Thursday Morning
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 03-30-03 09:48
Oddly wide awake for eight in the morning, Hermione found her desk in the Ancient Runes classroom and began unloading her books and other school supplies. Ron and Harry trudged into the room behind her, stifling yawns and decidedly eager to find their beds again. In fact, everyone in the room besides Hermione seemed weary, apathetic and keen on being elsewhere, including Professor Sorcha!
How strange, Hermione remarked mentally, but she realized that everyone had a bad day from time to time, though generally not on the same day as everyone else. Surveying the room as she opened her text to the correct page, Hermione noted that Majandra had already put her head down on the desk to catch a few more Zzzs before the official start of class and that Ravenclaw student, Aradia Forest, had smuggled some kind of pick-me-up into the classroom, which at this point seemed neither helpful nor worth the trouble. Like many in the room, her eyes fought to stay open, and the absence of sunlight filtering in from the narrow windows in the classroom did nothing for support and simply encouraged sleep.
During another sweep of the classroom, Hermione observed the ostensible tension between Annabella and Gabriel. It was no secret that they talked outside of class and more so nowadays than Hermione and Gabriel. Hermione could read her childhood friend well, even when viewing him from afar. She knew he had some kind of feelings for Annabella, whether it was just a deep friendship or something more.
She also knew Gabriel well enough to know just how sensitive he could be at times, and how quick he could jump from one emotion to the next, which to an outsider sometimes came across as for no apparent reason. Sometimes she thought he took things too seriously, but that was Gabriel–quite serious about a lot of things, but not lacking in the occasional spree of playfulness and frivolity.
Not that people didn't think she was serious. Books, constant trips to the library and never-ending study sessions labeled Hermione as the serious student, though her adventures with Harry and Ron at least kept her devoid of being the pinnacle of seriousness. Nevermind the fact that often during these adventures she'd point out how serious a situation they were getting into...
Hermione cast another glance between Gabe and Anna, extremely curious as to what had happened between them to cause so much tension. Her thoughts ceased momentarily when Ron, perceiving her wonderment as too much concern for the other boy, reached across the surface of her desk and took her hand into his.
Forming a small smile, Hermione whispered, "I thought you were napping."
"I can't seem to get comfortable in this desk," Ron whispered back. "I'm going to go straight back to bed after this class."
"No, you will not!" Hermione hissed, still smiling. "You're going to the library with me to proof your Herbology essay."
"Oh, Hermione. It doesn't need any more proofing...it's been proofed," Ron countered, adding, "In fact, it's proofed-out. Harry read it over and said it's fine. Right, Harry?" Ron asked, elbowing the napping Harry in the side.
"Mmm-hmm," Harry mumbled, raising his head from the surface of his desk to adjust his glasses on his nose.
"See," Ron said in a told-you-so kind of tone. "So, naptime after class sounds just fine to me."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Knowing you, you'll sleep in and be late for Herbology class. If you are late, I'm not sharing my notes with you."
"Oh, you will," Ron responded, flashing Hermione a loving smile. "I know you, Hermione."
Hermione folded her arms and looked away playfully. "We'll see about that, Ron."
As her head was turned, she caught another glimpse of Gabe and Anna, which did not go unobserved by Ron. He leaned his head to Hermione's and grumbled, "You're not going to interfere in whatever they're dealing with, are you?"
Hermione swiveled her head around to look at Ron and shrugged. "I hadn't really planned on it, Ron. Why? Do you think I should?"
Stupid question, really. Of course she knew what he was thinking, which in itself was stupid too.
He answered as to be expected: "No," and then added rather quietly, "You weren't going to...erm, really?"
"It might not be my business, Ron."
"Well, you and he are friends, aren't you?"
"Yes, friends," Hermione replied.
Hermione sighed quietly and pulled her hand away from Ron's to pick up her quill. Professor Sorcha had finally decided to start the class, which seemed to take quite an effort on her part. As she scribbled down today's lecture notes, her mind wandered from Gabe and Anna to Ron, and there and back again.
Late Presents
and Early Classes
Author: Australia Kingston
Date: 03-30-03 16:27
Wow. Yesterday had been one heck of a day. Several Gryffindors had wished me a happy 18th birthday. Several had even given presents. But the one thing that plagued me was that my own brother had only said happy birthday and then rushed out of the common room.
This was all too strange for me. But as I prepared for the morning and headed down to grab some breakfast with the early-crowd, Brett meet me outside of the common room, a small package in his hands.
"Hey, I know I didn't have time yesterday to give this to you. So I hope you won't do anything like curse your little brother for giving you a late birthday present," he said with a slight grin. "How did you know my plans? Are you developing some new mind reading ability?" I ask pushing him in the shoulder.
"Nah, just know you would do that to me. Well here. I know you gotta run to class. Hope you enjoy it. See ya at lunch, Sis." And with that, he turned and ran off down the hall to do God only knows what.
I opened the box with a baby blue ribbon tied around it and midnight blue paper covering the outside of the box. The contents to my surprise were two charms to go on my charm bracelet, and a pair of shimmering CZ earrings. Yes, this was definotely a way to celebrate a late birthday.
Glancing at my watch I realize that I'm going to be late to Arithmancy if I don't hurry. I place the box into my bag and dart down the hall hoping I make it before the bell.
*CZ- cubic zirconium
House Warning
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 03-30-03 18:37
Briar first checks for Bill at the soon to be opened branch of Gringotts then not finding him there, walks to the address he'd given her yesterday. She comes to a stop in front of a small but very pleasant looking cottage. Going up the short path to the door, Briar eyes the yard, thinking it needs a good weeding as well as an infusion of new flowers and shrubs. Maybe even a few small trees. Briar knocks on the door and when it immediately swings open, she decides Bill must have been working near the door or had seen her coming up the walk and been standing there anticipating her knock.
Bill grins down at her. "This is a nice surprise. I go for ages without seeing you and now I get the pleasure of your company two days in a row." He stands out of the doorway and makes a come in gesture, "How about the grand tour?"
Briar holds up the cake box she carries in one hand. "Start with the kitchen so I can put this down, all right? You're actually lucky I have something to bring you." Briar laughs, "The Toms, from the potions and notions shop, nearly ate out the whole bakery yesterday."
A short time later, the duo are once more entering Bill's kitchen where he rummages around in a box for two clean plates. Next he locates a knife and some forks. As Briar uses the knife to cut the cake, Bill quickly whips up a pot of hot coffee. After pouring them both a cup, Bill slides into a chair across the table from Briar, asking just before taking a large bite of cake, "So, what do you think of the house?"
Her mouth slowly spreading into a bright grin, Briar doesn't hesitate to tell Bill how much she loves the cottage. She also doesn't hesitate to give a woman's view on things like curtains, wall colors, and where art should be displayed. Briar does not give any thought to the fact that she might be stepping on Adriana's feet. If Adriana really cared she'd have been more involved in helping Bill find a place to live and getting him moved. As far as Briar knows, Adriana had no part in helping Bill nor has she bothered visiting him in her time off from teaching.
"Just how much longer, Briar silently muses, "is it going to take Bill to realize that Adriana is not such a good catch afterall?"
A Thankyou
for Dobby
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 03-30-03 20:24
"Well, Lads!" I exclaim. "That must have been quite a party!" I stand there looking at three overstuffed tummy's, left from yesterday's over-indulgence, and have a great deal of difficulty keeping my face straight. They are all thoroughly repentant for running off and leaving me alone with the shop. They are also a little upset that they missed a visit from the Captain, but they obviously had a good time with Dobby at Briar's Bakery. "That was a very nice thing that Dobby did for you. Would you like to do something nice for him?"
This suggestion is greeted with a chorus of "Uh-Huh's". I step into the storeroom and rummage in one of the latest shipment boxes. I return with a pair of violently-colored, striped toe-socks. "Here's a little something that I believe he might like. After seeing the socks he was wearing at the Quidditch Match, these seem rather tame in comparison. Let's wrap them up and you can take them up to the Castle before lunch." For the next few minutes, we are all busy with finding fancy wrapping paper and a nice ribbon for the package. We are no sooner finished than they set off at a trot to deliver their "Thank-You"
That should run a bit of the fat and sugar out of their systems, I am thinking as I watch them go up the road.
Special Delivery
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 03-31-03 11:36
A rather overburdened owl struggles in through the open window and deposits a large roll of colorful parchment on my desk. He sits there with beak open and wings flared, trying to cool off. I fetch a couple of owl treats from the drawer, which he accepts graciously. He carries these up to a perch near Fawkes while I untie the ribbon holding the heavy bundle. Several poster-sized sheets unroll onto my desk. there is a note clipped to the top one.
Dear Headmaster Dumbledore,
Here are some handbills advertising my forthcoming concert at Hogsmeade. Could you please have these posted where the students will see them? Thanks for your permission and your help in getting things organized. Enclosed are two complementary tickets, for you and your guest.
Thanks, "Electron"
CAPTAIN ELECTRON
AND
THE BOOMERS
IN A
~HIGH VOLTAGE~
CONCERT
DATE: DECEMBER 14, 1996
TIME 3:00 TO 6:00 PM
PLACE: HOGSMEADE
#25 HIGH STREET
TICKETS AT THE DOOR
STUDENTS: 1 GALLEON
ADULTS: 2 GALLEONS
{ONE FREE TEACHER ADMISSION
WITH EACH GROUP OF TEN STUDENTS}
FEATURING THE HOT NEW RELEASE
~SMILE HIGH~
PLUS MANY OF YOUR FAVORITES
INCLUDING
~MARY JANE~ & ~LEAVE ME ALONE~
**REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE**
I tuck the tickets into my top drawer and take a good look at the handbills, then call, "Londy?"
She races from some hidden recess, brushing flour from her hands onto the tea towel she uses for an apron. Apparently she has just come from the kitchens. She brings with her the mouth-watering aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon buns. "Londy is here, Professor!" she pants. "What can she do for you?"
I chuckle as she wipes a white smudge from the tip of her nose. "Would you please take these," I say, pushing the handbills toward the edge of the desk, "and see that they are posted on the information boards of each of the four houses? Also, put one on the table on the second floor landing, and another near the doors to the Great Hall. And, when you're finished, please bring me one of whatever it is that you have been baking. It smells VERY good."
"Londy will do that very quickly, Sir Professor, Sir!" she replies as she grabs the stack and races from the room.
The owl seems to have recovered, and flies out the window with a quick screech of thanks. I decide a cup of tea would go well with my anticipated treat, and set the kettle to boiling with a tap of my want and a whispered "Calientus". As I am turning around, Londy reappears with a plate-full of buns. She sets these on the table by the window and rushes about, setting up the tea. In thanks, I take the lid off the candy dish and offer her a piece of salt water taffy, imported from Coney Island in America. Her eyes light up as she selects one with strawberry flavor... one of her favorites. With a nod of thanks, she races off on her other errands. Meanwhile, I sit down with a steaming cup and a bite of pure heaven!
Getting into
the Swing of Things
Author: Captain Electron
Date: 03-31-03 13:41
Electron got back home - again - just as Hendrix was making his descent from the latest delivery to Hogwarts. Opening the door, Electron let the owl go in first, and followed. The room was filled with the soaring sounds of Freddie's bodhran as he practised, and Hendrix didn't appreciate that at all. He made himself scarce immediately, flying off to Electron's bedroom. Electron had the feeling that if he could slam the door behind him, he would have.
Taking pity on the owl, he gathered up the treats and water bowl, and carried them into the bedroom too, then closed the door.
"Your owl doesn't appreciate good music," Freddie grumbled.
"He doesn't appreciate YOUR music," Electron said, ducking the inevitable flying cushion. "Anyway, the ads are out, and the guy at the bank says it's definitely ok. I gave him one of the flyers because he couldn't spell my name. Next thing we've to do is get that stage fixed up."
"No bother," said Siobhan, who was lounging across the whole sofa. The other two were sitting on either arm. "We'll do it tomorrow."
"OK, whatever..." Electron headed over to the table where he had a huge foolscap with a long list of Things To Do, and crossed off several. It was going well, but time was still marching on and they still had to get the venue presentable, organise the promised refreshments, and most importantly, work out the effects, the stage costumes, the decorations and the order of songs. He sat down and grabbed his Muggle biro, being the first thing to hand, and started scribbling down notes.
My Favorite Curse
Author: Mary
Date: 03-31-03 14:54
Potions, just like any other day. Today, however, Mary could hardly sit still as she was cooking up something especially devious in that twisted little brain of hers.
When the bell rang, she was out in a flash like usual, waiting outside the class for Crispin. This time when Crispin showed up, Mary made no move to walk with him down the hallway. Perplexed, Crispin stopped a few feet away, watching.
Mary leaned against the wall opposite the door to Potions, staring into the classroom. Everyone else from the class had already exited, except for a little Gryffindor who could always be seen with her nose in a Wizards Chess Strategies book. Mary eyed her venomously, hand on her wand under her robes. When she finally exited, Mary struck.
"Locomotor mortis," she called suddenly. Startled, the poor girl lost her balance, smashing into the stone floor of the dungeons. Her things went all over the place and an inkbottle could be heard smashing inside her bag.
Mary let out a high, cold laugh at the exact same time as the girl on the floor began to silently cry. As Mary smiled down at her, pleased with her success, a shadow fell over both first years.
Mary knew it was Snape before she looked up.
Intervention
Author: Severus Snape
Date: 03-31-03 17:54
Relieved that another dull day was nearing its end, Snape slipped into his seat at the Head Table in the Great Hall and helped himself to some supper. He taught five classes of Potions today; five classes of students with questionable intelligence. Dunderheads, the lot of them, he remarked mentally, briefly reliving Colin Creevey's attempts to injure the entire class today by nearly causing the scaldling-hot contents of his cauldron to explode and shower the room like a vulcanic eruption.
Scathingly, his eyes wandered to the Gryffindor table and sought out Mr. Creevey, who sat next to his younger brother; equally unimpressive and accident-prone when it came to Potion-making. Snape noticed that Miss Paul was sitting a few seats over from the Creevey boys, half-heartedly poking at her dinner with a fork in one hand and with one elbow propped up on the table top and her heavy head resting in her open palm.
It wondered Snape how such a little mouse could have been sorted into Gryffindor when she apparently lacked the courage to stand up for herself. His reasoning for these thoughts resulted from an event, which had occurred this morning between Miss Paul and one of his very own, Miss Mary Black.
It had been after their eight o'clock class, while Snape had been putting away his first year lecture notes (something he had long since memorized, but still felt necessary to keep at hand) and preparing for his second years. A shrill cackle had echoed through the corridors of the dungeons and Snape had emerged from the Potions classroom to find Miss Black standing over the prostrate and whimpering body of Miss Paul.
Mary's smug smile remained fixed on her face, even as she looked up to meet the owner of the shadow, which had fallen over both girls. Although decidedly amused, Snape did not return Mary's smile and sternly barked, "What is the meaning of this, Miss Black?"
Her smile disappeared, but she did not lose any of her confidence. "I was just experimenting, Professor," she explained carefully.
Snape's dark eyes swept to the girl on the floor, who was still crying, but who congruently wore a slight look of relief upon her tear-streaked face. "Stand up, Miss Paul," Snape ordered sternly.
Startled, Annie attempted to rise to her feet and only achieved it after great difficulty. Snape smirked inwardly and turned to face the Slytherin girl once more. "Tell me, Miss Black," Snape asked dryly, "for which class is this experiment?"
As innocently as possible, Mary replied, "Oh, it's not for a class, Sir. I was simply satisfying my own curiosity."
With a cock of the head, Snape accepted Mary's answer and once again turned to the quivering Gryffindor girl. He raised his wand, and her swollen eyes grew round and wide. He muttered the counter-curse and her legs sprang apart, causing her to topple over again. Snape tucked his wand back into the folds of his robes and turned back to Mary.
"Miss Black, please refrain from doing such experimentations outside my classroom. Find a more suitable location next time." A slap on the hand, nothing more.
Snape turned to Miss Paul, who had begun to collect up her scattered belongings. "I suggest you learn how to prevent such," Snape paused, "mishaps...from occurring again, Miss Paul." His gaze returned to Mary as he added, "Get to your next class, the both of you."
And with that, he swept passed them and into his classroom.
No harm had been done. Miss Paul escaped a disagreeable experience with little more than a bruised sense of confidence and security. She'd have to learn to stand her ground someday, and the sooner the better. Snape had no desire to see her sniffling at his feet over something so trivial again.
Of course, Snape would always favor the Slytherins over any other House, and should Miss Black succeed in tormenting Miss Paul again...it would be easy to turn a blind eye once more...
A Plan Runnith Through
My Head
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 04-01-03 02:04
I sat at the Gryffindor table and remembered that day's events. I hardly touched my food and was extremely upset...
It was after potions class and I was the last to leave the room. Nose in a wizard's chess book and thoughts elsewhere when it happened, my legs locked together and I fell in front of everyone. When I heard a cackle of some sort, looking around I saw that pale face of the girl who sat near me in potions laughing like Peeves on a good day. I did my best not to cry and won that fight.
Then I heard a BANG as the door to the classroom burst open and Professor Snape came out. That seemed to add insult to injury as she told him what she had done. All he did was smirk and told her to be more careful, then he rounded on me and proceeded to chew me out. I banged my fork on my plate to the stares of other Gryffindors and mutters of "What's her problem?" and "Didn't you hear a Slytherin put a leg locker curse on her and Snape didn't punish the girl who cursed her for it."
I had to agree with some of the others that it was totally unfair and that something should be done about it. I sat there and thought, "Should I stoop to her level and curse her back risking losing 20 points from Gryffindor or should I come up with a plan to get her back and not get caught?" The thoughts ran through my mind and I came up with an idea. I then went back to my meal and ate some with a smile on my face.
Spirited Discussion
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 04-01-03 18:43
Professor Binns is droning on in a coma inducing tone of voice and long before the halfway mark for class is reached, most of the students are face down, drooling on their parchments. Those not passed out are slouched over with glazed looks in their eyes. The only one sitting upright, wide eyed, and taking copious notes is Coco. The young Ravenclaw, her bright blue hair a riotous mass of curls with a lovely bronze (her house's other color) ribbon threaded through them, sits up even straighter as she gets a mischievous gleam in her eye. She's not peppered the good professor with questions in quiet some time. Coco's small hand shoots into the air as she pipes up.
"Perfessor Binns, wuz Fulbert the Fearful thick as two short planks*? How duz ah 83 year old wizard have uh seemin'ly simple defensieve charm backfair on 'im so bad 'is roof caves in, killin' 'im? Were 'is opponent able tah cast sum spell wot caused thangs ta go so bad fer Fulbert? Oi'm askin' coz tha History uv Magic don't be mentionin' who it t'were Fulbert were pipped at tha post* by. Or were 'e truly so cowardly loike tha book saiz that maybe he weren't fightin' nobody ceptin' 'is imagination? Daft as uh brush*...
Coco goes on in this vain for several more minutes, finally allowing Professor Binns to get a word in edgewise. Much to Coco's bemusement, however, Professor Binns seems at a loss for a reply. After several attempts, he simply says, "I shall do further research and get back to you on the subject, Miss Nutt."
Professor Binns, resumes the lecture. Coco lets him ramble on for two whole minutes before interrupting again. Once more her hand pops up and she speaks without waiting to be recognized. "Perfessor Binns, Oi personally wuld find it vastly interestin' iffin you culd tell us more abawt Emeric tha Evil. Loike when did 'e become evil? Were 'e born that way? Did summit bad 'appen when 'e wuz young?..."
The rest of the class time comprises of Coco asking Professor Binns a steady steam of questions. When History of Magic finally comes to an end, Coco hears someone behind her whisper, "It's a good thing Professor Binns takes the Nutt's questions as real interest or else Ravenclaw might be losing points left and right in this class."
Rising from her seat, Coco turns and truthfully says, "Oi'm not pertendin' ta care. Oi really do. Niver hurts tah try an' make ah class more interestin'."
A friendly smile on her face, Coco picks up her bookbag and follows the tide of students out of class.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
thick as two short planks = stupid
pipped at the post = beaten at the last minute
daft as a brush = stupid
The Call Goes Out
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 04-02-03 18:37
With an air of disgust, I toss the latest edition of The Daily Prophet into my waste bin. The Bulgarian Ministry has made no progress in their attempts to recapture Koyla and his associates. Our own British ministry has no leads on whoever murdered that poor Muggle family on Halloween, and then was brazen enough to raise the Dark Mark as if to rub our noses in the mess. Then there was the episode with the kidnapping of Dierna ní Cíaran and young Potter, and my own Granddaughter's demise, earlier this year. We are still unable to locate where Voldemort has set up his new base of operations. There are so many "dark" happenings that I begin to worry. I am thinking it is time to call out the reserves... to gather "The Old Crowd" and see what assistance we can provide.
With fresh parchment and quill, I write:
Dear ___________
As you may have observed, the person who styles himself as "Lord Voldemort" continues to grow in strength. He is gathering many of his former followers and is recruiting new "blood" onto his dark organization. His people commit heinous crimes and then flaunt the fact in our faces. Our Ministry is overburdened and our Aurors are stretched to their limits.
Some seventeen years ago we, "The Old Crowd" as we are now called, were quite effective in putting a damper on the Dark Lord's doings. Some paid with their lives, others with their sanity. But... we brought an end to his reign of terror! I am thinking that some of us might be able to use our past experiences to assist the Ministry Operations.
To any and all of you who might be able to help in some way, I ask that you attend a quiet meeting in my office on Saturday, December 7, at 12:00 noon, sharp. I am also inviting Ms Dierna n’ C’aran, our Chief Auror, to explain the situation and to discuss those areas where help is needed. I have also invited several others who have been "key" players over the years. I think they may also be able to help.
In case you are wondering why I selected this date, I should explain that there is to be a Quidditch Match between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw that day. My thought is that this will provide an excellent excuse for a "sudden" trip to Hogwarts. It's not that I am trying to keep these activities a secret. It is just that, until we can formulate some plans, I should like to keep this as a low-profile operation.
Thank you, one and all,
Albus Dumbledore
I go over the list of names in my head, stacking a blank sheet of parchment on the desk for each one. "Arabella Figg, Mundungus Fletcher, Remus Lup..." (No! Dierna says hes tied up in Transylvania), "Arthur and Molly Weasley, Alaster Moody, Sirius Black," and of course, "Dierna." I place my note on top of the six blank sheets and weight the stack down with the ink well and some nick-nacks from my desk. With my wand, I tap the top sheet at each of the four corners and again in the center, saying, "Duplicatus!" at each stroke. Finished, I separate the copies, address them, and then tie and seal them with red wax. At the Owlery, I send them all off to their proper destinations, then return to my office to await any responses.
Unwanted Visitor
Author: Blossom
Date: 04-02-03 19:20
Blossom, carrying a tray laden with the orders for one of her tables at the deli, is stopped one of the other waitresses. "There's a gentleman at table five asking specifically for you."
"Thanks, Kara. As soon as I get this order out, I'll go out to five."
A moment later Blossom is stepping out of the deli to the outside tables. No sooner does Blossom reach table five when she makes a noise of disgust and spins around, walking quickly away. She ignores the man calling out to her and as she re-enters the building she breezes past Kara, saying in a rush of breath, "I'm sorry but I can't wait on him."
Blossom walks past the deli counter and through the double doors into the kitchen. She continues down a short hallway to the office. Poking her head in she tells her boss, "I'm not feeling very well. Is it okay to leave early? There're only twenty minutes left on my shift."
Mrs. Smythe-Jones looks up from her paperwork, a look of concern on her face. "Of course you may! You do more than your share, Blossom, and everyone knows you're reliable to take on extra work if someone can't make it in. I hope you feel better tomorrow but if you aren't, just send word and I'll readjust the schedule. I think Sandrine owes you a few shifts."
Blossom nods and thanks her boss and hurries out. Passing Kara once more, the other girl asks, "Blossom, is everything all right? That man is at the counter demanding to speak to you."
Blossom replies, "Something," adding in a barely audible voice, "or someone," then resuming her normal tone, "didn't agree with me so I'm leaving early. I didn't want to have to speak to him but if it will get him to leave the deli, then I guess I have to. Then I'm going home. Please pass the word that no one is to give that man my home address. Okay?"
Blossom steps back through the double doors and glares at the man imperiously ordering Sandrine to fetch her. She approaches the man, still glaring daggers at him, and grabs him by the arm. "Stop commanding people about and come with me."
The man smiles smugly at having the opportunity to speak with Blossom but once outside she puts a hand in a stop gesture as he starts to talk. Hands on hips she turns hardened eyes up to his face. "Grandfather, you made it perfectly clear what your expectations for me are. Unless you've changed them and are going to be supportive of all my endeavors, then you go home and leave me be."
"Changed my expectations? You're more daft than I thought, young lady. I came to see if you were ready to make an apology, give up your silly notions, and return home with me. You have duties to see to. I didn't have your address, only the places you've been working so that's why I came to this restaurant. Give me the address and after we're home I'll send someone to pack your things."
"I have no apology to make. I live in London now and love it here. I am not giving up on any of my plans. And, if I'd wanted you to have my home address, I would have sent it to you. Don't bother coming again if all you plan to do is let me know how silly and daft you think I am."
Without another word, Briar apparates away leaving her grandfather flushed with anger and thinking that he'll give her another month or so to get over her fool notions. Then he'll make sure she returns with him and fulfills the responsibilities and duties he's so carefully planned and arranged for her beginning the day she was born.
Lazy Day
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 04-02-03 20:46
Alexis sat casually in the common room with Isolde, Azaelia and Pyrrhus. Since the Quidditch match she had been spending more and more time with them as their secretive meetings dwindled in number.
Alexis was halfway working on some potions, her attention elsewhere. Isolde and Py were entwined as always, and Lia also had a book open on her lap. Alexis and Lia were sharing a bag of bertie bott's every flavor beans, and every once in a while one of them would make a face and mutter the flavor they wish they hadn't come across.
"Awww, sick!" Alexis exclaimed, "I got vomit!" She ripped off a corner of her homework and spit the foul bean into it, her face contorted into a look of utter disgust. Azaelia laughed, "I got blueberry!"
"Lucky." Alexis muttered. She poked around in the bag a bit and offered a brown speckled bean to Lia.
"Try this one!" Alexis said, grinning.
"Sure." she replied sarcastically, grabbing the bean from Alexis and in turn offering it to Isolde. Isolde snatched it from her cousin and threw it across the common room into the fire.
"So..." Said Alexis tentatively, "What else goes in this potion? wormwood?"
"I don't know." Azaelia said shrugging, "wormwood sounds good."
Homework was definitely done for the day.
