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Parents Weekend - Stolen Moment
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 05-12-12 18:35
Unfortunately, Lawrence couldn't spend as much time as he'd like to with Maggie today because he was in the greenhouse that he was using for his classroom for the purpose of the Parent's Day Weekend going on. She however, was currently spending time with William Reade whom she's seemed to have taken quite a fancy of and he of her. Lawrence was not entirely thrilled about his little sister (even if she was his half-sister) 'dating' anyone, as much as anyone could date while at Hogwarts.
"Professor Masterson, these are my parents." Alan Birdwell said as he made the introductions.
"Mister and Misses Birdwell, it is a pleasure to see you. Alan has been doing quite well, and if he does well with his herbology O.W.Ls I would be glad to see him in my advanced classes for his last two years." Lawrence said, and began answering a few questions about their current curriculum and Alan's progress and punctuality when it came to his assignments.
Ariella snuck in after the Birdwells exited the greenhouse, a quick peck on her husband's cheek before she placed a small take-away container on his desk. "Got you something small from Crown & Cauldron since I know you won't be able to leave for lunch, not with the steady stream of parents coming and going. Need anything else before I come home later?"
Lawrence pondered a moment, sneaking another kiss before letting her go. "Nothing that I can think of, though I wouldn't mind a slice of that exceptional triple layer chocolate cake that I know you've got at the bakery." He said with an impish grin, the cake was one of his favorites at Briar's, always had been.
Ariella smiled and nodded. "Alright, I'll bring home a couple of slices, now time to get back. I've got a little bit longer on my shift. Later." Another quick kiss just as the five minutes of parent free time was over.
Just as Ariella slipped out, another of his fifth year students and her parents slipped in. A wistful glance at his lunch before Lawrence turned his attention to the new arrivals, he would also note that the Flynns were currently on their way to the greenhouses as well as William Reade and his parents, Maggie must have headed inside because she wasn't with them.
Thank Goodness for Pepper-Up Potions
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 05-12-12 19:41
Currently, I am sitting at my desk nursing my fourth cup of coffee of the day, and I usually do not drink more than one cup of strong black coffee, but after attending a wedding last night and not getting back to the castle until the wee hours of the morning I'd not had time to do much of my normal morning routine especially since it was Parents Weekend at Hogwarts.
A pepper-up potion from Madame Pomfrey had helped considerably for her energy level and she'd even got something to chase away the lingering effects of the slight hangover she had. Right now, she was enjoying the downtime between parents and students coming in and out of her classroom all day. She seriously considered turning in early tonight and making up for the sleep that she'd missed the night before.
"Good afternoon Professor Davyd!" I looked up from the assignments that I was flicking through, getting ready to hand them back the following Monday in class and offered a bright smile to Ellie Mae Chamberlain and her parents.
"Good afternoon Mister and Misses Chamberlain, it is a pleasure to meet you. Ellie is such a bright addition to my first years and her marks are quite exceptional." I said, pushing up from my desk and moving to greet the couple properly.
"It is good to hear, Ellie has never been one for History, but she seems to truly be enjoying your class. How did you ever manage to get her so enraptured?" Mister Chamberlain asked.
I couldn't help but smile. "History has always been one of my passions and I try to make it as interesting as possible. When the term started I had the entire classroom decked out in house colors and each student was assigned a desk that was in a different house colors. I started off the fall term with some background information on Hogwarts, sure it was a repeat for the second to fourth years but it was a great way to introduce the first years to the place that they would be spending the most of their time during the next six years."
"I can definitely see the effect that you have on Ellie and I'm glad she's taken such a shine to history" Misses Chamberlain said with a bright smile.
"Thank you, it is good to know that I am making an impact on my students. If you ever have any concerns do let me know." I said, and bid Ellie Mae and her parents good day just as a couple more sets of parents and students wandered in.
I was thankful that I'd darted to my quarters earlier and grabbed some of the curry I had left over from a couple of days ago and eaten it quickly and I would have to double check to see if I had a small bag of crisps in my desk that I could nibble on between meetings with parents.
Meeting the Mockridges
Author: Phyllida
Date: 05-13-12 05:12
Phyllida put away her wand as a bouncy thing named Valeria approached Mildred, who seemed both pleased and bemused to see her. Behind the smaller girl were two tall blond figures, whose sharp features and somewhat evasive smiles seemed distinctly…Mockridge.
She recalled their last encounter, perched on the stiff-backed chairs in Blackfriars' massive dining room, while Cloris Mockridge discussed the 'Smythe-Jones Situation' with her father in hushed tones. She'd stared at her plate vacantly while the little Valeria stared at the wilting lilies in the vase before her – the twins had stared, mostly, at each other, communicating seemingly through subtle facial expressions. The Mockridges had chosen to keep neutral throughout the blood purity turmoil, despite her father's exhortations…and they had survived the consequent fallout unscathed, while the Grimshaw-Spores had gambled and lost everything, everything but the cavernous, empty house.
Her nose wrinkled a little; Mildred seemed fine, perhaps now was a good time to make a discreet exit…
"Hello Phyllida."
She turned, feeling pale dread wash over her as she saw recognition flit across Nephele Mockridge's face. Of course, she thought, Cloris Mockridge had a granddaughter named Valeria…
"Why hello," she said with a nervous chuckle. "Fancy…seeing you three here. My goodness, hasn't Valeria grown – I expect she's attending next year?" She stopped abruptly, aware that everything had come out at once.
Kirley Mockridge nodded. "Yes…we have high hopes she'll be sorted into Slytherin."
"Er…yes, no doubt. With such a pedigree…"
"How is your father?" asked the female of the twins.
"Oh…ah, he's well. He's had so much spare time recently…" – she noticed Kirley Mockridge shift uncomfortably at this – "…He's um...taken up new hobbies."
"Mother should consider taking up a few hobbies," Kirley said, a note of bitterness in his voice.
Phyllida attempted a smile, though it may have been easily mistaken for a grimace. "Congratulations on your promotion. Papa would be pleased…he liked seeing young people working at the Ministry."
"I…am sure he is missed," said Nephele, with every ounce of insincerity possible.
Phyllida looked over to the two younger girls talking – Mildred still gripped the bunch of orchids she had conjured, her fingers pinching the fleshy petals.
"Have you received any owls from your father recently?" Kirley asked, his voice changing suddenly.
"No…not really." Phyllida knitted her brows. "Why?"
"Well…I was wondering if Mother had said anything to him about a contract…"
Before Phyllida could reply, Nephele touched her twin's sleeve. "Kirley, it's Professor Snape…"
Her twin looked up. "We should go," he said hastily. "Nice to see you again, Phyllida. Come on, Valeria."
The Mockridges had to prise their niece away from Mildred, and waved their goodbyes. The first year turned towards Phyllida, smiling expectantly.
The older girl took her hand. "Lunch?"
A Promise
Author: Nathaniel Ross
Date: 05-13-12 07:07
Although Nate had told his parents that they didn't have to attend the Parents Weekend, his mother had decided to come anyway. Rosie Ross accompanied her son in the direction of the castle, listening to what his teachers had to say about Nathaniel.
"Maybe next we could talk with Professor McGonagall," Nate suggested. The only teacher he was avoiding visiting was Snape. Only Merlin knew the things he would say about Nate. Sometimes he wondered how he had managed to do so well in his Potions O.W.L when Snape clearly thought he was an incompetent student.
"Maybe we should go to the Great Hall first."
"The Great Hall must be filled with people at this hour. We should talk with all the professors first without having to wait for our turn. You saw how long it took to speak with Professor Miller…"
"Yes, dear, but please be a sweetheart and take me to the Great Hall. Your mother is hungry."
Nate nodded and took her downstairs. As they entered the Great Hall, his mother's head turned in every direction, as if she was looking for something. Or someone.
"Where is that girl?"
"What girl?"
"Your girlfriend, the one you never mention in your letters. The Slytherin girl with red hair that we met last year."
"Phyllida is not my girlfriend, Mum. And I thought you came here to talk with the professors, to check if I am behaving well in class or not."
Rosie Ross erupted in sonorous laughter and kissed Nate on the cheek in front of everyone. He blushed as she told him she had never had to worry about his performance in classes, that she knew he did his homework and was a very hard working boy. It had been like that all those past years, why should this one be an exception? But this year his boy had gotten himself a girlfriend and she wanted to see the girl again.
"She is not my girlfriend!"
"Then what about the money you spent on those Quiddicth tickets? And the formal robes you asked me to owl you before Valentine's Day? Now please tell me where she is or I will have to start asking people if they have seen Miss Phyllida."
Nate sighed and pulled his mother to a quiet corner of the Hufflepuff table.
"Mum, Phyllida is not my girlfriend. Yet. But I promise when that happens I will take her home with me and you can cook her dinner, all right?"
"Promise?"
Nate nodded. Rosie gave him a wide smile and told him she could not wait to tell his father the news.
Business Partners
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 05-13-12 13:56
"There you are, I didn't think you'd make it." Christian said as he accepted helped me fold the stroller and slide it out of the way so that we could settle Meagan into the child seat at the side of the table. I didn't have her at Blossom's today because I knew the village was going to be absolutely crazy considering that it was Parent's weekend at Hogwarts.
"Had issue finding the much needed bink and then had to turn back because I'd forgotten extra nappies because I've got some shopping to do after lunch." I said, sliding a hand through my hair and then reaching into the diaper bag and grabbing the small canister of snacks that Meagan liked, she was seven months old, and had already managed to gain three teeth and had one on the way in.
Christian laughed and shook his head. "I swear, you are more forgetful now that you are a mother than you were before you had her. Not that it is a bad thing, it is just amusing, at least you are a hell of a lot more organized," he said with a grin and managed to shift to the side before my foot could connect with his shin beneath the table.
"I know, Jim's already said as much. The house has never looked neater, and honestly, I'm glad for the year off to spend with her, I know Jim was glad for some time off as well, scaling down his hours instead of taking the time completely off. Though, I'm considering not coming back to the Ministry at least not full time. That's part of the reason I wanted to meet you for lunch, I've something I want you to look over."
I pulled the manila envelope out of the diaper bag and slid it across the table to rest in front of Christian, and he raised a slender eyebrow as he flicked open the cover and began looking over it.
"You want to set up your own translating business? Are you sure?" He asked, flicking through the business proposal that I'd drawn up over the last couple of weeks.
I nodded, and before I could answer further the waitress came and took our lunch order and of course cooed over Meagan who sopped up the attention as she was known to do, as she gets older she's liable to give Jim a heart attack by the time she hits puberty. Putting our lunch orders in, Christian and I turn our attention back to our conversation.
"I am positive, it will let me still liaison with the Ministry and work trials, as well as take on contracts and other things from the public sector that will allow me to gain a bit more income than simply settling upon a ministry paycheck. Not that I begrudge a ministry paycheck, I just want something that is mine, and I've already looked into it, and there is a place in Hogsmeade that I've been looking at to set up as an office."
Christian nodded, looking over everything. "You've considered every possible angle, and everything looks solid from a legal standpoint, and I'm assuming that's why you showed it to me. You've got my full support on the venture and I bet you've already got Jim's as well."
I nodded, laughing a bit. "That's part of the reason that I showed it to you. The other part is because I'd like to higher you on as a contracted party to help with any legal matters required in this business. Double checking contracts and the things of that nature, as well as any other little things that may come up."
Christian blinked and stared at me for a moment, before looking down at the business proposal once more. "I will do you one better than that, you and I do this together. I'd already tossed around the idea of starting my own firm and getting out from the one I'm currently in. This way we can expand it to do legal services as well as the translation, what do you think?"
It was my turn to stare at Christian, somewhat stunned before a shrill cry from Meagan brought me back down to earth as she'd dropped her cup and from the high chair could not collect it from where it fell. Bending to pick up the cup, I took a moment to compose myself.
"Alright. I think that would be a perfect idea, we'll start with the office in Hogsmeade and perhaps this time next year we can open a small satellite office in Diagon Alley." I said with a bright smile, before turning my attention to the large cobb salad that had been placed in front of me along with a basket of buttery yeast rolls.
Christian smiled, "Alright then business partner, I will make the changes to the business proposal and we can go meet with a loan manager at the Hogsmeade Branch of Gringotts Monday morning, and then perhaps a Realtor in the afternoon after your classes?"
I shook my head. "My language lab got moved up to Monday morning instead of the afternoon, and thankfully it is the only class I have. Not that I'm looking forward to speaking Troll or Gnome that early in the morning either."
"Damn, I've got a briefing with a client tomorrow afternoon, but that shouldn't take more than an hour, so Gringotts Monday around three-thirty or so and then a Realtor on Tuesday afternoon since I know you are free then."
"Sounds like a plan."
We continued tossing around ideas for the business, and I intended on having a fire chat with my mum and dad tonight and let them know what is going on. Knowing them I'd have the money transferred into my vault to ensure that I didn't have to take a loan out for start up costs (because that's just how my parents are). I'd also have to tell Jim that Christian and I will be partnering in the business venture.
We parted after lunch, and Meagan and I went shopping for some new clothes for her, a new outfit for myself and a few other odds and ends that we needed for the house before heading home to start dinner before Jim got home from work.
Discovered
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 05-13-12 15:33
Rowan sat before the fireplace in the sitting room and warmed her hands with the fire Laurel's portrait had helped her build. The warmth spread from her fingertips and palms to her very center and then all the way down to her toes. It was a lovely feeling.
"I'm hungry," she murmured, after a long moment in which she and Laurel sat in companionable silence. "I feel dirty, too. I want a bath. I want to get out of these clothes and into clean ones. I want this house to look the way I remember it." She sighed deeply and ended with, "I wish I had my wand."
Laurel reached her hand out, as if to pat Rowan's hand. Her hand stayed within her frame, though, and seemed to rest against its edge.
"I wish all those things for you, Rowan. I wish I could make it all happen, but all I can do is try to guide you, like I did with the fire."
Rowan nodded. "I know. Do you think there's something edible in the house, Laurel?"
"I suspect if anything is left, it's rotten," the portrait's occupant said. "Maybe you will find something in the garden."
"In the middle of winter, Laurel?"
Laurel sighed. "Yes, perhaps not." She shook her head. "The water in the well is likely frozen, too."
"I forgot about the well. Do you know anything about plumbing, Laurel? Do you think it still works in this house?"
"We won't know until you try, Rowan."
Rowan put her hands down and picked up the small, slashed portrait with one hand and the little nesting doll with the other. She carried them to the nearest sink, which happened to be in the kitchen. Rowan set the portrait and doll down on the dusty countertop and turned the tap. At first there was only a slow, cloudy drip but then the pressure intensified, though the water remained dark gray, almost black. Laurel instructed Rowan to let the water run, and sure enough, it eventually cleared. Rowan stuck her hands under the steady flow and smiled.
"Now I need soap!" she exclaimed.
Her jubilation was cut short when she heard a sound at the front of the house. Rowan hastily turned off the water, wiped her hands on her trousers, and picked up the portrait and doll. She clutched them tightly in her hands and inched forward towards the front door.
A witch stood in the foyer, inspecting the squalor around her with a mix of disgust and regret. She held her wand in her hand, its tip aglow because the grimey windows filtered out much of the natural sunlight.
She wasn't somebody Rowan recognized.
The witch settled her eyes upon Rowan and looked at her from head to foot. "What's your name, Child?" she asked.
Rowan swallowed hard. She wanted Laurel to give her advice, but the portrait remained silent.
"My name is Rowan."
"Rowan, did you floo into this house earlier today?" the witch asked her. "I only ask because the network here has been unused for decades. We in the Department of Magical Transportation at the Ministry were alerted to its use and thought we should investigate. Are you here alone, Rowan?"
Rowan nodded. "Yes, I used the network, and yes, I'm here alone."
The witch studied her appearance for a long moment. "Do you live here, Rowan?"
Rowan didn't quite know how to answer. "I used to," she finally said. She felt tears sting her eyes again and before she knew it, started to cry. In between her sobs, she told her story to the witch, who seemed to soften with Rowan's every word. It wasn't long before the witch had her arm around Rowan and was speaking to her in soothing tones.
"Come with me to the Ministry, dear. We'll find a way to help you out of your…" She looked around at the ramshackle house. "…situation. We'll get you cleaned up and get some hot food into that belly of yours. How does that sound?"
Rowan, still crying, nodded and allowed the witch to lead her from her family home.
Asked And Answered
Author: Dante Knight
Date: 05-13-12 19:53
A few hours ago Dante had put a sign on the upper years History of Magic classroom door indicating he was getting lunch in the Great Hall should anyone wish to speak with him. The grapes he's snacked on since then are good but he's getting hungry again for something more substantial. Leaving for supper in the Great Hall is forestalled by the appearance of Catherine Scott and her parents.
The visit is brief, only around five minutes. The short conversation centers on Catherine's grades, which are excellent. The Scotts are on the verge of leaving when Mrs. Scott asks, "Are there any supplements you recommend for Catherine's History N.E.W.T preparation?"
"I have a list for those who wish it," Dante replies, retrieving a copy from a short stack on his classroom desk.
"Thank you. I meant to ask way back at homecoming. I should have mentioned it to Catherine in an owl well before now."
"I'm happy I could help."
The Scotts thank him again and leave, Catherine saying something about Defense Against the Dark Arts being close by. Shuffling papers, Dante locates his sign from lunch, changing lunch to dinner. He's affixing it to the door when he sees a man slowly roaming down the hall.
"Sir? May I help you?"
The man turns, eyes widening in recognition though he's not a parent Dante recalls having met in person before. "Just the professor I was seeking."
Gesturing with the sign in his hand Dante invites, "Come into the classroom. Sit down if you'd like."
The man enters, walking slowly, looking around. He stops moving when he's near the front of the room, waiting to speak until Dante has come with two or three feet. "I can't believe you choose to be here day in and day out, Tag."
"Rocky."
"Don't sound so happy to see me."
"Why are you here?"
"A day when so many extra people are traipsing around seem a perfect time to visit."
"That's not what I meant and you know it."
"I have to have a reason to visit?"
Backing up to half sit on, half lean against a student desk, Dante examines his brother's middle aged visage complete with thinning hair comb over and slightly protruding paunch at the midrift.
Rocky holds his arms out and does a slow turn. "Great look, right? Who'd peg me as not being just another concerned parent?"
"Just get to it, will you."
"A wee bit grumpy, aren't you. What the hell is up your arse?"
Dante's response is to shift back to standing, arms crossing.
"Get your knickers in a twist why don't you?" Rocky's hands go up in surrender, as if he's an innocent who has no idea why this other person is giving attitude. "We were wondering if you saw a little blip of news a few days ago."
"The blurry photo with article wondering if it's the first known picture in years of Lorraine Vickers is a little blip?"
"Can't tell who's in it."
"Is it her?"
"Well, yeah, but that's not the point."
"That is exactly the point."
"No, it's not. The point is the picture is a blurry image of someone far away and that someone has never moved within focus."
"You know that for a fact, do you?"
"The copy we kept never has and as there's not been another article and nothing on the wireless, it's a safe bet any copy others are watching have stayed out of focus."
"And you're always about the bet, aren't you?" Dante bitterly asks.
"Don't go there, little brother."
"Only stating a fact."
"If I had known you'd act like a brat, I would have sent an owl instead."
"Why didn't you back when that photograph was printed?"
"After the meeting with Mum and Dad ended badly, we weren't sure you'd want to hear from us again so soon."
"A simple, short message was too much, regardless of whether you thought I'd want it or not?"
"It's a two way street, you know."
"Is it? What? I should put a cryptic coded message in the adverts in the hopes that one of you MIGHT see it and MIGHT realize it's aimed at you?"
"Yeah, sure. That might have worked."
"It didn't."
"What?"
"It didn't. The day after the photo ran I put just such an advert in the Daily Prophet, paying extra to get run that very day. It's been in the rest of the week and today. It will be in tomorrow's as well, though now we've talked, not in Monday's."
"Oh."
"Was that all you wanted?"
"Huh? Oh, asking you if you'd seen it. Yeah."
"You've asked. I've answered. You may go."
"Yeah, I'll do that. See you whenever, Tag."
Rocky stalks out, Dante barely able to restrain himself from throwing something heavy after him. Appetite gone, he crumples up the sign he only then realizes he's still holding, drops it in the dust bin, and resumes his seat at the large desk. Sliding a hand through his hair, Dante picks up a quill to begin working on writing exam questions.