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Put On A Happy Face
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 06-24-11 13:40
With the help of his cousin Wiggy, Phin's setting out more containers of ice cream provided by the Crown & Cauldron. Phin can't help noticing that more than a couple of girls have eyes on Wigg. As he settles one of the ice cream containers down in the freezer, kept cold with magic - that the ice cream is being served out of, he asks, "How come you don't have a girlfriend?"
Wiggy hands Phin the next container to put down into the freezer. "I can't make up my mind."
Phin stands up straight, offering a smile to those waiting for the variety of ice cream this particular freezer holds. "Won't be but another minute," he tells them before saying in at lower volume to Wiggy, "Most guys would jump at the chance to have that many girls after them."
"You didn't."
Phin lopsidedly smiles. "I dated my share back in the States."
"You never were like that when you'd be visiting here or after you came to Hogwarts. Not that I remember anyway."
"I flirted a lot, dated here and there. Nothing serious. Then I saw Emerald. That ended any inclination I had for playing the field."
"The love bug bit you bad."
"Did it ever." Phin gestures to the people waiting in his line that he's ready to start serving again. Even more quietly to Wiggy he says, "I think Emerald's on the verge of breaking up with me."
"Really? Wow. Want me to feel Olive out for anything Emerald might have said to her?"
"No, that's okay but thanks for offering. And thanks for helping just now."
"Anytime. You need anything else?"
"Nah, I'm good, thanks."
"I'm going to go check out whatever action's going on at the pitch."
"My shift is nearly done. I night catch you up later."
"See you."
Wiggy takes off leaving Phin to serve up more ice cream, his eyes periodically drifting over to where he can see Emerald sitting and laughing with her aunt and two sisters. If he'd had his way Emerald and he would either already be married or getting married soon. Now, he thinks he'll be luckly to still have her as just a girlfriend by the time summer arrives.
Trying not to dwell on it, Phin forces the smile back on his face and a friendly tone in his voice as he continues greeting those eager for the flavors of ice cream at his station.
Anthony-Less
Author: Plum
Date: 06-24-11 16:35
Plum had hoped Anthony would make it to the Spring Social at Hogwarts today. They'd known for awhile now that he had to work today so when Kody accepted the invitation for Dynamic Duo to play as part of the day's entertainment, he'd requested a later time for the band to go on. That time is drawing near and still no Anthony so Plum takes it that he's not been able to get away from work, even for a little while. Kordelia has been learning to play bass and does a decent job with most of the songs the band plays so she's going to fill in for Anthony. If he does make it at some point during the set, Kordelia will turn things over to him but if not, it's nice having someone to sub for him without having to go through the process of auditioning bass players.
About the time Plum is handing over the watching of Alex to someone else while she's on stage, Phin spots her. He comes over to walk with Alex and her only to have Alex start regaling Phin on the different flavors of ice cream he's had so far. When Alex takes a breath, trying to remember what flavors he's left out, Plum hastens to explain, "They weren't full servings. Almost all were those little wooden spoons used for just a taste."
Phin laughs. "I was starting to wonder."
"Speaking of ice cream, you've got some there," Plum taps a spot on her own left cheek.
Phin takes a swipe at his cheek. "That last little kid I served kept flinging around the spoon and cup he'd just finished with another scoop. Some of the melted must have gotten on me."
They reach the group that includes Ariella, Lawrence, Alanna, and Jared to leave Alex. Plum crouches down to bring herself on eye level with the four year old. "Be good for everyone."
"Aw, Pum, you know I will. I'm always good," Alex tells her, giving her a don't be silly look."
Plum gives a small laugh. "Your definition of always and mine must not be the same." She pokes him in the area of his belly button, eliciting a squealing laugh. "What song do you want me to sing for you?"
Alex gives the question serious consideration before answering, "All of dem."
Those who hear him join Plum in chuckling. She gives him another tummy poke, wiggling her finger to make it tickle more than taps him on the nose and stands. She walks with Phin over to the stage where the others are waiting. They finish going through a sound check and soon Plum is addressing those gathered in the stage area.
"Hello, Hogwarts! Is everyone having a great time at the Spring Social?"
There's a loud round of affirmative answers.
"We're going to start off with a fast little number so feel free to dance around, work off those picnic lunches and all that ice cream." Plum makes eye contact with Alex, who's now perched on Jared's shoulders. "Alex, this is for you!"
Kody, Drake, Phin, and Kordelia launch into the first song of the set with Plum singing. When this song is finished she'll introduce the band and thank Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall for inviting them to play today. Even though Anthony isn't there, they are still going to give the best performance they can and have fun doing it. Still, Plum wishes he were there. If he doesn't make it at all, Alex and she are taking some of the food goodies home for him, including several flavors of ice cream.
Spring Social - Relaxing
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 06-24-11 17:32
Orei and Jim had both requested this day off when they'd learned about the Social, and intended on coming. They both could use some socializing and getting back in touch with former classmates. Orei leans lightly against Jim while they head back onto Hogwarts Grounds for the first time in some time. Jim had only been out of Hogwarts since last summer and Orei had been out a year or so before.
Orei had settled in a folding chair that they'd brought and sipped from her bottle of butterbeer, sighing lightly as she sang along with the song Dynamic Duo was currently playing. She adored Dynamic Duo, and was glad that they were among the entertainment for the Spring Social.
"Miss McCoi. You are looking wonderful. How far along are you?" Orei shifted her gaze upward and smiled at AJ Hodfuffer who was currently passing by with a couple of other staff members that she didn't know off hand.
"About five months. Found out in January, New Years or there abouts." She said, pushing herself up lightly to give her former Ancient Runes professor a light hug. "I'm also working on finishing my tertiary in linguistics at St. Emry's and working in linguistics for the Ministry." She said lightly, before settling down once more in the chair.
"Good to hear from one of my favorite students. If you need a referall for anything, let me know and I'll do what I can." He said before finally introducing her to the staff members that were with him. "This is Declan and Kissy. Declan teaches History of Magic, and Kissy teaches DADA."
"Pleased to meet you both and thank you again AJ." Orei said, and settled once more into her chair just as Jim returned with two cups of ice cream.
The four talked for a few more minutes, before AJ, Declan and Kissy returned to the table they'd vacated on their way to get themselves some ice cream.
"Professor McGonagall is over there, but she seems a bit busy. Did you want to go over and talk to her?" Jim asked, after finishing a bite of his fudge ripple and reaching over to snipe a bite of Orei's chocolate peanut butter which earned him a swat.
"I think in a little bit, I want to enjoy the music first." She said, curling lightly into the expanse of the chair.
Animagus In Training
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 06-24-11 18:08
Sitting in a spot that allows them to enjoy the different bands but not so close that the music drowns out conversation, Julian pats his full belly. "I'm going to have to do double the workout to make up for gorging today."
"I should probably work today off too." From his eyes closed, reclined position Lysander looks as though the last thing on his mind is working out.
Lysander hadn't been going to come to the Spring Social at Hogwarts. He'd been going to let Charlotte come with Julian, Grace, and Briar but Charlotte, who knows just how to manipulate her father, skillfully wheedled Lysander into coming. Lysander in turn asked Astrid to come as well.
Caerwyn was waiting at the gates for them and both Grace and Charlotte had been thrilled to see him, Charlotte regarding him as being as much of a big brother to her as he is to Grace.
As part of the Hogsmeade Merchants Association the bookstore and the bakery had sponsored some of the ice cream being served today and knowing in advance he was coming to the Spring Social, Julian had put his name in to help serve some of it. He'd taken one of the first shifts so that he could have the rest of the day undisturbed with his kids and his friends.
After Julian makes the comment about working out Caerwyn jumps up and comes over to tug on his hand. "Come on then, we'll go see what sports are still going on."
With a groan Julian pushes up. "Coming, Lysander?"
"No thanks, I'm good," his friend answers with a lazy wave of his hand, never opening his eyes.
Briar and Astrid went with Grace and Charlotte to look over some of the games geared for the younger set or else both the girls would be wanting to go with Caerwyn and Julian.
Julian lets Caerwyn lead him, neither saying much of anything on the walk then out of the blue Caerwyn asks, "My mum was a metamorphmagus wasn't she?"
Not seeing any harm in being truthful, Julian answers honestly, "Yes, though I didn't know that until one of the very last times I ever saw Afton."
"Do you think I could be one too and just one of those, what's it, late bloomers?"
"I don't know. I suppose it's possible."
"I guess I'll have to keep trying then. It would be totally awesome to be one. Gus thinks so too. He's working on being an animagus."
"He is?"
"Yes, and so am I. It's really hard work."
"Having any6 luck with it?"
"Not yet, but we only just started practicing a few weeks ago. Gus thinks he got one fingernail to turn into a claw."
"Being an animagus would be pretty cool."
"Yeah, but not as cool as being a metamorphmagus."
"You have a good point," Julian says, thinking of how many problems Lysander and he could have avoided over the years if either of them could easily change their appearance as easily as they blink or breath.
The rest of the walk is spent with Caerwyn continuing to wistfully go on about how wonderful it would be to find out he's a late blooming metamorphmagus. By the time they reach their destination, they've switched to talking about what animal Caerwyn hopes he will be if he achieves becoming an animagus and what Julian would want to be if he were one as well.
A Little Envious
Author: Zabrynna
Date: 06-24-11 20:38
Zabrynna's day had started out well enough. After having a very light breakfast she'd forced herself to spend the time until her father arrived for the Spring Social getting in some studying for the NEWTs. She'd known Mariposa was coming because when she'd invited her sister Mariposa had told her that Professor Hodfuffer, or AJ as her sister calls him, had also invited her. Still, Mariposa was happy that Zabrynna invited her too.
Once her father arrived, for a short time it was just the two of them, sitting on a blanket, talking and laughing like old times when Zabrynna was little. Mariposa arrived a little later, taking some time with them before meeting up with AJ, who then insisted that Nolan and Zabrynna join them to eat lunch with the part of his family already there.
Somehow that led later to Zabrynna sitting at a picnic table directly across from Declan. It had been so difficult not to just sit and stare at him but it was also nice in that she could hear pretty much everything he said. She'd paid particular attention to what he little Declan had to say about his family. It's a subject he's never said much about but one she's very interested in. When Mariposa began teasing him and AJ, Zabrynna has no idea what compelled her to join in, pretending she didn't want to hear any of it while asking them to talk louder because of sticking fingers in her ears. All she knows is that she got a big thrill at having made Declan laugh.
Her father only stayed a couple of hours. He's having some sort of business dinner tonight and didn't want to be overly tired as a day outside in the sun can make a person. Zabrynna was all set to walk him to the gates but he insisted on going it alone. Shortly after, Zabrynna suddenly felt awkward so she got up from the picnic table. "I promised Philippa I'd come say hello to her parents. I should go find them."
Mariposa got up as well. "I'll walk a little of the way with you. I want to see what other ice cream is out there that I've not yet tried. Anyone else want something?"
AJ requested, "Bring me a sample of whatever you get?"
Mariposa linked arms with Zabrynna as they walked. When well out of earshot of the two pushed together picnic tables she asked, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, fine. Why?"
"You've been really quiet, even for you."
"I didn't have much to say."
"You were self conscious because of Declan."
Zabrynna didn't bother denying it. She had been and anything she said to the contrary Mariposa would shoot down. She tries to find something to say that would be acceptable to her sister without out and out admitting Mariposa is right. When she can't, Zabrynna settles on a shrug.
Mariposa pulled Zabrynna a little closer in a quasi hug before saying, "I hope the teasing about Declan not having brothers and me dumping AJ for him didn't bother you."
"It didn't."
"Would it bother you overly much if I move in with AJ?"
"I don't know."
"We've talked about it some but nothing's set yet. Maybe it's best if we wait until summer or the fall when you aren't a student anymore. I know having a sister dating one of your professors is hard enough."
"It bothered me at first but now, not so much. If you want to move in together, you should do it. Don't make a decision based on me. It's your happiness."
"Yes, but it's something that can wait until you've graduated if it's uncomfortable for you. It's not as though it's an either do it now or don't ever do it situation."
"You're here a lot anyway so what difference would it really make?"
"A little but not much."
"Then do it whenever you two want. I see Philippa and there's Anne too. I'll see you later."
Mariposa gave Zabrynna another little hug then parted ways. Now, a little later, sitting listening to one of the bands while Anne waxes on about spending time with Indigo McFusty while he served up ice cream and Philippa talking about a the latest letter she received just this morning from a guy she met at one of the International Quidditch Tournament matches, Zabrynna can't help but be a little envious of them and of Mariposa. She really, really needs to look around and find someone she can give dating a try with. Someone who is not one of her professors and who she hasn't used a love potion on to have feelings reciprocated.
Knowing how easily such thoughts can bring her down, Zabrynna shoves them away, not wanting to put even more of a damper on an otherwise very nice day.
Tea and Coffee Flavored Ice Creams
Author: Travis
Date: 06-25-11 10:02
With no family at Hogwarts and no boyfriend or husband to laze with on a blanket, enjoying good music and good food, Travis signed up for more than one shift of serving up ice cream. Most of the members of the Hogsmeade Merchants Association sponsored at least one flavor of ice cream with most doing multiple flavors. Others could provide ice cream as well, of course, and the Hogwarts kitchen supplied a good number as well. No matter where it came from, rather than having all of it self serve, much of it was dished up by a volunteer. A good number of those business owners who'd sponsored ice cream signed up for at least one slot of dishing up ice cream, even if it's an employee actualling doing the serving. It's a good opportunity to pass out coupons or let people know of upcoming sales and specials.
Travis has worked things so that she's been at a different ice cream table each time she's taken a serving turn. Even though it's work, it's not hard work. There's been music and at times being in locations where she can watch one or more of the game activities. Plus, there's the added bonus of sampling a huge variety of ice cream flavors throughout the day. A little here. A little there. Sure, she'll probably stick to eating salads and grilled fish all next week to make up for it but the joy of discovering some new, interesting, and very yummy flavors has been so very worth it.
At the moment she's at an ice cream spot where all the flavors are made from teas, coffees, herbs, and/or spices from her shoppe Botanicals & Beyond. Professor Filius Flitwick is looking over the options, musing aloud to himself, "They all look good. Decisions, decisions. What is that flavor there?"
Travis looks at where the dimunitive professor is pointing. "That's made from my Marigold Medley tea." Travis offers him a tiny wooden spoon with a little of the ice cream on it to try.
"And that one?" he asks before tasting the Marigold Medley.
"It's from a red and black currant tea blend and has bits of fresh fruit in it as well." Travis gives him a sample of it too.
He eyes the other ice cream flavors then points to a third. "Just one more sample, please."
Travis spoons up the tiny sampling. "That's from a macadamia nut, Kona coffee I've just recently begun carrying."
After eating the third tasting, Professor Flitwick tells her, "I like them all. I'm not sure I can pick just one so please let me have the smallest scoop possible of each with one of those waffle cones. Also, do you have an owl order form with you? I'd very much like some of this macadamia Kona coffee."
Travis nods, "I do and it comes with a coupon for 20% off the entire order."
"Oh, then I might need to order more than just the one coffee," he grins at her.
Travis hands him two owl order forms, waiting until he's tucked them into a pocket before giving over his triple scoop waffle cone. "Enjoy, and thank you!"
He gives her a wave as he walks off, happily licking the ice cream, looking just as happy as the children Travis has served ice cream to today.
She uses the momentary lull to see what needs restocking and by the time she's added more two scoop sized cups to the supply at the serving counter, there are three more in line wanting to try the Botanicals & Beyond ice creams. When she's served those three, she spots Indigo standing a short distance away talking with Anne Kendrick, Philippa Fox, and Zabrynna Ravensdale. She waves them over to say hello, spending the next few minutes chatting with them while serving up the ice cream, making a day that's gone by too fast seemed to speed by even faster.