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Hogsmeade
Author: Gerry
Date: 12-15-16 20:00
Gerry and Will strolled around Hogsmeade. It was cold and a bit snowy, but it wasn't actually snowing at the moment. The boys were a bit disappointed that there wasn't enough snow to have a snowball fight or build a snowman, but they were nevertheless glad to be away from Hogwarts for the day. Their pockets were full of coins, which they fully intended on spending until there was nothing left.
Both boys had also put their names in for the Secret Santa gift exchange. This year, Gerry drew Jade Green's name. All he knew about her was that she was about one-hundred years older than he was, and she was a girl who also played Quidditch. Gerry had no idea what to get someone who wasn't a boy around his age.
Fortunately, Will had gotten someone in their year, and a boy, too. He grinned and pointed at the Muggle Mayhem shoppe. "Let's pop in and see what sort of mayhem I can find for my Secret Santa recipient."
They left with a few things for themselves, a few things for pranking others, and the gift for Will's Secret Santa person. They went into Spintwitches since it was right there, but just about everything seemed suitable for Jade, and Gerry couldn't make up his mind on what to get.
The pair wandered in the opposite direction and eventually came to the library. They only went in because Gerry's mother worked there. She was at the reference desk and smiled when she saw her son and his friend. "I was wondering if I would get a visit from you two today."
Gerry asked, "What do girls like?"
His mother's eyebrows rose and she grinned. "Are you looking to find a Christmas gift for a special friend?"
Will smirked.
"What?" Gerry exclaimed. "No. It's for Secret Santa. I drew the name of a seventh year and I just don't know what to get her."
His mother considered her son for a moment and then got up from the desk. She walked over to the circulation counter and told a coworker that she had to step out for a moment, and then she indicated for Gerry and Will to follow her outside the library.
There were dozens of stalls set up on High Street to take advantage of both the Hogwarts visit and the Christmas season. Gerry's mother bypassed all the stalls, though, and entered Clutch & Trinkitt's. Gerry and Will looked around the shoppe's interior, which offered only girl things by the looks of it. They felt a bit weird being in there.
Gerry's mother picked up something called a weekender bag. It had birds on it and seemed kind of nice, even in Gerry's opinion. It was girly, but not too girly.
"How's this?" his mother asked.
"I'll take it!" Gerry exclaimed. He reached into his pockets but came up a little short in change. He gave his mother a pleading look but didn't say anything.
His mother merely shook her head and sighed. "All right, Gerry." She bought the bag and gave it to him. "Do I need to wrap it for you, too, or do you have it under control?"
"I've got it, thanks!" Gerry exclaimed. He and Will turned to leave the shoppe.
"Gerry," his mother called out. "Stop by the house and say hello to your dad and brothers."
"Okay, Mum!" Gerry responded. He gave his mother a quick wave and then he and Will hurried out of the shoppe. Now that he had taken care of business, it was time to have some fun.
(Titus) Some Control
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 12-16-16 15:38
Titus had managed to get away from the horde of Hogwarts students by taking refuge in the Hogsmeade cemetery. He was leaned against a tree, contemplating the stoned graves. This morning he had another session with Judith Foxcastle, where he committed the mistake to confess how eager he was to turn seventeen so he could get rid of her. He would turn out sixteen in seven days and that was how Judith had started the session, asking how he felt about his upcoming birthday. He had shrugged his shoulders and made that confession. Titus could tell by the twitch of her lips that she was not glad that he had reminded her she would lose all her power over him in a year.
Judith had not been glad when she found out Tiberius was a teacher at Hogwarts and in one of the sessions she threaten to do everything in her power to fire him. Of course, she did not say it like that to Titus. Instead she made some allusions of his brother's past in Azkaban and how there would not be many parents satisfied to know their children were being taught by a criminal.
Titus knew Tiberius arrest was a result of a raid the aurors had done into the properties of the Nott family one evening. He was one of many Notts arrested, and that was because he was not underage. He spent a couple of nights in Azkaban, but nothing was proven against him and so he was set free, without any charges. He had just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, the carrier of an illustrious but also cursed surname. But Titus was sure this wouldn't be how Judith would leak this fact and some parents would get it all wrong.
He did not want his brother to lose his job, not when he seemed so thrilled about it and he seemed to be turning out to be a decent teacher. And so, Titus tried to avoid him as much as could. He would like to visit Tiberius often at his office, have a meal with him occasionally in his brother's living quarters, walk on the grounds with him from time to time…but he had to keep the distance for Tiberius' sake. Because he knew Judith did not want to see them together and to avoid a scandal he did so.
"You're a hard man to find," Gryffindor Mickey Moon said. "When you said the cemetery, I didn't know you meant deep in the middle of the graves."
"I cannot risk to be seen. I'm a prefect. Did you get them?"
"Of course. It will be six galleons."
"We agreed on four."
"Well I have changed my mind, considering this is a risky operation. Six galleons Nott."
Titus gave the money to Mickey and in return he gave him a package with cigarettes. Mickey was somehow good at getting items he shouldn't. Rumor has it he had managed to get a bottle of Fire whiskey into the castle without Filch's knowledge.
"A pleasure doing business with you, Nott. Let me know if you need something else. I might even try to get you some Smart Crystals for the OWLs, for the right price, of course." Mickey said and he walked away. Titus couldn't tell if he was just bragging or telling the truth about the Smart Crystals.
Once he found himself alone, he opened the packaged, took one of the cigarettes from it, lit it with his wand and started smoking. This habit came from the Muggle boot camp. Some boys would do so in the dorm. The contraband and the smoking was a way to make them feel they had some power in such place. Titus bounded with some of the Muggle boys by smoking with them. And now he did so occasionally, and it made him feel like he had some control over things. But always smoked alone and always taking the right precautions. He didn't want to be caught.
Six galleons was too much and he was glad he had already bought the gift for his Secret Santa. This year Titus was lucky because he had to give a gift to someone he knew. It was Lilith Balfour, from his year and house. They took almost their classes together and he saw her often in the Slytherin common room. Once or twice he sat next to her at the Slytherin table, and he had to admit she was quite attractive. Titus had bought her a bracelet. It was purple with silver beads and he knew it would look well on her.
He finished his cigarette, throwing it to the snow, where the snow quickly put it out.
Request
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 12-16-16 18:10
Lysander counted out the change for a customer as he handed it to her, then smiled and said, "Thanks for shopping with us. Enjoy the rest of your day."
The teenage girl giggled and batted her eyelashes before joining her friends near the door. They stepped out into the cold, which hit Lysander every time someone entered or exited the shoppe. He picked up his mug and took a swig of his hot tea, which warmed him from his throat down to his belly.
No sooner did he feel toasty again when the door opened, but this time it was Astrid who came in. She didn't have August with her and soon informed Lysander that the sixteen-month old was home with Axel.
"What can I do for you?" Lysander asked. "Are you shopping or visiting?"
"I was wondering if we could have a serious conversation about something."
Lysander looked over to where Julian was helping a customer find a book in the stacks and said, "Sure. Let me tell Julian I'm taking a break, and then we can meet in the office or my flat."
"Let's do your flat."
A few minutes later they were both upstairs, sitting at the kitchen table. Lysander had another pot of tea brewing and set out a box of breakfast pastries he had picked up at the bakery just that morning. Not much remained, since he, Charlotte and Dylan had had some for breakfast.
"What did you want to discuss?" Lysander asked.
Astrid didn't waste any time in getting to the point. "I think we should share custody of Dylan."
"What? Why?" Lysander asked.
"If the world is to believe that I'm in his biological mother, and since I am in the picture now, it makes sense that Dylan and August should spend real time together so they can bond as brothers do. Dylan should also see me as his mum."
Lysander set his jaw into a hard line. "I am more than willing to let Dylan spend time with you and August, but I don't want to change his living arrangements or guardianship."
"Let me remind you that I'm doing you a huge favor, Lysander," Astrid said. "I didn't have to agree to your scheme. I could have ruined my marriage over this, but fortunately, Axel is a decent wizard."
"What does Axel have to say about your idea?" Lysander asked.
"He agrees with me," Astrid replied. "He's willing to take on the role of stepfather in earnest."
Lysander got up to pour two cups of tea. With his back turned to Astrid, he quickly thought about what she was asking him. He didn't like the idea one bit, but she was absolutely right. He owed her big time.
He turned around and approached the table with the two teacups. "I'll agree to splitting custody, but only your name can be on the document as Dylan's other legal guardian. I don't have anything against Axel, but I would rather him not be legally bound to my child."
"Fine," Astrid said. "Let's see a solicitor next week and come to an agreement."
"Fine."
They talked a bit more about what Astrid had in mind, and when their teacups were empty, Astrid left and Lysander distractedly resumed his work.
The Triplets At The Pitch
Author: Blossom
Date: 12-16-16 21:15
Gideon wraps his arms around himself. "I'm cold."
Larkin pulls a heavy sweatshirt out of a bag she'd brought with her to the pitch and holds it out to him. He stares at it a moment then takes it. Shrugging off his coat he dons the sweatshirt then puts his coat back on.
As this is going on Seth is sniggering. Gideon turns to him demanding, "What?"
"You're so predictable."
"And you're eleven and use words like predictable."
Larkin grins. "Why were we all surprised when you got Ravenclaw?"
"Yet it's Gideon who put his name in for the History Quiz Showdown."
"And got picked." Gideon practically preens.
"Did you put your name in for it?" Larkin asks.
"Yeah, for everything that first years can do." So far the only Scholastic Aptitude Tournament competition Seth has been selected to do is the Magical Creatures Best in Show. He's going to show a green Pygmy Puff called Pistachio.
Larkin recently learned she's been selected as one of the two first years for the Transfiguration Tournament. Of the three of them, she's best in Transfiguration so can't help but wonder if that's why she was chosen over Seth or over Gideon whom she knows put his name in for that one as well.
After learning she was picked, as was Louis Kegg, Larkin also wondered how many first years put their names in and how she was one of the two picked over all the others. The way things are set up seems to be a blind draw for each event but how can Hogwarts be sure of getting someone who has a chance of winning?
Larkin softly sighs. She'll have to ask Aunt Majandra how it all works. If she'd say this out loud Seth could tell her as he had these same thoughts weeks ago and went to Aunt Maj then.
Tired of sitting in the cold Gideon jumps up. "I'm going back up."
The triplets are taking part in the flying and Quidditch workshop. They'd each taken a break and naturally gravitated towards each other. Gideon misses not rooming with Seth, at least here at school. He misses not being with his brother almost constantly. Seth feels much the same.
Before coming to the pitch the three had breakfasted together and then went to the Commons to put Secret Santa gifts under the tree there. Larkin has the name of one of Gideon's Ravenclaw dormmates, Noah Stratford. She got Noah a Golden Snitch game.
Seth also drew a Ravenclaw, third year Patricia McCourt. He got Patricia a bracelet that he thought both his sister and his mother would like. The bracelet looks like a tiara.
Gideon got a professor's name, Dante Knight. Like many Gideon has heard some about Professor Knight's past and his family. Now that all of that's in the open, Gideon thought the professor might like a picture frame now that he can show off his family members if he wants.
Gideon is already in the air, queuing up for one of the obstacle courses. Seth chooses to go over to where teams for another round of Quidditch are being selected. Larkin sits awhile longer, sipping a hot chocolate, before heading over to one of the race courses for sprints.
Shopping Alone
Author: Christopher Chant
Date: 12-17-16 20:22
Devon checks the time, not wanting to be late meeting Duncan. He'd had plans for wizarding laser tag this morning and Devon was wanting to do some shopping for Christmas gifts so they're getting together a little later from now. She'd gone around some of the shops with Lauren MacDougal and a few with her roommate Emily but has been on her own for the last hour or so.
Devon's plan had been to give herself enough time to take packages back to Hogwarts before meeting up with Duncan but now she's thinking not to bother. No sooner has she concluded she'll not make an extra trip to school and back she spots one of those temporary kiosks that always pop up during the holiday season.
The kiosk offers shoppers a place to stash their stuff while they continue shopping. There is a nominal fee but as it's not much Devon thinks it's worth it. If she were older and better at whisking packages to some other place, she'd do that; or, she could shrink things down for easier carrying; or, if she had one of those purses that can hold just about anything, she'd use that. As she's not yet good at sending things off as far away as her room in the castle and she's not yet good at shrinking this many items down and then being able to restore them to their original size, and she doesn't have one of those purses nor can she afford one, having a place to store her things while she continues shopping and gets lunch and maybe goes to play a game or two at the gaming center is fabulous.
One of the packages she stashes is for her Secret Santa recipient, Alys Ellis. She got Alys a pretty floral blouse. Another of the packages is for her cousin Vincent to give to the person whose name he drew, Viktor Krum. Vincent knew what he wanted to get and gave her the money for it, even telling her which shop has the thermal shirts he's wanting to give the Fitness & Athletics professor.
The packages stored, Devon takes the token she's given that will allow her to reclaim her items later and carefully tucks it into her purse. From there Devon returns to the same place where she got the gift for Vincent to give Professor Krum, having deciding she might get a similar style shirt for her father. By the time she's picked one out, paid for it, and returned to the kiosk to add it with her other things, it's time to meet Duncan for lunch, and good thing too as Devon is starving.
Early Patrol, Afternoon Shopping
Author: Marzipan
Date: 12-18-16 10:51
Marzi had taken a morning patrol shift in Hogsmeade and now wanted to get her Christmas shopping done. The boys were at daycare back at the castle, which meant that Marzi could find their gifts without them knowing what would be waiting for them under the Christmas tree. She also had a Secret Santa gift to find and was debating whether to buy a little something for Alaric, too.
They were still just in the talking phase of their relationship, if one could call it that. They flirted minimally, since they were almost always at work whenever they saw each other. Their responsibilities to the Scholastic Aptitude Tournament came first. Maybe when the school year ended, they could move forward if they so wished, but they might also drift apart without SAT meetings to keep them in regular contact. Marzi wasn't sure if getting him a gift was appropriate or not, but she supposed she would make her decision based on if she found something that suited him.
She strolled down High Street and stopped at a stall selling beauty supplies. Marzi had drawn Jaclyn Rex's name for Secret Santa and thought the Ravenclaw second year might appreciate something beautifying, as many girls did. There was plenty to choose from, but in the end, Marzi picked a pretty pink beauty bag, a nail care kit, and holiday-inspired nail polish for Jaclyn.
She was just leaving the stall when he ran into her half-brother Marius with his six year old Beagle. The dog, whose name was Beast, had just had an appointment at the veterinary clinic, and Marius figured that while he was in Hogsmeade, he would also try to get some Christmas shopping done. The siblings decided to go to Brews & Stews to catch up over something hot to drink and maybe dessert.
"How's Mum?" Marzi asked, after they'd seated themselves and ordered warm drinks and slices of cake. Beast lay at their feet under the table.
"Oh, she's fine," Marius replied. "She's just been harassing Morag and me about grandchildren."
"But you only just got married!" Marzi exclaimed.
"And as I've pointed out, she has Carter and Vallon." Marius shook her head. "She said she wants to have someone to carry on the Ravenscroft name. Again, I reminded her about Vallon."
Marzi smiled politely. She understood that there was a difference between Vallon and any son Marius might have. Marius was her mother's blood, while Weston had only been a stepson. She felt a pang of sadness for her lost husband.
Marius didn't seem to notice. "What's new with you?"
Marzi shelved her sadness and said, "I received a strange letter earlier this week."
She told him about the community for nons support group invitation she had received. Like Illyria, Marzi had been interned at 14-15-14, and she had also gotten the letter from Heathcote Hamstead. Marzi thought she might go check out the first meeting, but she wasn't committed to it yet.
Taking A Break
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 12-18-16 19:55
Viktor enters one of the two tents where food and drink has been set out for those attending today's workshop, even if only as spectators. The warmth is welcome after the cold, especially the cold from being up in the air on a broom. Viktor isn't as susceptible to the cold as some but that doesn't mean he isn't appreciative of the warmth after being in the frigid air for just over two hours since the last time he took a break.
Helping himself to a cocoa, he mulls over the selection of both hot and cold sandwiches, selected a toasted ham and cheese. Moving to a table he sits, savoring a bite of the sandwich. He's reaching for his cocoa when Theodosia suddenly appears at the table and sits without invitation.
Viktor has known she was at the workshop, another invitation issued by Marjani, but beyond suggesting she work with those more interested in the Quidditch part of the workshop, he's ignored her. Even now he doesn't speak to her. He raises inquisitively raises his eyebrows as he takes a sip of the cocoa.
Aware of others coming and going, her voice is low. It's also sad. "How long are you going to hate me, Viktor?"
He carefully sets his mug down, his expression stoic. Keeping his voice low as well he informs her, "I don't hate you, Theodosia. I'm simply not to the point of forgiving you just yet."
"It certainly feels like hate to me."
"I can't help that."
Theodosia's expression turns skeptical but she doesn't say anything else. She sits a half minute, the silence between them strained. Viktor keeps expecting her to speak again, relieved when she rises with a single nod.
Viktor finishes his sandwich and cocoa, grabbing a chocolate biscuit on his way out of the tent. One of the first people he sees upon exiting is Conrad Ellis, the person whose name Viktor drew for this year's Secret Santa. Viktor has been tempted ever since Conrad arrived at the pitch to go over and give the second year his gift.
Having a Quidditch shop and owning a Quidditch team has its advantages. Viktor is giving Conrad a broom. As a broom is fairly obvious even when wrapped Viktor has put the broom in a box about the size of a jeweler's ring box. He's been carrying it in his pocket since wrapping it in his office this morning before the workshop.
Resisting the temptation to pull the box from his pocket, Viktor retrieves the broom he's using to pace those working one of the sprint courses. He'll put the present under the tree in the Commons before dinner as he'd originally planned.
Dinner At The Crown & Cauldron
Author: Kissy Isuki
Date: 12-19-16 20:24
Depositing bags as she slides into the booth Kissy asks, "Was it bad?"
Cameron makes a face. "Eh. Could have been worse."
The plan for the day was to have been Cameron spending time with the children before taking them to his parents' for the rest of the day, and joining Kissy in Hogsmeade when she finished her shift on patrol. Together they were going to see if they could make a dent in the Christmas list of family, friends, and coworkers.
That had been the plan. What actually happened was that less than an hour after Cameron met up with Kissy he was called, along with a number of other off day Obliviators, to a misuse of Muggle artifacts emergency at a Muggle theater packed for the matinee of a holiday show.
"You were gone long enough."
"Massive communication snafu. Only three of us showed up. In addition to me there was one other who wasn't scheduled for today. The third was one of those on day. We have yet to figure out what happened to everyone else or why our repeated calls for assistance weren't answered."
"But you say it could have been worse and didn't come across as even a little sarcastic," Kissy chuckles.
"It could have been and I wasn't," he grins at her. "A goodly number there were children who had no idea that the puppets they were watching for part of the holiday program were dancing and singing on their own." Cam glances at the menu. "I'm famished. Want to share a starter?"
They pick sausage stuffed mushrooms and also order entrees. Cam tells her more about the afternoon until the mushrooms arrive when he asks her how the shopping went.
Kissy tells him what of the list she accomplished but adds, "You need to approve of the ones for your side of the family."
"I'll look after we eat but I'm sure everything is great. You found a Secret Santa present?"
"I did. A jumper I hope she likes."
Kissy has Sophie McCourt's name for the Hogwarts gift exchange, getting her what she thinks is a lovely cashmere sweater."
They spend the rest of the meal talking about those on the list they still need gifts for and toss around ideas of what those gifts might be.