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St. Bridget's Well
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 05-15-20 17:56
Arriving at Monica Caufield's farmhouse in St. Bridget's Well, Ireland, Ethan could smell brunch cooking and it made his mouth water. The former members of Project 25 were holding a meeting like they sometimes did, both to exchange news and worries about the goings-on in the world but also to socialize.
He brought with him a large, fancy bottle of pumpkin juice and an equally large and fancy bottle of champagne, for those wishing to have mimosas with their meal. Ethan wouldn't be partaking since he was supposed to patrol Hogsmeade in the early afternoon.
Maverick was already present, showing off pictures of his infant daughter Rebel, who'd been born at the start of May. When Ethan arrived, Maverick paused his proud dad moment to ask, "You mean you have access to some of the greatest baked goods in the wizarding world and you didn't bring any to brunch?"
Ethan grinned. "Maybe when it's not a Hogsmeade Saturday."
"Excuses, excuses!" Maverick exclaimed. He slapped his friend on the back and then resumed showing off photos of his newborn.
Ethan moved around the cozy room, greeting everyone. He talked to Lisette Ironside, now Lisette Ironside-Worther, who had married fellow Project 25er Michall Worther shortly after being liberated from their respective communities for nons. Lisette had been at Anglesey, and Michall had been at Goen Bren. They had a daughter together named Neve, who was exactly one day older than Lilly.
"Have you heard the news?" Lisette asked. "Anglesey's going to be the next community for nons to open as a tourist attraction."
"I hadn't heard," Ethan replied, both surprised by the news and that it hadn't already reached him. He still had strong contacts at the Ministry, after all. "When is it supposed to open?"
"I heard in the late summer," Lisette replied. "The news came through our office, but it'll go to TerrorTours, I'm sure. I certainly don't want any part of it." Lisette was a travel agent with Globus Mundi.
"I don't blame you," Ethan said. "Unfortunately, sensationalizing what we went through seems to be popular with more than just a few."
"The world is getting awful, isn't it?" Michall joined them and put an arm around his wife. "Hi, Ethan."
"Michall. Yes, these radical groups are gaining traction."
"Do you think anything will come out of any of it?" Michall asked.
Ethan shrugged. "I think it's just talk for the most part, but it only takes one to cross the line. I can't say I'm not concerned about mob mentality."
"Who's hungry?" Monica asked, loudly cutting through all the conversation in her house. It helped that she beat a wooden spoon against the back of a frying pan first.
Maverick reluctantly put away the photos of Rebel and took the seat at the table next to Ethan. The rest of the Project 25ers crowded around and passed around dishes. At first, there was eating and murmured praise for the cook, but then the more serious conversations resumed.
(Belinda) Lesson Number Two
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 05-16-20 03:49
As usual the Team Delta Echo gathered at Hogsmeade, this time under the pretext that they were practicing for their concert at St. Emrys fest. Belinda had been surprised to learn that the festival's organization was interested on having them back this year. She and the others accepted the invitation right away.
It was the last meeting with Maurice and once again he encouraged the group to keep a low profile. However his speech also contained a new variant: anti-Muggle behavior. Maurice explained that society was in such a precarious state because of the permissive and tolerant behavior witches and wizards dedicated to Muggles. He urged the group to start selecting their friends better, and to try and not get engaged in any Muggle like activity. Hogwarts was currently a refuge to Mubloods and halfbloods, and the school's traditional values were no longer at place. The Dark Lord was concerned and he was counting on them to set the example.
When the meeting was over, Belinda deliberately stayed behind. She carefully approached Maurice and handed him a parchment.
"What's this?"
"A list of next year's recruits."
Maurice read the names and asked a few questions to Belinda. He told her to scratch two names from the list but gave his approval to the rest of them.
"Good work," he told her.
Belinda smiled. She had completed the list for a while now, but she had kept it from Maurice until she had the chance to use it in her favor.
"Thank you. I think by now I have proven my worth as Team Delta Echo's leader. I have carved the Dark Mark at Hogwarts and got away with it. Our group is growing and I will set the example against those Mudbloods. I think I don't need to wear this anymore," she declared pointing to the choker. "I have learned my lesson."
"I believe you have. Come here," he told her.
Belinda approached Maurice. He brushed her long blonde hair aside from her neck, and used his wand to break the spell. The choker slowly fell on the floor like a leaf on an autumn day. Before Belinda could walk away, she felt Maurice's fingers on the back of her neck, as he felt her soft skin. She flinched, disliking his touch but she didn't protest.
"It is a shame you saw my gift as a punishment."
"I am sorry if I have offended you," she told him, turning around and looking at him, trying to seem repented. She wasn't sorry at all, but she thought that this was what he wanted to hear.
Maurice laughed.
"I don't believe your fake excuses. Your mouth says something but your eyes tell me otherwise. "
He picked up the choker and put it on his pocket.
"The Dark Lord was quite pleased with your actions during this school year. He wanted me to tell you that your efforts and dedication did not pass unnoticed."
Belinda smiled with satisfaction.
"I have new orders for you," Maurice continued and he gave Belinda his instructions.
She looked at him in shock. She was expecting anything but what Maurice had just asked her to do made absolutely no sense to her.
"I can't do that! My father is going to ground me the entire summer, for sure! I might even not be allowed to attend St. Emrys Fest. I am the lead singer!"
"Forget about that. Once again you are preoccupied with petty things. It seems like you did not learn your lesson after all," Maurice took the choker back from his pocket. Belinda looked at it with horror. "You will do what is asked of you. Serving the Dark Lord requires sacrifices."
"I know. And I will do it, but I just don't understand the point!" Belinda protested.
"And you don't need to. That is lesson number two, Belinda: blindly obey the Dark Lord. No protests or questionings. You need to trust him. He knows what he is doing."
"Of course he does, but I think it would be better if I knew why..."
What they were asking of her wasn't hard to accomplish. But it would affect her immediate future. There would be questions and she was sure she would be grounded. So Belinda felt she had the right to know more. But Maurice was done with her protests.
The Death Eater used his wand to make the choker go around her neck and once again she heard the clicking sound, as it got locked. She had felt so good and free when he had taken the choker off. Now she felt once again that uncomfortable feeling of being under Maurice's watch. Belinda was starting to believe that the choker was far more than an elegant piece of jewelry. She thought it might be charmed somehow.
Maurice admired his work. Belinda lowered her head, feeling ashamed. But not defeated. The Dark Lord had noticed her, and he had given her a task. She did not comprehend why yet, but she had to admit Maurice was right. She shouldn't have doubted. It was more than natural that she had upset him. She just hoped he wouldn't report her attitude to the Dark Lord.
"I will do what is asked of me," she declared.
"Good," Maurice replied. "The Dark Lord will be pleased to know that."
She bid him farewell and left eager to be with Conrad. She was upset she did not get rid of the choker but there was a feeling of excitement whenever she thought about Maurice's words regarding the fact she had caught Lord Voldemort's attention. She was one step closer to meet him and gain her Dark Mark.
Inheritance
Author: S Snape
Date: 05-16-20 19:20
Severus nods at one of the aurors patrolling Hogsmeade. This being the last Hogsmeade visit of the term for eligible students, many streamed from the school into the village as soon as they could this morning with most others not lagging far behind. The number of law enforcement on patrol throughout the village is high and Severus cannot think of any professor who did not sign up for at least one regular patrol shift. He even saw Eugene Smirt skulking around the corner of Madam Puddifoot's. That likely means Eunice is around as well, or will be before the day's end.
"Professor Snape! Professor Snape!"
He turns to see Harley Croft waving at him. She says something to Selma Szyslak, the friend she's with, then literally skips across the street. "Gran says any late afternoon is good. Just let her know. She's curious what about the family tree you're wondering about."
"Thank you. I shall write her this evening and arrange a day and time."
Harley looks torn between asking him about his interest in her family's geneology and returning to her friend. Hearing Selma's, "Harley, I'm going on," she opts to let her curiosity go for the moment. "Bye, professor," she says, turning away, then calling out, "Wait, Selma. I'm coming!"
Severus begins walking again, his pace not as steady or as clipped as before. The closer he gets to the exterior entrance leading to the private residence above the Hog's Head, the slower he walks. At the bottom of the stairs he pauses, leaning with one hand on the railing. Heaving a massive, resigned sigh, he plods upwards, footsteps sounding heavy, his feet leaden weights. At the landing he pauses to rub a hand over his eyes before giving a perfunctory knock, opening the door without waiting for an invitation or for someone to answer. He's surprised to see Aberforth snoozing in a chair rather than downstairs overseeing the pub. Though not as popular a spot with the students as other Hogsmeade establishments, there is generally an uptick in business on Hogsmeade weekends.
Though the sound of the door closing is soft Aberforth nevertheless stirs. "Ah. Severus. You caught me taking a break. Brian is napping. I knew you wouldn't be much longer so I sent the sitter home and decided to sit for a time myself."
"I'm still unsure about this, Aberforth. Brian is happy here. Comfortable. The surroundings are familiar."
"Getting familiar with surroundings is why we did not move him right away."
Since the reading of the contents of Veronica's short will, along with a letter of apology for the action she chose rather than serve even a short prison sentence, Brian has been spending more and more time at the castle. Tonight he'll sleep over for the first time.
The day after Veronica killed herself a solicitor owled them both to arrange a meeting. He had had no idea of Veronica's plan. He'd been instructed to contact them both on that date and at the meeting he was to go over the contents of an envelope with them, with those contents unknown even to him until the meeting. Upon hearing her final wishes Severus had argued with Aberforth who had argued right back.
Aberforth had pointed out Veronica's rationale. "I am elderly even by Wizarding World standards, Severus. I could go at any moment. What then for him? Another huge adjustment? Would you have him go to strangers?"
"I'm not paternalistic, Aberforth. I am not father material."
"You care for him." That this was not a question was not lost on Severus.
"Yes, of course, but that doesn't mean I would or could give him the care or... or love he needs."
"You have it in you. Always have. You just shut it away. You let Lily in and she's still with you. You're different with Majandra Weasley's children. I've seen you. More like a stern uncle. I've also seen you a few times with those Croft children. You're different with them than with most of the students."
The back and forth continued for a time, Aberforth repeatedly returning to the undeniable fact of his age and health. At last resigned, at least for the time being, Severus agreed to abide by the portion of Veronica's will granting him custody of Brian. The solicitor had gone over with them other contents of the envelope, including the document giving Severus custody needing signatures and being notarized. They'd then discussed how to transition Brian to living full-time with Severus. Upon leaving the solicitor's Aberforth had slapped Severus on the back, uttering a hearty, "Congratulations! It's a boy!" Sometimes Aberforth's sense of humor is questionable. Severus has replied with an unamused grunt.
The boy in question is in the process of waking up when Severus and Aberforth check on him a few minutes after Severus arrives at the flat. Picking up the groggy child in one arm and picking up the bag with the last of his things to move to the castle, Severus tells Aberforth, "I think we'll go to the park for a bit before eating."
Aberforth gives Brian a small hug and handing the child a stuffed porlock says, "Don't forget Bop."
His head on Severus's shoulder, Brian pulls Bop to him in a tight grip, giving his grandfather a sleepy grin. Aberforth sees them off, carrying Brian's bag down the stairs. He walks with them to the lane, waving goodbye to Brian before turning to go into the pub through its front entrance. Severus starts to walk in the direction of the playground but stops and puts down the bag. Using his wand to shrink down the bag then to levitate up. Only after it's been safely stowed in a pocket does he continue on to the park where he earns a few surprised stares when he puts Brian into one of the toddler swings, standing behind to gently push Brian and Bop as the child, now fully awake, giggles gleefully.
(Titus) Encounters
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 05-17-20 02:54
Titus went to Hogsmeade to meet with his pair for the debutant ball for lunch. He had asked Maurice if he could attend part of Team Delta Echo's meeting, but Maurice told him it would be better if they weren't seen together. Titus was waiting at the Main Street. Most students that passed by recognized last year's Head Boy, and some even stopped to greeted him. He was wearing his working robes from Floreans. He knew he could have made an effort and change his robes for this meeting, giving him a more presentable aspect, but he didn't bother.
Titus regretted his decision when he spotted Arielle. She had walked out of one of the shops, and he wished he was wearing something else. Last time they spoke, when she put an end to their relationship, he was also wearing his Florean's uniform. Arielle had not seen him at first, and so he called her name. She raised her eyes and he could tell she was surprised to see him. Titus tried to open a path among a large group of third years to go to Arielle's encounter. But before he could reach her she just waved at him and walked away, as if they were only distant neighbors who only exchanged a word between the two here and there.
Titus watched his ex-girlfriend going down the street and disappearing when she turned around a corner. He felt as if someone had shoved half a dozen lemons down his throat. The bitterness inside him was intense. He had hoped they could at least talk, and he played with the idea of offering her some coffee, and tell her about his promotion. Instead she just turned his back to him, not even caring. It hurt. Titus knew he had to let Arielle go, but it was difficult because she had been the only person who had made him happy for sometime. He recalled their meals together at Hogwarts, or even the time that as Head Boy and Girl they would meet in order to to coordinate prefects patrols and discuss other matters. All of that was gone. At first he had blamed Malden for his failed relationship with Arielle but Malden was hardly the responsible. Titus could feel that now.
"Mr. Nott?"
Titus turned around to find a witch wearing salmon robes in front of him. He nodded and asked if she was Mrs. McCourt.
"Yes, but please call me Honoria. And this is my stepdaughter, Patricia."
She pushed the girl forward. Obviously Titus knew Patricia. He had worked with her alongside the other prefects. Not only that but he remembered to watch over her almost two years ago at St. Emrys Fest, when she got drunk by accident. When Kilgore provided him Honoria's contact Titus didn't make the surname connection at all. He had been so frustrated about his new assignment, which forced him to learn etiquette, family trees, dances and table rules on his free time, that he did not give much thought to his pair.
Patricia seemed to be surprised as well. Her eyes moved to his eyepatch. That involuntary gesture did not bother Titus. By now he was used to have people staring at it all the time. They tried to avoid it, but curiosity made them always look. Honoria too was looking. She also looked at his robes and his general figure. Titus was feeling he was under some sort of evaluation.
"We know each other," Titus said.
"Wonderful!" Honoria replied.
She started telling Titus how honored they were that he accepted to be Patricia's pair. She said as a minor Welsh family it was hard to guarantee a spot in the ball, but the Poles had sponsored Patricia and now with a Nott at her side she was envisioning a wonderful debut in society for her stepdaughter. Titus was half listening to what Honoria was saying. The trio entered the Crown and Caldron, as Honoria kept chattering. Finally they got some peace when she went to the restroom, leaving Patricia and Titus alone on the table.
"I think she is more excited about this than both of us together," Titus said.
"This is important for her, and I was this close not to be able to attend. She reached out to several wizards but no one accepted to be my escort. Until you did."
Titus was surprised by Patricia's revelation. She was a beautiful, well mannered witch. Why wouldn't anyone want to be her escort?
"Like Honoria said, the McCourts are not exactly high society material," Patricia explained, almost guessing Titus' thoughts. "Is it true my sister Sophie is a Pole now, but even so, I am stranger in these circles."
"Well, so am I," Titus replied feeling a little bit nervous. He was counting on his pair to help him make his away around the highest circles. But this was also a novelty to Patricia. Titus' mission had suddenly became harder than he imagined. He would have to work his way around those people if he wanted to be successful.
"But not your family. Professor Nott was an escort as well," Patricia revealed. Honoria had pointed that out to her earlier.
"He was?" Titus asked surprised. He had no idea Tiberius had attended these sort of events, but now that he thought about it, it made sense. He decided he would have to talk to his brother later about this.
Honoria returned from the restroom and once again she dominated the entire meeting with her conversation. Titus did not say much, and Patricia was mostly quiet as well. From time to time they would look at each other, still having a hard time to believe than in a month or so they would have to dance together in a ballroom full of people.
Virtual Adventures
Author: Jet
Date: 05-18-20 14:54
The day before the last Hogsmeade Saturday Jet still hadn't chosen a name for his new venture. Suggestions had been Climb Aboard, Rock On, Summit, Climb!, Reach For The Top, and his own initial thought of Mountains Out of Molehills. On that Saturday, the 22nd of February, just 10 minutes before a soft rather than a grand opening Jet was thankful that an advantage of a wizarding business is that when one is rushing to put a name on the plaque and front window, using magic is exceptionally helpful.
Gethin watched the sign and window while Jet waved his wand in what looked like grand flourishes but was part of getting the spell just right. "I thought you were going with Summit."
Head slanted first to one side then the other, Jet mulled over his color choice. "I was but then I had a thought. This isn't my favorite but since I didn't make up my mind until a few minutes ago it's what I'm going with." He'd sighed then making small movements with his wand made adjustments to both the name on the sign and the name in the window. When satisfied he'd added some details to each, Gethin helping after Jet told him the overall look he was going for.
Only when inside, making a walkthrough to ensure everything is ready for any Hogwarts students or other customers, Did Jet explain his I had a thought remark. "Last night I finished a non-climbing adventure. The kayaking one. I thought that a name that points only to climbing might turn some people away who'd rather be doing some other activity."
"You finished a kayaking adventure?"
"It might need some tweaks and it will need test runs before it's available on the menu." Jet gave his dad a sidelong glance. "You want to try it? Right now?"
"Opening is about now. Don't you need my help?"
"Yes, at some point today but right this moment I think we're set. Let me take you to the room and show you what's where. I'll leave you on your own to play around with the adventure."
Jet took Gethin to the kayaking, adhered a small dot that won't come off without magic and can be used to call for help if needed then returned to the front to join others, including his mum, Petra, and Matt, to greet the first customers. Putting out the OPEN sign Jet silently prayed that at least one student dropped in to check out Virtual Adventures.
That day, a soft opening because only some of the adventures were fully ready in Jet's opinion and because without a firm name decision he'd not advertised, had been a success. There'd been only a few adventures then and all were involved climbing to some extent. Today, with a larger variety of adventures to choose from, is the Grand Opening and so far Virtual Adventures has seen a steady business.
Jet has just returned from showing one small group to a hiking adventure through a Honduran jungle with the trail passing through what appear to be undiscovered Mayan ruins that can be explored if desired, and from taking a student interested in learning to climb to the beginner climbing adventure where employee Rayna is on hand to give instructions in the basis. As he reaches the counter he hears, "Do you have anything for young children?"
Robbie directs the man's attention to the menu board. "We currently have three. One has kid sized hills, some tree houses, another has tide pools brimming with life and good for wading, and the third is sand dunes. Good for rolling and sledding, digging for treasures."
"Do you do parties?"
"Yes, let me give you our party and gatherings brochure."
Jet had flashed a smile at his mum before giving his attention to a girl who's just come in. From the looks of her she's likely a third or fourth year. "Hi, looking to go on an adventure?"
"I think so. A friend told me about this place. She came in February. I had to miss it. Broke my foot coming down the stairs to breakfast that morning and Madam Pomfrey made me stay in hospital." She says this last with a small pout.
"I'm sorry to hear that. You've come at a good time, though. We have loads more specials for our grand opening today than we did in February."
Her eyes on the menu as he speaks asks and points, "That one's an ice climb?"
"Yes, based on Rjukan in Norway."
"I want to try that one."
"Do you have any experience?"
"A little."
Jet nods at that but knew better than to trust her completely. Her idea of "a little" and his might be entirely different. He rings her up and walks her to the door leading into the Rjukan based adventure. Tapping a spot by the door a cabinet appears. From it he pulls items she will need, including a boots and a thermal suit to put over her clothes. It will keep her warm and snug on her adventure Jackson there is on hand to assist however you need."
Realizing she was still standing in the hallway he turns to find her gaping. He can't help the grin. Eyes wide in wonder she says, "I had no idea it would be so real." Coming from someone around magic, buildings and objects far larger on the inside than outward appearances suggest, and possibly having participated in some of the virtual type rides when Hogwarts has had events with them is humorous but at the same time understandable.
Still grinning Jet nods at her. "It is something else, isn't it? Jackson is going to put a dot on you that won't come off until he or another employee takes it off for you. He'll explain what it's for. Enjoy!"
Jet would stay and watch for a bit but they are busy enough with customers coming and going that he would feel guilty for taking an unscheduled, unannounced break. Partway down the hallway to the main corridor he encounters a group coming from free soloing a rock face that could have been lifted from Yosemite National Park in the United States. "That was great!" one of them enthuses. "Let's go check out the board for what else they have!"
One of the friends says, "Okay, but don't forget we're supposed to do paint ball too."
"Yeah," a third says, "we should go to that now or they'll get mad at us for not showing. We can come back here after."
Walking behind Jet tells them, "If you come back today, show your receipt and you'll get a discount on top of the grand opening price."
This is greeted by a happy chorus, the boys hurrying to go but with promises of being back soon. Upon reaching the lobby Jet moves behind the counter, "Go on and take off, Mum. You're overdue for lunch."
"You're sure?"
"Positive. You've been great. Thanks for all the help."
"Your dad's helping a group with one of the kayak and canoe adventures. If he appears anytime soon, tell him I've gone to the Crown & Cauldron. I'll check back in here in a bit whether he joins me or not."
Jet kisses her cheek, "Thanks for everything," before greeting someone who looks to be early 20s. "Hi! Welcome to Virtual Adventures!"
(Aleydis) Home from Work
Author: Griet
Date: 05-19-20 17:45
After more than half a year searching for the perfect house, Aleydis and Basil closed on a charming, beachfront duplex in Leysdown-on-Sea a few weekends ago. The town was located approximately halfway between their hometowns, Canterbury and Allhallows. It was quaint and lazy, a place for retirees and families on holiday who didn't like the bustle of more touristy places like Brighton Beach.
Aleydis and Basil were moved in, but the house was much bigger than their flat, and they didn't yet have enough furniture to fill it. That would come in time.
When Aleydis came home from work, she found Basil sitting in a kitchen chair on the higher level balcony.
"We really should think about buying some patio furniture," Aleydis said, and then she kissed Basil hello.
He wrinkled his nose and said, "You need a shower."
"I know. I'm heading that way now. I'd ask you to join, but I don't want to contaminate you with the germs or spirits of dead wizards." She flashed him a grin and turned to head to the master bathroom.
Basil followed her, dropping his book on their bed, where he sat and asked, "How was your day?"
"I guess you could say it was interesting," Aleydis remarked, as she began to undress. "When I stepped out for lunch, this guy was loitering outside the building. He had a huge scroll in his hands. When he saw me he asked my name. I hesitated but then I gave it to him, and then he asked me if I was married and what my maiden name was. Then he asked me if I was related to Griet. I told him she was my sister and was starting to worry, because what if something had happened to her, though he called her Griet Vanderbilt and not Griet Vanriet."
She paused to catch her breath and then went on, "I guess he had his finger on her name on this scroll. I didn't know what it was at first, but I figured it out later. It was a registry for all the old communities for nons. Anyway, he slid his finger over and muttered, 'Half-breed,' and then he looked at me and asked, 'Is she a werewolf or something?' and then I asked, 'Who the hell wants to know?', but then his friend wandered over."
Aleydis stopped again and entered the bathroom to turn on the shower. While it was warming up, she went to the bathroom doorway and continued, "This other guy said something like, 'We're not marking Knockturn Alley establishments. They've all been vetted.' And then the other guy rolled up his scroll, told me thanks, and walked with his friend up the steps to Diagon Alley. What do you make of all that?"
Basil got up and took Aleydis's place in the doorway to the bathroom after she tested the water was just right and stepped into the shower.
"I heard there's a movement to recognize businesses owned by purebloods. The way I understand it, it's not so much a plan to shut down those owned by Muggle-borns, but to give awareness to those who care about such things. I'm guessing there are few businesses, if any, that weren't established by pureblood wizards in Knockturn Alley, given its history."
"It's a sad world we live in," Aleydis remarked. She cracked the shower door open and smiled at Basil. "I think I'm germ and spirit free now. Are you going to join me or just stand there?"
Grinning, Basil couldn't strip his clothes off fast enough.
Workshop Almost Over (Marjani)
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 05-19-20 18:38
Marjani tells the first year Vincent, "Only one penalty. Great job!"
Vincent looks longingly over his shoulder to the obstacle course's starting line. "Do I have time for another go, miss?"
"There's still a few minutes left in the current scrimmage. Two people ahead of you for this course." Seeing one of those two start the course now that the one on the course is just over halfway through she amends, "Make that one ahead. I don't see why not."
With a grin and a whoop of joy Vincent wheels his broom around to hurry back to the starting line. From one of the other obstacle courses Daniel flies over. "I'm finished unless there's a last minute, just got to fly the course before we're done for the day."
"I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate and love all the help you've been all year."
"I've had fun. I'm happy to help and that Viktor let me, you know, since I'm not as adept at all this as you lot."
Marjani laughs then tells the student coming off the course she's been running, "Five seconds slower but no penalties. Great work!" Looking to Daniel again she asks, "Tonight at dinner?"
"If you want. At lunch with my parents tomorrow?"
"Unless you want to invite them to supper tonight?"
"I don't think they have any plans. I'll go owl them right now. Oh, but will Dosie and Viktor mind?" Or Zuberi and Olive?"
"I don't see why they would when it's your parents."
"Crown and Cauldron, right?"
At Marjani's nod as she turns to speak to another student Daniel flies in the direction of the Hogwarts owlery. Waiting for the two remaining flyers on her course to cross the finish line and watching different aspects of the workshop coming to a close Marjani's usual feelings of wanting the workshop to continue for an hour or two or even three longer are absent this evening. This morning on the walk from Hogsmeade to Hogwarts Daniel had proposed. Ecstatic, Marjani had said yes. Before continuing on to the workshop they'd decided to wait until dinner this evening with her brother and sister and their spouses before saying anything. She doesn't know about Daniel but it's been about to kill her the entire day not giving Dosie even so much as a hint.
For once, even though this is the last workshop of term, Marjani can't wait for it to end!