Hogsmeade was open again for the students. Great. Samuel had been running this place long enough, so it was just another day of wiping the dust and cobwebs from the glasses. He muttered to himself on how more often the bottles have been needing to be cleaned lately. Too much effort if there weren't enough older folks stopping by every now and now.

After visiting the Hebridean Black dragon, the young, but tired dragonologist made a quick stop at Hogsmeade to get a drink, and probably something nice to eat. The first thing that came to mind was the Hog’s Head. It’s that pub where most students don’t visit during their Hogsmeade weekend, and the young adult was sure that he can get a little bit of peace and quiet while the students roam about the area.

As Mordred entered the place, he was pleased to see that he was the only client. Only, why is the shopkeeper cleaning at this hour? Minding his own business, the young dragonologist sat at the bar, and cleared his throat to get the shopkeeper’s attention.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordred

After visiting the Hebridean Black dragon, the young, but tired dragonologist made a quick stop at Hogsmeade to get a drink, and probably something nice to eat. The first thing that came to mind was the Hog’s Head. It’s that pub where most students don’t visit during their Hogsmeade weekend, and the young adult was sure that he can get a little bit of peace and quiet while the students roam about the area.

As Mordred entered the place, he was pleased to see that he was the only client. Only, why is the shopkeeper cleaning at this hour? Minding his own business, the young dragonologist sat at the bar, and cleared his throat to get the shopkeeper’s attention.

It had been a long time since he was being here. Well, didn't he come to the reunion last year? Yeah, that was the last time he was hanging out around Hogsmeade. This place didn't change a lot, huh? It seemed a bit crowded, maybe because it's weekend and that means the time for Hogwarts students were flooding this places. He used to be one of them and now he'd remembered that it had been six years since he's graduated.

The blonde guy walked across the main street. Sometimes he stopped by, taking some pictures with his camera then continued walking again. Feeling his stomach grumbled, then he decided to get some food and drink to warm him up. But he didn't want to go to Puddifoot's or Three Broomsticks because he had some memories being there with somebody those places were so crowded by the students. He turned to the Hog's Head then.

”Can I get roast beef sandwich and a bottle of firewhiskey?” Gary spoke to the shopkeeper as he handed his ID. He's 24 years old, okay? And why on earth he was cleaning at this hour, huh? Then he looked for a seat while his blue eyes spotted a familiar person, wasn't he his fellow Slytherin? ”Mordred.” The photojournalist greeted that young man. When was the last time he saw him by the way?

He was rather getting annoyed because, he was the only person in the pub, and the shopkeeper seems to be...not even bothered that he’s got a customer. Mordred was tired from the trip, and he would love to have a nice warm meal before the students of Hogwarts flood the place.

His annoyance however, momentarily disappeared when somebody called his name. The former Slytherin’s hand immediately went to feel the wand which was under his sleeve, as he curiously turned around to see who called him. It was highly unusual that somebody from Hogsmeade knows him. He wasn’t a regular, and definitely not a resident.

Wait...he knows that face.

Mordred’s memory flipped through his Hogwarts years, and clicked when the young man’s face matched the one in his memory. Yes. He had a brief conversation with him back in the library while he prepared for his NEWTs. The blond man was their former Head Boy. Mordred’s expression went from placid to amused. “Gary.” The former Slytherin gave the newcomer the slightest grin he could muster and clapped his fellow’s arm. “It has been ages, I believe.” He said as he tried his best to start a conversation. They were not particularly close back in the day, but he was a good chap to talk to. “How have you been? Working?” Hopefully, Gary has a job.

And for the record, Gary doesn't seem to age. Whereas, Mordred. Well, he did age, what with the problems and stress that he had to go through.

Clearing one's throat would hardly get Samuel's attention. For all the Shopkeeper knew, the young man needed a cough drop. And this was no hospital wing so he would have to look elsewhere for that as he continued scrubbing the glass with his rag until another customer showed up.

Now Samuel had no choice but to whip the rag back over his shoulder to take the ID from the other young man. Pointedly looking towards the one with a bad throat before returning the ID.

He then reached for one of the bottles from the shelf before pouring the firewhiskey into the glass before laying down the cracked plate with the roast beef sandwich. "Three galleons and two sickles." Now was the other one going to order or not?

The blonde guy then handed the money after he got what he'd ordered: the sandwich and firewhiskey. Good, he was so freaking hungry. Then he decided to sit with his fellow former Slytherin. They weren't that close but they used to work together at the lesson for several times. Yeah. And he didn't remember when was the last time he saw Mordred. Maybe at his last feast as the Head Boy and that was... six years ago. "It is." He said. "There's a reunion last year and it seemed like you weren't there, were you?" Because Gary was there and he didn't see him. He did meet some people like Sierra, Ariana Logan... Gunter and her husband, Oakey. The Odessas, Lafay and others.

How has he been? Typical question that usually be asked to somebody that he hadn't seen for ages. So typical. "I'm doing great." He replied then taking a gulp of firewhiskey. "I'm currently enjoy this place before start flying around again for job." Working as a photojournalist makes him have to be a frequent flyer. But it was fun, especially visiting some countries that he'd never been there before. It's like he's getting paid by travelling and he loved that. "How about you?" He did notice that Mordred had a ring on his finger. Ooh, married guy.

Wilhelmina walked into the Hog's Head and looked around for a seat. The twenty-four year old frowned when she looked over at the bar. They had really good wine. She had it the last time she was here. Willa looked down at her tiny baby bump. "Thanks to you I can't have any wine." She whispered to the bump. She was really happy to be married to the love of her life and to be pregnant but she was disappointed in the fact that she couldn't drink wine for six more months. It was torture.

Willa looked around for an open table. She was surprised that she really didn't have to really walk around that much just to find a seat. It was dead in here. It was dead in Hogsmeade in general. Willa found a seat as far away from the bar as she could. She took off her light blue coat and set it on the back of her chair and sat down. She looked at the menu to see what she wanted. Water would be good for now, she really wasn't that hungry because she just ate before she came here.

She really wished that Jaxson wasn't at work right now. Willa really wanted him to hear the baby's heart beat but she understood very well. She had an appointment today and heard the baby's heart beat. She made another appointment for next week to find out if she's having a boy or a girl. She didn't mind if she was having a boy or a girl just as long as the baby is healthy they she'll be fine. She probably should have told Lux that she would be here but she wanted to surprise her baby sister. Willa let her hands rest on her little baby bump as she had her light blue eyes fixed on the door.

It was either the shopkeeper was deaf, rude, daft, or all of the above. Mordred took note of it of course because he’s a hungry customer, and that he was kind enough to grace his place even with the cobwebs and dust floating around. The former Slytherin ignored the man, as he took Gary’s order. Initially, he wanted tea, and something light to eat, but since an old friend had appeared, he ought to spend some time with the guy. Besides, it has been years.

The moment Gary got his order and gave his payment, Mordred was quick to stop the former Slytherin. “Your meal’s on me, my friend.” If he’s the travelling guy, Mordred knew that Gary needed the extra galleons. “I’ll have lamb chops and mulled mead.” The former Slytherin gave the shopkeeper a lazy look as he showed him his ID.

Reunion? Yes, he heard about that. “I knew about it. My wife attended.” Mordred grinned as he said the word wife. It has been months since he got married, and he has been the happiest man alive. “I would have showed my face, but apparently, work has to come first.” And it would be quite a hassle, since he had to do multiple international apparitions. “How was it? Who did you see?”

Mordred nodded along as he listened to Gary. “I see that you haven’t let go of photography. And travelling the world too, yes? I’m surprised I haven’t bumped into you sooner...” He has been travelling around too, meeting different wizarding nationalities regarding the conservation of dragons. “I work for the Russian Dragon Reserve now. It started out as a voluntary work when I was an undergrad. Eventually they took me in after graduation.” Probably, they saw something in him, yes? “And yes, I got married last June.” He said as he subconsciously adjusted his ring.

Heading down the street of Hogsmeade, Lux was looking into the different windows. She wanted to see if there was anyone she knew around, or something nice that she could buy. No too many people were out here, but maybe they were all in Honeydukes or The Three Broomsticks. Maybe she would head over there later. She also wanted to see Bay, but that could happen later. She missed her boyfriend so much.

Glancing into the window at The Hog's Head, she squealed at the familiar face. It was Willa!! She hadn't told Lux that she would be here today, so that was a huge surprise. Even though she hadn't been inside before, she knew that they sold wine. Her sister must be sad that she couldn't order any now that she was pregnant.

Heading inside, she made a beeline to where her sister was sitting and gave her a hug. "Willa! I missed you." It was so good to see her, and pregnancy made her look more radiant than ever. She was always beautiful, but now she also had a glow about her. "How are you? How's the little bump?" She could already see it showing a little through her sister's clothes!! "Is Jaxson around?" She didn't see him anywhere, but that didn't mean that he couldn't be in the washroom or something.

There were so many things rushing through Willa's head right now. Her and Jaxson needed to start buying some things for the baby, they needed to do something with the room and they needed to buy paint. There was so much to do and only six months to do it in. They both have jobs and a social life and just everything was going to go by so fast. In a little over a month it would be Christmas. Christmas, oh goodness she needed to start buying things for Christmas pretty soon. She wasn't ready for the holidays. She wasn't ready for a baby, she wasn't sure that she even wanted a baby right now but here she was almost four months pregnant. Ready or not there was no turning back right now. In all honestly she was really happy to becoming a mother although she thought that her older brother Lennon would be the one to settle down and get married and even start a family before her.

Even though she was lost in her thoughts she still kept an eye out on the door just readying herself for her little sister. Willa knew how Lux gets when she see's her. She was like a dog that hadn't seen it's owner in like six years, so happy and wanting to give you hugs and kisses. Hmmm. Lux was probably like that around Bay too. Willa nodded to herself, she could totally see that come to think of it. "Hi. I missed you too." She said returning the hug. "I'm doing great." Yes, no longer feeling so sick. Willa blinked at her little sister. "What? How's my bump? That is what you just said, no?" Wilhelmina just looked at Lux like she had ten heads. "You did just called my child a bump? You do realize that there is a little human growing inside me, yes?" A little human that was taking her away from drinking wine for nine months. She loves her unborn child but there are just somedays when she's at work and she just needs to drink.

Happy, Lux took the seat across from her sister. She was so ready to catch up and have some lunch. Even though she had already eaten back at Hogwarts, that had been a few hours ago. Picking up a menu, she glanced at it and made a face. Some of these food items sounded odd. What was a stoat? And who would want to eat flobberworms? Maybe a turkey sandwich would be nice. They weren't as good as cucumber sandwiches, but they were still yummy. And she could have butterbeer or a hot chocolate!!

It was nice to hear that Willa was doing well, but of course she was reacting to the 'bump' question. Lux wasn't sure what she said wrong, because she had heard of some people calling the baby a bump. Even parents did it. Bump sounded like a cute nickname to her, but clearly her sister didn't agree. "Of course I do, Willa." Maybe she was just missing her wine because she wouldn't be able to have any until the baby was born. "When are you going to find out the gender?" Lux didn't know too much about this pregnancy stuff, but she figured that it was coming closer to the time where they found out if it was a boy or a girl.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordred

It was either the shopkeeper was deaf, rude, daft, or all of the above. Mordred took note of it of course because he’s a hungry customer, and that he was kind enough to grace his place even with the cobwebs and dust floating around. The former Slytherin ignored the man, as he took Gary’s order. Initially, he wanted tea, and something light to eat, but since an old friend had appeared, he ought to spend some time with the guy. Besides, it has been years.

The moment Gary got his order and gave his payment, Mordred was quick to stop the former Slytherin. “Your meal’s on me, my friend.” If he’s the travelling guy, Mordred knew that Gary needed the extra galleons. “I’ll have lamb chops and mulled mead.” The former Slytherin gave the shopkeeper a lazy look as he showed him his ID.

Reunion? Yes, he heard about that. “I knew about it. My wife attended.” Mordred grinned as he said the word wife. It has been months since he got married, and he has been the happiest man alive. “I would have showed my face, but apparently, work has to come first.” And it would be quite a hassle, since he had to do multiple international apparitions. “How was it? Who did you see?”

Mordred nodded along as he listened to Gary. “I see that you haven’t let go of photography. And travelling the world too, yes? I’m surprised I haven’t bumped into you sooner...” He has been travelling around too, meeting different wizarding nationalities regarding the conservation of dragons. “I work for the Russian Dragon Reserve now. It started out as a voluntary work when I was an undergrad. Eventually they took me in after graduation.” Probably, they saw something in him, yes? “And yes, I got married last June.” He said as he subconsciously adjusted his ring.

He tried not to be offended when Mordred decided to pay his order. No offense, dude. He's working at the biggest photo-traveler magazine in the world which he enjoys very much and not to mention that the payment is awesome (based on muggle standard and wizarding too) "Thanks, mate." The blonde guy smiled at him.

His wife was attending... Oh, so she's a Hogwarts alumna too? "Mind if I ask who is your wife? Was she a Slytherin too?" He asked. Maybe he knew her though it seemed impossible. Gary didn't know much people outside the Slytherin people and some other alumna from other houses like the prefects and captains since he was a Head Boy. The reunion was great. I just met some like... Lafay, Sierra Greingoth, Montmorency, Gunters..." Yeah, Gunters means Oakey and his wife, Ariana. "Odessas, Daichi, just that..." He did hope seeing some certain persons there but clearly, none of them came.

And for the record, Gerald Alexander Rush would never give up photography and travelling for anything except if he's settled down but it wouldn't happen anytime soon. "Nope. I've been working with a muggle photo-traveler magazine since four years ago." Which is great. Come on, getting paid by travelling and taking photos around... it's his dream job. "And congratulations..." He raised his glass. He's not that surprised about finding his old acquaintances of friends getting married while himself... He hadn't thought to settle down, at least for now.

Holding her handbag over her shoulder, Hazel moved into the Hog’s Head. Smiling as she looked around the pub, she caught flashbacks of her times here in the past with Hope, Mammy and the Twins as they got old enough to leave Hogwarts for their own weekends. Right now, however she had managed to convince her sister-in-law Benny to come and meet her for lunch so that she could get a progress report on Marsha’s first few months at school. She knew that her sister was worried about her - and that she was likely over reacting… however at least this way she could pass that on firmly in the knowledge that she wasn’t lying.

Having met Benny outside the building it didn’t take long to order and pay for their food and drinks before finding a table. They probably won’t be together for that long - she knew that Benny likely won’t want to be seen with her for that long; especially since it would probably look like she was checking up on her… even if she wasn’t. As long as her Italian cousin was doing well and having fun and was happy - Hazel was happy.

Getting their food, they took to passing over news Marsha was doing well so far; she had friends, she hadn’t gotten lost too many times, she knew the Prefects, her Head of House liked her, Whitney and Chris were keeping any eye out for her in Gryffindor and she seemed to be loving Potions. A thought that put a huge smile on Hazel’s face. She would need to talk to Cosgrach about that when he arrived.

She asked about the other cousins, made sure that X was finding her sixth year okay; that the twins were keeping out of trouble and that none of them had fallen out. Again. With a laugh, Benny had told her to stop laughing… and then had noticed her engagement ring. The smile had said it all really, as it slid easily onto Hazel’s face as she simply nodded her head in agreement; letting Benny know that she could pass the news around their family who were still at Hogwarts. The answering grin let her knew how happy her cousin was for her.

However, their lunch didn’t last long as she had predicted. Benny had a stupid group later on and she had to pick up some more supplies before she headed back to the school. Giving the blonde a hug, Hazel held her close and asked her to pass on hugs for her. What? They had a close family.

As she sat back down, she smiled as she watched the aqua-clad eighteen year old leave the pub. She, on the other hand sat back down to wait for one of her friends, a marvelous man who had willingly answered a rambling under-grad’s questions a decade ago. With that thought, she happily smiled and watched the people in the pub; as always ready to study their behaviour. Yet another thing that she and Cosgrach Culloden had in common.

Samuel gave the ID a disinterested glance before returning it. It was fine. And the Shopkeeper had more interesting things on his mind than listening to more of their little sappy conversation. Budding friendships and marriages were overrated as a 'tch' noise left his mouth as he reached below the counter again.

Taking another dusty glass out to pour the mulled mead, it dissolved the cobweb that was once at the bottom of it. Now slapping another cracked plate down with the lamb chops. "Four galleons total." That's right, the food was that much better to be worth the price.

Cosgrach wasn't the man to go to the places early. In fact, he was the most laid-back person alive, so one wondered how he loved potions which required him to be quick... so this time as well, he was just a minute or so early at their meeting spot - and she was, of course, already there.

He'd worn a shirt and trousers, for they weren't strangers anymore. There weren't many people, so he was quick to spot her, and made his way towards her.

"Hello Hazel!" he greeted the girl woman, "how are you?"

Hazel smiled as soon as she saw the man walk into the pub. It wasn’t anything more than the feeling of seeing a friend after a long absence - but it was still a nice feeling nevertheless. ”Cosgrach!” She said, standing up as he moved towards her. As soon as he was close enough, he got a hug with a grin.

“I’m fantastic.” She said with a grin. As much as she wanted to just spill all of her news, that wasn’t very polite… the poor man didn’t even have a drink yet after all. ”Do you want a drink? First one is on me.” Gigglegrin.

”I’m sure you are loving being back at school and teaching. Back in your element.” Grin! ”How is Victoria? And baby Helena?” She wanted to hear everything about Cosgrach’s new baby daughter. Maybe she would be able to meet her one of these days. Hehe.

Willa just gave her baby sister a death stare. She didn't just say that? She really, really didn't just say that? UGH! Clearly Lux didn't understand anything. Nope. Willa shook her head. "You will not call MY baby a bump!" End of story. "The bump is the stomach and NOT the baby." There not everything was clear so now she would maybe just slightly understand? Hopefully. "I just scheduled an appointment for next week so I'm hoping to find out the gender then. If we can." And by we Willa meant Jaxson. The gender didn't matter at all, only the baby's health mattered.

Willa was giving her a death glare, and Lux didn't know what she did wrong?? She had heard people call their baby 'bump', and thought it was okay. Why was her sister mad at her because of it?? Lux didn't like this at all and looked down. She didn't want to fight with Willa and they never really faught unless it was about Bay. She'd fight with Willa then, because she loved her boyfriend so much and would stick up for him no matter what.

It was exciting to find out the gender even if that wasn't the most important thing. Lux thought it would be adorable if the baby was a boy or a girl. Willa and Jaxson would look after their baby and keep it happy and healthy. "Can you feel the baby move yet?" It must be strange at first but then very nice afterwards.

The twenty-four year old looked at the menu more but set it down and took a sip of water. She looked over at Lux as she spoke. Willa shook her head. "I haven't been able to feel the baby move yet." She shrugged. Willa was really looking forward to feeling the baby move but she wanted Jaxson to be there when it happened. "I think I have a few more weeks until I start feeling the baby move. I was going to ask the healer about that." She had to put that in the back of her mind for now. She thought about it the other night and started to worry. She didn't want anything to be wrong with the baby if he or she was suppose to be moving right now.

It was Botros' weekend, too, despite the mountain of paperwork he left at his office. Some of his grandkids should be here somewhere, too, probably chaperoned by Hassan who'd let them run around causing adorable havoc in the village. His presence here should be known to any if they needed him, the Hog's Head was his and Sherman's favorite place in Hogsmeade, they met here frequently.

The old man walked in, smiled and greeted the shopkeeper then took a seat at his usual table.

It was a might bit chilly outside, enough to have Sabel rubbing his hands as he entered the Hog's Head, blowing on the tips of his fingers with a quiet curse that he hadn't thought to bring any gloves. He blamed his extended stay in England. It had made his winter-tolerance soft, something he had never anticipated.

But the warmth of the cozy establishment was welcoming, and Sabel let his gaze drift around the patrons. His eyes snagged on a familiar face, a small smile touching his lips. He'd never had much opportunity to speak with the Professor, and there was something about their difference in age that made him an intriguing person to talk to. But time had a way of running away on a person, and there'd never been much of a chance. Until now...

Unless Botros decided to drive him away from his found peace and quiet. It was on the mindful caution of disturbing such a thing, that Sabel approached, stopping a foot or so from the table. "Glad to see I'm not the only one who gets restless legs."

He motioned to the empty space on the man's table. "Can I get you a drink?"

Cosgrach hugged her back with delight and sat down across her. He was glad they were meeting here. Fewer people, fewer disturbances.

Fantastic, huh? WHAT had happened in her life? He eyed her for a moment, but she distracted him with the drink. "That, I can't say no to," he said with a grin, "elderflower wine is good." He hadn't had that in a long while.

His face relaxed and smiiiiiiiiled at the mention of Helena. His babygirl. His eyes sparkled, and one could tell he was excited about it.

"Being back feels nice," he said, "free learning environment and such. My students are great. I think like the 90% of them love potions and they're very smart too! A great batch of potioneers coming." Wasn't that exciting?

"And they are great! Vic's back to work now, and Helena's as healthy as a baby can be." Which was VERY relieving, because she was sort of an early birth. Not majorly, but... anything that didn't go right worried him, but he had nothing to worry about now.

"I should bring her to our next meeting," he said casually, because he bet ANYONE would love to meet his baby.

"What's new with you?" What was the 'fantastic' for?

Abraham leaned back in his seat, balancing his cane next to him in a way that wouldn't trip anyone when he heard a familiar voice nearby. "Oh that's such a flattering thing to say." He chuckled at the unfair comparison. Botros' legs were in no way as strong as Dakest's. "Afternoon, professor. Hope you've had a nice day so far." He greeted the young man finally with a serene smile lighting his wrinkled face.

"Please. Dark tea and a bagel is my usual at this time of the year. I would be pleased if you joined me today. I'm afraid my dear friend is too busy today to accompany me." Probably broke his wheelchair playing down a slope or something equally entertaining. Sherman was so unpredictable sometimes. Now to wait for Mr. Dakest to get their drinks and come chitchat with the old man.

It wasn't until Botros spoke, that Sabel realized what sort of implication his words might carry, in light of the difference of their age. He felt his cheeks color slightly in embarrassment, something he tried to ward off with a chuckle and a smile. No harm done, the Professor had rolled with it gracefully. "A bit nippy, but well."

Even better with the offer to join the man.

"It'd be my pleasure. I'll be right back." Sabel gave the old man a smile before moving off to the counter, ordering the drink and food. It was several minutes of waiting and running through questions he wanted to ask before the order was ready and he was permitted to return to the table.

"One dark tea and a bagel." He said as he slid the plate and mug over to Botros, placing a mug of coffee for himself opposite, before working his coat open and taking a seat across from the Professor. Intertwining his fingers around the polished pottery, Sabel did a quick sweep of the surrounding patrons and empty tables and chairs before he was able to relax enough to return his attention to the man across from him.

"I'm sorry to hear your friend couldn't make it. But thank you for inviting me to join you."