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Return to London
Author: Xiomara Sofia Serano
Date: 10-23-12 00:55
"It is quite good to finally be home." The words echoed through the desolate foyer of the Serano estate, followed by the click of heels upon the imported marble tile.
"It is good to have you home dearling." Alexander stated, sliding an arm about her waist and holding her to him briefly. "Pity you couldn't have come home earlier, I believe that there is a big to-do at the Mockridge estate this evening."
"Pity. I will have to perhaps owl the matron of the Mockridge family in the next day or so, after I get settled. Though, I'm not entirely sure she'll welcome me after I fled before things got too sticky, and cut all ties while I was away."
Alexander shrugged and brushed a chaste kiss to her cheek. "You might be surprised, but worry not dear we will get you back into proper society soon enough."
I sighed and ran my fingers over the banister before leaning against the side. "I will be staying in the city until the house is ready for me. Do send for me when it is ready, though of course I will be popping in now and then to check the progress."
"Of course Xio, you'll be pleased with things when it is all said and done. The movers will be here in the morning, and that pathetic creature Poppy has been scouring all day to ensure that the house is ready for you by tomorrow evening."
"Very good, and you've assured that none of the staff are tainted? I need no scandal tied with me just yet my dear."
"Of course. Now, go about your business and I will handle things here."
I nodded and stepped away from him, he'd been head of the house for sometime, but now Alexander was beginning to annoy me, treating me like a child when I am far from one. I am the last, surviving Serano, and I intend to get myself back into proper society and already I will be making plans to get my daughter introduced into the right circles.
"Jasmine, come darling. We need to get to the hotel, and get settled for the night."
The sound of the nine year old girl running down the stairs came quickly, and soon enough she was standing by my side. "My room is so big mama!"
"Indeed dear, you are going to be in the same room I was in as a child," I turned to Alexander. "I will be here tomorrow evening to check on things, and hopefully I will not be disappointed."
With a crack I apparated with my daughter to the lobby of the wizarding hotel we were staying in while waiting for the estate to be proper for habitation.
Arriving Slightly Late
Author: Majandra
Date: 10-23-12 21:49
Though not a member of the Hogwarts class of 1996 Majandra is running slightly late for that class's ten year reunion at The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade. George did graduate with the class and as his wife was included in the invitation. He arrive a little before her, coming ahead when Maj needed to change her clothes at the last minute. Both the kids have a stomach bug that allowed them to show their displeasure with Mummy for going out for some fun while they don't feel well. They weren't happy with George either but he wasn't in the vicinity when Miranda and Georgie double teamed her with their stomach contents. She'd immediately done a cleaning charm on her outfit but a few stains proved stubborn enough that she'd needed to select something else to wear. She probably would have anyway even if the charm had completely worked because even though George told her he could't smell anything on the clothes Maj kept getting whiffs of something unpleasant.
Even though she's not overly late the party seems to be in full swing when she walks in. She doesn't immediately spot George but Blossom appears at her elbow. "How are the kids?"
"In Miranda's words, icky. If they can keep the potion down long enough to help, they will feel much better soon. Have any of yours shown symptoms?"
"Not yet, fingers crossed."
"Where are our husbands?"
"Somewhere that direction with Lee. One guess as to what they are talking about."
"The Quidditch World Cup."
Blossom laughs. "You had a fifty-fifty shot at getting it right as it was going to be that or their newest joke product ideas."
As they've talked the two women have been moving away from the door towards the bar to get drinks. Across the room, George is leaning forward grinning at Lee Jordan. "Seriously? You'd have selected Krum for seeker?"
"Why not? He's owner of a british team and plays on that team still for some of their matches. He lives here in Hogsmeade, has a Quidditch shoppe, and works at Hogwarts. I'd say that qualifies him for the British National Team."
George mulls this over then nods. "I see your point but if you recall his first World Cup match he caught the snitch when the other team was enough ahead in goals to win anyway."
"The eagerness of youth. He was still in school, juggling it with playing professional. He must have been under tremendous pressure during that match."
Fred interjects, "You think Wiggy Hodfuffer's going to screw things up for us? He's still at Hogwarts."
"No," Lee shakes his head. "He's a chaser. He might have some screw ups during the match but he's got two others who can help him compensate if that happens. Other than the occasional assist from a beater deflecting a bludger, a seeker is out there alone."
Maj and Blossom walk up during Lee's explanation. Before George, Fred, or he can continue Maj gets in a question of her own. "Where's this date you said you were bringing, Lee?"
"She's around here somewhere. You know, maybe I should go find her."
This elicits chuckles from the other four with Maj nodding in agreement. "That might be a good idea."
Lee excuses himself as George asks, "Any other problems before you left?"
"Other than them complaining more. I do feel badly to have left them when they are sick but it's not as if we've abandoned them alone and can't pop right back if we're really needed."
"I feel guilty too but not so guilty I'd miss this unless things were dire." He points with his chin towards a doorway leading into another room. "A band is about to start up. Want to dance with me?"
"Love to."
Hand-in-hand they make their way that direction, stopping along the way to chat both with some of George's former classmates and with Hogwarts staff putting in an appearance this evening. By the time they reach the other room, the band is partway through its first song. They find a spot about three quarters of the way to area serving as the stage. They dance through the rest of that song and four more before deciding to take a break for refreshments and to mingle more.
One Of Fred's Old Girlfriends
Author: Blossom
Date: 10-24-12 15:56
Leaving Fred once more deep in conversation with Lee Jordan Blossom decides to finally check out the food. Surveying the selection she nods and smiles at one of Fred's classmates, Orlando Devons, whom she met for the first time less than ten minutes ago. Some of those here tonight, such as Lee, Blossom knows quite well. There is a reason her two younger are named Frederick Lee and Fabian Jordan. Others, like Orlando, she's never seen before. Then there are the ones she has a passing familiarity with for one reason or another but who are not particular friends of Fred's.
Lee's date tonight is one of those she doesn't really know but as it turns out Majandra knows her quite well. She'd also gone to Hogwarts but in a different class than Fred, George, and Lee. Blossom doesn't normally feel like a third wheel but with so she doesn't really know and doesn't know at all, she's having a little twinge of it now.
One of those unfamiliar faces approaches the table where Blossom is still trying to decide what to add to her plate. She looks up at the woman across from her, a plate in hand just as she has, when she senses eyes on her. Caught staring the woman smiles sheepishly. "Sorry. I was trying to figure out if I know you are not. Amelia Davis. I was in Gryffindor, class of '96."
"Blossom Weasley, married to Fred."
"Is that an American accent?"
"Yes, I came to the UK after I graduated from Watling's Wizarding Academy."
"I knew Fred was married but I hadn't realized he'd not married someone from Hogwarts. Blossom? As in the day care and gaming center here in Hogsmeade."
"Guilty."
Amelia and Blossom continue talking with Amelia telling Blossom a little about herself and Blossom probably oversharing on the triplets and twins. A short time later, still near the food table and able to see where Fred and Lee are seated, Blossom notices a woman has shoved in close to Fred, leaning in against him.
"Who is that?" she asks Amelia.
"Samatha Thatcher. She and I were roommates after she transferred to Hogwarts from a school in Canada."
"I don't mean to sound like the jealous wife but she's looking a little too close for comfort."
"They dated for awhile."
"I did not now that. Perhaps I should go over and introduce myself."
Amelia lightly laughs. "That might be a good idea. Samantha can come on somewhat strongly without even realizing."
"I hope to talk more with you before the party's over," Blossom tells her before returning to the booth where Samantha Thatcher is now practically in Fred's lap though it's obvious to everyone he's trying to put distance between them. As Blossom approaches he smiles in relief. "Samantha, do you mind moving to sit by Lee so my wife can have her seat back."
"Wife? Oh right, I had forgotten."
Samantha gets up to shift to the other side of the booth though to Blossom she seems reluctant to make the move. During this process Fred makes the introductions. "Blossom, this is classmate and Gryffindor Samantha Thatcher. Sami, this is my wife Blossom."
Samantha smiles though from Blossom's view point it's not an overly friendly one and doesn't reach Samantha's eyes, and puts our her hand. "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you as well," Blossom replies, hoping she doesn't sound stiff or less than friendly.
Lee jumps in, "Sami is in the broom manufacturing business and was just telling us about some of her company's newest models."
With Lee there to help buffer the conversation, it doesn't go as badly as Blossom thought it might. Nevertheless when Samantha finally gets up to go talk to someone else, she's glad to have that over with as she did not at all care for the looks the other woman kept shooting Fred. Blossom trusts Fred completely but that doesn't mean she has to like it when another woman makes it clear she's interested in him.
With Samantha vacating the booth, Blossom finally starts nibbling on the plate of food she'd brought over while hoping that she doesn't have to endure much more of Samantha Thatcher this evening.
Class Reunion
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 10-24-12 18:13
Ten years was a long time, and yet Professor McGonagall could remember teaching every single one of the former Hogwarts students in the room. Some she remembered more fondly than others, but she felt a certain pleasure at seeing all of them at The Three Broomsticks this evening. It was nice learning what they had been up to over the past decade, though many glossed over their roles in the events of Minister Smythe-Jones' regime, if they mentioned that point in time at all.
Living in a community for nons or in hiding––if the threat of the RAC had affected the former Hogwarts students present at the class reunion––was not the only major thing to happen in the last ten years. The greatest dark wizard they had ever feared or admired had been defeated. Some of them, like Fred and George Weasley, had participated in the battle which had largely taken place underground in Hogsmeade.
But many good things had happened over the past ten years, too. Both of the Weasley twins had growing families. Others, like Angelina Johnson and Samantha Thatcher, had amazing careers. Professor McGonagall had talked at length with Angelina regarding the British and Irish Quidditch Little League, of which she was the director.
Now she stood next to Professor Dumbledore. Both sipped butterbeers from frothy glasses Madame Rosmerta had just brought them.
"I think having this reunion was an excellent idea," Professor Dumbledore stated, eyeing the festivities through his half-moon glasses.
"I agree," Professor McGonagall answered. "I'm pleased with the turnout."
"And I dare say how everyone has turned out!" Dumbledore exclaimed.
Minerva nodded. "Everyone is so grown up," she said softly. "Where has the time gone?"
Dumbledore smiled. "Ever into the future," he said. "It marches on, and we have no choice but to go with it. What do you think of your Gryffindors?"
"It occurs to me that nearly the entire 1995-1996 Quidditch team is present. We're only missing––"
"Harry Potter," Dumbledore finished.
Minerva nodded again. "Yes." She looked around the room, picking out all the members of the team. There were Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet, the former chasers laughing together about something. Fred and George Weasley, sitting with their wives, Lee Jordan and his date, were the house beaters. And there in the corner, nursing a drink of some kind, was the former keeper and present-day broomstick designer Samantha Thatcher.
"Well, I think I will circulate some more," Dumbledore decided. He tipped his glass towards Professor McGonagall's as a sign of his adieu and then ambled off to talk to Miles Bletchley.
Minerva, meanwhile, was approached by Jelica Carter, formerly of Ravenclaw House.
Braving the Reunion
Author: Kirley Mockridge
Date: 10-24-12 21:15
Kirley studied his sister for a moment. "Thanks for coming with me, Neph," he said quietly. He knew he owed her big time for this, as she'd had to take yet another evening off from her beloved potions, thanks to a family member requesting her presence at an event. He knew she hadn't planned on attending the class reunion, but he'd begged, wanting to continue his discussion with Professor Snape as well as consult with both Dumbledore and McGonagall on possible ways to handle Rita Skeeter. All theoretical, of course, but he believed in planning ahead. He knew that sorting out the leak would only be a stop-gap measure.
"Yeah well, you owe me. Jewelry and paying for my new wardrobe should cover it. Mother's restocking my entire supply of Potions ingredients, even if she doesn't realize it yet."
"You knew when you introduced her to Pippin that she would slide into matchmaker mode, Nephele."
"How was I supposed to know that his mother was her roommate from Hogwarts? Bloody Hell, Kirley, you could've warned me."
"What's the fun in that?" her twin asked, earning a glare from his sister, but she didn't retort as they were entering into the Three Broomsticks. "Oh, look, Neph, there's Bletchley with Dumbledore," he said.
"Well, by all means, go say hello. And be sure to pass on regards from the 'Ice Bitch', I think that's what he called me. Honestly, you won't go out with a guy after a bad experience and suddenly, you're frigid," she said, her voice trailing into a mutter as she stepped away, light eyes catching sight of the large contingent of former Gryffindors who were attending. And then she spotted the bar.
Kirley watched her head for the bar, suspecting he'd be Side-Along Apparating her home later. It had been hard for her to come here, knowing what her reputation had been during school. And it wasn't her fault, he couldn't blame her for being cautious, not after what he and Alistair, along with Professor Snape, had stopped during their fourth year. And he knew she did it for him, because for all their bickering, she really was the best sister he could've ever asked for. Not that he would ever tell HER that. She'd be impossible to live with. Only then did he head for his former house-mate and the Headmaster.
(Gus) Letters
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 10-25-12 04:49
Gus' parents had been proud and thrilled when the prefect badge arrived from Hogwarts. His father took them out to dinner in order to celebrate and his mother had written to everyone in the family.
Gus liked the idea of having the power to remove points to the other students, as well as having some authority inside the school. The Prefects' bathroom was another good thing about all this. Last year Mark had been bragging about it all the time and now it was time for him to give it a try as well. However he had received a letter right after his Hogwarts' one with Johanna's handwriting where she congratulate him for being chosen as prefect and that she was hoping he would be aware of the responsibility such position meant. It made Gus lose somewhat his enthusiasm but he knew Johanna was right.
Felicia also wrote to congratulate him and Gus had also exchanged letters with Kate and Mark. He had actually gone with Mark to Quidditch Con and both of them expressed their concerns about who was going to fill Cornelia's place as a seeker now that she just graduated from Hogwarts.
But the Slytherin Quidditch team was not Gus' major worry at the moment. It was Polly. He had written to her several times and her replies seemed to take ages to arrive. Her letters were short and written in a dry tone and she didn't even say anything when he told her he was named prefect. He wondered if he had written something that offended her or if that such type of correspondence was normal.
He asked Mark about it and he said he didn't write to Kate because their parents didn't know they were dating. Gus hadn't assumed his relationship with Polly yet but since he was used to receive letters from Johanna and Felicia all the time, his parents didn't seem to realize anything different in his mail.
He was writing another letter to Polly, but not really sure what he could add to the letter. He told her about his family going to St. Petersburg for the final of the Quidditch World Cup and how he wanted her to watch the Quidditch match with him. Gus added that he was eager to go with her to the Emrys fest and in a silly way that he thought it was somewhat cute he added that he was eager to kiss her. Girls liked this kind of stuff didn't they?
He signed the letter and added a P.S. telling Polly he missed her. He just hoped this time she would reply to him with a little bit of more enthusiasm then the previous times. Gus was not the type of guy to write his feelings in a letter but he was really into Polly and he was starting to get a bit desperate with her lack of response and interest.
But maybe there was no reason to be concerned. Maybe he was just being a bit paranoid and Polly was just being shy in her letters. Things would be back as they were once he saw her again, Gus said to himself, ready to send his letter to his girlfriend.
Babysitting Duties
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 10-25-12 18:42
"Cheeky Monkey, Sandra needs new hair."
"Seriously, Libby? Eight years old now and you still insist on calling me Cheeky Monkey?"
Typical of my barmier than the barmiest thing little sister, Libby ignores the question. "This green."
The green yarn she holds up is akin to an acid green on drugs that Mum bought to use as part of a Seventies based fancy dress. The party is going on right now and because the babysitter Mum had gotten had to cancel last minute, I had the joy of being conscripted to volunteer my Saturday night with the sex god Sage Porter to stay with Libby.
Libby thrusts her doll Sandra at me and holds out the yarn that even now is searing holes in my eyes. Sandra is actually a faux marble Merlin statuette. That it is still intact after all this time is something of a miracle.
Trying not to look at the green yarn straight on I ask, "Do you really think this shade of green is Sandra's color?"
For once the dictator in training actually mulls over something I've said. After a moment she produces a pink yarn that I have no doubt would glow in the dark were I to put out the lights. "You think this is better?"
Another miracle. Liberty Annette Copperpot has asked my opinion. I give consideration to her question then look to the basket where various other balls of yarn are located. "What about that yellow one? Make her hair like yours. Or that blue one, sort of like Mr. Belcourt's girlfriend's hair."
Libby decides we must now dump out the basket and look at each yarn color up against Sandra. "Does this purple have a name?" she asks, holding up one of the balls of yarn.
"Violet and that one there is more of what people call lilac."
"Those are flowers," Libby says with a shake of her head as if giving something the same name as a flower is the silliest thing she's ever heard. "I am going to call this one Merlin and that one Tiffany," she says of the violet and the lilac, respectively.
"That's what you are calling those balls of yarn or do the names apply to everything of those colors."
"Everything." The thrusts more yard at me. "I've decided I want Sandra's hair to be a mix of Merlin, Kayla, and Herman."
"You've lost me. Which are Kayla and Herman."
"You are not a very smart Cheeky Monkey, you know that? Libby says with a huge roll of her eyes before indicating the acidic green yarn is Herman and a cornflower blue yarn I've not seen until now is Kayla. Using my wand to make Sandra's new wig makes short work of the task, for which I am thankful given the three colors to blend together. It's also makes an easy job of taking off the old wig and affixing the new one.
As soon as that's done Libby picks up the brighter than the sun hot pink she'd considered earlier. "Now, make Sandra a poncho from Sarah. With tassels."
Between working with acid green Herman and day-glo pink Sarah, I fully expect to be blind soon. Libby won't care as that will mean she can eat all the sugar biscuits she wants while gorging Angus our Scottish wildcat on sausages. Accepting the scorchingly pink Sarah from her, I also grab two of Mum's knitting needles and set them to making a statuette sized poncho.