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Just a Boy
Author: Gerry
Date: 08-31-14 08:49
Gerry stood on the corner of High Street and the lane leading to the residential part of Hogsmeade and watched as a handful of students approached. Term had just let out for the summer, and the students who didn't have to board the Hogwarts Express were free to go home. In less than two months time, Gerry would be making his way in the opposite direction for the start of his first term at Hogwarts.
After watching the arriving students for a few minutes more, Gerry turned and made the lazy walk back to his house. He showed no more signs of being ill, having completely recovered from the chicken pox over a week ago. Thanks to being a wizard, he didn't even have any scars to show for it.
He stepped up on a low wall encircling a neighbor's yard and used it as a balance beam. He kicked off some pebbles and watched them skitter into the street. A buzzing bee pollinating brightly colored flowers drew his attention next. He wished he had a bottle or some other container in which to trap it, so that he could take it home and then do who-knew-what with it. After watching the bee travel from blossom to blossom for a few minutes, Gerry continued home.
Just a few doors down, he saw his mother standing on the front walk, engaged in conversation with a wizard he didn't recognize. That wizard held a large parcel under his arm.
Gigi saw her son a moment later and waved him over with a quickly movement of her hand. Gerry stopped dawdling and hurried to his mother's side.
"What?" he asked.
"Gerry, I need you to watch the boys for a few minutes." Their father was at work today.
"What's that?" Gerry asked, indicating to the parcel the unknown wizard carried.
"Just returning some of the library's books," replied the wizard, who was actually a law enforcement officer at the Ministry of Magic. The parcel contained all the books taken from the locked cabinet at the library, after it was learned one of the books contained a ritual that resulted in the death of a Hogwarts student. Since it now turned out that none of the books had been consulted for the ritual, they were being returned to the library.
"It's Sunday," Gerry said.
"So it is," said the wizard.
"Gerry," his mother said, emphasizing his name. "Go inside and keep an eye on the twins and Gareth, all right? I will be back soon."
"Okay, okay," he said. He cast the wizard holding the parcel another quick look and then continued up the walk and let himself into the house.
He looked out the window and saw his mother and the wizard head off down the lane together. She probably could have carried the parcel herself, since it was likely charmed to hold everything comfortably, but maybe the officer accompanied her because the books were the sort usually kept under lock and key. Either way, Gerry thought it was dumb he showed up on their doorstep on a Sunday morning.
He watched them until he couldn't see them any more and then turned to see what his brothers were doing.
Last Minute Business
Author: Illyria
Date: 08-31-14 13:10
After seeing the children off on the Hogwarts Express, Illyria went to her office to take care of some last minute business. Professor McGonagall had a lunchtime staff meeting planned to cover end of the term matters and a few things about the new school year, then staff would be free to enjoy their own summers. Illyria was set to visit her family in Mumbai tomorrow. Nathan would travel with her but planned on returning home early for work.
Illyria would stay for a bit longer and then return to Hogwarts to plan out the new school year. Not much would change from last year in terms of her lesson plans and homework assignments, but as always, there were things that didn't work at all or simply needed a little bit of tweaking. There were also things like ordering new supplies, reviewing the latest Astronomy textbooks, and making sure all the telescopes were still working, too.
Illyria knew that the summer holidays would pass quickly, and that September first would be there before she knew it. She fully intended on enjoying her time off, however, even if it ended up seeming far too short.
It was while in her office that Illyria received a letter from Ronan, for whom she had acted as guardian for a very brief time many years ago. Ronan still lived in Tucson, Arizona in the US. The internship that had brought him there had led to a full-time marketing position. He enjoyed his work very much and sometimes traveled for the job, which he also liked. He was still happily dating Solange, whom he had met while working at a parchment company after graduating from Hogwarts. When not working, he and Solange also traveled around, having seen quite a bit of the American Southwest since moving there.
Illyria was so happy for Ronan. She immediately wrote a response to his letter, answering the questions he'd posed her and telling him a bit about the past school year and her summer plans. She closed the letter with the statement that she hoped they could see each other in person soon and then sealed the envelope, deciding to take it to the Owlery sometime during the course of the day.
Thinking about Ronan, whom she still considered more like a little brother than a son, even though they hadn't seen each other in a couple of years, brought to mind if she would ever be responsible for any child ever again. She and Nathan were growing serious, but they were taking things extra slow to avoid mishaps like last time. Would they ever get married? Have kids? Illyria was very conscious of the fact that she was the only unmarried and childless Jones girl left.
Not that she was in any hurry, nor did she feel jealous or like she was missing out on something. She was very content with her life the way it was. It was just something she thought about more and more these days.
"Earth to Illyria."
She looked up to see Nathan standing in the doorway.
"Nathan! What a surprise!" She got up to greet him with a chaste kiss. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."
He hadn't visited her at Hogwarts since their scandal last year.
"I thought today was a safe bet to venture back onto the property, what with the children on their way home for the summer," Nathan replied. "Is that all right?"
"Yes, it's fine. I'm glad you came. I was just thinking about you."
"Were you, now? And here I thought you were still working."
"Just a half day more," Illyria said. She ushered him to the seat in front of her desk and sat down in her own chair. "I have a meeting soon, then I'm free."
"Good. I'm just about packed for our trip."
Illyria giggled. "I haven't even started."
"Why doesn't that surprise me, though you do seem like you're organized."
"Only when it comes to work. Play is a different story."
"Should I go so you can concentrate?"
"Please. I'll see you after lunch?"
"Deal." They leaned over the desk to kiss again, and then Nathan swept from the room, leaving Illyria to her last minute work.
Stay Or Ride The Train? (Cat)
Author: Fionna
Date: 08-31-14 14:31
Climbing from the carriage, carefully balancing with a cat carrier in one hand, Catriona looks over her shoulder to the student who's only just now thought to ask, "Why do you have your cat with you?"
"Kaboodle isn't feeling well. My boyfriend's meeting me and going to take her to MacFusty's for me."
The inquisitive girl, a third year who'd just missed being in the same carriage as her friends, jumps out then kneels down to peer into the carrier at Kaboodle. "Aw. Poor kitty. Hope you feel better soon."
The girl trots off in search of her friends and Cat moves away from the carriage, keeping watch for Christopher. He's working this morning, starting early to help with walking and feeding the various animals on both the veterinary side of MacFusty's and the shoppe side. Because of that, as soon as Cat knew this morning that something is wrong with Kaboodle, her owl to Christopher reached him quickly and his reply was just as fast reaching her.
He spots her first, halfway to her when she sees him. A quick kiss hello then Christopher is the one peering into the carrier at Kaboodle. "What specifically is wrong?" he asks.
"Lethargic. Wasn't interested in eating or drinking. Her eyes look a little glassy to me."
"Yeah, I can see that." He stands, taking the carrier from Cat. "I'd stay to see the train off but I should get her to MacFusty's."
"I'd stay but being prefect "
"and your last time to ride the train. Yeah, I understand."
"Unless you think whatever it is is really bad. I don't want to board the train if I should be with her."
Christopher shakes his head. "Hopefully just a blockage, such as a hair ball, making her uncomfortable. I'd tell you not to worry but I know you would even if all she had was a tiny cut on her paw."
Cat gives him a small smile and another kiss, then watches as he walks away, talking to Kaboodle as he takes a shortcut, angling behind buildings rather than walking the lane to High Street then all the way down to the shoppes at one end.
Sighing, Cat turns to make cover the short distance to the train platform, wondering yet again if she should make her apologies to Olive Green and Hunter Rabnott, the current head girl and boy, for leaving them short one person to patrol the train, or if she should just board and go find a seat in the car where the other prefects are surely already gathering. With one longing glance back at Christopher and Kaboodle, Cat gets on the train hoping she's not made a wrong decision.
(Asher) Heading Home
Author: Jolyon
Date: 08-31-14 16:31
Asher shared a compartment on the Hogwarts Express with Malden and Bruno. Those two were already deep in conversation about summer plans and had long given up on including Asher in the discussion, even though their journey had only just begun. Asher had a bench to himself and leaned in the corner by the window with his eyes shut. It wasn't so much that he felt tired, though he hadn't slept all that well last night. His eyes merely felt a little heavy.
He listened a bit to his jabbering roommates but also thought about what the summer had in store. As per usual, he would have to spent a week with his biological father. Asher still didn't care for the man, but even he could admit that Jolyon was better than his mother's current boyfriend. He truly hoped that Lancelot wouldn't hang around his house all summer long. He just might opt to stay with Jolyon a bit longer, if it turned out to be the case.
The train rattled along the tracks. Asher briefly opened his eyes to stare out the window. They were in the country, where there was nothing to see but vast fields and the occasional cow chewing on grass along the fence line. It really was rather boring!
"Are you awake or sleeping?" Malden asked. "We were thinking about playing a round of Exploding Snap."
"And stink up this compartment, no thank you," Asher replied.
"Chess, then?"
"Two against one, or what?"
"Fine, if that's what you want," Malden said. "I can hold my own."
"Those are fighting words," Bruno exclaimed. "What do you think, Kent? Should we hand Malden his defeat?"
Asher vacillated for a moment and then shrugged. "Fine, let's."
Bruno grinned and moved over to the other side of the compartment, while Malden started to set up the chess board. Because he would play on his own, it was quickly agreed among the three that he could play White and therefore go first. When they all set to play, Malden eyed the board and then gave one of his pawns a command.
Not The Point (Jordan & Betsy)
Author: Plum
Date: 08-31-14 18:25
Hip cocked, arms crossed Betsy demands, "Why not?"
"Does there have to be a reason?" Jordan questions, fighting the urge to give the even more annoying response of, "Just because."
Betsy head waggles in irritation. "To use one of Martha's favorite phrases, well duuuuuuuh."
"I like living alone. I like this being MY place. Visitors for a few days are fine but I don't want to share long term."
"I'm not a slob. I wouldn't be sponging off you as I do have a job and have some money from Mum and Dad. You know I'm not loud. When school's in session, I'd be here even less."
"That's not the point."
"Then what is, Jordan?"
"I've already told you. I like living alone. From the time I was five I've had to share my space. When you were born, I suddenly got roommate. I thought when Martha was born, you'd get her and I'd get my room back. Instead, I ended up with two roommates. We didn't move into a bigger house until Justin came along and then I was sharing with him."
"If this were a one bedroom and my moving in and splitting expenses meant sharing that bedroom, I'd understand; but, that's not the case. This is a two bedroom. You would still have your own space."
Jordan knows Betsy's right, knows it really would be better to have someone to split expenses with. Someone he knows is fairly neat. Someone who would be good about respecting his belongings and his space. That Betsy likes his dog Xander and would take care of Xander if he had to be gone or was simply late getting home is a bonus.
He has no idea why he's digging his feet in on this.
Betsy makes an impatient sound and that triggers sudden awareness of why. They're siblings. He's being resistant solely because she's his sister. Nothing more.
He finally breaks his silence with, "I'll think about it."
Betsy rolls her eyes and throws up her hands, grumbling under her breath about having an ass for a big brother. Unwilling to concede that in this instance he is being an ass, Jordan retrieves Xander's leash. "We're going to the park. You're welcome to come if you want."
Betsy's expression is enough to tell him that Xander and he are on their own for their outing.
A New Adventure
Author: Ella
Date: 09-01-14 09:41
The first thing Ella noticed about Beijing was the heat. Apparently July was the hottest month of the year, with temperatures reaching up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The second thing she noticed was the rain. It rained everyday, usually only moderately but significantly enough according to the rain gage (7 inches!), but there were also regular thunderstorms and bouts of sudden, torrential rainfall.
The third thing she noticed was the fact that while the sun rose very early in the morning, it set much earlier in the evening that she was used to back in England. It was right around suppertime now, and already, the sun was slinking across the sky, painting it in oranges, pinks, and purples.
Adjusting to the seven hour time difference had been a gradual process but everyone, including Ramsey, seemed to have managed it. It was strange to think that while they were eating supper, everyone back home was only just now sitting down to lunch. In a few hours, they would go to bed. If in England, then they would still have the afternoon and evening ahead of them.
The pretty rental house was full of moving boxes and some of the furniture was only half put together. Ella had a lot of work cut out for her, but she had Francis to help when he wasn't busy with his internship and intensive Mandarin course. Dunstan had also traveled with them to see them off on their new adventure and was assisting them in getting the house put to rights. He intended on staying a week or two longer, but then would have to go back to England and work.
They had already busied themselves with getting things unpacked and organized in between keeping Ramsey entertained, but now that evening had fallen, they started to wind down. Ella, having gotten a Chinese cookbook as a parting gift from her father, cracked it open to figure out something to fix for supper.
A short while later, the family sat down in the living room, using boxes as makeshift tables. They ate sesame chicken over rice with steamed vegetables.
Ella looked around at her new environment and at her family. Dunstan fed Ramsey a piece of softened carrot, which Ramsey slowly consumed, unsure whether he cared for the taste of soy sauce or not. Francis expertly used chopsticks to devour his meal, which had turned out better than even Ella expected. She'd always been an average sort of witch, with perhaps a few exceptions, but maybe she had found her niche in Chinese cooking.
Francis looked up and saw Ella's smile. "What has you in such a cheerful mood?" Her smile was contagious.
"Everything," Ella replied, so overwhelmed by emotion she almost felt as if she could cry. "You, Ramsey, Dad. I'm just really happy."
Francis put down his chopsticks and reached for her hand. "Your happiness makes me happy."
"And me," said Dunstan.
Ramsey grinned with food all over his mouth.
Ella laughed. She had come a long way to reach this level of fulfillment. There was absolutely nothing else she needed in life. What she had right then in that moment was everything she ever wanted. She squeezed Francis's hand, smiled at her father, and laughed with Ramsey, never happier.
Road Trip
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 09-02-14 06:40
Before Titus could board the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade station he was pulled out of the crowd of students by Tiberius. Not caring about what other people might say, he hugged his brother tight and started to inquire him about his absence and their mother's release from Azkaban. Tiberius had placed a finger over his lips demanding silence, and made a signal for Titus to follow him away from the train. The black Bentley was parked not far away and that is where Tiberius was heading his brother to.
"Are we going home? Uncle Casper was supposed to pick me up at King's Cross."
"You are still going to spend your summer with Casper and Cecelia, Titus. I will drive you myself to their house."
"But…"
"Get in the car. I'll explain everything as I drive."
"What about my luggage? And my cat?"
"I've charmed them. They are already in the trunk. "
"I hope you haven't locked Saidra inside the trunk as well."
"Of course not."
The gray cat was at the passenger's sit and when Titus entered the Bentley it jumped to the back, having the entire backseat to itself. Titus grinned, while Tiberius entered the car, closed the door and drove out of Hogsmeade.
Once the village was out of sight the Bentley took flight. Titus rolled his window down and felt the wind on his face, enjoying the feeling. Then, he started to ramble about his school year. Tiberius hardly paid attention to his brother's words like always, but it felt good, familiar, to hear his voice again. Titus talked about the Ravenclaw's victory, how he wanted to play Quidditch next year, how one of his dormitory colleagues snored, the books he needed to buy next year for his two new classes, how he would need a written permission to visit Hogsmeade during some selected weekends…
Finally it seemed like Titus had ran out of things to say. He turned to Tiberius, took a deep breath and asked once again about their mother. The older Nott didn't say a word. Instead he started to descend, into the ground.
The Bentley entered a forest in the middle of nowhere. Tiberius landed the car and abandoned the vehicle, after turning the engine down. Before he gave permission for Titus to step away from the Bentley he used his wand to put several protective charms around their surroundings. He didn't want to be found by Muggles or any wizards. Finally Titus left the car and looked around amazed with this wild environment. But the moment of awe did not last long. The younger Nott looked up, to face his brother.
"Where is mother?"
"Titus…I…"
"She's dead, isn't she?"
Tiberius nodded already expecting his brother to fall down in tears. But instead Titus kicked a small rock out of his way and yelled with rage:
"I knew it! She told the newspapers first thing she would do was to spend Christmas with me, but she didn't come. And then all the letters I've wrote to her had comeback still sealed. I knew there was something wrong."
There was a pause and then he asked in a lower tone:
"How…how did she die?"
"I went to fetch mother from Azkaban. She went home to take a bath and change, so then we could go to Oxford to surprise you. Unfortunately someone break into the house. A thief. He stunned me. Mother was very brave and she tried to stop him. He killed her with the killing curse. She was trying to protect her house and myself. It was a brave death, Titus. She didn't suffer."
The lie had slipped out of his lips so naturally that he almost felt like he has been under the Imperius curse and someone was controlling his speech. However, Tiberius knew that lying about their mother's death was the best for Titus. He didn't want his brother to find out the truth. Mostly because then Titus would learn that instead of spending the Christmas holidays with him, Lucinda had locked herself in Endhope Abbey, trying to convince Tiberius to join Adriana Fairchild's cause. That a few weeks before her release she had unofficially passed Titus' guard to her brother Casper, and his wife Cecelia, instead of taking the guard herself and give her younger son the attention, care and love he needed.
"But that is not all," Tiberius continued. "The thief cursed me."
Carefully he took off his gloves and removed the upper part of his robes, to show his brother what the curse has done to his body. Once again Titus surprised Tiberius. He was expecting his brother to look away at the glance of his chest and arms, but instead he kept his dark eyes fixated at the cursed body. Titus observed Tiberius' body with a morbid curiosity and that bothered him. He dressed up, quickly.
"I am going to find this thief and make him undo the curse," he declared.
"I want to go with you."
"You can't, Titus. It's too dangerous. I would love for you to come but you are not allowed to perform magic outside Hogwarts, remember? I don't want the Ministry of Magic to know about this. You see Titus; I did not report this tragedy to them."
"Why not? They would help us to catch the thief."
"Yes, I know they would. But then what? They would send him to Azkaban. The same place our father is, as well as most of our family. Don't you think it would be an unworthy place for that thief to be, amongst those of our kind, which the only thing they have done was to defend their believes? He killed our mother, Titus. He deserves to pay the ultimate price for his actions against our family."
"He must die," Titus concluded. "You are not going to bring him to justice. You're going to avenge mother."
"Exactly. But no one can know. Not even uncle Casper and his wife, you understand? They will think this is wrong and they will call the aurors."
Titus nodded.
"I will not tell anything to anyone. You have my word."
He looked very serious. Tiberius wondered if Lucinda hasn't made a biggest judgment mistake by betting on him to bring back the family's glory and ways, and discarding Titus completely. She had always seen Titus more as an Hobday than a Nott. She had been completely wrong.
"Make sure he pays for what he has done, brother. Make sure he begs for mercy."
"I will," Tiberius promised."I am going to be away for a while and I don't know if I will be back in September. But I promise to write. Your uncle and aunt will take good care of you. Be good for them, all right?"
The younger Nott nodded once more. Then the two brothers went back to the car and Tiberius put it back up in the air. Tiberius thought about his encounter with Phyllida at the St. Pancras church. She knew he had killed Lucinda and yet she promised to come along on his journey to help him break the curse. Now that Tiberius had the book everything would be easier. He did not ask her about her engagement with Ambrosius or how she was going to explain her absence to him.
Before he left he had to sort things out with Titus. On the other hand, the only obstacle Phyllida had placed was Ferne. Since that period of confinement in the addict that she hasn't been herself and Phyllida had been taken care of her. Ferne couldn't come with them; she would be more of an obstacle than actual aid. After a few moments Tiberius had managed to come up with a solution for Ferne. Phyllida was surprised by his idea and also reluctant. But in the end she had to agree it would be the best for Ferne.
Tiberius looked from the wheel to Titus. He had Saidra on his lap and was petting her, an automatic gesture. The younger Nott contemplated the way ahead in silence, while warm tears fell down his cheeks. It was real now: he would never see his mother ever again.
(Evelyn) A Terrible Train Ride
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 09-02-14 14:08
"Vinny get out! NOW!"
Vinny Xardel left the compartment, smirking. Evelyn sighed when she heard the clicking sound of the door closing. She then quickly finished changing. Once she got her dignity back the relief gave place to fury.
"He knew I had planned to change in the train. He heard us talking about it when we were at the trolley line to buy those cauldron cakes, a while ago."
"I did have the feeling we were being watched," Dinah confessed.
"They why didn't you say something?!"
"Because it was just a stupid feeling. You don't have to be so aggressive with me."
"I am entitled to be aggressive with anyone. Vinny Xardel saw me without a shirt. He made a comment about my bra. That pig! He better have the good sense of keeping away from me. Next time I set my eyes on him I'll hex him."
"You can only do that in September," Evinrude gently reminded her. "But that's a good thing. You can spend the whole summer planning your revenge. We'll help you."
That idea pleased Evelyn. She closed her trunk, after putting her school robes inside. Evelyn decided that this would be the last time she would change her clothes aboard the Hogwarts Express. She was mentally reprehending herself for being too vain to exchange to different clothes. She should have just stick to her uniform. In the morning she hasn't been able to decide what to wear and not wanting to miss the train she put on last night's robes that she used at the end of the term feast.
"Has anyone seen my wand?"
Evinrude shrugged her shoulders and Dinah started looking above the seats. Evelyn let go a frustrated sigh and opened her trunk again, wondering if she hadn't lost her wand among her clothes. She started to scatter her things around, but there was no sign of her wand. With a brusque movement she shoved her things back to the trunk and she closed it with violence. There was a cracking sound when she did so.
"Oh Merlin no…"
Her wand had been caught between the trunk and its lid. Evelyn picked up the wand carefully. It wasn't completely broken, but it had a large crack on it. She guessed that her wand wouldn't work anymore, but she wasn't one hundred percent sure. All she knew was that her mother was going to be mad, once she arrived to London and explained to her what happened. Evelyn hasn't been careful and she broke her wand because of her temper. She sat back on the train, contemplating the view outside, sulking. Knowing it was better to leave her alone, Evinrude and Dinah did not say another word to her during the rest of the journey.
Lazy Sunday
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 09-02-14 16:53
Final ends had been taken care of, and the lunchtime staff meeting had been complete and that meant that the school year was officially over and done with. Between now and September Lawrence would be spending time getting their quarters ready for the new addition - he had a crib and a few other things to assemble.
He wouldn't be working at the part time job, knowing well enough that he had enough in savings to support his new family, and he was loving the fact that they would soon have a new bundle of joy to join their family in the coming months.
He stepped from the kitchen, holding two mugs of tea, heading over to the couch and passing one off to Ariella and settling down on the couch next to her, and pulling her close as he sipped from his own mug.
"I'm looking forward to building the crib and other things for our sweet baby..." He said softly, sliding a hand over her growing belly, a soft sigh slipping free.
"Hopefully you will prove to be handy and not end up in St. Mungo's with injuries." Ariella said with an impish grin, before turning to kiss his cheek lightly.
"Nice to know you have so much faith in me.." He retorted, kissing the top of her head and cuddling with her on the couch as they shared their tea, the WWN playing softly in the background.
There was very little going on with them, and Ariella had work in the morning and I would be spending time relaxing for the day and working on building baby furniture.
Don't Talk About September (Estella, Bran, Kurt)
Author: Saffron
Date: 09-02-14 16:55
"Almost there," Estella says, watching out the window at the London skyline filling the view.
Brom von Roon presses against Estella to have his own look. She shoves back. "You're mashing me."
"Sorry," he, not the least bit apologetic.
Flopping back to his spot he looks to Bran. "Going out for seeker again come September?"
"I did pretty good so, yeah, I will."
Kurt asks, "You going to try for the team, Bram?"
"Yeah, definitely for beater but I'm thinking for seeker too."
Estella, who has come to the conclusion she prefers playing for fun without the competitiveness of the house teams, rolls her eyes at Bram. "Bran was picked over you last year. You think you'd be better than him this one?"
Bran does his own eye rolling. "I could have an off day, Estella." He doesn't want to boast he's practically assured of his spot back and then have a bad day or find out that Bram has improved a great deal come the next Quidditch trials.
Despite being a Ravenclaw, Bram von Roon having no idea of the meaning of humble or what it is to be diplomatic. He smirks at Estella. "I had an off day last September. I'll be sure to be on my game come this next one."
Estella makes eye contact with the only other girl currently in the train compartment, a nonverbal, "Boys!" passing between them.
As Kurt, Bran, and Bram talk about the open chaser position now that Alastor Jenkins has finished seventh year, Kurt trying to convince Bram that's his best option for making the team, the two girls begin gathering what few items they've had out and tidying up from the snacks shared on the long train ride in preparation of the Hogwarts Express pulling into Kings Cross Station. Wrapping a band around a deck of cards then sticking the cards into her bag, Estella wishes the boys would stop talking about school and Quidditch in September when they've not even quite begun summer holiday.