The Last Station

Who: Ernie & anyone
What: A few drinks to celebrate the anniversary of one's birth
When: Wednesday evening
Where: The Three Broomsticks
Rating: Low?
Status: On-going

Ernie had never been one to make a big deal out of his birthday. To him, it was worth noting that he'd made it through another year, but he was content to keep it to a quiet night. He suspected this was in part due to his upbringing and the way his parents instilled the values of putting others first - he wouldn't necessarily call having a birthday part selfish, but it just never felt right to him. That said, he could handle letting others celebrate with him since he'd also learned that birthday parties (even small, unstructured ones like he preferred for himself) were often just as much about the celebrants as the one being celebrated.

He'd finished planning out his final lessons for the rest of the term - a huge stress off of his mind - and wandered over to The Three Broomsticks. He grabbed a table near the middle of the room. He'd no illusions that there would be lines out the door, but he wanted the flexibility to include whomever might decide to drop by. He ordered himself a drink and settled in, quietly toasting to another year before anyone else showed up.

Separate owls sent to Ernie Macmillan, Maxwell Derrick, and Hermione Granger and copied to Lisa

Professors (and Professors-to-be),

A colleague and I have a project we were hoping your expertise and guidance might help bring to completion. Would you be free for dinner on the 13th?

Sincerely,
Dan

Who: Everyone who received an invitation and their plus-ones, plus anyone who might be in the Three Broomsticks or around in the village.
Where: Fromage, the Three Broomsticks, & Hogsmeade Village
When: Forward-dated to Friday, March 28, evening
What: Birthday shenanigans!
Rating: TBD
Status: Ongoing

--

Cormac's birthday was Thursday and James' birthday was Saturday, so it was a given that their birthday party would be held on the day in the middle, After choosing a three piece suit, it was time to make his way over to the restaurant and get ready for the big night!

Who: Ernie & Ilia
What: A tour of Ilia's farm
When: Saturday morning
Where: The farm, outside of Hogsmeade
Rating: Low?
Status: On-going

Ernie had woken way earlier than necessary, a quiet excitement not allowing him to go back to sleep. He'd used the time to read through another stack of essays and then threw on a t-shirt and jeans, heeding Ilia's instructions not to wear anything too nice. Not wanting to seem too eager, he left his flat with enough time to get to the farm about 5 minutes before he was expected, calling out when he reached the property (he assumed it was the right one). "Hello? Ilia?"

From: James Cadwallader & Cormac McLaggen
To: Hannah Abbott, Katie Bell, Susan Bones, Dan Bradley, Lavender Brown, Cho Chang, Ritchie Coote, Roger Davies, Emma Dobbs, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Victoria Frobisher, Hermione Granger, Wayne Hopkins, Angelina Johnson, Megan Jones, Aidan Lynch, Andrew Kirke, Viktor Krum, Ernie Macmillan, Jimmy Peakes, Zacharias Smith, Jack Sloper, Lucy Spinks, Alicia Spinnet, Sebastien Summerby, Lisa Turpin, Romilda Vane, Myron Wagtail, Oliver Wood


RSVP to either James or Cormac by March 26.
Plus-ones welcome.

Who: Ernie & Ilia
What: A tour of the village, starting at the Magic Neep
When: Sunday evening, shortly after sundown
Where: Hogsmeade
Rating: Low, I'm guessing?
Status: On-going

Ernie had been looking forward to this tour since they had made the plan. He didn't know much about Ilia, but there was something about the man that intrigued Ernie and he wanted to get to know him better. He'd resisted the urge to look things up. He knew Ilia had played Quidditch with some level of success, so there had to be information in media archives somewhere. But he reasoned to himself that it would be more honest to let Ilia tell him what he wanted him to know in his own time. And it certainly didn't seem fair that he could find all about Ilia's background while a similar amount of information about Ernie's own life and background was not as readily available.

He arrived at the Magic Neep just before sundown, waiting outside for Ilia to arrive.

Who: Ernie & Theodore
What: Discussing a plan to undo the wards on the Nott property
When: Thursday evening (backdated)
Where: The Hog's Head
Rating: Medium (potential mentions of graphic dark magic)
Status: On-going

Ernie arrived at The Hog's Head much earlier than he was expected. He set the parchment on a small table in the corner and tried not to look at it. His research had turned up something that was not uncommonly used around the time he suspected the wards were initially placed. He'd copied some notes on it and detailed instructions for removing the ward. The copying had been partly so he didn't have to seek permission to remove the book from the Hogwarts library, but also because there was a part of him that wanted to just hand the instructions over and walk away. This wasn't the type of magic he was interested in learning too much more about. At the same time, though, he'd committed himself to helping and his research might be useful knowledge if he found himself facing any similar dark magic in the future. He ordered a drink and sat back in his chair waiting for Theodore to arrive.

Theodore,

As we discussed yesterday, I was able to remove several of the less complex wards and charms from your family's property. There are still a number of older and very powerful enchantments that will take me some time to research.

I have identified the wards surrounding the garden and can easily dispatch those this weekend. I am slightly concerned about one of the wards protecting the property's perimeter, however, as it appears to be particularly dark in nature and my research keeps pulling me in a singular direction. Is there a chance that any of your ancestors may have practiced or even dabbled in blood magic? It seems we may be looking at something of that magnitude.

I will continue through my notes this week and let you know if I develop any additional theories.

Sincerely,
Ernie Macmillan

WHO | Mandy Brocklehurst, Millicent Bulstrode, Serena Capper, Asher Chambers, Cho Chang, Tracey Davis, Julian Dorny, Marcus Flint, Ernie Macmillan, Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, Adrian Pucey, Alicia Spinnet, Sebastien Summerby, Caleb Warrington, Oliver Wood, and the newlyweds. Plus-ones welcome.
WHEN | Monday, February 3 at 8:00 p.m.
WHERE | Grace (London, England).
WHAT | A celebration of marriage among friends.
RATING | TBD. Presumably low to moderate.
STATUS | Ongoing.

Despite its new status within the city of London, Grace was a hard-sought seating. Its chef and creator was a vivacious young woman with a son Violet's age, and Merrill knew her through the arts classes both their little ones took. The chef's table that evening was her wedding gift to Merrill and Roger, and it was as handsome as the small plates that followed.

WHO | Ernie Macmillan and Ilia Zograf.
WHEN | The early evening of Friday, January 31.
WHERE | The Magic Neep (Hogsmeade).
WHAT | A first meeting.
RATING | Low.
STATUS | Ongoing.

Perhaps it was to be expected that The Magic Neep was near silent on a Friday evening. But even in winter, when Ilia's bees slumbered and fewer crops required tending, the farm was sufficient to keep Ilia occupied. There were renovations to be seen to and spring sowing to plan, but Ilia needed to eat too.

Owls sent to Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, Millicent Bulstrode, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Daphne Greengrass, Wayne Hopkins, Megan Jones, Ernie Macmillan, Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, Pansy Parkinson, Adrian Pucey, Orla Quirke, Lucy Spinks, Sebastien Summerby, Merrill Urquhart, Caleb Warrington, Blaise Zabini

Who: Theodore and Ernie
What: Discussing Ernie's Charms
When: 7pm Monday
Where: The Hog's Head
Rating: Low
Status: Ongoing

In truth, The Hog's Head left little to be desired, but it did have the advantage of being empty most nights that Theodore was assured of some semblance of privacy when he scheduled a meeting with Ernie Macmillan. He didn't have much knowledge about him, outside of a few comments by Merry regarding his Charms work, some mentions from Draco about his teaching job at Hogwarts, and a vague memory of him in seventh year. Ordinarily that would have put Theodore on edge, especially given his desire to get something done with discretion, but Macmillan was a Hufflepuff-- in Theodore's opinion the most trustworthy house of the lot-- and Theodore, for the most part, no longer gave a damn who thought what about him or his actions.

Who: Ernie & Merrill
What: A visit
When: Friday, Late afternoon
Where: 19 Main Street
Rating: SFW?
Status: Ongoing

Ernie was glad when he finished his last class for the day. He was looking forward to dropping in and checking on Merrill. From all reports, he was doing fine, but it was one thing to hear and another to see. As soon as the lesson finished, he was on his way down to the village and within a matter of minutes was standing outside the door of Merrill's home. He had already worked out a way to check on the heating charms as Roger had asked, and he figured it would be plan enough to not let his friend know what exactly he was up to. He didn't feel bad about being marginally deceitful as it wasn't the motivation for his visit, just something he could easily accomplish while he was there.

He reached up and knocked on the door, waiting patiently for an answer.

Owls to Ms. H. Abbott, Ms. M. Bulstrode, Mr. J. Cadwallader, Mr. J. Finch-Fletchley, Mr. W. Hopkins, Ms. M. Jones, Mr. E. Macmillan, Ms. I. Moon, Mr. Z. Smith, Ms. L. Spinks, and Mr. S. Summerby.

The below owl is sent to Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Wayne Hopkins, Megan Jones, Ernie Macmillan, Zacharias Smith, Lucy Spinks, Sebastien Summerby.

Hi badgers and kits,

Now that we've amassed quite the congregation in this sleepy, snowy village, I've decided to throw a joint housewarming/Hufflepuff gathering at my flat. I eagerly await your presence at 23 High Street, #303, at 11AM Sunday 12 January for a potluck brunch.

I'll supply my famous eggs a la James (they're delicious!), bacon rashers, and heaps of buttered toast. You bring the rest. I don't care if you make it, buy it at the Magic Neep ready-made, etc. as long as you bring something tasty!

I'd love to host your favourite plus-one as well. Just let me know once you RSVP.

Cuddles,
James

--

The below owl, pinned to a duplicate James made of the above letter, is sent to Cho Chang.

Cho,

Would you like to join me and my housemates for a brunch housewarming at my flat on Sunday?

James

Well, well, professor. I wouldn't have chosen you for a switch.

Owls to Susan Bones, Dan Bradley, Millicent Bulstrode, Roger Davies, Tracey Davis, Julian Dorny, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Marcus Flint, Wayne Hopkins, Megan Jones, Luna Lovegood, Ernie Macmillan, Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, Orla Quirke, Lucy Spinks, Alicia Spinnet, Sebastien Summerby, Lisa Turpin, and Merrill Urquhart

Each owl delivers the below invitation, then patiently awaits a response:

Who: Caleb and OPEN
Where: 23 High Street, #401
When: Christmas evening
What: Caleb is bored and doesn't like family time.
Rating: SFW
Status: Ongoing

--

Perhaps he was being a holiday spoilsport, but Caleb was grateful to excuse himself from his mother's and return home to Hogsmeade. Christmas had been all right, nothing eventful had happened anyway, but spending time with his mum while she waxed poetically about his imprisoned father could grow tiring.

He wasn't sure if anyone would really come over, but once he finished his journal entry he made sure his wards were down and took a seat on his couch. Caleb then turned the wireless on before he propped his feet up on the coffee table and opened a beer and a book.

Owl to Millicent Bulstrode
The owl carries a series of coffees that, while non-alcoholic, taste precisely like Millicent’s favorite liquors. It also delivers a bottle of Italian perfume for Althea.

For those moments when you’ve no choice but to be sober in this village. Happy Christmas to you both, love.

Owl to Cho Chang
The owl carries a single unflattering photograph of Roger. It also delivers a beribboned basket of Italian bubble bath and hand and foot cream.

A spot of Christmas bribery for you. Enjoy the holiday!

Owl to Tracey Davis
The owl carries confirmation of Gladrags Wizardwear’s participation in the 2006 Milan Magical Fashion Week.

You’d best begin working on that line, love. Happy Christmas.

Owl to Julian Dorny
The owl carries an appointment card for a personal fitting and two suits at Dolce and Gabbana.

You're far too handsome for that suit you favor. Happy Christmas, mate.

Owl to Ernie MacMillan
The owl carries a trio of quills-- one for dictation, one for grading (that writes common professor-ly phrases upon verbal command), and one that scribes filthy messages to handsome men (and nothing beside).

Happy Christmas, professor. Put the black quill to good use, yeah?

Owl to Theodore Nott
The owl carries a basket of magical and Muggle sexual aids, including massage oil and the like.

I do hope you continue to put your honeymoon to good use.

Owl to Alicia Spinnet
The owl carries a collection of faerie stories for Isla and for Alicia, a moving picture album of Julian as a school child.

Happy Christmas, love. Do be certain to torment Julian for me.

Gifts for Alicia, Dan, Emma, Ernie, Ginny, Lavender, Neville, Oliver and Romilda.

( We'll be singing Christmas songs )