks for far longer than usual. For one, it was warm and toasty inside the pub, and not just because of all the roaring fireplaces. The amount of people crammed into the restaurant caused the temperature to climb and made everyone feel like sardines. There was hardly any room to move, which contributed to the fact that they hadn't left their table yet.
Eventually, Baltus found his way over to them. He was like a salmon trying to swim up stream, though the only resistance he met were students sitting stationary at their tables. He peeled off his coat and draped it over the back of the chair most recently vacated by Gus before planting a wet one on Felicia's lips. Thankfully, the din in the crowded pub masked the smacking noises the amorous couple made.
Kate and Johanna grinned and rolled their eyes at one another, but then Johanna spotted somebody else across the room and nodded with her head to the doorway. Kate turned to look, completely expecting to see Hugo there because nothing in Johanna's expression indicated it would be someone she didn't wish to see. Instead she saw Mark standing near the crowded bar with an arm slung around Capri's shoulders.
"It's to be expected," she said, after a long pause. "Where else would they go but here or maybe The Hog's Head."
"Let's hope they find it too crowded and choose to look elsewhere," Johanna said.
What happened instead was a table closest to theirs opened up and became the most sought after place in the room. Several groups converged on it at once, including Mark and Capri. Kate held her breath, hoping somebody else would reach it first, but it wasn't meant to be.
Mark only noticed her when he slid into his chair. For a moment, their eyes held but then he turned to Capri and took her hand across the table. Kate looked at Johanna, who rolled her eyes again, only this time she wasn't smiling.
Felicia and Baltus finally stopped making out and noticed the couple at the next table. Felicia narrowed her eyes into slits. Baltus, who was Mark's roommate and saw him more often than anyone but Capri herself, ignored them and asked the girls, "Where's Gus?"
The Ring is Missing
Author: Cate
Date: 04-24-14 13:29
Preston held Cate's hand as they walked but Cate was distracted she could not help but think about what Amanda had said, "It was missing." The only thing she could think of was the ring. If the ring was missing it could mean that someone else had it and that someone could get hurt.
"Amanda," Cate said as the group walked into Twice Told Tales.
"Yes." She smiled at her friend.
"What was missing?"
"Nothing really it isn't any big deal."
"Is the ring missing?" Cate asked. Amanda sighed and nodded her head. "Do you have any idea where it might be?"
"No. I have looked everywhere. The only thing I can think is that Tantomile took it."
"That damn cat of yours she is always taking everything."
It was Amanda's turn to sigh now and she looked down at the floor as if it were intensely interesting. "I don't know what to tell you. She is a curious and playful cat. I put it on my nightstand and it stayed there for about a week but I forgot about it and never put it in my jewelry box."
"It's okay Amanda we will just have to search for it. Maybe Tantomile took it down to the Common Room."
"Maybe." Amanda said as she looked up and noticed that Elliot and Darren were making out behind a bookshelf. She rolled her eyes in brief annoyance and then started browsing the books.
"Maybe you'll find that ring." Preston teased Cate. "You know you could wear it again and…"
"And what?" Cate asked with a giggle in her voice as she remembered her make out session with Preston the day she was wearing the ring.
"Come on. Go get the boys…" Cate said to Amanda. "We are supposed to meet Rosie and Cassidy over at the Three Broomsticks."
"By the way where is Jordana?"
"She was not feeling well today." Amanda said. "She was staying in bed she said. She hated to miss the trip but…" Cate nodded her understanding.
"Alright, let's go then."
The Workshop Is As Usual
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 04-24-14 14:51
The workshop has about the same number of students it always does. The number does fluxuate through the day as students come and go - Viktor's never been a stickler making them stay once there as it's supposed to be a fun diversion - but the totals are always about the same. Things are going well, also as usual. There's a group on the pitch playing what amounts to a Quidditch scrimmage match. There are some working to hone specific skills, such as improving hand-eye coordination for better hitting a bludger while moving at varying speeds, both the batter and the bludger.
One skill some are working is simply the act of flying in a more controlled manner. Viktor has an area set up with the different obstacles, such as rings of differing sizes through which one must fly. There are rings that spin, requiring the flyer to time going through. There are staggered floating cones through which the flyer must weave. There are other obstacles but at this exact moment, he doesn't have them in the air.
Another skill those wanting to play Quidditch often don't think about is being able to fly while holding an object, such as the quaffle or a bat. Truly good players make it appear effortless but it's anything but.
One thing is for certain, since the start of the Quidditch little league, there are for more first years coming to Hogwarts who have some experience on a broom. Before then, there were always some but most had not, their parents either having nowhere to take them to fly out of Muggle eyesight or not wishing to bother or other assorted reasons.
Viktor leaves those practicing their flying to land and check the refreshments table. He always has something for those who help him at these things and for those who participate. He even lets those who simply come to observe partake if they wish. He sees to a few refills and that platters of sandwiches and other lunch type items are set out, almost finding it hard to believe so much of the day is already gone.
Snagging a sandwich half for himself, Viktor returns to the area behind some of the stands where he's put the flying courses. Rejoining those in the air he sits munching the sandwich half in between calling out helpful instructions to those currently working on improving their broomwork.
Choccy Mommy?
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 04-24-14 17:07
"Choccy Mommy?"
Meagan asked as she dropped the dolly she'd been holding on one of the chairs at the table and began clambering up upon the taller chair, and nearly tumbling backwards but quickly regaining herself and making the seat so she could look up on the table.
"Nope, not until after you've eaten lunch Mags. You know that." I told her, reaching forward and brushing a stray lock of blonde hair from her face. "Besides, the students are out in the village."
The pout was award-winning as the one and a half year old dropped into the chair, sighing dramatically. "Chicky and tatoes for lunch?" There was a slight hint of hopefulness, that lunch was actually going to be her two favorite foods, I braced myself for another wave of slight disappointment when I told her what it was.
"Nope, mac and cheese and hot dogs."
Another dramatic sigh, though I knew she was mulling over the choices of lunch with a mini chocolate fairy cake for dessert or lunch without a mini chocolate fairy cake for dessert. The pull of that fairy cake was much, much too strong and she looked up at me and grinned.
"Then choccy Mommy?"
I smiled and nodded, setting her plate down at her seat, along with her spoon and a sippy cup of apple juice. Then, I relocated my daughter to her chair and grabbed my own lunch which was warmed up left overs from dinner last night - meatloaf, au gratin potatoes and steamed broccoli.
The office was closed today, and for that I was thankful, but that didn't mean that the paperwork didn't follow me home and probably while Meagan was taking her nap I'd work on some of it before we headed into the village so she could marvel over the big kids being in the village.
Small Luncheon (AJ)
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 04-24-14 17:16
In one of the bigger upstairs rooms of the Crown & Cauldron, a somewhat largish group has gathered. The group is comprised of various members of the extended Hodfuffer clan, a handful of Ravensdales, a couple of Mondragóns and Weatherbys, a Douglass, and various other assorted friends. Not everyone invited could be make it but given the somewhat short notice and the lack of information given beyond a slightly late luncheon, AJ and Mariposa are pleased with the overall turnout. They're also feeling a little guilty for not asking all their coworkers and colleagues but it couldn't be helped.
Moving to a point that given how the tables are arranged is the de facto front of the room, with Mariposa at his side addresses those gathered who are at the moment milling around making small talk. "Hello, everyone! Thank you for coming. I know most of you thought Mariposa and I were inviting you each to a small, informal lunch." He gestures with both hands. "Which you can see is exactly the case."
This elicits a few chuckles.
"Mariposa and I have decided to get married." The statement is met by claps and cheers and even a few larger laughs.
"Welcome to our combination engagement party and wedding."
Shocked silence is followed by more clapping, more cheering, and a buzz of conversation.
AJ clears his throat and the buzz lowers in volume. A beaming Mariposa says, "Dad, Zabrynna, if you'd come with me please."
AJ then directs Mariposa's mother and stepfather, his parents, and a few others to specific tables while everyone else is asked to find a seat at one of the other tables. He also requests, "Declan, will you be my best man?" to which Declan readily complies.
The noise level increases again as the assembled get seated while talking about this surprise wedding. AJ shows Declan where to stand and hands him the wedding ring for Mariposa. The person performing the wedding, takes her spot near Declan. When everyone is seated, the minister raises a hand asking for quite then gives a nod to Furnella, who's standing near the door through which Mariposa disappeared with Nolan and Zabrynna.
Music begins as Furnie opens the door. Zabrynna, now carrying a bouquet, walks through, following the path that's now outlined on the floor. When she's reached the end of the path she moves to the side opposite AJ and Declan. Heads turn as Nolan escorts Mariposa back into the room. When they too reach where the others are standing, Nolan kisses Mariposa's cheek then steps back to sit at a vacant seat at the nearby table.
Minutes late, the newly married couple are greeted by more cheers and claps. As the bride, groom, best man, and maid of honor take their own seats, luncheon is served and a wedding cake is rolled into the room, waiting to be cut as part of the pudding course.
A photographer has been taking pictures throughout the ceremony and now during the meal. AJ had forgotten all about having photos but both Mariposa and Furnie, who'd helped them plan everything, had remembered that detail. Sitting now beside the woman who makes every day brighter, AJ knows that in every picture he's in, he's surely grinning like a fool.
Annoyance and a List
Author: Niccolo Zabini
Date: 04-24-14 17:47
Nico sat on the foot of his bed, contemplating the letter he had received nearly three days ago. It remained unopened, and he scowled as turned it over in his hands, he knew the handwriting, hence his hesitation to read it. Another letter dropped onto his bed and the teenager sighed, he knew the next would be a howler without a proper response. Reluctantly the second letter was opened, he would tend to this business before heading to Hogsmeade.
Niccolo,
I must say I am thrilled the contract has been finalized, you and little Petula will be a fine union of the Zabini and Parkinson lines, I knew my idea would be brilliant, Blaise had to have gotten the idea from me. I do expect to see both of you on the next holiday, we have a lot to talk about, my son, I miss you horribly. We should also discuss some other family business, I've heard from your brother.
Nico scanned the rest of the letter, his irritation with his mother growing exponentially. How dare she think the betrothal contract was any way her doing. Blaise had to be just as annoyed with the flaky bint, she was the type to think everything was her doing, and it irked Niccolo. He was thankful when he had gone to live with Blaise this past summer, he was much better off under the watchful counsel of the head of the family. He looked up just in time to see some of his roommates heading for the common room, and he stood to follow as he pulled on his coat. He always made an effort to look presentable, something that had been ingrained into him since birth.
He made his way into the Slytherin Common Room, to find Petula waiting. To most onlookers she looked bored but Nico knew better as he approached. His irritation with his mother still apparent on his face, but only if you studied the boy close, and he was sure Pet noticed. "Do you have my list, Pet?" She nodded and handed it to him, a questioning look in her eyes. "This explains my mood." He said as he slipped her the crumpled letter. "Welcome to the family with that bloody woman as an in-law. I'll tell you more later? Have a good day, Petula, Valeria." He easily let the annoyance fade away, knowing those emotions would only hurt him and make him appear weak.
Without another word, he silently headed to Hogsmeade Village alone, he rarely spent time with other students in his year, but would occasionally grace them with his presence. Not only did he have the current supply list for his friends, he had to pick up an important birthday gift as well.
Free Afternoon (Deak)
Author: Kody
Date: 04-24-14 21:26
Deak had offered to keep watch over Niccola and Brandon so that Aaron and Saffron would do shifts patrolling the village for Hogsmeade weekend. His time his own again he considers heading to the flat he shares with Wiggy Hodfuffer and Jack Emerson. As he'd only just sit around there, pretending he doesn't have a couple of assignments to complete for two of his St. Emrys courses, Deak isn't sure what he wants to do. Though normally much more attentive to his studies, he's had a little trouble concentrating on homework since a serious sit down with Etta Wynbourne yesterday.
In the time since Etta and he broke up Deak's dated but no one for very long and definitely nothing serious. For awhile, he'd pined for Etta, experiencing jealousy when someone else gave her the slightest attention. Even after that phase passed, he still missed her a great deal, wishing she'd not dropped him and working hard to maintain the friendship just so he could continue to be in her circle.
When Etta asked him to meet with her Friday, part of Deak was hoping it was because she finally had seen the light. She'd admit to the mistake of breaking things off with him. Ask for his forgiveness. Ask if he'd take her back after all this time apart.
That is exactly what took place.
At first he'd been delighted but then, when faced making the dream a reality, Deak came to the astonishing conclusion he doesn't actually want anything more than friendship with Etta. She will always be dear to him and he loves her still but not in that manner any longer.
Deak knows his response to Etta putting herself out there was not what she'd wanted, perhaps not even what she expected; but, he had to be honest with her. Now, he's not regretting or second guessing his decision. The conversation is weighing on him because he keeps playing it over and over, trying to think of how he could turned her down without hurting her. He been very nice about it but the sting had still been there for her. Reaching High Street, Deak concludes for the thousandth time that no matter how he'd worded his reply, Etta would have been pained over it.
Stopping to gain his bearings, not having consciously walked into the heart of Hogsmeade, Deak elects to go towards the Crown & Cauldron. Wiggy had mentioned he'd be there for lunch with his uncle, AJ. If Wiggy is still around but his meal concluded, they could go play a round of wizarding paint ball or wizarding laser tag. There's got to be a couple of Hogwarts students who'd be interested in taking them on in a match.
As he's going the wrong direction for the Crown & Cauldron, Deak abruptly turns around. In doing so, he has a near collision with a familiar girl. He reaches to steady her. "Sorry, Megara. I wasn't paying attention."
She waves a hand. "I wasn't either, Deak, so no apology needed."
Megara Flynn appears flustered and not from nearly being plowed over by Deak. Concerned, he asks, "Are you all right?"
She takes a few seconds to respond, as if thinking about exactly how to reply. "Yes and no. Errol - you remember Errol Anderson - is being a pain. Again. We had words and he stalked off. I've not seen him since and started to worry."
"Are you two dating these days?"
"As I think of Errol as a brother, dating him would seem incestuous."
Deak can't help but laugh at that even in the face of how serious Megara is. "Sorry," he swiftly apologizes.
"No, it's fine. It is sort of laughable given how many do think we're a couple. Since Errol came to Hogwarts, we've become close. Best friends. As I said, I consider him my brother and like younger brothers the world over, he can be very aggravating at times."
"I'm a younger brother," Deak says, biting back another laugh.
"A younger brother who never annoyed his older brother, I'm sure."
"Nope, never once. If Drake says otherwise he's joking."
Megara finally cracks a smile, which then turns to a snigger of amusement.
Unsure of why Deak offers, "I can help you look for Errol, if you'd like."
"Thank you, but I can't ask you to give your time helping me find the brooding Errol."
"You didn't ask. I offered. I've nothing going on the rest of the day. If you want, I'll even lend you my ear so you can talk about why you two had words."
Megara takes another few seconds. She takes long enough that he's expecting her to turn him down once more but she ends up nodding. "If you're sure you don't mind."
"I don't."
Deak offers Megara his arm, all thoughts gone of wasting time with Wiggy on a match of some sort at Blossom's Gaming Centre.