|
|
(Anthony) Questioning Desi
Author: Beck
Date: 06-23-11 17:44
Anthony knocked on the door of a certain flat in a Muggle neighborhood and hoped that the person he sought was home. After sending Bronwyn and Toby off, he'd spent quite a bit of time formulating questions to ask and steps to take in this potential new case of his.
He heard movement from within and breathed a sigh of relief, though the most difficult part of his visit was far from over yet. On the other side of the door, the security chain was loosened and the dead bolt unlocked. The door opened, revealing Desdemona Diamond looking not the least bit surprised to see him standing on her doorstep.
Anthony immediately said, "Hi, Desi. I'm glad your home. Do you have time to talk?"
Desi swung the door open wider and gestured for him to come inside. As he did, she said, "I figured you'd be by sooner."
"Oh?" Anthony asked, stopping at the end of the hall. Desi secured the door and brushed past him to the living room. She plopped down on a seat and indicated for him to do the same.
"I had a feeling that if Bronwyn told anybody about what she found out, she'd tell you."
"She's beating herself up about it," Anthony said. "On the one hand, she doesn't want to hurt you and she wants to respect your wishes, but on the other hand, she wants to see justice done."
"I never told her not to tell anybody," Desi said. "I only said that I wouldn't be doing anything about it. She doesn't have to beat herself up about it."
"She'll need to hear that from you," Anthony said. He produced a notepad and a quill. "Mind if I ask you some questions?"
Desi shrugged.
"Do you have proof that your sister obliviated Xavier Schoonmaker and his band members?"
"She said so herself."
"You heard it from her own lips?"
"She told my mom."
"So your mum knows that Bianca obliviated several people?"
Desi gave a single nod in response.
"Who else knows what she did? Your dad?"
Desi let out a sigh. "Why don't I just write down my statement? It'll save you the trouble of asking all these questions."
Anthony sat back. "Okay, start writing, and after I've finished reading I might have some more questions for you."
Desi got up and grabbed paper, a pen and a clipboard. She sat back down in her seat. "Maybe you want to do something else for a while? Go to that thing at Hogwarts or something? This could take a while."
"I wish I could since we've got a gig today, but I'm on the clock."
He leaned forward and said, "I'm facing a bit of a dilemma myself, Desi. You'll be reprimanded for sure for not coming forward about this. Your sister committed a crime. A big one. And not just one, really. I don't want you to get in trouble, but if I don't tell the whole truth, then what does that make me?"
"You could say you received an anonymous tip," Desi suggested, but whether she was serious or joking, Anthony couldn't tell.
"How? By owl?"
"Sure, a note that disintegrated after you read it."
Anthony didn't reply. Maybe it could work, but would the truth nag him if he didn't include Desi and her mother in the full report? Probably so. It would seem Bronwyn's burden had just passed to him.
Social Setting
Author: Declan
Date: 06-24-11 10:05
Declan hadn't had any real plans for the Hogwarts Spring Social other than to just meander around a bit and eat a little ice cream. His sister's family lives in Canada and his parents are still in South Africa and though he did invite them he'd known even before he said anything that they'd decline.
In his roaming Declan stopped by to say hello to some of AJ's family and ended up joining AJ, Mariposa Ravensdale, and some others at two of the picnic tables scattered around the grounds for today's event that they'd pushed together. Two of those others are Nolan Ravensdale and Zabrynna. For all this talk to Margretta Ravensdale of forgiveness, Declan still finds it somewhat uncomfortable at times to be around Zabrynna, particularly in a social setting such as this.
That's not the case today, or at least not at the moment even though somehow Declan's ended up sitting directly across from Zabrynna and despite the fact that in the close confines of the table they've bumped knees and feet a number of times. Maybe it's because with all the conversation going on it's easy not to look directly at her, thus making it easier to forget she's right there. Then again, since Zabrynna keeps popping up in Declan's thoughts, maybe not.
Since the somewhat illuminating talk with Zabrynna's mum Declan has found he looks at her differently. He can't imagine growing up with a mother like that. Of course, he's not said anything to Zabrynna about that face to face with Margretta but he supposes Mariposa might have said something. He also wonders if Mariposa mentioned it to Nolan. If she has, Nolan Ravensdale has not let on to Declan.
"Declan, why haven't you ever gotten your family to one of those things?"
Declan turns his head to look at the speaker. Kissy Isuki's family is due to arrive at any second and both AJ and he knows she's dreading that somewhat even though the relationship between her and the rest of the Isukis has greatly improved over the last few months.
"I've invited them to a few things but it's just never worked out," he tells her before taking a drink of the fresh butterbeer someone's just put in front of him.
"I've never heard you mention your family," Mariposa comments. "Where do your parents live? Have any brothers or sisters?"
"Mum and Dad, their names are Kenna and Hamish, are in South Africa, which is where I went to school and where Dad still teaches. Mum is a pediatric healer. I've one sister, Finella, who's married to Kurt. They live near Ottawa and work at the main offices of the Canadian Ministry. They've three children called Joseph, Aiden, and Isla." He grins at Mariposa. "Anything else you want to know?"
She grins back. "Darn. No eligible brothers for when I decide AJ isn't treating me enough like a goddess."
"I could see if Mum would consider adopting," Declan teases back.
Pretending to be in a sulk now, AJ grumbles, "At least you didn't say you'd go straight into Declan's arms, Mariposa."
She flashes a brilliant smile. "Of course not. I need someone to transition between, you know, a rebound, before turning to one of your close friends."
Kissy raises a hand and waggles her fingers. "Don't forget I'm available. I'd be willing to swing the other way if it meant helping out another of AJ's exes."
Declan makes a show of looking up and down two tables before remarking, "It's a good thing that no one here at the moment is underage to hear you talking like that, Kissy. By supper it would be all over school that you and Mariposa are sneaking around behind AJ's back."
Nolan Ravensdale holds up both hands. "As Mariposa's father, I'm not sure I need to hear this," but he's chuckling as he says it.
Zabrynna makes a face and makes a show of sticking fingers in her ears while speaking up for the first time in awhile. "I KNOW I don't need to hear this and now that I have my fingers in my ears, please speak louder so I better know what to say when working on getting that rumor started later."
This earns a big laugh, including from Declan, who is now thinking that maybe being around Zabrynna in more social settings isn't as awkwardly dreadful as it once was.
(Mark) Kind of a Boring Day
Author: Isolde
Date: 06-24-11 10:44
"Want to play boules?"
Mark had spent the last hour asking his parents if they wanted to play any of the games offered at the Spring Social, but they always said no. He had gotten to the point of wondering why they'd even come to Hogwarts today. His mother had packed a nice picnic, which they'd eaten together with hardly any accompanying conversation, other than the occasional question about what Mark saw in that Hufflepuff girl. He had given up on trying to deny his feelings to Kate to his parents, because they didn't hear anything he tried to tell them.
"Why boules?" Mark's mother asked him.
Mark correctly determined that she was asking why the game was even being offered at Hogwarts, rather than why they should play it.
"When the Quidditch players from Beauxbatons came earlier this month, they brought offer several boules sets as gifts." It was a rather boring game compared to Quidditch, but it was something to do on what was turning into a very long afternoon.
"I see," she remarked, but she didn't answer his initial question.
Mark's dad eyed the ice cream stand. "Let's get ourselves another cone," he suggested.
Mark was glad for a decision, even though he'd already eaten two ice cream cones today. His first cone had had a scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough and a scoop of vanilla bean. His second cone had had a scoop of raspberry and a scoop of lemon.
The family walked to the stand and bumped en route into Isolde and Pyrrhus.
"Hi Aunt Eviene, Uncle Meirchion," Isolde said, giving them both a quick hug. She turned to Mark next and started to hug him, but then she pulled back and said, "I know teenage boys have an image to protect. Will it bother you if I hug you?"
Mark held out his arms. "Just make it quick," he joked. He and Isolde hadn't really grown up together since there was a significant age difference between them. They weren't that close but they were close enough that hugging each other didn't seem weird, even if they were first cousins.
"We were about to grab some cones and then search for Mason. Have you see him?"
Mark and Mason weren't classmates, but they were both in Slytherin and on the Quidditch team together. "Haven't seen him," Mark replied, "but I'm sure he's around somewhere."
They all queued up at the ice cream stand. Half a second later, Isolde's other cousin Azaelia, the librarian at Hogwarts, joined them.
The new additions pleased Mark, because maybe now things would liven up a little bit. When it was his turn to order a cone, he got one with one strawberry scoop and one mango sorbet scoop.
Unfortunately, Isolde, Pyrrhus and Azaelia excused themselves to find Mason, leaving Mark with his disinterested parents all over again. They walked aimlessly around, licking their cones, until Mark found reprieve in Gus, who was talking to his parents and being followed by a gaggle of girls.
Odd One Out
Author: Ella
Date: 06-24-11 11:36
Ella had spent the entire day trailing behind Francis and his family. Ashleigh, also among the entourage, kept shooting Ella dirty looks. Ever since the Hogsmeade trip when Francis had stood up to Zane and gotten into trouble on Ella's behalf, Ashleigh's opinion of Ella had gone down the tubes. She wished that Francis would stop associating with Ella but she didn't aggressively pursue the matter for fear of losing Francis. She knew that he considered Ella one of his best friends and that it would be unlikely for her to separate them. Ending his friendship with Ella would have to be something he came up with all on his own.
For his part, Francis tried to make Ella feel less uncomfortable than she did, but it really couldn't be helped. Ella was the odd one out because she had no family of her own at the Spring Social today.
She'd written to her father to remind him of the event, and he'd written back saying that he didn't know if he could come. He would try, but he couldn't make any promises.
Ella wasn't holding her breath.
They meandered over to the volleyball court to join in on the game play there. Ella, not really in the mood to play, even though she could use the distraction, opted to sit on the sidelines and watch. Ashleigh probably preferred to not have her as a teammate anyway.
While the Yaos and Ashleigh played with other Hogwarts students and guests, Ella slouched in a canvas chair and inevitably thought about her mother. If she were still alive, she probably would have come, even if she would have moped about the entire time. She supposed a mopey parent would be better than a no-show parent any day.
"Ella?"
She looked up and over her shoulder, to the sound of her name being called by a familiar voice.
"Dad?"
She got up and walked towards him. He was alone. He looked a bit tired but otherwise he seemed all right.
"You made it," she said. She gave him an awkward hug.
"I knew it would mean something to you if I did, and it means something to me too."
"Where's Delilah?" Ella couldn't help but ask. Her dad and the witch were attached at the hip most of the time.
"She's at home. She didn't want to come."
Ella linked her arm through her dad's and turned him toward the court. "Do you want to play a game? Are you hungry? There's ice cream."
"Ice cream sounds good."
Ella nodded and tried to get Francis' attention, but he was too busy showing Ashleigh how to make a proper serve to notice her. She shrugged and led her dad away from the volleyball court.
Her mother's death had made her mostly forget the issues she had with her father. He was the only parent she had left, and petty arguments were just that, petty.
They got in line to get ice cream, and for the first time all day, Ella felt happy.
Being The Youngest Is No Fun (Lauren)
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 06-24-11 11:42
Lauren MacDougal trots along behind older sisters Marlow and Liannah. "Slow down," she beseaches.
Without slowing down even a little Liannah tells her, "If you can't keep up, go back to where Mum and Dad are."
"But I want to play volleyball." Lauren has played the game a few times now thanks to their cousin Aaron Miller. She's not very sporty but does has done passably well playing.
"Then keep up."
Lauren isn't dying to play volleyball so much as she's wanting to just hang out with her sisters and be around some of the other kids. Thinking of how lonely she could be sometimes at home since Marlow came to Hogwarts last September, Lauren picks up her pace a little to come alongside to ask, "Marlow, do you think they'd let me come to Hogwarts next term?"
"You won't be eleven."
"Maybe if I said please and promised to be a good student?"
Liannah scoffs, "Don't be stupid."
"Don't call me stupid."
"You are if you think they'll let you come early to Hogwarts," Liannah haughtily informs her.
Marlow is nicer about it. "There's a rule, Lauren, and they've never broken it for anyone, even the best students ever."
They've reached where the volleyball is being played so Lauren drops the issue for now as they look on, determining where they might be able to get into a game already started or where one might be coming to an end, making room for another to begin.
Waving at her friend Leonine Marchbanks, Lauren steps away from her sisters to go speak with him. She knows him because of his sister Hydrangea and his cousin Glori who are both friends with Liannah. At least when she does start Hogwarts even though she won't have any of her cousins started at the same time, she'll have Leo and hopefully they'll even get in the same house.
Soon Lauren is on a volleyball team, with both Leo and Marlow with Liannah on the opposing team and as the game heats up, she forgets for a little while her desire to start Hogwarts a year early.
Three Not Yet Students (Leo & Cornington)
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 06-24-11 12:59
Just after his volleyball team has thoroughly trounced the other team, Leonine Marchbanks turns to his friend Lauren MacDougal. "I want more ice cream. Want to come along?"
Lauren looks to where her older sister, Liannah, is sulking over losing the match then nods at Leo. "Yeah. Ice cream is good."
Leo's younger brother Cornington bounds over, as excited at their win as if he'd played in the game himself. "If you play again, can I play?"
Leo shrugs. "Don't see why not. Want more ice cream?"
"Yeah!"
"I wish Liannah and Marlow were as nice to me as you are to Cornington. Say, why doesn't he go by a short name like you and Baron?"
Hearing her, Cornington answers before Leo can. "'Cause I don't want to be called Corny. Ton isn't any better."
"I can see your point."
Leo says, "Hydrangea doesn't go by a short name either most of the time. She says she doesn't want to be known as Hydra."
"I know what that is now!" Cornington practically shouts. "I read all about the hydra."
"I don't know what that is," Lauren admits.
For the rest of the short walk to the nearest spot with ice cream, Leo and Cornington fill Lauren in on what a hydra is, leading her to conclude, "Yeah, if I were your sister, I wouldn't want to be called Hydra either."
With double scoop cones - Lauren having strawberry and chocolate, Cornington mint chocolate and fudge ripple, and Leo with chocolate peanut butter and chocolate with salted caramel - the three make their way back to the volleyball courts while making plans to get together next week in Hogsmeade to play at Blossom's gaming area.
Unexpected Reunion
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 06-24-11 13:03
Professor McGonagall strolled across the Hogwarts grounds, both in an effort to keep an eye on the goings-on and also to meet and greet with parents. In recent years, Hogwarts had introduced a number of events inviting family and friends up to the castle, which allowed teachers to talk with parents and vice versa. It also gave students, who were sometimes homesick, more occasions to get a taste of home.
She'd already conversed with her own family. Madoc, always eager to get interaction between his long lost great aunt and his parents, had insisted that they all picnic together. After they ate the sandwiches lovingly prepared by Madoc's mother Cate, Minerva had left them to their own devices.
During her patrol of the grounds, she'd stopped to talk to Professor Dumbledore and Adriana Fairchild, who would soon be rejoining the staff at Hogwarts. She also talked with Karma Davyd and former students Toby and Bronwyn Beck.
She happened to be standing by one of the rubbish bins set out to collect any uneaten food and wrappers when Madoc found her again. He had the biggest smile on his face. Somehow Professor McGonagall knew he was up to something.
He didn't have to say anything for her to find out what it was. A little way in the distance she saw her nephew Myron and his wife Cate approaching with Madoc's brother Malden licking a towering ice cream cone. Behind them trailed an older man that Minerva recognized right away, even though his appearance had changed considerably since she last saw him.
She stiffened, but Madoc didn't even seem to notice.
"Granddad is here!" he gushed. "You said you hadn't seen him in decades, so now you have a chance to reunite!"
Minerva's heart softened because she knew that Madoc just wanted to have his family all together again, but he had no idea of the circumstances of her estrangement with her brother. She looked over the boy's head at the elderly wizard who approached behind his descendants. He walked unassisted and seemed to be in remarkably good health.
Frankly, she was surprised to see him at Hogwarts at all. He had avoided the castle, knowing that she worked there. He'd even gone so far to avoid any contact with his younger sister by homeschooling his son, rather than send him to Hogwarts.
Minerva steeled herself for the confrontation that surely must be coming, but when Menelaus arrived in front of her he merely said, "Hello, Minerva," in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.
"Hello, Menelaus," she cautiously replied.
He gestured with his hand at the entertainment all around them. "I don't recall Hogwarts being this lively when I was a student here."
"The Spring Social is a rather new occurence," Minerva answered.
Madoc beamed up at the both of them. "Let's all sit down together somewhere." He seized them both by the hand and led them to an empty picnic table. The rest of the family followed.
Myron and Cate didn't know the reason for the older generation's estrangement, but they knew the situation was serious and watched uneasily as the reunion unfolded. For whatever reason, Menelaus behaved as if little or nothing had passed between himself and his sibling, for which Minerva was grateful. How would it appear if the Deputy-Headmistress of Hogwarts had a public row with her brother in front of her students at their families?
Needless to say, the rest of the Spring Social passed uncomfortably for Professor McGonagall.