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(Azalea) Home from Santiago
Author: Isolde
Date: 09-29-15 12:53
Azaelia shrunk down the last of a dozen or so boxes and stuffed it into into a canvas tote bag. Since her mother's imprisonment, Azaelia had made several trips to Santiago to work with investigators and to pack up the items in which they had no interest. The house and a great number of the Bramble family's possessions were now the property of the federal government, on account of them being purchased with illegal monies.
Every time Azaelia went to Chile and spoke with the investigators, she felt as if she, too, were suspect. They asked her hard questions asked them in such a way to see if she might change her story, but Azaelia had nothing to hide and she was perfectly innocent. She would have answered them under Veritaserum, if offered or forced, just so that they would stop suspecting her of being something she was not.
Her packing done for the day, Azaelia prepared for the long journey back home. Santiago and Hogsmeade were half a world apart, and the journey could not be done in one trip. She had made it several times already, though, and by now, knew each layover well.
First, she apparated to Salvador, Brazil, where she stopped at a coffee shop, ordered a tasty frappe, and stared out at the beautiful bay. It was a ritual she'd done every single time on her return journey home. Being in Santiago and being home were a little hectic compared to the calming effect sipping an ice cold coffee drink with a perfect view of the ocean gave her.
Next, she apparated to Lagos, Nigeria, where she only stayed long enough to catch her breath. Sometimes she visited the Jankara Market, but sometimes she headed straight for her next destination, Gibraltar. In Gibraltar, if not too full from her frappe, she sometimes visited a pub on the water and ate one of the lighter dishes on the menu. She was hungry for chips drenched in cheese and ordered herself a small basket.
Then, she apparated to Hogsmeade. She was just outside the gates of Hogwarts when someone called out her name.
"Mark?"
"Hi, Azaelia," he said. He was carrying a couple of shopping bags and appeared to be alone.
Azaelia saw the logo on the bags and asked, "Shopping in the final hour?"
Mark shrugged his shoulders slightly. "She keeps thinking of new things she wants or thinks we'll need. Today I picked up receiving blankets. I don't even know what those are."
Azaelia smiled at him. "I can't believe you're having a kid before any of us."
Mark shrugged again. "It wasn't planned." There was almost a pained look in his expression, which made Azaelia feel a tiny bit sorry for him, but then again, he had gotten himself in the mess and would now have to live with the consequences.
"So," he asked, eager to change the subject, "where have you been?"
It was Azaelia's turn to shrug. She lifted up the tote bag she carried and said, "I just came back from Santiago, via a couple of stops. Emptying out the house while the government still lets me."
Mark frowned. "Sorry. That must be hard."
Azaelia shrugged again. "It is, and it isn't. They didn't leave me much. It might bother me, since some of the stuff I can't take back with me is mine, or was mine, but I strangely don't find myself very attached to anything over there."
"Have you visited them? Your parents, I mean?"
Azaelia shook her head. "No. Not yet."
Mark nodded. "I'm sure it'll be hard when you do."
"Yeah," Azaelia agreed. "Well… I'm a little bit tired from my trip. Do you want to come back to the castle with me? I don't mind your company, but I do want to kick off my shoes and sit."
Mark shook his head. "I better not. I should go before…" He paused and looked around, as if completing the sentence might conjure something or someone. "Well, I should go. I'll see ya, Azaelia."
"Bye, Mark. Nice talking to you."
He disapparated, and Azaelia entered the school grounds and made her way up to the castle.
Signed, Sealed, And Delivered
Author: Jared
Date: 09-29-15 14:58
Jared spent the night in a hotel. A Muggle hotel. Wanting to be alone, no one would think to look for him there, not that anyone would. Alanna sure at hell wouldn't.
He'd had to convert some funds and only just remembered to take off the robes he'd worn for work that day, stuffing the clothing into his briefcase, before entering the hotel lobby. There was an issue with him not having a credit card, something the hotel seemed to prefer, which Jared still doesn't understand. Isn't cash in hand better than something on credit? The matter was resolved when the clerk noticed Jared had no luggage or even an overnight bag and asked if it would be coming along later. Jared fibbed and said he'd been robbed, some of his money and that credit card with it. "How unfortunate, sir. How many nights will you be staying?"
Jared decided to pay for two nights then after getting into his room, he'd left long enough to visit the owl post at Diagon Alley. He wrote the boss of his section of the Department of Magical Games and Sports that he was ill and would not be in the next day and possibly not the day after that either.
He holed up that night and all the next day, the Do Not Disturb sign on the door. He hadn't cared that he didn't even have a toothbruth. He wasn't that hungry in that time but he did once take several minutes to figure out how to order from room service, getting some soup and a hot sandwich.
The day after that Jared made an effort to spruce a little so he'd not draw too much attention when checking out. Making sure Alanna had left the house he went in, did a better job of cleaning up and getting fresh clothes then left to visit one of the real estate agencies. He wasn't picky so took the first rental of a size suited to a single.
Jared had spent much of the time since storming out on Alanna thinking about what to do. His first instinct was to fight but the more he thought of how to go about doing that, the more he realized it's difficult to fight when one doesn't even know what one is fighting. He doesn't know if he did something to cause her attitude and actions. Or was it something he didn't do? Does it have nothing at all to do with him and he's just collateral? How do you fight when you don't even know where to begin and the other person refuses to have so much as a single conversation about whatever it is?
With the early morning start and being quick to find a place, Jared returned to the house to pack. Using magic made it go quicker, particularly since he concentrated on his clothes and things like his toothbrush. He grabbed a few of his books and other miscellaneous items but didn't bother with anything from the kitchen, any towels, or linens. He'll go shopping this evening or tomorrow.
At his new place he left everything in the boxes and baggage to take care of later. Instead, Jared sat down at the small table, one of the scant items of furniture that comes with the flat, and started signing the divorce document in all the places so helpfully marked for him. With that done, he left again, the document in hand.
At the Ministry of Magic Jared goes not to Level 7 where his office is located but to a lowered number level. He's in luck, if it can be called luck. She's in.
Jared strides to her desk and without a hello or other greeting drops the divorce document on her desk. On top of that he tosses the house keys, his wedding band threaded into the ring. "The house is yours."
He turns to leave, turning at her words, "It's your house."
"It was our house, built together. It means nothing to me now."
Not wanting to further engage her, Jared hastily strides off, making straight for the Atrium, disapparating from there as his new place isn't yet on the Floo Network. He'll take care of that tomorrow during one of his breaks tomorrow. With some time left in the day and nothing much to do other than mope and stew, he decides to get some of that shopping out of the way.
(Cornelia) Dinner and a Drunk at the Doorstep
Author: Griet
Date: 09-30-15 16:45
Cornelia climbed the back steps leading to the second floor flat she shared with Cassander and undid the various security charms placed on her door. The only way she could get him to agree to let a flat in Diagon Alley was if extra security measures were employed to ensure their safety. Cassander was more worried about her than him, but he knew that his life was potentially at risk, thanks to Cornelia's line of work.
She dismantled the last of the charms, opened her door, and took one step inside, upon which she immediately cast an air freshening charm.
"Mmm, linen fresh," she said to no one in particular.
The flat was directly above Mr. Mulpepper's Apothecary, and just about nothing could keep out the noxious smells. Cornelia and Cassander had mostly gotten used to the scent of cabbage, etc., but when they were away from home too long, the smell always hit them like a ton of bricks. Surely the foul odors would keep any sensible crimial from paying them a visit!
Cornelia locked the door behind her and went to her bedroom to change clothes and freshen up. It had been a particularly busy day at work. She had rounded up a petty thief in Knockturn Alley and had spent a number of hours tracking a wizard who always seemed to skip out on paying for his restaurant meals. The rest of her time in the office had been spent discussing the last day of August and the possibility of trouble in Diagon Alley.
Cornelia would be working and she had no qualms about any sort of attack. In fact, she was ready for whatever might happen and looked forward to bagging a Death Eater or two. Wouldn't that be an impressive tidbit for her résumé?
After she freshened up, she went into the kitchen to figure out something for supper. A lot of times Cassander beat her home from work and started cooking something, but she knew he was giving a tour to donors at Clare Aquarium tonight. It would probably be another hour or so before he came home.
After searching the pantry and ice box for ideas, she decided to fix salmon in a buttery-lemon basil sauce and set to work. She wasn't the best cook but had learned a great deal since moving out of her parents' house.
She was halfway through preparations when there was a knock at her door. Cornelia washed her hands and went to look through the peephole. She was astonished to see Gervaise standing on her doorstep. He was unshaven, unkempt, and had bloodshot eyes.
Cornelia unlocked and opened her door and asked, "Merlin's beard, Gervaise. You look terrible. How did you find my place? Did Griet tell you?"
Gervaise scowled. "Grietsabitch!" he slurred.
Cornelia narrowed her eyes. "You're drunk."
"Jusalittle," he replied. He swayed a little and then said, "Cornelia, Ineedajob. Canyouhelpme?"
"Not until you help yourself," she said. She hesitated and then said, "You better come in."
She took him firmly by the arm and led him to her couch, where he sat down and said, "Stinksinhere."
She went back to the kitchen, filled a tall glass full of water, and gave it to him. "Drink it. All of it."
Gervaise stared at the glass and asked, "Isitvodka?"
"No, it's not vodka, Gervaise. Have you been drinking like a fish?" She tapped the bottom of the glass and tipped it in the direction of his mouth. "Drink up."
Gervaise did, albeit reluctantly. Cornelia waited until he'd drunk the entire glass before she got up to resume cooking dinner. When she checked on him again, he was sound asleep on the couch. She left him there and hoped Cassander wouldn't be too angry with her for letting her ex-boyfriend into the flat.
Honoria
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 10-01-15 15:00
Sophie, Patricia and Belinda were back to Diagon Alley to finish buying their school supplies. Although they had already been there, some things had been forgotten such as a new pair of shoes for Patricia, and some extra quills and ink. They had not bought enough writing supplies the last time and when they started to divide the quills and ink pots between the three of them, they realized they were short on it.
Like before it was their grandfather, Frank, who accompanied them. He also had some errands to do. First, they stopped at Archibald Bennett's establishment. He was a wigmaker and while Frank tried to make a deal with Archibald, the three sisters had fun trying out all sort of funny wigs. Mr. Bennett had managed to give in easily on the deal, because he could not stand seeing the girls playing around with his wigs. Frank McCourt left the shop with the promise of a new wig to hide his bald head for only 5 galleons.
After that, they moved on to the Quality Quidditch Supplies, just to take a look at the brand new broomsticks displayed at the window. Patricia was the first one to lose her interest, as she thought she had spotted Caleb among the crowd. She had put herself on her tiptoes, but it was too late: Caleb or not, that boy had already vanished in the sea of people.
There was a considerable line at Scribbulus Writing Implements. Frank told Sophie and Patricia to stay in the line and gave them money for the extra supplies, while he went to the tobacconist with Belinda. Sophie protested, saying he had promised to quit smoking his pipe, but Frank explained he was going to buy some Chinese tobacco for his friend Rupert.
However when they were at a considerable distance from Sophie and Patricia, Frank stopped and told Belinda:
"Going to Hogwarts is something you must be very proud of. You have got your first wand but I also wanted to give you a gift to mark this occasion. I did the same thing with Sophie and Patricia: we are going to any shop you want and I'll buy you a present."
"Really?!"
"Yes. But without exaggerations of course. Patricia wanted a pendant with a diamond on it from Narcissa's."
"What did she get instead?"
"A silver bracelet."
"And Sophie?"
"Tickets to a match of the Caherphilly Catapults."
Belinda nodded, recalling that day when Sophie and her grandfather went to that Quidditch match just the two of them. She looked around the variety of shops, not sure what she wanted. The idea of a brand new broomstick was tempting, but she discarded it quickly: she wouldn't have much time to make full use of it while at school. As a first year, the odds of making to a Quidditch team where reduced. She then thought about buying a silver cauldron for Potions. But then she imagined herself at Hogwarts with it and although the idea of people admiring her cauldron pleased her, she also didn't want to be known has the first year that didn't have the standard pewter cauldron like everyone else. Another idea came to her mind:
"Can I have a pet?"
"Of course! An owl maybe? Or a cat?"
"No. Something else."
Ten minutes later Belinda left Magical Menagerie with a plastic container. Inside there was a toad. Frank followed behind. Unlike Sophie or Patricia, Belinda used glasses. Her hair was darker than her sisters, but there was a resemblance to Sophie in terms of body type. They also had the same eye color. But Belinda had a tranquility in her that neither Sophie nor Patricia possessed.
"Ewww! What's that?" Patricia asked, looking away.
"A toad!" Sophie exclaimed, studying the ugly sticky creature inside its container.
"I named it Honoria," Belinda explained.
"Belinda! That's rude!" Sophie said. Patricia had her mouth open. She was scandalized that her sister had named her toad after their step-mother.
"I thought it fitted. Honoria is all swollen now, because of the baby. This toad reminded me of her."
"That better not break free from its container!" Patricia told her.
Frank McCourt watched the girls quarreling, feeling amused. They were growing very fast and he wanted to seize these moments before they all turned into women. They carried on with their shopping trip, already late for lunch at home.
Lazy Summer Days
Author: Jordan Thompson
Date: 10-01-15 18:46
"Have you gone shopping yet?" Jacob asked as he pushed a hand through his short brown hair.
"Mum says we are going tomorrow, when hopefully the crowds have thinned on Diagon Alley. I'm looking forward to it, because it's different than every other school supply trip we'd done. This is Hogwarts..." Jordan let her words trail off and sighed, dropping down onto the couch next to her best friend.
"I tried to get mum to wait for ours so we could go with you, but she had none of it. Essie and I have our wands and everything. She's not stopped twirling around in her robes since we got them, and I think she's slowly driving mum nutty."
Jordan laughed and shook her head, "That doesn't surprise me about your twin sister Jacob. I mean really, she is a bit nutty herself."
Truth be told, the three had grown up together and had been best friends since they were in nappies. They'd hit milestones together, and spent every waking moment together. Though at the moment it was just Jordan and Jacob, Essie was currently off shopping with her mum, Jacob had chosen to come keep Jordan company while her mum was at work.
"I'm looking forward to riding the train come the first," Jordan said, shifting so that she could lay down with her head in Jacob's lap while they talked. "I mean, the trolley and just zooming along the countryside until we ultimately reach the station and the trip to the castle from the station..."
"Wait! What house do you think you'll get sorted into?"
Jacon thought a moment and then shrugged, "Probably Slytherin like Dad was, or Ravenclaw like mum."
"I don't think you'll end up in Slytherin. I think you'll end up like Ravenclaw. Essie will probably end up in Hufflepuff or Gryfindor. I'll probably end up in Ravenclaw," Jordan grinned and settled back down, plucking a few pieces of cheddar popcorn that was on the bowl within easy reach for both of them.
"Sounds about right for the three of us," Jacob said with a grin plucking up a couple of pieces of popcorn and popping them into his mouth.
Surprise Guests
Author: Travis
Date: 10-01-15 19:49
After a long day that included Neville telling her he's cutting back the time he works for her, unless she wants to let him go entirely, because he's accepted a professorship with St. Emrys's Marjoribanks College, Travis puts the kettle on the hob, debating which of her many tea options sounds most appealing at the moment. While she decides on which tea she sets about making a grilled cheese sandwich. She's steeping the tea, her sandwich on a plate when there's a knock on the door.
To her surprised Briar Rose and a gentleman who has vaguely family features are standing on her stoop. "Briar! Hello. How are the children? Over their trauma?" she asks, beckoning for Briar and the man to come in.
"Hi, sorry for coming by when you're probably thinking about getting dinner. The sprogs are fine, though Julian, Aegean, and I tend to be a little jumpy still. This is Kellen," she explains, putting a hand on the man's arm.
He extends a hand, "Kellen Fitzmorris."
Shaking the offered hand the surnames clicks with what's familiar about him. "Fitzmorris? Any relation to Kenneth Fitzmorris?"
"His brother actually."
At this revelations the invitation to sit hangs on her lips. "Brother? I didn't even know Kenneth has a brother."
"Few would. None remember me."
At Travis's confused expression Briar waves a hand. "Long story. Just go with it for now. Gaps can be filled in later."
Even more befuddled, Travis slowly nods, pointing to places to sit as she drops into a seat herself. "What am I going with for now?" she inquires.
"I know you've been covertly investigating my nephew Ogden. I can help you."
Travis looks to Briar who holds up her hands as if in surrender. "I know nothing about this. I'm simply here to corroborate Kellen is who he says he is."
"I've been gathering evidence at a somewhat sluggish pace that Ogden is behind the vandalism and other acts of destruction and sabotage," Travis enlightens.
"I thought he is your friend." Briar's the one now with the confused look.
"I think he wants more than that."
Kellen nods once at this statement. "That and your money. Apparently, he's started dipping into the principal of his trust fund." He goes on to explain, "I've been away for a long while. I wanted to check on my brother and his family to see for myself how they are. Some of Ogden's actions led me to begin a closer surveillance. I am not pleased with what I've uncovered."
Her sandwich forgotten but remembering to offer her guests tea, Briar and Kellen stay upwards of an hour, discussing Odgen and filling in some of the details on why his nephew, his brother, other family member and even Travis's own mother have no memory of a Kellen Fitzmorris.
Lunch with Broderick
Author: Cai Pembroke Carter
Date: 10-02-15 15:30
"Are you certain you need to head back to Mumbai tonight?" Cai asked as she weaved through the crowded streets of Daigon Alley, her brother closely behind.
"Unfortunately, yes. As much as I'd love to be able to see Aderyn off on the train I've got to head back. We are so close to opening the doors of the new building and I want to get back."
It took them a few more moments, but soon enough they ducked into the dim interior of The Hopping Pot pub. Moment taken to allow their eyes to adjust to the dimmer interior of the pub before heading over to a table.
Drinks were ordered, and they talked little as they looked over the menu. Ultimately there were several things ordered, most of which would be consumed by Broderick as he still had the appetite of a teenage boy.
"So I know Angharad's plans, but what are yours for St. Emrys?"
He'd celebrated with both girls after they'd gotten home from Hogwarts, and ultimately gained their acceptance into the Wizarding University. Angharad was going to be joining Agrippa College to study linguistics and history.
"I'm going to Blane for Astronomy and Charms. I am not sure what manner of career yet, but that is what I at least want to study."
Broderick nodded, "You could always choose to teach one or either subject depending on how high you want to take your education."
"I'd not considered that, and I know it will require a lot of time in school. I've got some time to think it over still. I've at least got a course work up through Hillary of twenty eleven, so we will see after that point."
They talked a bit more while enjoying their starters, and ultimately talked and ate when their meals arrived. Dessert and a cup of coffee each passed before they ultimately settled the check and headed back out in to the chaos that was Diagon Alley before the start of term at Hogwarts.
"I've a couple of stops to make. I'll be home before you have to leave," Cai said as she gave her brother a kiss on the cheek and headed toward the Astronomer's Nook. She stopped and window shopped a bit at Amber's before continuing on and venturing toward her ultimate destination. Weaving through the expanse of Hogwarts students she found what was needed and joined the lengthy queue waiting to pay.
Young Hot Thing
Author: Carys
Date: 10-03-15 14:34
Carys emerged from studio after setting up for her next appointment and found Juliet distractedly stuffing an oversized envelope with photographs. Right now it was just the two of them keeping their doors open, but if business remained steady, then they could probably hire somebody to make appointments and mail off pictures.
"What's up?" Carys asked, wondering what had Juliet so distracted.
Juliet managed to look at her friend and replied, "There's a hot young thing pacing the sidewalk outside. I can't decide if I should go out and charm him into sitting for a few photographs, or if I should let him be."
"Says the woman who is engaged to be married," Carys said with a little laugh. She followed Juliet's gaze out the window and felt her mouth drop open.
The hot young thing was none other than Owen.
Juliet noticed that Carys' mouth was agape but didn't see the distress in her eyes because she commented, "And now the married woman is staring shamefully at the hunk of meat outside her door. Oooh, do you think we can convince him to do a nude photoshoot?"
Carys shook her head and said, "That's Owen."
"Owen? Oh! The Owen?" Juliet asked.
"What's he doing here?" Carys wondered aloud.
"There's only one way to find out." Juliet dropped the photographs and envelope she was holding, got up from her chair, and marched purposefully to the front door. She pushed it open but remained in the doorway.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing out here?"
Owen stopped his pacing and looked startled. He ran a hand through his hair and stuttered, "I-I'm really sorry. I didn't mean t-to… Um…"
Juliet leaned up against the door, keeping it propped open with her shoulder, and crossed her arms over her chest. "Um, you didn't mean to what exactly?"
Carys slipped past her and asked, "Owen, what do you want?"
"I'm really sorry, Carys. This was a bad idea."
He turned and started to walk off, when Carys held out a hand and said, "Wait."
Juliet shot her a curious look but didn't say anything.
"Why don't you come inside," Carys offered.
Owen hesitated and then nodded his head. "Okay, thanks."
Carys, Juliet, and lastly Owen entered the photography studio. Juliet went back to stuffing her envelope, perhaps even more distractedy than before, while Carys fixed a quick pot of tea. Only when the tea was ready and she handed Owen his cup did she allow him to explain himself.
"I've been dwelling on this ever since we last spoke before term let out," he said. "It bothers me that you equate me with my brother. I'm not him. I never have been and never will be. I know that I'm a living reminder of who he was and what he did, but I can't help that he and I were family."
"I know that," Carys insisted, "and I don't think you are the same. It's just you look so much alike, and it's hard not to be reminded of him when I look at you. I know it's not fair, but it's just the way it is."
"Does that mean we can't be friends? I don't want to make you uncomfortable, but I also don't want you to have to pretend everything is okay with you when it's not."
"We can be friends, Owen," Carys said. "I want us to be friends. I can't promise your brother won't ever cross my mind when we're together, but I will try my best not to think about him. I know it can't be easy, living under his shadow."
"I don't think it ever would have occurred to him that his actions hurt not only his victims, but those he supposedly cared about too."
Carys nodded. "You never know who you might touch down the line." She took a sip of her tea and then asked, "Are you free tomorrow night?"
Owen nodded. "I am."
"We're having a little party here in the evening. It's to celebrate my birthday," and to forget that the day also marked the ten year anniversary of her mother's death. "Would you like to come?"
"Sure. Sounds like fun, actually."
"It's settled then," Carys said, grinning. "Now, can I introduce you to Juliet? She's my business partner and one of my best friends from Hogwarts. If you'll indulge her, I think she'd like to sell you a photoshoot package."
Juliet shot Carys a look and then offered Owen her hand. "Enchanté."
Laughing, Carys let the two talk for a while and went back into the studio to get ready for her next client.