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Baklava and Friends
Author: Adina Blackwood
Date: 04-25-14 12:28
"I can't believe that it is almost time to seriously start buckling down for OWLs. I'd picked up some review material from Twice Told Tales earlier, and I will probably end up running more to keep myself from going absolutely nutty." I said, shifting to rest a bit more against Arthur.
Arthur nodded and plucked up another strawberry from the bowl of fruit that rested between the six teenagers in the living room of the Blackwood-Matthews home.
"Don't I know it. My mom's already reminding me to spend less time doing anything other than working on preparing myself for the exams." Kida said, resting herself against Whitney and toying with the lace hem of her girlfriend's skirt.
"No kidding. I don't think we'll hear anything other than how is your preparations for exams are going." Whitney said.
"Anyone else want something to drink?" Sorina said, pushing herself up from the lap of her boyfriend, Tristan Barrons, who was considering attending Hogwarts next year, but was currently homeschooled.
"Another round of drinks could be good..." I said, pushing a hand through my hair, sighing softly.
"Want some help?" Kida asked.
"Sure, and I think there was something said about baklava being ready in about fifteen minutes the last time I was in the kitchen."
Everyone's eyes lit up at the thought of Elona's baklava. They'd also had stuffed grape leaves, and so much more. Coming to the Blackwood-Matthews house on Hogsmeade Saturday was much like a Hogwarts feast, but all the food was Greek.
Everyone quickly shifted from the couch, the cushions on the floor and there was an army of fifteen year olds venturing into the kitchen to soon devour the delicious baklava, and no doubt be sent back to the castle with some to share, and Tristan would be sent home with someone as well.
Conversation soon turned to the upcoming break, and plans were being made to make the most of it, because once spring term started the five in Hogwarts would be exponentially busier with the rapid approach of OWLs.
Of Friends and Nightmares
Author: Araxie Loren
Date: 04-25-14 12:56
"Araxie?"
The sound of my name, slowly filtered into the sleep deprived state of my mind as I'd sat curled on one of the couches in the Common Commons.
"Araxie, wake up..."
I groaned, shifting slightly and opening my eyes, offering my best friend Nichole a weak smile.
"Hi..." I said lightly, shifting, making room for her to sit next to me.
"Hey yourself, you alright?"
I could lie, say that I was just tired from studying or getting over a cold, or maybe coming down with one but I knew Nichole wouldn't believe it as I showed no signs of actually being sick.
"Not really. Haven't been sleeping well lately at all, and when I do sleep there are nightmares that I really wish I didn't remember." I said softly, running a hand through my hair and wincing as I pull a few knots free.
"Have you talked to someone? Maybe asked Madame Pomfrey for a potion to help you sleep at least for a little while?" Nichole asked, frowning, knowing well enough what sort of nightmares I have to deal with.
I shook my head, and pulled out my sketch book - it was the third I'd filled in three days - and offered it to Nichole who began thumbing through the pages, not caring about the charcoal smudges that would stain her fingers black for a little while.
At each, vivid and monstrous detail that swam upon the page her eyes went wide, her mouth forming an "O" of surprise, and strangled sounds of disbelief rose from her until she hit the last page of that sketchbook.
"Does your Aunt know that your nightmares have gotten worse, that you've been remembering more?" Nichole asked, though she already knew the answer, knew that I'd not told a single soul that things had gotten worse for me over the past couple of weeks. I'd even managed to pretend everything was normal when my aunt and uncle had come for Parents' Day.
I shook my head, taking the sketchbook back from her and then reaching for the bottle of water that had warmed as I'd dozed in the Common Commons. "No one knows, well no one knew until I told you just now." I said before taking a sip of the room temperature water and setting the bottle back down.
Nichole sighed and leaned over, giving me a hug.
"You really, really need to talk to someone because pretty soon your studies are going to start slipping and you don't want to be the one to cause your house to lose points because you'd fallen asleep in class."
I nodded, pushing a hand through my hair and suddenly realizing that I hadn't eaten much of anything today, I was actually starving.
"I will talk to someone soon, I promise." I said, knowing well enough that it was a promise I probably wouldn't be keeping anytime soon.
"I'm going to go out to the pitch, want to come?" Nichole said finally.
"Nah, I'm going to work on a couple of assignments while I grab something to eat. I'll see you at dinner?"
"Sounds like a plan." Nichole gave me a hug and quickly left to head back out to the Quidditch pitch and Coach Krum's flying workshop.
Once she was gone, and I had a few moments of peace, I pulled out the other sketchbook, the one I'd not let Nichole see - this one had more vivid recountings of those nightmares - details that would perhaps be of use to the Aurors in the Ministry of Magic and yet I was loathe to send them in as what lies within them could very well free my father from Azkaban and I wasn't sure I wanted to do that.
Just the Two of Us
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 04-25-14 14:01
"As much as I disliked the cutsey atmosphere of Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, I miss being able to be there and just be somewhere quiet." Blake said, lacing his fingers through mine as we stepped out of Gladrags where we'd just done some shopping.
Normally he'd be racing off to spend time with the boys, but for some reason, this trip he suggested we spend it together since we'd both been buried under the stresses of school work and the like since we were in NEWT level courses and getting ready for this year to end to ensure that we have to deal with the stresses of NEWT courses next year and the ultimate end of our time at Hogwarts – albeit a year later than normally anticipated and Blake and I had both been discussing not coming back next year but it would make additional coursework and complications if we decided to go to St. Emrys or another Wizarding University and did not have those NEWT score results.
"Where else do you want to stop?" Blake asked, after having cast a shrinking charm on the packages from Gladrags.
"We could get something to eat? Maybe Crown and Cauldron if it isn't too busy. Or, perhaps The Three Broomsticks?"
We discussed the possibilities toward the procurement of lunch, and ultimately we ended up finding a table at Brews and Stews Cafe. Blake ordered a Reuben and a bowl of baked potato soup, while I'd gotten a grilled chicken salad with a spicy dressing that was absolutely fantastic. We lingered for a while in the Cafe, even sharing a slice of cheesecake, before we ventured back out into the chill of the wintery day.
"Okay, lunch acquired – where to now?" Blake said, slipping his arm around my shoulders and pulling me close to him. We'd been well behaved and thankfully the few moments of snogging we'd had during this trip had not required the intervention of the staff patrolling.
"I'm thinking McFusty's because your sister asked for a few things for her pet, and I need a few things as well, and then I want to duck into Twice Told Tales, Honeydukes. and ultimately something sweet from Briar's to end off the trip?"
Blake laughed and leaned over, brushing a kiss to the top of my head. "Very well then." With that we began running through the rest of our shopping, enjoying our time together as a couple – and most people now at this point knew that we were engaged, even though we still had a year left of school. There would probably be drama and people voicing their opinions – thinking we were too young or whatever, but it was our lives.
(Sadie) A Little PDA
Author: Griet
Date: 04-25-14 17:26
Sadie and Hunter browsed the shelves at Botanicals & Beyond while they waited for their cups of tea. Sadie had opted for a red fruit blend, while Hunter had gone with a chai latte. Compared to some of the other shoppes and restaurants in the village, this one wasn't as crowded or busy.
They had stepped inside the tea shoppe because both wanted something warm to drink. They thought about going to the bakery or the bookstore for coffee or putting up with the crowds in The Three Broomsticks, but then they came upon Botanicals & Beyond. Whenever Travis came to Hogwarts for Career Day or some other event, she always brought treats and tea samples with her. A warm cup of tea sounded like just the ticket.
"It smells so good in here," Sadie said, turning with her eyes closed and taking a deep breath. The mixture of herbs and tea blends wasn't overpowering, even though it was quite strong, but it was definitely intoxicating.
Hunter watched her with a grin on his face and then opened his arms when she opened her eyes again. She smiled and stepped into his embrace, putting her cold nose to the side of his neck. Laughter rumbled through his chest, but he didn't flinch.
"You smell good," Sadie murmured. She detected the faint scent of soap and aftershave. It was subtle, especially compared to the other aromas in the room, but it was nonetheless very nice.
"I did have a bath earlier," Hunter said. "Granted, it was the first one in about a month, but I knew today would be a special occasion, visiting Hogsmeade and all."
Sadie pulled back a little to look him in the face and swatted his chest. "Very funny."
She stared up at him and he stared down at her and then they were kissing, until Neville Longbottom cleared his throat. "No necking in the shoppe," Neville said. "And your tea's ready."
Sadie and Hunter detached themselves from each other to pay for their tea. Then they walked out into the cold, going several paces before they lost control and began laughing.
"Necking?" Hunter asked. "Who even says that?"
"Older people, I think. He's what, thirty?"
"Old for sure," Hunter agreed. He laughed again, but then he nudged Sadie toward the wall of a neighboring store and leaned into her, suggestively waggling his eyebrows. "How would you like to do some necking later?"
"How about we do some necking right now?"
"Your tea's going to get cold."
"There's a charm for that."
"I knew I liked you for a reason. You're so smart… and pretty… and such a good necker."
Sadie laughed and pulled Hunter down for a kiss.
Green Siblings In Hogsmeade
Author: Emerald Green
Date: 04-25-14 19:09
The front door shutting, not slamming closed but firmly enough has Olive bolting upright, nearly knocking Zuberi off his bed. Catching himself, Zuberi puts a finger to his lips, slides off the bed, and pads to the door, cracking it open to peer out. Slipping through the crack he calls, "Hello?"
"Just me!" Marjani calls back. "I forgot some of my notes. I thought you were with Olive."
"I was. I came home for a little while."
Olive can't see Marjani but can hear the smile in her voice as she says, "All by yourself. Right. I'm off. BYE, OLIVE!"
With Coach Krum at his workshop and Marjani having a study group this afternoon, Olive and Zuberi were not about to let the time alone at the house go to waste. At least if being walked in on, of a sort, it's Marjani and not Viktor Krum. Though she's in Zuberi's bedroom and they weren't actually caught, she has no doubt Professor Krum would be as quick on the uptake as Marjani. The difference is that she could look Marjani in they eye next time they see each other. She doubts she'd be able to even look at Krum's feet without turning bright red and wanting to crawl off in embarassment.
There sound of the door reaches her as Zuberi returns. Sliding back onto the bed he asks with a grin, "Where were we?"
A short distance away along the main village thoroughfare, Jade is rolling her eyes at Penny Puckett. Penny has decided that over slices of pie - caramel pie for Jade and coconut cream for Penny - is the perfect time to do what so many their ages do with some regularity. Something Penny and Jade have both done in the past. Who would you date if you could?/who are you crushing on?/some variation of that theme.
Penny points her fork at Jade. "Don't make that face at me. Your brother is very cute. He's rather a catch. Ask around."
Unfortunately, Jade does not need to do that. She's heard it before, not only from Penny but others. She levels her gaze at her friend. "Just don't expect me to ask him if he likes you too."
"Hmmm. Okay. That's reasonable enough I suppose."
"But if I were a good friend, I'd do it?"
Penny smirks. "You said it, not me." She takes another bite of pie then says, "Sooo, your turn."
"My turn for what?"
"Who's currently on your list other than Justin Hodges?"
"Who says Justin Hodges is on my list?"
"Please. You talk to him a lot."
"Yes, because we are friends."
"Nothing at all to do with him being cute and sort of mysterious about why he transferred from Sydney's."
"I'm not going to answer that."
"Which means yes, you think he's cute. You also seem friendly with Baron Marchbanks."
"Friendly. As in friends. You're making more out of these things than what's there."
"Sure, sure. I know. Who else?"
Jade takes a bite of the wonderfully gooey caramel pie, making sure to get in a little of the whipped cream and shaved chocolate that tops it.
Penny points her fork again. "You were talking with Edgar Steele yesterday."
"You mean right before Charms?"
"Yes."
"When I asked him to please hand me the ink bottle that dropped and rolled under his feet?"
"I think of it more as you tossed the ink bottle his direction, giving you an excuse to speak to him."
"I think you're delusional."
"I prefer the term highly imaginative."
Jade rolls her eyes again. Penny grins and asks, "Who else should I put on your current list."
As Jade restrains herself from bopping Penny on the head, Emerald half sits on a chair in a large upstairs room at the Crown & Cauldron. She only half sits in the chair because part of her body is stretch over Phinfilius, sitting in his own nearby chair. By this time a number of those who'd attended his Uncle AJ's and Mariposa's so called small luncheon have left. Others have clustered into small groups, some are even dancing in an area cleared for that purpose.
Emerald takes a bite of fruitcake. "You know, I never much cared for fruitcake until living over here and attending a few weddings."
Phin, forkful of vanilla cake in hand, studies it then looks over to her. "I know what you mean. Spending so much time as a kid in the States, I preferred most of the cakes at weddings there. Not that I went to oh so many weddings, but you know what I mean. I do like the traditional fruitcake over here, but I prefer the other. It's nice they have both today."
"Though some chocolate would have been good too," Emerald smiles.
"If you ever say yes to me, we'll have a chocolate at ours."
"Yes."
Phin puts the forkful in his mouth, chewing slowly as if savoring the flavor. Emerald nudges him with her foot. "Did you hear me?"
"You said yes, we'd have a chocolate cake at our reception if we get married."
"Not what I meant. I said yes."
It takes Phin a second but next thing Emerald knows she's fully in the chair with him, the respective slices of cake being mushed between them, but neither cares.
As for brother Hunter, his only thoughts at the moment are tagging Bart Kimple with his paint wand so his team can win this round of wizarding paint ball and then go get snacks as he's starting to get hungry again.
Slow Recovery
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 04-26-14 16:11
At the sound of stirring, Charlie looks up from the book he's been attempting to read but in which he's made little progress. At the weak, hoarse, "Charlie?" he's out of the chair to the bedside.
"I'm here." Taking Hendrika's hand he asks, "How are you feeling?"
"Hurts."
"It's nearly time for pain potion," Charlie says, barely able to keep himself running from the room, calling for pain potion NOW. "Would you like something to drink?"
"Yes," Hen replies, sounding ragged.
As Charlie pours her some water from a pitcher she asks, "Kids?"
"The kids are fine but they miss you. Mum's bringing them later." Though all actually too young to visit, the decision was made that being able to see Hendrika would be beneficial to recovering from their own trauma from witnessing the attack and seeing their mother so badly injured.
"Miss them too. Still Saturday?" With sleeping so much and the haze of all the potions she's taking, Hen is understandably confused as to what day of the week it is and even to the time of day.
"Still Saturday but it's early evening now."
"Want to go home."
"I know you do, Hen. The kids and I want you home too, but you need to be here where the healers can monitor you."
Her grasp on the small cup she's been sipping from is weaking so Charlie gently takes it, ready to help her drink if she wants more.
The splinters from the wood that injured Hendrika did damage to both heart and left lung. Normally by now the various repair potions would have done their jobs, mending whatever needed it. When it was apparent the potions were slow to work properly, a number of healers put their heads together, Hermione being one of them, and concluded that the spell that caused whatever it was to explode, sending out a shower of wooden splinters and shards was some sort of hex or curse. That means the regular potions aren't going to work exactly right or as expediently, which in turn means that recovery is going to be much slower and far more prone to set backs. So much so in fact, Hendrika could still die. Charlie tries not to think about that at all.
A knock on the door is followed by a nurse entering with that pain potion Charlie had told Hen should be there soon. No sooner has she left then Molly and Arthur arrive with Schuyler, Artie, and Ava, so excited to see their mother that Arthur ended up putting a muffling charm on them so he and Molly could get the three children through St. Mungo's to Hendrika's room.
Too Many People
Author: Capri Brycin
Date: 04-26-14 21:41
It was awfully crowded with students and other patrons in the Three Broom Sticks and Capri felt flushed; it was hot inside and people kept bumping into her chair. She traced a finger along Mark's hand and smiled at him. He looked a little unsettled but then smiled at her and returned the affectionate gesture.
"Are you okay?" Capri asked.
"Huh? Oh, yeah, fine."
Capri furrowed her brow and shook her head. "Come on, let's get out of here there are too many people here. Let's just walk around."
Letting go of each other's hands long enough to get up put on their jackets the two took each other's hands again and made their way through the throng of people.
It was bracingly cold outside but it felt good to be outside because it was hot inside. A slight chill replaced the flush that Capri had been feeling and she moved closer to Mark who put his arm around her and held her close. She smiled, she liked being in Mark's arms but at times she could not help but think that his mind was else where when they were together.
"When I am done with school I would like to have a place here in Hogsmeade. My parents brought me here before I went up to the castle for the first time. I like it here. Its small and quaint…"
Mark laughed, "I would think you'd like small and quaint."
She tipped her head to the side and laughed, "small and quaint can be nice. I wouldn't mind a little flat and a cat maybe my boyfriend…" She smiled at Mark and he leaned in and kissed her. She stopped walking and turned to stand in front of him and she kissed him again. "It could be fun."
"It could be." Mark said but did not go farther with the conversation. "It's starting to get late we should probably head back to the castle. Is there anywhere else you want to stop before we go back?" Capri shook her head and Mark wrapped an arm around Capri again and they began walking back to the castle.