| .20 |
[23 May 2012|11:22pm] |
[ Warded Individually to Miriam Strout, Benjy Fenwick and Gemma Patil ]
Good evening,
I'm interested in writing an article detailing the recent wave of Muggleborn firings. Would you consider participating in a brief interview sometime at your leisure within the next week? If you would prefer to be an anonymous source, I fully understand.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ashley Ketteridge
[ /Ward ]
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| .19 |
[12 May 2012|09:09pm] |
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MARLENE.
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| .18 |
[08 May 2012|07:12pm] |
I wanted to thank everyone that donated to my call to help the Muggle Assistance Fund. Together, over 3,000 galleons were raised, and that is absolutely amazing. Thank you to everyone who either lent support or their pocketbooks to help this incredibly vital charity. The complete list of public donors will be made available if you wish to see it.
( Warded to Marlene McKinnon )
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| .17 |
[28 Apr 2012|10:40am] |
[ Warded to Nathan Ketteridge ]
It was you, wasn't it?
[ /Ward ]
[ Warded to Marlene McKinnon ]
I'm sorry; I haven't been avoiding you. I mean, I have, but something's come up with my family and you know how my poker face is. It's not my stuff to tell, and it's bothering me, so.
[ /Ward ]
[ Warded to Victor Ketteridge ]
I think we should shower Nathan and Ophelia with tacos. I can help you make some, if you'd like.
[ /Ward ]
[ Warded to Oscar Ketteridge ]
What do you think about Unforgivables?
[ /Ward ]
[ Warded to Beth Ketteridge ]
Is there anyone I need to beat up for you?
[ /Ward ]
[ Warded to Ophelia Ketteridge ]
I couldn't write this on the owl that's coming your way, so I'll write it here: I'm so excited that you've joined our fammily, Opehlia. I think you're a really good influence on The Smug Git, and I'm proud to call you a sister-in-law. Happy birthday!
[ /Ward ]
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| .16 |
[26 Apr 2012|05:44pm] |
I was excited to see an envelope arrive today inviting me to a Charity Gala. I've donated to the Purple Hats for over ten years now as a way to apologise to Beth for pulling her hair so much as a child and for continuing to be the prettiest Ketteridge. Upon some research, I was surprised to learn of certain omissions to the guest list. Indeed, I found that the inclusion of my own name had been a hotly debated topic, along with those names of several other notable Purebloods.
This left me wondering what the purpose of the charity event could be if the guest list could be so unprecedented. It made me realise how fortunate we are, we meaning Purebloods. I've always known that we were a privileged lot, but now I truly see how fragile our popularity can be.
I would not have arrived at these nuances without the help of the Purple Hats, so thank you, ladies. I can't think of a way to honour you more than to take my annual, traditional donation of 200 Galleons and donate it to the Muggle Assistance Fund, a charity designed to assist in raising the quality of life for muggles who have been heartlessly thrown into our own battles. In particular this charity assists the muggle relatives of witches and wizards in terms of finding housing, food, and other life necessities. It also has an offshoot program for war orphans that is particularly compelling.
After raising the issue with my parents, Hyatt and Diana Ketteridge, they agreed to match my donation with one of their own. The thought came to me - why not broaden this pool, and really show the Purple Hats how influential their thoughtfulness is? I now ask you to consider donating to the Muggle Assistance Fund in the name of the Purple Hats. Together, let's show how vital, kindhearted, and generous witches and wizards of all blood can be.
( List of Donors )
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| .15 |
[20 Apr 2012|06:43pm] |
[ Warded to Catie, Maggie, and Kirk McKinnon ]
All right! So after some poking about, I think the Anguilla property may be the best. Kirk, I know you were wanting Sorrento, but with Leo and all I think we probably need something a little quieter.
Anyway, my parents have friends with a summer house in Anguilla that I think we might be able to use. It's quite nice and it's got all the modern charms and things, and it's definitely nicer than what we could afford. ( Here are some pictures )
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| .14 |
[17 Apr 2012|06:00pm] |
[ Warded Private ]
I shouldn't be disappointed, one way or another. It's a big change, and eight years isn't a terribly long time ago to have lost one's father.
Which is why it's so deeply strange that two years, on the other hand, feels like an eternity. I can barely believe that I first met Marlene two years ago, save the times she threw a "no comment" in my face. Two years is a good length of time, I think, to consider an engagement.
Ugh. If I sound defensive in my head...
I think what bothers me most is that I wasn't even planning on asking Marlene to marry me anytime soon. I wanted a vacation that we could all discuss taking, to surprise Marlene with so she wouldn't have to plan to please everyone at her own expense, already pre-compromised so we'll all have a good time and get to know one another better and function like a unit, and I suppose I thought we already had started to get the hang of being that unit, a little. That my being included wasn't so horrible. Catie's face when she thought--
I hate being self-pitying. Chin up, stop being a berk. Their opinions matter to me. And I can wait until they're okay with it. They were honest with me, and that's what's important.
[ /Ward ]
[ Warded to Oscar, Victor, and Nathan ]
I know it's last-minute, but if you lot want to come by and have a pint, I'll be at the Leaky Cauldron tonight. And I can still kick your arses at pool. This, I'm afraid, is a scientific fact.
[ /Ward ]
( Warded to Kirk, Maggie, and Catie McKinnon )
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| .13 |
[16 Apr 2012|12:43pm] |
[ Warded to Kirk, Catie, and Maggie McKinnon ]
Your mum's birthday is coming up! I wasn't sure what you had planned, but I didn't want to interfere. When do you want her? I can work around you.
Also, I ha have another question to ask you three, but I think it might be better in person.
[ /Ward ]
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| 12. |
[04 Apr 2012|07:18pm] |
[ Warded to Marlene ]
I'll be in earlier than expected.
[ /Ward ]
[ Warded to Friends + Family + McKinnons + Significant Others ]
I know I've been short-tempered this week. Work's been a sore-spot lately. Apparently having a quarter-life crisis in front of your boss isn't a particularly impressive thing to do, but to be fair, I was told that I was too "combative" for the front page, whatever that means. Plenty of cover story writers are aggressive; that's the bloody point of being a g Anyway I'm not going to worry about it. He said that my fluff pieces help get people's minds off the war which is just bullshit because you can't get your mind off the war; the war is everywhere and it's just insulting to think that a cat fashion show can make it all better and I'm not in a position to challenge that. I'd gotten into it with Hookdwinkle last week and was waiting for my one-on-one review today, and it went down like a Lightningspeed 1968, so. I suppose it's good to get everything out in the open air, and I'll just work harder and prove him wrong.
So I'm sorry for being prickly. It's not you.
[ /Ward ]
Hard to believe it's been five years since they passed the Magical Jobs Act. That graffiti the other day was timely, really. I don't care how afraid you are of magical beings; any law that permits an employer to discriminate without justification is an affront to everyone's civil rights, not just the vampires and the werewolves. Even if you don't like them, it's a slippery slope, and one for which we might all eventually suffer.
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| 11. |
[19 Mar 2012|06:15pm] |
I'm taking a flight test later this week after work to qualify for the Civil Air Patrol, and I'm a little nervous. It's been a while since I've done more on a broom than short distances. Has anyone who's taken the test tell me what it's like? Is it difficult? I played Quidditch in school, if it helps.
Spent part of yesterday with Mother, who got very misty when I told her about my trying out. She's always spent a lot of time on philanthropy and whatnot, and was a bit taken aback when I became a nasty-filthy-scurrilous-reporter (not my words). I think I accidentally pleased her to be giving this a try. She's always been very involved in social work; I know that all of us Ketteridges can thank her for giving us a sense of social awareness and justice. So, thanks for everything, Mum! I hope you liked the crepes.
[ Warded to Wei Chang ]
I can't believe I'm about to write this Did you ever decide what you were going to do with that letter that the Order group sent us? I know that we can't put it in the Prophet; Hoodwinkle would have a heart attack, but... were you going to do anything else with it?
[ /Ward ]
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| 10. |
[11 Mar 2012|06:13pm] |
[ Warded to Friends/Family ]
Permit me to be a little self-involved for a minute? I swear I'll stop whinging when I'm done. I think I'm having a quarter-life crisis.
It's this bizarre mixture of ennui and anticipation for something else down the line. I don't know if I'm just paranoid about more attacks after what happened at the offices, or if the "Missing" posters up in Diagon are getting to me. But sometimes it feels like I wanted to be somewhere else by now. By this age, I mean. I wanted to be writing for the front page, or perhaps be a household name or at least thought of as something more permanent than the bloke who's covering the Hogsmeade Flower Show. Not that I'm unhappy about the Flower Show; it's very nice I'm sure. I'm not a complete failure; I've got a place and a steady job and loved ones and all those quantifiable things that people use to gauge their lives, but...
And I'm not looking for compliments or "oh Ashley, you'll succeed at the Prophet!" or anything like that, because yes, I will. I will succeed; I know it's lots of hard work but it'll be worth it. But I was wondering if any of you ever felt like this? Unfulfilled, or... not living up to your potential or something like that?
It's feeling reactive. By the nature of my job, I react to what's happening in the war. I don't want to feel like that in my personal life. I think I'm going to volunteer some time with the Civil Air Patrol. Maybe I've just been too interior-facing, you know?
Okay, whinging done.
[ /Ward ]
Why do cats eat things they really, really shouldn't?
Unrelated: happy birthday to Beth! I've got a present with your name on it, but I think Mum said something about a luncheon or something today? Do I remember that, or am I making it up? Anyway, you'll get it tonight if the possibly-imaginary-luncheon doesn't happen.
...wait, it's like... 6:00pm. Did I miss a luncheon? Cripes.
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| .09 |
[21 Feb 2012|06:05pm] |
[ Warded to Nic Mason ]
Went back to the building yesterday afternoon. I wish I could say that it was just like riding a broomstick, but mostly... it was awful. Everyone's tense. Someone dropped a cup and everyone-- Well. It wasn't good, but I made it through, and so can you if you get the inclination. This is Ashley Ketteridge of "BlaBlaBla" reporting in. [ /Ward ]
[ Warded to Hazel Nott ] Though thy slumber may be deep,
Yet thy spirit shall not sleep;
There are shades which will not vanish,
There are thoughts thou canst not banish;
By a power to thee unknown,
Thou canst never be alone;
Thou art wrapt as with a shroud,
Thou art gather'd in a cloud;
And for ever shalt thou dwell
In the spirit of this spell. I swear I've not hit my head and gone dippy, but I read this bit earlier today and couldn't get it out of my head since. I-- thought it might help you as well.
[ /Ward ]
[ Warded to Marlene McKinnon ]Thank you for last night. I'm sorry I've been so terse.
I need to read more fiction. I've always loved history as a topic but I pass right by anything else. Anyone have any good recommendations? I'll read pretty much anything, but if it helps a great big nerd and love space things. Oh, and anything with magic! Not... you know, real magic. But made-up magic is a great deal of fun.
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| .08 |
[19 Feb 2012|09:03pm] |
Thank you for the well-wishing, everyone. It's appreciated.
Please pray or send good wishes to those still in the hospital, if you will.
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| 07 |
[14 Feb 2012|11:56am] |
I don't often see the use of profanity, but you lot who have grandiose plans to control who I love and who I spend my time with can fuck right off. Marlene and the rest of the McKinnons and Corners are some of the finest people I have the pleasure of knowing. Those of you who think less of me for dating her can speak up now; I don't fancy playing nice when we both know it's a waste of our time.
Victor, I take it back - you can stop lying low now. Nathan, I wish you and Ophelia a fantastic future together.
To those of you affected in the violence last night, my sympathies. I hope it's not as bad as all that in the light of day. Thank you to the DMLE for their swift response, as always.
Happy Valentines Day, Marlene. I love you, even when you bodybind me to a chair so I can't go do my job and pursue a lead.
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| .06 |
[01 Feb 2012|12:08am] |
[ Ketteridges + Marlene ]
I've Doris Crockford at my flat for the time being. She was threatened again and needed a safe place. Victor, please remember to wear trousers while she's about, yeah?
Something big happened. I don't know what, but- look to the papers tomorrow.
[ /Ward ]
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| .05 |
[25 Jan 2012|06:54pm] |
[ Warded to the Ketteridges ]
Victor, wherever you are - come back to the flat immediately. There's been a new Death Eater broadcast and your name was mentioned. The password's been updated to "sepia".
I've got to go to work immediately, and I may be in late. All of you - please be careful.
[ /Ward ]
[ Warded to Wei, Edward and Doris]
My flat's warded to the hilt if you ever need it - password to whisper is "sepia". However, my brother was named as well and considering he lives with me, that might stretch the definition of "safehouse".
What can I do to help?
[ /Ward ]
A list of names. Doesn't that make everyone feel noticed?
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| .04 |
[18 Jan 2012|06:50pm] |
I thought I'd do something non-work related for once in my life. Thank you Mrs. Figg for inspiring me!
( This is Nimoy. )
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| .03 |
[10 Jan 2012|06:31pm] |
[ Warded to Saoirse Finnigan ]
Anything I can do to help - anything. Please let me know.
[ /Ward ]
[ Warded to the Ketteridges ]
I can't imagine what she's going through, losing her husband like that. Her baby can't be more than a year old. And the DMLE's looking into it, sure, but who actually thinks there's anything more happening here than a group of terrorists murdering a Muggle? He was a husband and father, for as foreign as his world is to us. And now...
Do you know how damned lucky we are to have been so untouched by this war? Every pain we've felt has been secondhand. Someone else's to own, ours only to empathize with. Not many families can claim that, these days.
[ /Ward ]
[ Warded to Edgar Bones ]
Hi Edgar! It's your adorable cousin. This is off-the-record, promise, but I thought you might know given your connections. Has there been any whisper how the DMLE's going to step up their game now that the Death Eaters appear to be using the Full Moon curfew in their favour? I know that Full Moons usually employ the hitwizards, but in the light of dark wizards being afoot, to help shorten response time are they going to implement a similarly focused Auror patrol? How will this incident affect DMLE policy? Unofficially.
And just who was working on the hitwizard side? The article didn't mention who found the body...
You're the best!
[ /Ward ]
[ Warded to Oscar Ketteridge ]
Any whisper as to whether this was a random attack via PAT's reaches? I've heard rumours but nothing solid.
[ /Ward ]
[ Warded to Rufus Scrimgeour ]
On the record - any words for the civilians for tonight's Full Moon? Anything they should keep in mind?
[ /Ward ]
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