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(Edgar) Relief
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 03-19-11 05:21
For Edgar it has been like a birthday gift to have his parents at Hogwarts for the parents’ day. His anniversary had been Thursday and it seemed like today he was celebrating it again with his parents.
Evelyn of course had managed to monopolize Albert and Yvonne’s attention. She would chose which teacher to visit next and what parts of the castle they should go. But Edgar did not mind, he had his little revenge when most of the teachers told that Evelyn should not talk too much with her friends doing classes and then said Edgar was a responsible boy, always eager to participate in classes and to help his classmates.
It was a bit strange to sit at the Slytherin table and have lunch there. But both his parents had studied in that house and Evelyn had conducted them directly to that table, ignoring her twin brother and the lion on his robes. Ed ate in silence, focusing his attention on his plate. He wondered when they would see the Gryffindor common room, or if his parents would actually be interested on that at all. They seemed very excited when they went to the dungeons and checked the Slytherin common room recalling the good moments they spent there.
“You didn’t eat any desert Edgar. Are you feeling sick?” His mother asked worried.
“I’m not really hungry, that’s all. I ate too much at breakfast.” Ed justified himself. His mother did not insist anymore.
After the meal the Steeles went to check the greenhouses. After a brief talk with Professor Ravenscroft they decided to go back inside because Yvonne claimed it was cold outside and she didn’t want to catch a cold.
“I thought I saw a fireplace at that room you called the common commons. Perhaps you could take me there Edgar. Albert, why don't you go with Evelyn and check the Defense Against the Dark Arts’ classroom? Maybe Professor Somerset is free to have a chat now.”
Albert nodded and he left with Evelyn.
Once they arrived to the common commons Yvonne did not move towards the fireplace but to a sofa. She sat and made a sign for Edgar to join her.
“We need to talk, Edgar. I have been watching you and I believe you’ve been a bit down lately.“
“I have the right to be down. I disappointed you and father by not being sorted into Slytherin.”
Suddenly Yvonne started to laugh relief. Edgar looked at her astonished not understanding his mother’s reaction.
“Oh I thought this was something much more serious, I was so worried.” Yvonne Steele hugged her son. “Your father and I aren’t disappointed with you. Actually we were suspecting something like this would happen. “
“What? I thought you always wanted to see me in Slytherin, and that now you were sad I ended up at Gryffindor.”
“I never said I wanted you to be in Slytherin. I said it would be nice if you did so. But Gryffindor suits you well. I should have seen it before.”
Edgar looked to his mother incredulous and Yvonne explained herself:
“Your sister had always tried to tyrannize you, one way or another. And you always stood against her. It takes courage to say ‘no’ to Evelyn. And I also noticed how you always tended to protect her, even when she doesn’t notice that. “ Yvonne smiled and Ed smiled back at her.
Somehow things made sense now and Edgar felt a huge relief to know his parents weren’t mad at him because he ended up at Gryffindor. They were actually proud since he was reveling himself a good student and a good colleague to his classmates, like all the teachers informed them.
Parents Weekend
Author: Illyria
Date: 03-19-11 11:56
Illyria glanced at the watch on her wrist. It was nearing the end of the day, but Parents Weekend wasn't quite over just yet. She'd spent most of the day in her classroom, with occasional trips up to the observation deck and to the Great Hall or Commons for something to eat.
She liked Parents Weekend, because it gave her a chance to meet her students' parents, whom she might otherwise never get to meet. Back when she'd been a student at Hogwarts, interaction between the professors and parents had seemed nonexistant, other than through occasional letters.
She supposed as a student she might not have minded keeping her parents and teachers apart, not that she'd been a bad student. Arsinoe had been the absolute best, though, and a difficult person to follow. Illyria had only outshone her in one course, Astronomy.
Thinking about Arsinoe inevitably led her to think about her other sisters, and Olympia in particular. As Arsinoe and Erigone had done, Olympia had had her sisters draw straws to see who would be maid of honor in her wedding. This time Erigone drew the short straw. She was rather looking forward to being matron of honor and already had all sorts of ideas for a bachelorette party and bridal shower.
Illyria's thoughts of family were interrupted when Perla Moore came into the classroom with her dad.
"Dad, this is Professor Jones, my Astronomy teacher," Perla introduced.
"It's nice to meet you, Professor Jones," Mr. Moore said, shaking Illyria's hand.
"Likewise, Mr. Moore," Illyria replied with a smile. "Your daughter is a wonderful student. She is always punctual to class, has excellent attendance, and never forgets to submit her homework ontime. I've been very happy with her work so far."
"I'm glad to hear it. I worried she wouldn't do well since she went through a rough time after losing her mum at one of the communities."
Although it had been several years ago now and Illyria hadn't lost anybody herself, she understood completely how depressing recalling those dark times could be.
"She seems to be coping well," Illyria said. She hadn't even known that Perla had lost her mother. If Perla still grieved, she did it in private and didn't let it distract her from her studies.
Perla, beginning to feel uncomfortable from the direction the conversation had turned, seized her father by the hand and asked, "Can we go up to the top of the tower?"
"It's dark now, but the sky isn't clear so I'm not sure what you'll be able to see," Illyria answered, "but by all means, go. In fact, I'll come along with you."
Perla led the way out of the classroom and dragged her father upstairs to the observation deck. Illyria followed behind them and once there, pointed out some sights of interest.
(Kate) Father and Daughter Time
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 03-19-11 13:02
Will Dewhurst jumped at the chance to visit his daughter, since for most of the year, they were apart. When Parents Weekend came around, he arrived at Hogwarts bright and early––too early in Kate's opinion. She'd only just woken up when she'd gotten word that her father was at the castle.
The day had gone by quickly and in a blur. Kate had taken Will from classroom to classroom, where he'd met with every one of her professors. All of Kate's teachers seemed more or less pleased by her conduct and performance in class, which made the visit more of a happy one than one fraught with disappointments.
Will had been a decent student himself and while he had high expectations for Kate, he didn't push her to be the very best. He wasn't that sort of parent and was simply happy to have her be happy. Luckily, she was an easy-going sort of child and never gave him any sort of problems.
He worried that might change as she entered her teenage years. She didn't have a mother at home who could look after her and give her advice. Kate didn't seem to suffer without her mum in the picture, however.
The pair entered the Common Common Room, which hadn't existed when Will had gone to Hogwarts. They went up to the bar and ordered two butterbeers from the nice house-elf on duty.
"So, what do you think, Dad?"
"About what, Kate?" Will asked.
"About everything? About Hogwarts? About me? Are you happy with me?"
"You've given me no reason not to be," Will replied, "or is there something you're not telling me. You don't have a secret boyfriend, do you?"
Kate couldn't help but blush. "No. I have friends who are boys, but I don't have a so-called boyfriend. Not sure I want one either."
"That's a relief. You're my little girl, even though you are growing up, and I don't like the thought of boys taking advantage of you."
"Dad. Can we not talk about that now?" Kate said, looking around to see who was listening in on their conversation. She really didn't want to get the talk at school in front of her friends and classmates.
"I know you are responsible and trustworthy, but not all boys are."
"Daaaad. I know that, and you don't have to worry." Kate was desperate to change the subject. "What will you do tomorrow?"
"Probably run some errands and clean house. And you?"
"Homework. I haven't done anything I was assigned on Friday, so I will have to do that, especially since most everything is due on Monday."
"Try to have a bit of fun, too. Tomorrow's still the weekend, after all."
"I will," Kate promised. She smiled at her dad and took a sip of her butterbeer.
What Your Mouth (Etta)
Author: Jared
Date: 03-19-11 13:41
Scootching her chair over slightly to make a little extra room for Deak and his long legs, Etta accepts the mug of hot chocolate he hands her. She'd seen Deak a little earlier in the day but this is the first time since her parents arrived that he's actually joined them. Also joining Abigail, Gawain, and Etta are Edward and Faye Wynbourne. That of course means Basil too, who is now plopping down on Deak's other side, sloshing hot chocolate over the sides of his mug.
"Shit!"
Etta hides her grin as Aunt Faye and Uncle Edward both reprimand their son.
"Basil Rupert Wynbourne! Watch your mouth or you and I will be stepping out for a private chat!"
"You aren't too big to turn over my knee if you don't watch what you say, young man."
Etta wouldn't mind seeing Uncle Edward turning Basil over his knee and then having him hauled out, being embarassed in front of everyone here in the commons. In Etta's opinion, one of Basil's problems is that her aunt and uncle have been too lenient on him over the years. There's also the fact that Basil tends to do things that he won't get caught for or that look like someone else did.
Basil colors, but only slightly. "Sorry. The hot chocolate was just so much hotter than I was expecting."
He doesn't look or sound the least bit apologetic but Uncle Edward says, "Still, you should watch what you say in a room full of people like this," while Aunt Faye says, "Let me see. Is it bad?"
Etta's mum is the one on Basil's other side and Abigail is already examining his hand, telling the others, "A little scalded. I don't believe a potion or ointment is needed." She takes out her wand and taps the blotchy red spot on Basil's hand with it, saying a charm that Etta knows should lessen the sting.
The minor drama ended, Gawain looks to Deak. "Have you been having a good day, Deak?"
"It's been good. Aaron and Saffron both took breaks from their professor duties to do the parent thing with me."
"How long have they been your guardians?" Uncle Edward asks.
"I've lived with Aaron since my uncle and aunt were killed in that attack in Diagon Alley several years back and then Saffron when she and Aaron got married."
Etta explains further, "Deak's parents died when he was really young. His brother and he lived with their father's brother."
Abigail says, "You remember Will Bennett, Edward?"
"Yeah, I do. I have never made the connection to Deak. Sorry about that, Deak."
"No need to be."
Not wanting to dwell overly long on a topic that Deak might find uncomfortable, Faye looks to Gawain and asks, "How is Jared these days? Is he still dating Alanna?"
"Jared's fine. He's doing well at St. Emrys, has a part-time job now, and yes, he's still seeing Alanna."
Abigail laughs lightly, "I think it would take Alanna doing the breaking up to end things."
Basil rolls his eyes. "Still besotted with her, huh? Guess I can't blame him. Alanna Beck is a looker and she was a good Quidditch player."
"An excellent combination in a woman," Edward chuckles, eyes going both to Faye and Abigail, both attractive women who'd been considered lookers in their day and both had been a fair hand at Quidditch. "Throw in intelligence and you've got a real winner."
"Are you seeing anyone, Basil?" Abigail asks.
"I like to play the field."
"More like no one wants to be your steady," Etta mutters. Her eyes go wide when she realizes she said that aloud.
Deak can't help but grin at that but the grin quickly changes to a look of shock when Basil, who practically snarls, "Just because I'm picky doesn't mean I can't have my pick, unlike you who has to spread her legs in offer of a shag to keep someone like Deak hanging around."
Etta's face drains of color. She looks back and forth between Gawain and Abigail stuttering, "I haven't... I don't... We never... "
Deak's hands have gone up in an almost I surrender gesture as he too tries to assure Etta's parents, "All we've done is snog, I swear."
Meanwhile, Edward has risen so quickly he nearly knocks his chair over. Glowering he grabs Basil by the arm. "In the hall. Now!" he snaps as Faye practically hisses, "Apologize this instant! I won't have you being so commonly vulgar!"
Edward's already halfway to the door with Basil so Faye is the one saying, "I'm so sorry! We'll speak to him. He'll apologize to all of you for being so crude."
She hurries after her husband and son leaving the other three Wynbournes and Deak in a suddenly uncomfortable silence. This is broken when Abigail briskly says, "Deak, you'll excuse us why we speak with Etta in private."
Gawain and Abigail rise and start for the door. Etta gets up as well, whispering a quick, "I'm so sorry about this," to Deak and squeezing his shoulder before quickening her step to catch up with her parents. She can't say she's surprised really that Basil said what he did. He's a slimy worm. What he said isn't true but now that he's planted that seed of thought in her parents' minds, Etta wonders how long it's going to take to convince them she's never done anything like that with Deak or anyone else for that matter. Thought about it, sure, but never actually done it.
Stepping out of the commons, she follows her parents down the hall, as they search for a room where they can talk without being disturbed.
Memory Of An Old Prank
Author: Christopher Chant
Date: 03-19-11 15:32
Exiting the upper years History of Magic classroom, Candice Chant comments, "I know I've said it before but it's worth repeating: Professor Douglass is a vast improvement over Professor Binns. It was nice to be able to hold an actual conversation for longer than a minute."
"It wasn't so much that Binns can't carry on a conversation, it was more that he always seemed distracted and would keep offering up tidbits from his history lectures. I like history, just not on the manner Professor Binns delivers it."
Erasmus Chant stops walking about the same time as he stops talking. "Are we going in a particular direction?"
"Who haven't we spoken with, Cat?"
Christopher looks at his mother as he replies, "Defense Against the Dark Arts is all I think. That's Professor Isuki."
"Well let's get going then. The time alotted for Parents Day is nearly over. I wish we hadn't had that wedding today. We'd have come here this morning instead, met all your teachers at a more proper hour and been able to have lunch with you." Candice gestures down the hall. "Lead on to Professor Isuki."
"It's this way actually," Christopher grins.
As he leads his parents from Professor Douglass's second floor History of Magic classroom to the second floor Defense Against the Dark Arts obstacle course and practice rooms where Kissy Isuki had said she'd be for the afternoon, Christopher tells Candice and Erasmus all about how fun and interesting some aspects of DADA are because of the obstacle courses and dueling practice.
Erasmus interrupts with, "Isn't that Cat, Cat?"
Standing in the doorway to one of the obstacle course rooms is Catriona Amherst. He nods at his father, "Yeah, that's Cat."
Hearing the voices now she turns, a smile spreading across her lips at the sight of the Chants. "Hi! Mr. and Mrs. Chant, it's so nice to see you. You've met my dad, right?"
Hamish Amherst steps through to the corridor, hand already extended towards Erasmus. "Good to see you again. My girl's been showing me this wonderful practice room. I wish we'd had something like this when I metriculated here."
"I said much the same thing about the stables and indoor classroom for Care of Magical Creatures," Erasmus chuckles as he takes Hamish's hand.
Hamish greets Candice, also with a handshake before saying, "This is my first Parents Day. I've come for a few other events but this is my first time getting the grand tour."
"It's lovely you could make today then. I don't know about the kids but I enjoy getting to see them often through the term. I'm so glad Professor Dumbledore has opened the doors to us parents more often."
Cat and Christopher are both exchanging glances, each hoping not to be embarassed by a parent. He can't help but roll his eyes at what his mum's just said even if he does also like getting to see his parents more often. Still, before his mum says something overly gushy about getting to spend time with him today he decides to alter the course of the discussion. "What house were you in, Mr. Amherst?"
"Ravenclaw, same as Cat here. Her mum, on the other hand, was in Slytherin."
"I was Hufflepuff," Candice tells him, "but Erasmus was Ravenclaw. What year were you?"
As the adults discuss the years they were at Hogwarts, with Erasmus now veguely remembering Hamish who was already a seventh year when he was just a first year Hamish suddenly snaps his fingers. "I remember you now as well. You're the one who glued the robes of some of the Slytherin girls. That was classic."
Candice is giggling at that. "I had forgotten all about that, honey. At the time I wished I had thought to pull such a prank on those girls."
The three adults start laughing at the memory, Cat and Christopher exchanging puzzled glances. Christopher cuts into the middle of their sniggering to ask, "You glued the clothes of some girls, Dad?"
Erasmus, laughter still in his voice, nods. "I did. It's not something I'm proud to admit now but at the time I was more than happy to own up to it once found out and gladly did the two weeks worth of detention. It was worth it."
Hamish looks to Cat. "Your mum was one of the primary targets as I recall. Blair was outraged."
"Did you pick your targets, Dad, or was it random chance?"
"I picked them and for a reason."
Candice says, "It was a good reason, or seemed so at the time. There was this small group of upper class Slytherin girls who tormented first years with all sorts fo nasty tricks."
"They never seemed to get caught though," Hamish adds.
Erasmus nods in agreement with that statement. "Those few times they did, someone else ended up being blamed. Sometimes Peeves but sometimes another student. After they got me for a third time, I decided to get them back. It was wrong of me to take matters into my own hands, so don't either of you think I condone such action now. If I had really thought it through, I wouldn't have done what I did."
And what exactly was that," Cat asks.
"I won't say how I did it, but the end result was that those girls' robes were stuck in such a way that when they stood up from eating supper one night, the backs of their robes ripped right off."
"More than just their robes," Candice says, trying not to smirk in amusement at the memory. "Knickers were torn off as well."
"My mum's bum was flashed to everyone?" Cat asks, wide eyed.
"Sadly, yes," Hamish nods.
"That's sort of funny," Cat snickers.
Christopher finds himself laughing as well. The three adults start chuckling again at the memory, alternating between reminding the two teens they shouldn't pull such pranks and Hamish trying to get Erasmus to confess how exactly he'd pulled it off.