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Shock
Author: Josie
Date: 09-13-14 15:08
This year the National Alchemy Convention was taking place at the city of Derby. It was lunchtime and Jack and I had lunch in a small Muggle restaurant and then he took me to a famous hat shop. It was concealed from the Muggles, just like the Leaky Cauldron at London. Who passed by would think it was a dusty closed shop but for those who knew what to look for, they would find a beautiful establishment, with elegant pointy hats at the window.
"It is said that Dumbledore bought some of his hats here," Jack told me, as we took a look around the shop.
He picked up a midnight blue hat and tried it on. He posed in the mirror.
"It looks well on you, but it doesn't match those robes at all," I commented.
Jack was wearing orange robes and so the blue hat looked ridiculous in his head. But I don't think he seemed to mind that much. He was talking about taking the hat back to the convention and how it would look good on him when his name was called to the stage as he received the award of Alchemist of the Year.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you but that's not going to happen," I told him in a gentle voice.
The Alchemist of the Year award was meant for those who had in some way contributed to a new alchemical discovery. It didn't really matter if the witch or wizard had actually discovered anything, as long as they had an interesting research project, worked hard and were really committed. It was a very special award and every real alchemist would like to take home such distinction.
For more than a decade the award had belonged to Robert Frobisher, a half a decade alchemist who spent most of his life trying to find the 13rd use of dragon blood. Some said it was a myth, others agreed that there was far more uses to the dragon blood than the ones discovered by Dumbledore. Mr. Frobisher truly believed there was another use and he was meant to find it. Rumors said that he was so obsessed with his work that he had illegally bought a dragon, raised it, and used its blood in his experiments. Whether if that was true or not, I could not tell.
Jack and I killed some time trying some hats and I decided to buy a hat for Aris. It was an elegant model with the Slytherin colors, his former house. He had been down since things with Jade did not work out and I did not like to see my friend that way. I had promised to have lunch with him once I returned to London, after the convention. Perhaps I would be able to cheer him up.
We left the hat shop and went back to the place the convention was being held. There had always been a competition between cities to see who could organize the best convention. It was a matter of pride. Three years ago, at Manchester, they had offered small bottles with elixirs as gifts, and in the very first convention I attended at Gloucester there was a very big statue of Nicholas Flamel without nothing in his hands. I was told that one day, in a near future, the Philosopher's Stone would be created once more and such object would be placed in the statue's hands and everyone would visit Gloucester to admire it.
Today at Derby, they had built an impressive auditorium and I recognized Robert Frobisher in one of the front rows. He was smiling, already expecting his twelfth Alchemist of the Year award. Once everyone was installed, a witch of a small height but with very long grey hair wearing red robes with little black dots climbed to the stage. She reminded me of a ladybird. She cleared her throat and used her wand to do an amplifying charm. Her voice sounded all over the auditorium.
After presenting herself and making the usual speech about the award she opened a golden envelope that she carried. There was a deep silence in the room and then she declared:
"And the winner of the Alchemist of the Year award is… Mr. Connor Maslin!"
People started to clap their hands. The first thing I noticed was the smile dying in Frobisher's lips. Then I watched Connor go up the stage and receive the award. It was a small statute whose shape would change from time to time, representing different alchemical symbols. The presenter explained briefly to those who did not know who Connor was and how he had distinguished himself from all the other British alchemists this year. It has been due to his enthusiasm and efforts in trying to recreate the Philosopher's stone. She also added that he was contributing to give alchemy a new image as a superior branch of magic by the interview he has given to Rita Skeeter where she had admitted she always thought about all alchemists being old wizards with long beard but his looks and youth had surprised her. Frobisher touched his own long beard, offended.
Connor thanked for his award and he started his speech. I was seated there watching in pure shock. Jack held my hand. He knew my story with Connor. His touch felt like a soothing balm and I was counting on it to help me pass the rest of the day.
Quidditch Con 2008 (Wiggy)
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 09-13-14 18:37
Wiggy began the morning at Quidditch Con 2008 on a Q&A panel made up of a players from different teams. There were the usual questions such was what team is looking the best? If an all star team were being put together, who should be on it? Who should coach? To the single players, who are you currently seeing? The only out there type question was to one player who was asked by a Rita Skeeter wanna be whether there was any truth to a rumor of cheating on the spouse.
When the panel ends Wiggy makes his way through a throng to join up with Deak and Jack. After grabbing some food from one of the stalls they slowly meander around the large space, having to stop from time to time when someone not only recognizes Wiggy but approaches in hope of a photo or autograph or both.
At one booth the three friends check out the brooms on display. The company, Soar, is new to the industry and is hoping that today will give them positive exposure. Wiggy inspects one sleek looking model, the Cheetah, named for the fastest land animal. He moves from it to give a close look to the other model on display, the Meteor.
"Give it a sit."
He looks up as one of the Soar reps approaches. "The seat on each molds to form. Stays that way until someone else uses it but goes right back to fitting you like a glove when you use your broom again."
Wiggy sits on the Meteor while Jack tries out the Cheetah. Sure enough he can feel the seat changing slightly under him. Within seconds it's extremely comfortable. From the way Jack's nodding at Deak, he takes it Jack's having the same experience with the seat molding itself.
When they leave the Soar booth, Wiggy is considering buying one of the models, though he can't decide which yet. The rep, having recognized him, mentioned something about a free trial and if he likes it, there is the possibility of signing an endorsement deal. Wiggy's not sure about that, which is why he's thinking of buying one rather than a free trial that might come with strings. On the other hand, endorsements can bring in quite a bit of extra money. Wiggy might be young and really only just getting started but he's all too aware that professional Quidditch isn't a lifetime occupation.
Jack, Deak, and he walk around more but Wiggy has started keeping an eye on the time. All too soon he has to part ways with his friends, a promise to meet up again later for lunch. At the Puddlemere United booth, Wiggy takes a recently vacated seat at a table for his turn to sit and sign autographs and pose for pictures.
Halfway through his slotted time a familiar face shows up in the queue. With a roll of his eyes Wiggy gestures to the security guard on duty. "That woman there, her name is Bradana. She has a number of restraining orders against her and unless I'm mistaken she's on the no entry list for today."
The guard nods once, makes sure she knows who Wiggy's pointing out, then leaves the booth for a minute. When she returns, she's got another of the Quidditch Con security guards with her. Bradana appears to argue at first but then acquiesces as Oliver Wood, one of Puddlemere's keepers and a former Gryffindor like Wiggy, leans over to ask in a low voice, "How did she even get in?"
"No idea but I hope they figure it out or she's likely to show up again."
"Unless they detain her somewhere."
"We can only hope."
Though Wiggy is all smiles, exchanging chit chat with eager fans, the rest of his time at the Puddlermere table seems to drag with his desire to find out how Bradana got into Quidditch Con and whether she was planning to harass him or any other players while here.
Awkward
Author: Carys
Date: 09-14-14 12:40
Carys walked around the facility where Quidditch Con was taking place with a press badge around her neck. She was there to shoot photos for Emrys Everyday's early fall editions, which always tended to focus on the various happenings taking place during the summer months. Already, she had great shots of celebrity Quidditch players, mascots, the newest racing brooms, and the many vendors selling wares from team hoodies to figurines.
Griff and Tristan were also there but had gone their separate ways for the time being, with a promise to meet up at one of the food kiosks for lunch. Carys had no doubt that when it was time to convene at the designated meeting spot, Tristan would be decked out in Quidditch gear. He didn't seem to have a favorite team, which meant that he would likely turn up with mismatched souvenirs. At least he was never too disappointed with the outcome of any given match.
In between taking photographs and keeping notes, Carys looked around at the various displays. She'd played keeper while at Hogwarts and had enjoyed it very much, at least at first. Carys hardly thought about playing sports these days, but being at Quidditch Con had her feeling a little bit nostalgic for her old Gryffindor team. Some of her former teammates had gone pro, like Ginny Weasley (now Potter) and Wiggy Hodfuffer.
Carys probably wouldn't have ever played professionally, even if she'd not been forced to give up her spot on the Gryffindor team. She probably would have always become a photographer, just like her mother before her. Photography was in her blood and something about which she felt very passionate. She couldn't wait to get her business truly off the ground, something she was planning for after this year. Carys wanted to concentrate on her last three terms at St. Emrys first.
She turned a corner and ran smack dab into her classmate Blayne and his wife Yasmin, who Carys had never met but had seen in some of Blayne's photographs. She was a tall, buxom witch with hair dyed honey blonde and mile-long legs.
"Oh!" Carys exclaimed, nearly dropping her camera.
Blayne grabbed onto her arms to steady her. "Whoa, there!" A half second later he recognized her, chuckled, and added, "Nice running into you here, Carys." He still had hold of her arms, which was wholly unnecessary now that Carys was steady on her feet again. She gently extricated herself from his grasp.
He let go and put an arm around his wife. "Carys, I'd like you to meet my wife Yasmin. Yasmin, this is Carys, the girl I told you about."
"Hi, Carys," Yasmin said with a big smile. "It's so nice to finally meet you. Blayne talks about you all the time. He says your photos are always the best in class."
"Oh, I don't know about that," Carys murmured. She felt uncomfortable, remembering Blayne's invitation to swap partners at a party to mark the end of finals week.
"They are the best," Blayne insisted. He then asked, "Are you here alone?"
"No, my husband and son are here somewhere," Carys answered, looking around in case they were nearby but they weren't.
"We'd love to meet them," Blayne said, "wouldn't we, Yasmin?"
Yasmin nodded. "Yes, especially your husband."
Carys smiled weakly at them and said, "They're off doing their own thing while I'm working, and I should probably get back to it." She raised her camera for emphasis and then started to edge away from the couple.
"Maybe later, then," Blayne called out to her.
"Sure," Carys replied. She looked at Yasmin, "It was nice meeting you."
And then she turned on her heel and walked away, escaping the awkward situation as quickly as she could.
Checking Out Quidditch Con
Author: Kissy Isuki
Date: 09-14-14 15:20
Everett's squeeing over a flying Quidditch figure that's also a stuffed animal has Cameron asking, "What do you think?"
Kissy inspects one of the figures on the table over which the one, and examples of other toys on sale, is flying. "I don't see any choking hazard." She crouches in front of stroller. "You like this one, Everett?"
He gives her a drool laden grin and reaches for toy. Cameron's already turning to one of the two booth workers to pay. In the short time it takes to maneuver out of the stall and move to the next, the stuffed Quidditch player, who vaguely reminds Kissy of Viktor Krum, and broom are damp from Everett's ministrations, making her glad she did a quick cleaning charm on the toy.
Passing one food vendor Kissy's stomach roils at the aroma to the point she's keeping watch for a lavatory. Just as quickly as the nausea comes on it's thankfully gone. And just as quickly, she finds herself salivating as another aroma reaches her. She puts a hand on Cameron's arm. "Let's stop here."
"Craving?"
The kiosk has a variety of spiced and sugared nuts. While she picks out what she wants Cameron charms the soppy stuffed figured to fly within reach of Everett's hands. As they continue their stroll, the baby is giggling wildly grabbing for the toy. When he catches it he chews on it some more then lets it go to fly around again. Kissy snacks on a mix of walnuts and cashews coated with a heavenly cinnamon sugar mix.
Their next stop is at the official Chudley Cannons' stall where Cameron gets a few autographs and a little Everett sized Cannons shirt. A few minutes after they begun walking again they run into Viktor Krum. He eyes the bag with the Cannons logo. "Rooting for the enemy."
Kissy chuckles. "You haven't noticed Everett is wearing a Humbatas jersey."
Cameron, also with a laugh, says. "I like too many teams to choose just one but if I had to choose just one it would be the Humbatas."
"Of course," Viktor chuckles. "I am due to one of the panels so forgive me for hurrying off."
Goodbyes are exchanged with Viktor heading off down one aisle and the Weatherbys continuing on towards the where the official Montroe Magpies stall is located according to the layout map for Quidditch Con. By the time they leave several hours have passed, Everett has a couple of other new toys, they have a collection of autographs and photos, some new game gear from various teams, and Kissy has a large bag of the cinnamon sugar nuts she's been almost continuously snacking on since that first bag soon after arriving.
With Coco at Quidditch Con
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 09-14-14 15:22
Fritz and Coco bought tickets for Quidditch Con ages ago and made doubly sure that they could take the day off from their respective jobs in order to attend. Both are Quidditch fans, having played beater for Ravenclaw while students at Hogwarts. They walk slowly among the various booth, sometimes stopping to peruse something a little more closely.
A number of professional Quidditch teams have booths, including foreign teams, like the Heidelberg Harriers. Having lived in England longer than he ever did in Germany, Fritz considers himself British, even though he is technically still a German citizen. Still, he's drawn to the German team and ends up buying a couple of Heidelberg Harriers souvenirs, including a jersey for himself and a little stuffed animal mascot, which he promptly turns over to Coco, the dog lover in their relationship. The Harrier stuffed animal is tri-color, white, brown, and black and really quite handsome.
They move along to another booth, this one displaying kid friendly Quidditch accessories, like small goal hoops and toy broomsticks. A very energetic witch whose name tag reads "KoKo" immediately addresses the couple.
"Hi!!!! Do you have kids? Wouldn't they look cute in this teeny tiny uniform?" she asks, holding up an outfit meant for an infant.
Fritz and Coco exchange looks and then Fritz replies, "No, we don––"
Before he can finish his thought, KoKo starts up again. "We specialize in everything Quidditch for tots! Adorable, non-slip gloves! Mini quaffles! Super soft bludgers! Snitches in all colors and extra glittery! Look! Diapers with little broomsticks on them. Aren't they CUTE?!"
Fritz finds himself nodding though he's really eager to move on. It's not that he doesn't have any interest in having kids ever, it's just not something he and Coco have talked about. They haven't even broached the subject of marriage yet. He suddenly finds himself in a panic, wondering if Coco is waiting and waiting and waiting for him to pop the question already, when he feels her tug on his hand. She tells KoKo, "Thanks. Maybe we'll stop by again later," and then she drags him to safety.
They get a few tables away when she asks, "Seriously? Who spells their name KoKo?"
Fritz laughs a little belatedly, guessing he's off the hook, at least for the time being. He finds himself distracted for another reason all too soon when they pass by a news stand mostly carrying Quidditch-related magazines and even some catalogues, but there are some newspapers too. An article right on the front page about Berthold Beatenberg's dead body getting dumped at the Ministry of Magic catches Fritz's eye.
When Fritz first heard the news, he felt relief at knowing Berthold would never unexpectedly show up in his life again, nor would he ever harm anybody ever again. Yet Fritz also feels a bit saddened. He can't explain why other than Berthold was somebody he knew–-not a good somebody––but an acquaintance nonetheless.
He frowns, and when Coco sees why, she again tugs him by the hand. "Come on," she says to him. "I'm feeling a bit peckish."
She takes him to one of the snack stands, where they get something ooey gooey and chocolately, just what Fritz needs.
(Madoc) At the Convention
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 09-15-14 10:56
The McGonagall brothers walked around the exhibition hall and took in all the sights and sounds of Quidditch Con. Somewhere sat their grandfather, weary and perhaps a little bored, but willing enough to take his grandsons on an outing. Madoc and Malden were supposed to stick together, and they were, but if not for looks and the fact that they moved from booth to booth at the same time, it almost seemed as if they didn't know each other.
The older the boys became, the more they seemed to grow apart. They couldn't be more different in personality and interests, though they both liked Quidditch and played for their respective house teams. Madoc was very careful with his spending money, having hardly gotten anything for himself yet, whereas Malden spent freely and carried bags laden with things he didn't need and probably wouldn't want anymore after a while.
Madoc wished his parents could have come with them, rather than his grandfather, but Myron and Cate McGonagall had another obligation planned much in advance that they couldn't get out of. It wasn't that Madoc didn't care for his grandfather anymore, but even they seemed to drift further and further apart with the passing of time. The same couldn't be said about Malden, though. If anything, Menelaus McGonagall doted on his youngest grandson even more these days.
Madoc grew tired at looking at the stickers and other decals at the booth he and Malden were currently perusing and looked over at his brother to see if Malden felt the same. Malden was debating between two penants, ultimately selecting the larger of the two. Madoc took a few steps away from the booth to signal to Malden that he was ready to move on, and while Malden paid for his purchase, Madoc took out a booklet that listed the times of all the events taking place.
There were panels with professional players and demonstrations of new equipment. There was even a scrimmage match to watch. Madoc mulled over what was next on schedule, when he felt somebody tap him on the shoulder. Expecting it to be Malden, Madoc prepared to move on to the next booth while simultaneously asking if Malden wanted to check out any of the scheduled events, but the person tapping him on the shoulder turned out to be his great aunt.
"Great Aunt Minerva!" he exclaimed, grinning. "What are you doing here?"
"You act like a person my age couldn't possibly be interested in Quidditch," Minerva said with the hint of a smile on her face, "and you of all people should know better." She was the biggest Gryffindor Quidditch fan on the planet.
Malden joined them then. "Hi," he said, with much less enthusiasm than Madoc.
"Hello, Malden. Are you enjoying yourself today?" Minerva asked.
Malden nodded. "Yeah."
Minerva turned back to Madoc. "Are you boys here alone?"
Madoc shook his head. "No, our grandfather is here. He's sitting somewhere while we wander around." Madoc checked his watch. "We're supposed to check in with him in thirty minutes."
Minerva gave him a tight smile. She and Menelaus were not on good terms at the moment, and she didn't want to risk a scene in front of the boys. She said, "You best get along then. You don't want to keep him waiting."
Madoc frowned. "Won't you come around with us, at least for a little bit?"
Minerva hesitated and then said, "Very well. You'll understand if I part ways with you before you meet up with my brother?"
Madoc nodded. Malden piped up, "He hates you."
"Malden, stop," Madoc chastised.
"What? It's true."
Minerva's smile remained tight. She didn't like the fact that Menelaus seemed to vent about her to his grandchildren, but that wasn't Malden's fault. She turned back to Madoc. "Shall we?"
Madoc looked a bit ashamed on Malden's behalf, but he nodded and said, "Yes."
Malden led the way to the next booth, which had T-shirts on display. Some represented the various professional teams, but others had simple slogans like "I'm a keeper." or "Catch that snitch!".
Malden quickly found shirts he liked, but Madoc debated long and hard before selecting one that was scarlet and had a faded image of a broomstick on the front. Even Minerva found something she liked. Neither boy had ever seen her in a T-shirt before and couldn't even picture her wearing one. She hardly seemed to notice how baffled they appeared by her purchase.
When they were all done, she asked, "Where to next?"
Adult Outing
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 09-15-14 13:28
"Do you think we should floo over to Mel's and check on Meagan?"
That was the third time Jim had asked since we'd left our daughter at my friend's house this morning to come to Quidditch Con and get some much needed adult time together. I shook my head and brushed a kiss to his cheek.
"Nope, she's fine. She loves going over and spending time with Mel and Camden. We'll see her later today when we go home."
Jim nodded, and I knew he was probably going to ask again later, but then again maybe he'd surprise me and not ask again. As it was we'd already picked up a selection of things for ourselves as well as more than a few things for our three year old daughter who would eventually be demanding a broom of her own and wanting to play quidditch.
After a quick stop off at one of the food vendors we continued our trek through the maze of displays, vendor set ups and demonstrations - and we'd be going to a couple of the events later this evening before we ultimately decided to head home.
"I think that's Professor McGonagall..."
I blinked, looking up from the t-shirt display that I was looking at, debating on grabbing a couple for myself liking the vintage look that a few of them had. I tilted my head and smiled.
"Yup, that would be Professor McGonagall...and I'm not at all surprised to see her here. Anyone that has gone to Hogwarts knows she's one of Gryffindor's biggest supporters when it comes to Quidditch."
Quickly purchasing a trio of t-shirts, and adding them to the bag that I was carrying that had an expansion charm on it to ensure that everything from the con would fit in it without issue, Jim and I headed over to say hello.
Mother and Daughter Plans
Author: Xiomara Sofia Serano
Date: 09-15-14 14:12
Fingertips played over the ancient cover of the book I'd gotten sometime ago while in Hungary, and I'd taken a trip to Tokyo not too long ago with Jasmine. Now, I was home, my attention once again focused upon my business. Thadeous had been quiet as of late, and I'd not been tangling myself up in any of that business with the Fairchild woman, though I'd heard the news of Berthold's body being dumped recently and was fairly certain that the Fairchild woman was behind the man's ultimate demise.
"Mama?"
The word, singular as it was drew my attention away from my thoughts and my gaze lingered upon the face of my darling daughter.
"Yes my dear?"
I motioned her into my office, and she carefully stepped within, weaving through a couple of stacks of books that I'd been going through recently for a few things that I was working on at the moment. Once she reached me, I wrapped her in my arms, drawing her close.
"Can we go out just the two of us? Somewhere we've never been, that's here in England?"
Sighing softly, seeing so much of her father in her already, I couldn't help but give in to her inquiry.
"Do you have something in mind already, or do you want me to surprise you with something?"
Jasmine grinned and turned to face me, a brilliant smile upon her lips. "Quidditch con first, and then maybe the theater and dinner out?"
I laughed, completely forgetting my daughter's want to go to the Quidditch con that was being held today, I'd been dealing with clients most of the week and they'd been keeping me on my toes, to the point that I'd considered selling the business and doing something else with my life, but I wasn't sure I was ready to give it up. I was also considering giving up a variety of other things and possibly turning a new leaf, but certain things would need to be dealt with and ultimately ensure that past transgressions were not brought to light.
"Go get ready and we will leave in a few minutes. I might even see if we can stay in a hotel in London and make it a few days just the two of us."
Jasmine grinned brightly and within moments was racing up the stairs and throwing together an overnight bag and ultimately racing down the stairs leaving her bag near the foyer, I'd taken my time to get ready as well adding my own overnight bag to my daughter's and then hand in hand we flooed to the location of quidditch con, and after purchasing tickets entered the chaos.