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Siblings
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 03-16-16 18:18
"What kind of name is Jupiter?"
Ash smiled and shrugged his shoulders. He alone had come to Hogwarts for Parents Weekend. The Finches were on holiday with other relatives of theirs and the Westwick patriarch thought to stay away, given the stigma surrounding his former association with the Death Eaters.
"Her parents met on an amateur astronomers gathering," he replied.
"Does she do something with astronomy too?" Rowan asked.
Ash shook his head. "She's an arachnologist."
"A what?"
"She works with spiders." Ash laughed at Rowan's expression.
Willow came bounding up with three cups of steaming hot chocolate. Ash and Rowan carefully extracted theirs from her grip and switched to the topic of their father, who after two whole years of being released from prison had only just now found work. It wasn't glamorous or paid much by any stretch of the imagination, but it was a job. He was responsible for keeping the public conveniences clean in Diagon Alley.
Ash assured his sisters that their father's pride wasn't hurt. He was thankful that someone had finally seen fit to hire him and didn't care if the job involved scrubbing toilets.
"Why wouldn't anyone else give him a chance, though?" Willow asked.
Rowan said, "Because he's an ex-con and a former Death Eater. Ash?" She had noticed him grow still, but she didn't know it was because he had the feeling he was being watched.
Ash looked around and then relaxed when he saw Beatrix across the lawn. She had her arm looped through a boy's.
"Is that Pablo?" Ash asked.
Rowan followed his gaze and nodded. "Yes. Should we go over and say hello?"
"Yes, let's!" Willow exclaimed. Her gaze was on another boy, who just so happened to be not so far away from where Beatrix and Pablo stood around with their families.
She set off, and Rowan and Ash followed suit. Ash sized up the boy Beatrix had chosen to date and decided that he didn't like him very much, for no other reason than just because.
Unexpected Twist
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 03-16-16 20:07
In all his years at Hogwarts and in the time since then, until today Harry had never set foot into Severus Snape's living quarters. He's still uncertain as to why he's now been invited. As Snape emerges from the small kitchen carrying a tea tray, Harry decides he's been knocked unconscious and is dreaming. Or having a nightmare. That's yet to be determined.
Based on the expression on Ron's face, who is sitting across from Harry, his friend is having much the same thought.
Ron and Harry are working the extra security for Parents Weekend. They'd arrived together for their shifts only a short time ago. The two men had barely set foot on the Hogwarts grounds when Snape approached, requesting a moment of their time. To say Ron and Harry were shocked to be led not to Snape's classroom nor to his office but to his Hogwarts home would be the understatement of the year, possibly the decade. Harry isn't sure he'd deem it the understatement of the century as they are still fairly early into the 21st century.
Snape pours the tea, allowing them each to add their own cream, sugar, or honey. As he stirs a dollop of cream into his own cup Severus looks from one of the other. "Thank you for coming without questioning me excessively as to why I requested to speak with you both." He takes a sip of the tea then pours a tiny more cream into the cup. As he stirs he explains, "If we were in my classroom or office we would run the risk of parental or student interruption. Later today I shall be meeting with my Ministry of Magic contact regarding the Knights of Walpurgis. I had thought to say nothing, not even to Minerva, until then but I saw you two coming through the gates together and I was overcome with an unexplainable urge to apprise you of a rather unexpected twist."
Harry cannot imagine what would have Severus Snape confiding in Ron and him before speaking with Minerva McGonagall or Filius Flitwick, or that Ministry contact whose name for some reason escapes Harry at the moment. Ron looks at Harry with a subtle shake of the head and an even more subtle shrug. He's as in the dark as Harry.
Harry asks as he lifts his cup to his lips, "What sort of unexpected twist?"
"I spoke with Veronica Dumbledore earlier today."
Ron's eyes go wide. Harry expects his have too or maybe his mouth as dropped open. Either way, he's so astonished to hear that name all he can do is physically shake his head as if checking his hearing.
Ron is equally incredulous, so much so there's a squeak to his voice when he parrots, "Veronica Dumbledore."
Harry, momentarily forgetting how hot his cup is and lets it rest on his legs, the heat seeping through his trousers, says, "I thought she'd gone back to France or something."
"She had but now she's returned. Veronica is a high ranking member of the Knights Walpurgis."
Ron nearly drops his cup, fumbling with it, tea sloshing over his hands. Harry, having finally felt the heat from his own teacup and setting it aside, hastens to rise to help Ron whose hands might be scalded. When the few seconds of chaos have subsided and Ron's hands inspected for burns, which were thankfully mild but still needed seeing to, Severus tells them of the meeting with Veronica when he had been expecting Simon Simeon.
When Snape is finished Harry can't help but blurt, "I thought she was my parents' friend. Why would she join a dark arts group?"
"Veronica was cagey about how she came to join the Knights and what led her back to Britain. I need to ascertain if she's a spy or if she has genuinely turned to the dark arts."
Ron ponders aloud, "Wonder if she's contacted Aberforth."
"That is also to be determined. From what little he has said of her over the years my understanding is she write perhaps twice a year and has rarely visited and even more rarely has him to visit her."
Ron looks to Harry then to Snape asking, "Do you think this is something like with Adriana?"
Harry shrugs while shaking his head. "I don't know how it could be, not unless Voldemort had two spiritual children."
The three wizards sit mulling over this unforeseen turn of events a short while longer before Ron and Harry must see to their security duties and Severus must keep an appointment with the parents of one of his students. As he makes his way up the stairs from the dungeon, Harry decides this is a nightmare and hopes he will wake up any second now to find himself on the grounds with someone telling him to just lie still, Madam Pomfrey has been sent for.
Parental Updates
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 03-17-16 07:07
"I know I don't teach the most entertaining of subjects that Hogwarts offers. However, I am trying to make it entertaining. There are days that I don't do more than lecture, but I'm hoping my students at least know that the information I'm passing on is important," Karma said to the parent of one of her first years.
"I do understand why it is a required course. History is required at muggle schools as well," the mother of her first year stated. Apparently the boy was born to a muggle mother and a wizard father, which meant that this was the mother's perhaps first foray into the wizarding world now that her eleven year old son was part of this world.
"This I know, I'd spent some time studying the muggle schooling system, as well as the system we have set up in the Wizarding world. History has always been my passion, and I am hoping it is something that I will be able to create a love for in my daughters as well as the children I teach here."
The conversation turned to the boy's current academic process in the class and his parents were pleased to find that he was doing well, if not fighting at times to stay awake in classes that didn't involve some sort of entertainment value to them. He was one of the few that always made time to come see her on her office hours, especially before examinations to ensure that he was on the right path with his studying.
Eventually the couple departed, and headed off to perhaps meet with another teacher or join up with their son for some time on the grounds. Either way, it allowed her a few moments to settle down at her desk, and look over a few things.
She still had assignments to go over, but that would probably happen after the girls were in bed. She'd planned a short day trip into London once things were done here at the Castle, however, she might change that to tomorrow to ensure that they had quite a bit of time to spend in London. She was considering taking them to the zoo, as the children were both in love with animals both wizarding and muggle alike.
"Mrs. Morgan," the voice drew her back from her thoughts and she smiled lightly, pushing up from her desk to greet the woman who entered.
"Yes, please, call me Karma, and come in."
The woman stepped in and offered a hand, which she took easily shaking it before allowing the other woman's hand to be withdrawn.
The pair of them spoke at length about her daughter, and Karma learned a few things that were true, that she'd speculated on, and would be able to change things a bit to ensure that the girl did well in her course in the future and ultimately when she chose to move into her courses for her upper years.
Eventually, the woman moved on and ultimately the parade of parents had begun in earnest and the appointments continued, each time allowed Karma to talk and properly update the parents of her students who were here for the weekend.
Not Going Well
Author: Gerry
Date: 03-17-16 12:34
Gerry followed behind his father and wished that the day would end. Every teacher they met said a variation of the same thing about him: he didn't apply himself, he didn't always do his homework, and his conduct was generally very poor. With each conversation he had, Geoffrey Blackwell grew increasingly disappointed. It had grown to the point where it seemed likely that Gerry would have to stay at Hogwarts over Easter break as punishment for not taking school seriously.
At least his mother wasn't present to scold him, though that would no doubt come later and quite possibly as a Howler. She was busy at the library, and Gerry's three younger brothers were spending the day with their Martini grandparents.
"If you still want to be an auror when you grow up," Gerry's father began, "then you'll have to get your act together."
"I'm only a second year, Dad. Surely my marks don't make that much of a difference right now."
Geoffrey stopped in the hall and turned to look at Gerry, who stopped too and stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans.
"Do you want to have to repeat your second year?" Geoffrey asked. "Do you want to be removed from the Quidditch team in addition to staying here over Easter break?"
Gerry's mouth formed an O in shock and then he grew angry. "You can't take me off the team!"
"I can, and I will if you don't improve your marks. I think the less extracurricular activities you have, the more time you'll have to do homework and study."
"But Daaaaaaaad!"
Gerry wanted to say more but he clamped his mouth shut when Will appeared around the corner with his whole family in tow. His sister Brianna would be starting at Hogwarts next year. She had a little notebook and quill with her to take notes. She seemed eager to learn everything she could about Hogwarts before September next.
The look on Will's face suggested the visits with his teachers weren't going all that well either. Gerry knew that Will's marks were much better than his, but his conduct wasn't too great––probably because Gerry was such a bad influence.
Geoffrey said hello to Mr. and Mrs. Wentworth, and then the two families went in opposite directions. Gerry reluctantly trudged behind his father, wishing again that Parents Weekend would end already.
Disappointment
Author: Mildred
Date: 03-17-16 14:44
Mildred was having lunch at the Great Hall with her grandmother. She hasn't ate much, and she kept using her fork to move the remaining food from one side to the other of the plate. For a while Regina had made no comments about her granddaughter's behavior but she finally had enough:
"Stop playing with your food Mildred!"
Mildred put her fork down, producing a sonorous cling. A family nearby turned their heads to her, but quickly looked away. Regina's mouth twitched, as she too put down her cutlery.
"You must control that temper of yours, young lady."
"I can't help to be upset because he isn't here," she revealed.
"Your father again. I told you before, and I tell you again: he is busy. If he could he would be here."
Mildred could not help to roll her eyes, revealing how she felt about this situation. She could not believe her father hasn't come to the castle to visit her. After so much time apart, she thought he would want to spend as much time as he could with her, to compensate the lost years. Mildred would accept the busy excuse, if her father had written to her and mentioned a new job or activity. But he has become really vague in his letters, rarely mentioning his life, and often being sloppy with his writing, as if he had other things in his mind. Mildred had the feeling her grandmother was covering him, but at the same time she didn't know much about what was going on. Regina disliked her son in law, and if she knew what Alexander was up to Mildred was sure she would be criticizing him right now, even if it was something good. Maybe in another occasion she would want to know what was her father doing, but all she was able to think about was how he was put things above her. Wasn't she important to him?
"This is all wrong," she said. "He should be here, at least for an hour or two. He should be like the other parents, warning me about the OWLS, wanting to know if I am studying enough hours, or if I have my mind on other things, like boys or Quidditch."
"So this is about your boyfriend." Regina declared, as if she finally figured everything out. Mildred had agreed to meet Wesley and his parents after lunch, so she could officially meet them, in the quality of their son's girlfriend. She thought it would better to fill in her grandmother about her afternoon plans, and that included to admit that she had a boyfriend. Regina did not show any surprise and Mildred felt like somehow she already knew there was a boy in her life. "You wanted your father to meet him. To give his approval."
"No! It's not that, and I don't need his or anyone's approval. This is about my father not caring about me, or my life. If he did, he would be here."
"You know your father cares about you, Mildred. So please, stop acting like a spoiled child. I am here for you. How many students don't have anyone to visit them? Besides, your father knows you are a responsible young lady, that you are working hard on your studies and you will pass your OWLs successfully. He knows you are focused on your future as a healer."
"See? If he was here, he would know I don't want to be a healer anymore."
For the first time, Regina's face revealed surprise. Mildred announcement had shocked her. She assumed her granddaughter would like to follow her parents' footsteps, like she had declared a few times before. Mildred looked so much like Sarah, she really believed she would want a career as a healer, because she had it in her. What if she wanted to become an artist like her other daughter, Helen? Regina was horrified with that idea. Regina tried to compose herself and asked Mildred what sort of career she had in mind.
"I am not sure yet," she said, standing up. Mildred had some ideas about her future but now she did not want to share them with her grandmother. The only person she wished she could talk to was her mother. For a moment she wished it was her father who was dead and not her.
"I need to get ready to meet the Varnums," she announced. She wanted to comb her hair, and try to look presentable to them. Mildred wanted to cause a good impression.
She went around the table and kissed her grandmother's cheek, saying goodbye. She left the Great Hall with a sigh, relieved she could use her meeting with Wesley's parents as an excuse to dodge a fight with Regina about her future.
Parents Weekend, Nightmares and Promises
Author: Araxie Loren
Date: 03-17-16 15:34
"You don't look like you've been sleeping too well kiddo. What's on your mind?" Daniel said as the pair stepped into the Great Hall after the meetings with her teachers.
Araxie shrugged, "Nightmares mostly. Like before when I was drawing the things that helped get you out of Azkaban."
Daniel slid an arm around his daughter and hugged her lightly against him as they started hunting down a plate of food for each of them. Daniel had opted to come and see his daughter, rather than sending his sister and brother-in-law. He owed Araxie this, he'd been gone for so long out of her life and now that he was out of Azkaban.
They'd passed another girl who was storming off after giving a kiss to an older woman, the student that was leaving didn't entirely look happy. But, then again many of the students weren't looking the happiest to have their parents hear learning that their marks weren't as good as they thought they would be.
Pushing a hand through her hair, Araxie grabbed a plate of food and within moments was seated at a table with her father. They talked a bit about her classes, and Araxie knew that her marks were slipping just a bit, and a lot of that could be from the nightmares, because she wasn't sleeping. Eventually, the conversation turned toward the nightmares and Araxie wasn't even remotely surprised when her father asked to see her sketchbook, knowing well that there was some visual evidence of the nightmares.
Daniel took a few minutes to look over the items that had recently been added to his daughter's sketchbook. A frown briefly marring his features. He closed the book and set it down on the table between them.
"This was pretty much that same night, I didn't think you were still having nightmares about it. Is there someone here on grounds you can talk to about it? Or perhaps I could see if Professor McGonagall would allow someone to come in once or twice a week for you to talk to?"
Araxie let her fingers gather the sketchbook up and pull it close to her. She had no idea why she was having nightmares still about her mother's death. She knew that there had been enough evidence in her nightmares to get her father freed from Azkaban, but she figured that would be the end of it. Apparently it wasn't.
"I don't know. I might be able to talk to my head of house, but I doubt they are truly capable of helping me deal with this. Or even the Assistant Head of House. I don't know." There was a faint sigh of frustration that escaped her as she finished up the final bite of her meal and let her fork settle on the edge of the plate.
"You need to talk to someone Araxie, and perhaps during breaks we can start looking for a psychological healer that can help you with this sweetie..." Daniel said, offering his daughter a light smile.
"Maybe. I'll probably see if I can talk to Professor Kent. I will have to find out when his office hours are, I don't take his class. I might have a house elf deliver a letter to him. I don't know. I'll figure it out."
She said softly, pushing a hand through her hair once more and closed her eyes. "It's getting late, if you want I'll walk you to the gates."
Daniel nodded, "Alright sweetie, and I'll send you an owl in a couple of days. I'll also let your aunt and uncle know about what we talked about today."
Araxie nodded, and slipped her sketch book back into her messenger bag with a soft sigh. She'd probably be getting an owl from her aunt and uncle as well. But, for now she was content to have spent time with her dad and it felt good to know that he was worried about her and that he was going to ensure that she could ultimately get the help she needed.
Since the nightmares were starting to influence her daily routine, it was time to put an end to them...or at least ensure that she could figure out what they meant and why they were currently making her life difficult. She needed to get them sorted out before next term started, simply because she couldn't risk having to deal with the nightmares on top of studying for her OWLs. Right now, as a fourth year she didn't have that stress, however, she'd be repeating her fourth year if she didn't get some kind of hold on this, well for lack of a better word, nightmare.
She walked her dad to the gates, a hug and a kiss, and he was back out into the village. She turned and headed back into the castle to see if she could find Nichole or if she was still spending time with her parents.
A Long Way For A Short Visit (Justin)
Author: Plum
Date: 03-18-16 19:24
Seated on a window bench Ava Hodges takes in the scene out the window. "This is a lovely view."
Justin grunts in agreement earning him a stern look from his father. "What?" he asks, having not a clue what the look is for.
"You can't be bothered to actually speak these days?"
"Huh?"
Malachi's expression hardens. "Huh is how you respond?"
"Sorry. Sir?"
Even though he's addressed this to his father it's his mother who answers. "Since we arrived the extent of your conversation is grunts and monosyllables. We've come a long way for a short visit. If we had known how thrilled you'd be to see us, your father and I would have saved ourself a tiring trip."
Guilt overwhelms Justin. He knows exactly how tiring the trip from Australia is. No matter the method of transportation, the time difference alone takes more than a few hours of adjustment, which is the amount of time Ava and Malachi will be in Scotland this trip. They came solely to see him.
"I'm sorry. I've been feeling off."
"Off in what way?" Ava asks.
"Headache and my stomach's a little queasy."
Malachi stands, holding out a hand to help Ava and then Justin up. "We should go see the nurse. What's her name again?"
"Madam Pomfrey."
"Pomfrey, right. She's better looking than the one who was here when I was a student."
Justin makes a face at this bit of news. While he doesn't think Madam Pomfrey is hideous to look at, she's enough older he also has never thought of her as decent looking. What does come to mind if he thinks anything of her is that she's firm and stern but also good at what she does, even if it's making someone drink the most foul smelling and even fouler tasting of potions.
As they walk, Ava asks Justin the embarrassing, "Sweet on anyone?"
He shrugs and is about to give a simple no but catches himself. "There are a few I like but no one in particular I've studied with or gotten sweets with in the commons."
Deciding to shift to something that will have his mother doing most of the talking, at least for a few minutes, he asks his parents, "How's Martha? It's been a few weeks since her last owl."
His mother tells him Martha's latest, including the name of his sister's newest boyfriend, which sets Malachi off extolling this one's virtues compared to the last one. His parents are still talking when they reach the hospital wing. They turn their attention to greeting Madam Pomfrey then letting Justin tell her what's bothering him.
The headache he's had since last night and it's a sort he thinks is sinus related. He doesn't say that the nausea only came on about the time Ava and Malachi arrived, brought on by Justin's worry that they've learned something about Luther Wenk, like maybe in addition to sending Justin letters he's been sending some to his house. He's not sure his parents would read his mail but they'd ask why Luther's writing so much and want to know wasn't he expelled from Sydney's, and oh, by the way, here are those letters. Or, worse, Martha would see those letters if any where sent to the house and say something about what she knows of Luther and his getting expelled.
As Justin accepts a potion to drink for his head, he wonders if the one Madam Pomfrey will give him for his stomach will actually work since the nausea is worry related and not bacterial or viral. He'll find out soon enough he supposes.
A few minutes later, the three Hodges are thanking Madam Pomfrey and making their way to the library, Ava saying she's not seen it on previous visits. Justin doesn't understand her desire to see the place. It's just a library afterall but leads the way, doing his best to say more than a word or two in response to anything either of his parents say.