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Stuck At Work
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 08-25-16 20:04
Small, somewhat forced, smile on his lips Harry gives a variation of the standard greeting, "Hello, how may I help you?"
The woman shoves a piece of parchment under Harry's nose. "I was told to give this to someone here."
Harry leans back in his chair, simultaneously reaching for the form she's holding. "What's the manner of your complaint?"
"It's there on the form."
Even as she says this Harry is scanning that portion of the parchment. "Your neighbor is stealing from you."
"Yes, and I want something done."
Harry looks up to ask, "Stealing what?"
"It's there on the form. Or did I not put that down?"
"I don't see it." He picks up a quill to make the notation as she tells him, "Potion recipes."
"Potion recipes?"
"She's looking for a particular one. She takes a few at a time to sort through then brings them back and takes more. She's hoping I won't notice."
"Why wouldn't she simply ask you for a copy?"
"Because it's a potion that's considered dark. I only have it because it was my great great grandmother who stumbled on it by accident. She meant to brew something to help with," the woman flushes and her voice unconsciously lowers to just above a whisper, "excessive gas. She made a mistake and ended up causing my great great grandfather so much gas his intestines nearly exploded. A healer was able to help him just in time."
Harry has one of those moments where something isn't funny yet it still causes an urge to laugh. He covers by clearing his throat and reaching for a tissue. The woman hastens to explain further. "The only copy of the recipe is locked in the family vault at Gringotts. My neighbor learned of the potion by accident one night at a party. I've since told her we don't keep the recipe where just anyone can get to it but I don't think she believes me."
"And you're sure she's coming in and going through what recipes you do have?"
"Absolutely. Twice I've done something to let me know they've been gone through. I've even said something to her but she's playing innocent. I've strengthened the wards around the house, put the recipes under several protection spells, but somehow she's managing to get in when no one's home. Say, aren't you Harry Potter?"
"Yes, ma'am. I'll get your complaint filed and see that someone comes around to speak with you. We might need to set a trap to catch your neighbor in the act."
"Why are you doing this sort of work and not out catching criminals? Why aren't you at the Quidditch World Cup? I'd have thought with a wife who plays professionally, you'd have box seats or something."
"Someone has to work the complaint desk and today that person is me. My wife and some other family members are at the match. Depending on what time I'm able to leave work, I may be able to join them."
"I'm not much for Quidditch myself but I think I'd like to go to a World Cup match sometime just to say I've been. You know, I don't believe a word anyone's said against you about that cousin of yours. If someone can come today I'll be home or even tomorrow would be good," she rapidly switches from one topic to another.
Harry takes a second to make sure he's followed her entire line of thinking before saying, "If you're ever able, do go to a World Cup match, especially the championship, just for the experience. Thank you for not believing the negative rumors about me. I'll try to get someone out to see you today."
She blinks at him them smiles. Turning to leave she throws a thank you over her shoulder before hastening off to find the nearest lift. Harry makes a few notations on her complaint form, fills out another form then staples the two together, and then with a tap of his wand the two sheets of parchment fold into a paper airplane. As it sails out the door to head to the desk of one of the law enforcement personnel on duty today, Harry reaches for the dial of a small WWN set on a shelf behind him, tuning until he finds the station on which the World Cup championship match will be broadcast, an eye to the clock hoping he can get out of here in time to join Ginny and others to see the match rather than merely listening to it.
Research
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 08-26-16 20:05
Hermione was at home listening to the World Cup match on the wireless receiver in the library Ron had built for her. He was at the match with Ginny and others, but Hermione had opted to stay home because she was a month away from giving birth and felt as big as a house. She also thought some of the other family members might wish to enjoy the match without their young children present, so she also served as babysitter.
All the children were in bed, as it was getting late and was well past their bedtimes. Without having to keep them entertained or see to other needs while they slept, Hermione found the opportunity to conduct some research for the Order of the Phoenix and to listen to the play by play by the very enthusiastic commentators. China and Moldova seemed to be playing very competitively, and the goal count was high on both sides. She almost couldn't concentrate on her project, what with all the excitement.
Since conducting sting operations or undercover work wasn't advisable in her current condition, and since Hermione wished to be useful to the Order, she had agreed to research the abbeys of Britain, beginning with those in Scotland, since that was where she lived. All that was truly known about Adriana Fairchild's hideaway was that it was an abbey ruin in a forested area. That alone crossed out a lot of places.
Hermione even crossed out some abbeys that fit the criteria but were near populous areas or known to be touristy despite their remoteness, since she doubted very much that the Death Eaters would choose a spot that saw any visitors. Hermione knew that whichever abbey Adriana used for her headquarters was likely covered in protective spells to keep Muggles and other unwanted guests out, but she nevertheless believed that the site was tucked away, if not forgotten from the passage of time.
She used a variety of resources to create her list, from Muggle books about monastic houses to atlases that showed terrain and population. It was slow work, but Hermione loved research and didn't mind being bogged down with details. Already she found seven possible sites in Aberdeenshire alone. Some of the abbeys were purportedly fictitious or lacked evidence of actual existence, but Hermione knew that some things Muggles considered fiction were very much true in the wizarding world. She didn't want to rule out any possibilities, but she did notate the abbeys in question so that whoever went out to look would know to give up after too long a search.
While she researched, she wondered how Adriana had come to select the abbey. Was it something she discovered by chance, or did she select the site based on her own needs? If the latter, was there maybe a symbolic reason for choosing one site over another? Hermione didn't want to presume anything, but she couldn't help but wonder if there was a clue in a name or place. For the present, she wrote everything down that fit the known description, but she really wished she had more to go on!
(Arielle) Unexpected Encounter
Author: Jolyon
Date: 08-27-16 11:58
Arielle glanced over to where her brother sat three seats away and said, "I think I want to get some hot cocoa. Do you want anything?"
Asher didn't even bother looking at Arielle. His eyes remained fixed on the game play, in which China's chasers rapidly passed the quaffle to each other as they drove toward the Moldovian goal hoops. He shook his head and gruffly replied, "No."
Arielle turned to Malden, who was seated on her other side and asked, "Want to come with me?"
Malden nodded and told his parents where he and Arielle were headed. Mr. McGonagall barely heard because he and Madoc were on their feet, yelling at the referees after they made a bad call. Only Malden's mother acknowledged his departure from the stands.
Arielle waited until they were out of the noisiest part of the stadium before remarking, "I can't believe this match has gone on to a second day."
"That happens sometimes in professional matches," Malden replied. He took Arielle's hand in his and steered her away from the concessions and toward the campgrounds instead.
Arielle's parents were also at the match, but they had both decided to spend the morning walking around the campgrounds. Tents of various sizes and styles were pitched all over the hard, cold earth. A number of World Cup visitors from around the world were already experiencing game fatigue. Arielle and Malden saw a lot of people clustered around the openings of their tents, using portable grills to fry up breakfast sausages or holding conversations around fire pits. Neither teen had been to a World Cup final before and was fascinated by everything they saw.
"Let's make hot cocoa with those gigantic marshmallows we snacked on last night," Malden suggested.
They'd made a popular American campfire treat called s'mores, which Arielle had learned about in Muggle Studies class.
"Okay," Arielle replied with a laugh. The marshmallows weren't the sort to be put in hot cocoa mugs, but she liked the idea anyway.
They arrived at her family's tent, which was next door to the McGonagall one, and ducked through the flap. Malden immediately spun Arielle around so that she was forced to walk backwards and steered her in the direction of a fluffy sofa. She fell back onto the soft cushions, with Malden falling with her. He braced himself on an arm so as not to crush her and kissed her.
After a few steamy moments, Malden realized that the hand pressed into the sofa cushions was actually on top of a pair of lacy underthings. Arielle followed his gaze and turned bright pink, but not because they were hers. She realized that there were articles of clothing all over the floor and sofa, and then she heard a shuffling noise coming from behind the couch.
Malden's eyes went big, and then scrambled to get off of Arielle. Arielle also sat up and debated whether to look behind the sofa or to simply run out of the tent with her eyes closed. Her mother suddenly popped up from behind the sofa, where nothing but one of the floor rugs wrapped around her body like a towel. Her father stood up with a pillow held over his groin.
Arielle thought she might die.
Malden wondered if Professor Kent wanted to kill him for making out with his daughter and for touching his fiancée's underthings.
"Well!" Merrie exclaimed, reaching up to tuck a stray hair behind her ear.
Arielle opened and closed her mouth a few times, not sure what to say or do. "Did you have a nice… er… walk?" she finally managed.
"Yes, yes," Merrie said. "It was lovely. Really nice."
Jolyon nodded his head vigorously in agreement.
"And the match?" Merrie asked. "It's still going on?"
"Yeah," Arielle said. "We just wanted to… get some hot cocoa… and the giant… er… marshmallows."
Malden didn't say anything. He was trying to find some place to look that didn't have a discarded garment on it or naked flesh.
"Actually," Arielle then said, rising to her feet suddenly and reaching out for Malden's hand. "We're going to head back… BYE!"
She yanked Malden to his feet and sped out of the tent. Malden followed wordlessly, trying in vain to burn the images he'd just seen from his mind.
They got to the stairwell leading to their section of the stands before Arielle could speak. "I can't believe them. That's so… that's just… why would they…?"
"Your dad's going to kill me," Malden said, but Arielle didn't hear him. She went on, "I mean at their ages… and at a FAMILY event… that's just… it's so… you know what I mean?"
"If your dad hadn't been totally naked, he probably would have killed me right then and there," Malden continued.
Arielle shook her head in compete disbelief and embarrassment. "I really don't need to know these things. I really don't. It's just wrong."
Malden looked pale and started wondering if he should reconsider attending the Kent wedding as Arielle's guest.
Arielle finally led him back to their seats, where they numbly sat and tried to focus on more of the match.
At The Crown & Cauldron
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 08-27-16 19:32
"You didn't want to go to the match, Furnie?"
"I like Quidditch but not so much that I minded staying. One of us should be here."
"The match is into its second day. Those who are there are certainly getting their money's worth." Prunella puts the drink menu aside. "I think your house white wine."
"Good choice. It pairs well with the salmon," I note in reference to the entree Prunella is having for lunch.
As we aren't that busy at the moment I get the carafe of wine myself and fill a glass. She picks it up, swirling then sniffing the contents. Prunella points and says, "Sit for a moment," before taking a sip of the wine.
I know what she's going to ask so as I'm sitting down I say, "Yes, I finally went."
"And?"
"He has some legal matters - financial ones - that need sorting. Max trusts me to see to them."
"You had an idea of that already from when you wrote asking why he wanted you to come to Azkaban."
"Yes, though only that the matter was legal in nature."
"Are you going to do it or have you done it?"
"I'm in the process of working with a solicitor on it though I don't know why I agreed. He admitted to killing his wife."
"And you keep thinking that if things had gone well between you that could have been you rather than her."
"Yes, and then I start feeling guilty that she's the one and not me."
"That's perfectly understandable and normal." Rather than press on with the topic of Max Black, Prunella asks, "How are Phlagmelina's children settling in?"
"Good or so I think. They're still adjusting, that includes Phlagmelina, but all in all I think they're doing well. You should have seen how excited they were leaving Friday for the Quidditch match. Not just them. All the younger set going were bubbling over." I excuse myself then to see to some new arrivals and speak with a couple who are leaving. When I return Prunella's meal is before her. Though it's lunchtime I top off her glass. Retaking my seat I pour myself a little of the wine as well. Not much. Just enough for a few sips. Then rather than picking up where we left off I ask after the wizard Prunella's recently begun seeing, managing to make her blush in the process though she blames the wine for her flushed cheeks.
Chance Encounter
Author: Finley
Date: 08-28-16 14:26
Finley and Leroy walked slowly through St. Mary's Church, the chapel at Sudeley Castle. Sudeley Castle was located just outside of Winchcombe and was inhabited by the widow of the Baron Ashcombe and her adult children. The church was the burial site of Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII.
Now that Finley and Leroy were more mature, they were allowed to attend field trips with other older orphans. The advantage for Mrs. Gill and the other workers from the orphanage was that there weren't very many older children in their care, so any field trips made weren't much of a hassle. In fact, there were only five in today's group besides Finley and Leroy. Charla, a slightly older girl named Joscelind who'd only recently come to the orphanage after leaving foster care, and a solitary boy named Devlin were also on the field trip.
Charla and Joscelind tittered loudly at something and were immediately shushed by Mrs. Gill. Finley looked over her shoulder and saw Mrs. Gill turn away from Charla with a stern look on her face. The older woman moved to stand next to Devlin, who was quietly contemplating one of the stained glass windows. Charla, meanwhile, shot Mrs. Gill a dirty look behind her back and then noticed Finley staring. She narrowed her eyes and made a throat slashing gesture. Joscelind, who seemed to be Charla's new best friend, glared at Finley
Not the least bit bothered, Finley turned back around to face the queen's marble tomb and briefly wondered if there would ever come a day when she would return from Hogwarts to find out Charla had been adopted. She seriously doubted it, because Charla was a terrible girl and nobody in their right mind would ever adopt her.
Eventually, Finley and Leroy moved on to look at other things in the small chapel. When they saw everything there was to see, they stepped outside into one of nine gardens on the castle grounds. The one surrounding the chapel was called the White Garden and was planted with peonies, clematis, roses and tulips. Tall, neatly trimmed hedges sprawled around the flower beds. It was very pretty in the summer.
"Do you think we'll eat before we go?" Leroy asked. He'd worked up an appetite from all the walking they'd done since arriving at Sudeley Castle in the late morning.
"The café doesn't serve dinner," Finley reminded him. "It's probably almost closing time."
"Which is why I think we should go straight there before we head out. We've seen everything there is to see, haven't we?" He ran his arm over his sweaty forehead. It was definitely on the warm side, but Finley wasn't doing much sweating herself. Then again, she wasn't carrying around the same amount of weight Leroy was.
They'd gone through the open parts of the castle, seen the exhibition of Queen Katherine's books and letters, a collection of textiles, the Queens Garden, the Knot Garden, and the country cottages on the edge of the grounds. They'd even taken a small lunch in the Terrace Café, which had originally been the castle kitchen and then the castle stable before becoming the eatery it was today.
"Yeah, I think we have…" Finley started to trail off, when she recognized a group of people enter their side of the garden.
At the front of the group was Eirene McLaggen with the people who must be her parents. The other couple Finley had once seen at a Hogwarts Quidditch match were also there.
Finley instantly got up from the stone bench she and Leroy were seated on and made a beeline for the group. Eirene recognized her first and made an O with her mouth.
"What are you doing here?" Finley asked.
"I could ask you the same thing!" Eirene replied, when she could speak again.
"Do you live around here?"
But before Finley could get an answer out of Eirene, Mrs. Gill was upon them with the other orphans in tow.
"We're leaving, Finley, Stop bothering those kind––oh, hello Mrs. Nemo." This was addressed at the woman Finley herself had seen at the orphanage and later in Eirene's company at Hogwarts.
The woman, Mrs. Nemo, shook her head and said, "I'm afraid there's been some mistake."
"No, I'm quite sure you are who I think you are," Mrs. Gill said.
"I remember you too!" Charla exclaimed. "I gave you a tour of the orphanage."
Mrs. Nemo started to back away and said, "No, really. You're confusing me with someone else."
"Her name's not Nemo," Eirene said, her brows knitted in confusion. "It's…" but then she stopped and looked quizzically at Finley.
Mrs. Gill was about to say something more, but she realized that she had stirred up something without meaning to and turned to her children. "Let's go, all of you."
She gave Finley a gently nudge to get her moving. Finley walked away, but she looked at Eirene, who was looking right back at her. They got to the van, and Finley, still looking over her shoulder, had to get a strong push from Charla to get into her seat. After Finley belted herself in, Leroy asked, "What was that all about?"
Finley shook her head. "I don't know."
She saw Mrs. Gill looking at her through the rearview mirror and slouched to sit lower in her seat. Something was up, and Eirene and Mrs. Gill knew it too.
Epiphany
Author: Nathaniel Ross
Date: 08-28-16 15:40
The match between China and Moldavia was playing on the radio, in a low volume, not to disturb any of the inn's guests. Nate was at the small reception organizing some documents. It was almost time to abandon his post for the day, as it was getting late. Jenny was in the kitchen finishing cleaning up the dishes and all their guests had already retreated into their respective bedrooms.
He was about to stand from the chair when a large trunk appeared at the hall. Most guests arrived by Floo network, bringing the luggage with them. This person, whoever it was, had sent the luggage first by magic. Nate noticed the trunk looked quite expensive, covered with black leather and with two golden initials on it a P and a S. His first thoughts were that this was probably the fanciest guest they had ever had and if this person liked his or hers stay at Harebells it was likely to tell his or her friends about it and they could gain more clients, with enough wealth to spend long seasons at the quiet inn.
A moment later a witch appeared in front of him. She had red hair and green eyes, and Nate recognized her right away. Phyllida Grimshaw-Spore had changed quite a bit since the last time they have met. Her hair was longer and pinned up, and she wore a heavy set of black robes that made her look older than she really was.
"Good evening, Nathaniel, "she greeted. She took off her gloves. Even if they were in the summer, her hands were pale and seemed cold. Phyllida looked around. "You have a nice establishment. Lovely decoration."
"Thank you, "he replied. "Do you wish to spend the night?" he asked in a professional voice.
"Why are you talking to me like that? We used to be friends…and more," she reminded him. "I've heard about your father. He was a kind man and it seems so wrong that his life has been taken that way…"
Her words seemed empty to him. Perhaps in the past he would have gone to her encounter, and beg for a kiss, or a simple touch. He would bury his face on her red hair, and smell her scent of lilies. He would ask her why she had left his life and plea for her return. But for his surprise he felt hollow as he looked at her.
"Do you wish to spend the night?" he repeated.
"Of course. That is why I am here. I was surprised when I learned about this place. You could have made quite a career at the Ministry of Magic. Perhaps you could had even become the Minister yourself, with some hard work and the right connections. A suitable wife from a prosperous and ancient family would help you a great deal," she grinned, clearly talking about herself. "But you have chosen the quiet country life."
There were steps in the hall and Jenny appeared. She was wearing an apron and her hair was a little bit out of the place. However, her looks charmed Nate far more than Phyllida's fancy style.
"Welcome to Harebells," Jenny greeted with energy. "I hope you'll enjoy your st…" she didn't finish her sentence as she recognized Phyllida. Jenny didn't seem too happy to see her here at the inn.
"Miss Spore is staying for the night, "Nate said, picking up a quill and introducing her name and room number in the registration book. Jenny muttered some excuse about making sure the room was ready and vanished upstairs. Phyllida signed her name with her typical flourished handwriting.
"I see it was not the quiet life you were after. It is the little mouse. Jenny Gabble isn't it? A simple little thing. You will get bored of her eventually."
He did not even think. After hearing Phyllida's insulting Jenny, Nate pointed her wand at her. On the radio a goal made by a Chinese chaser was being announced.
"Get out of my establishment," he declared. "I don't know what is it that you want from me, but I am tired to see you coming back whenever you need something, only to discard me when you are done. If you have any plans to turn someone into the future Ministry of Magic, you will have to do so without me. Leave now and never comeback."
She looked at him quite offended. The wand pointed at her face did not scare her a bit. Both of them knew if they dueled she would probably beat him.
"So this not a phase related with mourning your father, like a thought. You are really committed to this. To her."
"I love her," he declared.
And then he was surprised with the words that came out of his mouth. It was the first time he had reached to such conclusion towards Jenny. The first time he found a word for the feelings inside of him. He had looked up to the top of the stairs, where Jenny was. She had not gone to prepare Phyllida's bedroom like she had said she would - instead she had witness the whole scene. Their eyes met and she smiled, shyly. The most beautiful and enchanting smile he had ever seen. His heart seemed to skip a beat.
When he looked back Phyllida was gone, as well as her luggage. He did not care the least. He climbed the stairs to Jenny's encounter. He held her in her arms and kissed her. She corresponded to the kiss with the same passion.
The Croft Home
Author: S Snape
Date: 08-28-16 16:10
Reaching to straighten his jacket collar Severus mounts the stairs to the Croft residence, one of a row of alternating identical terraced houses. Starting at the end, the odd houses are painted a pale blue and the evens a medium gray. The pattern on the other side of the street is the same but with the evens the ones painted blue. The Croft house is one of the medium grays.
Pressing a finger to the buzzer, Severus waits less than half a minute before the door is opened. A man looks him up and down then asks, "Mr. Snape?"
"Professor Snape, and you are Mr. Croft?"
"Yeah, come in. Gorta say we're dyin ter know what yer about as the letter don't say much."
Croft directs Severus to a sitting room where he introduces Carol Croft and his children Harley and Davidson. Carol Croft offers, "Tea?"
"Yes, thank you. Cream, no sugar." Severus then turns to the girl and boy studying him with open curiosity. He removes two envelopes from a pocket and holds one out to Harley and one to Davidson. "These are for you."
The boy tears into his but the girl studies the green ink on the front of the envelope then turns it over to take in the Hogwarts crest and wax seal. Her brother's nose crinkles as he reads, Carol Croft looking over his shoulder. Harley carefully opens hers as her fathers moves to look at the contents.
Kevin Croft looks from the letter to Severus then to the letter again. "This a joke? 'Ogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?"
"This is serious. Hogwarts is real. Magic is real."
Carol Croft, now with Davidson's letter clutched in her hands, scoffs, "You're having us on. 'oo put you up ter this? Nelson?" she names her former husband.
Severus, expecting this as this is nearly always the reaction Muggle parents have upon seeing the Hogwarts letter and hearing that magic is real, had cleared with the Ministry beforehand a small demonstration. Removing his wand from a sleeve, with quick, sure movements and a spell uttered, Severus has the teapot dancing on little legs across the table.
Eyes wide Davidson crows, "Cor! How'ed you do that?"
Harley on the other hand scoffs in a manner remarkably like Carol's. "Don't be daft, Dave. It's like that magician we saw last summer."
Her father is of a similar mind. "Yeah, don't mean anything. What you goin' ter do next, pull a coin from me ear?"
On the other hand Carol Croft says to her husband with a shake of her head, "Not like he could've set it up aforehand, Kev."
It's only after he's levitated them all, transfigured his now a shoe on the floor into a rabbit then back again, and summoned a bottle of water from the kitchen and made it pour on its own into a glass he produced seemingly from nowhere that all the Crofts believe that magic just might be real.
Severus goes over the Hogwarts letters with them, explaining about Diagon Alley as the best place for Muggle borns, which in turn requires an explanation as to what a Muggle is, and makes arrangements to meet the Crofts at a certain address on Charing Cross Road.
As the Crofts are studying the supplies list and Severus is waiting to hear whether they have more questions, he strolls about the room looking at photos and a piece of art that turns out to be a family tree. The fact that Carol Croft's daughter is shown as Kevin's first wife and mother of the two children s not lost on Severus. Nor is another tidbit of information for him to ponder.
Carol Croft's maiden name was Prince and her great grandfather's name on that side of the family is one Severus has seen and heard before.
When he leaves a short time later he says nothing about the Prince name or the great grandfather's. He wishes to do a little research before deciding whether to mention anything or not.
(Ash) Art Gallery
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 08-28-16 18:45
Ash studied a painting of crup puppies frolicking in a meadow. The little Jack Russell terrier lookalikes bounded and tumbled over each other, nipping at ears and forked tails, and barking happily. It was a pleasant scene.
"Are you simply a fan of art to repeatedly visit my humble gallery, or are you the sort who puts a lot of thought into making a big purchase?"
Ash turned toward the speaker, Antoine Dolov, the artist and wizard he suspected was somehow connected to Antonin Dolohov. It was not Ash's first visit to the art gallery on Conduit Street in Mayfair, London, nor was it Ash's first time seeing Antoine in person. The art gallery was small and merely a temporary exhibition, so the artist was present most evenings and weekends to talk to art connoisseurs and potential buyers of his work.
"A bit of both," Ash replied. He offered his hand and said, "Ash Westwick."
"Antoine Dolov," the artist replied, giving Ash's hand a firm handshake. "I've see you here several times. Sometimes you're with a young lady. Other times you come on your own. I guess I should be flattered that someone's taken an interest in my small gallery."
"You're very good," Ash agreed. "What made you decide to paint?"
"I always liked drawing," Antoine replied. "I guess painting came naturally."
"Are others in your family artistic?"
Antoine paused and then said, "My sister's fairly good at sketching. She'd probably make a fine painter if she tried, but she's not really interested."
"What about your parents?"
Antoine chuckled. "They're both rubbish. I think the artistic talent came from my great uncle."
"Oh? Is he a painter?"
"No, but he always would draw in the margins of any letters he sent me." Antoine saw the look on Ash's face and quickly added, "Oh, he's still alive. It's just that now that I'm grown, he doesn't think I appreciate his doodles. It's something he did when we were kids."
Ash tried thinking of more to ask but he didn't want to get too personal or intrusive. Antoine looked so much like Antonin Dolohov that if they weren't related, then Ash would be very surprised. He just wasn't sure what the relationship was, nor did he know if Antoine was bad news. Maybe he simply had the misfortune of being related to a very bad man.
Ash suddenly felt a prickling sensation on the back of his neck. It was something he had experienced before and caused him to look around the small gallery. There were a few other visitors admiring Antoine's art, but nobody seemed to be watching Ash. He swept his gaze around the room before settling on Antoine again, whose eyebrows were raised in a silent question.
"Something wrong?" Antoine asked.
Ash managed a smile and said, "No. I was just thinking it's getting late. I'm sure I'll be back before your exhibit closes."
"I look forward to seeing you again. Nice meeting you, Ash."
"You too, Antoine."
Ash walked away and went straight for the exit. His hackles were raised, but he couldn't figure out why and for once he didn't think it had anything to do with Antoine specifically.
Meanwhile, a witch stepped out from behind a wall on which a painting of a bubbling cauldron hung and stopped next to Antoine.
"He's trying to figure you out, you know."
"I know," Antoine replied. "He'd be on to you too if you looked like Mum and me and not Dad."
"Fortunately, I don't, or I wouldn't be able to play my little game."
"Yes, well, we all have our parts to play."
"He's not making it easy."
"No, but it wouldn't be fun if it were easy," Antoine pointed out. "In time we'll have him where we want him. So… dinner, or do you already have plans?"
The witch assured him she had none, and after the gallery closed for the evening, the two walked to a nearby café, where the ongoing World Cup match was being broadcasted over the wizarding wireless network.
Being Questioned
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 08-29-16 19:34
Lysander minded the store while the others were in Greenland for the Quidditch World Cup match between China and Moldova. He'd been present for the first two days, but when it became obvious the game would stretch into the start of the new work week, he'd gone on and left. Though it wouldn't have done much harm to keep the bookshoppe closed another day, what with Twice Told Tales being located in a small village and subject to the occasional change from the usual open hours depending on staffing and whatever else, Lysander had felt ready to return home.
He was behind the counter, thumbing through a preview catalog for a auction to be held at a later date, when Axel Ek entered the store. Axel gave the room a once-over before approaching the counter.
"Have you got a moment to talk?"
Lysander closed the catalog and indicated to the office. The two wizards walked over, with Axel sitting down in a chair on one side of the desk. Lysander left the door open in case a customer needed assistance, though there was no one in the shoppe at the moment. He sat down in his chair and waited for Axel to speak.
"What is the real reason Astrid recently decided to tell everyone Dylan is her biological son with you?"
Lysander shook his head, feigning confusion. His heart started beating rapidly at the realization that Axel seemed to suspect that the whole thing was a ruse. "I don't know why she decided to confess things now. Maybe she couldn't bear the guilt of abandoning her child anymore."
Axel's expression was unreadable, but then he said, "Lysander, I would have known Astrid was pregnant when we were married because she would have been showing by then. I also would have known if she'd had a child after our marriage. I know she isn't Dylan's real mother."
Lysander tried to keep his tone of voice even. "Not all women show when they are pregnant. Some don't even know they are pregnant till the baby comes. Hendrika Weasley was that way with one of her children."
"You know as well as I do that the phenomenon occurs infrequently."
"But it happens."
Axel looked irritated for the first time since arriving at the bookshoppe. "Don't insult my intelligence, Lysander. I know my wife. I know that she has made some rash decisions in the past and that when she acts without thinking, she tends to make foolish mistakes. She's the sort who would never be able to get away with murder, because she overlooks the very facts that would prove her guilt. From what I've seen in the short time we've known each other, you're much alike."
"Now who's being insulting?" Lysander countered.
Axel held up his hands. "I didn't come here to fight, though I'm sure you realize I have every right to be angry." He sighed and went on, "Believe it or not, I like you, and if my wife has seen fit to help you with Dylan for whatever reason, then I support her. There's no reason for me to be angry with you or her when she's simply helping a friend, but don't take me for a fool."
Lysander didn't immediately respond. He thought about the announcement he and Astrid had made a couple of weeks ago. Astrid had claimed to hide her pregnancy from Axel, fearing the truth would destroy their new marriage. She'd gone on to claim that she'd had the baby in secret and then left him on Lysander's doorstep, believing Lysander to be the only possible father since she and Axel had experienced a whirlwind romance and weren't together when Dylan would have been conceived.
It was believable if one didn't look too closely, but if there was anyone to find a hole in the story, then it would be Axel. Hiding a pregnancy from a spouse could maybe be done using the most advanced of concealment spells, but Astrid's magical prowess was merely ordinary. Like he said, Axel knew his wife.
Lysander expelled a deep sigh and said, "Fine. None of it is true."
"May I ask why?"
"I'd rather you didn't."
"Who else knows?"
Lysander shook his head. "No one, and I'd like to keep it that way. Dylan's real mother is… well, she's unfit to be in his life, and it's lucky she saw to it to leave him with me. If she hadn't, then… well, I don't want to know what his life might be like."
"I'll keep your secret Lysander. I only ask that you never tell my wife to keep a secret from me," Axel said.
Lysander thought about at least one other secret he knew Astrid was keeping from her husband. He nodded and said, "I won't ask her to keep any future secrets from you."
Axel seemed satisfied. He didn't stay long because his lunch hour was ending and he still wanted to grab a bite to eat before heading back to the office. Lysander bid him farewell and remained seated, contemplating what had just happened. He also thought about how Axel had no idea that Astrid had cheated on him early in their marriage. When the doorbell tinkled, signaling the arrival of a customer, Lysander finally left the office and went back out onto the public floor of the bookshoppe.
Quidditch World Cup
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 08-30-16 18:57
Bronwyn and Toby sat together in one of the boxes reserved for members of the British national team and their families and watched as the never-ending match between China and Moldova continued. Fortunately for Bronwyn, she'd taken the week off so that she and Toby could enjoy Greenland beyond the World Cup match.
She spent her time at the match alternately paying attention and reading magazines. The magazine currently in her hands had an article about runaway teens in Sydney, Australia, which brought to mind the curious disappearance of her own brother-in-law. Lawrence was no teen, but he and his half-sister Maggie were runaways of sorts.
"We should have invited Ariella to come," Bronwyn murmured, only to have to repeat herself louder when Toby leaned over and asked, "Hmm?"
Toby tore his eyes off the action in the air to look at his wife. "I asked, and she said she didn't want to come. She's busy packing her things."
Ariella was moving out of Hogwarts and into her childhood home in Manchester. It was probably the best place for her and Karina while they waited to see if Lawrence would ever come home.
"What was he thinking?" Bronwyn exclaimed as she closed the magazine, no longer interested in the article or anything else.
"Until someone can ask him, no one will know," Toby remarked. "Either he left of his own free will or he didn't."
"What do you think?"
Toby looked at Bronwyn very seriously. "I'd like to kick his arse if he up and left Ariella and Karina."
"Do you say the same of Alanna for leaving Jared?"
"That's not the same."
"Maybe not, but it was unexpected and doesn't seem quite right."
Toby sighed. "Anthony and Ariella both suspect that there is more to the story. I can't say I necessarily share their suspicions, but I agree that the whole thing feels wrong. She must have had her reasons, though."
Bronwyn frowned. It seemed like only the boys in the Beck family were lucky in love. Ariella's husband had left, Alanna had divorced hers, and poor Kendra had never gotten the chance to experience more than a school girl's crush. Even Katherine was having her ups and downs in the romance department.
The noise level suddenly skyrocketed in the packed stadium. One of the Chinese chasers had the quaffle and threw it long to his teammate, who was right in front of the Moldovan goals. One of the Moldovan chasers came out of no where for the interception and then drove hard to the opposite end of the Pitch. While he was working his way to the Chinese goals, the two seekers raced after the golden snitch, which had materialized at midfield and was now taking them on a wild course of steep inclines, sharp turns, and sudden dips.
Toby got onto his feet, and Bronwyn got up with him. The energy level in the stadium was high, and Bronwyn couldn't help but grow excited. She didn't care who won, but she was more than ready for the match to finally end. China's seeker got smacked right in the face with a bludger, causing blood to gush from his now broken nose. But he kept on and kept up with the seeker from Moldova.
The end happened quickly. The two seekers were shoulder to shoulder, plummeting straight down when the snitch suddenly jerked up and caught them both by surprise. The Moldovan seeker recovered quickly and swept up the golden ball before it could pass him by.
The shouting was thunderous when the final score flashed onto the scoreboard: 750-640. Moldova had won the 2010 Quidditch World Cup.
Cheering For A Goat
Author: Blossom
Date: 08-30-16 20:38
Fabian looks up from his book. "Oh? It's over?"
Freddie rolls his eyes at his twin. "No, they're cheering for a goat that ran onto the pitch."
Fabian stretches his neck, peering down at the field. "There's a goat?"
Laughing, Seth slaps his younger brother on the back. "What you get for not paying attention."
"So there's no goat?"
Larkin, pulling her attention away from the match now that it's ended, asks, "Goat? Where?"
Gideon shakes his head. "Freddie's teasing Fabian." He turns to look at his mother sitting nearby. "Mum, are we staying tonight?"
"We've been camping since Friday. Aren't you ready to go?"
Her question is met with a chorus of, "NO!" Even Fabian's voice joins the others. Blossom finds that surprising given that Fabian hadn't even been sure he wanted to come to the match. He wavered between coming or staying with his Aunt Hermione who had volunteered to watch any of any of the younger children the older family members thought wouldn't do well at a massive Quidditch match such as this. He'd ended up deciding to attend the match and over the course of the three days even paid attention at times, rooting on Moldova while Freddie favored China.
Fabian finds Quidditch to be okay but it rarely holds his attention as other things, such as books. Fabian and Freddie are identical twins who have the same Weasley coloring as Seth and who look like miniature versions of Fred and George at that same age. This has not kept Fred from shaking his head at times and asking his wife, "Are you sure Fabian's mine?" Once when taking in a happy as a clam Fabian surrounded by a pile of books Fred even commented, "I think he's somehow Hermione's child."
Freddie, on the other hand, is a huge Quidditch enthusiast. He's been playing in the little league and absolutely loves it. Though he's not even seven until December Freddie has long talked about making his Hogwarts house team his first year there.
Gideon and Seth also like Quidditch and have played in the little league but their levels of interest and skills pales compared to Larkin's. She can already fly circles around her brothers and was upset beyond words upon learning there are no house teams at Hogwarts this coming school year. Larkin was set to make the team and shine in a way that isn't possible in little league.
By the time they, and the rest of the Weasley clan present, have made it to ground level, Fred and Blossom have agreed, to the joy of their children, to camp another night. They then offer to have any of the other children in the group camp with them if the parents wish head on back tonight.