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With Hagrid
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 04-18-14 19:52
Walking the path from the main gates to the castle, Harry gives the illusion of someone strolling along without much of a care. That he's in conversation with the oversized Hogwarts groundskeeper adds to the image. Harry is chatting with Hagrid but he's also being far more vigilant than the impression given by his casual appearance.
Harry hadn't been on the rota to work this weekend. After his Fairchild and her groupies attacked an establishment in Hogsmeade the Department of Magical Law Enforcement scrambled to pull in extra people to put on security duty shifts for Saturday's Parents Weekend at Hogwarts. Harry is one who'd volunteered before being asked. If he hadn't become an Auror, Harry is fairly certain he'd have come today as a member of the Order of the Phoenix.
Like others, he doesn't think Adriana will try an attack on the school, particularly only two days after the one in the village. He doesn't think it likely but, also like others, Harry's opinion goes to that old cliché, better safe than sorry.
Fang, who's looking a bit long in the tooth even for a dog raised in entirely in a Wizarding environment, comes snuffling out from a bush ahead of them. He's closely followed by a younger dog Harry doesn't remember seeing before. "New pet, Hagrid?"
"Godric. 'E were one o'those Indi MacFusty saved. Fang and me changed 'is name. 'Is name 'ad been But'erscotch. Dinnit fit 'im."
"Godric's a good name."
"Ya gave yer new son a good'un."
Hagrid's only made mention of how much he likes the baby's name of Albus every single time he's seen Harry, Ginny, or any member of the Weasley family. He also mentions it in every owl they exchange.
They stop, Harry crouching down to properly meet Godric and to give Fang some attention. Being here at Hogwarts, spending some time with Hagrid, and Fang, is making him nostalgic. Enough so that when his friend suggests, "Should 'ave a break soon, eh 'arry? Come to me hut fer tea. Oi've made a cake to go with it," Harry instantly replies, "I'd love some tea and cake."
As they reach the hut a short time later Harry can't help but hope that in the years since first having a slice of one of Hagrid's rock hard cakes, his friend has learned to bake somewhat better.
Waiting for Uncle Ross
Author: Errol
Date: 04-19-14 18:08
"Errol? Why are you sitting on the floor?"
Shifting his eyes from the large, main doors Errol gives the questioner a half smile. "I'm waiting on my uncle, Mrs. Flynn, and got tired of standing."
"There were enough others passing through here when we went into the Great Hall we must have missed seeing you. If not for walking out while talking with an old school mate, I would never have known you were here. Is your uncle overly late?"
"A little. Not very. I'm sure he'll be along soon."
"Why don't you come into the Great Hall and join us. You know we all love your company."
"Thank you but I think I'll wait here a little longer."
"Fifteen minutes and then I send Megara to fetch you."
"Yes, ma'am." Much as he likes them Errol doesn't really wish to join the Flynns but telling Mrs. Flynn he'd rather continue waiting here alone would be as fruitless as telling Megara no.
Mrs. Flynn looks as though she's going to give him a pat on the head but then reconsiders. "Fifteen minutes," she reiterates.
Her movements halt at the sound of one of the doors opening. Errol's gaze snaps back to the doors as Mrs. Flynn turns to see who's entering. Her smile turns a little sad at seeing a woman enter instead of Ross Anderson. Her expression shifts to one of puzzlement when that woman gives a small wave at Errol, who's risen to his feet.
"Errol! Hi. I was already thinking how lost I was going to be if I had to search for you, Errol."
Surprised at seeing her, he accepts a hug from the woman then glances at Megara's mother how has remained stationary. He gestures in her direction. "Judith, this is my friend Megara's mother, Hestia Flynn. Mrs. Flynn, this is my uncle's friend, Judith Russell."
After the two ladies have exchanged greetings Errol asks Judith, "Where's Uncle Ross?"
"Ross wanted to come. He planned to come but something work related reared its ugly head last minute. I hope you don't know I came instead."
"No, of course not." That's only partly true. Errol doesn't mind Judith coming at all but he does wish Ross had come as well.
Errol's disappointment is evident though he's tried to hide it. She puts an arm around him for another hug, relieved that so far she's not given away that the real reason Ross isn't here is because he's not been seen or heard from for more than a day and a half. She came to Hogwarts today mainly for two reasons. The first was to see if Errol had heard from Ross in that time period, which he clearly has not.
That leads to her second reason for being here: Attempting to keep Errol from worrying that the case Ross has been helping put together finally resulted in harm befalling him. Errol ran afoul of these people already. Knowing the names of some of those being investigated might have Errol rushing from Hogwarts to confront one in particular about what might have befallen his uncle.
Keeping her smile in place, Judith allows herself to be guided into somewhere called the Great Hall while listening to Hestia Flynn chatter happily away.
(Blackguard Offices) A Most Unexpected Question
Author: Peregrinus Hartcrofte
Date: 04-19-14 19:40
Co-post written with Nephele Mockridge
Nephele paced the floor of Pippin's office, seemingly intent to wear a groove in the carpeting. Pippin sat on the edge of his desk, watching the one-woman procession with infinite patience.
"They have to tell Mother. Avoiding the topic is becoming rather exhausting. Not that I'm eager for this conversation to happen; in fact, I'm dreading the increased pressure it will put on me, but still."
Pippin reached out, catching the pacing Mockridge in his long arms, before pulling her in to lean against him. Leaning in to plant a kiss where her neck just began to meet her shoulder, he took the opportunity to inhale her perfume.
"Have I told you that you're beautiful when you're frantic?"
She smiled and reached one arm up around him. "Not lately, do feel free to elaborate," she murmured.
He wanted to kiss her, but a nagging thought at the back of his mind told him that if he started, he would not stop until well into the next day. He settled instead for his most charming smile.
"Are you sure you're a snake and not a spider? Because I'm definitely caught in your web." He traced a finger along her jawline, ever so gently. "What's the absolute worst that could happen?"
"My mother could Floo your mother and we could end up before a bonder without any idea or say in the matter," Nephele said, leaning into his touch. "That or hours upon hours of hearing what an irresponsible head of the family my brother is."
"Well, for the latter, she just might have a point." Pippin's teasing earned him a bruised left shoulder from Kirley's protective twin. "Ouch. Note to self: the lady has a mean right jab. As for the former, I can think of worse fates, my love. That said, having been cheated a society wedding with Kirley, do you really think she'd be satisfied with such a private affair?"
"Oh, it wouldn't be private. We would simply be the last to know, all of their society friends would be there, with all of the lavish nonsense that goes along," Nephele said with a slight smile. "But yes, there could be worse fates, I would just prefer we make our own choices for something like that."
Pippin's heart felt light enough to float the two of them to the ceiling. In the wake of this swell of joy, the kernel of an idea took root.
"I've faced dark wizards on five continents, my dearest. I think your mother will not find me so easily overruled. With the two of us together, I do very much doubt that even Cloris Mockridge herself is a match for us. That said, what if we were to make a preemptive strike?"
"I'm listening," Nephele said, a hopeful yet mischievous smile curving her lips. It seemed her Slytherin mindset was rubbing off on her favourite former Ravenclaw.
"Well, it occurred to me that the best way to deflect your mother's meddling ... and perhaps to lessen the shock of Kirley and Cass's news ... would be to take a more proactive approach. Which is to say ..."
Pippin took this opportunity to disentangle himself from his lover. After all, these moments called for a certain protocol. He took Nephele's hand in his own as he lowered himself to one knee. He tried to stop his heart from racing. It ignored him willfully. His throat went suddenly dry; it seemed the moisture was needed for his palms.
"Nephele Mockridge, will you marry me?"
Nephele blinked, her heart seeming to stop along with the rest of the world before she nodded, unable to quite form the words at first. "Yes," she whispered, sinking down to her own knees to fling her arms around him. "Yes, yes, yes," she whispered again, this time directly into his ear.
(Mark) Image is Everything
Author: Isolde
Date: 04-20-14 11:01
Before either of their families arrived, Mark and Capri spent the day together in the Slytherin common room, which was somewhat empty due to Parents' Weekend taking place. The more time Mark spent with Capri, which was different now than before since they kissed instead of talked more often than not, the easier it was for him to forget about how Kate made him feel.
There was a lot to like about Capri, anyway. She was pretty with her flaming red hair and fair skin. When Andromeda wasn't causing her to act out, she was fun to hang around and easy to talk to. Mark and Capri had a lot in common, and not just through their isolation at school. It was definitely time to move on, and so far Capri seemed the right witch for the job and not merely a convenience.
Eventually, Mark and Capri went to meet up with their respective families. Mark wasn't sure who to expect, as neither of his parents had written to let him know they might be coming. In the end, the only one who showed up was his father.
Mark introduced him to Capri and could tell that his father was pleased Mark had moved on and seemingly with the right sort of person. The three walked around for a while until Mr. Farnon inquired into whether he could speak with his son alone. The scandal around Mark's mother was one he had no desire to share with anyone, least of all a teenage witch he'd only just met.
Capri didn't seem to mind giving Mark some time alone with his father, citing a need to check if her family had arrived at the castle. As soon as she was out of earshot, Mr. Farnon said, "It's done. The divorce is final."
"That was quick."
"I saw the need to hasten the process." Mr. Farnon turned to Mark. "Have you heard from your mother?"
"Not a word," Mark said.
"I would highly recommend you cut her from your life, but you are an adult and can make your own choices. I only urge you to choose wisely, Mark. Your reputation is on the line."
Mark only grunted in reply. His parents had always been so image conscious, that his father's opinion came as no surprise to him. He simply couldn't wrap his mind around the fact that his mother had done the exact thing she had forbidden him to do, only much more extreme.
"Capri seems lovely," Mr. Farnon said after a brief silence. "I should like to meet her family."
"I'm sure that can be arranged."
"It pleases me you have finally seen reason and given up on that impure girl. I feared you might go back to her after your mother's indiscretion."
Mark didn't say anything. His original plan had been to do just that, but it had all fallen apart when Kate had gotten closer to Hugo Hathi.
Mark finally muttered, "I'm done with her."
Stigma
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 04-20-14 11:52
Cyrus and Elgiva Finch came to Hogwarts to see the three Westwick children. Linden had wanted to come, but in light of the events from Valentine's Day, as well as the stigma against him thanks to the article Rita Skeeter had written in January, he'd opted to stay home. Ash, Rowan and Willow were all disappointed but understood perfectly why he hadn't come. They were, however, very pleased to see the Finches, who had been so very good to them since their return to the world.
Rowan nibbled on a piece of carrot cake while Ash talked about how his apparition lessons were going. So far he had not managed a single apparition, but by the same token, he hadn't splinched himself either. He nevertheless felt a little disappointed over the fact that he hadn't made any progress yet, never mind the fact that he wasn't the only one not to have achieved anything in the lessons so far.
Willow talked about how she was still a little interested in going for Quidditch commentator, but she worried about being in the spotlight with all the hullabaloo surrounding her family's dark history. Although she had the support of her friends, especially Amorica Wenlock, there were others who gave her funny looks or talked about her behind her back. A small part of Willow wished she could be a doll again, if only to be oblivious to all the rumors surrounding her.
Rowan knew the feeling. Although Beatrix was still as loyal as ever, she let it slip that her father seemed less than keen about her associating with the Westwicks, what with their connection to the Death Eaters. It didn't seem to matter that Linden had defected long ago and paid a hefty price for it.
The Vanderbilt parents were the sort of people who followed whatever was popular at the time. When Euphemia Smythe-Jones was in power, they supported pureblood rights and disowned their half-breed daughter. Now that Rita Skeeter's articles were gospel, they didn't like the idea of Death Eater spawn roaming the corridors at Hogwarts. It was bad enough Beatrix was best friends with one of them and had a big crush on another.
Rowan sighed, spying her best friend at another table with her parents and siblings.
"Should we invite them over, or perhaps join them?" Elgiva asked, following Rowan's gaze.
Rowan shook her head. "Let's leave them be."
Elgiva frowned. "Did you and Beatrix have a fight?"
"No, of course not," Rowan replied. "I just think she should have some family time now."
Elgiva looked doubtful but didn't broach the subject again. She turned back to Ash, who was not oblivious to anything even if he sometimes acted that way, and who was looking at his middle sister with complete understanding right then. Whether it was something you did or your parents did, the past would always come back to haunt you.
Family Day Meetings
Author: Capri Brycin
Date: 04-20-14 13:20
Capri wandered around the castle with her parents her older brother, Amyas and her sister.
"I can't believe I am being seen with you!" Andromeda growled. As much as Capri wanted to fight back she refrained from yelling at her sister and causing yet another scene.
"Girls stop!" Mr. Brycin said and Capri shop him a look because she hadn't done anything. She sighed to herself and noted that Mark and his father were across the hall from them. She smiled at Mark and then he waved them over.
"Mom, Dad, Amyas I would like you to meet my boyfriend and his father."
Mr. and Mrs. Brycin smiled and were happy that their daughter was making friends. "We would like that." Mrs. Brycin smiled.
"So my little sister has a boyfriend?" Amyas teased Capri and nudged her.
She laughed and nodded her head, "Yes. Aren't you proud of me I am making friends."
"No you're not!" Andromeda added. Amyas turned towards his youngest sister and just looked at her. "She's not making friends – Mark is the only friend she has."
"What about his friends?"
"He doesn't have any friends either. He is a loner these days."
"Shut up Andromeda. You can't talk because I heard about how you treated Cierra and Kirby."
"Girls!" Mr. Brycin said again. "I don't want to have to tell you again."
Capri dropped her head and said, "You ready to meet Mark and his father?"
"Yes." Mr. Brycin said and followed Carpi's lead over to where they were standing.
Capri pasted a smile on her face that only Mark could see through and she said, "Mark, Mr. Farnon this is my mother Ariel, my father Azaiah, my older brother Amays and my little sister Andromeda."
"Nice to meet you." Mr. Farnon smiled and held out his hand; Mark did the same.
The adults talked and Andromeda excused herself to go find Cierra and Kirby she had some crow to eat in the order of an apology while Amyas and Capri talked with Mark.
Visiting For Parents Weekend
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 04-20-14 13:41
The twins at a play date and Grace at a friend's birthday party, Julian came alone to Parents Weekend. He doesn't mind not having the other children along since it's nice to have time alone with Caerwyn. Time alone, that is, excepting so many others about and chatting up each of Caerwyn's professors.
After speaking with Kissy Weatherby, the upper years Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Julian thinks to ask at last, "How are your apparition lessons going?"
"Good, or I think so. I've only managed anything once but some of the others haven't done anything yet."
"What did you manage to do?"
"Mostly get from start to my hoop. Did you use a hoop when you were learning?"
"We did. Mostly, hum? What part did you leave behind?"
"My left leg from mid-shin down. I wasn't expecting it to be uncomfortable but not to outright hurt. Why didn't anyone warn us about that?"
"Because then few would want to learn and those who did would be more likely to splinch thinking about how much it might hurt the first time they splinched. It does also depend on what gets splinched and how shocked someone is as to the amount of pain."
"It didn't hurt long at least. Almost immediately the professors were there to fix it."
"Which is why few parents have qualms about their children learning apparition here at Hogwarts. You are well supervised and under controlled conditions." Julian doesn't voice the qualms and reservations many parents, including himself, have over their children learning magic because even with the most basic of magic, accidents happen and injury, even death, can occur.
He doesn't say aloud that even with all that supervision and on the spot help when there's a splinching, he and, most likely, other parents actually do worry a bloody great deal. The alternative, however, is to not allow any magic learning to be done and that can be as dangerous for some as the process of learning and becoming skilled. Untrained wizarding children can be problematic as their magic abilities make themselves known. Untrained or unskilled wizarding adults can be dangerous, even deadly.
In the short time it takes to walk from the second floor where they'd seen Professor Weatherby and reach a room Julian often wishes had been around when he was a student, the Common Commons, Caerwyn and he have shifted to talking about one of his least favorite topics. Iola Carew has stayed in regular contact with her nephew and has invited Caerwyn to have breakfast with her this upcoming Hogsmeade weekend.
"I still need to find that jewelry I told her she could have. Maybe I should suggest having lunch with her or afternoon tea so I'll have time to look more through some of Mum's things."
"You've looked at least twice in everything that might have that pendant."
"I know, but I should look again to be sure and there are other boxes. It could have gotten put in one of them. Unless," Caerwyn deeply frowns.
"Unless what?"
"Could it maybe have been buried with Mum?"
"It could have been."
It could have been but was not. Julian found the pendant in question when Caerwyn first asked about going through Afton's belongings. Julian can't put his finger on why, but something about Iola's interest in the pendant seems off. It could simply be the distrust of Afton that's bled over to her sister but it won't hurt to hang on to the pendant for awhile longer to see how Iola reacts after waiting months for it and not being able to get her hands on it. If this niggling feeling turns out to be nothing, Julian will "find" the pendant, saying it must have been overlooked all this time. If his instinct proves correct, then it's best Iola, nor Caerwyn, now he's got it.
Not wanting to talk further of Iola or have Caerwyn dwell on his deceased mother, who might might have been an evil witch but was mostly a good mother to the the boy, Julian asks how Hufflepuff's looking for its next Quidditch match.