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Family Outing
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 06-13-15 10:49
Hermione, Ron and Rose joined the queue entering the Hogwarts grounds for the annual Spring Social. The line wasn't yet very long, as it was still a bit on the early side, but there were plenty of other families who'd had the same idea they'd had. They waited patiently for their turn to go through the security checkpoint at the gates, where their wands and bags were scrutinized by some of Ron's own coworkers from the Ministry of Magic.
Ron wasn't on duty today, which is why the family decided to spend at least part of their Saturday enjoying themselves at the Spring Social. Depending on the food offerings at Hogwarts, they might take lunch in the village, run a few other errands, and then relax at home for the rest of the day. Although Hermione and Ron did have the same off days more often than not, it also often seemed like one or the other always had to work on the weekends. Both wanted to make the most out of today.
They wandered around the grounds after passing through security and checked out the various booths, which ranged from food stands to carnival games. After scoping everything out, the family moved closer to the gates to a patch of grass, where Hermione spread out a red and gold checked blanket and unpacked a picnic basket containing breakfast foods, including freshly-baked scones, fruit, and coffee. They had a good view of the activity on the grounds as well as those coming in from the village.
Hermione cut up a piece of banana for Rose and said, "With everything going on in the world, I'm surprised these sorts of events are still taking place."
Ron poured himself a cup of French vanilla-flavored coffee from the thermos Hermione had packed and shrugged. "I don't think bad wizards should stop the rest of us from having fun from time to time. Besides, we've all seen worse." He paused to take a sip of the hot coffee. "If things were to get worse, though, then I would think these sorts of events would be restricted to Hogwarts students only before they cease entirely."
Hermione nodded, thinking back to when she and Ron had been on the run from the Snatchers. She hoped that things would never get that bad again. Her thoughts naturally drifted to Leigh and the other Death Eaters next. Because of Leigh's threat against Linus, he and Hermione had decided that any communication done between them would be done in secret, just in case Leigh was watching. After telling Ron about what happened, he also insisted on being present anytime they met.
There had been no meeting yet. In fact, Hermione hadn't heard from Linus since the day he'd arrived at St. Mungo's with burned hands. Unless something had happened to him, which was not out of the realm of the possibility given he had a psychotic sister who'd already caused him physical harm, then Hermione knew that he would try to contact her if he had any news about Leigh. She couldn't decide if it was a good thing that there had been no recent communication between them, or if the silence suggested something extremely foreboding.
She glanced up in time to see Harry, Ginny, Jamie and Albus in the line to enter the grounds. Ginny spotted them first and waved to indicate she had seen them. Several minutes later when the Potters finally got onto the Hogwarts grounds, they joined their friends and extended family on the red and gold checked blanket in the grass.
Game of Chess
Author: Ellis
Date: 06-14-15 12:36
Blakeney stood on the back of a giant white pawn and looked across the giant chess board set up on a flat portion of the grounds. It was soft and cushiony, just like the giant pieces that moved across the board at their riders commands. Tessa was also on a pawn and stood two squares over and one behind Blakeney's. Alys, meanwhile, stood on the back of a white rook and studied the board with a critical eye. She wasn't the only Ravenclaw on their team, but the happy-go-lucky Hufflepuffs seemed to outnumber them. Chip rode on the back of a knight and wore a broad grin on his face.
A black pawn moved to A5. Blakeney watched the large chess piece glide effortlessly over the board and come into position not too far away from where she was. She glanced over at Alys, who seemed to be holding a silent conversation with another Ravenclaw. They nodded as if coming to an understanding, and then Alys commanded, "Rook to A5."
Her rook swept sideways across the board and knocked the black pawn and its rider into the sidelines. The rider, a giggling girl, bounced on the cushiony edge of the board, completely unharmed.
Tessa was the first of the four to get knocked out of the game, when a black knight landed on her square. Her pawn deflated and sent her falling to the soft ground. Blakeney was next, getting knocked into the sidelines by a black bishop. She bounced dramatically on the sidelines before landing in an unceremonious heap on the ground. Alys left the game before Chip, who managed to stay on board until after 'check' was first announced by team black. In the end, however, it was the white team that won the match.
Blakeney, Tessa, Alys, and Chip clapped from the sidelines, and then they went off to find refreshments. They queued up in front of a booth offering something called Hawaiian shave ice. The treats were offered in exotic flavors like guava and lychee. Blakeney went with kiwi herself and sat down under a tree. She was joined by her sister and friends momentarily.
None of the four had any relatives visiting for Spring Social. Several members of the Ellis family were sick and didn't want to spread germs to anyone at Hogwarts. Tessa's guardian had initially planned on coming, but a major printing error discovered in a new Ministry of Magic publication forced him into the office on the weekend. Chip's parents, meanwhile, were out of town.
Blakeney glanced over at the older boy. He had already devoured most of his snow cone, which had been multicolored and probably contained too many flavors to be tasty, but he acted as if it were the best thing he'd ever eaten. Tessa nudged her to get her attention and asked, "What are we going to do next?"
"The apparition lesson might be over now," Blakeney said. "Maybe we should see what's in the Great Hall."
That turned out to be the plan. They finished their refreshments and then headed up to the castle.
Spring Social
Author: Nathaniel Ross
Date: 06-14-15 14:27
"…and Snape gave us a detention. He still has my football ball. Do you think you could ask him to give it back?"
Nate looked at Bowen and laughed. He would not approach Severus Snape, not even for a large bag of galleons. He told that to Bowen who called him a coward.
"Well, I'm not a Gryffindor," Nate replied with a grin, teasing the young boy.
It was a nice spring day and the atmosphere was joyful at Hogwarts. It wasn't on Nate's plans to come to the school and visit his mother's godson. But his mother had asked him to do so, as a last minute request. It seemed like their parents' fireplace had somehow got disconnected from the Floo network and Mrs. Ross had called a wizard to fix it. He agreed to come today and so she could not be present at the Spring Social. She said she wanted to supervise the man's work to make sure everything was done correctly.
Meanwhile Mr. Ross was attending some work conference about cauldrons at Bristol. Bowen's parents were Muggles and they still felt a bit uncomfortable with coming to the school. They had attended some events at the castle in the past, but they decided to skip this one, since summer was right around the corner and they would be able to reunite with their son very soon.
"What electives did you took when you were at Hogwarts?" Bo asked, as they kept walking along the grass.
"Arythmancy & Divination, and Muggle Studies."
"I have to choose mine soon and I'm a bit clueless. My friend Pelinore told me to pick Muggle Studies too because I wouldn't even have to study for it. But that sounds a bit like cheating. What's Arythmancy & Divination like?"
"It's more complex than what it seems to be. It doesn't involve hard spells like in Transfiguration or Charms but there is a lot of symbolism in the tarot cards and the tea leaves that you must memorize. But at the same time you have to be open to it and guide yourself by your instincts. Some people are really talented in this branch of magic. Others study it for years and cannot dominate it."
"You make it sound boring. "
"It's not. I enjoyed it. I even had a glimpse of the future at a crystal ball once," he told Bowen. But he omitted the details about seeing Ferne kissing him and how it came true in a way he had never predicted it.
They reached the lake surface. Bowen leaned forward, trying to spot the giant squib but it was nowhere to be found. The agitation at the grounds kept it under the deep. A girl passed by, followed by her relatives.
"Hi Bowen!" she said waving, and continuing on her way.
Bo waved back.
"New girlfriend?" Nate asked with a grin.
"No! She's just a friend," he said. The idea of having a girlfriend seemed at the same time repulsive and embarrassing to the younger boy. Nate noticed it and he teased him a little bit more, saying it was too bad he didn't have one. "People who live in a glass house shouldn't throw stones…" Bowen said.
Nate's grin died and he couldn't help to sulk a little bit, feeling that Bowen had pushed the right button. He had the feeling his mother had somehow made a comment to Bowen about his nonexistent love life. But he had no time for that. He had work and Jenny's inn to think about. He had become her partner by contributing with part of the money to remodel her grandmother's house and turn it into the inn of her dreams.
Everything had become official during a dinner at the Gabbles'. Nate had announced he wanted to help Jenny when she was being criticized by Tim in front of the rest of the family, as he showed his disbelief towards her project. He thought it was nothing but a silly dream and despite the fact she was taking a course of Restaurant and Hospitality at St. Emrys, she knew nothing about managing an inn. It required a lot of hard work and sacrifices and she was not ready for it. It was when he declared she didn't even have a real partner that Nate stepped in. It wasn't an impulsive thing because he had thought hard on the matter before. Mr. Gabble seemed to approve and so did Jenny of course.
The next day she appeared at his apartment with a chocolate cake to thank him for stepping up for her and that she thought they would make a good team together. But before he could devour the cake she dragged him to the Health Nutt: there were no exceptions with their training schedule. Despite Tim's doubts, Nate knew Jenny could be implacable. He had proof of that when she threw that hot coffee down his face, when he was at the hospital with a broken leg, two years ago.
"And what about Care of Magical Creatures?" Nate asked, changing subject, not wishing to discuss his love life any more.
Temporarily Liberated From Libby
Author: Sage Porter
Date: 06-14-15 19:04
Watching three year old Senna as she weaves back and forth on the main path leading towards the castle from the gates Sage asks Georgia, "Is Libby angry with me?"
"You brought your sister and me."
"Yes?"
"Libby thinks your attention should be solely on her."
"Oooooh. I thought she was over all that."
"Libby? Over her dreams of marrying you?" Georgia starts laughing to the point she has trouble stopping. When she finally is able to speak, she wipes her eyes. "Sorry. Don't know why I think that's so vair amusing."
"She knows we're meeting up with some of my family, right?"
Georgia nods. "She's not happy about that either. If she starts her brattiest brat act I'll drag her away."
Toddler Senna stumbles, Sage heaving himself forward to catch her. She babbles at him, a half grin, half frown on her face, pulling away to saying, "Me do it."
Further up the path Libby is hopping about, pointing to someone she knows, loudly informing Georgia and Sage she'll be back in a minute. When they reach that point on the path there is no sign of Libby in the direction she went. Sage suggests, "Let's wait here a few minutes to see if she comes back. If she doesn't, I'll go after her and you can take Senna."
They sit off the path in the grass, Senna having a grand time picking some of the small flowers in between saying hello to every single person who passes her by. She's so open and friendly she must have gotten that from Birdie because no way in hell is that from Da's side. Senna looks a lot like Sassy at that age but with a touch of Birdie at that age thrown in so Sage takes it that the surrogate his father and step-mother used was strictly that and not also an egg donor or that they got a sperm donor. He's never asked, unable to bring himself to get the question out to either Birdie or Da. Maybe Saffron or Sassy knows.
Just about the time Sage is going to suggest Georgia go on and take Senna to meet up with Saffron and the others while he goes in search of Libby, the younger girl comes skipping back, almost skidding to a stop at seeing them waiting on her. She breeze by them, returning to the path, cooly saying, "I thought you'd go on and I'd catch up,"
Georgia gives Sage a look he's come to think of as her Libby's at it again expression. He shrugs, swings Senna up to his shoulders, then falls into step with Libby. Not the easiest thing to do when his legs are so much longer than hers and she's actually slow poking along now that all of them are continuing towards the castle. "You know, Libby, my father dropped Senna off this morning without warning. I didn't know I was going to be bringing her until then."
"So when you asked me to come,"
He interrupts, "You mean asked Georgia to come and included you in the invitation."
Libby dismissively waves a hand, giving the impression of a much older person inside her 10 year old body. "Ya ya. Cheeky monkey blah blah."
Sage glances over at Georgia to find she's giving him that look again. Hogwarts does not know what it will have on its hands come September. Libby turns 11 in June.
Libby starts chattering about some of the games she saw and wondering what other games and entertainment are to be had. Libby picks up her pace, keeping ahead of Georgia and Sage with Senna, and getting even more ahead when Senna wants down. By the time they reach the spot Saffron has staked out, Libby has already been there, said hello, and taken off.
Sage offers to go find her but at a shake of Georgia's head and a comment about them not needing to rush to find her, they settle onto the picnic blanket with refreshing beverages, Senna happy for the moment to explore around the blanket and getting attention from other family members who've not yet gone off to check out what this year's Spring Social has to offer.
Loren-Fischer Gathering
Author: Araxie Loren
Date: 06-15-15 16:14
"Seriously, I cannot believe that this term is nearly over," Nichole said as she plucked a grape from the bowl that rested on the black, yellow, blue and bronze colored blanket that had been made by Nichole's mom specifically for events like this when the two families would be getting together.
"I know it right?" I said, shifting slightly to finish catching the image of the young toddler near Professor Sacheverelle's blanket. The young girl was quickly captured on the sketchbook on my lap as she cooed and explored on the blanket beneath her, surrounded by family.
"That's really good kiddo," my dad's voice drew my attention away from the toddler, and to settle on my dad's face. I was enjoying the fact that he could finally come to things like this, but even with the short time on Christmas holiday and Easter hols, we hadn't had time to know each other.
"Thanks. I love sitting out here at events like this because there are so many people to watch and sketch. I often give some of the sketches away to those that I've drawn - if I can find them again by the time the drawing is finished...otherwise I keep them." I explained, pushing a hand through my hair and leaving a streak of charcoal in the thick strands making me mutter lightly.
"Very cool," Daniel said before returning to his conversation with my aunt and uncle, and Nichole's parents about arrangements this summer.
He was wanting me to spend a month or so with him in his new place so we could get to know one another, and they were also trying to negotiate my travel plans with Nichole and her family for the trip to Prague which would be a three week thing some time during the summer. It made me glad that I hadn't gotten concert tickets, backstage passes, or meet and greet things for Emrys Fest or any other event happening this summer because I already had massive plans.
While the adults talked, and I soon finished the drawing of the toddler, I pulled it carefully from my sketchbook and tugged on Nichole's sleeve for a minute before pushing myself up. "Be back in a few, going to go give this to Professor Sacheverelle and her family."
Nichole and I headed over to the blanket and waited for a moment, before speaking.
"She's adorable Professor, and I hope you don't mind but I couldn't resist sketching her..." That said, I presented Professor Sacheverelle and her family the sketch I'd made of the little girl. In the sketch she was holding a flower, and giggling.
Sisters (Alexa & Amorica)
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 06-15-15 18:41
Alexa gives Amorica a hug then hands her a round tin. "Mum sent your favorites."
"Feeling guilty for not coming, is she?" Amorica asks, taking the lid off the tin and taking out an almond sugar biscuit with almond frosting before holding the tin in offering to her sister.
Alexa picks one, telling herself it will be only one as she has some at her flat. "Oh so much," she says in response to Amorica's question that was more of a statement.
Amorica shrugs as she begins walking, nibbling on the cookie. "Can't say I mind getting the biscuits but it's not as if Mum planned on having to go to a funeral today all the way in Minsk. I have no idea who Hogan even is."
Alexa lifts one shoulder in a shrug. "Someone related to Mum's Gelson side and to Daniel's branch of the Gelsons. Mum said something about he'd broken most family ties years ago."
"So why go to the funeral?"
"His will listed people specifically to invite."
"It's still strange." Amorica gestures to the castle. "I want to put these biscuits in my room. I'd charm them there but last time I did that all the biscuits ended up smashed. Shan't be long. Be thinking about what you want to do first."
Amorica is true to her word, making quick work of getting to her dorm room and back. Upon her return Alexa gestures towards the lake. "Let's try one of the rides down that way."
Soon, the sisters are queuing up for a magic carpet thrill ride, Amorica quizzing Alexa about her current love life while they wait for their turn.
MacDougal Family
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 06-15-15 19:34
Lauren and Marlow off with Scott seeing who is the best at a catch the snitch type game, Madeline and Liannah get ice cream then find a spot to sit. Once seated Madeline asks, "How was the apparition lesson?"
Liannah pauses in mid-lick of her toasted coconut chocolate ice cream cone and makes a face. "It was okay."
"It's what, the eleventh?"
"The eleventh," Liannah confirms.
"But you're only finding it okay? Are you having trouble? You know I had to take the lessons twice before I could apparate without splinching something."
"I'm doing well enough. It's just deadly dull so I find my mind wandering."
"Makes it harder to get from point A to point B at the proper time." Madeline nods in understanding. "There's only one lesson left. Try hard to stay focused. Licensing isn't long after that."
"I know, Mum," Liannah replies, working hard not to sound exasperated. She's actually not but being her age and having her mum remind her of things she already knows all too well automatically brings it out in her.
Further discussion of this particular topic is stalled as Lauren comes bounding up. "I beat them both! You got ice cream without me?"
Madeline calmly points out, "You may have ice cream as well. The booth is just there."
Lauren turns, grabbing the just arrived Marlow by the hand. "Ice cream!"
Scott, a step behind Marlow, suggests, "Let's all go then from there walk around more. You said something about wanting to play the giant chess game, Liannah. We could all take part."
Immediate plans settled, the MacDougals stop at the nearby ice cream booth then continue on to the chess board where they join others waiting to participate. With sixteen pieces per side, meaning thirty-two people can play at a time, the MacDougals are soon in the board as black pieces, Liannah glad of the respite from more serious conversation with her mother.
Betsy Visits Again (Justin)
Author: Plum
Date: 06-16-15 19:47
Bidding Betsy goodbye, Justin finds himself wishing she weren't leaving just yet. Given he'd not really wanted her to come, at least not alone, he's surprised at the desire to now have her stay. He stands watching until she's no longer in view before turning to make his way in the direction of the pitch.
With the current situation for Plum, he'd not expected her today. Alex was going to come with Jordan and Betsy but then Alex and Jordan both weren't feeling well yesterday and, according to Betsy, by this morning both were having trouble keeping even broth down.
At the sight of only Betsy at the gates early today, Justin had come close to telling her he wasn't feeling all that well himself. It's not that Justin doesn't like his sister. It's that for months, every time it's just the two of them or when other family members aren't within earshot she's pestered him about Luther Wenk. Betsy hasn't seemed to care that Justin has made it clear he does not and will not discuss anything having to do with that dumb arse.
To Justin's relief Betsy did not bring up the other boy even once, thank Merlin. Could be she was too distracted talking about her current beau and about Plum and the woes Plum's husband and his family have had. She quizzed Justin on whether there's been any talk around the castle about poor Ariella's daughter. Betsy's thought behind her questions being that Ariella's husband is a Hogwarts professor so surely there's scuttlebutt about him, Ariella, and Karina.
Reaching the pitch, Justin takes a deep breath. Betsy nattered away so much he's finding himself missing her stream of words. Then again, it's nice having the quiet again. Quiet if you can call the grounds swarming with people, rides, games, refreshment booths, and vendors.
Stopping at one booth to get some candy floss, Justin eats the sweet confection as he makes his way to a game that involves using a special wand to navigate an item through an obstacle course. A few minutes later Justin is walking away with a bag of chocolates won in the game, eyes roving the immediate area for what to do next as he pops one of the chocolates into his mouth.
Constant Vigilance
Author: Lee Sickleby
Date: 06-17-15 17:44
Lee stood outside the new house he and Alaia had purchased together and cast protective wards. He had already laid down numerous security charms prior to moving in and even more after getting settled, but if life as a spy had taught him anything, it was to always be on one's guard.
He hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary in and around the small town of Leyburn, and he most certainly had been keeping his eyes peeled just in case. The constant worry that his work might intrude on his private life had him on edge, but despite any concerns he felt about keeping his home and family shielded, Lee kept his true feelings well hidden.
Alaia stepped out of the house and studied her fiancé for a moment. "What are you doing?" she asked at last.
Lee lowered his arms and looked over his shoulder at her. She was dressed in khakis and a creamy, button-down blouse. Her hair was up in a ponytail and she wore strappy sandals on her feet.
"Trying to make it rain," he said with a lopsided grin.
Alaia folded her arms across her chest and playfully asked, "Why would you want to do that? It's a gorgeous spring day!"
Lee turned back in the direction he'd originally been facing and extended his arm. "Look at all this yard," he said. "It needs rain to stay green."
"A spell might do the trick," Alaia quipped.
Lee turned back to her and laughed. "What do you have against rain?"
"Nothing," she said. "I like it very much, actually. Today just happens to be so lovely as it is."
"Fair enough," Lee said. He pocketed his wand and stepped towards the house, where he pulled Alaia into an embrace. "Want to go to that Muggle pub in the village for supper tonight?"
"Sure," she said.
"Great." Lee turned so that his arm was around her and led her into the house. "What do you want to do until then?"
Alaia grinned impishly. "I can think of a few things."
"Scrubbing toilets it is!"
She swatted him in the arm in response.