Bludger Blasting
 

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...psb7a8f255.jpg
Graphic courtesy of Charely Potter

A section of the stadium is reserved especially for those eager to test their strength and accuracy against a professional Beater. Three separate targets are set on the ground at staggered distances. Your goal is to hit a bludger with a provided beater's bat to the intended target, aiming for the bullseye. Professional Beaters will be available to provide their assistance and expertise or if you're really feeling daring, compete against one of the players to see how you shape up against a pro. Accuracy and distance determine your prize, provided the hit is successful. Chose from team badges, mascot plushies, and moving posters of your favorite players. Targets are charmed to repair themselves after being hit. Though the bludgers have been charmed to stay in the area and return to the player, decreasing likelihood of injury, bruise paste is available upon request. Play at your own risk, the Department of Magical Games and Sports assumes no responsibility for injuries. No minors permitted.

Featured Professional Beaters ready to play include:

Muirgen Tupper, Caerphilly Catapults Beater
Asher Romalotti, Tutshill Tornados Beater
Kaia Montague, Wimbourne Wasps Beater

Ethan walked alongside Minerva who was pushing their kids in the double stroller. The autograph tent seemed super busy and he didn't really follow many of the British teams, so he was a little more eager to see some of the other areas. He didn't see his aunt anywhere yet, but he was certain she was around somewhere.

"Do you want to try this out?" Ethan gestured towards a group of people with bats in hand. Looked like some sort of game and if it had to do with bludgers, maybe Min would want to give it a go. "Looks like they have some prizes, maybe you could win something for Gunnar." How cute the toy mascots were. What kid wouldn't want one?

"Hello, ladies," he greeted them with a nod as they approached. "And sir." Pros most likely, though he followed more of the international teams, the Harriers in particular, that he didn't recognize them. "How do you play? My wife used to wield a bat, she might want to give it a go." What do you say Min?

Gunnar was relaxed on his side of the stroller, taking a ride sitting next to Chloe. There were a lot of people here and his blue eyes took in each face as they passed. And then they were stopping. He looked at the people there then looked around for Daddy as he started talking. But there were balls here and toys. He reached for one of the toys from the table. "Ah.. ah.. bah.." he babbled, reaching his arm out. He wanted a ball!

Ohohohohooo!

Ehehehehehehehee!

Cornelius was free from ol' daddy-o. The seven year old kept his eyes on his dad while he talked to some other old guy, and slooowly and sneakiiiily took a step back, then another and ANOTHER AND ANOTHER until he was at the Bludger Blasting area.

Victory bum wiggle dance!

Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, he did it!

Glancing around and puffing his small chest out and squaring his shoulders, Cornelius said loud and proud next to the blonde dude (Devlin), "Yeeaaah!"

Were they going to whack someone, cos that's what he understood. He was up for it. Could they wet-willy them afterward, though? Cos that was fun too.

Yeah forgot to quote, Ethan and all the Pro's. Hi to Asher
 

Once the other female hit her bludger, Kai took the next one smashing it at the furthest target away and conducting herself a victory dance. "Never gets old! NEVER." It was even better when the target was a person on a broom though. That was better than seeing her kids spell their names for the first time. SO THRILLING.

MONTAGUE SMASH.



IT HAD WORKED. THEIR BLUDGER SMASHING HAD ENTICED THE LITTLE'UNS OVER. Some sort of little. One was and one wasn't. With a grin, Kai swung the bat onto her shoulder and shrugged. "Depends how good you think you are." Good enough to take one of them on, or needy enough to need some good old fashioned help?

With another grin, and in no way intending to be patronising, she crouched to the smaller kids height. "No little ones, kid. Get yourself an adult and I might let you touch a bat with one finger."

BOOM.

SMASH.

Obeying the rules, k?



ZOMG CUTE LITTLE ONES. CUTE LITTLE ONES.

Ugh. Now she missed her little ones.

Kai crouched down and pulled a couple of faces at the little ones. "Sweeeeet. How old are they?" Did these two adults want to take her two little ones for a couple of hours one day? They didn't bite. Actually, Beau just coloured and Liliane just put dirt into jars. They didn't actually look old enough to deal with Beau and Liliane so that was already out of the window and she'd leave them with Lori and Adam more often. They had enough kids that the ages of her own were covered more than once.

She noticed that the woman passed words with Asher and noted that she knew one of the babyfaces and was therefore a potential baby herself. With babies. Eeep. Still so cute. Nothing against young parents. Not when both of her triplets had their kids before they got to sixth year. "Oh? Ex player? School player? Professional?" Had Kai encountered her at any point? With a look between the couple, she grinned. "Just gotta hit 'em and we'll see whatcha can get. You're awesome. You can have something awesome. You're okay. You can have a cute mascot thing and if you're ooooookaaaay eeeeh, you can have a badge."

Or something like that.

CUTE CHILDREN WERE DISTRACTING OKAY.

"You wanna try on your own or hit a couple with me?"

*___________________*

Kaia Montague from the Wimbourne Wasps. Cornelius blinked slowly in complete awe as she swung her bat. Oooh! How many bludgers has it hit? How many players has she smashed with it?

She was soooo close to him, too. Cornelius held in his breath, eyeing her bat. He could touch it if he reached far enough--

Waiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!!!

THIS WAS NOT FAIR.

Ahhhh! He WAS going to need his old man after all. He'll go fetch him in a few, but first, "My thumb isn't a finger. Can I touch it with my thumb?" He held out his thumb and looked at her with those BIG innocent green eyes of his. Could he? For a second, even?

Devlin was waiting for someone to show up, and they did. Not exactly the someone Devlin wanted to see. Ok. This kid, yeah, he was annoying. Did he know he looked like an ape? What in the world was he doing with his chest? Clearly not showing it off cause he just didn't have that look, yeah? Too scrawny.

"Go find your mummy and daddy kiddo. I don't have time for you. Gotta whack some bludgers over here. Don't want you to get some sort of concussion or something." He was probably one to fall easy to victim to that.

Ahh. See. Now, this was one of those celebrity quidditch players, yeah? She was holding a beaters bat so she had to be. Devlin has rarely ever whacked a bludger in his life, to be honest, but sometimes he could be a bit intense with a punch or something like that. Who's to say it won't be the same with a beaters bat and bludger. "I guess we'll see right now. Bring it on."

And now she was talking to the little one. That's right. Little one. Squirt. "Exactly. Like I said, go find mummy and daddy and then you might get lucky and play this game." Devlin said to the little one, agreeing with the quidditch player. He doubted it though, even the quidditch player seemed intent on not letting him playing this game.

He was even trying to touch it. With his thumb. He'd given up so easily. Yeah, this little one over here would not be playing anytime soon. Could he just go away? Devlin had dangerous stuff to do over here.

Great. Now that the squirt was nearly out of the way could Devlin hit those bludgers, and possibly injure someone? Not on purpose though.

I promise I'll stop grabbing everyone >_<
 

Kid looked a little bit like he'd seen a ghost. Or he just really wanted to have a go with a bat. Maybe when he wasn't 100 years from growing hairs on his legs. With a smile, she nodded. "Thumb. For two seconds, and then you go find your adult 'kay? There's too many people around here and you'll get lost." Heaven forbid she was the last person to see a missing child or anything. She held her bat out just slightly, and promised herself that if she saw him at the autograph tables later, she'd sign him something extra special and give him something she'd got saved for little cuties that looked at her like that.

Kid was totes a Stinger in her mind already.

She looked at the other kid with a raised eyebrow and offered a bat, but kept her hand firmly on it for the moment. "Be nice to the younger ones, or you'll find your kneecaps smashed by a bat one of these days. Karma isn't pretty." Life advice from the Montague monster.

"Are you going to see if you can hit better than me or do you want to see if you can hit a target by yourself with some coaching? I'm one of the best."

Or else she wouldn't be here, clearly.

Heyoo, Min! We're talking to ya! :3
 

Didn't quote and anyone else
 

Yeah, they would have to hit the autograph tent at some point, he supposed. Maybe Alec or Wade would be there, knowing they both went pro. And he was pretty certain that a few others they went to school with did as well. Maybe he should keep up on the British League a little better, it was just too bad that his favorite team wasn't among them or he probably would.

Ethan glanced at Min as she asked about kid's jerseys. "Oh, yeah, I'm sure.. A thing like this, they probably have anything you can thing of with a team logo." He had a feeling they'd be spending quite a bit of money on the kids today, but that was okay. They stuff was sure to be cute on them or for them. "Ah, come on, Min," he grinned towards her as she seemed a little unsure. "It'll be fun.. and you totally got this." He glanced over at the male player (Asher) as Min seemed to know him. From Hogwarts maybe? He looked around their age, but Ethan didn't immediately recognize him or the name. But it shouldn't surprise him too much, Min seemed to just know everyone at school.

"And I'm her husband Ethan," he offered as the man looked over their children, but maybe he already knew that. The 21 year old gave the woman (Kaia) currently gushing over the kids a friendly smile. "This big guy is 16 months," he said, gesturing to Gunnar. "And our little princess is just about two months." Yeah, he knew they were rather close in age, but it did have its advantages. He'd let Min answer her about her own personal experience with a bat, but she was ready to try it right?

Ethan looked between the two female beaters (Kaia and Muirgen) as they talked about what to do and what they could win. "So what do you think? Give it a try?" he looked at his wife with a grin before laughing at her words. "I can do that, but you totally got this." He could stand back with the babies and they'd all watch her in action.

All the Pro's and Ethan
 

Whose reaaaady for some beating?
 

He should have gotten two cupcakes. Maybe even the whole tray? Taking only one was stupid. As he shoved the last of the cupcake into his mouth Legend was fully prepared to go and find his sister again, until a nearby voice spoke.

Turning his head Legend did NOT expect to come face to face with the woman from the Post Office. "Er-yeah?-Hi!" A small smile broke out on his lips completely unaware of the icing blob on his nose. Completely working. No slacking off at all. "Anika right?" That's what the woman had written in his notebook. Not that he uh studied it or anything, he just remembered. "I'm Legend." Because he didn't think he'd give his name when he'd actually met her. Crumpling up the cupcake wrapper Legend turned and threw it in a nearby trash can. "Too bad you didn't come sooner I would have shared some of my cupcake with you."

The little squirt could do whatever he wanted, yeah? Exactly. Dev didn't have his attention on the little one anymore. Now, his attention was fully focused on the quidditch player.

Was she giving him a talk to? Seriously? He was just telling the kid exactly how it was, but Devlin just gave her a nod. "Of course. I need my kneecaps to walk." He said. But, you know, as soon as he'd be out of her sight Devlin could do or say whatever he wanted. Just to be safe though, in case she kept her eye on him, and Devlin couldn't blame her, he'd leave it to some other time to be like that.

His hand was on the bat but he didn't grab it for himself. She could easily whack him, if she wanted to. But Devlin highly doubted that. And then the question came. A good one at that. He gave it some thought. Of course he'd like to hit a bludger as soon as he could, but he didn't want to embarrass himself in front of her. That'd be bad. If he was going to embarrass himself in front of her, he'd rather it be that he got some actual practice. It wouldn't be as bad if it were that way.

"Let's see what magic you can cook me up for my swinging. So, coaching first." Devlin said. Wait. "Please."

"Yes, it's Anika." She moved forward, using her finger to wipe at said icing blob. It might've been invasive to his personal space but Anika couldn't very well let him stand there with white stuff all over his nose. Nope. She was doing him a service...and the fact that she stuck that same finger in her mouth to lick it off didn't mean a thing...

GRIN.

"Just you saying as much is enough. Thank you, Legend." Legend. Now, that was an interesting name. "Are you terribly busy?" He didn't look too busy but looks could be rather deceiving at times. He could've been spying or something. Anika didn't know how these things worked.

Awesome. Name right! So they were already off to a good-Legend froze as Anika moved in closer and suddenly swiped at his nose and uh.........

As an Auror, freezing was probably one of the worst possible things you could do. But when a pretty woman suddenly invaded your space? Well it wasn't his fault.

"Uh-uh-" His face suddenly felt hot, and not because there had been icing on his nose for Merlin knew how long. Legend rubbed the back of his nose to his hand just in cause there was anymore.".....Welcome-or...thanks." The man finally got out lamely. Yeah. Thanks. Was he busy? Well yes, he was working. But he could still work and talk right? "Not...really. No. Just here hanging out with the bludgers." He took a step back just because...space and reasons and yeah, sometimes being able to think was nice. "You?"

Min and we see you, Deacon x)
 

Robert wandered around the stadium trying to make his hand less numb from all the signing at the autograph tent all the while smiling and nodding at those who waved at him. Didn't help that he was wearing his jersey still though he did like the color it rather flattered him.

Sighing he looked around and with a small smirk on his face tried to stifle the laughter whenever he saw a poor kid fail miserably at an event. It wasn't funny or so his wife would say as she hit him but it really really was. When he came up on his own position's little event he stood nearby and watched the interaction.

*pokes* Open for others as well.
 

How one could misplace someone the size of her husband was mystifying, yet Elizabeth somehow had to admit that she’d done so. Of course, Robert hadn’t known that she had been planning on coming to the event. Therefore, it was technically her fault that he wasn’t where she’d figured he would have been; namely, over at the tables where the other players were signing autographs. Easy to spot, and she also knew that no matter how high of a heel she wore, nothing would have made her anywhere close to as tall as he was. That was just a fact of life, just as having to keep track of Dylan was since she’d agreed to let her tag along. It was just rather hilarious that it was easier to keep track of their nine year old daughter than it was her father.

There was too much to look at, between the mascots running around and just all of the people milling around the stadium. Dylan had been tempted to run off a few times, mostly to go see if the wasp mascot really had a stinger or if it wasn’t that poky. It wasn’t exactly like she had a real interest in a lot of what was there. Not the flying stuff, anyway, but she liked Quidditch. It was hard not to, when she’d practically grown up at Quidditch games, and that was why she’d begged to be allowed to come. It was definitely interesting, but she’d kept herself with her mother as the tiny blonde had gone searching. Dad was around here somewhere. She knew that, and she’d begun toying with her snitch bracelet as they’d continued searching. She’d ran forward as they’d finally come up by the bludger game however, bracelet back to just dangling around her wrist as she hugged her father. “Why aren’t you over there getting people to challenge you like those other Beaters are?,” she asked, curious. RJ would’ve been.

“There you are,” Elizabeth had said, raising an eyebrow and giving Robert a look he might not have deserved. She did so anyway, the fighting spirit inside her hardly waned over the years. She knew he’d laugh it off anyhow. “You know you probably didn’t have to be quite so obvious, right?” The jersey. Most of the others didn’t seem to be wearing theirs.

Robert was watching the small kids trying to pick up the bats with a smile when he felt arms wrap around him and looked down. His smile grew as he saw his daughter. Shrugging he teased, "Wasn't asked to? Maybe they think your dad is getting too old." He wrapped his arm around his daughter and smiled, "Want to give it a go Dylan?"

He looked up and saw his wife giving him a LOOK and chuckled. "Well...I thought kids might like to see a Quidditch player actually in the jersey?" Actually not really he just didn't know he didn't have to. Looking down he laughed, "And you didn't have to wear heels on a Quidditch pitch." That just seemed downright silly. He moved his arm from around his daughter and wrapped it around Liz giving her a quick kiss. "What are you guys doing here anyway? Think I'm wearing down and looking to trade up?" he teased with a grin.

Anika simply offered a wide beaming smile. He was terribly endearing, this Legend man. And handsome. Even before she'd wipe the icing away, it had been true.

...and she was somewhat smug that he'd fumbled on his words at her nearness. In her experience, this was usually a good thing. Oooh, did Legend think she was pretty? Anika couldn't have smiled any bigger if she'd tried. It was a shame he was putting space between them but she could understand that. They didn't really know each other well enough for her to be that close...maybe.

"Would you mind explaining this to me?" Anika gestured to the bludger? bashing men. "Are you a quidditch fan?"

Right, now that there was uh- a bit of distance between them Legend could almost feel the oxygen reaching his brain. He smiled almost hesitantly before shoving his hands in his pockets.

Alright. He was Legend Chosen. Current Auror. Forever Gryffindor. He could keep his cool around one pretty woman right?

.....She had a pretty smile too.

"Explaining? The set up or bludgers in general?" He wasn't really paying attention to any of it but Legend could pick it up and explain within a matter of seconds. Quidditch was a rather simple and dim-witted game, filled with chaotic teamwork.

"No not really. I actually really dislike the sport. " The man shrugged. It was only when the words escaped his mouth did he suddenly realize something. "You're not into Quidditch right?" At least, that was what she had said in the Owl Post. "So if you don't mind me asking, why-uh...why are you here?" He hoped he didn't sound rude or anything. Because if he sounded rude then what if she stopped smiling and then-uh yeah. Serious. She still could be a possible person of interest and all that.

”Or maybe they just thought you’re too good at it and nobody could beat you,” Dylan replied, completely seriously even though she’d returned her father’s smile. There was a reason he was her favorite player, not just because he was her daddy. She honestly believed he was the best, and she knew her mother thought so too. Even though she also knew that sometimes they competed at home, when daddy had free time and wasn’t at practices and matches. The only part she didn’t like was the flying, which was a height thing and a control thing. Daddy’s height was okay; she remembered riding on his shoulders when she was smaller, but a broom was less dependable in her eyes. Which was the reason she’d glanced up at him again when he’d asked if she wanted to try. “I don’t have to fly, right?”

Elizabeth had let them have their little moment. She liked seeing Robert with Dylan. It was less weird now that there had been time to adjust to the idea of being a mother. She would have hoped she’d adjusted, after two kids. Let alone the fact Dylan was nine and already almost taller than her, while RJ was almost five and well on the way to becoming his father’s mini me. In size if not necessarily in temperament. “I’m sure you did,” she teased her husband as he’d responded to her, returning the kiss as he’d pulled her closer. “And I’d rather not be entirely a midget all of the time.” Compared to him, anyway. He got to see her not in heels at home. “Dylan wanted to come, so we did,” she continued, the answer to his question simple. “You know you couldn’t find any better than what you have, anyway,” she concluded with a grin. He could tease her all he wanted. She knew he wasn’t going anywhere.

"I would like my mummy, but she isn't here." Sad, really. She was really far, far away, but his dad said she'd be back and so Cornelius was eagerly awaiting for that day. A concussion? The curly-haired boy giggled. "That's why you wear a helmet, silly!" Ahaha! Didn't he know?

O_O

His brains could be smashed out. Did HE KNOW THAT?



Looking over at Miss Kaia, Cornelius shook his head as if saying, "He's gonna get a concussion." He was. He could SEE it. Or maybe Kaia would give him one. Either way, he wanted to see.

None of that mattered! Not when Kaia Montague from the Wimbourne Wasps was giving him permission to TOUCH her BAT with HIS thumb for TWO WHOLE seconds. More than he asked for. Today was his lucky day!

He would tell her he wouldn't get lost. Cornelius has done this too many a times to get scared of a little distance away from his dad, but you know what? He wasn't afraid. For he was Cornelius Orion Baltazar. Yes siiiir!

Cob was a smart boy, though.

"Okay, two seconds. With my thumb." Moistening his lips as if he was about to devour the largest bowl of ice cream in the world, he slowly reached over and pressed him thumb on the beaters bat, and closed his eyes relishing the moment. "Hippogriff one...hippogriff two." He took his hand back, painfully so, and opened his eyes.

*____________________*

"..................Thank you," he said dreamily. Give him a moment. His legs felt like squishy clouds and he didn't want to float away.

"Oh.. does he?" Ethan gave Minerva a questioning look as she mentioned Gunnar already having a Tornados shirt. That was entirely possible, especially if he had only worn it once. Min was usually the one that dressed the babies and he didn't always notice particular clothes. "Maybe one of the Tornado mascot plushies then.." He didn't know and he thought he might be still too young for a toy broom. Though another ball might not hurt.. did they have enough of those yet? He did chuckle at the shirt comment. Yeah, he liked it too.

He watched Min talk to the women players for a minute as she decided if she wanted to play or not, his green eyes soon snapping to the guy about their age very loudly making out to be some sort of announcer. He wasn't aware he was at the carnival, but whatever. Was this person in charge? It seemed the Quidditch Beaters had things under control so he wasn't real sure what was going on. Shaking his head a bit, he turned back to his wife. "Looks like he's got the bats.. you'll do great, I'll just pull the kids out of the way," he said with a grin.

He started to back the double stroller up, then looked over at the one Min had called Asher. "Nice to meet you," he grinned as Min introduced them. "No, I don't think we ever crossed paths in school.." Interesting that he played for Slytherin though because he didn't remember playing against him. But he guessed he didn't remember everyone. Alright.. was Min ready? Ethan pulled the stroller out of the way of any stray bludger yet in optimal view for the kids to see their Mum. Haha, and there was some overgrow bar.. He'd guess Ballycastle's mascot. But he sure was fun and Ethan chuckled watching him, giving him a wave back. Gunnar seemed to be enjoying him too.

There were lots of people here - talking to Mommy, talking to him.. Gunnar just watched with wide eyes, taking them all in. He had forgotten momentarily about the ball, watching the people there, and his blue eyes soon locked onto the bat the one lady (Muirgen) was swinging around. That looked fun! But he didn't think long on it because soon something else had caught his eye.

It was a big stuffed animal.. or something. Gunnar wasn't completely sure, but he looked pretty interesting. He staaaared at it, soon giving it a little up and down wave with his hand in return. And then what was it doing, dancing? The boy thought it was so funny and he gave it a toothy grin before succumbing to baby giggles and he gave a few claps with his hands in his delight.

Ethan, Pro's, Deacon, Barny
 

Robert laughed at Dylan and ruffled her hair slightly, "Who paid you to say that?" He chuckled and watched as the kids attempted to hit the bludger at the targets. Hearing her question he glanced at her and then up at Liz. Still not too keen on flying was she? "No you shouldn't have to but...if you want to learn how there's a flying one around here somewhere. Might be good to learn before you start school and all. And...maybe they have better teachers than me there." He gave his wife a look and then went over to the box and handed her a bat, "Here just give it a go. Might decide you like it."

"Awww who calls you a midget I'll...poke em in the eye," he said half teasingly half serious. No one would make fun of his wife why...because he'd pummel them. HMPH. "Well I'm glad you did. If you see something you want to do sweetheart just let me know," he said talking to his daughter. Who's watching mini-me?" Hearing her answer to his question he laughed, "Oh I was talking about you. No one but you would do for me anyway. They'd spend one day with me and think I'm crazy." Probably wouldn't even take a day really.

shifting the reply around just 'cause. :P And a bit for any of the pros at the end.
 

Elizabeth couldn’t help but laugh as Robert had asked Dylan who paid her to compliment him. Considering he should have known what his daughter’s opinion of him was anyway, it was an amusing idea. Although she would have been tempted to offer her something if it meant more amusement. Spoiling their kids wasn’t a bad thing, at least not when they were essentially worth it. “Rhiannon and Alex are watching him for the day,” she said almost offhandedly as he’d asked about their son. She hoped her cousin could handle RJ, but worst case scenario, she expected to find out he’d bothered Llyr all afternoon. Hopefully it would be limited to the dog. “Of course they’d think you’re crazy, if the best revenge you can come up with is poking someone in the eye,” she added with a grin. Big scary professional Beater, but she knew it was too easy to tease him. Just as she’d known he was hers for good, no matter what. Plus, he already knew she had a mean right hook if he’d tried to leave her. If he remembered that from way back when they’d been in school.

Dylan had been watching the people try the bludger game as she’d felt her hair being ruffled, but she’d looked up at her father with a grin as he’d laughed. “Nobody did. I’m sure there’re people who might though,” she replied, her grin faltering a bit at the weird look when she had asked about flying. It wasn’t like she didn’t know how. She just preferred not to. “You and mom are good teachers. I don’t need lessons before I go to school.” Not flying ones, anyway. She wouldn’t turn down getting to learn awesome spells and other stuff so she wasn’t going to school knowing nothing at all. She didn’t turn down the bat, either. “I’m okay staying here, for now. We can go wherever after this,” she concluded, stepping away to approach the other Beaters who were apparently running the game. She could hit just as good as anyone else could. She’d gotten practice dealing with her baby brother.

Min, brief mention of Barny and grabbing Dylan!
 

Liz
 

Robert looked at Liz and laughed when she said who was watching RJ. "I feel bad for Rhiannon then," he said still chuckling. His son was like a little him..and he was only 5. Good thing he was still a kid at heart. Wrapping his arm around her again he smiled and kissed her cheek, "But you love my crazy self so that's all that matters," he said with a wink.

Robert watched his daughter and met her grin with one of his own. Hearing her response he raised an eyebrow at Liz, "I think someone wants something to butter us up that way," he joked. He watched as she went toward the other kids who were playing and then looked at Liz, "So....I've been thinking..." he said moving next to her in an eye have a grand idea please don't say no way. "What if we let your cousin watch both of them for...two weeks and we can go on a vacation." Quidditch season was basically over with the exception of these little events. "Anywhere you want. Two whole weeks." He wiggled his eyebrows in a suggestive way and smiled.

Robert/Cinn and Muirgen/Juliana <3
 

He had definitely understood the unspoken part of her comment about where their son was. Elizabeth had known that as soon as Robert had laughed, but then, he also had to know that it wasn’t safe for, well, everyone if she’d brought RJ along. For a five year old, he had a knack for getting into the strangest of situations. It went beyond getting into trouble, even, but she still trusted her cousin to keep track of him. “I’m sure she’ll survive. If Lily could manage him last summer, I hope Rhiannon can manage him for an afternoon,” she replied, hoping she sounded more confident than she really was in the matter. Rhiannon was a lot older than Lily was, after all, but then her niece was unfortunately stuck at Hogwarts, quite literally if the Prophet was to be believed.

She’d only rolled her eyes at the raised eyebrow. Of course Dylan knew what she was doing, but then, it was also infinitely easier for their daughter to wheedle things from daddy than her. It was honestly amusing how wrapped around her finger he was, but then, it also made sense. “Does she really need to?,” she asked, glancing in their daughter’s direction as she’d left them and listening as her husband had kept talking. She’d known it was going to be something he expected a refusal from as soon as he’d moved closer, like a little boy trying to convince his mother that he hadn’t been the one to eat the last cookie, but she also knew it was hard to say no to him. She’d glanced over again at the eyebrow wiggle, though, and bit her lip to avoid breaking into laughter. “Why don’t we ask Rhiannon after we find out she survived this time?” A vacation would definitely be nice. “Or, we could wait until after Hogwarts is let out for the summer and then we’d have other options.”

Dylan had heard her father’s response to her compliment, and she’d almost expected it. He was just being silly, though, and she knew she’d gotten her point across either way. She was just too determined to prove that she wasn’t scared of the bludgers to turn back to tell him that she wasn’t doing anything of the sort. Her eyes had watched the heavy balls zooming back and forth as she’d gotten closer, only to be hit by the people who were already participating. She knew she could do this. It was in her blood, or something like that, even though the flying gene had apparently not been transferred to her. There were definitely no brooms in sight here, so she knew she was safe. She’d gone back to playing with the snitches around her wrist, still, just out of habit.

Suddenly, she’d heard a voice near her, and turned to see one of the other players who had been there standing there. She’d smiled at her, anyway. Her accent sort of sounded like Aunt Rhiannon’s did sometimes when she wasn’t thinking about it, just stronger. “Hi,” she responded, glancing back toward her parents once almost as if to say ‘see, I told you I’m not scared.’ “I’m Dylan.”

Barny and evil!Puff and Ethan! *FLAILS*
 

Elise was mostly wandering, and naturally she was drawn to the Beating game. Bludger Blasting, now was that something to do for a living. It was quite possibly one of her only talents. Merlin knew she was miserable with Ancient Runes, especially for someone who called herself a Ravenclaw. Pulling her ponytail over one shoulder, she decided to watch those people playing, helping them with their grip every so often.

"That was a pretty good shot," she grinned as she approached a couple that she hadn't seen in a long time. She may not have been as close to evil!Puff Minnie when they were back in school, but Ethan had always been a really good friend and that had lead to Elise eventually becoming friends with his wife. "How've you guys been?"

But her attention was immediately drawn to the stroller and the mini!Ethan in it. It kinda made her want a baby of her own. "And who is this?" she asked, looking between evil!Puff and Ethan. And he had such cute little baby cheeks. COULD SHE PINCH THEM?

"Can I even trust you with one of these?" she asked, holding a bat at the bat. Heeeey, that was kind of funny. It would be pretty cool to see Barny the Bat swinging a beater's bat. Now that was a really good tongue twister, no?

Hi! Hi!
 

Ethan hadn't really counted on so much mascot interaction when he thought to come out today, but the bat sure was fun and when he prompted him to dance, he decided to comply a little. It was for the entertainment of his son after all. Getting in front of the kids so they could see, the 21 year old danced just a little bit with the bat, chuckling as Gunnar laughed at the sight. "I know.. Daddy looks pretty silly, doesn't he?" But it made his kid laugh so his mild humiliation was worth it and he figured Chloe was really too little to think any different of it.

But now it was Min's turn with the bat so he got behind the stroller to watch her, smiling a bit as she showed their son the bat. "You got this!" he cheered her on as she swung. Alright, so it didn't hit the target but it was close and he knew it had been a while since she had hit a bludger. "Practice shot.. you'll get the next one," he grinned at her as she turned to look at him.

Another voice had his green eyes snapping up. "Elise?" Ethan grinned at his former and fellow Ravenclaw leader. "Wow.. it's been a while. Come here." Yeah, she wasn't getting away without a hug, even if he knew she wasn't the touch-feely type and he reached over, giving her a one-armed hug from his side of the stroller. He couldn't help but chuckle at her question before beaming with pride over his children. She probably hadn't even known they had any until this moment. "This is Gunnar.. can you say hi to Elise? And this is Chloe." He gestured to his 16 month old son and nearly 2 month old daughter respectively. "We're doing really well.. how about you?" Last he knew she was looking for a professional Quidditch career, but he didn't know any more than that.

Gunnar's giggles slowed a bit, watching the silly mascot dancing, until Daddy joined in too, and he let out a big belly laugh. Funny Daddy! And then.. ohh what did Mommy have? He reached out to grab the bat, but she took it away and his eyes followed her. What was she.. OHH! Blue eyes got very wide as he saw the ball.. and then Mommy hit it with the bat! Gunnar squealed with delight and clapped his hands a few times. He liked the ball!

He watched for the ball again, but then he heard Daddy say his name and his eyes snapped to him first before he saw the lady in front of him. He looked at her for a minute then looked around for their cat when Daddy said her name. "Eese..?" Where was she?

Hearing Elizabeth's question he looked toward his daughter who was doing her best determined look as she watched the bludgers and smiled softly. His first born...only girl...and as smart as her mother. "Nope she doesn't need to." He'd give her anything she asked for and she knew it so did Liz. Seeing her bite her lip at his antics he knew he had her and gave her a grin. "Ohhh I'm sure she'll be fine. Come on we haven't had a vacation in..." He tried to count how long it had been on his fingers and gave up half way through. "Awhile. We haven't gone in awhile so isn't it about time. Hearing her suggestion he shook his head. "Quidditch season will start up again."

He glanced over at Dylan who was talking to that beater from...shoot what was the team...eh it didn't matter he was better. HA. Seeing Dylan glance back he smiled at her. Of course he knew she could do this. He kept one eye on Dylan as he spoke to Liz, "Just picture it...cozied up in a cottage overlooking nothing but forest. Or...lying out on the beach no kids to worry about, no chores to do. Your wonderful husband taking care of every need that you might have," he whispered with a smirk on his lips.

The Professional was being nice. Minerva had to smile a little at her, “Thank you.” She really didn’t think it was horrible since she had never hit a bludger in so long, but it was still nice to hear someone say it wasn’t bad. Ethan was being sweet as well and he got a loving smile, plus Gunnar got a little wave. She was just about to say something to Ethan about getting a picture of the kids with the mascot when she heard Muirgen’s warning. Looking back towards the bludger she grinned and lined up and swung hitting it with a bit more force. She felt the pain in her arm, not being used to hitting or swinging in a while, but it felt good. Watching the bludger soar quickly and nailing the target. “Yes” she couldn’t help her own cheer.

Just as she turned, just missing Ethan’s dance moves, she noticed someone talking to them. “Elise” she beamed seeing the former schoolmate. They weren’t that great of friends in the past, but she had come over to cook when Min was pregnant with Gunnar. It had been very sweet and she missed seeing their friends so this was great. She had commented on her shot and the former puff blushed a bit, “Never as good as you were I’m afraid, but thanks.” She watched Ethan hug her and introduce their children. Smiling widely. “We have been doing well, but really what have you been up to?” Was she playing professional?

She couldn’t help but chuckle towards Gunnar, “Oh no honey, not the kitty. This is Elise too.” She knew that look on her sons face as he searched. Her blue eyes snapped back to the targets hearing the bludger coming back towards them again.

Elise wiggled her fingers at the former Ravenclaw as he looked up, eyes crinkling a little as she smiled. "It has. Too long, too," she said, before she was engulfed in a hug. Oh Merlin, she'd missed those hugs. Pulling a face at him, she tried to wriggle out of his grasp. Except, she was stuck between him and the stroller. Well, that was convenient.

She blushed a little at not-so-evil!Puff's compliment, ducking her head a little. "I'm not that good, though," she protested, before diverting her attention to the BABIES. "Hello, Gunnar," she grinned, giving the baby a finger wiggle too. Yep, she was greeting the baby the same way she greeted Ethan. It sounded like a pretty good plan.

What on earth was Gunnar looking for, though? Oh, he probably thought Elise was the cat. "My name's Elise too, Gunnar," she said. "Your daddy named your kitty after me. Don't let him fool you and tell you otherwise." Well, it was a much better story than naming the cat after a piece that was titled wrongly, at least. And would you just look at Chloe? She was like a little angel. [color=purple]"Hello there, Chloe. You're a very pretty baby, you know?" she said, as though it was a secret before turning to Ethan. "Can I hold her?" Pleaaaase?

"I've been great," she said, tucking some hair behind her ear. "I'm beating for Pride of Portree now. I can't imagine my life without quidditch." Even if Chris thought it was a too dangerous, but what was Quidditch if there were no bludgers? Boring, that's what. "What are you two doing, though? I'm guessing that Ethan's doing some form of Herbology." She remembered how passionate he was about the subject when they were back in school.

Now would you look at THAT shot? "That one was beautiful," she grinned proudly. "Good job!"

"I don't understand anything about quidditch.....So, bludgers? Why are these people smashing them around with bats? It looks terribly dangerous."...and a little barbaric...but Anika kept that to herself. Words like that harshed her mellow. And yes, Legend would've asked that. It wasn't a terribly intrusive question, considering she'd made it clear she didn't appreciate the sport...Just good detective skills. He must've been such a wonderful Auror. "Nothing else going on?" She blushed, looking a little sheepish. Just a little. Anika wasn't sorry about why she'd come. "....I'd been hoping to catch you here...and talk to you again." Harmless, right? Innocently harmless.

...And why had he shoved his hands into his pockets? Were they cold?

She stepped a bit closer...again...and held out both of hers. "I can help your hands stay warm...if they are cold." She was kind and thoughtful like that; thinking of others and their needs. Her expression spoke of these things, too, with kind eyes and an openly adoring smile. She liked people. Nothing strange about that, surely?

Barny, Min, McCarthy fam and Dylan!
 

Mention of Barny and a passing mention of Min in the Dylan section :)
 

There had been the reply she’d expected. If Robert had argued that Dylan actually had needed to butter them up to get anything, Elizabeth would have argued right back. Honestly, that was another of the rather amusing pastimes, considering they never argued about anything particularly important. Their daughter certainly was important, but that was besides the point. It was the downside to both having been Ravenclaws, maybe. Debates were amusing, but right now, unnecessary. He’d admitted that she had him wrapped around her finger, and the hilarity of listening to him go on to continue to convince her they should go on vacation was rather distracting anyhow. Along with keeping an eye on Dylan to make sure she didn’t get hit by any of the bludgers.

“Have we ever gone on vacation?,” she mused. They’d sort of gone away when they’d gotten married, only so it was easier for him to avoid dealing with his father, but he’d had Quidditch all the time. Any real vacations were few and far between. She couldn’t remember any they’d gone on as a family, but that wasn’t what he was suggesting. She’d only shaken her head as the inevitable response happened. The season always took precedence, but she also believed him when he’d said her cousin could handle the kids. Dylan was old enough to help, anyway. As he had continued trying to sell the idea to her, she’d grinned. She knew exactly what was on his mind there. “Every need, huh?,” she replied.

The bat was silly. He’d made Dylan smile, anyway, with all the high fives, funny dancing, and even the dramatics related to the bludger. Especially the hiding behind the woman who had spoken to her but was now talking to the other woman who had hit said bludger toward the target. The costume had to provide some sort of protection. More than any of them had just standing there, but she knew she was good at ducking if any got too close. Either that, or she’d try her hardest to hit it away from her. She knew both her parents were watching her, too. She had to prove herself.

She had smiled gain when the woman had turned back to her, though. “That’s a pretty name,” she said thoughtfully. It was more interesting than hers, anyway, even though she knew hers wasn’t exactly normal compared to either of her parents’. The accent was still fascinating her, too, and she’d taken her hand easily. She felt a little like an adult, which was nice. Not just a little kid. “I’m having fun. There’s lots to look at here,” she’d answered, adding a nod for good measure. Lots to do, too, but the best part was getting to spend time with her dad when they weren’t at home or at a Quidditch match.

Ethan turned his eyes back to Minerva again as the bludger came back, grinning as she hit this one a bit harder. "There.. you got it!" Hit the target and everything, he knew she could do this. "Did you see Mommy hit the ball?" he asked Gunnar, bending down near the stroller, as he heard the boy's excitement. Hmm? He glanced up at Min, hearing her words about the cat. Oh.. Of course Gunnar was looking for that Elise and he couldn't help but to chuckle.

"Sure, sure, whatever you say, Elise," he laughed. She could believe that if she wanted, but they all knew the truth. He got that cat before he even knew Elise. But it had made for some pretty funny misunderstandings back when they were all in school together. Oh she wanted to hold Chloe? Well, who wouldn't.. and he thought that would be okay. "Sure.." he started, walking back around to the front of the stroller to gently pull her out of her seat while Min readied herself for the next bludger.

Cradling his infant daughter in his arms, he held her out for Elise to take as he listened to her speak. "Oh that's great.. not surprised though," he said with a grin. "You always were a pretty fantastic beater." That lifestyle was never for him though and he chuckled when she guessed what he was doing. "Yeah, I work in the Environmental Department with Herbology at the German Ministry." He guessed that wasn't all that surprising either but he did enjoy his job.

He turned his green eyes on the beater lady that was tending to Min as she exclaimed about a prize. "Did you hear that, Gunnar?" He looked down at his son. "Mommy's going to get a prize.." For him, he would assume as she mentioned that in the beginning and those mascot plushies were just begging for a kid to pick them up.. he wondered which he would like best. "Here comes another!" He should have known the boy would love to watch his mom hitting the iron balls.

He didn't see Elise anywhere but Gunnar soon forgot all about that because the ball was coming again. Blue eyes snapped to it as he watched Mommy hit it again, and again he squealed and clapped his hands. That was exciting! Maybe he could play with the ball too? He was still pretty excited and he bounced in his seat a bit, grinning at the excited lady (Muirgen).

Mommy, Daddy, and the other lady (Elise) were talking and he watched them for a moment, his eyes following Daddy as he got Chloe out of the stroller. Where was he taking her? Gunnar wanted out of the stroller too and he reached his body that way. "Ah.. AH.." he babbled, soon stopping when he saw the big cat thing (Barny). His eyes wide when he ruffled his hair, Gunnar stared at him for a moment till he saw another ball coming. OH!

Elise, Murgien, Ethan, Gunnar, cute little Dylan, Barny
 

*snags*
 

Ah and there was one of her team's beaters! She could always ask for pointers from Elise if her aim was completely off. Amelia had a distinct feeling that the Portree team would be shocked to learn that their team's healer actually KNEW how to play the sport (and was quite skilled at it too).

Waving over at the beater, who seemed preoccupied talking with a couple and their children, she wondered if Elise would even notice her.

Picking up one of the bats at the station, Amelia held it for a moment or two, reminiscing as she felt the weight of it in her hand. It seemed no flying necessary. Just wait, swing, hit, win. Easy enough.

ooc: yes, we're assuming they know each other even though Amelia is like way older, considering Amelia is the Pride of Portree team healer ;D. Feel free to ask me if you want more details <3