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Talking With Papa Wal
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 06-09-09 19:01
Papa Wal hands a customer change, an unlit pipe clenched between his teeth. As far back as Coco can remember, the pipe has never been lit but she supposes at some point in the past, her grandfather actually used that pipe.
When the customer leaves, there are just Papa Wal and Coco in Nutt's & Bolt's. Taking the pipe from his mouth he states, "Yer decided then are ya. Can't say Oi'm thrilled but Oi'll support yer decision. Ya be knowin' that."
"Oi... I've explained that things are differnt, Papa Wal," Coco begins.
He waves his hand at her. "Oi know wot ya said. After wot happened, ya fink Oi ain't cautious? Ain't worried fer ya?"
Since getting his memory back and subsequently learning why he'd lost it in the first place, Papa Wal has been suspicious and leary of the Wizarding World. Coco's repeated reassurances have done nothing to assuage the worry he has for her that something similar won't happen again and she'll be lost to them forever. Not only lost to them but that his memory would have been once again altered and he'd not even remember Coco's existance.
"I want to complete my education and returning to Hogwarts is part of that," Coco says slowly, not only for effect but because now that she's got a real life again, she's once more making a real effort to speak better.
"Fritz don' have nuffin ter do wif yer decision, do he?"
"No, Papa Wal, he doesn't. Fritz is going back to Hogwarts for the same reason I am. We did discuss our decisions with each other but we each reached our own conclusion."
"Don't have nuffin ter do wif being prefect do it?"
Coco grins. "No, though it's nice to have be prefect again."
"Well, awroight then. You gorna be doin' the Quidducht?"
"Quidditch. I hope so, but if I don't make the team, I can always play pick-up games. If I make the team, you'll come to the matches, won't you? You, Abe, and Mitzi."
"Aye, Oi'll be there. Abe'n Mitzi prob'ly too. You gotta do shoppin at that Diagon place? Tom still got 'is pub?"
"I have to shop and the Leaky Cauldron is still there. I'm pretty sure Tom's running it still."
"Oi 'spect Oi should go along wif you one day. Say 'allo to Tom."
"You could have a butterbeer while you're at it," Coco says, her grin growing bigger.
"Aye, Oi 'spect Oi just might have ter have one. Long as Oi'm goin' ter be there. Would only be perlite."
Coco raises up on tiptoe and kisses her grandfather's cheek, glad that the memory modifications didn't alter his personality.
Normal is Necessary
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 06-10-09 08:33
Isma sat, curled on the porch swing rocking lightly as she looked out over the front lawn. Blake and Eric were off dealing with other things, she was simply stuck at home. Her parents were not entirely pleased with the fact that she was going to be returning to Hogwarts, because they feared the worst happening again. They feared loosing her again, and worse than that, they feared not being able to remember her.
"Charisma?" Her mom's voice cut through those thoughts, and brought her back to the present.
"Yeah?" Question posed as she shifted causing the swing to rock a little bit more. "Everything alright?"
"Fine, just worried about you is all. You are one hundred percent certain that you wish to go back to Hogwarts. You are sure you do not want to go to Beaubaxton's instead..." Emily said as she settled next to her daughter on the swing.
"For the millionth time Mum, I am not going to Beaubaxtons, nor am I going to any other wizarding school that is different from Hogwarts. Things are back to how they should be, or rather will be by the time the terms starts the first of next month. Dumbledore is back, the Minister of Magic is gone. There is nothing to worry about." Isma said, unable to keep the irritation from her voice. "I'm sorry, but I want to get back to normal and Hogwarts is normal for me Mum. I'll be around Blake, Eric and others who have all suffered through the last two years either on the beneficial side or the detrimental side."
As they spoke an owl would swoop down and deposit a cream colored envelope bearing the Hogwarts seal upon it. "I'm going back Mum. Understand that I need this."
She'd grown up in the last two years, but then again, loosing one's friend in conditions that were less than nurturing did tend to force one in to growing up a bit sooner than they should. "Alright. We'll go shopping soon for your supplies then." Emily sighed with resignation and kissed her daughter on the top of the head.
"Thank you mum. Eric and Blake will be going back as well and their parents are in the same boat you are. Maybe we can eat lunch together in Diagon Alley, it may do you and Da some good to talk with them as well."
Emily shrugged and shifted, rising from the swing and heading inside. "Da will be home soon, and I think Charlie will be around in the next couple of days."
Isma nodded and began shifting through the parchments in the letter from Hogwarts, eyes sliding closed as she simply relaxed. Happy that her life was somewhat returning to normal.
Your Decision To Make
Author: Declan
Date: 06-10-09 17:29
From the tower where Albus Dumbledore's office is located the views of the grounds and beyond are excellent, but then the same is true of all the Hogwarts towards. Standing with hands behinds his back, fingers interlocked, legs spread slightly apart, back ramrod straight, Declan gazes pensively out one of the windows. Behind him several of the portraits are giving their input on the topic at hand, though none were asked.
"Girls are worse than boys. I've always said that."
"She shouldn't be harshly judged on one rash, impulsive, hormone driven decision."
"Should have expelled her already, no question about it."
"Did anyone check to see if she were under a spell herself?"
The debate goes on and on, the portraits by that time paying no attention to Professor Dumbledore or to Declan. The two men hadn't gotten very far into the discussion when an owl arrived with an urgent message for Dumbledore. The older gentleman apologized and sat down to read the short missive then decided an immediate reply was necessary. While the headmaster penned a response, Declan had gone silent and moved to the window. There was an extremely brief lull then the portraits began voicing their thoughts. Declan hears them but isn't really listening, his own thoughts occupying his attention.
"Enough!" Professor Dumbledore orders, not especially loudly but forcefully. The portraits immediately fall silent.
The owl that had brought the message to the headmaster wings its way out the open window in front of which Declan is standing. Declan keeps his gaze out the window, watching the owl as it flies a little ways from the castle then begins climbing higher.
"I have given you my opinion, Declan. It is, however, ultimately your decision. I will respect your wishes on the matter."
"She'll be one of my students. If she were in the other tier, this would be so much easier."
"Perhaps."
Ceclan asks a question he's asked before. He needs the added reassurance of the reply. "What happened won't be found out?"
"As the secret keeper, I assure you it will not. You are the only one not under obligation."
"What about the therapist?"
"Her healer's oath is in place."
"Right. I forgot about that."
Declan turns from the window and begins pacing in front of it, feeling the eyes of the many portraits following his movements. Professor Dumbledore remains quiet, letting Declan work off some of the agitation he still feels over the entire situation.
"I don't know if I can treat her fairly and impartially."
"If you maintain your professionalism, you will. I have faith in your Declan."
"IF I agree, I would do my best to maintain my professionalism but when faced with her in class, I don't know if I'll be able to; when grading papers, will I unconsciously grade hers more harshly?"
"If you agree, then we could say it is on a probationary status for both of you. If after the agreed upon time period you feel it is not working or Professor McGonagall or I feel that it is not, then I will arrange for Miss Ravensdale to receive individusal instruction in History."
"That would raise questions."
"It would, yes."
Declan wants to howl with frustration, wants to hit something. He holds it in, for now and just barely. As calmly as he's able he asks, "How much time before a decision is needed?"
"It would be most helpful if you reach a decision within a day or two. No more than a week."
Declan nods, thanks the headmaster, and leaves the office heading for one of the DADA obstacle courses where he can safely vent some of the frustration and anger from this whole mess.
(Mark) School Supplies
Author: Isolde
Date: 06-10-09 18:01
Eviene Farnon attempted to take her son by the hand after the gateway to Diagon Alley opened up, but the thirteen year old would have none of it and jerked his arm away from her before anyone could notice what had nearly occurred. His mother didn't take any great offense, but she found it more and more difficult to believe that her son wasn't a young child anymore. It didn't seem so long ago that he'd first received his Hogwarts letter.
It wasn't that Mark didn't like his mother. On the contrary, he liked her very much. He just didn't want to be seen with her, if her presence made him look like a young child. Mark felt himself to be much older than his thirteen years and didn't think he needed a parent's supervision during a simple shopping excursion to Diagon Alley. His mother, of course, believed otherwise.
Mark had in hand his school supply list, which differed little from last year except where textbooks were concerned. However, he'd broken several of the vials he needed for Potions class and had outgrown his robes, so he turned first for Slug and Jiggers to get replacement glassware.
He was halfway up the stoop to the front door when he caught a glimpse of long, dark blond hair two doors over. Mark paused, blocking the way to the apothecary quite by accident, and gazed at the girl. She seeemed both familiar and unfamiliar to him, but then she turned and revealed her face. It was Kate Dewhurst, who looked just as he remembered and yet somewhat older too. Mark supposed it had been well over a year since he'd last seen her, and that they'd both probably changed during that time.
A smile broke across Kate's face, and then she took a few steps away from Scribbulus Everchanging Inks to greet somebody. Mark blinked, almost not recognizing the boy with whom Kate spoke animatedly. Gus had lost weight over the last year, though he still had a roundness to his face that made him identifiable.
"Mark, why have you stopped? There are people trying to get in behind you," Eviene stated, glancing from her son to where he looked.
"Oh, do you know them?" she asked, taking an interest. She hadn't met any of his friends from school in all the time he'd been at Hogwarts.
"I used to," Mark murmured, and instead of going to speak to Kate and Gus, his old friend, he turned back toward the apothecary and went inside to get his school supplies.
Missing The Sister
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 06-10-09 18:55
Julian doesn't know how Lysander does it yet at the same time he understands perfectly why Lysander would be compelled to continue seeing her, spending time with her. Julian supposes that in a way, it's how Charlie Weasley must have felt when Hendrika first show up looking so much like Helena.
Running his fingers through his hair, Julian fleetingly thinks it's getting too long again. Time for a haircut. Then, despite his more brooding thoughts, Julian flashes his dimpled smile at two young women who've been looking over a relatively new section, used texts from St. Emrys. The smile stays in place for Orchid and one of her friends who works with her at Petals. Since first meeting Orchid, Julian's found her to be a very nice person and much more intelligent and witty than one might expect. That said, Julian still wishes that Petals was not open just down the lane. Wishes it weren't in Hogsmeade period.
The bell over the door jingles. Julian turns to greet the customer but seeing it's Lysander returned from a break says instead, "That crate you got an auction the other day arrived. There are more titles in it than on the list."
"Maybe there's been a mistake."
"I would have owled myself but didn't have the contact information. It's not with the crate."
"I'll take care of it. You want to go now? You're overdue for a long break."
"Yeah, I think I will, thanks."
Heading for the inner stairs leading, Julian smiles again at the four females as he passes by. Going up to his flat, Julian walks in just as Caerwyn and Gus are rushing out. "Going to wizard's paint ball!" Caerwyn gleefully says over his shoulder, not slowing down in the slightest.
The flat is deafeninly quiet after the whirlwind rush of the boys. Julian grabs a butterbeer and taking a long pull from it heads into his bedroom. He sits on the end of his bed, eyes going to a box in the corner. He'd gotten it from storage the other day.
Julian goes over to it and takes the blanket off of it that he'd thrown over it, partially concealing it. Kneeling, he rocks back on his heels, his thoughts going back to the day he'd given this box as a Christmas gift. He smiles at the memory, remembering the delight with which the gift was received.
Julian moves the box into the living room, sitting on the couch to stare at it more while finishing his butterbeer. Every time he sees Lysander's friend Astrid Thomason brings a pang to Julian's heart. She looks so much like Chyler and though her voice is different, it's similar emough to be reminiscent of Chyler's.
If Julian misses Chyler as much as he does, the person he thought of as being his sister, then he can well imagine how great Lysander's grief is. That's why Julian doesn't see how Lysander keeps seeing Astrid while also understanding just why his friend would desire continuing to meet up with Chyler's look alike cousin.
Putting the empty bottle aside, Julian goes to kneel in front of the box again, this time actually opening it. He carefully lifts the doll out and sets it down, fondly remembers Chyler dressing the doll in the outfit it's still wearing, giggling at how the stylish robes matched one of her own favorite outfits.
Julian returns to the couch then points his wand at the doll to activate it. The Chyler doll comes to life, waving the jeweled sceptor in its hand. "Bow to your queen!" "I command you to kneel, peasant!" "Off with your head!" "I AM the queen!"
Julian feels misty eyed yet chuckles when the Chyler doll sits on its throne, demanding again that the peasants kneel, this time with the added touch of, "That means you, Bill the Weasel!"
What would Chyler say now if she were here to see Julian being coridal to one of the Weasels, Charlie, and pretending that Weasel the Younger's wife and Briar are half-sisters, making Charlie's sons related to Julian's daughter.
Getting another butterbeer and grabbing a snack, Julian continues watching the doll, enjoying hearing the sound of Chyler's voice again. He doesn't hear footsteps nor notice anyone standing at the open door. It's a voice calling up from the ground floor, "Hallooooo? Anyone working?" that has Julian rising, thinking to call down that someone will be right there.
That's when Julian sees Lysander standing in the doorway, clutching a bill of lading for an order Julian had made. Lysander looks to be in shock, anguish written all over his face.
Julian starts to say something, stops, starts again only to say nothing. From below the person calls up again. Julian moves to the door, Lysander wordlessly stepping back, eyes fixed on the Chyler doll. Julian calls down, "Right with you!"
To Lysander he says, "I'm sorry. I hadn't meant for you to see. Hell, I hadn't meant to even open the box. Seeing Astrid... "
"It's fine," Lysander says, voice choke. He shoves the bill of lading at Julian. "The order's been delayed. We need to decide if we still want it."
Lysander heads down the stairs. Julian flicks his wand at the doll to deactivate it, then closing the door he follows his friend into the shop, not knowing if he seriously screwed up and what more he should say, if anything.
(Seattle, Washington) Special Delivery
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 06-11-09 09:41
The fun part about waiting for a baby to be born? There isn’t one. It was nerve wracking. My mother was in labor for so long. At first, they wouldn’t allow my sister or I into the delivery room. But, after a few hours, my mom had insisted and we were finally allowed in.
My mother was in a fairly traditional looking delivery room. I went immediately to her side, my sister right behind me. I grabbed her hand and wished I hadn’t. She was doing a fairly good job crushing it.
“How are you doing Mom?” I asked.
“Like I’m delivering a baby!” She came back with. Just then my hand was crushed as she had another contraction.
After a couple more hours of crushed hands, doctors telling her to either breathe or push, and my mom getting off several cutting remarks, the sounds of a baby crying started to fill the room.
“It’s a boy,” one of the doctors said. They wrapped the baby up in a blanket and handed it over to my mom.
“Mom?” Bianca asked, “Did you finally decide on a name?”
“Yes, Wolfgang Vincent Diamond,” My mom replied looking down at the child.
“I like it,” I said, also not taking my eyes off the newborn. I had a brother. For the first time in my life I had an actual brother.
“12:28 am, August 24th,” One of the doctors said. I looked up at my sister, who looked up as well. We looked at each other for a moment, then the newborn, then our mother.
“Makes it easier to remember,” my mother said, “All of you on the same day. Happy birthday girls,” she leaned in a bit closer to the newborn, “And to you too.”
After a few minutes my mom and brother were taken out of the room. My sister and I were kicked out. Since my mom or brother wouldn’t be released for several hours, my sister and I went home.
When Bianca and I got home, we didn’t go to sleep. We were too excited. Instead we mostly paced around thinking. Finally I said, “Think he’ll be a good musician?” My response was a punch to the arm.
“Ow… Ok, ok, I know. I couldn’t help it! You realize that for the first time in like, ten years mom was able to wish us a happy birthday at the same time?”
“Yeah,” Bianca responded, “And this year we now have a brother. I swear she timed it so he was born on the same day as us.”
“No, that’s a dad move.” We both laughed a little, but soon remembered he wasn’t back yet. Bianca called it a night shortly afterwards and went upstairs. I looked at the clock, it was nearly 2 in the morning.
I started thinking, add 8 hours to that and it’s almost 10 in the morning in England. I should tell Bron! I grabbed the floo powder and was gone a moment later.
NEWT Results!
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 06-11-09 10:55
Maddie was just getting in when the owl delivering their exam results flew into the window and deposited the envelopes onto the kitchen table. "Orei, they are here..."
There was the sound of what could possibly be mistaken as a herd of elephants coming down the hall before Jim and Orei both burst into the kitchen. "They are here?" Orei said expectantly, holding out her hand for the envelope, watching as Maddie was already tearing into hers.
Maddie let out a scream of delight as she looked down at her results!
Madeline Miller
Care of Magical Creatures O
Herbology O
History of Magic E
Defense Against the Dark Arts E
Charms E
Transfiguration A
Potions E
Muggle Studies O
"I passed! Everything! My lowest mark was Transfiguration! What about you Orei?" Maddie said, plopping down in one of the kitchen chairs, waiting for Orei to open her envelope.
Orei felt the eyes of both Maddie and Jim on her as she opened the seal on the envelope that held her NEWT results. Why in the hell was she nervous? Her hands were shaking a bit, and her stomach felt like it was tying itself in half a dozen knots over and over agian.
Even after the parchment was pulled from the envelope Orei stood there in stunned silence as she stared at the results listed on the parchment.
Oreileah McCoi
Ancient Runes O
Herbology O
Defense Against the Dark Arts O
Charms 0
Transfiguration O
Arithmancy & Divination E
Potions E
Astronomy O
"Not a single Acceptable. All Outstanding or Exceeds Expectations! I passed, with flying colors. My lowest two were Potions and Arithmancy & Divination." Orei said and slumped against Jim who wrapped his arm around her and presses a kiss to her cheek. "Congrats. Now, lets hope this time next year, I will have just as good results."
"This, requires celebration! Dinner out at the Imperial, I am curious to know if Dynamic is performing, or who the live band will be." Orei said as she kissed Jim and looked toward Maddie. "Floo Artemis and Tidus, see if they want to come with.." Orei said and Maddie flushed at the mention of Tidus' name.
"Actually, Tidus and I already have plans for tonight, sorry Orei." Maddie said sheepishly, and laughed when Orei gave her a bug-eyed look of disbelief.
"Wait! You and Tidus? Since when and -why- did you not tell me?!" Orei flung the balled up envelope at Maddie.
"Since Emry's Fest, and I didn't tell you because we haven't told anyone yet. So, keep quiet you. I'm heading up to shower and change, he'll be here in about thirty minutes." Maddie slipped away to her room and Orei turned, wrapping her arms around Jim.
"So, just you and I tonight. We could stay in or we could go out, it doesn't matter." She leaned against him, eyes sliding closed as they talked for a few minutes finally settling on dinner out and then the rest of the night in.