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Brothers
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 03-19-16 13:05
Lysander made sure that some of the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. study guides were prominent in the window. Although there would still be some students who would procrastinate until May or even June to begin studying for their end of year exams, some students had gotten on the ball the moment term resumed after the Christmas holidays. Any fifth or seventh years visiting Hogsmeade today might actually want to purchase extra study material after seeing them in the shoppe window. After all, June would arrive before anyone knew it.
"Hi, Uncle Lysander."
Lysander turned at the voice and saw his nephew Noah standing behind the ledge of the window display.
"Noah, what are you doing here?"
Liam appeared then and said, "Noah expressed an interest in visiting Hogsmeade while other children were around, and I thought it might be worthwhile picking up some used textbooks for the subjects he'll be taking at Hogwarts next school year. I still have some of mine, but they are terribly old and I'm sure some of the material has changed."
Lysander stepped off the ledge and offered his brother his hand in greeting and then said, "I'm sure we have something in stock." He turned to Noah next and asked, "Are you trying to get a head start in your studies?"
"Not really," Noah admitted, "but Dad thinks it's a good idea."
Lysander laughed, and even Liam cracked a smile. "We'll, let's pick out some books. Have you seen Charlotte yet?"
Noah shook his head. "No."
"She's probably upstairs in her room. Why don't you go on up?"
Noah looked at his dad for permission. Liam nodded, and with that, Noah bolted for the staircase, startling both Dexter and Scarlet in the process.
"I've always liked seeing cats in bookstores or libraries," Liam remarked. "In Japan, we went to a few cat cafés. The kids were so young then and don't remember all that much about our time there, but the cat cafés they do remember."
Lysander smiled but said nothing. It was nice that he and Liam seemed to get along these days, but being together still felt awkward and unnatural at times.
"Master," squeaked Brudha, who had seemingly come out of nowhere. She had her hand wrapped around a baby leash, which was attached to Dylan. The toddler strained at the leash, eager to go wherever his legs might carry him. "Might we visit the park?"
"Yes, fine," Lysander said.
Brudha gently tugged Dylan in the direction of the door. As soon as he realized they were going out, he picked up the pace. He would have made a run for it, if not for the leash.
"Since when do you have a house-elf?" Liam asked.
When Lysander hesitated, Liam's eyes narrowed slightly. "Should I not have asked?"
Lysander shook his head and finally admitted, "She turned up last fall. Apparently she belongs to Auntie Synn."
Liam looked surprised. "She's in Azkaban."
"I know."
"Why do you have her house-elf?"
"Auntie told Brudha to serve me."
Lysander saw the look that passed over Liam's face. It was the same look that had led to their estrangement all those years ago. Lysander was trouble. Their aunt was trouble. It only made sense that a Death Eater's house-elf had become Lysander's property.
"Is that all?" Liam asked after a long pause.
"As far as I know," Lysander replied. He didn't want to get into another fight with Liam, but it seemed imminent.
"Do you trust it? What am I asking? Obviously you do if you've allowed it to take your baby out for a day in the park."
Lysander ignored Liam's derisive comment and said, "I don't know what to think. She's been a huge help with the children, but I do wonder if there is more to her being here than just helping out while her true mistress is in prison."
"I say get rid of her."
Lysander had considered it.
"You don't know what else Auntie has asked that house-elf to do."
Lysander had been walking around the stacks selecting books for Noah during the entire conversation with Liam. After choosing a previous edition of The Standard Book of Spells, Lysander shoved the entire stack of books into his brother's arms and said, "There. That should keep Noah busy till September. Anything else I can get you?"
Liam knew Lysander didn't want to talk about Brudha anymore and frowned, but rather than argue he carried the books to the counter and said, "No, I suppose that will be all for today."
"Great." Lysander rang him up and then invited Liam up to the flat to say hello to Charlotte and collect Noah.
(Malden) Where Is It?
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 03-19-16 15:02
"Where do you want to go first?" Asher asked, pulling a soft, blue jumper on over his T-shirt.
Malden looked up from putting on his shoes and said, "I'm hanging out with Arielle today, remember?"
"No, you're not," Asher retorted, shaking his head. "We always hang out together in Hogsmeade. Why the hell would you want to hang out with the likes of her?" He narrowed his eyes and warned, "Be careful how you answer."
Malden snorted and went around his bed to access his school trunk. He casually rummaged through it, as if he were looking for a jumper or perhaps a scarf and mittens, but he was actually looking for the vial containing his Liquid Luck. All he needed was a little sip, and Asher would be putty in his hands.
"Seriously, Malden," Asher said. "Leave my sister alone."
"Sure, sure…" Malden murmured. He moved folded pieces of clothing aside, but the vial wasn't anywhere that he could see. He grew a bit frantic in his searching, even going so far as to throw things out of the trunk into a heap on the floor.
"What's the matter with you?" Asher asked, still sounding very much annoyed.
Malden let out a sound of exasperation upon the realization that the vial wasn't in his trunk. He knew he had stuck it in there after last using it, so someone had to have rummaged through his things and stolen it! His first thought was Asher had figured him out and taken the vial so that he no longer would be so agreeable to Malden dating his sister.
"Did you go through my trunk?" Malden asked accusingly.
"No. Why the hell would I do that?"
"I don't know, man. Maybe you were looking for love letters from your sister."
"Shut your bloody mouth, McGonagall."
"You do realize that she actually likes me, don't you?"
"I'm not concerned about her feelings," Asher retorted, "but I think you're thick in the head to think she's worth your time and attention."
"Stop it."
"Make me."
Malden screwed his face into an angry expression and then launched himself at Asher. The boys fell to the ground and wrestled each other, until Malden managed to catch Asher in the lip with a right hook. Asher's lip split and blood gushed from the wound.
Malden scrambled off of Asher and onto his feet and glared down at his former best friend. "Serves you right, Asher."
With that, he left the dorm room and stormed all the way to the place where he was supposed to meet with Arielle for their Hogsmeade date.
With Mariposa
Author: Zabrynna
Date: 03-19-16 18:42
Holding her niece Jacinda, Zabrynna asks, "How was the symposium?"
"More worthwhile than I expected. Of course, there were a few times when the sessions I most wanted to attend were scheduled at the same time. But enough about that," Mariposa says even though they've hardly spoken of the symposium. "What was Rand's mother like?"
Having been gone for a week and the few owls exchanged making little or no mention of Melanie Prinsloo's visit to the Hogwarts Parents Weekend, this is Mariposa's first chance to find out Zabrynna's impression. AJ only met the woman in passing and all he'd said was, "She seemed nice enough."
Zabrynna makes a face at the question. "Melanie was... I don't know. It's hard to say. She wasn't alone and Declan told me she didn't seem to be acting herself, or the Melanie he remembers at any rate."
"Wasn't alone? AJ didn't say anything about that. Who was with her?"
"The one called Father. Would you believe he was going to have us calling him that the whole time? Declan pushed enough to finally get a name though it was first name only. Or maybe it's the surname. Or even the middle. Who knows?"
"Well, what is it?"
"Harvey."
"I had the impression from everything Declan had said when Rand showed up is that Melanie was being secretive about everything."
"That was the impression but nothing out and out had been said. Whatever her intentions began as, at some point she told this Harvey creep and probably the one their group calls Mother."
"Creep?"
"He's the head of a cult so that alone makes him creepy but, yes, he came across that way. Melanie constantly seemed to defer to him, hardly even speaking. A few times it even came across as submissive. Once they were through the security at the main gate, she appeared to be walking beside him but was actually a shade behind him."
"What did Rand think?"
"He was excited to see his mother and seemed happy enough to see Harvey. That life is all he knew until becoming Declan's ward. If that's how Melanie always is around Harvey then Rand most likely wouldn't have found her behavior off or strange."
The sisters talk of Rand, Melanie, Harvey, and Parents Weekend a little longer before Mariposa finally takes the plunge and asks Zabrynna if last Saturday was additionally difficult to get through knowing that Margretta was getting remarried and hadn't bothered to let her daughter know much less invite her.
Patrol
Author: Marzipan
Date: 03-20-16 09:08
Marzi strolled down High Street with a cup of hot cocoa and kept an eye out for troublemakers. She had agreed to a mid-morning to early afternoon patrol shift in the village, banking on the sun being at its highest at midday and therefore being the warmest part of the day. While the sun was out, it was also windy and not very warm at all.
While Marzi patrolled Hogsmeade, Kitty babysat Carter and Vallon. The boys had wanted to spend the day in the village with their mother, but she'd reminded them that her trip to Hogsmeade was work-related and not intended to be a family day or personal shopping excursion.
She did plan on buying a few supplies for work while in Hogsmeade. Sometimes it was difficult to tell at the beginning of the school year how much gardening supplies were needed to get through the entire term. Also, some things weren't available throughout the year and needed to be purchased later.
Marzi had a small list of items in need of purchasing, some for class and the rest for the Herbology Club. She ducked into Botanicals & Beyond during a particularly strong gust and let out a sigh upon being out of the cold and the windy conditions. She consulted her list and went to the shelves to see if she could get what she needed without asking a worker.
She made quick work of selecting the things she needed and then abruptly turned to go to the counter, colliding into a man and spilling her cup of hot cocoa all over the front of his cloak.
"I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, putting down her shopping basket and reaching for her wand to help clean his front.
"Eet was an accident," replied the man with a friendly smile. He had a basket half-filled with items and set it on the floor to help clean up the mess.
"I just didn't see you there," Marzi said. "Are you all right? Did I burn you?"
"My cloak eez zick," said the man. "You caused me no 'arm."
"I really am sorry," Marzi repeated. The man's cloak was dry and clean, and so was the floor.
"Don't be. Zese zings 'appen."
Marzi smiled gratefully at the man, murmured another quick sorry as she picked her basket off the floor, and carefully stepped around him to reach the counter.
Meeting Friends
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 03-20-16 12:12
Bronwyn and Toby entered The Hopping Pot and quickly scanned the pub for Chance and Justus. The other pair were no where to be seen, which suggested Bronwyn and Toby had arrived for their lunch meeting first. They found an available table within view of the front door, sat down, and perused the menu while awaiting their friends.
Chance and Justus arrived a few minutes later. The pair looked like they were on Cloud Nine. They were all smiles and couldn't keep their hands off of each other. Bronwyn was pleased that one of the men in the binder she created for Chance seemed to be the perfect match for Chance. It had been a long time since she had seen her friend so deliriously happy.
"So, the World Cup!" Justus gushed, eager to talk Quidditch with Toby.
"Yeah! I'm still surprised I squeaked onto the team this late in the game," Toby admitted.
"I think it's because the league knows they messed up," Bronwyn put in. "This is just another way of making things up to you."
"So you don't think it's because I deserve a spot on the team?" Toby asked teasingly.
Bronwyn shot him a playful look.
"What's your schedule like?" Justus asked Toby.
The reason they were meeting so early for lunch was because Toby had practice with the National team early in the afternoon. He'd practiced with them from sun up to sun down since Monday, so having a morning off was a nice change of pace––though he was very glad for the opportunity to be on the team in the first place. After everything that had happened, he considered himself extremely fortunate.
"Just another month and some change before everything kicks off," Toby explained. "The opening ceremony takes place on April 10th in Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland."
"Are you going?" Chance asked Bronwyn.
"Definitely," Bronwyn replied, "and who knows? We might be able to get an extra pair of tickets!"
Justus' eyes lit up at that.
"Here's hoping England makes it beyond the first round!" Toby said. Unfortunately, the odds were against his team getting very far at all.
Talk shifted from the World Cup to plans for the evening. Chance and Justus had a big date. Toby hoped to get out of practice in time to meet up to celebrate Katherine's birthday with the rest of the family. The plan was to meet at Zeus, a Greek restaurant.
Lunch With Wiggy (Glori)
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 03-21-16 14:20
Glori enters the Crown & Cauldron, squinting as her eyes adjust from the brighter sunlight outside to the well lit but darker restaurant interior. Aunt Furnie is near the door, smiling in greeting. Glori steps closer to give Furnie a hug. "Have you lost weight, Aunt Furnie?"
"No, but thank you for thinking so. I have firmed up some working out. How's seventh year going?"
"Too fast. There aren't enough hours for doing all my coursework and studying for NEWTs."
Furnie gives her shoulders a warm squeeze. "It is stressful but you'll make it through and do well." She gestures with one hand in the direction of one section of dining room. "Wiggy's already here."
"Thank you," Glori says both for the words of encouragement and for letting her know her brother has arrived.
Glori wends her way past other tables to join Wiggy at one of the booths. "Hi! How are you feeling?"
"A little woozy at times and headachy but all in all, I'm good."
"You were unconscious for two and a half days. I wish I could have come to see you."
"I was unconscious so I wouldn't have known you were there." Wiggy grins.
Glori makes a face at his sarcasm then grins back before turning more serious. "I'm sorry you're off the national team."
Wiggy sighs, giving an oh so slight nod given his headache. "Thanks. I'm not happy about it but I'll get over it and, not to sound like an egomaniac, if I'm playing as well when the next team is put together for World Cup, I'll be on it."
Wiggy's Puddlemere United career was put on hold when for the second time he was chosen for the British national team with hope of World Cup contention. Earlier in the week a freak accident during practice landed an unconscious Wiggy at St. Mungo's with a massive concussion and a few broken bones. Those bones are mended and he's been cleared where the bones are concerned but because the concussion was as bad as it was and Wiggy was knocked out for two and a half days he's not to even so much as practice for the next six weeks much less play in a match.
Glori takes a sip of the drink Wiggy had gotten for her then a bite of the starter he'd ordered that has just arrived. "Since you're on forced holiday from even Puddlemere, what are you going to do to fill the time?"
"Concentrate on the handful of classes I'm taking at St. Emrys. Spend more time with my mates, maybe a few dates."
"Anyone in particular?"
"No one you'd know but knowing you that doesn't matter."
"No."
"There's one called Constance and another called Agatha."
"Agatha. That's old fashioned but then Constance is in a way."
"Not everyone has unusual names like we do."
"I don't know how all that started and not just with one grandparent but with two. Did you know that Granny Zabby's maternal grandmother's name was Ethel and the other's was Elouise?"
"No, didn't know that. Those are so so normal."
"Her grandfathers were Stanley and Asa."
"Again, so very normal. Do you know what Granddad's grandparents were called?"
"Sorry, no. I've not made it that far in the family tree."
"You've got me curious now. I'll have to use some of my free time to give that tree a look. Oh, speaking of family tree, did anyone mention that Aunt Phlagmelina is considering adopting?"
"No! But that's great!"
"I only found out yesterday so could be Mum or Dad will mention it in the next owl to you."
"I hope so or else I'll feel like they're keeping me out of the loop for some reason."
Over the rest of lunch, Wiggy and Glori end up talking about some of the newer members of the family and ones that are expected such as cousin Phinfilius's and his wife Emerald's baby that is due soon. When they finally part ways, Glori wants desperately to ask after Jack Emerson, who she has decided is she likes excessively though she rarely sees him any longer now he's not at Hogwarts. She refrains from asking, but only just, not wanting to give her brother a clue that she's crushing on one of his best friends.
(Beatrix) Boys Go to Jupiter…
Author: Griet
Date: 03-21-16 15:42
Beatrix, Pablo, Rowan and Lon sat in a booth at Burger Wizard. It was crowded in the fast food restaurant, because it was lunchtime and the village was flooded with Hogwarts students. The two couples had gotten breakfast at the bakery and then shopped all morning long. The boys were keen on visiting the gaming centre next. Whether Beatrix and Rowan joined them depended on how convincing their boyfriends were–-both girls wanted to shop some more.
"So what kind of name is Jupiter anyway?" Beatrix asked Rowan.
Rowan laughed. "I asked my brother the same thing."
"Jupiter, huh?" Pablo asked, with a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eye. "She must be out of this world."
Beatrix rolled her eyes and couldn't help but smile. "Hilarious."
"I wish I would have thought of that!" Lon exclaimed, chuckling.
"Earth girls are too common for the likes of Ash Westwick," Pablo went on, "so he's reaching for the stars."
"It's not everyday you meet a girl named Jupiter," Lon quipped. "You might say you meet one only once in a blue moon."
"Nice one!" Pablo exclaimed, and he and Lon high-fived.
Rowan laughed and shook her head. "Are you two quite finished?"
"The sky is the limit."
"Asking us to stop is asking us to chase rainbows."
"Ash's head is in the clouds."
"He's over the moon."
"Now that you've gone through every astronomical idiom under the sun––haha," Beatrix interrupted, "can we get back on subject? Do you think it's serious?" she asked Rowan.
Rowan shrugged. "Ash is generally a serious person so it's hard to tell how he really feels about her, not to mention the fact that I've never met her or seen them together to make my own observation."
"But what we do know is that Ash is shooting for the moon," Pablo said, unable to help himself.
"He's got stars in his eyes," Lon added.
"She's the center of his universe."
"He thinks she hung the moon."
Beatrix and Rowan both sighed with smiles on their faces and let the boys rattle on until they exhausted their knowledge of space idioms. By then, they finished their lunches and went to the gaming centre as a group.
In Want Of Advice
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 03-21-16 20:13
Phlagmelina's recent news has me holding my tongue about something in my own life. Her news that she's looking into adoption is wonderful and joyous. Mine has a dark edge. After months of silence, Max Black has written me from Azkaban, requesting a visit from me. I cannot imagine why and want to discuss to discuss with others whether I should or shouldn't give in to curiosity but don't want to ruin good feelings brought on by Phlagmelina's announcement. I'll probably end up conferring with Prunella and saying nothing to any of my siblings.
AJ comes in, stamping his feet. "Feet cold?" I ask.
"A little numb. I've been on patrol duty. I got distracted enough towards the end by some third years and forgot to reinforce a spell that helps stave off the cold but was starting to fade. By the time I was finished with that group all I wanted was to get here and get something hot to drink."
"What would you like?"
"Have any mulled cider?"
"I believe we do. Have a seat and either I'll have someone bring it to you or I'll bring it myself. Would you like something to eat too?"
"Mariposa, Zabrynna, and the baby had plans for today so I might as well. I'm just not sure what I want."
I send him off with a menu even though he knows fairly well what's on it and go to see about that mulled cider. I end up having one of the waitresses see to AJ as several students and adults have come in and I'm on hostess duty. No sooner have I seen the last small group to a table then the door opens again.
I smile as I reach him about to ask table for one when he says, "I was told AJ Hodfuffer came in."
"Yes, though he didn't mention he was expecting anyone."
"I'm not expected. I was in the area and thought I'd see if I could speak with him. Someone at Hogwarts directed me into Hogsmeade and when I could not find anyone at home I asked a few of the students I encountered."
"AJ is right this way," I say turning to lead the way.
Halfway there he says, "I see him. Thank you."
"Would you like a beverage?"
"Coffee would be great."
He continues on as I move to let AJ's waitress know to take a coffee to the table for his guest then return to the front to welcome a husband and wife who are regulars, coming this time of day nearly every Saturday.
When she has a moment she joins AJ thinking to ask how his latest book is coming along only to say instead, "Max Black wants me to visit. I don't know why. Do you think I should?"
AJ's eyes widen in surprise. "I would write and ask why he thinks you should come to the prison before making up my mind."
"I've thought of that but also was thinking I could do that just as well in person by going to visit. It's not as though I have to stay longer than a minute or two if I don't want."
"I'd still go with writing first. Save myself the trip."
I'd like to talk more with him about this since I broached but as we are always busy on Saturdays at this time and even more so on a Hogsmeade weekend, I need to go greet more customers. I've got about another half hour before turning hosting duties over to another. AJ should still be here then as he just ordered a few minutes ago. We can pick up the conversation then.
Interrupted Lunch
Author: Declan
Date: 03-22-16 14:42
Giving a small yawn, Declan steps into Brews & Stews. It's been a long day and it's not quite over yet. He began the morning meeting with a representative from a publisher on why he should switch to their new History of Magic texts for the 2010-2011 school year. He'd then returned to Hogwarts as he'd promised Rand to watch him for awhile participating in Viktor Krum's workshoppe. From there he'd come to Hogsmeade for a patrol shift. This evening Zabrynna and he are attending a party for a couple getting married.
His shift over, Declan is hungry, having had only a snack since breakfast. The wide selection of hot soups and toasted sandwiches Brews & Stews offers is appealing after hours spent outside with only brief forays into the Hogsmeade shoppes as part of his patrol duty.
Choosing a toasted roast beef sandwich and deciding to try the leek and stilton soup Declan completes the meal with a butterbeer. Seated at a booth along one wall he's just about to tuck in when a man takes the seat opposite him. Mouth open in preparation of taking a bite of sandwich Declan realizes that to others he might appear as if he's gaping at the appearance of Harvey, otherwise known as Father to his followers.
"Declan, what luck I found you without having to go all the way up to Hogwarts. I spotted you through the window."
"Wasn't expecting to see you today, Harvey."
"I thought about owling ahead but thought I'd chance catching you. I won't keep you in suspense at to why. Rand will complete his term at Hogwarts but then you will relinquish custody."
"Melanie should be the one discussing this with me."
"I speak for Melanie."
"I need to hear that from her myself. Not in writing. I need to see Melanie. In private."
"There's no need to be difficult about it, Declan. It's not like we expect Rand to leave Hogwarts this second."
"The way I see Rand's situation, you are the one being difficult, Harvey. His mother entrusted his care to me. I am not about to relinquish that care on your say so alone."
"I'm giving you fair notice. Rand's returning to the fold is months away. I should think you'd be happy to be free of the responsibility of someone else's child."
"You are not the one to notify me of anything. As I said, Melanie in person and in private without you there to influence her."
His appetite compromised, Declan rises to get take away containers for leftovers that are available nearby. As he packs up his food Harvey gives him a tight smile. "If necessary, we will bring in the authorities."
"You do that. I have documentation giving custody of Rand to me. Until Melanie, without undue outside influence, wishes the situation to change, I am the one with legal standing, not you."
Declan picks up the sandwich and soup containers and walks out, too angry now to trust himself to say anything further. Once outside he continues walking, going straight to Hogwarts. There, he checks the pitch, feeling reassured at seeing Rand grinning on a broom as he takes on an obstacle course challenge.
Continuing on to the castle, Declan has a feeling that Melanie has no idea that Harvey came today to take back custody of Rand or, if she does know, she had no control over stopping the man. Her behavior around Harvey last Saturday was of a subservient nature, giving Declan a better idea of how Harvey relates to the followers of his commune, or as Zabrynna would insist on calling it, his cult.
It's a little late in the day to consult with an attorney but come Monday Declan intends to do just that.
(Asher) Going Solo
Author: Jolyon
Date: 03-23-16 19:15
Asher had been too ashamed to go to the Hospital Wing about his split lip and didn't trust himself to try any healing spells, so he'd waited out the bleeding on his bed with the curtains shut. While seated there in the dark, he'd debated whether to even visit Hogsmeade. He was in a terrible mood, and he for sure didn't want to see Malden and Arielle together.
Then again, opportunities to leave the castle grounds were few and far between. Asher could play laser tag or buy sweets and eat them until he made himself sick. Going to the village on his own meant he could do whatever he wanted without having to listen to the suggestions of anybody else.
In the end, Asher went to Hogsmeade and by some miracle managed to avoid sight and sound of Malden and Arielle the entire day. It was miraculous because Hogsmeade was small and had only one major thoroughfare. Unfortunately, Asher did run into his father as he was heading back to the castle.
"Hey, what happened to your lip?" Jolyon asked, blocking Asher's path. He started to reach out for his son's face but drew back his hand even before Asher took a step away from him.
"None of your business," Asher muttered.
He tried to go around his dad, but Jolyon blocked his way again and said, "It is my business because you are my son whether you like it or not. This is also a school trip, and you're a student and I'm a teacher. Was it an accident, or did someone hit you?"
Asher stared daggers at his father.
"I'll guess the latter, then," Jolyon stated. "Where's Malden?"
"Hell if I know." Asher responded a little too quickly, and he became all too aware that it was obvious he wasn't pleased with his best friend at the moment.
"I see. What did you fight about?"
"I don't want to talk to you about it, all right?" Asher snapped, but then a thought occurred to him. Fathers didn't like it when their teenage daughters started dating. He could upset his dad and get Arielle and Malden in trouble in one fell swoop!
"I wish you would," Jolyon patiently urged.
Asher made a show of sighing dramatically and then he explained, "Malden and Arielle are on a date."
Jolyon looked surprised. "What?"
"Yeah," Asher said, with a heavy shrug of his shoulders as if the burden of sharing the news was unbearable. "When I suggested to Malden that he and Arielle take things slow and maybe wait till they're a bit older to date, he punched me in the face."
Jolyon didn't say anything at first, but then he nodded and said, "I suppose I'll have a chat with Professor McGonagall later."
Asher started to smile, but then his lip seared with pain. It had stung off and on because of the chilly air, but smiling was the worst––not that he'd been doing a lot of that today.
Jolyon indicated for Asher to resume walking with him to the castle gates. Asher actually fell into step with him, but only because heading back to the castle had been his plan all along.
"I'm glad I ran into you," Jolyon said. "I wanted to tell you and Arielle that I got us a family pack of tickets to the World Cup opening."
Asher couldn't help but feel elated.
"Just for the opening ceremony," Jolyon went on. "It takes place the last weekend of the Easter holidays. You'll need to be back at Hogwarts on Sunday, but you can skip the Hogwarts Express. That'll buy us a little more time in Greenland. How does that sound?"
Asher had to admit it sounded pretty good, but he didn't want to voice his thanks aloud. Instead, he just nodded and said, "Okay, cool."
Asher's appreciation didn't come easily, so Jolyon would take it however and wherever he could. "We'll talk more about it later. In the meantime, have Madam Pomfrey check that lip. I'm sure she can give you something to make it feel better and heal quicker."
Asher decided he probably would, after he dropped off his shopping bags in his room.