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Back to Westwick Grove
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 09-15-14 14:26
Westwick Grove had been restored to his former splendor, though there was one significant thing missing: Mrs. Westwick. Unlike her husband and children, Holly Westwick never broke the curse Antonin Dolohov had cast upon them more than two decades ago. Her current whereabouts, even her entire existence, were completely unknown. Now more than ever before, the family noted her absence.
Despite missing her mother, Rowan was glad to be home again. She'd arranged her room the way she'd left it all those years ago, though she'd updated the style to reflect the modern world in which she now lived. The portrait of Laurel rested on her nightstand, though its occupant was away, visiting the rest of the house via the other paintings scattered throughout it.
More than anything, Rowan wished she could invite Beatrix over to see how the house and grounds turned out, but she couldn't make herself ask. Her greatest worry was that Beatrix would say no. Rowan hoped that by now, Beatrix had gotten over their falling out, but the fact that she hadn't heard from her all summer didn't bode well. For all she knew, Beatrix was hanging out with Cate Moreau.
She remembered that today was Quidditch Con, something none of the Westwick siblings had an interest in. Willow liked Quidditch the most and had thought about auditioning for commentator, but she had never followed through with the idea. She was more interested in attending Emrys Fest next weekend. As of right now, she and Rowan were planning on going to the music festival together. Ash hadn't decided if he would go.
He walked pass her room and then doubled back, stopping in the doorway. "Are you all right?"
Rowan turned to look and then beckoned him inside her room. "Yeah, I'm fine," she said. "Why?"
Ash didn't answer right away. He looked around her room, which was in better shape than when he'd last given it a hard look, and then sat down on her bed. His gaze settled on her and he said, "You never said why you and Beatrix aren't talking anymore."
Rowan had avoided the subject because she didn't want Ash to feel badly about his small part in the whole thing. She sighed and noticed that Laurel had returned to her portrait and was looking at Rowan pointedly.
Rowan looked at her brother. "She's mad at me because I squashed her dreams of the two of you ever getting together."
Ash spluttered, "What?"
It took a lot to catch Ash off guard. Rowan allowed a small smile to creep over her lips and said, "Don't tell me you never noticed her big crush on you."
Ash seemed to recover from his initial surprise and said, "Of course I noticed. She wasn't exactly quiet about it." He shrugged and added, "I just didn't expect to be the man caught in the middle."
"Sorry," Rowan said, moving to sit next to him. "I didn't mean to hurt her feelings, but I did, and now she's mad at me for insinuating that you could never feel for her the way she does for you."
"I knew it!" came a voice from the hallway. A second later Willow appeared in the doorway. "I just knew it!"
"Go away, Willow," Rowan said, a little angrily.
Willow scoffed and then stalked away, but Rowan heard the footsteps stop abruptly and knew that Willow had stopped to listen in some more. She rolled her eyes and said to Ash, "I don't know how to fix this."
Ash thought for a moment. "I think she will eventually come to realize that she shouldn't be upset with you. If anything, she should be upset with me. I like her very much. She's a sweet girl, and a good friend… or she was until your falling out. I just don't like her the way she wants me to like her. She shouldn't blame you for that."
"I know, but I was the bearer of bad news," Rowan said. "I think it's worse because she doesn't have any sort of confirmation from you, not that I'm expecting you to have any sort of conversation with her about this."
"I'll do it if it'll fix things. I hate to see you so sad, Rowan."
Rowan looked at her brother and almost felt like she could cry. He was such a good person.
"What will you do?"
Ash said, "I think I'll start by writing to her." He got up from the bed. "I'll let you proof it before I sent it off, all right?"
"Okay, thanks." Rowan got up too. "Really, Ash. Thanks."
He smiled at her. "Thank me when things go back to normal again."
He left the room then, and Rowan heard him say something to Willow. She rolled her eyes again and then looked at Laurel's portrait. Laurel nodded once, approving the situation, and then stepped out of the frame. Rowan stared at the blank canvas for a moment and then sighed, wondering if any conversation Ash had with Beatrix would truly remedy their broken friendship.
Trio of Friends at Quidditch Con
Author: Rylee
Date: 09-15-14 14:28
"Are you going to play Quidditch again next year?" Raz asked as we look over the brooms offered by a new vendor, Soar. I was only kind of paying attention to the salesperson, who had mentioned that several of the professionals that were here had considered purchasing their new brooms from Soar for use in their next matches. He'd even dropped Wiggy's name, who was a Hogwarts Alumni and former Gryffindor player.
"I am considering it. I mean Slytherin did a bit better this year, though it still would have been better if we'd actually been allowed to play for the house cup, and we still beat Gryffindor in house point standings which is good."
Raz nodded, before slipping off the seat of the Cheetah, the model of broom that'd he'd opted to try while we were discussing things. Etana was currently looking over the Meteor, another broom that Soar has on display.
"Well, hopefully next year you'll do better and Slytherin will actually have a better chance at playing in the championship match."
After careful consideration, none of us leave the Soar booth with a broom, though I am seriously considering getting one of their brooms for use in next year's Quidditch games, I'd been leaning toward the Cheetah and the way the seat fit was actually quite nice.
"What about you Etana? Are you considering trying out for your house quidditch team when you get sorted?"
Etana shrugged, "I think I like watching Quidditch more than I like playing it. I will consider it, but I'll probably not bother trying out - just attend every match to support you and which ever house I get sorted into."
"I'm considering trying out for Keeper next school year, but I've not yet decided." Raz said, as we wandered along the length of vendors, stopping to look at a few more brooms that were offered before heading to look at some of the merchandise that was for sale.
By the time they were ready to head home, each had several bags filled with merchandise from their favorite teams. Rylee had gotten a couple of t-shirts, one of which boasted "Find me if you can..." With a picture of a snitch on it. She'd also found a pair of earrings that had snitches on them and the wings were charmed to occasionally flutter. There was also a new set of gear that she'd purchased for next year's game - which had pretty much solidified that she was going to be trying out again.
"Want to make one more pass through the vendors and see if there is anything else we want to get before we grab a bite to eat and then floo home?"
The decision was easy to make, as none of them were truly ready to head home yet - and after attending a variety of panels, getting to meet several professional players including Hogwarts Alumni Oliver Wood, and getting autographs and photos taken with several of the players they ultimately made their final purchases and floo'd home to show off their loot.
With Aleydis (Basil)
Author: Jared
Date: 09-15-14 17:19
Stopping at one broom vendor hoping to use Quidditch Con to increase sales, Aleydis points out one extremely flashy broom. "More style than substance."
"Definitely more for flitting around on at home. Nothing serious," Basil agrees.
When one of the workers approaches, smiling broadly while claiming, "Los Guerreros, that team from Quito, Ecuador, just ordered enough of these for the entire team."
"That so?" Aleydis asks, having a hard time not laughing in the man's face. It's good she's the one who spoke because Basil is trying so hard not to snicker at the claim he's not sure he's able to talk.
They manage to hold it together until a few booths away before breaking into laughter, both trying to imagine an entire professional team on those brooms. When he catches his breath Basil says, "You know, maybe that team is on to something. The sun will be reflecting off their brooms, blinding their opponents."
"And themselves," Aleydis says, causing them to start laughing again.
"You have a good joke, yes?"
Basil turns slightly at the voice. "Lluvia, hello. I thought you were going home for summer."
"I am visiting for Quidditch Con." She flutters a hand in the direction behind her. "Some of my family and friends are also about." She looks to Aleydis. "You are Aldeese."
"Aleydis," Basil automatically corrects. "Aleydis, this is my classmate Lluvia."
Aleydis puts out her hand to shake. "Basil's mentioned you, Lluvia. It's nice to meet you."
"And I have heard much of you, Aleydis. You will be attending university?"
"Yes, in Mortuary Science."
Lluvia gives a visible shudder. "You wish to work with the dead? I could not do that."
Basil, putting an arm around Aleydis's shoulders, says, "I don't think I could either but it's a necessary occupation. I admire Aleydis for her choice."
Lluvia looks from Basil back to Aleydis. "Your boyfriend is very cute. Many women in our classes wish he were available."
Basil feels his cheeks grow hot. Aleydis casts a sideways glance at him, almost smirking as she replies, "Many, you say. It's good I know I don't have to worry that Basil would return their attention."
Lluvia's lips purse and she sighs a little before answering, "Yes, it is good for you. Bad for those women."
Someone calling Lluvia's name has her saying, "I must go. Nice to finally meet you, Aleydis. Goodbye, Basil."
After Lluvia has joined the person calling to her, Aleydis lightly pokes Basil in the side. "She wants you in a bad way."
Basil pulls Aleydis in close, his lips not quite touching hers. "But I don't want her at all. I only want you," he says before kissing her.
When the kiss ends, Aleydis steps back, taking Basil's hand. "Come on. That session we want to sit in on starts in a few minutes." They stop for a snack to eat before continuing on, getting good seats, neither giving Lluvia another thought.
Working
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 09-16-14 14:29
Though dresses as so many others attending Quidditch Con in casual, comfortable clothes, Ron is working. In addition to the security personnel in marked uniforms, some stationary at booths such as those for the various professional teams, some roaming around, there is a contingent of British Ministry of Magic law enforcement on duty. Sipping on a lemonade, looking forward to having a butterbeer when his shift ends in half an hour, Ron stops to peruse a selection of infant and baby wear, one eye on a woman who's already been removed from the premises once today.
Making a mental note to come back and get Rose a Chudley Cannons outfit when he's on his own time. It's never too early to get her started rooting for his favorite team, Ginny's Harpies aside. The woman's moving on, Ron following, wondering how she got back into the venue. After the ruckus she made being removed earlier, drawing a great deal of attention to herself, he would have thought if finding a way to sneak back in, she'd have made some sort of an effort to conceal her identity.
She's not the only one removed from Quidditch Con today. There have been a couple or three drunk and disorderlies, one person with a number of restraining orders and who was on the entry list somehow got in but was spotted and removed before there was any trouble, someone attempting to sell bogus match tickets, and this woman he's watching. At one of the panels she began yelling at the head coach for the Tutshill Tornados, claiming he'd ruined her life with a losing season. As she was being escorted away, her rant got louder and the language ruder.
The woman stops near one of the access points into the venue. She and the ticket taker stand chatting and laughing. Ron thinks this may be where she gained re-entry. Moving to speak with one of the security guards, Ron and his back-up soon have the woman ousted again and her ticket taking friend isolated for questioning. Could be this same person is how that one person on the no entry list also managed to get in.
His shift soon over, Ron goes to sign out then makes his way back to that one clothing stall to buy Rose the Chudley Cannons outfit. That done, he goes in search of his Ginny to see if she's free for a butterbeer. If he's lucky, Harry will be around somewhere as well.
Wedding Planning
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 09-17-14 06:21
Isma currently sat at the kitchen table, spread out in front of her were a variety of wedding magazines and catalogs that showcased a variety of different dresses, veils, and other items that would be needed for her upcoming wedding in December, as well as gearing up for the remainder of her time at Hogwarts with Blake.
"Okay, I think I've narrowed it down to two dress robes, and two muggle style wedding dresses," She said, showing her mother the four choices. "What do you think?"
Emily shifted, moving to place Mark in his high chair, after giving him some banana slices. "I think either this one, or that one.." Choosing her favorite of the dress robes and the muggle wedding dress.
"Alright, I will talk to Cai and Angharad later when they come over after Quidditch Con. Blake and I will be going to Briar's to see about getting the cake order in super early, and I am thinking of asking Cai to be my maid of honor, since she and I have become close over the last year."
"That sounds like a good plan. I know you and Blake are just going to have a small ceremony. I am completely in agreement with all your decisions thus far," Emily said, dropping a kiss upon the top of Isma's head.
"Thanks Mom, and yeah, something small will work. We don't need expensive and fancy, just something with close family and friends. Also, I think Blake said we are going to look at flats today, see if we can find a place to move into once the school year is over."
Emily shifted, turning to pluck a card out of the small basket on the counter. "Your father and I have already taken care of that. Consider it a wedding gift and graduation gift all in one."
Isma took the card from her mother, "Wait, you mean..."
Emily laughed, "Yes, it was a place we'd had for sometime now, and we originally intended on giving it to you as a graduation gift anyway, now it is a combination wedding and graduation gift."
Isma jumped up and gave her mother a hug. "Thanks Mom," She took a few minutes and after tearing out the images of the dress robes and the wedding dress from the catalogs, she tucked them into her purse.
"Alright, I'm gonna head to the bridal boutique and see about getting the dress figured out, and ultimately meet up with Blake in Hogsmeade for lunch and a trip to Briar's to see about cakes, though I'm considering putting that off until a Hogsmeade trip during the school year."
"That might be a better idea sweetie, now go. If Cai and Angharad come by I will have them meet you in the village."
Isma kissed Mark atop his head and the toddler cooed and offered her a banana covered smooch in return. With that she headed to the fireplace and floo'd to the boutique in the Wizarding world, intending on trying on dress robes first, before venturing to the muggle bridal boutique.
Raid
Author: Lee Sickleby
Date: 09-17-14 18:22
Not quite under the cover of night, a group of operatives closed in on the warehouse facility recently determined to be the site of illegal drug manufacturing. It was located in Southwark, London and was formerly a Muggle holding that had fallen into disrepair over the years. To the Muggle eye, it still looked rundown, though nearly everyone who passed it found it completely uninteresting. To a wizard's eye, the warehouse looked like a fully functional, nondescript building.
Lee's job was to get into the building and disarm and subdue all the wizards inside, but first he had to wait for a colleague to disable the security spells around the premises. That was no easy feat, but Chisholm was an expert at detecting and unraveling spells. While Chisholm worked his magic, Lee and the others surveilled the area and looked out for the security expert so he could concentrate fully on the task at hand.
After quite a bit of mental and a little bit of physical exertion, Chisholm gave a silent signal to the others to inform them that all barriers and sensors would no longer serve as issues. The group fanned out and then covertly made their way into the building. Lee entered via a window that opened at an angle and was just wide enough for his lean, yet muscular body to slip through. He landed softly on the concrete floor behind rows and rows of simmering cauldrons and immediately started to sweat from the heat.
He hadn't moved when all hell broke loose. A loud shrieking emanated throughout the building. It seemed Chisholm hadn't detected or disabled every security spell there after all. The Caterwauling Charm alerted all the wizards inside the building to the presence of the intruders. Lee ducked low to avoid immediate detection and listened to the sounds of shouts and firing spells to judge their locations.
Moving to the last cauldron, Lee peered around it and saw a wizard with his back to him. The wizard dueled with one of Lee's colleagues, Newell. Lee stepped out behind Newell's opponent and blasted him in the back with a stunning spell. The wizard keeled over, and Lee earned a nod of thanks from Newell, who immediately set off to subdue somebody else. Lee, meanwhile, kicked the unconscious wizard's wand away and bound his wrists and ankles so that he couldn't go anywhere if he woke up before the raid ended.
Finished with that, Lee rejoined the fray, soon finding himself dueling with a wizard so unhealthily skinny, he ought to be easy to knock over with the weakest of spells. The wizard proved to be a vicious fighter, however. He whipped and slashed his wand, forcing Lee backwards on his feet more often than not. The too-thin wizard had a look in his eye that suggested he would stop at nothing to win the duel.
The wizard somehow turned Lee so that he was moving back towards the rows of cauldrons. The nearer Lee got to them, the hotter it became. He wanted to avoid the fire and the scalding liquid inside the burning hot metal, but it seemed like he would have no such luck. Just when he thought he would suffer severe burns, and certainly death itself at the hands of his opponent, a flash of red struck the wizard in the side and pushed him to the ground.
There was Newell, repaying Lee the favor from just moments earlier. The operatives made quick work of subduing the wizards. When it was all over, seven men were bound and gagged. There were no fatalities or grievous injuries on either side.
Lee turned to another colleague, Pole, and said, "Contact the extraction team."
Pole nodded and darted off to call them in.
He had hardly gone when it became clear that they hadn't cleared the warehouse of all its occupants. The last remaining dark wizard fired off a spell that struck Lee clear between the shoulder blades. He remembered stinging pain before everything went black.
With Daria
Author: Kody
Date: 09-17-14 19:48
"You are my favorite!"
This is exclaimed as the tall brunette throws herself at Kody. He manages to keep her from a stranglehold hug then steps back to open the distance between them somewhat.
"Thank you. That means a lot to hear."
"Will you take a picture with me?" She's always frantically gesturing to one of her friends with a camera.
Kody dutifully stands still, smile on face, even an arm around her waist. A Ballycastle Bats shirt bearing the name Reese-Emerson and his number is then thrust at him along with a quill that's suited to writing on clothing. "Please sign."
Squealing some between her thanks she also gets in, "I adore Dynamic Duo as well. I'm so excited you're in the Emrys Fest line-up again."
"We're happy to have been asked back. We're on at" "2:30. Stage one. I know! I'll be as close to the stage as I can get."
Only then does she notice Daria. "Oh my Merlin! I'm so sorry. I must seem like the stereotypical rude American. I'm keeping you."
After apologizing several more times in between assuring Daria and Kody she's not some strange stalker women, she finally leaves with her friends, squeeing again over having met her favorite in person.
Kody looks to Daria, an apology on his lips but she holds up a hand. "We're walking around at Quidditch Con. It's expected."
He searches her face and body language and listens closely to her tone for signs she's saying one thing while thinking and feeling another. Every indication is that Daria really is okay with it. Perhaps she finally is coming to terms with her over the top jealousy issues. That, or she's hiding it well and he'll hear about it soon enough.
As they begin walking again, Kody is giving himself a mental kick. He bloody hates second guessing whether Daria's going to explode again or not. It's been a very long time but they broke up once because she couldn't handle him even saying hello to another female. If he can't get a grip on this uncertainty, then they have no more chance at a long term future than they did when she was exhibiting jealousy at every turn.
As they stop to look at something that caught Daria's eye, Kody shoves these thoughts aside for the time being. He's going to have a good time, dammit!, with Daria exploring more before this year's Quidditch Con comes to an end.