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They Are So In Trouble
Author: Bridgette Phillips
Date: 05-10-12 18:00
Bridgette couldn't believe her eyes as she looked upon the three forms of the twins Court, Meg and their sister Aly. "Unbelievable!" She ranted, gaining the looks from her husband John who was walking right beside her.
"What is it?" He asked. He was beginning to grow a bit scared as he did any time she got angry. And when she was angry, she turned into a whole other person.
"Look who is walking down the street."
John followed where her finger pointed him and his eyes grew wide. "Oh no," he said. He had worry in his tone and rightly so since Bridgette was firm about education and didn't like it when students disobeyed the rules. So he was worried more for their nieces than anyone else.
"The bloody hell are you three doing out of Hogwarts?!?" Bridgette demanded, screaming at them from the other side of the street.
Instantly each of their faces turned bright pink. When Bridgette reached them, she placed her hands firmly on her hips and looked down at them with the same stern look for the same amount of time.
It was rare when anyone saw her in such a mood and when she let it out, she was quite the monster. None of the girls responded to her question and that made it all the worse for her.
"You all are lucky that your parents didn't come this year for parents weekend!" She warned. "Come, I am personally escorting you back to the school."
Meg looked up at her and begged her to not since she knew that if their ever-loving Aunt Bridgette did so then they would be in for a lot of public embarrassment. She would probably petition the school to have higher restrictions on the students sneaking out.
They began to walk in the direction of Hogwarts and Bridgette whispered to Aly, "I am so disappointed in you."
Aly was the good one of the three. Well at least she was supposed to be the good one as that was what everyone else thought. To see Aly disobeying the rules truly came as a shock to Bridgette.
Sighing after she made sure they returned to Hogwarts, she returned to Hogsmeade and walked to the Phillips family's newest home.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 05-11-12 10:35
Professor McGonagall walked Mr. and Mrs. Flanders to her classroom door. Their daughter Matilda followed, looking immensely relieved to have reached the end of her parents' meeting with her Transfiguration teacher. Professor McGonagall was hard on her students, but only because she wanted them to do well in her class and on the very important end of year exams.
Matilda was in her seventh year and would soon be taking the N.E.W.T.s. She didn't yet have that frazzled look that some of the seventh years exhibited as the end of the school year neared. It was somewhat early, yet, being only the middle of February.
"Thank you, Professor," Mr. Flanders said, shaking Minerva's hand.
"You're quite welcome," she replied. "I would not have selected your daughter for my N.E.W.T. class, had I not thought she could handle the work load and subject matter."
At that, Matilda smiled a little. "Bye, Professor," she said, and then she slipped out into hallway with her parents.
Professor McGonagall stood in the doorway for a minute to see them off and then caught sight of her great nephew bounding down the hallway in her direction. He was beaming from ear to ear.
"Hi!" he greeted quite enthusiastically.
"Hello, Madoc," Minerva replied with a kind smile. She looked up and saw his parents and younger brother Malden approaching at a much slower pace. Menelaus was no where in sight.
"Is it just the immediately family today?" she asked him.
Madoc nodded. "Granddad didn't want to come. I invited him, but he begged off for some reason."
Although they weren't exactly estranged anymore, Minerva suspected she knew what kept Menelaus away from Hogwarts today. She asked Madoc, "Have you talked to all your teachers yet?"
"Not yet. We were in the "neighborhood" and thought we would visit you, even if you aren't my professor."
"How nice of you." She looked up and greeted the others who had finally reached them. "Would you all like to sit down in the classroom for a while? I don't seem to have anyone else waiting just yet."
Madoc, Malden and his parents Myron and Cate entered the Transfiguration classroom and sat down at desks in the front row. Madoc wasn't a particularly shy boy and could really talk when he got started, so he did most of the speaking during the family meeting. He spoke about what they had all seen and done so far and what they planned on doing next.
When Malden could finally get a word in edgewise, he lamented, "I wish I could go to Hogwarts."
"You will next year," his mother told him, ruffling the hair on his head.
"I wish I could have gone to Hogwarts," Myron echoed. He had been homeschooled by his father, who didn't want his son to know Minerva.
Everybody couldn't help but laugh or smile at that statement.
"I'm afraid Hogwarts doesn't offer continuing education classes," Minerva told him.
"Too bad!" Myron exclaimed. He turned to Madoc. "Shall we press on? We still haven't spoken to half your instructors."
"Okay," Madoc said, getting to his feet. "Maybe we'll see you at supper?" he said to his great aunt.
"I will be there," she told him. She said goodbye to the others and watched them mosey down the hall to whatever destination came next. Soon enough, another student of hers arrived with family in tow.
(Mark) Lies I Tell My Parents
Author: Isolde
Date: 05-11-12 12:28
The downside to having his parents visit meant that Mark had to pretend that he and Kate weren't dating. He couldn't even associate with her, or risk getting lectured and quite probably humiliated in front of his peers by his parents. Mark felt badly about avoiding and ignoring Kate, but she had assured him this morning at breakfast that she understood.
Sometimes Mark thought that he should stand up to his parents, but the fact that he still lived under their roof (when he wasn't at Hogwarts, of course) and that he wasn't legally old enough to live his life as he pleased made him hesitant to challenge their authority. Still, he wished it didn't matter to them that Kate wasn't pureblood or a Slytherin. He wished that they could change the way he had changed.
A few years ago he'd been just like them: arrogant and prejudiced. He'd not been kind to Kate and had also been somewhat rotten to his best friend Gus. If he hadn't become a little more open-minded, then he would have never started dating Kate, and then he never would have realized how much she would come to mean to him. He couldn't imagine not being with her now.
He and his parents were strolling across the grounds, sticking to the sunnier areas where it was more pleasant than in the shade.
"I hope you have started preparing for the OWL exams," Mr. Farnon said.
When he didn't get a reply, he tapped Mark on the shoulder.
"Hmm?" Mark asked, slowing his walking to a gradual stop. "Did you say something?"
"Where's your head?" Mr. Farnon asked him. "Have you heard a word we've been saying since we came out here?"
Mark hadn't. Not really. He shrugged. "Sure. OWLs, right? I can't say I've been studying exactly, but I've been making sure my notes are extra precise and will be useful when I do actually begin my preparations for the exams."
"Just don't let time run away with you. June will be here before you know it."
"I know, Father. I know." His eyes grazed over the other witches and wizards scattered about the grounds. Then he saw Kate with her father. His gaze lingered on them for a moment too long.
"I thought she was out of the picture," Mrs. Farnon stated with exasperation evident in her voice.
"She is," Mark said, tearing his eyes from the Dewhursts to look his mother in the face.
"Why don't I believe you?" she asked him.
"He was just looking, dear," Mr. Farnon assured her. "Weren't you, Mark? Just looking. Nothing else?"
Mark hated this conversation. "Yes," he answered simply.
"Yes, what?" Mrs. Farnon asked. "I should ask Azaelia. She could probably tell me the truth."
"Don't be silly, darling. Mark doesn't go to the library, does he? Why would Azaelia know anything about his love life?"
"Can we just go? We haven't been to see Professor Masterson yet," Mark said, and he started in the direction of the greenhouses.
As he walked, he quickly flicked his gaze at Kate and Will Dewhurst, but they were already on the move towards the castle entrance and hadn't taken any notice of him. Feeling temporary relief, he turned to make sure his parents were following him. He allowed them to catch up and then led them to the greenhouses.
(Aralyn & Kristos) Memory
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 05-11-12 14:34
Just when he thought she wouldn't show up, Aralyn walked into The Hog's Head and found her brother in the corner, where he nursed a stiff drink.
"You look like hell," she said to him. She put a little beaded bag onto the table and sat down across from him.
The scowl Kristos wore only deepened. "Thanks," he muttered gruffly.
"So, what did you want to tell me?" Aralyn asked. She flagged the barman for a drink to match the one Kristos had and then turned back to her brother expectantly.
For a long minute, Kristos didn't say anything. He was unsure how to broach the subject, because it was something that would impact Aralyn in a significant way.
His sessions with Maricela Weymouth had yielded astonishing information––information he had yet to fully process.
"Oh, come on, Kristos. Tell me why you had me leave rehearsal to meet you here."
Kristos quirked an eyebrow. "Strippers actually rehearse?"
Aralyn wished she had her drink already so that she could throw it into her brother's face. She shot him an annoyed look. "Well?"
Her brother's face grew more serious and he fell silent again. He could hear boisterous voices outside the pub's window. Crowds of witches and wizards had flocked to the village for Parents Weekend at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Aralyn received her drink and leaned back in her chair, holding the glass between her fingers. "I've never seen you at such a loss for words. Is it a girl? Have you finally found the one?"
Kristos ignored his sister and ran his fingers along the uneven grain of the table top. "Aralyn, I found out something that you are not going to want to hear."
The grin faded from Aralyn's face. She leaned forward and put down her glass. "What is it?"
"You know how I finagled my way into another memory study at St. Mungo's?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, I uncovered something serious."
"What, Kristos? Stop beating around the bush and just tell me already."
Kristos breathed a deep sigh. "Our parents are dead, Aralyn. That couple living in our parents' home in Ashton-Hotwell are not who we think they are."
Aralyn opened and closed her mouth a few times. "That's not funny, Kristos."
"Do you see me laughing?" Kristos countered. "I'm being completely honest with you. I remember their deaths, Aralyn. I remember everything that happened. I remember how you and I felt after they died. I remember everything, Aralyn."
Aralyn shook her head. "I don't remember any of that."
"That's because somebody––probably those people posing as our parents––tampered with your mind too. The question is why."
Aralyn looked torn between emotions. Her memories said that her parents were still alive, but she believed Kristos. The way he looked at her now, the way he sounded when he spoke was proof enough that something wasn't right in Ashton-Hotwell.
"If our real parents are dead, then who are those people pretending to be them?" she asked him in a small voice.
Kristos shook his head. "I don't know, Aralyn, but I'm going to damn well find out."
Time To Be Honest (Catriona)
Author: Fionna
Date: 05-11-12 14:56
Returning to the castle from visiting the greenhouses, Catriona asks her parents, hoping they finally wish to eat lunch. "Where to now?"
"I'm ready to eat. What about you, Blair?"
"I am rather hungry."
Cat leads the way into the Great Hall where instead of a regular period for lunch, it's been somewhat extended today. "Here or do you want to fill one of the baskets and find somewhere else to eat?"
"Here's fine, Catty honey." Hamish looks to his ex-wife. "Unless you prefer picnicking."
"No, here's good."
Blair and Hamish follow Cat to the Ravenclaw table, taking seats to either side of her. Cat's in the process of taking a bite of a warm toasted cheesy sandwich when her father puts voice to something she'd been thinking since her parents arrived. "I know you probably don't want to hear it, Blair, but I can't say I'm sorry Willem has the flu. Today has been far more enjoyable than it he'd been along."
Although it is a thought she's had several times through the day, Cat still can't believe her dad said something like that without being provoked. She tenses for what's sure to be her mum's angry retort in defense of Willem. Blair's response is definitely not what she expects.
"It has been, hasn't it? Not having to listen to Willem and you bickering. Not having to listen to him make cutting comments to Cat or about Leslie. I don't miss that at all."
Hamish leans forward, the better to eyeball Blair. "I think I heard you wrong."
"You didn't." Blair deeply inhales then slowly lets the breath out in a rush. "Time to be honest with you, Catriona. You get to hear this, Hamish, simply because you're here. I have no idea if Willem is ill or not. I've left him and have already spoken with a solicitor to start divorce proceedings."
Cat turns wide eyes to her mother. "Wow. I'm sorry. No, I have to be honest too. I'm not sorry. I've come to seriously detest Willem."
Reaching for a second sandwich Hamish very matter of factly states, "I never could stand the man myself."
"I had not wanted another failed marriage but Willem simply is not the man I thought he was. He always did have a controlling streak but it wasn't all that bad and I was able to manage well enough. Willem has become increasingly worse with the verbal and emotional abuse. I knew it was time to end things two weeks ago when he slapped me."
Hamish's face darkens. "That SOB hit you? I'm going to have a word with the bastard."
Blair reaches in behind Cat to grab Hamish by the arm. "You are not to do anything. I kneed his privates and walked out. I went back with friends when he wasn't there to pack my things. I won't have this escalating, especially when you know he'd file charges against you, Ham, if you go see him."
"Why would Willem press charges if all Dad does is speak to him?" Cat asks, looking from one parent to the other.
"Your mum knows I wouldn't leave it with just words."
"Oh."
Blair squeezes Hamish's arm. "Promise me."
"All right, fine. I promise I won't touch that rat."
Blair releases his arm, turning her attention back to her lunch. "We've not seen your friend Christopher or his parents so far today, Cat. If they're here, we really should say hello."
The subject changed for the moment, Cat looks around the Great Hall for signs of the Chants. Spotting them coming into the room, she stands and waves, getting Christopher's attention.
Weekend with the Marks
Author: Rylee
Date: 05-11-12 15:44
Elizabeth Higgensworth-Marks and Matthew Marks had arrived promptly at the start of the parent's weekend event, which means that they'd had breakfast at the Imperial Crown and Cauldron this morning before coming to the castle to meet with their youngest daughter.
At the moment, they were heading to speak with Professor Davyd who taught History of Magic. They'd already spoken to Professors McGonagall, Weasely and then were heading to the Astronomy tower after speaking with Professor Davyd. This was the second or third Parents Weekend that the Marks' have been to, since their two oldest are attending universities in the United States.
"Are things better than the last time we were here to visit you?" her mother asked, as they headed up the stairs toward the classroom.
"Yes, and I have even been spending time with my roommates and making friends. I'd even had a date to the Valentine's Banquet not too long ago." She said proudly, and offered her parents a bit of a smile. "It has been rough, and I've decided that I have no intention of changing how I act, I am finally comfortable with who I am, or rather I am getting there."
Elizabeth smiled and hugged her daughter lightly before they ventured into the classroom to speak with Professor Davyd. They took a look around the classroom while another set of parents for a student that Rylee didn't know spoke with Professor Davyd.
They spoke with Professor Davyd and got some information concerning Rylee and the assignments and the like and updates on Rylee's progress, as well as thanking her for the advice given to their daughter when she needed it they headed out of the classroom and headed to the Astronomy tower, but instead made a diversion toward the Great Hall to grab something for lunch.
"Oh! I'd almost forgot Rylee, I'd gotten you something from my last trip to California. Something from a new designer that I'd met at a fashion show." Her mother said, sliding her a flat, glossy box tied with a silver and green ribbon.
"Thanks Mum, I will open it later. I will go put this away and then meet you at the greenhouses while you go talk to Professor Ravenscroft, and then we will head up to the Astronomy tower." That said, after lunch Rylee went to go put the box away while her parents headed out to the greenhouses to speak with their daughter's herbology professor.
The Daft Demented One
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 05-11-12 16:46
My barmy as barmy ever there was little sister takes the stairs leading up to Arithmancy & Divination two at a time, ignoring the huffing and puffing admonition of our father to, "Slow down!"
Following the wheezing male who claims my paternity I point out, "It's Parents Weekend, not Demented Daughters Weekend."
Vati pauses, leaning heavily against the bannister, head turning to give me the evil eye. "I'm quite sure the owl we got about today specifically mentioned something about coming to visit our currently enrolled demented daughter."
I smile sweetly and slap a hand against my thigh. "Always the laugh riot, you are, Vati."
Mom narrows eyes at both of us. "Enough, you two." Much more loudly, all right, yells, she yells, "LIBERTY ANNETTE COPPERPOT IF YOU DO NOT SLOW DOWN AND WAIT FOR US, I AM TAKING SANDRA AWAY FOR A WEEK AND YOU GET NOT PUDDING WITH SUPPER!"
Libby not only slows down, she backtracks. "You can't have Sandra."
"Keep ignoring what your father and I tell you and you will find out that yes, I can and will take Sandra."
"Why do you still insist on calling that Merlin statue Sandra, Libs? It's a porcelain statue of an old man."
Libby grits her teeth, glaring down at me from her vantage point much further up the stairs. "Sandra is NOT an old man. Bad, cheeky monkey!"
These last words are spoken with a combination hiss and growl. How that is even possible I do not know. What I do know is Libby accompanies the name calling with flinging something at me. Something that stings. I suppose I should be thankful it is not poo being flung, something she did when younger, often not even her own but the cat's.
Vati acts before Mum does, quick to whip off a binding spell. Libby opens her mouth to scream her protests but Mum fixes that, while hurrying up the stairs. Reaching her mad in more ways than one younger daughter, Mum removes Sandra from Libby's clutches. In that low warning tone that mothers the world over magically gain knowledge of upon giving birth the first time Mum informs Libby, "If you wish to remain with us the rest of the day, you will behave, Liberty. If you cannot, I am taking you home where you will be restricted to your bedroom, from which I shall remove every toy you own. You will not attend Peter's birthday party tomorrow nor will you go to Liz's party next weekend. Do you understand?"
Libby's eyes are mere slits, her face contorted in anger but she nods, though very slowly. I swear I can smell the rapid turning of the gears in her brain. She will get us back somehow, somewhere. If this dafter than the daftest mad thing that ever lived seven year old is not Sorted into Slytherin, then I shall demand the Sorting Hat be checked for an illness or malfunction or whatever maladies it is that Sorting Hats suffer from. Thank Merlin, or would that be Sandra?, that I will be long removed from Hogwarts when Libby arrives for her first year.
Free again to move and speak, Libby waits until we've all passed her up before she resumes the trek up to the Arithmancy & Divination tower, going so slowly that Dad ends up turning around to impatiently implore, "Will you hurry up, Libby."
Based on the look she gives him, I may need to suggest that Mum and Vati move away, leaving Libby behind, and change their names from Connie and Bob. Or, now might be a good time to see about finally having the Daft Demented One spend a few days, or years, in a padded room at St. Mungo's.
Translations:
barmy = daft, insane, mad, i.e. Libbery Annette Copperpot
Vati = French for father, or maybe it's German, possibly Russian. Languages. They are all Greek to me.
Sandra = a somewhat dirty statue of Merlin wearing a wig made from yarn and an evening gown adapted from an actual doll