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Helping The Time Pass
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 03-15-11 22:19
As another apparition lesson got underway, I settled in a chair off to the side with a steaming cup of coffee, an eclair, and a book. I ate breakfast during service here in the Great Hall but for some reason I'm hungry again. I'm hoping the book will allow me to better ignore Wylkie Twycross's repitition of the three Ds. While I know it's important that he does drills in the lesson of destination, deliberation, and determination Twycross does seem to go overboard. At least after all these years of lessons the man still comes across as enthusiastic and interested in what he's doing. I can well imagine other people being so bored with it by now that they would ooze with the tediousness. Imagine how dull such lessons would be compared to these.
Today is also Parents Day and the Great Hall is decorated to relfect that fact. I'd noticed a few parents here earlier, having breakfast with their children. More arrived as the apparition lesson was getting underway. For the time being the Great Hall is closed to anyone not connected with the lesson so that the students enrolled have as few distractions as possible.
After the apparition lesson ends, I'll head the Muggle Studies classroom here in the castle then go back and forth between it and Cloud's Kiss whenever a parent wants to visit the classroom setting there. Saffron's going to be up in the Divination Tower for part of the day but she and I are also going to spend a little time with Deak. He said we didn't need to since we seem him daily and talk regularly with his teachers but we think it will be nice to have lunch with him as his parents and walk around a bit. Drake and Ophelia just before breakfast to pick up Niccola for the day.
A splinching of half a hand draws my attention. Putting the book down and careful not to knock over my coffee, I get up to assist. Once I'm back in my chair I see that more time has passed than I thought. I should have started bringing a book with me to the apparition lessons sooner.
Too Many Distractions
Author: Ella
Date: 03-16-11 19:41
Although Ella had yet to apparate completely since the start of the apparition lessons three weeks ago, she found she had made progress––until today. Today, she was simply too distracted to move forward, literally as well as figuritively. In fact, Ella was certain her lack of concentration had her progressing backwards.
The reason she was so distracted today was because it was Parent's Weekend. Both her parents were coming. Ella was glad her mother had agreed to come, despite the fact that the last time Rosemary had been at Hogwarts, she'd been close to tears the entire time. Ella wasn't pleased by her father's intentions to visit, though.
He had written earlier in the week, asking her why she hadn't thought to invite him and that he had made plans to come anyway. Ella had ignored the letter for days and only yesterday fired off a response. Her reason for not wanting him at Hogwarts should be obvious, considering how he'd treated her at Career Day.
Ella really wasn't looking forward to talking to him, and she didn't want to see her mother get hurt either. She wondered if she could keep them separated all day long.
"Miss Harville, this class is for learning the art of apparition, not daydreaming. If you cannot pay attention, then perhaps you should reconsider attending this class," Snape drawled after sidling up beside her during one of his rounds.
Having thoughts of her father in her mind had gotten her a bit angry, so she nearly gave Snape a retort that probably would have gotten her detention. She caught herself at the last second, however, and focused intently on the hoop in front of her.
The lesson was nearly over, at least. Then, she could put Wilkie Twycross, his three Ds, and Snape out of her mind for at least another week. Well, maybe not Snape, but the appariton lessons certainly!
Solo Parent
Author: Zabrynna
Date: 03-16-11 20:44
Even before Nolan Ravensdale have set foot on school grounds Zabrynna could tell from her vantage point just inside the main Hogwarts gate that her father was going to tell her that the divorce is a certainty. His tall body had a wilted look about it with stooped back and hunched shoulders. Based on what her father's told her so far and what Mariposa has said as well Zabrynna didn't have high hopes that her mother would finally see the light. She didn't have high hopes but she had had a little and now, even before her father has reached her, Zabrynna's feeling a little wilted now as well.
Still, when Nolan steps through the gate, manuevering around other students watching for their own parents to come up from Hogsmeade, Zabrynna is smiling and has her arms open to embrace him. With her face mashed against her father's chest Zabrynna's voice is muffled. "I'm glad you came, Dad."
"Wouldn't have missed it." Nolan drops a kiss on Zabrynna's head before ending the hug. Stepping back to look fully at her he grins, "You might change your mind about having me here once I've started making the rounds talking with all your professors."
"As they all should have good reports on my grades and conduct I don't mind at all that you talk to them. Just don't embarass me."
They slow stroll in the direction of the castle, Nolan still grinning. "So I shouldn't tell the story of when decided that a flower box in front of a shoppe in Diagon Alley was the perfect place to use the loo?"
"Dad! I was three!"
"That's a no then," Nolan chuckles.
"I told Mum four times I really had to go. It's not my fault she kept telling me 'just a second' now is it?"
"Do you really remember that or is it that you've just heard the story a few times over the years?"
"I remember bits of it though hearing the story more than a few times growing up did help the memory. One of the things that stands out strongest is how angry Mum got with me."
"That goes back to Margretta setting such store in appearances. You know, I tried getting her to come today. Mariposa tried talking with her as well."
"I won't lie and say I don't miss Mum. I sometimes think about what I could do to finally get her to forgive me."
"You shouldn't get hung up on that. Your mother shouldn't have shut you out as she has and for such a long time. I shudder to imagine how she'd be about what happened if it were common knowledge."
"Me too."
Nolan puts am arm around Zabrynna and gently squeezes. "If Margretta continues to be so blinded, then we do our best to continue forward. I know that's easier said than done but I don't want you wallowing in guilt and some need to win your mother's approval. That's no way to live. Now, change of subject. I'm a little chilled from the walk from the village. How about something hot to drink?"
"We'll go to the common commons first thing once inside the castle then."
"We didn't have a common commons when I attended Hogwarts. I wish we had. It's a good idea so I wonder why no one thought about it sooner, then again when I went here students were more divisive, particularly Slytherins."
"Some students still are but it's nothing like I've heard it used to be."
"I'm sorry I let your mother convince me that Durmstrang was a better fit for you. I admit that I can be narrow minded when it comes to certain issues. I should have listened better when you'd talk about how unhappy you were at Durmstrang. Even if we hadn't let you come to Hogwarts sooner, we could have sent you somewhere else."
Zabrynna shrugs. "If you hadn't let me come to Hogwarts, certain things wouldn't have happened and maybe you and Mum wouldn't be divorcing."
Nolan stops and pulls Zabrynna to him in another tight hug. "Don't you ever blame yourself for the divorce. If I'd not allowed Margretta to make a number of decisions without giving my own real input we probably would have divorced long ago. I love your mother deeply, Zabrynna, but that doesn't mean we make a good couple."
"Is that how it was with Mariposa's mum?"
"I loved her deeply as well but in a different way and we should never have gotten married. Don't get me wrong. I do not regret having Mariposa. I wouldn't change a thing if it meant losing either of you girls. That marriage was a case of being young and being in love with the idea of being married and having everyone else around us married or engaged. At the time it seemed like that what we were supposed to do. It didn't take us long afterwards to see that getting married as a mistake."
The short rest of the way to the castle doors is spent talking. Once inside, there are enough others around that they begin talking more about Zabrynna applying to St. Emrys and to some of the other wizarding universities that have sprung up around the world since St. Emrys was established.
(Mark) Halfway There
Author: Isolde
Date: 03-17-11 18:19
From the moment his parents had learned that there would be another Parents Weekend at Hogwarts, Mark had tried to persuade them not to come. His letters hadn't worked, however, and they had arrived promptly in the morning to see their son and meet his professors.
Mark wasn't worried that they would berate him for poor marks or bad conduct. He wasn't the best student in any of his classes, but he did all right (in his opinion, anyway). Although he didn't escape trouble every now and again, mostly, he behaved himself.
The reason Mark didn't want his family around was because of how they'd acted last year. His mother had actually accused him of being interested in Kate of all people, just because he happened to glance her way and Mrs. Farnon had noticed. The accusation had placed Mark in a very awkward position and had made his––friendship wasn't the word, but he didn't know what else to call it––with Kate uncomfortable at times.
He knew that if his parents saw him lay eyes on Kate, even for half a second, they would say something. Mark wouldn't be able to help feeling awkward around her in front of them, and it would show.
So, from the moment they showed up on campus, he did his best to avoid Kate. He'd managed it so far, but now his parents were growing hungry and had become interested in having lunch in the Great Hall.
Mark silently hoped that Kate wouldn't be there and led his parents into the dining chamber. He didn't even chance a look at the Hufflepuff table, but then again, maybe the students and their families weren't sitting at their own house tables, since some siblings were in different houses themselves and their parents might have been in completely different houses as well.
He led his parents to the Slytherin table and sat down where there were three empty spaces.
Eviene Farnon looked over the dishes spread across the table and remarked to her son, "We've met with many of your professors but we haven't seen any of your friends today."
"I suspect they are all showing their families around," Mark said.
"Even so, it would be nice to see what crowd you run with these days," Mrs. Farnon said.
"The same bunch as before, Mum. You remember Gus?"
"Isn't he one of those," and here she leaned over the table and whispered, "Nons?"
Mark tried not to look as mortified as he felt, but if the people sitting around them heard his mother, they didn't react. He tried to look nonchalant, but he didn't know how to answer. The fact was, the entire group he socialized with consisted of Nons. Slytherin Nons, and Kate.
Mark knew he was a snob, but he also knew he wasn't as bad as his parents, particularly his mother. He kept his gaze on his plate and murmured something unintelligible. How he wished that Parents Day would end already!
Winter Wonderland
Author: Jolyon
Date: 03-18-11 11:05
Although winter didn't seem anywhere near over yet, it was as nice a day as it could have been in the middle of February. Light snow drifted from the thick clouds overhead and made the landscape at Hogwarts truly look like a winter wonderland.
Jolyon had the stable doors open and had cast heating charms around the whole building so that guests could look around in comfort. He usually didn't bother for his classes, since he held all of them indoors during the winter. Today was a special occasion, however, and Jolyon wanted everything to be perfect.
Roaming the stable were some of the more friendly magical creatures, especially those found in wizarding homes and farms. The winged horses were in their stalls, their manes and coats brushed to perfection. The creatures were a hit with everyone, but especially the younger children who stopped by with their parents and older siblings.
Jolyon had just spoken with Wilbur Tremaine's family, who walked around the stable while Wilbur pointed out some of his favorite creatures. Movement at the stable entrance drew Jolyon's attention, but it wasn't a student or his or her family. It was his mother.
"Mum. What are you doing here?"
"I read in The Daily Prophet that it's Parents Weekend at Hogwarts. You didn't tell me."
Jolyon gave his mum a hug and said, "That's because it's the students who are showing their parents around, not the teachers! But I'm pleased you came. Where's Dad?"
"He's outside."
Jolyon was surprised the old man had even come, but lately, Emanuel Kent had been full of surprises. He'd paid back the money he owed Jolyon, plus interest, and had actually been completely civil with him.
"I would show you around, but I want to stay here for a while longer in case any other students stop by with their parents," Jolyon said. "How long do you plan on staying?"
"I thought as much," Bridget said, patting her son's cheek. "We don't want to bother you while you're working, but we thought we would visit anyway. Will you be free for supper?"
"Yes, of course. Why don't we all meet in the Great Hall later?"
"In the meantime, your father and I will run some errands in Hogsmeade. What time should we meet?"
Jolyon made a suggestion and then kissed his mother on the cheek, sending her on her way. Ivan Grimsby had just walked in with his parents, both of whom were very tall and skinny, just like he had become.
Jolyon smiled at them and welcomed them to the stable.
Meet the Parents
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 03-18-11 13:31
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Samson," Ethan said, shaking the hand of Boris Samson's mother. The second year student shook his professor's hand as well and then escorted his mother from the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
"So you can be polite."
Recognizing the voice, Ethan turned towards the doorway and saw Meadow O'Guinn enter the room. She was joined by her nephew Penn as well as a couple Ethan hadn't met.
"Miss O'Guinn," Ethan said, extended his hand to her. "I find it heartwarming that you have shown such an interest in Penn's education."
Meadow didn't accept his hand and instead introduced the couple. "This is my sister, Katelin, and my brother-in-law, Gerold. This is Professor Ethan Somerset, Penn's Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
Unlike Meadow, Katelin and Gerold did shake Ethan's hand.
He studied them curiously, though he tried not to let his interest show. They looked younger than he thought they should be, if they really had a grown up son with children of his own.
"Your son is a remarkable student," Ethan told them. "Easily one of the cleverest."
"He always had an interest in learning," Katelin Ellison fondly replied, "even before he could read."
Ethan couldn't help himself but ask, "Was your other son as studious as Penn?"
For a moment, Katelin and Gerold both looked confused but then Katelin said, "Robert was and still is a fool."
Ethan didn't know what to say to that. He glanced at Meadow who looked smug for some reason. He looked at Penn, who was studying his shoes.
"Well," Ethan said, in an attempt to lighten the mood and change the subject, "Penn is very well behaved. He's a pleasure to have in class."
"Wonderful," Meadow said, placing an arm around her sister's shoulders. "We have other teachers to meet. Come along, Penn."
Meadow steered her sister and brother-in-law from the room. Penn lingered a moment and then followed.
Ethan watched them go. What an odd family the Ellisons/O'Guinns were.
Running Out
Author: Ella
Date: 03-18-11 19:17
"Mum!"
Ella cut through the entrance hall and pulled open the front doors, which had just started to close behind her mother. The cold air felt like a slap in the face, but at least Ella still had her coat. They'd only just been to the greenhouses and hadn't yet gone up to Ella's dorm to set them aside.
"Mum! Wait!" Ella shouted, hurrying to catch up with her mum.
Snow flurries were drifting from the sky, and though it was only afternoon, the sun was setting. Soon it would be dark.
"Mum! Stop!" cried Ella.
Rosemary finally stopped and turned to face her daughter. Tears streaked her cheeks.
"I just can't do it anymore, Ella. Being around your father is insufferable, and that woman, that bitch, keeps looking at me like she's a queen and I'm nothing more than a bug she can squash. A bug she has squashed by stealing my husband away from me!"
Ella didn't dare point out that Dunstan and Rosemary were already separated when he met Delilah. She looked around to make sure no one had heard her mother say the B-word. She didn't care herself but a teacher or another parent might.
Unfortunately, when Dunstan arrived at Hogwarts that morning, he'd brought his pregnant second wife with him. It was bad enough that Rosemary and Dunstan would see each other today, but even worse with Delilah on the scene.
Ella hadn't wanted to see her father anyway, and she especially hadn't wanted to see Delilah, but she hadn't asked either to leave. Perhaps she should have right from the start.
"Mum. Please don't go. I'll ask Dad to leave."
Rosemary shook her head. "No, Ella. It's been a long day and the only thing I want is to go home. I wish you could come with me."
"I'll come home for Easter, I promise."
"Yes. That would be nice."
Rosemary sniffed. "You better go back in. Tell your father..." she trailed off as she lost her train of thought. "No, don't tell him anything. Goodbye, Ella. Until Easter, then."
Ella pulled her mother into a fierce hug. "Bye, Mum."
She let go and watched as her mother turned and continued down the path to Hogsmeade. Then, Ella turned and went back into the entrance hall.
"What was that all about?" Dunstan asked.
"Like you care," Ella bit out.
"Don't talk to your father like that," Delilah snapped.
Ella really wanted to punch the woman in the face but she restrained herself, if only because Snape had just walked into the room from the dungeons.
"We haven't talked to Professor McGonagall yet. Do you want to see the Transfiguration classroom?" Ella asked, changing the subject.
"Sure, Ella," Dunstan replied. "Lead the way."
Ella did, trying hard not to stomp up the stairs as she went.