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(Magnus & Cecily) Thestrals
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 02-12-19 13:57
Magnus went to the school grounds to meet Cecily McCallister. Professor Hodfuffer had told Magnus to write about a type of magical creatures called thestrals for the Hogwarts Herald. It was not the sort of article he wanted to work on but he did what he was told.
He was frustrated because he had wanted to write an exclusive article on the Team Delta Echo band and their concert at Valentine's Day. He had arrived earlier to the Common Commons and he tried a friendly approach with the band elements. He even offered to fetch them drinks and food as they were preparing for the concert. He wanted to get a personal glimpse of the band and interview Malden McGonagall, the lead singer to know exactly how this musical project started. But after he had done all sort of errands and favors to the band, he was cruelly dismissed by one of the band members. Later that day he learned that Akira Gunderson, who he now saw as his literary archenemy had managed to do a complete band interview. Later, when Magnus questioned him about his ability to engage with the band, when he had been rejected, Akira replied with a smirk that it was all about blood status. Magnus did not really get what that meant and he thought Akira was just teasing him.
Cecily took Magnus to an area at of the grounds. She had been quite excited when Magnus approached her regarding the thestrals. If it was another Slytherin student perhaps she would hesitate in doing this, but she felt comfortable around Magnus. He had a kind of Muggleborn nativity in him that stripped him of the arrogance air most Slytherins used to carry.
"Well, here we are!" She said.
"Er…there's nothing here," Magnus observed. "I was told you were going to show me some horse-like creatures?"
"They are here," Cecily said, looking at a pair of thestrals right in front of them. "But not everyone can see them."
"You're teasing me," Magnus replied. Cecily was a good actress because it did feel like she was looking at something that clearly wasn't there.
"I am not," she approached him and shyly picked up his hand after asking his permission. She guided Magnus' hand towards the thestral's neck. His eyes opened up with surprise as he felt the creature's skin.
"Oh!"
"I told you I wasn't teasing."
He kept feeling the thestral for a while and then he asked Cecily how did it look like. He felt a little bit ashamed he had not done the minimum research regarding these creatures. He wondered if this was exactly what Professor Hodfuffer wanted to try and teach him. After all a good reporter should inform himself of all the facts as much as he could.
"So why can't I see them, but you can? It's because I'm a Muggleborn?" He said trying to be smart and taking a guess.
"No. They are only visible to those who have witnessed death at least once."
"You mean like if you've seen a dead body?"
"No. That you have saw someone die in front of your eyes."
"Oh…"Magnus looked at Cecily intrigued. She was what, eleven, maybe twelve? Who did she saw dying?
"Anyway you should find some illustrations in the library," she said before he had the chance to question her. He decided not to push her and leave it be for now.
"Cool! And some photographs too! Oh wait, never mind. If I can't see them now I won't be able to see them in photos either."
He felt a little bit stupid. But Cecily did not seem to be upset by his ignorance. Instead she was happy to tell Magnus all she knew about thestrals. He wrote everything down revealing interest in the topic. From time to time he would look into the empty area where Cecily claimed the creatures were. He wished he could see them but at the same time he was glad he couldn't.
Shopping
Author: Carys
Date: 02-12-19 18:38
When Carys set out to run errands in Hogsmeade, she hadn't realized it was the weekend when Hogwarts students flooded the village. Perhaps she should have done, given that the third Hogsmeade trip tended to always happen towards the end of February, but it had also been over twelve years since her expulsion from school. Tristan was also a mere first year, so he'd not have written to get his permission slip signed or ask for spending money.
The crowded shops and streets were a surprise, but Carys took it all in stride. Megan, her shopping partner, was overly excited at seeing all the students. She wore bright red wellies with little white hearts on them and a matching coat. The hood was drawn over her head, keeping her ears warm. She didn't seem to notice the cold, though. There was something interesting to see everywhere she looked.
Carys steered her towards Botanicals & Beyond to pick up some tea for home and studio and was delighted to run into Professor McGonagall, who had just stepped outside onto the front stoop with a bag bearing the store's name and logo on it.
"Hello, Professor McGonagall," Carys greeted.
"Hello, Carys. Are you in Hogsmeade because you are feeling particularly nostalgic?" the older witch asked, before indicating that they should step inside.
Carys ushered Megan ahead of her and then shut the door behind her. They moved out of the doorway, and then Carys replied, "I didn't realize what day it was until we got here. It does bring me back, though."
Professor McGonagall bent to address Megan and asked, "And what's your name?"
Megan's face lit up at being acknowledged by her mother's friend. She answered, "Gweg!"
Professor McGonagall's eyebrows lifted and she looked up at Carys over the rims of her glasses.
"Meg's big brother was disappointed to find out he had a little sister instead of the little brother he wished for, so he calls her Greg," Carys explained, "and she seems to have taken ownership of the nickname."
Meg pointed at herself and repeated, "Gweg." Then she pointed at Carys and said, "Mummy." Finally, she pointed at Professor McGonagall.
"My name is Minerva," Professor McGonagall said.
"Nerva," Meg echoed.
The adults chitchatted for a little bit, including discussing how Tristan was doing at Hogwarts, and then Professor McGonagall said her goodbyes and departed from the shop. Carys took Meg by the hand to make sure she didn't touch anything she wasn't supposed to and looked at the different tea blends available for purchase.
[Dave & Harley] A Letter
Author: S Snape
Date: 02-12-19 19:27
Deciding to walk to Hogsmeade with just Harley, Dave took the opportunity to hand her the letter he'd received that morning and ask, "Does yours say the same thing?"
"You got this today?" she asked, puzzled.
"Yeah. You didn't?"
She shook her head, holding the letter back out to him. He shook his head back. "Read it."
Slowing her pace Harley skimmed the letter then stopped altogether to read through it more carefully. She looked up once to ask, "Did Gran or Dad read it before sending it on?"
"Don't think so. It was sealed and inside the envelope it was owled in."
Harley read through it once more then handed it back. In silence, they resumed the walk into the village. Reaching the first of the buildings Dave spoke again. "Why me but not you?"
"Because you're easier."
"Huh?"
"She knows if she's patient enough you'll eventually cave and start believing she might be telling the truth. She knows no matter how much she worked on me I wouldn't buy into her shite."
Dave started to petulantly assert he would never believe anything that woman claims but as he opened his mouth he quickly shut it. He was only going to deny it for the sake of it even though Harley spoke the truth. What he ended up saying instead was, "At least we don't have to visit her."
"She wrote you and asked you to come over Easter hols. You don't have to and she knows you can't be ordered to unless her solicitor gets the ruling overturned. That's why she nicely asked and threw in the bit about being ill. Expect a few more of these between now and the holiday."
"I won't open them."
"Sure you will. You can't resist. Always hoping she'll finally apologize and finally mean it."
That time Dave did assert a denial. "I won't. Maybe I'll even tell Gran to send them back unopened."
Harley skeptically scoffed but said nothing more on the topic. Instead, she gestured towards the bakery. "Let's get a pastry or something."
Rarely one to pass up a chance at bakery sweets Dave hurried ahead to open the door for Harley, glad there wasn't yet a vastly long line. That would give him more time to eat several pastries before needing to go meet up with Adiran and Louis for a round or twenty of wizarding laser tag.
The Right Decision
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 02-13-19 13:54
"Ah, Sophie, my darling! It is so good to see you!"
"Mrs. Pole!"
Sophie was not expecting to meet her future mother in law, Wilhelmina Pole at Hogsmeade. She was standing next to Jasper, who greeted Sophie after his mother.
"Please, call me Wilhelmina. I thought it would be nice if we all had lunch together. There are a few things I would like to discuss with you regarding the wedding. February is nearly at an end, and we do not have that much time until July!"
"Of course, I would be delighted," Sophie replied.
The trio went to the Crown and Cauldron for lunch. Sophie noticed the disapproving look sent by Mrs. Pole, when she took off her jacket. She thought she was going to spend a relaxing day with Jasper and so she had opted for a comfortable outfit which included an old jumper and comfortable boots. He blonde hair was arranged in a sloppy braid and she was not wearing any jewels or make up. She was aware she was not at her best, but she could haven't guessed Jasper had brought his mother with him.
"My son told me you had a few school friends you would like to invite for the ceremony?"
"Yes," Sophie replied. She told Mrs. Pole her desire to invite Caleb and Estine to her wedding. Her future mother in law seemed to relish when Sophie told her Caleb's stepfather was a somewhat known photographer of the fashion industry. However she did not seem to like the fact Estine was half-blood, but she did not raise any objections.
Mrs. Pole approached all sort of topics during lunch. Sophie felt this was more of an inquiry than a real conversation. Her future mother in law informed Sophie that the Pole Manor was under some renovations, to accommodate the newlyweds.
"At first I thought we could turn Jasper's old bedroom into a suite, but then I thought you need your own living quarters. So we decided to place you at the east wing of the manor. We turned two guest rooms into a single room. I know you will love it, I ordered for a large window to be built, so when the sun rises it illuminates the entire division! I am thinking of giving it a pastel color. I have found this lovely bed cover, and some matching pillows that will look beautiful in the room. The bathroom is all in black marble. It was somewhat expensive, but I just couldn't resist to it. I also included a small study so Jasper can study and another room for you to receive visits, dear Sophie. Speaking of visits, have you considered sponsoring any charitable organization? Honoria told me you were particularly inclined towards the one I run. Oh I would be so happy if you joined us!"
Sophie did not recall saying anything of the kind to Honoria. She assumed her stepmother must have forgotten to tell her, after the birth of her two new half-siblings, Guildford and Natalie. Sophie had been quite happy to learn that she has been chosen to be Natalie's godmother. Since she had been engaged she felt she was treated more like a woman and less as a child. However, she felt like a little girl in front of Mrs. Pole. She seemed to have everything planned for her wedding and her future and she did not leave any room for Sophie to have her say in the matter.
After lunch she thanked Mrs. Pole for her visit. She told Sophie to take care of herself and left the village, giving Jasper and Sophie some time alone.
"I'm sorry about my mother. She can be overwhelming at times," he excused himself. "But she has a good heart. Renovating the manor's east wing just for us!"
"I thought we were going to live at St. Emrys, just the two of us. I don't want to live with your parents."
"You won't even notice their presence, the house is so vast! But don't worry, it is just for the summer. We cannot let my mother down, not after what she is doing for us. We can move out when college starts."
Sophie thought about it for a moment. The idea of living even if just for a few months at the Pole Manor was not to her liking. However she knew she had to compromise. She did not want the Poles to think she was an ungrateful person. Jasper looked her in the eyes and took her hands on his.
"Darling Sophie, all I want is for you to be happy. Just a summer and then we can move out to our own house. And if you don't like it, even for a day, then we will move out immediately . What do you say?"
It was impossible to resist to his smile. Jasper was such a gentleman, always worried about her needs that Sophie felt obliged to agree with him. He kissed her, saying she took the right decision.
This Sucks
Author: Gerry
Date: 02-13-19 17:50
Gerry sulked in his dorm room. Today was the Hogsmeade trip, and he wasn't allowed to go because old McGonagall found out he swapped the quaffle for a quod. Sure, he could have gone to the flying workshop, but there were more younger students there than not, and Gerry was still serving detention with Professor Krum. So, he sulked instead.
He wasn't alone in his sulking. Will was slouched on the sofa, too. After the truth about quod-gate came out, Will also lost his Hogsmeade privileges. In addition, he lost his girlfriend. Tessa had ended things abruptly and without giving him a chance to apologize or explain himself. She was a tough girl to cross, apparently.
Of course, neither he nor Gerry had meant for her to get hurt by the quod. Obviously, they hadn't thought their plan through all the way or they might have realized that the quod exploded at random and wouldn't necessarily cause Kaycee any harm.
Will hadn't tried to win Tessa back, though. Not having a girlfriend meant he didn't have to figure out a Valentine's Day present or attend the lame concert in the Commons. It was the same for Gerry, though Gareth had teasingly threatened to send Grace a gift on his behalf. As far as he knew, Gareth hadn't actually followed through with it.
Truth be told, Gerry had briefly considered doing something nice for Grace, like giving her a card or a simple flower like a carnation. He'd abandoned the thought just as quickly as he'd thought of it, though, and silently told himself it was because Will was newly single and he didn't want his best friend feeling bad.
"This sucks," Will remarked.
"Yeah," Gerry agreed.
At least there was only one more Hogsmeade trip to miss this school year.
Helping Out (Daniel)
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 02-13-19 19:28
Daniel is at the table where there is a variety of drinks for those taking part in the flying and quidditch workshop. He's looking over the options when Marjani comes up beside him. "Having a good time?"
"Yes, though I'm not sure how effective I am."
"I think you're doing great."
"Nice of you to say but I think great is a slight exaggeration." Daniel grins at her. "If I've not said it yet, thanks for inviting me. Say, did you decide where you want to go for supper after?"
"I was thinking maybe Mexican or Caribbean. What sounds good to you?"
"Either's good. I love Mexican and it's been awhile since I had anything that could be considered Caribbean."
"Why am I hungry now?" Marjani asks with a laugh.
"Because it's lunchtime?"
"It is, isn't it? Time has flown this morning."
They each finally grab a drink and with the thought of lunch now on their minds turn towards the other refreshments table, Marjani saying, "We can also go up to the castle if you want a real break."
"No, this is fine, especially considering there are some students over there wanting me to hurry back to time them on that one obstacle course. Will you do more with the quidditch scrimmages or shift to something else?"
Opening a bag of cheese crisps to go with the sandwich she'd selected Marjani replies, "Shift to beater drills unless Viktor sends me to something else."
Though neither gobbles their food or guzzles their drinks they make short work of what they'd gotten, Marjani going to start those beater drills and Daniel returning to one of the aerial obstacle courses. As he aims his broom upward he's glad he accepted Marjani's invitation to help with the workshop and even gladder they are having a dinner date after the workshop ends.
Poor Pitiful Me (Rand)
Author: Declan
Date: 02-14-19 19:02
Rand looks at the wizarding paint ball wand in his hand then at his two best friends. "Another round or something else?"
With a shrug Oliver indecisively says, "I'm good with either."
Grace grins at them both. "As the winner of both games of paint ball, I would be happy to beat you both again."
Oliver looks from her to Rand, a grin on his face now. "We can't pass up that sort of challenge."
Rand nods in agreement. "Have to play another game. Have to. I'll go pay the fee."
Any paint splatters from the prior round are magically cleaned from their coveralls just before they start another round, this time on a different course. Before they actually begin three other students just starting offer to do a team challenge. Grace, Rand, and Oliver accept, the two boys knowing they can get in individual victories against Grace another time.
When the three friends later emerge victorious from the course Rand says, "I'm famished. Take a break from playing?"
"I could use something to warm to drink and a snack." Grace holds out her paint ball wand when Rand puts out a hand for it.
"I want more than a snack and something to drink too," Oliver says, also handing his paint ball wand to Rand.
They decide the Crown & Cauldron probably has the largest selection of food for Grace's snack, Oliver's something more, and ending Rand's famishment. As they walk from the gaming center to the restaurant Oliver asks out of the blue, "You ever send that Valentine's, Rand?"
"Why are you asking? Valentine's was ages ago."
"Answering a question with a question. Must mean he didn't, Oliver. Let me guess. This was a Valentine for Maud."
Rand rolls his eyes at both of them. "Maybe," he says at the same time Oliver says, "Yes." He rolls his eyes again. "Let's talk about something else, okay?"
Oliver ignores the request. "I kept telling you even if you didn't sign it to send it."
Rand pins him with a glare. "Haven't I had a hard enough year without you badgering me about a Valentine?"
Oliver and Grace both start to speak only to change their minds. Rand can't tell if he's made them uncomfortable or embarrassed or if they think he's pushing it with the poor pitiful me remark. Whatever the reason they walk the remaining, thankfully short, distance in silence.
Third Wheel
Author: Finley
Date: 02-15-19 07:45
Finley followed Phoebus and Eirene into the Crown & Cauldron, where they waited to be seated. It was the beginning of the dinner rush, made all the more busier with all the students visiting Hogsmeade. They sat in the lobby, with Eirene sitting in Phoebus' lap since it was so crowded.
Eirene and Phoebus were a couple as of the beginning of the month. Phoebus had decided that his new year's resolution would be to ask Eirene out, which hadn't been easy to do despite knowing he probably wouldn't be rejected. It had taken him the entire first month of 2013 to muster up the courage, but he'd managed it just in time for Valentine's Day. The couple had been inseparable ever since.
Despite their new attachment, they still wanted Finley to hang out with them more often than not. She indulged them usually, though she tended to feel like the third wheel. With the relationship being so new, Eirene and Phoebus were always making eyes at one another, holding hands, or being otherwise engaged in teenage romance. It was hard not to feel ignored or to wish to be elsewhere, and sometimes Finley did excuse herself to go to the library or to her dorm room.
When a table came available, the three got up and followed the hostess. They were shown to a booth, where Finley sat on one side and Eirene and Phoebus on the other. Finley picked up her menu and held it up so that she couldn't see the happy couple.
She didn't necessary want or need a boyfriend, and she didn't even feel jealous or depressed for not having one. Finley felt like she had bigger problems right now than worrying over why at sixteen she was still single. Ever since learning Theo Pride wasn't her real dad, she wondered who was. Her new year's resolution was to find out, and she planned on doing so by asking her mother over Easter break.
Eirene, who had always been so willing to offer advice, wasn't less willing to help; she just found herself wholly distracted by Phoebus, whom she had crushed on for well over a year.
Even Phoebus couldn't focus on anything other than his new girlfriend. During the morning's apparition lesson, he'd splinched himself twice. So far, Finley hadn't splinched, but she hadn't managed to apparate either. She felt rather defective because of it, too.
Finley lowered her menu but immediately raised it again to obscure her view of the others. The pair across from her were kissing instead of deciding on what they wanted to order for dinner.
Finley was strongly considering ordering her dinner to-go, but she changed her mind in the end because she was rather hungry. Fortunately, Eirene and Phoebus kept their public display of affection at a minimum for the duration of dinner.