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The Dippet Family
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 05-18-13 16:26
Just shy of five, Deborah Dippet dawdles in front of a suit of armor from which one of the castle ghosts keeps peeping out. The ghost makes a silly face at her then ducks back into the armor. Deborah fixes an equally silly expression on her face, trying not to giggle as that would ruin it, waiting for the ghost to appear again.
Eight year old Douglas is also amused by the ghost's antics but is trying not to show it. He feels that what his little sister finds so entertaining is beneath him. He leans against the wall opposite the office door of one of Duncan's teachers, pretending not to watch Deborah and the ghost while wishing that Parents Day was more of the carnival atmosphere that the day last fall had been. At the very least, Mum and Dad could stop dragging them around to just talk to other people and let him join those others he saw on the hill of snow where Duncan says he's been learning something called skiing. He saw people sledding down it though some of the things they were riding didn't look much like the seen before. He'd rather be there finding out what those things are, or going down on one of the things he knows is for sure is a sled.
Inside the office of Professor Cyprien Flint, Betheny Dippet has a somewhat glazed look to her eyes. He seems a nice enough man but darned if she understands half of what he's saying. At least she had no trouble grasping that Duncan is doing moderately well in Transfiguration. Higher marks would be best but if the man's lessons are as hard to follow as a simple meeting with parents, Betheny finds herself somewhat proud that Duncan is doing as well as he is in the course.
A minute or so later the Dippets are on their way, Deborah pouting at being pulled from making faces at a suit of armor and Douglas asking if they can now go out to that hill. Byron looks to his older child to ask, "Who do we still need to see?"
"Just Professor Weasley I think." He checks the list he's glad he thought to bring along, double checking. "Yes, just Potions."
Bryon gestures for Duncan to lead the way telling Douglas in the process, "We're off to the dungeons and then we'll consider going outside to that hill."
Douglas doesn't look happy at having to wait but knows better to argue. He nods at his father then falls into step with Duncan. Betheny smiles down at her daughter and gives Deborah's hand a gentle squeeze. "If Daddy and the boys go out to play in the snow, would you like to go too, poppet?"
"To slide down the hill?"
"Perhaps. No promises."
"Okay." Deborah looks over her shoulder to see if the ghost is still there, waiting to play more with her but she doesn't see him. She frowns, wishing she could go back instead of standing around while Mummy and Daddy see another of Duncan's teachers. Her attention is drawn from the pout as the staircase they are on starts moving. It doesn't move very fast but to a four year old it's thrilling to actually be on one of the staircases as it moves. Pout entirely forgotten, Deborah squees with delight, peering over the handrail to watch other staircases and floors pass beneath them.
When the staircase has come to a halt, the family descends to the landing, Duncan reassessing their location. Once he's got his bearings again, he changes direction sightly to continue on to the dungeons where he hopes Professor Majandra Weasley will be and not on a break.
(Prague) Clandestine Meeting
Author: Xiomara Sofia Serano
Date: 05-18-13 16:31
Shadows were perfect for concealing things, she clung to them as she let her gaze trace over the facade of the small home where she was scheduled to meet with a contact. Potential addition to the 'fold' as it were, but it was not necessarily to further Adriana's desires but Xiomara's own.
Fingertips lightly tapped upon the ancient stone wall that she reclined against, cloak hood pulled up to offer more shadow. Witches and Wizards trailed along in their robes in the light of the early afternoon. Going from home to home, ducking within antiquated buildings that housed cafes and other eateries, shops and the like.
After several moments where there was no traffic going in either direction along the street, she began moving. Stepping slowly from the expanse of the alley, breaking free of shadowy embrace and gracefully crossing with near silent click of heels upon the cobblestones. Inky shadow of feline crossing behind her, and once more curling at its Mistress' feet.
Single, solitary rapping of knuckles upon the wooden facade of the door. It was cracked, door opening and allowing a single stripe of light to be seen over the head of the petite woman.
"What business do you have here Miss?"
A nervous shift, her eyes taking in the cloaked woman's form - or what of it could be seen outside of the shadows cast in the sunlight.
"My business is of a personal nature with the lady of the house...she is expecting me."
That woman shifted once more, and within a few moments the door was parted to allow the cloaked witch within. Those heels clicking lightly upon the wooden floor, cowl of her cloak pulled back, releasing her hair, curling down near her waist.
"Mistress Serano, I apologize for being so rude in greeting you Mistress. Allow me to get you something to eat and drink, I will alert my Mistress to your arrival."
"Kaori, you are forgiven your impertinence. I will take a fire whiskey, and know I will know if you tamper with it." The words said, and she moved into the small sitting room and found a seat upon the chaise waiting for the servant and the hostess to make appearance.
Several moments passed, and Xiomara let her fingers trace over the hem of her cloak, attempting of course to keep her temper. It would do her no good to get angry, to be irritable at such an improper reception, but she was quickly moving in that direction.
"Madame Serano, it is a pleasure to see you again. I do apologize for keeping you waiting for so long, I was not properly attired for meeting visitors."
Translation, she more than likely had to ensure that another member of her staff was hidden, listening to the conversation so that there was witness to her coming and going in the house. Unfortunately, Xiomara had heard the scraping, careless noise of the staff member settling into place on the opposite side of the wall, in a concealed chamber accessible only from the room beyond this one.
"You can dismiss your hidden set of ears my dear, and rest assured that when I leave you will be the only one that will even remember my coming and going, but you will not remember exactly what it is we have talked about until the time is right."
Xiomara waited patiently as a range of emotions ran across her hostess' features, before the woman rose and moved to knock on the wall. Speaking in Czech, and footfalls were soon heard as the staff member vacated the location.
Xio smiled as the woman once she settled down once more. "You've heard about the woman that is claiming to be the spiritual child of Voldemort have you not? As well as her current escapades?"
The woman nodded, "I have, but what does that have to do with me?"
Xiomara shifted, leaning forward and holding the woman's attention. "She is attempting to amass a loyal following - as well as of course create as much havoc as possible."
The words spilling free of her lips as she reclined once more, turning her attention to the room around her, a small library and parlor setup for receiving guests.
The woman tilted her head lightly, "You've not yet actually answered my question Madame Serano, what exactly does this have to do with me..."
"You are perfect for what I've got planned of course. You can be the perfect pawn. You will swear loyalty to her, but in truth you will be the mole that I need..."
Anger flared across the woman's features, "Why would I even consider being a pawn for you or for her? I've my life here, and have done nothing to garner suspicion since I've settled here."
Xiomara smiled, a secret, dark and somewhat malicious smile. "But, you've not seen your daughter in years. How old is she now? Seven, eight? When was the last time you held her?"
The woman tensed, hands clenching in the fabric of her skirt as she attempted to compose herself.
"How is it you know where my Natasha is?" The question spit out with anger lacing the heavily accented voice.
"Because it is my job to find these things out my dear one." The words simple, as she sipped her newly arrived fire whiskey.
"If I agree to what you ask, will you let me see my daughter?"
"You will be permitted to spend time with her yes, but she will not be taken from her location. Know, that I will be displeased if you ever make a move to take her from that location, or are seen in that location without me at your side."
The words sliding free of her lips as Xiomara watched the hope blossom within the other woman's features, knowing well that she was considering the offer, and considering it very, very hard.
"You will hear from me within a few days with my response Madame Serano."
Xiomara nodded, finishing the fire whiskey, and stepping free of the parlor, without a proper good bye, knowing well that he would hear from the woman by the time the sun rose tomorrow morning. Quick flickering of her wand and the staff had no clue that they'd helped her in or out of the home.
Within moments, Xiomara was out in the alley once more, hidden in the shadows. She watched the house a moment, before she would herself apparate from that location to her home, she had other business to attend to.
Distracted, First By Carrow Then By Cupcake
Author: Emerald Green
Date: 05-18-13 19:03
Today is the first time Olive has seen Emerald since Alecto Carrow was released from Azkaban. They'd exchanged several letters but Emmie has a way of phrasing everything in letters that makes it harder to tell exactly what she's really feeling. Then again, Emmie's always been somewhat circumspect verbally about her feelings regarding Happy Haven, Alecto Carrow, and being sent to another camp where her treatment was even worse. Olive knows Emerald was somewhat depressed after liberation from the camp but many were, Olive included. Her older sister has talked some with Olive but never with the visible anger that Olive often had, still has, when it comes to that part of their lives.
Given what Carrow put Emmie through and then sending her off to City of Hope, Olive has been worried about how her sibling took the news of Alecto Carrow's release. Olive's own reaction was not good. She revisited her violent thoughts of killing that woman. Sitting here now, looking at Emmie, seeing her with Jade and Hunter and thinking about what they experienced at Camp Lollipop, Olive once more has a pang of regret for not doing Carrow in when she had the chance.
Reaching for her hot chocolate and hoping that the huge sigh she just heaved was in her head, Olive glances around the table trying to think of some excuse to give in case she did, in fact, sigh aloud. When no one calls her on it, she nearly sighs again, this time with relief.
"Olive? Your thoughts on Easter hols?"
Olive smiles sheepishly. "Sorry, Aunt Blythe. Those cupcakes just caught my eye and all I could think was how much I want one."
Blythe swivels to look at the cupcakes that have just been put out. "You're right. Those fairy cakes do look luscious. Now I'm tempted as well."
Emerald makes a small sound akin to a moan. "Those look like over the top cupcakes. I'm drooling just looking at them."
Woody and Hunter now turn to look. Woody comments, "I wouldn't pass one up." Hunter doesn't bother commenting. He gets up and goes to retrieve several to pass around the table. Jade, in the meantime, informs Olive, "I suggested we go to some warm island with endless beaches. If we keep getting snow and ice, by spring break I'm going to be a complete popcicle."
Glad to have something to pull her mind off that bitch Carrow, Olive has to agree with her younger sister. "Tropical island works for me. What else has been suggested?"
Not Quite a Parent, But Close Enough
Author: Sy Tremont
Date: 05-19-13 11:41
"Have you decided what you want to do during Easter Holiday?"
I asked Madeline as she settled herself across from me at the small table we were seated at in the Common Commons, a pair of cupcakes between us as well as some pumpkin juice.
She pondered a few moments before answering. "I would, if possible like to see where you grew up..."
Madeline and I had been getting along remarkably, all things considered. With near daily correspondence between us, it made our relationship seem a bit more solid considering the rough beginning that it had.
"I think we can do that. Spend some time in Los Angeles. I will even take you to some of the more famous muggle attractions in the city if you'd like."
Madeline smiled and nodded her head, toying with a springy curl for a moment or two.
"I'd like that quite a bit. How are your classes at St. Emrys going?"
"Well enough. I've a copule of assignments due on Monday, but I can do those either later tonight when I get home or during the day tomorrow."
Madeline nodded and took a bite of her cupcake and sighed happily. "These are some of my favorite. I try and limit myself to one or two a week, but depending on how stressful dealing with Professor Flint is, I sometimes have one each day that I have his class to lighten my mood after dealing with the fact that most of his lectures tend to leave us all with more questions than he answers."
"I've noticed that, I'm not surprised that your marks aren't higher given the way the conversation went earlier."
Madeline and I talked for several more minutes about her classes.
"Is there anything you need me to post to you for between now and the holiday?"
Madeline thought a few moments and then nodded her head. "I will owl you a small list in the morning, because I want to go through my supplies and see, if anything some may be able to wait until the holiday for purchase and I can just bring them back with me."
"Sounds like a plan, in the meantime I will book us a hotel for the trip to Los Angeles."
After we were done with our sweet treats we headed down to the Great Hall now that it was open after the upper years Apparation lesson had completed for the day, and there were some fun and games within that Madeline and I both wanted to play before the day was over.
(Zane) Reasons for Concern
Author: Ella
Date: 05-19-13 12:34
Zane descended the steps into Knockturn Alley and cautiously made his way down the grime-covered cobblestones for an angular niche between two buildings, where the doorway leading to his flat lay hidden. His steps slowed when he noticed two wizards lurking in front of his building.
Zane's immediate impression was that the two wizards were not the seedy-sort of individuals who regularly frequented Knockturn Alley. No, they were most definitely officials of some kind––probably law enforcement. One of the wizards––they were both men––held something in his hand and kept looking between it and the building.
Zane moved off the path and stopped behind a peddler's cart, which had a faded, grey overhanging canopy and sold wares of ambiguous purpose. The peddler, an ancient wizard with a humped back and cloudy eyes, sat on a stool and smoked an unknown substance out of a long, spindly pipe. His gaze, like Zane's, was fixed on the wizards down the alley.
"It can't make up its mind," one of the wizards said in a voice that seemed to carry down the alley. "It says she's here but then it says she's not."
"We should at least go in and have a look around," the other wizard said.
"Fine, but you know this thing is wrong half the time, if not more."
"If we don't at least check, we'll be questioned why. You don't want that on your performance review."
"Let's go then," said the first wizard. He and his companion went straight to the front door of the shoppe, never seeing the side door, not from oversight but because Zane had cloaked it from everyone's view but his own.
Zane remained in the shadow of the peddler's cart, not wishing either wizard to see him pass by the window or to cross his path if they made a quick inspection of the building.
A half hour later, they exited the building and headed in Zane's direction. He took a step back, and when they passed him by, he turned his back to inspect a brass medallion laid out on a woven cloth on the cart's uneven surface. He waited for them to disappear up the steps leading to Diagon Alley and then turned on his heel.
He ducked into the narrow opening between the two buildings and flicked his wand at the doorknob. A series of locks clicked open and then the door swung wide, revealing a staircase that led straight up. As Zane climbed the stairs, the door shut behind him and the deadbolts slid home, one after the other.
At the top of the stairwell, he flicked his wand at yet another doorknob, and another series of locks clicked open. He entered the flat and immediately stopped short. Ella stood in the cramped living area holding a newspaper clipping in her hand and looking very angry.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she bit out between clenched teeth, "and why do you have this?"
Zane took a step forward and snatched the clipping from her hand. It was a mere few sentences about an accident that had happened in a wizarding home in Leigh-on-Sea. How it had even made the news, when the incident wasn't particularly newsworthy, baffled Zane. It must have been a slow news day.
"I didn't want to upset you, Ella," Zane said, brushing past her to put the clipping into the folder where it belonged. He stopped at the kitchen table, where the folder was on open display, and other clippings and documents lay scattered.
"You didn't want to upset me?" Ella shrieked. "You didn't think that this"––she waved her hand at the mess on the table––"would upset me? Why do you have my mum's obituary? Why do you have an announcement about me being a missing person? What is all this?"
Zane carefully put everything back into the folder and then closed it. He carried it to a large, hollow book on the shelf next to the threadbare sofa, where he hid it once more.
"Are you going to answer me?" Ella asked. "Are you going to tell me what's going on here? Is my dad even okay?"
When Zane turned around, he had his wand in his hand again. "No, Ella," he said, moving towards her. "I will not answer any of your questions on the matter."
"Excuse me?"
"It's for your own good."
Ella backed up until she was against the opposite wall. "What are you doing?"
Zane pointed his wand at her chest and said, "Imperio!"
A glazed expression crossed her face.
"You will forget this conversation, and you will act like you are happy to see me."
Ella blinked slowly and then smiled. "You're home… I was so lonely without you…"
Zane put his wand away and said, "Well, you needn't be lonely anymore."
Ella went into his arms and sighed contently, the reason for her anger forgotten.
Downright Drearily Dull (Jill)
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 05-19-13 13:17
Katherine Prewitt slows her steps, the main school gates in view but still a nice stretch of the legs in the distance. "I don't want to sound like I'm harping, Jill, but there really isn't any rush."
Jill slowly expels a breath, it coming out in a fog like stream in front of her face. "As I tried to explain, Mum, it's not so much that I'm in a rush."
Lachlan puts a hand on his daughter's arm to stay her next words. "While it is in a way, Katty and I both well remember wanting to be out in the world and independent, what you mother, and me as well, means is that we think it would be a good thing for you to finish at Hogwarts."
Jill waves her hand in a vaguely southerly direction. "St. Emrys "
"has classes and you could still take the NEWTs." Katherine nods, having been over this with Jill several times already.
"If you decide to leave Hogwarts and not return, you can't ever change your mind no matter how much you may come to regret the decision."
Sighing softly Jill looks into her father's eyes. "I know, Dad, but I can't help feeling as though I should be ready to start my life beyond Hogwarts when this term ends. I want to be able to say I graduated from here but there are days when I don't think I can face being cooped up here when I could be out and about as I please."
Katherine slips an arm around Jill's shoulder's giving her a small hug. "Being grown up isn't one fabulous free minute after another. It can be stressful and downright drearily dull at times." She grins suddenly. "Not that studying for NEWTs isn't stressful and downright drearily dull at times."
Lachlan moves to join their little hug. "Three things to keep in my, Jill. You aren't the only student put off track by Happy Haven. Being here instead of attending St. Emrys and possibly also having a job means fewer distractions when prepping for the NEWTs. No matter what you decide, your mother and I will support your decision."
Jill returns their hugs. "Thank you."
Katherine squeezes a little harder before letting go. "If we don't continue on to the gates I think I shall freeze to this spot."
Reaching for his wand Lachlan offers, "I'll warm you feet, Katty."
Katherine grabs her husband's arm to stop him. "The last time you did that you burned a hole in the shoe."
The redness in Lachlan's cheeks are not just from the cold. "I've practiced since then and I'm fairly sure that won't happen again."
"Only fairly?" Jill asks with some amusement.
"Ninety-eig, let's see, ninety-five percent certain."
Katherine and Jill exchange glances before the start laughing, each moving to one of Lachlan's sides to continue on to the gates.
Rest and Recovery
Author: Maggie Hawthorne
Date: 05-19-13 13:23
Friday evening, I was supposed to have worked a ten hour shift, but unfortunately, that wasn't meant to be. Instead I'd ended up at St. Mungo's after I'd been hit with a spell that had backfired by one of my classmates in one of the DADA classes I was taking. God, it sucked and it had hurt a lot too.
I'd ended up calling out of work when I stopped at someplace muggle that I could use the phone, and also ended up getting a notice for work, as well as for my last two classes from Friday, citing what had happened at least to the Professors, to my Muggle employers it was like I'd come down with a bad case of food poisoning and that was why I wasn't at work for the next three days so that my body had time to recover.
At the moment, I was curled up on my couch in a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt listening to the WWN and attempting to focus on the notes that Charline had brought over after class on Friday when I'd finally gotten home from St. Mungo's.
I wasn't processing any of it, and to be honest, it was starting to hurt my head to even try and make sense of the lecture notes. I would simply have to talk to my professor on Monday and sign up for a couple of extra study sessions to try and make sure that I fully grasped the concepts that I'd missed.
I'd also had to send an owl to Nate to let him know that I wouldn't be able to make our scheduled lunch date for tomorrow since I'm not entirely sure how I'd be feeling - though truth be told I as feeling quite a bit better than I was yesterday, just not back to one hundred percent. I'd let him know what had happened, which was what ultimately lead to the need to reschedule the lunch for either sometime during the week or next weekend.
After a few minutes longer of trying to decipher and piece together what I needed to do for the assignment I opted to shut my textbook and put the notes away until I could talk to the professor. Putting my school supplies away, I headed into the kitchen and warmed up some of the soup that Charline had brought over when she'd brought the notes.
Soup in hand and a bottle of water from the cold box, I curled up in a chair at the table and slowly managed my way through my dinner, simple as it was and then crawled into bed with the book that I was currently in the middle of, hoping that by Monday I would be feeling back to my normal self.