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Three Fus and One Blackwood
Author: Adina Blackwood
Date: 05-11-12 17:12
"Seriously wish my aunt hadn't had surgery this week. The timing really sucks." I said with a sigh, sliding a hand through my hair. We had a few moments while his parents were finishing up their conversation with Professor Weasley. I was merely tagging along for a little while before I decided to go plop myself down in the common common room for a little while and get some homework done to allow Arthur some much needed time with his folks.
Arthur slid his arm around my waist and tugged me to him. "I know it does and I was secretly hoping she'd bring more baklava with her," he said with an impish grin and I nudged him in the side.
"Always thinking with your stomach," I said with a laugh and gave him a peck on the cheek.
"He always has thought with his stomach. I don't think there is a time when he doesn't have food on the brain especially now that he's a teenager and hitting growth spurts." His mum said as they came over to join us.
Arthur blushed and flicked a glare toward his mum. "Hey, not my fault! I'm a growing boy."
"He usually is nibbling on some sweet or another sent by my mum or one of the deliveries from Briar's that are in the Commons throughout the day," I said with a grin at Arthur.
Mr. Fu chuckled. "I was the same way at his age, he'll grow out of it. Maybe."
We all chuckled at that and as we headed out into the hall I slipped from Arthur's side. "I'm going to go get some stuff done before joining you guys for dinner. Since I know Arthur has been looking forward to spending some time with you guys this weekend."
Arthur frowned and shook his head. "Nope, you are staying with us. You aren't allowed to go off and mope that your mum isn't here and your dad couldn't come over from Greece for whatever stupid reason."
"Arthur's right Adina, come with us. It will be a grand weekend." Mrs. Fu said with a bright smile.
I couldn't argue with them, and muttered that Arthur knew me too well, and he knew that I would mope about Mum not being here and Dad being too busy to come over for the weekend, finally I relented.
"Alright. Fine, you win!" I said with a laugh and linked my fingers with Arthur's as we headed toward the next classroom.
With the Parents
Author: Celeste Quigley
Date: 05-12-12 04:47
"Abigail has been making a lot of progresses at my class, Mrs. Tibbs," Celeste assured the preoccupied mother.
"She has been a bit nervous that is all. The pressure of the O.W.L.s…"
"The key is constant work, Mrs. Tibbs. I know your daughter will not leave everything to the last minute. She is very hard working and I am sure if she keeps her posture she will be successful."
"Thank you Professor Quigley."
Celeste gave Mrs. Tibbs a kind smile. Like her daughter she also seemed a nervous person. Celeste didn't have many reasons to complain about her students. Some were chatty and one or two got lazy at times with their star maps, but in general they were a good group.
After Abigail and her mother left, Geoffrey Ludlow entered the room with his parents and a little girl with braids that was probably his sister. Celeste invited the girl to play with a telescope and she let go a squeak of joy as she watched some families outside at the grounds having picnics.
"I can even see the smiles in their faces!" she had exclaimed.
As the girl had fun, Celeste spoke to Geoffrey's parents saying that their son should dedicate himself a little bit more during her classes. She had the impression he did not take her subject as serious as some others and she was preoccupied that would have consequences once the N.E.W.T. results arrived.
Geoffrey looked down at his shoes a little bit ashamed and Celeste knew he would probably be lectured once he left the Astronomy tower. Maybe he would even start disliking Celeste. But she didn't mind that. Better him not liking her and have a good mark than the contrary. Besides Severus was still the most unpopular teacher of this school.
It was hard to make Geoffrey's sister leave. Mr. Ludlow had to tell her they were going to have lunch soon and there would be ice-cream available. Celeste could not help to laugh to herself as she watched him bargaining with a little girl.
Halloway-Stone Gathering and Three Little Words
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 05-12-12 06:25
Currently Blake and Isma's parents sat talking over a picnic lunch - thankful that there was no additional snow today to make the day any colder or anything but the sunny weather that had been granted to them for this weekend Parent's visit.
"I am seriously glad that our parents get along." Isma said with a light sigh, leaning against Blake a bit more under the blanket they were snuggled under at the farther edge of the picnic blanket spread out on the grounds among the other families having a picnic. "Though, seriously I don't understand why a picnic and not in the Great Hall where it is warmer. If I end up catching cold again, I'm going to not be happy."
She'd already been out not too long ago with a cold, and was dreading missing more classes because of it. "I'm just glad I'm not in an O.W.L year yet, because that would drive me batty, though next year is going to be rough." Next year, what would be their fifth year will involve O.W.L.s, and both of them still slightly felt the twinge that if Minister Smythe-Jones hadn't come into power they would be gearing up for O.W.Ls in the coming months instead of having an additional year to prepare.
Blake squeezed her hand lightly. "Hey, don't start thinking about that place again. Not today. Today is a good day okay? Just be glad we are still here and things returned to normal." He said and brushed a kiss against her temple. "Also, remember that I love you..."
Isma blinked, turning her gaze to rest upon his features for a moment. That was the first time he'd said it, the first time that she'd heard those words from him. She'd not even had the courage to say them yet, and had even considered being the cheesy cliche and saying it on Valentine's Day, but hadn't. A smile curled upon her lips as she nuzzled into him a bit more. "I love you too Blake, and have seriously been waiting for the right moment to tell you." She murmured softly, quite glad that their parents hadn't heard the exchange just yet.
Blake smiled and tugged her closer to him and the pair simply enjoyed the sunny day for the remainder of the picnic be fore they packed things up and headed to the next set of Parent-Teacher conferences. Next inline for them after lunch would be Charms with Professor Fairchild, Care of Magical Creatures with Professor Kent (which they would probably do first since they were already outside), Herbology with Professor Ravnescroft (probably after CoMC), and then back inside for DADA with Professor Somerset and then finally Transfiguration with Professor Black.
(Adriana) Responsibilities
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 05-12-12 07:45
Adriana had seen a steady flood of visitors to her classroom since the start of Parents Weekend. The constant visitations kept her too busy to ponder on the visit she wished to make to the mainland. She had her itinerary fully planned, and this weekend would have been ideal for the trip, had it not been for Parents Weekend. Perhaps she could have made an excuse for leaving the castle, but she knew how important it was to save face. Better to do her job as required of her and leave her hobby for later.
"It was nice meeting you both," she said to the parents of Eilonwy Barrett. "Eilonwy is a great girl."
Adriana smiled at the third year Gryffindor student, who had long blonde hair and wide blue eyes. She took after her mother, who shared the same features.
The Barretts said their goodbyes and then moved aside so that Adriana could greet the Sluefoot family. Robin Sluefoot, a fourth year Ravenclaw, had dark red hair and always called to mind the Weasley family when Adriana looked upon him. She wondered if there was a family connection, but she did not even know if Robin was pureblood or Muggle-born.
"Hello, Robin," Adriana greeted.
"Hi, Professor Fairchild. These are my parents."
"How do you do?" Adriana shook the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Sluefoot.
Mr. and Mrs. Sluefoot had the same dark red hair as their son. Adriana briefly wondered if it was coincidence that husband and wife shared the same hair color or if they shared a relative somewhere down the line.
"Robin's a bright boy," she said to them, once the thought about inbreeding in wizarding families had passed. "He asks intelligent questions in class and catches on very quickly whenever we learn new spells."
They talked for quite some time, and then the Sluefoots prepared to take their leave so they could visit another one of Robin's teachers. Before they departed, Mrs. Sluefoot said, "My cousin Jimmy mentioned you and he are dating. I'm happy to see he's found someone as lovely as you. He's always had bad luck with women."
The smile on Adriana's face seemed frozen there. "Jimmy Kiddell is your cousin?"
"Yes, only my second cousin, but I do make a point of stopping by to say hello whenever I am in Diagon Alley," Mrs. Sluefoot said.
"I see, well… he is very nice." Too nice, Adriana thought in her head. And why did he say they were dating? She hadn't seen him since well before Valentine's Day and she never considered what they'd had an actual relationship. In fact, she had no more plans to see him.
Mrs. Sluefoot patted Adriana on the arm and said, "I'm glad we met. Have a lovely afternoon."
"Thank you. Goodbye. Goodbye, Robin."
"Bye, Professor Fairchild."
Adriana didn't want to acknowledge the next family just yet, but she didn't have a moment to collect her thoughts. Instead, she shelved them for later and put on a brand new smile for her newest visitors.
(Cornelia) All in the Family
Author: Griet
Date: 05-12-12 09:43
Cornelia walked ahead of her parents and sought out someplace to sit on the vast Hogwarts grounds. She had woken up with a slight sore throat and feared that she would only become sicker before she got better, but other than the discomfort she felt when she swallowed, Cornelia felt well enough not to stay cooped up in her dormitory room all day.
She found the perfect picnic place on a slight rise in the grounds with a view of the lake glistening in the sunlight before them. Cornelia spread out a green and silver checked blanket and sat down, waiting for somebody else to unpack the basket.
Her parents were the first to catch up, followed by Aleydis, Beatrix and Franciscus. Uncle Pieter, Paton, and Paton's mother Autumn trailed them in the distance.
"So what is Griet doing today?" Cornelia asked her parents, after they had settled down onto the blanket. She hadn't seen her sister since Christmas and had hardly corresponded with her since returning to Hogwarts in January.
"She said she had things to do today," Mrs. Vanderbilt replied as she unpacked the basket.
"She didn't specify what things?" Cornelia asked.
Catharina shook her head. "No. I suspect she is enjoying life after Hogwarts and didn't want to come today."
Cornelia frowned. She had really wanted to solicit Griet's advice about life after breaking up with a boyfriend, since that was something they both had in common. The only difference was that Gervaise had dumped Cornelia, whereas Griet had broken things off with Oberon.
Cornelia hadn't told her parents about what had happened at the Valentine's banquet, nor had any of her teachers brought up the incident. She was very thankful about that, since she really didn't want to get a lecture from her parents. By Howler was bad enough, but in person would be even worse. Especially on a day like today when privacy seemed virtually nonexistant.
Cornelia hadn't yet completed her detentions with Professor Fairchild. Detention was never fun, especially when it cut into Quidditch practice, but Cornelia couldn't complain too severely. Professor Fairchild had her doing clerical work for the most part, though occasionally Cornelia had to do some cleaning and straightening up.
Cornelia's younger siblings sat down and started taking food for themselves. Aleydis had probably received the most positive comments from her professors out of all of them, though none of the Vanderbilts had given their parents any real cause for concern.
A little while later, the others joined them on the blanket. Thankfully, it was very large and there was enough food to go around for everybody. Paton and Franciscus were like two peas in a pod, which seemed to make Uncle Pieter proud. It was fortunate that the two cousins were the same age and in the same Hogwarts House.
Cornelia didn't really feel like she knew her little cousin very well, but then she hardly ever talked to him.
"Well, how was the Valentine's banquet?" Mrs. Vanderbilt asked out of the blue. "I didn't hear if any of you had dates."
Cornelia exchanged a look with Aleydis, who developed a sly smile on her face. For a Hufflepuff, she could be quite mischievous when she wanted to be.
Before Aleydis could say anything, though in truth, Aleydis hadn't planned on outing Cornelia's troublesome behavior at all, Cornelia blurted out, "A Slytherin boy likes Aleydis, though I have no idea why."
"Really?" Mrs. Vanderbilt asked, suddenly interested. "Who is this boy?"
Aleydis rolled her eyes. "He wasn't my date. I didn't even have one. None of us did."
Franciscus and Paton pulled faces. They still thought girls had cooties.
"His name is Basil Wynbourne, and he's completely out of her league," Cornelia answered for Aleydis. "I think he's had too many head injuries from Quidditch," she added.
"Oh, look, there's Sadie and Ramona," Aleydis said quite loudly, in an effort to get the subject off of her and Basil. She waved at her cousins, who came trotting over with their own parents in tow.
Soon the picnic blanket became even more crowded, but there was still a place for everyone there.
Lost In Thought
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 05-12-12 09:53
"Here's where I have Transfiguration." The student's voice drifts in.
A woman's voice asks, "Are we in for any surprises this time?"
"No, Mum, I promise. And it was just the one time I forgot work in Herbology and Muggle Studies. I swear."
"We'll find out soon enough." This is said in a man's rich baritone.
Humbert Umberfield appears in the doorway, beseeching, "Professor Black! Please tell my parents I've not missed any Transfiguration assignments."
Sirius has risen and moved from behind his desk by this time, hand extended. Shaking the woman's hand first he assures, "Humbert always has his work for me and he's progressing along nicely, Mrs. Umberfield. Mr. Umberfield."
"He's always on time to class?"
"On time and prepared. He's only missed class once, last fall when he broke his ankle."
Satisfied that Humbert is not slacking on in Transfiguration, the Umberfields relax and the ensuing five minutes are filled with pleasant, chit chatty conversation. When they leave, Humbert turns and mouths, "Thank you," though no thanks were needed.
Alone again for the time being, Sirius goes to his desk where he rewarms a cup of coffee before dunking in an almond biscotti, his thought returning to a subject he'd dwelt on a great deal of late: Drucilla. His wife has been acting increasingly off. Jumpy, nervous, easily distracted. When Sirius has attempted to find out what's bothering Dru, she tells him it's nothing. At first, he has no reason not to believe her. She'd been pregnant and there are the twins. Then Zaria was born and though Sirius has always helped with the late night feedings and diaper changes, that does not compare to the energy drain put Dru. It's become increasingly difficult to accept her insistance that she's fine, there's nothing bothering her. but Sirius has no idea what to do about it.
Footsteps echo along the hallway, soon joined by voices. Sriius quickly chews the bite of almond biscotti he'd just taken, slipping a smile back on his face to greet whomever is drawing near.
Sharing A Very Tiny Moment (Etta & Basil)
Author: Jared
Date: 05-12-12 11:35
In the Great Hall for some refreshments, Abigail Wynbourne catches sight of Deacon Bennett walking towards the doors. "Etta, you never did say why you broke up with Deak."
Julietta pauses in mid-pour of a fragrant herbal tea, shoulders hitching slightly up. "I started seeing him as more of just a friend again."
Selecting a blackberry mini muffin from a platter, Gawain puts a small smear of butter over the top before peeling back the pale yellow wrapper. "I like Deak but I admit I wasn't overly upset when you two parted ways. You're too young to be dating long term and getting serious."
"Says you who started dating Mum when you were fourth years and who's never dating anyone else."
"You're my daughter. The situation is completely different."
Abigail smiles. "What your father means, Etta, is that people view their children differently than they view themselves at the same age. My father was every bit in favor of me dating someone other than Gawain. He didn't stop pushing me about that until I'd been gone from here for nearly two and a half years."
"For my sake, I'm glad you didn't listen to Grandad," Etta laughs. "You know, Dad, Jared takes after you. He's only ever had eyes for Alanna."
"Alanna's a very nice, well mannered girl from a good family. She's intelligent and pretty. He went for the whole package just like I did."
"You always say the sweet things."
Abigail leans over to give Gawain a quick kiss prompting Etta to snicker, "No making out in the Great Hall. I wouldn't want anyone to think my parents actually like each other."
"You heard your daughter. Stop that. You're setting a bad example for the rest of us."
"Just because my wife is all over me is no reason to be jealous," Gawain teases his brother.
"Sit with us, Edward. Lots of room. Where's Faye?" Abigail looks around for her sister-in-law.
"Powdering her nose though as she wasn't wearing any face powder today I don't know why she can't just say she needed to visit the ladies." Edward takes a seat opposite his brother, eyeing the selection of food available along this stretch of table. "Basil stopped to say hello to his friend Ivan's parents." He points across the room. "You remember them? Grimsby was your year and she was my year."
The four adults start waxing nostalgic, talking about their years here at Hogwarts, mentioning names they'd gone to school with who are also here today as parents. Etta tunes them out, thinking of suggesting to Ella that Gryffindor have a somewhat impromptu practice in the morning sometime. If that's not a go, she thinks she'll see who's up for a pick up match.
Her thoughts are interrupted by Basil plopping down in the chair next to her, surprising as there are other vacant seats in close proximity. "Uncle Gawain and Aunt Abigail being as embarrassing as my parents?"
That was actually said in a normal, conversational tone. Is Basil not feeling well?
"They've not been too bad though they were practically making out a minute ago. What have Aunt Faye and Uncle Edward done?"
"They seem to have forgotten how old I am. In front of Professor Hodfuffer, Mum even went so far as to lick her thumb then rub it on my cheek to clean off a spot of dirt."
Etta's eyes widen. "No! She did not do that."
"She did. Go on and laugh. You know you want to."
Etta giggles, though only a little. Basil deserves being humiliated but for some reason Etta sort of feels bad for him.
Basil shreds one of the mini muffin wrappers, giving Etta a sidelong glance. He lowers his voice to make sure their parents don't overhear when he asks, "Why is it such a joke that I like someone?"
"Because she's not Slytherin and you've made it clear since being Sorted that only Slytherins are worth your time. You're an arrogant, smug jerk, Basil, with a mean, bullying streak, and you know it."
"What do I do to fix that?"
"You have to ask?"
"Fair point. I should be nicer and not be as assertive with the awesomeness that is Slytherin."
"In a nutshell."
"Easier said than done."
"Probably."
"Thanks."
Basil gives her another sidelong glance then quickly gets up, moving further down the table just past his father, leaving Etta to wonder how much of their little moment just then was prompted by Basil's crush on Aleydis and how much was strictly his wounded pride.