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Tea With Grandmother (Mockridge Dower House)
Author: Valeria Mockridge
Date: 10-02-13 11:46
Valeria sat in the stiff wingback chair, her shoes just missing the ornate legs of the antique as she kicked them back and forth.
"So, my darling girl, you really don't mind me taking the Transfiguration position at Hogwarts?" Cloris asked as she brought her cup of tea up to her lips to sip at it.
"Not at all, Grandmother," the younger blonde answered. "I am actually quite excited about it. My grades were good this year, but you've always taught things much more clearly than Professor Flint did."
"Yes, I'd heard. There were a number of mumblings about Professor Flint and his preference for the abstract," the Mockridge Matriarch said with a slightly wicked smile. "And to think he would set you and young Anton up as he did. Truly a disgraceful bit there."
"We were lucky it was Professor Snape who found us. I am not sure any of the others would have believed us at all," Valeria said, shifting slightly in her chair before sipping at her own tea.
"That is a good point, my dear," Cloris said. "Now, as for more pleasant topics. What plans do you have for the holiday?"
"Nothing definite yet, Grandmother. I know that Aunt Nephele will be busier now, with her job with the Blackguard, and with Pippin, and Uncle Kirley is in France with Cassandra. Anton's sister has her debut this summer though, and I know Petula planned to attend as well. We talked about shopping together, but we haven't arranged anything yet."
Cloris' nose wrinkled slightly. "Perhaps I shall offer to take you both shopping. It will be something fun to do and there are likely to be a few events that you will both need proper clothing for. I think Pansy said something about wanting to help Blaise introduce his cousin to some of you this summer as well, dreadful business, a Zabini running off with a muggle, but at least young Niccolo will have a proper guardian now."
"Shall I write to Petula now, Grandmother?" Valeria asked. "Or would you rather have the elves handle it?"
"I'll let the elves do it, dear. Perhaps Petula would like to stay here with us for a bit?" Cloris suggested, since Valeria was spending most of her time at the Dower House now that Nephele was working. She was quite capable of being home alone, but Cloris wouldn't hear of it, not when she could spoil her only grandchild while subtly encouraging her children to be more serious in their own relationships and possibly give her more grandchildren.
"She might. She did say something about her father trying to convince her mother that they should try for a boy now that Pet's older and at school so much," Valeria said. Cloris laughed and got to her feet, holding a hand out to the young girl and escorting her out to the gardens.
"It's not a bad idea, the Parkinsons do need an heir," Cloris agreed. "I don't want to see my family line die out anymore than I want to see the Mockridge one do so. It is important to make sacrifices for your family, and someone should have taught Cardella Bletchley before she married into the Parkinson line."
Valeria made a sound of agreement and sat herself amongst her grandmother's daisies, a harmless breed in the safer end of the garden that had silver-tinged petals. Nimble fingers wound the flowers into a chain that she dangled in front of Merope, watching the kitten trying to catch the petals.
Dinner Time (Tamsin)
Author: Josie
Date: 10-02-13 12:26
"How did it go?" I asked from the living room, the moment my brother Calum opened the door.
He took off his jacket and sent me a look that said he did not want to discuss his date with his little sister. However he seemed to have changed his opinion because he sat on our father's armchair and replied.
"A disaster."
I didn't reply waiting for Calum to elaborate.
"First Abigail asked for a butter beer and of course, those are not for sale in our world. She started to name other odd drinks and the man at the counter thought she was teasing him. I ended up ordering aPepsi and some popcorn. She didn't like the Pepsi but she thought the popcorn were tasty. Then the movie started and honestly I don't think Abigail understood much of it. When we left the theater and I asked her if she liked the movie she just shrugged and said it was ok. Then she said she had to go and we said goodbye. It was awkward because we stood there staring at each other and then she just vanished. What was I thinking on asking a witch out on a date?"
I tried not to laugh of my brother's misery. He was infatuated with Abigail Tibbs, a Hufflepuff girl from my school. I had never seen Calum acting like this before towards a girl and I could tell Abigail was already very special to him. However despite their encounter at the Championship Match, they hadn't seen each other until this afternoon and it seemed that the date didn't go the best way possible. I felt bad for my brother and I told him that if Abigail didn't want to go out with him again then it was her loss. He gave me a sad smile, still convinced he had screwed up. But he was just being himself.
My mother came down the stairs and she looked at Calum and then at me. I shook my head and she seemed a bit sad to hear things had not gone well.
"Tamsin, can you help me set up the table?"
I nodded and the two of us went to the kitchen. I started to set up the table with my mother. We were the only two women in the house but that did not mean we were the only ones who did domestic chores. A reluctant Theon was going to wash the dishes tonight, while Jack had spent the morning taking care of the garden. Tomorrow Edwin would be in charge of the laundry, while the lamb that was on the oven right now was being cooked by my father.
"Poor Calum," my mother commented. "Your father is going to be glad."
"Why?" I asked in surprise, as I started to sort out the cutlery from a drawer.
"You know how he is when it comes to the wizarding world. He fears it because he does not understand it, since he is not part of it. So your brother asking a witch out, concerns him. He is afraid Calum might get hurt."
I nodded, understanding what my mother meant. It has been a big adjustment to our family when I got my letter from Hogwarts. My father was the one who had raised many objections with the idea of having his daughter studying in a mysterious boarding school. But my mother was able to convince him and in September I would start my fourth year at Hogwarts.
"Do you have everything ready?" she asked, changing the subject.
She was referring to my bag. I was going to spend two weeks at Penny's house. It was always a great fun to visit a wizarding residence, specially where there were no chores, because all you had to do was to use your wand and everything would be done in a minute. I couldn't wait to be able to practice magic outside Hogwarts. It would be funny to see my brothers' face when I used magic to clean everything.
"Almost. I still have to put some stuff in it."
"Make sure you do it tonight. I don't wish the Pucketts to come to fetch you and then they have to wait because you don't have everything ready."
I nodded and finished to set up the table. My father entered in the kitchen and took the lamb out of the oven, announcing that dinner was ready. My brothers took less than a minute to appear and sit. Like always, they ate as if there was no tomorrow. I smiled knowing I was going to miss them for the next two weeks.
Friday the 13th, Last Day in London for the Summer
Author: Adina Blackwood
Date: 10-02-13 14:57
The Summer Holiday had started out with a bang. Mom had gotten engaged to the bloke she'd been seeing since last year and that meant I'd have a step-dad, which isn't bad I actually like him. Right now, he and Mom were grilling in the back yard while Arthur and I lounged on the hammock soaking up the late evening warmth.
"Am seriously excited to see everything you love in Greece and finally meet your dad. Though about that last part, I'm kinda nervous."
"Oh, I didn't show you what came in the mail yesterday!"
I pushed out of the hammock and ran inside, returning with the letter that I'd gotten in the post yesterday. I tipped the envelope and let the badge fall free. "I got named Prefect for Slytherin next year."
Arthur wrapped an arm around me and smiled. "Awesome, too bad I'm not going to be prefect with you next year, and I'm quite pleased that we won't have to suffer another year of Flint for Transfiguration, or that others won't have to either. I wonder who the new Transfiguration teacher will be next year for the lower years."
I shrugged and leaned into him, resting my head on his shoulder. "Not sure, hopefully someone who can actually teach coherently."
"True." Arthur said with a sigh, kissing the top of my head.
"So, I think I have an idea as to why my dad finally agreed to let you come to Greece with me..."
"Oh?"
"Yup, because we've been together for a while now and he figures that it's about time he meets and tries to figure out just why his only child is captivated with some teenage boy, who hasn't become her first broken heart yet."
Arthur laughed and shook his head.
"Or, he just wants to finally meet the guy who is making his only child happy?"
"Or that too." I said with an impish grin and kissed him lightly.
"I will have to show you the place I love to run too when I'm in Greece."
"I'd love that."
I kissed him again, snuggling into him on the hammock and sighing contently. "Besides, you are going to love meeting my friends too. They've been dying to meet you."
"Awesome. Maybe they'll tell me all your little quirks and such that I don't know yet."
I laughed and swatted him playfully. "Not likely! Besides, you'll find them out eventually."
We relaxed into the hammock and languidly rocked back and forth in the summer night, waiting for Mom and Ian to call us over for dinner.
We were having grilled steaks, jacket potatoes, grilled onions and peppers along with fresh bread and Mom had even made a chocolate cake for dessert since Arthur and I were leaving for Greece tomorrow.
The Fu's would have been here if they hadn't left earlier this morning for their yearly trip to China that they opted to extend since Arthur and I would be in Greece right up until the day before the Hogwarts Express left King's Cross, and as Prefect I would be riding the train.
"Arthur. Adina. Dinner's ready."
It took us a moment to both get out of the hammock without us landing in a heap upon the lawn, but soon enough we were sitting at the table enjoying dinner and talking about plans for the rest of the summer.
(Orion's Flat, London) Quiet Time
Author: Orion Howell
Date: 10-02-13 16:45
"Thank Merlin for Bronwyn," Orion said to Desi as they sat on the sofa. "I have no idea what Sagitta would like, or what is even appropriate for a girl of her age, other than that stuff my mother'd dressed her in was not it. Now the girl's got a decent wardrobe, and she's even starting to hint about wanting a broom." There had been a few more deliveries after the large shopping trip for muggle clothes and Sagitta now filled the entire guest room closet along with a dresser, both of which had undetectable expansion charms on them.
"Well, she was playing with Crew, what did you expect?"
"Good point. She likes it though, and it's good for her to be around other kids. She's been spending time with a girl who lives near Crew too, Remedy Foster. Her dad moved them here from the States a while back."
"Then she's making friends, which is probably something she hasn't had much of."
"That's what I thought too. And I'm not going to admit it, but I might've bought her the broom already. Figured I'd give it to her later this summer, then she can practice on it on holidays and when she's home from Hogwarts."
"I might have to tattoo 'sucker' on your forehead."
"Hey, I just like to make sure my girls are happy," Orion said with a boyish grin. Since leaving the Ministry, he'd found himself doing that a lot, like the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders. Getting custody of his niece had been a surprise, but the two were settling into a somewhat decent relationship. She didn't push the boundaries as much as he worried she would, and the look on her face when he gave her something new always warmed a part of him, like he was giving her the things he wished someone had been able to give his younger self.
"Is that why you made nice with Driver?" Desi asked, turning to look at him.
"Not really," Orion answered truthfully. "I needed help at the end of term, I knew you were busy at work, and I knew he had the skills. That's why I went to him. The fact that I could take some of the stress off you was just a bonus."
Desi laughed and swatted at him before he tugged her back onto the sofa and kissed her temple. It was nice to just spend some quiet time together.
In Hiding
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 10-02-13 18:17
The view from the window is that of a green valley, cut through with a ribbon of brownish water. On the far side of the river are a few houses. A castle ruin lies in the distance. The nearer side is more populous, with multistory buildings pressed tightly together, cobbled roads, and market squares.
Berthold has no idea where his compatriots have taken him, but he can guess he is somewhere in Europe from the layout of the town and the architecture of the buildings. The house he finds himself in is neither small nor large and sits on the mountain slope overlooking the valley.
"I think we are ready," says a voice from the doorway.
Berthold turns to see his friend Johann standing there. Despite his advanced age, the older wizard carries himself like someone much younger. In contrast, Berthold who is just as old but looks merely middle-aged due to his curse seems frail and weary. First his injury and then his captivity stole some of his relative youth away from him.
"It's only a temporary measure until we can find something more suitable," says the older wizard, "but I think you will be pleased."
Berthold nods and asks, "Where?"
Where turns out to be the cellar. The cellar comprises several rooms. One is filled with boxes and shelves stuffed with musty, dust-covered books. Another contains shelves crowded with jars of jam and bottles of apple wine. The one Johann leads him to is bare except for a reclining chair, a stool, and a square table. Berthold sits in the recliner, extending both his stumps over the arms of the chair.
Johann sits across from him on the stool.
Berthold studies his friend's face, while Johann removes his wand from his pocket and thinks over the spells he wishes to use.
"How do you think Hans is faring?" Berthold asks, breaking the silence and asking the question he has longed to ask ever since his rescue from the Ministry of Magic's flying prison bus.
"I care not," Johann replies. "He disobeyed me, and now his well-being is inconsequential."
"Be that as it may, you cannot deny that his being in custody may be to our advantage," Berthold says. "It is my hope that he will rectify his mistake in aligning himself with Fairchild and make his amends by telling the authorities everything he knows. Just think of it, Johann! He knows so much, and he could do irreparable damage with only a few words! He can cause her demise!"
"I thought YOU wanted to kill her yourself!" Johann replies, but his tone of voice is light as the thought of his son regaining his trust becomes fixed in his mind.
"How can I with these?" Berthold asks, holding up his two stumps.
"Ah, but let us remedy that this instant!"
Johann reaches over to the table and picks up a shiny, very pointy hook.
Berthold arches an eyebrow and a slow, evil smile spreads across his face.
(Zabini Park) An Introduction
Author: Petula Parkinson
Date: 10-02-13 18:28
Blaise looked up as the fire in his home office turned green and Pansy tumbled out, followed by a younger dark-haired girl. "Hello, gorgeous. Who's your clone?" he said, a boyish grin crossing his features as he got up to help both up from the carpet. Quick cleansing spells had them both set to rights and Pansy smiled as she kissed his cheek.
"Blaise, you know my niece, Petula, you've met her at least half a dozen times over the years."
"Of course, but it always surprises me how much she looks like you, Pansy darling," Blaise drawled. "Lovely to see you, Petula," he added, snapping his fingers for a house elf, who quickly appeared. "Have Niccolo join us," he ordered as the creature bowed, squeaked it's assent and quickly left the room with a crack.
"Come and sit, we'll have refreshments once Nico joins us," he offered, gesturing to the chairs gathered around the fireplace. His desk sat off to the side, his work put away for the moment. "How was your first year at Hogwarts, Petula?"
She answered politely, using a quiet, respectful voice that she reserved for her elders, earning an approving smile from Pansy, who sank back into the chair with a casual grace that could only be bred, not taught.
"What did you need me for now, Blaise?" Niccolo questioned as he stepped into the office. A quick glance towards Pansy and he quickly made sure to use his manners, he had learned something from his cousin. "Miss Parkinson, a pleasure to see you, as always." He took a seat and noticed Petula. "Who's this?"
Blaise rolled his eyes at Nico's question. "We have guests, I thought you might like to meet someone close to your own age, Niccolo. This is Petula Parkinson, Pansy's niece. She'll be a second year at Hogwarts when you start in the fall."
Petula got to her feet and curtsied slightly. "Niccolo," she said, still using the quiet, respectful voice. The boy was a stranger, no matter how well acquainted their relatives were, plus, she didn't know Blaise well enough to completely drop the act, though he was well used to the peculiarities of Parkinson females.
Nico nodded in response to his cousin, his attention captivated by the younger girl sitting across from him. "You can call me Nico, if you'd like. How was your first year at Hogwarts? I'll be starting in the fall, as a third year."
"It was fine. I managed to stay out of trouble, which is more than some of my friends can say," Petula said with a shrug.
The two adults moved to another side of the room, letting the two younger people talk. It also gave them a little private time to discuss things best not overheard by teenagers.
"You know, staying out of trouble can be overrated," he said with a smug smile. "Do you have many plans for the holiday, Petula?"
"There are a few society events that I'll have to go to, and my great-aunt has invited me to stay with her and my cousin Valeria for part of the summer," she answered. "You'll probably have to go to some of the events as well, since I'm sure Blaise will be attending."
"I think Blaise did mention something about dragging me to a few events this summer. I can't complain though, since he is looking out for me. I hope to see you there, a familiar, pretty face in the crowd is always welcome." He couldn't help the grin as he leaned back in his chair.
Petula's smile was as wicked and poisonous as her aunt's. "Perhaps. I suppose it will depend on who else is there, and how many new hexes Great-Aunt Cloris has taught Valeria and I," she said as Pansy caught her attention. "It looks like it's time to go, I have to pack before going to stay with my great-aunt. I'm sure I will see you again soon enough," she said, getting back to her feet.
"I suppose it will, I'll have to watch out for Valeria then." He stood and watched her for a moment, there was something intriguing about Petula Parkinson, hopefully they would get along, his cousin was dating her aunt after all.
"Everyone needs to watch out for Valeria," Petula said before taking a pinch of the Floo Powder from the pot and tossing it into the fire, clearly stating Parkinson Court before she whirled away.
The Rejection of Roger Bexley
Author: Nana Minuet
Date: 10-03-13 18:09
The letter burned her hands, scorching them until imaginary blisters sprouted from their once fragile flesh. After everything – after all the confusion the last few weeks had birthed at the thought of liking Roger Bexley as more than a friend, what had he done? Thrown it away. In a single letter, he had spoken. He didn't want to see Nana as much. He enjoyed her friendship, but he wanted to keep it strictly business. Hogsmeade… Spring Social… He didn't want those anymore. No more hanging out like that, just a 'hi' on a street corner or a smile as they passed each other by. They would be exes without even really dating.
Nana wished she could say she felt tightness in her chest as if her heart had stopped beating. She wished that tears would roll down her cheeks as means to show the world her grief. Neither was necessarily her style though. Instead, the girl stood numb. In her mind, she was the only thing still about the world. Everyone else moved normally around Nana, paying the child no mind as they continued their daily routines. They didn't know about her singed hands nor did they see her shell-shocked expression. They didn't care either. The day was too busy for them here in Knockturn Alley.
"Honnêtement si," a voice sounded as if it was continuing a thought. "Il tire à ce genre de merde tout le temps. Essayez de ne pas prendre trop personnellement, oui? Il sera de retour dans quelques mois. Juste ne pas transpirer il."
Malcolm Fawkes pushed a cigarette into his mouth once the words had vacated them. He offered Nana one, but she declined causing the man to shrug as he put the carton back into his shirt pocket. "Si vous êtes tellement déchiré sur Rog étant une merde de poulet, je peux aider. Il y a un parti à Arundel ce soir. Il obtiendrez votre esprit hors des choses, non? Donnez-moi votre adresse et je vais être de plus tard pour vous aider. Jusqu'alors, tandis que je vous aime, vous êtes tuant mon entreprise, babe."
"J'habite à Arundel," was Nana's reply as she let her eyes once again focus themselves upon the letter in her grasp. She willed for the words to change, something she had done quite a few times in days past even though they never listened. No matter Nana's scores on her OWLs or the pure blood coursing through her veins, magic couldn't solve everything.
Mr. Fawkes didn't seem to be paying attention as he stood, one hand searching corduroy pockets while the other took the cigarette from his mouth. "Encore mieux," Mal spoke as he blew smoke into the already musty alleyway. He followed that with a nod to some passerby Nana never really saw. She guessed it was another 'friend'. Or was the more appropriate word 'client'? "Chouette moi votre adresse par deux. Je serai par environ sept. Suis arrivé pour prendre un ami quand même."
Nana nodded, her eyes still fixated on the parchment before her. Malcolm had changed his attentions now. He wasn't even near the small Ravenclaw anymore, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the rejection of Roger Bexley.
---
- Translations: 1) Honestly though; 2) He pulls this kind of shit all the time. Try not to take it too personally, yeah? He will be back in a few months. Just don't sweat it; 3) If you are so torn on Rog being a chicken shit, I can help. There is a party in Arundel this evening. It will get your mind off of things, no? Give me your address and I will be by later. Until then, while I love you, you're killing my business, babe; 4) I live in Arundel; 5) Even better; 6) Owl me your address by two. I'll be by about seven. Got to pick up a friend anyway.