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Reunion
Author: Fionna
Date: 08-22-17 19:15
"What would you like, Fi?" Jericho asks of Fionna's drink preference.
Patting the just starting to show bulge she replies, "Anything as long as it's non-alchie. Maybe some of that punch, if it's regular punch that is."
"Bas?"
"White wine spritzer." At Malcolm's reproachful look she amends that to, "Whatever you get Fionna, thanks."
Malcolm goes with Jericho to get the drinks and as soon as they are out of earshot Fionna asks, "Was that because you're still breast feeding?"
Basilia nods. "I've tried telling him a white or red wine now and again is all right but you know how stubborn he can be."
"Malcolm stubborn?" Fionna laughs heartily. "That pot calling the kettle black saying applies, you know."
Bas smirks. "As if either of us have anything on you."
They both look up when Orla Quirke approaches. "Hi!" She speaks so enthusiastically a stranger might think she'd been bosom chums with Basilia and Fionna while at Hogwarts or even after.
They return her greeting, Fionna gesturing to a chair. "Want to sit?"
"Thanks. Making the rounds. Oooh, you're expecting again. You've got two, right?"
"Dalton and McKenzie."
"I know you have one, Basilia. That cutie Nigil."
"Two now. Thomas is four months. You have two as well now?"
"Twins. Elsie, short for Elsinore, and Emmie, short for Emelia. Fionna, you're still with Terrortours? We're thinking of a trip and want something scary but not over the top."
"We've a few that would be perfect for that. I'll owl you brochures for them."
"That would be great. Thank you! There's Jimmy Peakes. I promised his wife I'd bring her a recipe. Let me go give it to her while I'm thinking about it."
After Orla has left the table Basilia admits, "I can never think of her husband's name."
Fionna chuckles but before she can respond Malcolm and Jericho are back with the drinks, accompanied by none other than Graham Pritchard, who was Bas's long time flame as well as Malcolm's best friend, and his new wife, a silly woman Fionna can't say she cares for much but puts on a smile anyway, ready to fake her way through politeness.
(Siegfried) 10 Years
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 08-23-17 18:25
Siegfried listened as Ebalus Alba described what he had been up to in the ten years since leaving Hogwarts. He had decided to go into Muggle Relations and had taken on an internship at the Ministry of Magic. That internship had led to an opportunity to shadow the Anthropology and Sociology of No-Majs professors at the Salem Witches' Institute.
Ebalus had decided not to go into teaching but had ended up working for MACUSA for several years before finally returning to Britain, where he now worked for the Department of Muggle Relations. Shortly after returning home, he went out on a blind date with Ada Danmartin, who had graduated from Hogwarts a year earlier. They hit it off and were now married with a son named Ivo. His first birthday had been yesterday.
When Ebalus finished talking, he asked Siegfried how the last ten years had treated him.
"Well, I started out as a photographer for Quidditch Illustrated, Siegfried began. "It didn't last long because that's when Minister Smythe-Jones was in office. First, I was sacked, and then I was arrested. I spent some time in Azkaban and then was sent to one of those communities for nons. I ended up finding a way out with another prisoner. Then the whole pureblood movement fell apart and things more or less went back to normal. I got my job back at the magazine. I started writing articles as well as taking photographs. I published my first book about doping in the Quidditch industry last year and I'm busy writing my second book. It's about the American sport Quodpot. I'll be at Quidditch Con next weekend, will you?"
"Sounds like you need to write a book about yourself," Ebalus remarked. "And we're not yet committed to Quidditch Con, so if we do decide to go, I hope we'll be able to get tickets."
"You can get them at the door, but it's cheaper to pre-order."
Ebalus nodded. He sipped his ale and asked, "So, no significant other, no kids?"
Siegfried didn't immediately answer and looked across the room. He'd brought his sister as his date since he wasn't with anybody at the moment. He'd know that she would have said yes no matter what, and he was also sure that most of the people present would remember her, even if she was two years older.
As it happened, she was at the bar, surrounded by a group of people. Bronwyn was the life of any party.
"No, Ebalus," Siegfried finally answered, turning to talk to his former classmate. "I'm single and childless."
"Hey, there's nothing wrong with that! I didn't think I'd get married or have kids, and it only just happened for me. There's still time."
Siegfried nodded again. He looked over at his sister again, who happened to glance over and notice the look of discomfort in his eyes. Bronwyn immediately excused herself and gave over, linking him by the arm and saying, "How about we look at the appetizers some more?"
She smiled sweetly at Ebalus, who smiled back and told Siegfried, "Nice catching up with you."
"Same," Siegfried said, as Bronwyn led him away. "Thanks," he told her, once they were out of earshot.
Bronwyn smiled at him but didn't say anything, instead leading him over to a buffet of delectable snacks.
Catching Up
Author: Illyria
Date: 08-24-17 18:53
Illyria and Nathan were at the Class of 2001 Reunion at The Three Broomsticks, along with many other Hogwarts staff members. In a way, this was a memorable reunion of sorts for Illyria, who had started at Hogwarts the year the honored former students had been seventh years. Back then, she'd taught all years, so some of the witches and wizards in this room had been her pupils.
It was also an anniversary to remember because Illyria had met her husband exactly ten years and two days ago at her sister Arsinoe's wedding. What had begun as a one night stand had become a two-year marriage and produced a baby boy, who was hopefully sleeping soundly for his babysitter.
Nathan was talking to Marzi, who had come to the reunion alone. While they discussed the fact that Heathcote Hamstead had seemed to have fallen off the face of the earth following the publication of a book about the communities for nons, Illyria caught up with Stewart Ackerley. He had gone to St. Emrys after leaving Hogwarts, where he'd read law.
After working in a private practice for a while, Stewart had decided to go back to university to earn a higher degree. His graduate assistantship had given him opportunity to do some teaching, which he'd discovered he'd quite enjoyed. Stewart eventually became a law professor at St. Emrys, where he still worked today.
"I'm so proud of you," Illyria said, smiling fondly at Stewart. She couldn't remember every student she'd ever taught, and he was certainly one she couldn't quite place, but she was glad for his success anyway.
"Thanks," Stewart said. They talked a bit more about his future plans, which included a summer trip to Portugal before the start of the new term at St. Emrys, and then they parted ways.
Illyria sidled up to her husband and best friend, who were still deep in conversation about Heathcote's disappearance.
"He was obviously a fraud," Nathan said, "but what did he have to gain?"
"Money," Marzi answered. "He convinced that poor old woman Esther to donate to the cause, and now he's run off with her money and left her with nothing."
"Was she gullible, or was he really that convincing?" Nathan asked.
"I was skeptical at first," Illyria cut in, "but he eventually convinced me he was the real deal. Now we all know better, don't we?"
Marzi nodded. "I hope he gets caught, and soon."
"Me too!"
They broke off their conversation when they were joined by another former student and his spouse. Upon learning that the couple had recently taken a trip to India, talk turned to the recent bombings in Muggle Mumbai. Illyria had just left the area with her family and had missed the attacks. Her parents and Erigone's family were considering moving home now, even though they hadn't been near the danger.
Surprise Dinner Companion (Jill)
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 08-24-17 19:24
Debating with herself whether to stay and order something or to just go Jill looks up at the sound of her name. Surprised that the speaker took the initiative to speak she offers a smile. Her, "Daniel. Hello," sounds somewhat lame to her ears.
"How are you?"
"Fine mostly. Annoyed a bit. Someone was supposed to be meeting me but it's been nearly forty minutes. How are you? Here all by yourself?"
"I'm good. I was here to talk with someone about the menu for the dinner portion of a stag party next Friday."
"And then?"
"Home and the wireless to listen to a Quidditch match taking place in another part of the world."
"Are you," Jill pauses trying to think how best to phrase it only to plunge in with, "seeing anyone?"
"No one in particular. I date now and again. You?"
It seems odd to Jill that such a long time has passed since Daniel and she spoke beyond a hello or goodbye. She's always been close with her Wenlock cousins, even the lads. Since Iris and Daniel broke up, he's not only been standoffish with her but with others, unless he talks regularly to one or two of them and they've not mentioned it at the risk of breaking a confidence.
In response to his question she tells him, "Not currently. Tonight was to have been a first date."
"Unless he's got a bloody good excuse, if he comes begging for another chance, you should tell him to toss off."
Jill waggles her head. "Yeah, going to depend on what he says, if anything. May never hear from him again."
He gestures to the opposite side of the booth. "Mind if I sit?"
"No, of course not! I was just thinking of ordering something to eat when you came up. They do an excellent fried calamari starter. Want to share?"
"Yeah, sounds great. Haven't eaten. I was going to have leftovers or a sandwich once home."
In the short time it takes for the waitress to take their starter order they've each also selected an entrée. Taking a sip of her drink, Jill hopes this is a sign that Daniel has finally, truly forgiven her, and Olive, about Iris and that he's gotten over the money grubbing witch and is ready to move on.
End of the Evening
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 08-26-17 08:17
Fritz and Coco are each eating tiramisu with fresh raspberries. It's nearly the end of the evening for those attending the Class of 2001 Reunion at The Three Broomsticks. The only reason they are in attendance is because of Fritz's position as Alchemy professor at Hogwarts.
It's a bit strange being there, however. First, Fritz and Coco are younger than everyone being celebrated. Their own 10-year class reunion isn't for several more years. Also, Alchemy wasn't offered at Hogwarts between 1994 and 2001.
The guests Fritz has spoken with do seem interested when he tells them that he is teaching an optional class for sixth and seventh year students. Some remark that they wish Alchemy had been offered when they'd still been in school.
Fritz and Coco do spend a little time speaking with former Quidditch teammate Ryan Surman, who played chaser on the Ravenclaw team between 1999-2000. There'd not been Quidditch teams the following year because of the SAT. Ryan reveals that he's in between jobs at the moment and that he's dating but not dating anybody seriously at the moment. He brought his sister with him to the reunion, and isn't the only one in attendance who's done so.
Fritz tells Ryan that he just completed his Primary Order of Potions degree at St. Emrys and that he's trying to get on as a professor at the university. Fritz is still waiting to hear if he'll be granted interviews for the positions for which he applied. Next, Coco tells Ryan about her work at MacFusty's Pets and the various animals she and Fritz have or are fostering.
The three former Ravenclaws talk for a good while before they move apart to talk to others at the reunion.
Deadly Dull
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 08-26-17 19:29
Ginny sharply pokes Harry in the ribs. "If you fall asleep I'm leaving you here," she threatens.
Forcing his eyelids all the way up and covering a yawn by taking a drink he then says, "I'm not the least bit sleepy."
"I'm thinking more along the lines of you being bored to the point of stupor."
"Okay, you have a point. Never figured a Knights Walpurgis function to be deadly dull. It's not fair Snape got to skive off."
Ginny laughs. "You think he's having a fantastic time at that reunion?"
"Better than if he were here. At least if he were here we'd have the entertainment value of Veronica trying to be chummily flirty with him."
This earns him a light slap on the arm. "Be careful what you say and how you say it," Ginny reminds, her eyes cutting to the very woman Harry just mentioned.
Veronica Dumbledore sidles up between them. "I'm sorry we've not had much chance to speak this evening. Hostessing duties have kept me busy circulating, giving special attention to those who've joined the Knight over this past month and to those we are courting."
Ginny politely asks, "How many new members are there?"
"Twenty-three this month. It's our largest gain yet. Oh, the caterer is signaling me. I best go see what she needs. I do hope to talk with you both later. There's a band on soon, you know, and dancing."
Veronica hurries off leaving Ginny with a smirky smile as she lightly chuckles, "Dancing. Your fave."
"Good food. A band on soon. Lots of people looking as though they are having lively conversations. Why is this party so dull?"
"I don't know but it is. Perhaps it's just us and," Ginny leans in close, her mouth near Harry's ear, "that we're skeptical of the Knights' true purpose."
"Could be," he says just as quietly. "I know looking around at everyone I wonder who is in the know and who are dupes."
Harry lifts his head, chin pointing at a spot across the room. "Isn't she that Mafalda woman from the Ministry?"
"Mafalda Hopkirk, Improper Use Of Magic Office," Ginny confirms. "Wonder what she's doing here."
"Either she's joined the Knights or she's a guest of one or she's one invited in hopes of convincing her to join."
Ginny pulls Harry closer again to once more say in a low tone near his ear, "Could be Kingsley has more than two?"
He doesn't have to ask what she means by that. He shrugs. "Could be though no one has said anything to me."
Having spotted one familiar Ministry face, to help keep him from dozing off standing up, Harry bides the time until the band begins searching the faces of the surprisingly large throng for others whom he recognizes from the Ministry or who remind him of someone from there. When the band does take the stage, Harry groans at Ginny's insistence on at least once dance but takes his wife's offered hand and allows her to lead him onto the area now cleared for dancing.