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?