Covent Gardens, London, England: Madonna and Child
Author: Belladonna
Date: 08-03-02 22:34
Bella slowly got up from the couch and walked upstairs to her bedroom. It hadn't been touched since she'd moved out, although the closet had been refurbished with the latest in both wizarding and Muggle clothes. As she opened the door, she looked out into a starlit forest with fireflies all around and a unicorn drinking by a clear stream. She chuckled, thinking that the play she was missing out on could have been held in that very room, which was the very image of a summer forest and had the same ceiling enchantment as the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Well, where else would one keep a unicorn collection than a forest glade?
She started to walk to the large tree that served as a closet when she noticed that there was a gown on her bed. She walked into the rose covered bower and looked at the large bed that hung by strong honeysuckle vines and rocked her to sleep when the artificial wind blew. It was nice to have a bit of May weather year round, although Izzy's room resembled a tropical beach and Dylan preferred a Russian place room in winter.
It was a pretty robe, she thought, and deep purple satin was quite becoming. The satin slippers in exactly the same shade were a nice touch. Mumma did have nice taste, not to mention expensive enough to include a choker of black pearls with a silver and amethyst pendant. Well, quite nice, by any standard.
Bella quickly dressed and sat down on a wicker stool that was hidden by morning glories and combed her hair in front of the vanity that itself had been covered, leaving only the mirror visible. It was pleasant and the night air smelled of flowers. As she combed her hair, she studied the image reflected----beautiful, but sad and maybe more than a little stubborn and difficult. Still, red lipstick hid a multitude of sins, as said Izzy and Mumma before her.
As if thinking summoned the person thought about, Bella smelled her mother's perfume and smiled. Lady Stella always smelled of Italy---hot, humid, flowery, and something else.
"I'm getting ready, Mumma. Promise. Took forever to scrub the paint from doing the place cards off my hands. Will they do? I thought it was highly amusing to incorporate people's personality into the drawings on them I did. Gave me an excuse to watercolour anyway."
"Works of art, and I might as well just let everyone take them home. They'll want to anyway and you're so clever and talented to be able to do that. My daughter is perfect, and always makes me proud, no matter what. Your father and I couldn't be more delighted with the way you turned out."
"Don't be silly. I have a job teaching and there's currently no man in sight. The elocution, etiquette, dance, and protocol were all wasted, not to mention the tutors you hired every summer. Absolute waste. I feel trapped between two worlds and don't know which I belong to. I'm so out of the Hogwarts' loop."
Lady Stella suddenly got this odd look on her face. Really, that's what her daughter thought? No wonder poor Bella seemed the way she did. Well, that needed to change.
"You think you're a waste? Darling, you're beautiful and graceful as my mother, not to mention as elegant as I am and as clever as your father. We love you so much. I just worry that you have no one to take care of you and want to see you happy and settled. Okay, so I pushed you quite a bit with that short Weasley chap, but I did it because I want you to be happy."
She kissed her daughter before slipping something around her slender neck and picking up Bella's hairbrush and brushing out Bella's long black hair.
"I used to do this when you were a child, remember? Isabella was always too independent to let me do it to her, but you were different. I'd brush your hair for hours, and you'd confide everything to me. So innocent and trusting, although I don't think so much has changed.
You're one of those damned della Rosa women, who fall madly in love and end up being difficult and helpless. Stubborn too. I think you spent too much time around your Nonna and I for your own good and that you listened to Isabella too much. Playing games may come easy to her, but I think you break too easily and are too emotional for that. Be sweet and open, and Prince Charming will come. I promise."
She smiled at the reflection in the mirror after pinning up her daughter's hair with diamond clips---two dark-haired pale women, with almost identical features except for Bella's smile and blue eyes, which were clearly Sir Anthony's in feminine form. She touched the longer necklace her daughter wore and for the first time Bella noticed it.
"Isn't it lovely, cara? I know how much you love unicorns, so I asked the jeweler if he couldn't carve one out of a large diamond and invisibly set it. Do be careful, as the chain's so thin. Your father and I thought that the unicorn should be the focal point, although I do love platinum.
Plus, I thought you could use help, so there are angel tears sealed inside. Sovereign remedy against evil and a charm for good luck, provided the wearer has a pure heart. You're a lock for it working. We bought it after you stopped wearing that crystal thing, but never found the time to give it to you.
Darling, finish getting ready and I will too. The guests arrive in half an hour and I expect you to join your father and I in greeting them. Just a small number are coming----only fifty. Don't worry, you'll enjoy your seating and the menu is quite an event."
Lady Stella, a vision in peacock and gold, kissed her daughter and walked out of the bedroom, or glade, depending on how one wished to view it.
"Oh, and darling, do try to be lively and charming. There will be young men there tonight and parents of young men. You may not be ready to marry now, but who knows. At the very least, you may find someone to go clubbing with. Oh, and eat more. You're still too thin."
Bella laughed at her departing mother as she tossed an opera length glove, playfully. Some things would never change, no matter what.
"Don't even, Mumma! I may not marry until after forty and it would serve you right."
The laughter rang forth before Bella heard the door slam and she reapplied her lipstick.
Admiring Bottom
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 08-04-02 09:20
Backstage, the happy fairies quietly congratulated themselves on a show well-done. Their last scene had been in the beginning of Act IV, and now all they could do was wait for the act to conclude and Act V to begin before all taking to the stage for the curtain call.
Bronwyn stood in the wings, careful not to get in anyone's way. George, Fred, and Samantha had just left the stage while Hunter, Angelina, and Neo took to the stage for the first time since the beginning of the play. After a few stanzas, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Australia finally woke up and joined the brief conversation, only to be left alone on stage with the sleeping Toby.
Soon, they too left the stage, leaving Toby to awake on his own. Bronwyn smiled as she watched him sit up and stifle a yawn, his back arched and his arms stretching high into the air. Suddenly he began to speak, clearly enunciating each line to be sure that the audience understood every word. When he was finished, he stood and exited the stage, smiling warmly at Bronwyn as he slipped into the wings.
There was hardly enough time for words, because soon most of the other tradesmen were shuffling on stage for the start of Act IV Scene II.
"Have you sent to Bottom's house? Is he come home yet?" asked Orlando as Quince, the Carpenter.
The questioning went on for a while, and in the wings, Bronwyn flashed Toby a pleasant smile and reached for his hand, giving it an affectionate squeeze.
Prote entered the stage next, announcing that the Duke was coming. Meanwhile, Toby pressed his lips to Bronwyn's forehead before entering the stage as well to finish up the scene.
Wild Rat Chase
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 08-04-02 20:03
I leave Bristol after learning that Wormtail has escaped Bristol with the help of two death eaters. They tell me that they are not sure where he is right now. Soon after an owl from Dierna arrives telling me she is getting ready to take on the one who kidnapped Tennille Dumbledore, Dumbledore's granddaughter, and has been breaking into her house and office. It also tells me of Wormtail's whereabouts.
Moth Flutters
Around Backstage
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 08-04-02 20:59
Ginny fairly prances around backstage, happy to have gotten through her part without any mistakes. When she'd been out there for the last portion of the play in which her character Moth appears, Ginny had seen Prescott glowing at her, Bill and Charlie beaming, and farther to the back and side her parents smiling proudly.
Now that she's done performing, Ginny can stand in the wings watching the rest of the play or hover around backstage talking. One thing is for certain though, Ginny is definitely looking forward to the cast party with the other play performers, those who worked behind the scenes, and the family of the cast members. Also, what Ron doesn't know is that since it's his birthday, there'll be a cake there for him as well. Ginny can't wait! And she really hopes Colin Creevey gets more great pictures at the party. She'd love one of Prescott and her family with her in her fairy costume
C_____ Gardens,
London, England: Candlelight
Author: Belladonna
Date: 08-04-02 21:37
Dinner could have been worse. The menu was faultless, as usual. Lady Stella entertained well and never skimped on anything. An invitation for her table was as highly sought as....well, Bella just couldn't come up with a comparison, especially after the lights were dimmed and the room seemed to glow with all the candles. The arrangements of fresh flowers on the tables and the two footmen for each chair had to be the height of elegance.
The dishes were always served on splendid platinum rimmed white china with the family crest embossed in the middle and eaten with platinum flatware that had been made by dwarven jewelers renown for their skill. Well, they had been 500 or years ago when the settings had been ordered. Still, it was pleasant to have something with that much tradition.
The classical orchestra would play Chopin and the dinner would progress. Having been chased out of the kitchen around lunch after snooping in various pots and pans, the menu was clear. First, honey mango glazed chicken with spicy vegetable noodles and herb Tuile as an appetizer. Then, a main course of grilled salmon fillet Mignon, served with oven seared Portobello mushrooms, tomato shallot fondue, baby vegetables and balsamic reduction. For salads, marinated fresh mozzarella, roasted artichokes and basil tomatoes, and salad of Mache and Arugula with a lovely lemon Oregano dressing. Of course, dessert would be incredible. She could taste the strawberries and cream now, not to mention the Devonshire sauce, the Brandy Snaps shortbread, and the honey nougat chocolate fudge.
The fifteen or so wines that would be served were a mystery, so to speak. She knew they'd be vintage and well-chosen, but not even the country of origin. That would be a surprise when she sat down.
Finally, all the guests had been gathered in, the chairs pulled out, and the dinner began. Lady Stella had been right about not having anyone upsetting her at table. She was in between Dylan and Lucian, so it was clear that she could relax and not bother making small talk. It would be quite a pleasant time and the conversation would be delightful.
She held out the wine glass to be filled before spreading a linen napkin across her lap and taking a sip of the glass. Oh, delightful!
"Dyls, Tuscan?"
"Nope, seems like a nice Bordeaux. God, this is premo! Wonder if I can liberate a bottle from the cellar before I go home. Look out, here comes the first course. She is incuding those rolls with the honey butter?"
"Think so. Just try not to eat too much...."
All Good Things
Come to an End
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 08-06-02 19:31
The various members of the Greek nobility were together on stage, preparing to watch the tradesmen begin the performance of their play. It was currently Act 5, Scene 1 of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which was, in fact, also the end of the play.
Jelica as the Master of Revels to Theseus known as Philostrate, made the opening announcement and soon the play within the play began. While Orlando, Prote, Toby, Seamus, Jet, and Brett were acting out the various parts, Hunter, Angelina, Harry, and Ron made some commentary. Although Hermione and Australia were also present on stage, they had no more lines to give.
The play within the play carried on, and finally, after two dramatic death scenes, everyone departed from the stage. George soon entered, followed by Fred and Samantha. The pair danced and sang for a short while, before leaving George to give the final monologue.
"If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber'd here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend:
if you pardon, we will mend:
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call;
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends."
Silence fell upon the stage for a few, long seconds as George stood with a lone spotlight shining over him. Then, the clapping and cheering from the audience began. Douglas let the curtain fall and Professor Fairchild ushered everyone on stage. When the curtain was drawn open again, the audience saw a long line of students with hands clutched together and faces glowing from a range of emotions such as excitement, relief, modesty, and even embarrassment. There was no denying that not everyone enjoyed the play. Boos and catcalls could be heard from some of the Slytherins, but for the most part, the play had been a complete success.
Adriana wanted to make sure that everyone who had participated in the play got the recognition he or she deserved. Douglas, the main stagehand, Nessiah, the costume designer, and Lee, the assistant director were all urged on stage. They clasped hands and smiled at the audience, and then joined the rest of the line. The brilliantly dressed fairies were pushed forward, too, and they bowed and curtsied before returning to the main line. The tradesmen went next, followed by Neo, Jelica, Hunter, and Angelina. Bowing and blowing kisses in a most elaborate manner, George, Fred, and Sammi approached the front next, finally followed by Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Australia. The majority of the audience was on its feet by now, loudly praising the young actors. Any rude remarks made by the Slytherins were droned out by the positive enthusiasm from the crowd.
Hermione felt her cheeks grow warm, and when she looked over to the other three, she noticed that they, too, were blushing. They remained up front for what felt like an eternity, but soon they fell back in the line. Lee pushed Professor Fairchild to the front, where a dozen roses were thrust into her arms.
A Service
to Severus
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 08-06-02 21:11
After the end of the play I make my way to find Severus. I find him in the Great Hall.
"Hello, Severus. I could say this is what you get for refusing help, but I don't think that will accomplish much. I can still do that spell for you, if you change your mind. Also, if it makes you feel better, I'll promise not to tell anyone. I have not come to harass you about that anymore. I have come for advice."
I explain about the person getting by my charm at home and stealing my manuscripts, about my stolen books and the captured of Dumbledore's granddaughter.
"I am going to find and confront whoever did this. I want to know if you know anyone capable of such advanced magic. Also, what advice can you give me."
I don't really expect him to cooperate, but I want to ask anyway. After all, he just may decide to help me this once.
Exit, Stage
Left
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 08-06-02 22:55
Briar stands with the majority of the audience clapping and cheering with vigor as the play ends. She finds herself clapping less energetically when Adriana appears but Bill and Charlie are both so focused on the stage that neither notice. Not that Briar thinks they'd ask why her clapping's tapering off. It's just that since Bill's return, Briar has been extremely conscious of avoiding reasons for Bill to confront her concerning Adriana.
After the young actors and actresses have made their last curtain call, the Great Hall suddenly shimmered in the glow of hundreds of magically lit candles. Briar, never having been inside the school before, was in awe earlier when entering the dimly lit room. Seeing it now, in full light, she thinks her first assessment of its wonder was vastly underrated.
Most of the students exit the hall but those in the play, their family members and friends, as well as many of the faculty members stay behind for a party. Bill with a parting smile heads straight to Adriana. In the meantime, Charlie explains that it's a cast party but since today is his brother Ron's birthday, there will be a cake for him as well. Briar nods and sticks close to her date for the next little while.
The students who were in the play for the most part all look familiar to Briar and even most of the teacher's faces are ones Briar has seen around Hogsmeade and even in her shop. Despite this though, and despite being there with a friend, Briar feels very uncomfortable, as if she doesn't belong. Why? That's a good question and one for which she has no answer at the moment.
Not wanting to spoil Charlie's fun and time with his family, Briar tells him she needs to get home but urges him to stay. He starts to argue about walking her but Briar stands firm and insists Charlie stay. Without a word to anyone else, Briar slips out of the castle and makes her way to town. As she walks Briar thinks about a number of things.
First there is Adriana. Briar knows that at some point she'll be in a position where it's tell Bill why she's not all that fond of the other woman and risk making him angry or remain silent and risk alienating him by refusing to talk to him on the subject. Either way, it's a lose-lose proposition as far as Briar's concerned but one that will have to be faced in time.
Second and third are Bill and Charlie. Bill's disappearance and return confirmed for Briar that she's got very deep feelings for him. Now that she knows Charlie fairly well, Briar knows she's got feelings for him as well. She loves them both in different ways but while it is love to her it all seems more like the love one has for brothers. Or, for the very good friends that they are. Bill is someone she trusts more than anyone living and Briar's fairly certain she could trust Charlie as much.
Next also concerns men. While Bill and Charlie are men they are also just very brotherly friends. There are many days when Briar yearns for something more. The big question is whether Julian is really offering what Briar desires or if he's just being the charming flirt he always was while not actually wanting anything more than a casual fling. Or worse, a conquest. Briar doesn't really want to consider the two latter prospects. Not about someone she's been in love with practically since she was born. As long as she keeps dancing around things with Julian, she'll never find out.
By the time Briar reaches her apartment and is crawling into bed, she's made a decision about Julian. This endless loop of dating - angry at each other - just friends - dating - angry with each other has got to stop. While being just friends is all right, Briar already is just friends with two great guys. She's hates it when she and Julian aren't on friendly terms at all, even though some of her reasons for being upset with him have been very valid. Without question, Briar would much rather be dating Julian. Now to just let him know she's willing to make another go of it. Her last thoughts as she falls asleep are of talking to Julian the first chance she gets.
