Lightning Strikes But Once

When you are in trouble, people who call to sympathize are really looking for the particulars.

~Edgar Watson Howe, Country Town Sayings, 1911

Wednesday, November 22nd

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One last delicious dish to share with you today, dear listeners.

After her sudden and mysterious disappearance a year ago, the delicate flower and socialite Pansy Parkinson has returned. One has to wonder what could have drawn her back.

Or who.

My sources tell me this perfect Pansy has been spreading her petals for not one but two of Hogsmeade's hunkiest catches. Men who were supposedly already off the market, at least as far as their girlfriend and fiance - yes, fiance - were probably concerned.

These two tasty testosterone packed men fought over her on Monday at the Phoenix according to eye witnesses. The photos are to die for. Not as gorgeous as the Streak, but still something to warm my -

RITA!

What? I was going to say heart. We can talk about warming something else later, Zeke, now run along. Rita's working.

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Experience is a dear teacher,
but fools will learn at no other.
~ Benjamin Franklin
Tuesday, August 29th ~ Evening

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The Great Hall has once again been temporarily revamped. The long student tables have been removed and round ones accompanied by comfortable dining chairs have taken their place. They dot the floor under the enchanted ceiling, the soft ivory tone of the linen covering the table tops invite you to sit and enjoy yourself.

It's been a year since the re-dedication ceremony and six years since the Dark Lord was finally defeated. This is an evening for reflection, celebration and if Minerva will allow it, more than a few glasses of good wine with friends, both old and new.

It's Not Official Until You're Huddled In The Corner Eating Your Hair.
Thursday, August 17th ~ Evening

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Gabrielle knocked and eyed the door in front of her not unlike the way one would view a wild creature. Not that she was afraid of her sister - but well she didn't really want to go in but according to the letter she had found waiting for her when she had returned from her conveniently timed buying trip - not that she was avoiding the issue but she totally was - she really needed to find out what was going on. She'd left her bags - and the obnoxiously large basket of biscuits she'd found for Bill laying on the floor and it really was a good thing she'd never gotten a pet other than her owl and she was fairly certain he wouldn't eat them - upon reading Bill's letter. Apparently her sister had gotten involved with the Fae - AKA, according to Luna "The Bad People" - and had nearly been taken along with the ones they did take?

It was a bit confusing.

So much for her plans of dinner and a bath.

“I'm lost in the middle of my birthday.
I want my friends, their touch, with the earth's last love.
I will take life's final offering,
I will take the last human blessing.”
~Rabindranath Tagore
Friday, August 11th ~ Morning

She was rarely left alone and grateful for it. Alone meant worry and thoughts and that still unsettling feeling that part of her, something untouched by Finvar, had wanted to leave with the Fae that night. It was that same part of her that had convinced her that Paris was a good idea, that anywhere but 'home' was a better place to be. It appeared in doubt and stress, when life took a dip out of happy and pleasant and Ginny felt weak for it.

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Experience is not what happens to you. It is what you do with what happens to you.

Monday, August 7 ~ Late Evening

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The nearly full moon illuminated the village of Hogsmeade casting a somewhat eery glow over the buildings and the slim figure of a silvery blonde walking the streets. Her eyes were blank, and her face empty save for the soft smile on her lips. She hummed softly as her heels clicked steadily against the pavement, and somewhere behind her the briefcase she had dropped outside her home fell over under the breeze, forgotten. There was nothing more important than getting to Hogwarts to visit the high King and Queen of the Fae.

Her King and Queen.

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The man that won you
Has gone off and undone you
The great beginning
Has seen it's final inning
Don't know what happened
It's all a crazy game
Saturday, August 5 .::. Morning

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The Stigg's gamboling was ever amusing, but at last Maev had sent her Fool away, to vex the poltergeist at the castle or be coddled by the maternal women in town or prank the mortals at will, the Queen cared not.

A report from the palace seneschal had come through the well that morning. Maev read his estimation of Summer's doings in their absence and lost herself in thought.

Even if all goes awry, still we profit.

A sprite announcing a visitor ended her reverie.

What new morsel comes forth to place itself in our trap?

Uncomfortable reunion, take two.
Saturday, July 22 -- Early Afternoon

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It had been harder than he'd expected to figure out where Fleur was staying. Somehow he'd just sort of thought that information would be obvious once he went looking for it, but it's not as if he could have asked Gabby or Dad - who knew what insane theory Arthur would have come up with - and sending an owl to Fleur's mother...

Bill shuddered at the thought.

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When I got to the garden party, they all knew my name
Friday, July 7th ~ Afternoon

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The grounds of Hogwarts had never looked better. Pomona Sprout was in heaven.

The hedges had been trimmed and were bristling with pride, the songflowers were trilling softly in the breeze, the creeping vines had twined up onto the tables and were gently offering passersby cups of punch or tiny trays of appetizers.

She had never once in her life doubted that Hogwarts was fit to receive royalty, but to have it confirmed ... Oh! She nearly glowed.

The guest list had grown a bit in the planning. It was a once in a lifetime event, after all, to see the faerie-people and of course to see the castle grounds in the summer. Luckily, Minerva hadn't seemed to mind.

Everything, thought Madame Sprout as she looked around the mingling crowd, was simply perfect.

"Come Into My Parlor," Said The Fae To The Veela.
Friday, June 30th ~ Afternoon

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Despite the words Finvar had given Ginevra, patience with his servants was not something he had in abundance. They were expected to supply the results he desired, quickly. In this instance, Vasily's prior assignment had more weight, but it still did not please him that he'd had to send Stigg to learn more of the second Delacour.

All will be well, but I am uneasy. Stigg's need for mischeif will be overpowering soon. Something must be found to allow it release.

Pay no mind to taunts or advances, I'm going to take my chances on everyday.
Monday, June 26th ~ Mid-Morning

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