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(Ariella) Wanderlust
Author: Beck
Date: 07-16-10 18:09
It had been quite the surprise to find herself whisked off on a multi-city tour by her husband, who seemed very fond of surprising his wife with trips around the world. Holidaying abroad would certainly take her mind off of whether or not she had passed her N.E.W.T.s––she still hadn't received word on how she'd done.
Ariella wasn't necessarily worried, though. She'd studied hard and had felt rather confident about her work after each exam, but until she had the marks in her hand, she wouldn't stop wondering. Thanks to her husband, however, the N.E.W.T.s were the last thing on her mind at the moment.
She lounged on a fluffy white towel on Maamoura Beach in Alexandria, Egypt. Ariella wore a modest, royal blue, one-piece bathing suit and had designer sunglasses her sister-in-law Bronwyn had given her over her eyes. A straw parasol provided her with much needed shade.
The water of the Mediterranean Sea was the most vibrant blue Ariella had ever seen and washed against the shore in the most perfect waves. Lawrence splashed around in the water and had Ariella laughing because he looked like a little boy trying to jump over too-big waves.
He eventually decided to head back to the beach and emerged from the surf, shaking water droplets from his hair. Lawrence smiled big and sat down next to Ariella.
"The water is nice. You should go in."
"I will in a bit." For now, Ariella enjoyed people watching. The beach was quite full, mostly with locals, but the tourists were there too and very easy to spot.
"What do you want to do when we are finished here?" asked Lawrence.
"I want to visit Montaza Palace and the royal gardens," she said, her mind already made up about it. The gardens were very close by and would be easy to reach from their current position.
Already, they'd visited the new library, as well as several sites from Roman times, like an amphitheater. There were many more sights worth seeing, and Ariella wanted to visit them all!
From Egypt to Russia
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 07-17-10 17:47
After their time on the beach and they'd cleaned up, they were going to a couple of ancient cemeteries, or catacombs. The first was going to be the Catacombs of Kol al-Shoqafa - the largest Roman cemetary in Alexandria and is comprised of three different levels going down thirty meters. The second stop is giong to be the Mostafa Kamel Graveyard, which holds for beautifully decorated tomes dated back to the second century.
From there, Hussein Sobhy Museum of Fine Arts, would be their next stop before they headed to a quaint little restraunt for an early dinner.
They were spending a week in Alexandria so there was pleanty to see and they would see it all. Souviners would be bought for all, and be given when they got home, if not sent home early when there got to be too much to carry. Already they had a bag just for the souviners that would be given to Alanna, her boyfriend Jarod, Ariella's grandparents Tobias and Josefine, Tobias and Bronwyn, Dessie, Anthony, Plum, and Alex (who had gotten the most adorable camel that played a prayer for rain) and they'd also gotten something for Katherine. So everyone was getting something from Alexandria, and Lawrence had even picked up a few herbology items that he would present to his classes when school started in the fall.
On their final night in Alexandria, Lawrence had a romantic dinner planned and they were granted an exclusive tour of Al-Montazah Palace before they would return to the hotel room, to finish packing and ultimately they would be heading toward their next destination early in the morning: St. Petersburg, Russia.
(Athens, Greece) Three Weeks Home
Author: Adina Blackwood
Date: 07-17-10 18:20
Adina hadn't actually believed her mother when she'd been told that she would be allowed to go to Greece for three weeks to spend time with her father and friends still in Athens. She'd flown on a muggle airline and landed in Greece the day before yesterday, and was thrilled at the prospect of finally being home. Yes, at the moment, she still considered this home, because she'd yet to find a proper group of friends to hang out with. Marlow and her little sister were alright, and at least she'd be at Hogwarts with Marlow in the fall. But, for now, Adina's thoughts were on Greece and being back in the beautiful country again for three weeks.
She'd also managed to some how rangle permission to attend Emry's Fest at the end of the month when she got home - which given everything that had happened, Adina was surprised that she'd gotten. Which was fantastic because she'd get to see her heart throb, Xavier, and his new side band perform. Her friends were going to be so jealous.
As of right now, she was on her way to the National Garden to meet up with Mikos, Athena and Mika. The four friends hugged tightly and plopped down on benches and demanded that they be filled in on -everything- that had been happening since Adina had been pulled out of Athens Academy during winter break. She filled them in on the incident that had happened on Knockturn Alley, and everything else that had happened. About the Quidditch game she'd attended with Marlow at Hogwarts.
Finally, after they'd left the National Garden then went to grab something for lunch and head to the cinema for a muggle movie. After the movie, they headed back to Adina's Father's house and Pastitsio for dinner which was Adina's favorite.
After Mikos, Athena, and Mika had headed home Adina shared a small glass of wine with her father and they talked about things and how she was handling the divorce. He was also quite glad that her mother had allowed the trip, because he'd missed quiet evenings like this with her.
~~~~
The next three weeks were filled with shopping, cinema visits, and visiting old haunts that she'd visited when on break from Athens Academy (even though she'd only been there one year, and not even all of that), and even before she'd started attending the Academy. Mika, Mikos, and Athena were with her the whole way - the only time they parted ways was later in the evening (unless they were all crashing on the patio), and when Adina went out of the city limits to run for a few hours - because the need was still there.
It was about midway through the second week when Mika looked at Adina over a bowl of olives, feta and fresh greens drizzled with olive oil and said, "When were you going to tell us you were an animagnus?" She asked quietly, and that made Adina blink.
"I didn't think you knew..." Adina said, shifting in her seat and curling her legs beneath her. "I hadn't figured out just how to tell you all. I mean, what was I supposed to say - I have this ability to turn into a wolf?" She said, popping an olive into her mouth and reclining against the cushioned back of the patio chair and looking out over the water.
"You could have at least said something, but not mad at you, we've just known for a while now." Mikos said before picking up an olive and tossing it at Adina. "Not angry at all, I think it's actually pretty awesome. Wish one of us had that ability.."
Mika and Mikos were twins, fraternal, and nodded rapidly. Athena nodded as well. "Yeah, I mean, it isn't every day you end up having the ability to change into an animal as well as use magic." She said, before taking a sip of her coffee with just a touch of Tentura added.
"I know it, trust me. It's fun, for the most part, though not sure how its going to work at Hogwarts and all when I start in the fall." Adina said, and they continued the conversation, discussing the rest of the year at Athens Academy for Mika, Mikos and Athena, and the round of tutoring that Adina had been on to ensure that she was up to par for second year at Hogwarts in the fall.
Trial of Marcus Hubbs
Author: Illyria
Date: 07-18-10 11:48
"Please state your full name for the record."
Illyria, seated where everyone could see her but a considerable distance from the accused, stated clearly, "Illyria Octavia Jones."
"And your profession?"
"Astronomy professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"And how do you know the accused?" asked the member of the Wizengamot who had opened the trial of Marcus Hubbs, a wizard with an impressive rap sheet and presently on trial for the attempted murder of Illyria herself.
She shot him a quick look and then faced her questioner. "I don't, actually. I met him for the very first time that morning on the Astronomy observation deck at Hogwarts."
"But he had contacted you prior to that first meeting?"
"Yes," Illyria said. "He sent me a threatening letter."
"That would be this one here," he said, holding up the letter in question that had been admitted into evidence for the trial. He read it aloud for the court. "Ms. Jones,
It comes to my attention that for a time you had something of mine. I do not care how or why this came to be, but know that I expect to be compensated for the trouble it has caused me. I will be in touch."
"What did you make of the letter when you received it?"
"To be honest, I didn't fully understand it," Illyria replied, "but I had a feeling I knew a little something to which it related."
"And that was?"
Illyria launched into everything from the very beginning, from how Roland had resurfaced in her life and asked to borrow money, to how she later learned the money he'd returned to her hadn't been his to give, and then to that fateful day on the top of the Astronomy Tower, when Professor Dumbledore and Ronan Eastwick had come to her rescue.
Various members of the Wizengamot and attorneys for both sides asked her a few more questions and then she was dismissed from the stand. She went to sit by Ronan, while the next witness was called––Roland Gray, who had disappeared early on and had only in recent weeks emerged from hiding.
A Pony For Charlotte
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 07-18-10 12:27
With Lysander still missing, Julian hired additional help for the shoppe. They'd been thinking about hiring another part-time employee anyway so at least once Lysander is found and gets back to work himself, Julian won't have to turn around and fire Jacob, a transplanted Canadian who's been attending St. Emrys University. It's Jacob who's at the shoppe right now while Julian takes Charlotte and Grace horseback riding.
Grace is using the little pony Julian got her several years ago and Charlotte is astride another small pony that is unofficially hers. Julian was going to give her a pony at either Christmas or for her fifth birthday, he hadn't decided yet which, but decided to give her one now. They picked it out yesterday and this morning it was delivered to the small stable on the outskirts of Hogsmeade he's got for Grace's pony.
Grace is trotting around the pen, by now fairly at ease in the saddle. Charlotte's been on horses before but the 4 1/2 year old is still unsure of her seat so Julian's walking her around the pen and in a short time he'll lead both girls out to walk one of the wooded trails the skirt around the village.
Charlotte is giggling as Julian allows the pony to pick up the pace slightly. A smile on his lips, Julian asks her, "Have you decided on a name for your pony, Charlotte?"
"I want to ask Daddy."
"Daddy's business is taking him away longer than he thought," Julian tells her, sticking to the story he'd been telling her since Lysander first went missing.
"The fire?"
"I'm sorry, Charlotte, but no, your daddy can't do a fire chat. He wishes he could."
Last night before putting Charlotte to bed, Julian had found her with her face pressed to her bedroom window, searching yet again for an owl bringing her a letter from Daddy. In the past when Lysander has had to be gone for more than a day, he's fire chatted regularly with Charlotte and sent her owls with either letters or postcards, or both. It broke his heart to see her with her little face mushed against the glass, searching for that link to her father. What's he going to do if the worst happens and he has to tell her that Daddy is never coming back?
Making himself continue smiling, Julian asks the girls, "Ready to take the ponies for a walk?"
With their jubilent, excited replies ringing the air in the pen, Julian uses his wand to open, then shut, the gate as they make for the nearest trail.
Back in the Habit
Author: Ella
Date: 07-18-10 13:19
Ella had ridden the Hogwarts Express home, despite Zane's efforts to convince her to meet him at The Hog's Head and blow off the long journey back to King's Cross Station. On the one hand, she wouldn't have minded meeting up with Zane, if only because she wouldn't have had to share a compartment with Francis and listen to him prattle on about Ashleigh for the entire trip––which, of course, he had done.
On the other hand, Ella had known how badly her mum had wanted to see her again. Rosemary Harville was a lonely divorcée and needed the comfort and support of her family. Ella wanted to be there for her mum, too, but she also didn't want to leave Zane high and dry. Whenever she could, she left home to spend time with him.
It was easy to fall back into old habits. Ella quickly came to realize that she had missed Zane, and the more time she spent with him, the more she fell back in love with him. It proved difficult parting with him each time, especially when in past summers, they'd spent every waking moment together while Ella's parents had been away on holiday.
Now Ella couldn't even stay the night with him, knowing her mum waited up for her each evening. She gave Zane the excuse that her mum was still suffering the effects of her divorce and didn't like being alone in the house at night.
Whether Zane bought it or not, Ella didn't really know. Rosemary was always alone while Ella was at Hogwarts, so what difference would summer nights alone be? Zane never questioned her though, perhaps understanding that now that Ella had graduated, Rosemary could spend more time with her daughter.
Of course, Ella hadn't graduated, and she hadn't yet figured out what lie to spin to him about why she would once again be returning to Hogwarts in the fall. Perhaps she wouldn't even tell him that. Perhaps she would come up with another lie altogether and say she got a job that keeps her away for long periods of time. She hadn't really thought up any details yet, but there was still time to do so.
Francis had already written Ella to suggest they meet up for Emrys Fest at the end of the month. His letter had surprised Ella, since she was certain he would forget all about her, now that he could spend everyday with Ashleigh. Francis hadn't mentioned anything about taking his new girlfriend to Emrys Fest, but Ella knew without a doubt that she'd be there too. Ella wasn't sure she could stomach seeing the two together, but in the end, she'd written back and said she would see Francis there.
She wouldn't be bringing Zane, though, since no one was supposd to know about him. If anyone found out she was dating an older wizard, and if he found out that she'd lied about her age, Ella would be in a world of trouble!
(Athens, Greece) The Argument and Vacations End
Author: Adina Blackwood
Date: 07-18-10 13:22
"What do you mean, how could this happen?" Elona's shrill voice rang through the kitchen as she turned to face her now ex-husband, Remus Blackwood.
"Well, didn't you say that Diagon Alley was going to be safer for her than here in Greece?" Remus countered, referring of course to the fact that their daughter had been kidnapped for the span of a day after sneaking down Knockturn Alley (apparently a rather unsavory place to be).
"It is safe for her Remus, not like you would know anything about it, you've never left this island have you?" Elona said as her hands curled into fists at her sides and she resisted the urge to strike him about the head with them.
"If it is safe for her, then how is it she'd gotten picked up by this foul man and turned into a pet? Is there no safe place for her to be herself in that fool Alley your sister has made her home?" Remus said, a light growl to his voice, he shot a hate filled glare at his ex-wife, hating her for tearing apart his relationship with his daughter over something foolish - or at least it was foolish in his mind.
"We have found a safe place for her to run, to be free when she needs it. She is not yet old enough to apparate by herself and thus must wait to be with Ephona or myself before she can go to Hogsmeade village and run in the forests around the village. I don't know why she was in her animal form when she strod through the streets and snuck down Knockturn Alley." Elona said and lofted a hand to her temples, massaging lightly before turning to face Remus once more. "She'd be fine if she hadn't become that wolf Remus. From who did she inherit something that would make her life more difficult? Not from my genepool."
Remus, not for the first time, resisted the urge to throttle the woman standing before him. He was happy that Adina was not in the house to hear the argument between him and her mother. Elona had come to take Adina home, having changed her mind about allowing Adina to stay in Greece for the full three weeks. "Forgive me Elona, for not properly screening all the genes in my family history. I did not know that seven generations back there was an animagus, nor did I know that my great-great-grandfather was an animagus. He died before I knew him and my parents never bothered to tell me that we had the ability in the family as it was never manifested in my Father, nor is it present in my mother's side at all." He growled and downed his glass of wine and looked at her.
"We can not change what she is, nor can we continue to shelter her. I know you do not want her here in Greece any more, not with me, but do not deny me time with her. I am still her father and have the right to see her." Remus said, and resisted the urge to reach out and wrap Elona in his arms.
"We will figure out a visitation schedule for time for her to come see you, until then, she will be leaving with me as soon as she gets home. No questions asked." Elona said, and no sooner had she finished her statement than a petite, curvy blonde witch stepped into the kitchen wearing a pair of short, white shorts and a halter top.
"Remus? Are we still going to the theater tonight?" She asked, before noticing Elona and shrinking like a wilted flower beneath the stern gaze of the other woman.
"Dating someone who looks no more than five years your daughter's senior. That's gotta go over well with Adina Remus, or has she not met your little tramplet?" Elona said, spitting a curse at the woman in Greek.
"Now is not the best time Aletta, give me a bit to finish with Elona, and I will come get you. In the mean time, if you see Adina, let her know she is to pack her things and that her mother is here to escort her home." Remus said, and pressed a kiss to the blonde witch's cheek and sent her from the room.
"Very classy Remus." Elona said, her words dripping with sarcasm as she leaned against the kitchen counter.
After a few moments, Adina came stomping into the kitchen. "Why in Merlin's Beard am I not allowed to stay? You promised I could stay the full three weeks and it's only been half that time Mom. Let me guess, I can't go to Emry's Fest now either right?" Adina snapped at her mother, glaring hatefully between her parents. Eleven days, she'd gone eleven days without hearing one or the other complain about the other and she relished it. Now, it was back to the misery of listening to her mother groan and moan about her father and no doubt Aletta, her father's new girlfriend who was at least ten years her mother's junior.
"Because I said so Adina, now go pack your things, we are leaving in half an hour. You have no choice in the matter, I will not have you here where you can be turned against me because I keep you cloistered in the city instead of allowing you to roam free and untethered." Elona said and and motioned her daughter to go pack her things.
"Seriously. I hate you both right now." Adina said before stomping off to her room and packing her things through the tears that coursed down her cheeks. Mika, Mikos and Athena helped her pack and were there to console her and love her in her time of heartache and misery.
"My aunt is planning a trip to London, and she said I could bring Mika and Mikos along with. I will let you know when, and maybe your mom will have lightened up and let you come spend a day or so with us." Athena said as she hugged Adina one last time before the quad carried Adina's things downstairs and said their goodbyes for now.
Elona's grip on Adina's arm for the side-along was nearly bone-crushing, and she would probably have a few bruises. With a loud "POP" they began the journey back to London from Greece. With each leg of the journey, Adina grew more and more depressed at having her summer stolen from her because her parents couldn't get along over what she was. Like she had a choice in the matter?
Already, she started formulating a plan to deny that animal form, deny giving into its needs. If she didn't give it what it needed, it would go away right? It was so much a part of her, she wasn't entirely certain that she could get away with it, but she would try, and make it last through the summer if she could.
Slipping
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 07-18-10 14:56
At first, the hunger had been nearly unbearable, but Lysander was in such a state now that he hardly noticed the pain anymore. He felt more the stiffness of his limbs from having sat in the same position for who knew how long now. Worse still, the dead body in the cabin had started to decay and the stench was far worse than Lysander's own from not having bathed anytime recently.
He thought that he might die soon, or knew it to be so since he hadn't eaten in days or more and knew the body couldn't sustain itself without nourishment. He hadn't had anything to drink either. His mouth was completely dry and it hurt to swallow.
Blackness clouded his eyesight, as it did more and more often with each passing day. He felt himself start to slip away, when a noise drew his attention. Lysander forced himself to stay awake and listened intently.
He heard voices outside and then repetitive thumping behind him. The door kicked open and the voices sounded again. They spoke in a language Lysander didn't understand. He could feel himself slipping again but he tried very hard to stay awake. He wanted to know who had finally found him, and whether they were friend or foe.
Friend, it would appear. Two individuals, dressed in police uniform, hovered over him. One moved to check the body on the floor, while the other spoke to someone else standing behind Lysander. The policeman who had checked to see whether Khalid Adallah still lived spotted Lysander's wand on the floor and carefully picked it up. Lysander didn't see what happened next because unconsciousness finally overtook him.