|
|
More Photos
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 09-07-13 14:15
When an employee is out ill and no replacement is readily on hand, Briar is who generally ends up covering. She's been at the Flour Shoppe much of the day, but all in all she doesn't mind. With Grace in school and no other plans for a day she'd scheduled to be off, Briar was going to do nothing but sit at home. If she sat at home, she would most likely be moping, something she's done far too much of since Kristen Leach's unexpected death due to an aneurysm.
Though Kristen died from natural causes Briar easily recalls the older witch's fear of being murdered. She vividly remembers Kristen talking about other deaths thought to be associated with this shadowy figure Kellen Fitzmorris, a man few even have a memory of ever existing.
Briar has just taken two customers fresh from the oven ooey, gooey brownies when the door opens again. She turns to offer a greeting but seeing it's Matthew McQuillen, Kristen's son, she both greets him and goes over to meet him.
"Hello, Matthew. How are you and your family?"
Matthew gives Briar a quick hug. "We're holding up. My stepfather is still extremely depressed but we're seeing some improvement there day by day. I have no idea who you handled both your parents' deaths, and the manner in which they died, at such a young age. I'm an adult and there are days I haven't wanted to function."
Not wanting to get into her reaction to her parents bringing about their own deaths and by violent means, Briar hugs Matthew again. "I know it's not much but how about I send a chocolate cake home?"
Matthew smiles at that. "You know I never turn down free cake. I should. All the things you've sent I'm getting something of a gut." He emphasizes this with a pat to his stomach.
Briar moves away to go behind the counter, grabbing a cake box and telling Matthew she'd be right back. In the bakery's kitchen she carefully places a three layered chocolate almond cake into the box then returns to the front. Matthew has a box in hand, a much smaller box, which he places on the counter as she holds out the cake box to him.
"This is why I came by. I first went to Hogsmeade but they said you were here. We've finally started going through a few of Mum's things. This has your name on it. It's mostly photos."
Briar touches the box but doesn't open it. "Kristen had said she'd been going through pictures. She'd brought me some months ago. Photos of my parents. Thank you for bringing these."
"It's what Mum would have wanted. I should get going but perhaps we could have dinner one evening? Talk about old times."
"Yes, that would be nice."
"I'll owl you in a few days and we can firm up plans then. Thank you for the cake."
Briar sees Matthew out then returns to the counter where the box still sits, her fingers practically itching to go through its contents. If she were to open it now, however, she'd end up ignoring the work to be done and ignoring customers. She tucks the box away in the office then checks on one of the bakery's newest hires to see who she's getting on with decorating a birthday cake.
It's All In Your Head
Author: Jet
Date: 09-07-13 19:47
The room isn't overly expansive but it's a good size and very nicely appointed. There's a bay window with built in seat, an oversized lounge type chair that looks as though it would be perfect for settling in with a good book, an en-suite shower and water closet, and there is a queen sized half tester bed. The view from the bay window is of a well tended lawn with several trees, benches, flowers, and part of an herb garden is visible. A more than pleasant view from a comfortable room in soothing medium blues and pale yellows.
Jet simply has no memory of how he came to be here or of where here is. As the door is locked and seems to be solidly sturdy, he isn't able to go out and look around. None of the windows making up the bay will open and the panes are thick. Though he's on what looks to be three seems like three levels above the lawn, he did try breaking some of those panes. Absolutely nothing happened. Either the glass is much thicker than it appears or there's a charm of some sort in place. Most likely the latter.
He can't say he misses the quarter of Emerson's cellar where he'd been for Merlin knows how many months; however, Jet would like someone to come tell him what's going on. He could pound on the door. Yell. Stomp his feet. As unenergetic as he is, and with the way his head aches as it often has after Emerson has done whatever it is she's continued attempting all these months, he thinks he'll just kick back in that lounger and wait.
When someone does come Jet knows he's drifted off but whether it's been two minutes or two hours he can't say. The someone is Emerson but she's not alone. An older man is with her and the resemblance is enough for him to conclude he's Emerson's father. This supposition is confirmed when Emerson smiles at Jet rising from the lounger. "Good, you're awake. Dad, I'd like you to meet Jet Obsidian. Jet, this is my father, Alden Reed."
As Jet is certain that Emerson's name is not Emerson Reed, at least the surname portion, he doubts her father's name is actually Alden Reed. Or perhaps the Alden is authentic. He'd be shocked if he were to ever learn Reed is truly their last name.
Whatever the true names of Emerson and Alden, Jet makes no move to cross the floor to shake hands with the older wizard but he does speak. "I wish I could say it's nice to meet you, Mr. Reed."
A smile that reaches Alden Reed's eyes and thus seems genuine spreads across the man's lips. "Emerson has told me you come with a bit of, what's that word? Snark."
"Under the circumstances, can you blame me?"
"No, not at all. I'm actually rather impressed by how well you've held up. Emerson has finally decided to fully fill her mother and me in on what she's been up to with you." He affectionately drapes an arm around his daughter's shoulder's. "We are both jolly pleased with the strides our Emerson had made. Our already high standing within Cymdeithas y Sarff will rise because of the breakthrough she's made."
"Breakthrough?"
Emerson nods, a grin spreading. "I told you we were getting close. We finally got there."
"Got where exactly?"
Emerson rolls her eyes at Jet. "The key, of course."
"I keep telling you there is no key."
"Oh, but there is," Alden says somewhat condescendingly. "There is and you have it. Emerson has located it."
Emerson nods. "That last session I found it. I can't tell you how impatient I've been," a sidelong glance at her father, "we've been waiting for you to wake up."
Jet opens his arms in a gesture meant to encompass the room. "Why am I here and not back at wherever we've been?"
"I told you. I was working in secret. You were being so difficult about everything that some of the highest ranking Cymdeithas y Sarff members tried to replace me. That meant starting over and they chose that awful Marilee. I had to step in and do something."
"That still doesn't explain why I'm now here, wherever here is."
"With the breakthrough, I don't have to be as secretive."
Alden adds, "When Emerson told her mother and me what she's been doing and the excellent results, we suggested she bring you here. It's our country estate."
"Again, why? Why not Obliviate my memory and let me get back to my life?"
"We still need you," Emerson explains, "Mummy and Daddy thought that you'd recuperate better, and faster, here where you'd be more comfortable."
"Still need me? Why?"
Emerson rolls her eyes so hard Jet wouldn't be surprised if she pulled a muscle. "You are being so thick right now, Jet. We need you because you're the key. I broke through but I can't use it. It's all in your head and it appears that only you'll be able to use the information we need."
Theory of Muggle Studies
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 09-08-13 10:04
At long last, the final O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exam day had arrived, much to the jubilation of those students enrolled in Muggle Studies this school year. The group of students Ethan monitored as they wrote their Theory of Muggle Studies exam was much smaller than some of the other groups, but by no means insignificant. Plenty of fifth and seventh year students had selected Muggle Studies as one of their electives this year.
They sat at their individuals desks with their heads bent over their exam booklets, urgently writing out answers to the questions asked of them. The Theory of Muggle Studies exam had only just begun, leaving just under three hours for its completion. Lunch would follow, and then the students would take the practical Muggle Studies exam at Cloud's Kiss. After that, the fifth and seventh years could relax.
Ethan looked forward to the end of term. When Julian Valentine had first approached him about setting up play dates between the twins and Lilly, Ethan had been very interested. Other than a weekend get-together, Ethan had not had much time to coordinate play dates for Lilly. That would all change come summer. Ethan had no plans to do anything but spend time with his daughter.
He just hoped that Nero Noir stayed clear of his family. Other than the false sighting during the Spring Social, Ethan had not seen or heard from the dark wizard who had helped ruin his life all those years ago. He wasn't sure whether the silence was a good or bad thing. Was Nero plotting something, as he tended to do? Or had he given up on Ethan?
Somehow Ethan doubted it. He shuddered involuntarily. It wouldn't matter so much if Ethan wasn't responsible for anybody but himself, but he had Lilly in his life. What would happen if he wasn't around to care for her anymore?
A sudden thump captured his attention. One of the fifth years had crashed his head onto the desk, whether intentionally or accidentally, Ethan wasn't sure. The exam proctor hastily got up and crossed over to the student, laying a hand on his shoulder. The student appeared to be sound asleep. Ethan gently shook him awake, which took several moments. With a great yawn, the student opened his bleary eyes and then seemed to remember where he was and what he was supposed to be doing. He blinked rapidly in a futile attempt to wake up and then smiled sheepishly at Professor Somerset.
Ethan squeezed his shoulder and then returned to the front of the Great Hall, doubtful the student would make it through the next few hours without closing his eyes again.
Being Looked After
Author: Ella
Date: 09-08-13 14:45
"Ella? Ella, where are you? Oh, there you are."
Francis stepped out of the sliding glass door to the back patio, where Ella sat on a cushioned bench with a blanket draped over her legs and Toto in her lap. The dog lifted his head at the newcomer and then honed in on the paper bag he carried.
Ella stared out into the yard, her eyes following a yellow butterfly as it darted from blossom to blossom.
"I brought you lunch," Francis announced, when Ella didn't greet him. "Cream of chicken soup from the deli in Diagon Alley. There's also crusty bread."
Ella finally turned her head to look at Francis and murmured, "Thanks. I guess I am hungry."
He sat down next to her on the bench and reached into the paper sack, pulling out a piece of bread wrapped in paper and then a covered cup of soup. He handed the cup to Ella and then gave her a spoon.
Toto turned around in Ella's lap to inspect the soup, which had a very good smell. "No, Toto," she said to him, "this is not for you."
Toto whined and jumped off Ella's lap to chase after the butterfly in the garden.
"You didn't have to bring me lunch," Ella said to Francis. "I would have fixed something for myself eventually."
Francis wasn't so sure about that. Ever since discovering her pregnancy, Ella felt depressed. She sometimes skipped meals and often spent her time doing nothing at all but sitting and staring.
"Where's yours?" Ella asked, when she noticed that Francis had not brought something for himself to eat.
"I'll get something before I go back to the office," he said. "How are you feeling today?"
Ella swirled the spoon through her soup and shrugged. "Okay, I guess."
"Any morning sickness or discomfort?"
Ella shot him a look.
"Ella, you know I'm here for you. I'm going to help you get through this."
She swirled the soup some more and then set the cup aside, turning to Francis. "You can't really help me, though, can you? This is really happening. I'm having Zane's baby. That monster did this to me."
Francis frowned. "I know you didn't want this, and I hope to Merlin that Zane pays for what he did to you, not just this but all of it, but it's done and there's going to be a baby. We have to look out for it, Ella. It deserves our care."
"Maybe I don't want it. Maybe I don't like it now and won't like it after it's born."
"I know you don't want it, but I think you should give it a chance. It didn't ask to be born. It's as innocent as you are."
Ella picked up her soup again and ate several bites before answering, "We don't really know that, do we? 50% of its genes belong to an evil wizard."
"Yes, but the other half is all you. Let's keep our fingers crossed that your son or daughter take after you and not him."
Toto came bounded back and jumped into Francis's lap. The little dog eyed Ella's soup hungrily, but Ella didn't give into his puppy dog eyes. She scraped out the last bit of soup and then used the crusty bread to soak up the little that remained in the cup. She wouldn't admit it to Francis, but she was glad that he was looking out for her. She needed him more than he even knew.
Conducting Interviews
Author: Blossom
Date: 09-08-13 16:27
Blossom rubs a finger up and down the spot just in front of one ear. She has an urge to scratch her head, somewhat confused by this person sitting across the desk from her.
With Hogsmeade Primary Day doing well there is a need to fill more positions for the next school year as well as add staff at the day care and at the gaming center. Since 7 am, an early start to accommodate an applicant's current work schedule, Blossom has been conducting interviews.
The thirtyish woman sitting across from her now, one Constanza Ramaglia, has applied for a position here at the day care. Based on what little has been said so far in the interview, Blossom cannot even begin to understand why.
"You say you've had little experience around small children," Blossom states.
"Yes, that's correct."
"You've also said you don't particularly care for the infants and toddlers."
"I didn't put it quite like that but, yes, that's fairly correct."
"I'm somewhat confused as to why you would apply for a job here at the day care."
"My current job is ending soon and I need something that pays at least as well and provides a decent amount of time off."
"But you would be working with small children."
"I think I can tolerate it for a few hours a day."
"We aren't interested in anyone who merely tolerates the children."
"It's just letting them play and nap, isn't it? Feeding them from time to time."
"We are soooooo much more than that."
"Oh?" Constanza seems genuinely surprised.
"There is play and there are naps as well as meals but we there is a great deal more to each day than those three things. We provide a structured environment. We don't have lessons as older children do but we do teach. Depending on a child's age there is the learning of colors and shapes and letters and numbers. Even learning how to cut something out and use glue are teachable moments."
"Why would a child here need to learn to cut something out or to glue something? Once they know magic, they'll just use their wands for such things."
"And in the meantime? Or when at home from school and not meant to be using their magic? What of those who aren't good with certain spells? Not everyone is able to skillfully use a wand to cut out an intricate design."
"I never gave that sort of thing much thought. I had a nanny who did everything for me."
Blossom stands and extends a hand to Costanza. "Thank you for coming in but I'm not sure you are a good fit for us."
Constanza is slow to stand as well, slower still to accept Blossom's hand. "I'm curious now," she says. "Might I do a day or two of observation as my current schedule allows?"
Blossom takes a deep breath, thinking to say no and be done with Costanza Ramaglia. She surprises herself a little by saying instead, "Yes, I think we could arrange that. Owl me when you have a firm idea of a day to come in."
She sees Constanza out then motions to the next waiting applicant. "Abel Capper? For a position at the primary day, correct?"
"Yes," he nods, entering the office and taking a seat, a crisp copy of his CV in hand even though he'd provided one with the application.
Blossom shuts the door and takes her seat, glad there is only one more after this until after lunch because she's getting hungry.
(Diana) The Dream
Author: Diana Clarisse Thatcher
Date: 09-09-13 15:51
Diana was walking at the Great Hall hoping to meet her friend Galadriel. Then the surroundings began to change. It changed into the Forbidden Forest.
"What the heck is going on?" She said wondering. Then there's a boy and his back is turned.
"Diana!, Good to see you! " He said.
"Who are you?"
The boy turned so she could see him.
"Galadriel, your best friend!"
"Why and what are you doing here? Do you want to talk to me about something?"
"I need to kill you! Your blood is not pure! Your father married a muggle and that's a serious crime!"
"Galadriel! But you are a Gryffindor! You don't care about those things!"
He then slowly turned bigger and bigger and at last he became a dragon. When he was about to blow fire on her and got seriously burned, she woke up with a start.
The sun was already awakened from that horrible nightmare. She was still panting and catching her breath.
"Why would I have such a nightmare like that? What could it mean? Did it mean anything or is it just normal nightmare?"
"I'm too young to deal with purebloods and muggles anyway. Still that dream is scary!"
She got ready and put on her robes and went straight to the Great Hall. She had breakfast, simple bread, eggs, sausages and milk. Today is Friday she only have fitness and athletics.
She is happy that she only have one class today and she can rest.
After class she waited for Galadriel to tell him about her nightmare. Because she cannot concentrate on her class and still thinking about it. She waited at the Great Hall and Galadriel arrived.
"Hi Diana," he said beaming.
"Hi Galadriel."
She then told him everything. Also how she got really scared when he turned into a dragon.
"Don't worry, that's only a nightmare. They are not good things but they go away. Don't think about it too much. It doesn't mean anything." He said hugging her.
"Do you feel better?" He asked.
"So why are you still beaming?" Diana said.
"Oh, because I got the highest mark in Herbology today!" He said holding up the parchment.
"That's nice! Keep up the good work! I'm proud of you!" She hugged him back.
"I'm going to owl it to my parents. You want to come to the Common Room? So you can rest to?"
"Yes, count me in!"
"And Diana, maybe you have a nightmare because everyone else is studying for NEWT and OWL. Just a thought."
"Maybe you're right. Let's go to the Common Room." And away they went, Diana wanting to rest more than ever.
A Request
Author: Griet
Date: 09-09-13 17:22
Demeter's Diner was packed on Friday night. Griet and Tucker shared a table near the front door and attempted to talk about their respective days, but it was almost too noisy for conversation. The din rose and fell as groups who were louder or softer came and went as the evening progressed.
Griet had spent the day applying for a summer job. She had even applied at the diner. As nice as it sounded, she didn't think she should spend the summer doing nothing but lazing around her flat. Earning a little money would give her a sense of purpose and make her feel more independent. Her parents already paid the rent on her flat and other expenses relating to St. Emrys. It was high-time she started paying her own way.
She just wasn't sure anybody would want to hire a werewolf, even on a short-term basis. It wasn't something she even wanted to disclose about herself, even though she knew she would have to, given how she would have to take off around every full moon. Griet realized how much sense it made for Tucker to run his own business, because he could set his own hours and not worry about what others thought about his condition.
"I'm going to use the loo!" he practically shouted at her, after stuffing a handful of cheesy chips into his mouth and wiping his fingers on a paper napkin.
"Okay!"
Tucker got up and vanished down a short hallway to the restrooms. Griet, meanwhile, took a sip of her drink and then observed a familiar wizard enter the diner. It was Morgan, and he was with the same girl Griet had seen him with at Amarna all those months ago.
He spotted her just as soon as she'd seen him. Morgan said something to the girl, who nodded and went off in search of a free table. Then, Morgan approached Griet's table, which only took a few steps since it was very close to the front door.
"Griet," he said.
"Morgan," she replied. "Still with what's-her-name?"
"Kaya," he responded.
"I'm impressed, or should I be worried that she hasn't clued into the fact that you're a lazy brute?"
"People do change, you know," Morgan stated. "Take Clover, for instance."
Griet stiffened in her chair. "What about her?"
"She's unhappy that you keep shutting her out, Griet," Morgan answered. "She's trying really hard to be a good person and to win your forgiveness, but you won't give her a chance."
"How can I after what she did?"
"Are you really going to hold a grudge against someone who used to be your best friend for something she did as a minor, and something she did for you, I might add?"
"I didn't ask her to kill my sister!" Griet exclaimed. "Whatever problems Cornelia and I had back then, I never wanted her dead."
"And now you two are like peas in a pod. See, you and Cornelia have changed too. Don't you see, Griet? We're none of us the same people we were."
"How can you stand up for her when she couldn't even forgive you for what happened to Devon?" Griet asked. Clover had long held a grudge against Morgan for the accidental death of their sibling.
"She understands now. And it's all part of her rehabilitation. Forgive, forget, live and grow. I don't expect you two to become best friends again, but I wish you would at least be civil towards her. She needs it, Griet, from you especially. You were a big part of her life once upon a time."
"Morgan, I––"
"Is everything okay here?" Tucker asked, returning to the table. He looked between Morgan and Griet.
"Yes, it's fine," Griet said. To Morgan she added, "I can't make any promises, but I'll try not to lose my head everytime I see her."
"Thanks. Enjoy the rest of your night." Morgan left in search of Kaya.
Tucker reclaimed his seat and asked, "Do I even want to know what you talked about?"
Griet sighed and told him everything.
Furry Friends
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 09-09-13 19:12
"Thanks for helping out again, Coco."
"Happy to help, Rex."
For a few months now, as her schedule allows, Coco has been volunteering at a no kill shelter. She does whatever's needed though rarely has she assisted with any of the dogs or cats needing medical care. Until Coco can get the necessary papers through the Ministry that would satisfy Muggles of her veterinary capabilities, paperwork that has required Coco to take some additional courses to better allow her not to mess up in front of a Muggle by using Wizarding terms. For instance instead of suggesting surgery to help correct a broken bone, which is what a Muggle would expect, she said, "I'll administer a dose of canine SkeleGro." And, then being able to do the surgery as expected.
Coco stands up from where she'd been straightening a shelf someone else had bumped and knocked items over and off onto the floor but then didn't bother cleaning up. As Rex is still standing there she gives him a look that's an unspoken, "Yes?" wondering if he has something else he was wanting to say.
"Are you going to be able to come tomorrow?" Today and Saturday are all day, open adoption days with some of the cats and dogs out on display at a large nearby shoppe.
"I hope to come for two or three hours but I have some other things on my schedule I couldn't clear."
"Excellent. That's good. You have a magical touch with our four legged friends."
Coco has to suppress an amused snort at Rex's use of magical touch. He has no idea. The smile she gives is genuine. "I've always had a certain rapport."
A commotion from the back area where the larger cages are located draws their attention. Rex grimaces. "Zelda again."
Coco goes to calm the approximately one year old dog, an interesting mix of beagle, English bulldog, and Havanese. They know this from her original owner who was able to find a home for the others in Zelda's litter. The somewhat elderly woman found Zelda too energetic for her. She eventually found a home for the puppy but the people soon returned Zelda. That happened three more times before the woman brought Zelda to Furry Friends. With the rotating homes, the lack of the care and attention she needs, and feeling very unloved and insecure, Zelda went from simply being overly energetic to having issues, such as separation anxiety.
As Coco kneels by Zelda, speaking low into the dog's ear, soothing her, Rex states, "You seem to be the only one she responds so well with. I'm beginning to worry we'll never find her a home."
And that is how Zelda came to go home with Coco a short time later, much to the delight of Cash who loves his humans but another dog in the house is even better. Watching them cavort in the yard as Zelda explores her new surroundings, Coco comments to Papa Wal, "I'd find a Nutt worthy name for her if she hadn't already been through so much. She doesn't need the addition of learning a new name."
Papa Wal pats Coco on the shoulder. "Nothin' wrong wif tha name. Me fav-o-ite aunt were Zelda."
Coco laughs lightly, settling into one of the patio chairs, to enjoy watching Cash and Zelda play as Papa Wal regales her with stories of her great great Aunt Zelda.