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Surprise
Author: Sage Porter
Date: 01-22-08 08:45
Sage hadn't minded one bit that his Thursday classes were cancelled. He's got four classes on Thursdays, including Defense Against the Dark Arts with his favorite professor to loathe Ryland Yaxley. Sage has stronger feelings about Professor Harriet Snider but he doesn't consider her a real professor since the only thing she seems to teach is hatred towards Nons.
Sage had slept in then met up with Jared in the common commons about the time they would have been fifteen minutes late for Charms. They snacked on popcorn while trying to decide what they wanted to do for the day. Sage said between mouthfuls, "I guess I'll see what sort of food the party has but after lunch."
"We can carry out a bunch of the sweets to eat with friends who can't go in," Jared had suggested.
"Just what I was thinking. Want to go into Hogsmeade?"
"Let me finish trouncing you in chess first. We did agree to be two out of three."
"We've each won one game; how is that trouncing?" Sage had laughed.
They'd lingered a little longer after that third game then split up to go get their coats and gloves for the trudge to the village. In his way from Hufflepuff House to the entrace where Jared and he were meeting up again, Sage stopped short when a large box wrapped in Valentine red paper that had white and pink hearts all over it suddenly materialized in his path. Sage knew instantly that it has to be one of the Valentine surprises Snider had mentioned in an announcement at supper last night, and again this morning from what someone in the common commons had said.
Curious as to what might be in a box of that size, Sage had ripped off the paper. As soon as he did that, one side of the box fell open. Sage found an almost human stuffed teddy bear that kept trying to give him hugs. The teddy bear had a small wrapped packaged dangling from around it's neck. Opening it, Sage found a really nice watch with a band that was distinctly feminine. As he was standing there looking more closely at the watch while simultaneously swatting at the teddy bear's arms trying to hug him again, a female voice said, "Cor, what a nice bear!"
Glancing over, Sage found Georgia Copperpot standing there. "You're about to drop your book," he said.
"What? Oh. History of Magic. Just come from there."
Sage did something impulsive then. Something that evne then he knew he shouldn't have given that the girl standing there was Georgia Copperpot.
"You want the bear? And this watch?"
Georgia's eyes widened first in surprise and then in delight. "Yes! Yes, yes, yes. Thank you!"
Sage was enveloped in a hug that would have made the teddy bear jealous that someone was giving better hugs, if the teddy bear could get jealous that is. Sage quickly disengaged himself, shoved the box with the watch into Georgia's hands, and hastened to get around the much larger box. "I'm late meeting Jared," he'd loudly said, already halfway to the intersecting hallway.
Now, back from lunch in Hogsmeade, going with Jared to check out the sweets at the Valentine's party, Sage flinches every time a girl passes them, expecting Georgia to show up and start squealing again. It's not that Sage dislikes Georgia. It's just that ever since he lost a bet that ended up having him plant a kiss on her, he's gotten the distinct impression that Georgia thinks there's something more between them. He's pretty sure that giving her the bear and watch this morning is only going to make that worse.
Birthday
Author: Kissy Isuki
Date: 01-22-08 12:51
On Thursdays Kissy has two morning classes. The 9 am class is 7th years and the 10:30 class is 6th years. Both classes are now larger thanks to the new defination of what makes a Non. Last week Kissy had indicated there would be some sort of quiz today but never actually had any intention of giving one to either class. Kissy had suspected that the Pures would get some sort of special treatment today, confirmed with an announcement last night and then again this morning. She had decided to do something special for her classes today, and hand out candy and give more time dueling for her other classes, which all meet on Fridays.
When the 7th years arrived, ready for a written exam or a practical if that's what form the quiz took, they were delighted when Kissy announced that the entire hour and a half would be spent in one of the rooms she now uses for practical applications. They would be in teams, each trying to retrieve a large, red, heart shaped box of candy while keeping the other teams from doing the same. A Valentine's version of capture the flag. For the winning team there would be an equally large box of candy apiece. The losing teams would get candy as well, but smaller boxes. As an added bonus, hidden throughout the maze-like setup were Valentine's gifts, such as coupons for games of Wizard's lasar tag and for Wizard's paint ball at Blossom's in Hogsmeade.
The students had a blast, using a variety of the techniques, spells, charms, and jinxes they've learned. Making things even more fun were the surprises Kissy hadn't hinted at, such as a pipe that spewed a chocolately type sauce over the unsuspecting or the one that squirted a thick blob of whipped cream into faces. At class end cleaning and tidying charms were necessary for every student. As they left they decided to act sober and somber so that the incoming 6th years wouldn't have any idea of the fun in store for them.
When the time for the 6th years class to end came, none of them wanted to leave even though all the prizes had been given out. Kissy, with no lunch plans of her own other than having a sandwich with AJ, had no objections. She scribbled off a quick note to AJ and sent it in paper glider form, much like those seen whizzing around the Ministry, to let AJ know where she'd be instead of his office.
AJ showed up a few minutes later with the sandwiches and drinks. They sat and ate while enjoying watching the students manuevering through the obstacles. It's while they are laughing at one student just gave his position away by triggering a stream of a greenish goo that Argus Filch shows up at the entrance. Behind him are two people Kissy had not wanted to see.
She sighs heavily. "Excuse me while I go tell them to leave."
By the time she reaches the doorway, Filch is gone. Adamu and Nyoko Isuki stand just on the other side of the door, big smiles plastered on their faces. Nyoko is holding a small birthday cake and Adamu is holding a package wrapped in paper that has colorful balloons and ribbons.
"What do you want," Kissy asks in a stiff, formal voice.
"Your father and I thought that today would be a very good day to see you. We haven't since... since being released. Not a word from you," Nyoko says.
"You honestly thought I would have contacted you?" Kissy's tone is an odd combination of surprise and scorn.
"We are your parents, so of course we did." Adamu states.
"You are being just as delusional as ever. Now, excuse me, but I am busy as you can see."
"But we have this for you," Adamu says, holding out the package.
"Happy birthday, Kisiaki," Nyoko smiles, extending the cake towards Kissy.
"I prefer not to accept anything from you."
"But it is your birthday," Nyoko protests then adds, "and Valentine's."
"The best gift would have been to stay away."
Ignoring her, Nyoko and Adamu begin singing a birthday song. This attracts the attention of some of the students still playing on the obstacle course. Before she knows it, Kissy is surrounded by them as they add their voices to the song. When the song is finished, Kissy doesn't want to make a scene with her parents in front of the students. She takes the cake from Nyoko and announces, "Right then. Cake for all of you."
"Me included? Excellent!"
Ryland Yaxley saunters over, introducing himself to Adamu and Nyoko. Kissy takes the cake into her regular classroom, producing a knife to cut it with, plates, and forks, thinking the whole time what a shame that a decent day is turning into such an awful one. AJ, sadly, has to take his leave to get to is class, leaving Kissy with parents she doesn't want to see and Yaxley, who turns her stomach. At least there are still plenty of students around to act as buffers!
What Luck
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 01-22-08 14:31
Coco was not the least bit shocked Headmistress Snider announced the Valentine's Day plans for the Pures. The only thing that astonished most was the Nons being told that if any of the Valentine's surprises appeared before them or if they came across an unclaimed one, they were allowed to keep it. It almost makes one think that Snider is a romantic at heart. Almost being the key word.
Hearing the announcement a second time at breakfast Coco, like others, wondered if Snider would indeed keep her word and allow the Nons to keep any of the presents they might find. They'd find out soon enough. Coco put it out of her mind, focusing instead on eating breakfast and giving Fritz his Valentine's Day present. The gift is a chemistry set, similar to one she's given him in the past but with a big difference. The entire set is made from candy. For instance, the beakers look like actual beakers but are each hard, flavored candy.
In Charms, Professor Flitwick gave them each a sugar quill and a chocolate wand. He'd never done anything like that in the past for Valentine's, at least not since Coco's been at Hogwarts, so she wondered if he passed out the candy simply because the Pures are getting so much special treatment.
DADA was a blast. They'd arrived expecting to take a test and having the seventh years leaving with such glum expressions had the sixth years nervous at how difficult their own test would be. Getting into class and learning they'd not only get to do Professor Isuki's obstacle course but that there were prizes to be had gave them all a good laugh. When the time came for class to end and for them to go to lunch, they were having so much fun they didn't want to leave.
For some though things did have to end. Not long before Fritz, Coco, and others taking Potions needed to leave for class, Professor Isuki's parents arrived with a birthday cake. Few, if any, of the sixth years there had known it was the professor's birthday, happily adding their voices to singing birthday wishes. With some of the students needing to leave very soon, Professor Isuki cuts the cake and hands out pieces first to those students.
Carrying their plates and eating cake as they walk towards the dungeons for Potions, talking about some of the defensive moves used on the obstacle course, Fritz and Coco each nearly drop what's left of their cake when a small bag attached to a heart shaped balloon appears right before their eyes. Grinning at each other over their luck at coming across one of the Valentine's surprises meant for the Pures, Coco accepts Fritz's cake so that he can untie the bag from the balloon string.
Opening the bag, Fritz pours its contents into is hand. Coco is so amazed by what comes out of the bag that all she can do is gawk. The bag had contained two perfect diamonds and two perfect sapphires. The four gems glisten in Fritz's hand as light glances off the facets. Taking back the remains of his cake Fritz then gives Coco one of the diamonds and one of the sappires, commenting about how nicely the split of the gems works out.
Still unable to believe their luck, the pair continue on to Potions, debating whether to say anything just yet about their Valentine's Day surprise.
Seeing Things
Author: Griffin Price
Date: 01-22-08 17:55
Sitting in a chair in a place he's rarely been, Griff thumbs through a magazine, bored beyond belief. Ruth looks up from a document, quill hovering over it in preparation of signing. "The constant riffling of magazing pages is starting to become annoying."
"Sorry."
Ruth signs the parchment then stands. "All done. Let's go for that late lunch now."
Griff lumbers stiffly out of the chair, holding the office door for Ruth. "Where to?"
"Anywhere is fine. Maybe since we're in between meal times we won't have to look at lots of cozy couples cooing at each other."
"Such a romantic you are," Griff chuckles.
"Speaking of, I know you got Carys something even though you aren't together."
"Yeah, I did. I took Tristan for a professional portrait. Got one picture framed and then got some smaller pictures as well. I even sent one to Carys's father."
Ruth stops and turns to face Griff, indignantly asking, "And where is mine?"
"At your house, framed and on the mantle."
"Oh. Well. Thank you. I shouldn't have come across that way. It's just that I sometimes feel grandmotherly towards Tristan."
"I know and we appreciate it. Tristan loves you. I would never have thought that when I was given the Hogwarts assignment that you and I would ever be more than co-workers, with you being my immediate boss."
"Me either. I can't say I'm sorry things have worked out as they have. It's nice having family again."
Griff hardly knows anything about Ruth's family. She almost never mentions even having one. One of these days he'll be bold enough to ask a probing question or two to find out what happened to her family. Griff's biggest hestitation so far is that he's concerned her story is not a happy one, much like his is not.
They walk to a cafe not far from Ruth's office, ordering soup and sandwiches, and a big pot of tea. When they at the cash register to pay for their meals, Griff happens to look up as a man passes just out of view of the window. Shoving money into Ruth's hand, Griff dashes out the door and around the corner, searching for the man. Griff can't spot him so he begins moving quickly down the street, checking for alleyways and noting the businesses along the street, trying to figure out if one of them would be a likely place the man would have entered.
Having no luck, Griff starts back down the block, meeting Ruth who's come looking for Griff after paying their bill. "What is it?" she asks.
"I'm not sure but I could have sworn I saw Jacob LaBranche."
Not So Ordinary a Day After All
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 01-22-08 18:10
The diamond and sapphire feel heavy in Fritz's pocket. He expected the Valentine's Day surprises meant for the pures to be special, but never in a million years did he expect them to be this valuable. He wonders what he'll do with his new gems. Keep them? Give them away? Sell them? He glances at Coco, who is perhaps thinking the same thought.
For Valentine's Day, Fritz gave Coco a gift basket with lavender-scented bath products. He was glad to get his gift and looks forward to using his candy chemistry set, if he can keep himself from eating it first.
Professor Snape doesn't seem to be in any kinder mood than usual, which isn't very surprising. He barks out orders, issues at least one detention, and nearly reduces one student to tears. Fritz, at least, doesn't seem to have any problem in class.
After Potions, it's time for Transfiguration. At least Professor McGonagall seems somewhat sympathetic. She continues to follow the syllabus but not once raises her voice or speaks sharply towards a student, as she has been known to do on occasion. When class ends, she gives everyone a sack of lemon drops... said to be Professor Dumbledore's favorite sweet.
Throughout the afternoon, Fritz constantly felt for the gems in his pocket. He doesn't want someone filching them. Not once does he take them out to show anyone, not because he doesn't trust his classmates but because he's afraid Snider will go back on her word. What if she thinks diamonds and sapphires are too valuable to give to nons? He reasons she probably already thinks so, but would she go as far as to take them back?
Fritz and Coco head to Ravenclaw Tower together. Their conversation shifts from the classes they had today to things like the upcoming Hogsmeade trip. Although they won't get to enjoy a full day in the village, at least they'll have a short time away from Professor Snider's Hogwarts.
Stealing Some Time on Valentine's Day
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 01-23-08 04:00
He'd gotten up that morning, his classes were canceled, because none of the Pures had class today. There were special festivities going on about the castle, and as usual the Nons were almost entirely exempt from it. He hated what Hogwarts had become while being stuck under Harry the Snide and Yaxley's thumbs. Not to mention the Minister of Magic...who was just as bad if not ten times worse than Harriet Snider and Yaxley. Last night he'd set plans in motion for this Valentine's day, something he'd been attempting to do for some time now. Hopefully they would not fall apart, he'd actually get what he wanted...time with Ariella that didn't involve hiding in an alcove or sharing a brief glance as she left class.
Lawrence sat at the Hog's Head Pub, fingertips lightly tapping on the table as he sipped the first mug of ale he's had in weeks. A sigh slipping from his lips, wondering if Ariella is going to make it. He'd sent her an owl last night after Harry the Snide had made the announcement that sixth and seventh years could sign out and go to Hogsmeade for today. He'd wanted to meet her for lunch.
He shook his head when the waitress came again to take his order. "Not yet." He'd chosen the Hog's Head because it was out of the way, it was not one of the mainstream hang outs for the students that came to Hogsmeade, nor was it a place where others frequented. That he knew about. It would give them some privacy to for a short time actually be a couple.
He kept glancing at the door, waiting patiently, or rather impatiently. He almost thought about giving up, that she wasn't going to show. He'd actually gotten there an hour or so earlier than their intended meeting time, so he would linger a little longer. It was in that few minutes he was glad he waited, because Ariella arrived, brushing snow from her cloak.
He lifted a hand and called her over, rising and pressing a kiss to her cheek. "I didn't think you'd make it." Confessing his doubt from the beginning, but obviously quite glad that she had made it.
The settled in and finally the waitress came over and took their orders, bringing Ariella her drink. He pulled out the pair of things he'd had hidden on his side of the table. A bouquet of pink tulips soon provided a center piece for their meal. A package was also placed in front of her while they waited for their food wrapped in shimmering silver paper with a dark pink ribbon that nearly matched the color of the tulips. "Happy Valentine's Day, Ariella." The package contained a sterling silver hairbrush set.