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(Sydney, Australia) Happy Anniversary
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 01-12-11 16:40
Lawrence and Ariella had arrived in Sydney a couple of days ago and had been enjoying their trip, spending time with Lawrence's friends from when he had been a student at the school. They'd even met with Professors Teague and Young from the school for a few hours and talked about the match and that they indeed hoped that this became a repeat event, however, not every year, but often enough so that it allowed other schools to view the wizarding world from different locations.
However, New Years Eve had been a day that he had intended that they would be spending together without any interruptions from anyone else. They'd spent the day shopping and lounging on the beach, as it was much warmer here in Sydney than it is in the UK at this time of year - alternating seasons in the southern hemisphere had proven a perfect draw for them this year. However, this trip was not about the destination, it was about the event that had happened two years ago on this very date.
He'd had a table set up on the beach where the event had been held, and candlelight dinner was all set up as he led Ariella blindfolded over the sand. "Are we almsot there?" She asked as she nearly tripped over a clump of sand.
"Almost." He said with a mischevious grin that she couldn't see. Soon enough, she was settled in the chair and he stood behind her, and pulled the blindfold gently free from her eyes.
"Happy anniversary love." He said, pressing a kiss to her cheek, and drawing from his pocket a flat, velvet case and settling it upon the table above her head. He watched as she opened it, revealing the diamond and ruby tennis bracelet nestled in the inky black velvet of the box's interior.
She smiled brightly and lifted the bracelet from the velvet and he helped her put it on. They talked about a variety of things over their meal and soon retired to a blanket where there was a chilled bottle of champagne and two glasses. It was a warm evening and he intended for them to spend most if it beneath the stars, watching fireworks illuminate an already star filled sky.
A Birthday and a Death Day
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 01-13-11 18:42
New Year's Eve had turned into a bittersweet holiday for Lysander. It marked not only the death of his wife Chyler and their unborn child but also the birth of Charlotte, who turned five years old this year.
Earlier in the day, Lysander had hosted a birthday party for Charlotte and invited her friends from her class at Blossom's. Some hadn't come since they had gone out of town with their families for the holidays, but Charlotte nonetheless had a lovely time. Astrid had come up with the idea of having a princess theme for the party, which had been right up the alley of all the little girls in attendance.
For the party, Charlotte wore a pink, poofy dress and a tiara, both of which she hadn't taken off all day. Now, with it evening time, she sat in a heap of taffeta on the floor and played with the new doll she'd gotten from Grace. Every once in a while, she let out a very big yawn, but she was insistent that she would stay up till midnight like all the grownups.
Lysander very much doubted it.
He himself felt restless. He sat at the kitchen table, but then got up and paced to the door. He started to walk out onto the landing but stopped before he'd even opened the door.
All at once, he felt a light hand on his arm and turned to see Astrid looking at him questioningly.
"What's wrong?" she asked quietly, so as not to worry Charlotte.
Lysander opened his mouth and then closed it. He and Astrid had a good relationship, and she knew how he felt––still felt––about Chyler, even after eight years.
He slowly turned to look at her and said, "Every year on this day I slip out and go to the cemetery. I know she hasn't been there in years, but I go there anyway because that's where I buried her."
Astrid's gentle touch on his arm turned into an embrace. "You should go, then. I'll keep an eye on Charlotte while you're gone."
"You sure?"
"Yes, go." Astrid pulled away and smiled at him. "Tell my cousin I said hello and that I miss her."
Lysander nodded. "I will."
He went to the closet to get his coat. While he wrapped a scarf around his neck, Charlotte looked up from her doll and asked, "Where are you going?"
"Just out for a little walk," Lysander answered, when he turned around and pulled on his gloves.
"Can I come?"
Before Lysander could answer, Charlotte yawned a giant yawn.
"Not tonight." He went to her, knelt, and kissed the top of her head. "I won't be gone long, and then I'll tuck you into bed, okay?"
"Not until after midnight."
"Sure."
Lysander smiled at her and got up, guessing she'd probably fall asleep before he got back, even though he didn't plan on being out in the cold for very long. He pecked Astrid on the cheek and then stepped outside onto the landing to his flat. The stairs were a bit icy, but Lysander navigated them easily enough and soon made his way to the cemetery and to Chyler's headstone.
New Year's Eve Party
Author: Plum
Date: 01-14-11 17:48
Sipping from a glass of refreshingly fruity sangria and reaching for a crab puff from the plate Anthony and she are sharing, Plum enjoys the music as she takes a quiet moment to people watch. This last week has been so busy it's nice to take a moment to just sit back like this. After a very exuberant yes to Anthony's asking Plum to marry him, the couple had taken advantage of Alex being asleep. The rest of Christmas Eve and Christmas day had been spent with a quick visit with Evan, time with the Becks, Dewhursts, and Diamonds, and celebrating Alex's fourth birthday. There'd been work with Plum going twice to Vancouver, Canada and once to Mexico City, Mexico. There have also been tons of congratulations on their engagement and almost as many, "When's the wedding?" questions.
Popping another crab puff in her mouth, Plum thinks that all in all it's been a very good end to 2004.
Anthony and Plum haven't picked a date yet though have discussed it. No matter when it is Plum knows she wants Alanna, Ariella, and Kordelia as bridesmaids. Maybe Ophelia as well. The Reese-Emersons have already offered their home and grounds as a location and Phin's mum has offered up the restaurant and said she'd work a very good deal for the catering if Anthony and Plum want to go with the Crown & Cauldron for the food.
Anthony slips into the seat next to Plum, grabbing a bite of food from the plate before leaning over to her. "Almost midnight. Dance with me?"
"Love to," Plum says with a smile, taking Anthony's offered hand.
The song is a slow one so as midnight approaches Plum is happy snug in Anthony's arms, thinking what a lovely way this is to welcome in 2005.
(Ariella) Snuggling
Author: Beck
Date: 01-14-11 17:49
Ariella snuggled against Lawrence on the comfy blanket he'd stretched over the sand. They sipped from their champagne flutes, even though it wasn't yet midnight, and watched the surf roll into shore. It was a lovely, romantic evening, and one Ariella was sure never to forget.
It was their second wedding anniversary, or as Ariella liked to think of it, their second second wedding anniversary. Their first second anniversary had been in October, marking their elopement. Tonight marked the anniversary of their wedding before family and friends.
This time, they were very much alone, and all the happier for it. Ariella loved her family and had enjoyed spending Christmas with them, but she was glad to have quality alone time with her husband too. And even though they had their own quarters at Hogwarts, sometimes it felt like they weren't ever really alone. Australia was an escape from reality.
The diamonds and rubies on Ariella's new tennis bracelet glinted in the moonlight. She held her wrist this way and that, admiring the twinkling colors.
"It's really too much, you know," she murmured to her husband, unable to hide her smile, however.
"Nothing's ever too much for you," Lawrence replied seriously.
"Still, for a second annivesary you're supposed to give something made out of cotton. Gold and jewels don't come till much, much later."
"I guess I missed the memo," he joked.
Ariella laughed. "Well, I can't say that I'm complaining. It really is beautiful."
"Looks good on you too."
She settled back against his shoulder and took a sip of champagne. It was the perfect night to celebrate not only their wedding anniversary but also the end of one year and the start of another.
Ariella and Lawrence didn't have to wait long for the countdown to midnight to begin. As the fireworks exploded overhead, they kissed and clinked their glasses together in celebration.