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*Zoe* · #1 (**permalink**) 08-01-2018, 06:35 PM

On an island in the middle of the North Sea lies the Unplottable fortress that is Azkaban prison. With the creator of the fortress, Ekrizdis, long gone, the Ministry of Magic began using the island as a detention facility in 1718 and continues to use it as such to this very day. There once was an infestation of Dementors that once roamed free here; however, after a number of mass breakouts due to the creatures revolting and joining Lord Voldemort, Aurors have been taking shifts to guard the prison in an effort to prevent another mass breakout from occurring.

The island itself is surrounded by iron walls and has a very minimalistic layout, containing a burial ground, for bodies unclaimed, and a tall tower. The tower is dark and contains hundreds of cells for criminals of varying sentences. Most of the prison's cells are big enough to hold two to four people. Those with long-term sentences, however, are placed in small high-security cells, which are bound with the most complex of enchantments.

Visitors, typically respectable Ministry employees and an inmate's immediate family, need to be pre-approved and then go through numerous security checks upon arrival. From there, visitors are seated in a drab visiting room where a number of Aurors stand guard. Prisoners arrive wearing charmed straightjackets and are promptly returned to their cells when the time allotted for a visit is up.

**Juliet Raphael** · 02-25-2019, 04:46 AM

"L is for the way you look at me
O is for the only one I see
V is very, very extraordinary
E is even more than anyone that you adore can

Love is all that I can give to you
Love is more than just a game for two
Two in love can make it
Take my heart and please don't break it
Love was made for me and you"

Zinnia Shacklebolt (sweetpinkpixie) & Ramiel Skeres (Tegz)

Fortress seeking scalers!:
At the bottom of the prison, on the large rocks wet with salty water, harness up and climb the side of the prison with suction caps and tiny footholds. You and your date have been pre-approved and passed the security checks, and once up the top you will meet the Auror who will show you around. You'll get to walk through the prison to an empty cell, where you'll be locked up for a while to get to know your date over a warming meal to the sounds of waves crashing on the walls.

sweetpinkpixie · 02-26-2019, 05:03 AM

Perpetually waking up on the wrong side of the bed for months now, Zinnia Shacklebolt was almost dramatically unimpressed with this whole set up and baffled that it was actually possible to find something worse than having been in a serious relationship with one Azzo Notte ~~who she did not miss one single bit, no~~. She understood what her publicist had been saying about needing to be more in the public eye, but this was ridiculous. Where in Dumbledore's beard did it make sense for her to be set up on a blind date at AZKABAN of all places? Even Notte had more sense than this crackpot matchmaker.

What happened to blind dates being in at least a coffee shop or somewhere practical and just what had her publicist put in her application to warrant this sort of a setting?

And yet...here she was. Waiting at the top for her date to arrive with their auror escort nearby all while rubbing her forehead practically raw. The only good thing about this was that the location gave her the excuse to dress down in designer jeans and peacock blue jumper rather than doll up, so she at least felt more natural despite the unnatural setting.

Absurd. The lot of this.

TeafortheSoul · 02-27-2019, 06:22 AM

If there was a wizarding version of a muggle candid camera/prank type show, Ram was pretty sure he was on it right now. He stood on the rocks next to his auror escort (how MUCH were they getting paid to allow this??) and shook his head.

"No. Nope. No. No. That's mad. I'm not doing it. No thank you. Keep your harnesses and suctio... suction cups? No way." There was NO WAY he was scaling the OUTSIDE OF AZKABAN?!? No. He shivered and then pinched himself just to check if it was actually true that he was here right now and not some kind of bizarro fever dream. Maybe he'd gone on an actual date, eaten bad fish, and began hallucinating?

Anyway, he at least seemed to have made it clear that he wasn't going to CLIMB so the auror blindfolded him - blindfolded him! - and took him in whatever secret entrance there was. And now... to walk all the way up through a prison filled with crazy mass murderers and also probably your casual every day not so crazy mass murderers who were STILL CRAZY BECAUSE THEY WERE MASS MURDERERS. Where was the hidden camera? Microphone? Was one of his brothers going to jump out and say it was all some elaborate prank? The only reason he continued on with his auror guide (who probably hadn't had anything exciting to do in this place for YEARS, lets be real) was because he was assured his date was already here, and who was he to stand someone up ON TOP OF AZKABAN???

Also, what would happen if he got up there and his date fell OFF? Would HE be liable? Had there been some fine print that he'd missed?

Up the final staircase and he felt a bit like he was in a video game about to fight off the final boss to save a princess or something. He was never good at such things, even when for a while he'd gotten into retro muggle games and spent weeks on end doing almost nothing else. At least he had got a dissertation out of the experience. This? He wasn't sure he'd get anything at all except maybe a cold. Or, you know, death or permanent mental trauma.

One of those.

It was a trap DOOR at the top, of all things. Ram climbed up through it after his escort and promptly lost his glasses, which got caught by a gust of wind and flew off over the side, presumably to be smashed on the rocks and waves below.

Great start.

sweetpinkpixie · 03-05-2019, 05:02 AM

Too disgruntled with her own situation, she almost hadn't noticed that her date had arrived as well and ... had those just been a pair of glasses that had been lost over the edge of the prison to the sea? So this really was going to be a blind date then. Attempting to shrug off the hands of her auror escort as they lead her towards the trap door next, Zinnia carefully climb down and felt very little relief when her sneakers touched the damp uneven floor of the entry chamber of sorts they had just arrived in. Bleak and windowless with several more solemn looking aurors manning various screening stations, including one that she recognized for wand weighing, Zinnia ventured a glance over towards her date but tried not to make any immediate judgement.

Though, honestly, who actually agreed to a blind date in Azkaban? It was a question she had been asking herself on repeat.

And even more so when she was instructed to hold her arms out to the side so they could check her over for any hazardous items that the inmates could potentially take and use to escape. Which essentially meant that they were being forced to empty their pockets and leave their bags in this bins of questionable sanitation levels. Well...this certainly would be one way of getting to know one another.

Resisting the urge to rub her forehead, the chaser reached into her pockets for the keys to her home in Kenmare and her little sports car attached to a gold key ring and a little paper crane figurine attached to that, a small Ellsberry compact, an stick of beeswax lip balm, and a few ticket stubs from various sporting matches - muggle and magical. Nothing particularly revealing nor embarrassing. Her back was inspected as well...which was a little less tame seeing as some of her more feminine products were haphazardly placed on display in the bin.

TeafortheSoul · 03-13-2019, 08:48 AM

You know what was awkward? Even more awkward than a date in Azkaban? Being asked to empty your pockets out and taking out no less than seven wands in various states of repair. The auror taking his things and patting him down gave him the look that that deserved. Good thing they knew what he did for a living, right?

"Err... I.... forgot I had these." Ram said, mussing up his hair sheepishly before remembering to spread his arms out again for the pat down. Were they done? Was it done? Would this ever be done?

Out of politeness he hadn't looked at what had been taken from his date. He'd also not had the best look at her yet for that matter - even if his glasses hadn't fallen off the side of the building he suspected he wouldn't have spent too much time staring given this was all now a crazy whirlwind and for all he knew he was about to be locked in a cell forever or at best it was a big ol' prank and he was about to be the laughing stock of all of the Wizarding World.

But soon they were being led to their cell. Their literal cell. Ramiel was relieved to see that there was an actual nice dinner table with comfortable seats and a candle and a rose that wouldn't look out of place in a fancy restaurant. At least they weren't expected to sit on those concrete floors and share a stale heel of bread with the rats that probably called this place home.

"Thank you. I suppose." He said to the aurors as they got locked in. Welp. He turned to his date. "Um.... I'm Ram. Or well, Ramiel Skeres. But I go by Ram usually. This is very strange. Not that you're strange.... or well, you might be, and that's... that's okay, I don't mean to judge, but...." He looked around and blinked a few times. "We're in a cell."

sweetpinkpixie · 03-15-2019, 03:02 AM

Everything that happened after leaving that initial chamber was a blur - a literally blur. Perhaps it was because she had actively shut her brain off from processing as they were lead through the corridors and greeted with the crude voices of inmates from either side. No one needed to hear their expletives, least of all her. So everything from that entry chamber to the sound of the cell door being locked - literally locked - behind them was nothing but a blank. As a result, it took her brain a few moments to kick start back on, almost as though she had taken a severe bludger to the head and knocked square off her broom and into the stands. Something that had not happened to her personally since her Durmstrang days playing for her house team. Different brand of quidditch over there compared to here in the British Isles.

As such, her vision was met with much confusion at the sight of the quaint little table and the rose. Having half a mind to believe she had been knocked upside the head by a blunt object, her hand instinctively went to touch the back of it...and the top of it...and her temple as a precaution.

Nope. This was all very much real and very much happening.

Which was then and only then, at his timid introduction, did she pay her company and real mind. Save for the very clear image of him removing seven wands from his pockets, that is. Ramiel Skeres, was it? She had managed to catch his name at least between her own processing of the situation and his ramblings - the latter of which she was willing to forgive in the moment given that, yes, this was a very strange situation and he had an aesthetically pleasing quality about him. All in all, things could still be considerably worse so, at least for now, she did not feel the urge to rub her forehead again.

"Zinnia Shacklebolt," replies calmly as she takes a few glided steps in his direction to offer her deceptively dainty hand to him. For a handshake or a more gentlemanly approach to the situation, she did not know his upbringing to know which to expect. "....that we are...at least it is..." Pauses for a moment to make sure that her ears were not simply blocking out unnecessary noise. "...quiet." They had clearly been lead to a cell a block or so away from the rest of the inmates.

How much were these Aurors getting paid to be their babysitters for this? She could hardly imagine Angelo or Evangeline agreeing to this no matter the salary.

"....so. Seven wands. Impressive."

Clearly whatever his profession was was nothing unsavory or else the Aurors would not have even entertained his presence here. Then again, and she would blame Cassius for the thoughts, this matchmaker was clearly insane so who was to know for sure that one Zinnia Shacklebolt was not on a blind date with a criminal?

TeafortheSoul · 03-18-2019, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Everything that happened after leaving that initial chamber was a blur - a literally blur. Perhaps it was because she had actively shut her brain off from processing as they were lead through the corridors and greeted with the crude voices of inmates from either side. No one needed to hear their expletives, least of all her. So everything from that entry chamber to the sound of the cell door being locked - literally locked - behind them was nothing but a blank. As a result, it took her brain a few moments to kick start back on, almost as though she had taken a severe bludger to the head and knocked square off her broom and into the stands. Something that had not happened to her personally since her Durmstrang days playing for her house team. Different brand of quidditch over there compared to here in the British Isles.

As such, her vision was met with much confusion at the sight of the quaint little table and the rose. Having half a mind to believe she had been knocked upside the head by a blunt object, her hand instinctively went to touch the back of it...and the top of it...and her temple as a precaution.

Nope. This was all very much real and very much happening.

Which was then and only then, at his timid introduction, did she pay her company and real mind. Save for the very clear image of him removing seven wands from his pockets, that is. Ramiel Skeres, was it? She had managed to catch his name at least between her own processing of the situation and his ramblings - the latter of which she was willing to forgive in the moment given that, yes, this was a very strange situation and he had an aesthetically pleasing quality about him. All in all, things could still be considerably worse so, at least for now, she did not feel the urge to rub her forehead again.

"Zinnia Shacklebolt," replies calmly as she takes a few glided steps in his direction to offer her deceptively dainty hand to him. For a handshake or a more gentlemanly approach to the situation, she did not know his upbringing to know which to expect. "....that we are...at least it is..." Pauses for a moment to make sure that her ears were not simply blocking out unnecessary noise. "...quiet." They had clearly been lead to a cell a block or so away from the rest of the inmates.

How much were these Aurors getting paid to be their babysitters for this? She could hardly imagine Angelo or Evangeline agreeing to this no matter the salary.

"....so. Seven wands. Impressive."

Clearly whatever his profession was was nothing unsavory or else the Aurors would not have even entertained his presence here. Then again, and she would blame Cassius for the thoughts, this matchmaker was clearly insane so who was to know for sure that one Zinnia Shacklebolt was not on a blind date with a criminal?

He... knew that name. He did. He wasn't a Quidditch person exactly but he still knew that name. Would be too much a coincidence for to be a different Zinnia Shacklebolt, wouldn't it? Ram took her offered hand and shook it firmly enough with his own rough hand and then looked around, realising she was right. It WAS fairly quiet. Peaceful almost. Small miracles because Ram was pretty sure that insane screams wouldn't exactly improve the ambiance.

Seven wands. Uh. Yeah. About that.

"I'm a wandmaker." He said. That was explanation enough wasn't it? As to why he had so many with him? "I... I'm the new manager at Ollivanders." And... he should.... Yeah. Ram pulled a chair out for her. That was what you did, wasn't it? Even in a prison?

sweetpinkpixie · 03-18-2019, 01:23 PM

Not keen on sitting yet - were the chairs sanitary even? - Zinnia took to walking the perimeter of the cell they were to occupy for...however long this was going to be. That was another unnerving factoid about this whole blind date situation: they had no details on that either. Surely they would at least not be kept overnight here and expected to sleep on the floor of all places.

Again, where these chairs sanitary? There were not enough napkins on the table to sit on one of them while leaving the other in her lap...and she had no means of duplicating one either. This was worse than fried chicken with Dolohov in that regard. At least with that little hole in the wall establishment she had enough paper napkins to line the seat.

"Ah," nods in understanding, though unfamiliar with the wand shop herself on any personal level. "Congratulations. I hear it is a prestigious establishment." Her voice was of a pleasant coy temperament - everyone knew how renowned Ollivanders was.

Taking a moment to observe the chair he had pulled out, she took a reluctant breath and glided over towards him. "Thank you," says as she slips into it, politely tucking her legs one behind the other as she sat in a well-trained prim and proper posture.

TeafortheSoul · 03-26-2019, 03:35 AM

"Oh, well, it is... err... that is, I feel quite humbled to have the job, and I am rather looking forward to the summer, as I imagine you yourself are, with the world cup? Er... I mean, that's not why I am looking forward to summer, but I know you're a Quidditch player. Not that I specifically follow Quidditch. Well, I do, but specifically, the brooms. I follow the brooms." Uh. Should he also.... congratulate her on her job? Would that be weird? That would be weird. Ramiel went around and sat himself after she was seated as comfortably as seemed possible.

"Can I ask why you showed up? Or is that too blunt?" With the location and such he was curious.

sweetpinkpixie · 03-30-2019, 09:56 AM

As he spoke, Zinnia was trying to sort out whether or not she found his nervous ramblings to be endearing or annoying. She was not particularly verbose herself, was a bit of a Shacklebolt trait, and she often elected to share the company of those who were the same...so Ramiel was a change of pace. Which was rather on brand for this whole set up really. Honestly though, her first proper date - because that picnic and other rubbish attempts at 'romance' of Azzo's hardly constituted for much - and it was this.

Judge and jury were still out. She would continue to try and refrain from allowing the Wizengamot congregate inside her head.

"Yes, very excited," she nodded while sizing up the rose again. "I'll be playing for the Bulgarian side." But...brooms? "....are you a broommaker as well?" Or perhaps a general dexterity with wood?

Finds herself laughing under her breath at his question, honestly unsure if she had an answer that satisfied herself. "I prefer my company blunt," assures him as she meets his gaze. "I suppose the best answer I can offer is curiosity. I need to keep busy and my publicist signed me up for the service. The whole...set up is so unexpected that I thought I may as well." Which displeased Evangeline greatly - her cousin was less than keen on the location for obvious reasons. "What about yourself?"

TeafortheSoul · 04-03-2019, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

As he spoke, Zinnia was trying to sort out whether or not she found his nervous ramblings to be endearing or annoying. She was not particularly verbose herself, was a bit of a Shacklebolt trait, and she often elected to share the company of those who were the same...so Ramiel was a change of pace. Which was rather on brand for this whole set up really. Honestly though, her first proper date - because that picnic and other rubbish attempts at 'romance' of Azzo's hardly constituted for much - and it was this.

Judge and jury were still out. She would continue to try and refrain from allowing the Wizengamot congregate inside her head.

"Yes, very excited," she nodded while sizing up the rose again. "I'll be playing for the Bulgarian side." But...brooms? "....are you a broommaker as well?" Or perhaps a general dexterity with wood?

Finds herself laughing under her breath at his question, honestly unsure if she had an answer that satisfied herself. "I prefer my company blunt," assures him as she meets his gaze. "I suppose the best answer I can offer is curiosity. I need to keep busy and my publicist signed me up for the service. The whole...set up is so unexpected that I thought I may as well." Which displeased Evangeline greatly - her cousin was less than keen on the location for obvious reasons. "What about yourself?"

"Congratulations to you." Ram said genuinely and then nodded and then shook his head immediately after. "Not specifically, no, my family owns a magical forestry. We grow various magical woods for wandmakers and broommakers." It was how he got his start, and he had dabbled of course. Actually in a lot of things. There were benefits to growing up with an entire forest as your backyard.

He tipped his head to one side quizzically when she laughed, and then nodded in understanding. "I signed myself up." He admitted. "But I didn't expect this. I just thought it wouldn't be right to not show up, just in case you did." He explained. He supposed it made a story at least, or would, even if nothing happened.

"Was it always Quidditch for you?"

sweetpinkpixie · 04-14-2019, 03:07 AM

She never quite knew how to accept congratulatory sentiments when it came to this sort of subject. Was it worthy of praise when one was simply doing what one was talented at? She supposed the same logic could be applied to her congratulating him on his ownership of Ollivanders - he merely doing what he was skilled at - and therefore anything other than a genuine 'thank you' could be considered hypocritical of snobbish. "Thank you," she nodded after what could have been considered an uncomfortable pause. "It is an honor to get to play for the country that raised me."

Her brows raised and eyes glittered, her interest clearly tickled as he continued speaking about himself. "That sounds fascinating," says with a sincerity not seen in her previous appreciative sentiments - a very real interest. Perhaps it was the notion of growing up around the outdoors, cultivated or not, that held the lure. Her 'damsel trapped in a tower' upbringing, as it were, had her craving that sort of setting. Why she enjoyed living in Kenmare as much as she did. "What drew you to wandmaking over broommaking?"

Did he still dabble in broommaking? She would be lying if the thought of a purely customized broom for herself had not flashed before her eyes. She was an opportunist, what could she say?

Himself. Interesting. She supposed.

"I think this matchmaker must surely be off her rocker," says a bit too curtly than intended. "Not in her pairing abilities but...conceptualization." Who in their right mind would ever think Azkaban was a good idea?

Nods easily at his next question, beginning even before he had even finished the sentence. "Always." Though after a pause supposes she ought to elaborate a bit more. "There is something freeing about it that I have not found anywhere else. Freeing and empowering."

TeafortheSoul · 04-29-2019, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

She never quite knew how to accept congratulatory sentiments when it came to this sort of subject. Was it worthy of praise when one was simply doing what one was talented at? She supposed the same logic could be applied to her congratulating him on his ownership of Ollivanders - he merely doing what he was skilled at - and therefore anything other than a genuine 'thank you' could be considered hypocritical of snobbish. "Thank you," she nodded after what could have been considered an uncomfortable pause. "It is an honor to get to play for the country that raised me."

Her brows raised and eyes glittered, her interest clearly tickled as he continued speaking about himself. "That sounds fascinating," says with a sincerity not seen in her previous appreciative sentiments - a very real interest. Perhaps it was the notion of growing up around the outdoors, cultivated or not, that held the lure. Her 'damsel trapped in a tower' upbringing, as it were, had her craving that sort of setting. Why she enjoyed living in Kenmare as much as she did. "What drew you to wandmaking over broommaking?"

Did he still dabble in broommaking? She would be lying if the thought of a purely customized broom for herself had not flashed before her eyes. She was an opportunist, what could she say?

Himself. Interesting. She supposed.

"I think this matchmaker must surely be off her rocker," says a bit too curtly than intended. "Not in her pairing abilities but...conceptualization." Who in their right mind would ever think Azkaban was a good idea?

Nods easily at his next question, beginning even before he had even finished the sentence. "Always." Though after a pause supposes she ought to elaborate a bit more. "There is something freeing about it that I have not found anywhere else. Freeing and empowering."

He couldn't imagine being asked to represent a country like that, not in anything. Not that Ramiel himself did anything that had any sort of... representation, but it was impressive. A little intimidating. Not Zinnia herself, precisely, just the idea that you could have a job that you loved, but was so in the public eye and therefore subject to public expectation just as much as your own talent and ability. He studied a whorl in the wood of the table, nudging it with his little finger.

"I suppose the wandmaking came more naturally. Or at least I suppose it was more complex so it ....intrigued me more." Ramiel said, lifting his gaze from an examination of the table to meet her eyes. "And I could shape the brooms and I wasn't too bad with shaping the metal fixtures either I suppose, but there's just something about wands...." Something more. He shrugged a little. "And I'm pretty good at it, or well, so far anyway. No missing fingers or eyes." He held his hands up and waggled all his fingers in illustration, a slightly rueful smile on his lips. "I've always thought how interesting it might be to combine the two. Not strictly a wand you could ride, but a broom with more ability to....be one with its rider, lets say." It was something he'd been thinking about for some time, truthfully.

It was nice, what she was saying about Quidditch. The freeing thing. He understood that. "I feel like that in nature in general." He admitted. He wasn't much of a flyer himself, but he could understand the draw.

Ram looked around, far more settled now than he had been, which wasn't saying much because he was still somewhat jumpy and out of his element, which surprisingly had barely anything to do with the lovely woman he was stuck here with. Maybe he'd still be jumpy in another circumstance for that reason, but at least this time he had no chance of being nervous about her given all his nerves were being fried by the whole wizarding prison thing.

..... maybe that was why the matchmaker had done it?? He blinked a few times and then chuckled, immediately intending to share that sentiment. Not to be charming but because.... well, because. "I half wonder if it was so that we would be so nervous about the prison that we wouldn't have a chance to be nervous about being on a date with a good looking person... er I mean. You. That's you. The good looking one. Not the nervous one. The nervous one would be me. In this situation."

sweetpinkpixie · 05-03-2019, 09:36 AM

Truth be told, the public eye was almost white noise to her. Which was the dangerous gamble she tended to fall back on since she did not consider paparazzi and the press until, most of the time, she had already found herself in a bit of hot water. Though she did take pleasure in trolling the paparazzi when she could, going out in the same outfit to make some of their coveted snapped photographs seemingly worthless. That had been her standard after...well...after what had happened with the twins. And no one, save for her grandmother though those standards were of an entirely different breed, had higher expectations for Zinnia Shacklebolt than those she held for herself.

Her finger was idly tracing the base of the out-of-place wine glass on the table in their..cell as he spoke and it was truly refreshing to find herself so easily engrossed in what he was saying. Though perhaps that came from speaking with someone who was passionate about what they were doing, without reservations. It was something the majority of those in her inner circle were lacking, the majority of them more adrift in their pursuits than not. With exception, of course. "I can see the appeal," she nodded with a bit of a side smile. "I only ever did the occasional rudimentary reading on the subject when wandwoods came up in relation to runic creation, but the complexity and intricate detailing held its allure."

While engrossed, she was trying not to let her thoughts dwell too much on her own fantastical ideas regarding broom creation. This was, after all, a date and not a business opportunity. In addition to it being far too bold a request to make given that they had only known each other for an hour, tops. Though all that went right out the window when he opened the door to possibility and enabled her thoughts. Disjointed as they may be. "Do you think it is more or less likely that a broom be made of the same wood as that of the a person's wand," she inquired, entirely conversationally. "For example, my own wand is ebony which has its own implications. My current broom is a Romanian made model, Viteza luminii 3000, is created from Pedunculate oak I believe. Brooms, much like wands, must be in tune with the magical properties is our blood. After all, a muggle would not be able to control a broom in the same manner a witch can...though brooms I feel are more in tune with the rider's balance and athleticism than a wand need be. On the alternative, a wand is far more in tune with the very soul of a witch or wizard and a broom merely a vehicle."

And in some ways, much like those who bought into astrology and all that business with signs, she supposed he could now quell a thing or two about herself given her wandwood.

She was, likewise, pleasantly surprised with his peace in the outdoors. Though really she should not be, it only made sense. Though it left her wondering just how he elected to spend his time in nature. She herself tended to take the more natural approach. "I am similar," she nodded, her posture noticeably relaxing further than it already had. "Kenmare does not boast much, but it does have outstanding nature trails prime for horseback riding. It is how I tend to spend my days off. Rent a horse and take a ride out in nature. Or a good long hike."

She could see her own calm reflected in his posture as well. Or...it had been there until he began rambling like that and digging himself into a perpetual hole of awkward and she found herself smiling with even a hint of a laugh in wondering just how long he planned on going on for.

"Maybe," she nodded coyly. "It would be nice to think there was some rhyme and reason to this setting rather than the matchmaker losing her marbles." Should she give a compliment in return? She was not particularly the sort to compliment on appearances except in certain situations - of which this was not. "You have a handsome mind, Ramiel."

TeafortheSoul · 05-13-2019, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Truth be told, the public eye was almost white noise to her. Which was the dangerous gamble she tended to fall back on since she did not consider paparazzi and the press until, most of the time, she had already found herself in a bit of hot water. Though she did take pleasure in trolling the paparazzi when she could, going out in the same outfit to make some of their coveted snapped photographs seemingly worthless. That had been her standard after...well...after what had happened with the twins. And no one, save for her grandmother though those standards were of an entirely different breed, had higher expectations for Zinnia Shacklebolt than those she held for herself.

Her finger was idly tracing the base of the out-of-place wine glass on the table in their..cell as he spoke and it was truly refreshing to find herself so easily engrossed in what he was saying. Though perhaps that came from speaking with someone who was passionate about what they were doing, without reservations. It was something the majority of those in her inner circle were lacking, the majority of them more adrift in their pursuits than not. With exception, of course. "I can see the appeal," she nodded with a bit of a side smile. "I only ever did the occasional rudimentary reading on the subject when wandwoods came up in relation to runic creation, but the complexity and intricate detailing held its allure."

While engrossed, she was trying not to let her thoughts dwell too much on her own fantastical ideas regarding broom creation. This was, after all, a date and not a business opportunity. In addition to it being far too bold a request to make given that they had only known each other for an hour, tops. Though all that went right out the window when he opened the door to possibility and enabled her thoughts. Disjointed as they may be. "Do you think it is more or less likely that a broom be made of the same wood as that of the a person's wand," she inquired, entirely conversationally. "For example, my own wand is ebony which has its own implications. My current broom is a Romanian made model, Viteza luminii 3000, is created from Pedunculate oak I believe. Brooms, much like wands, must be in tune with the magical properties is our blood. After all, a muggle would not be able to control a broom in the same manner a witch can...though brooms I feel are more in tune with the rider's balance and athleticism than a wand need be. On the alternative, a wand is far more in tune with the very soul of a witch or wizard and a broom merely a vehicle."

And in some ways, much like those who bought into astrology and all that business with signs, she supposed he could now quell a thing or two about herself given her wandwood.

She was, likewise, pleasantly surprised with his peace in the outdoors. Though really she should not be, it only made sense. Though it left her wondering just how he elected to spend his time in nature. She herself tended to take the more natural approach. "I am similar," she nodded, her posture noticeably relaxing further than it already had. "Kenmare does not boast much, but it does have outstanding nature trails prime for horseback riding. It is how I tend to spend my days off. Rent a horse and take a ride out in nature. Or a good long hike."

She could see her own calm reflected in his posture as well. Or...it had been there until he began rambling like that and digging himself into a perpetual hole of awkward and she found herself smiling with even a hint of a laugh in wondering just how long he planned on going on for.

"Maybe," she nodded coyly. "It would be nice to think there was some rhyme and reason to this setting rather than the matchmaker losing her marbles." Should she give a compliment in return? She was not particularly the sort to compliment on appearances except in certain situations - of which this was not. "You have a handsome mind, Ramiel."

"I think its unfortunate that certain areas of knowledge, like wandlore, have a gatekeeper culture." Ram said thoughtfully, adjusting his glasses when they slipped forward on his nose a little. "Of course part of that is because it genuinely takes a long time to gain any sort of mastery over the topic, but I think it would be lovely for it to be an easier, more accessible area for young people to learn about beyond acquiring their own wand." At least at the theory level, he rather thought. The great majority of people he helped had almost zero knowledge about it, which was crazy given how important their wands were in their every day lives.

"Its unlikely to match wand and broom wood, for a variety of reasons. Some wandwoods are just not fitting for the stresses that brooms undergo. And brooms tend not to have the wood custom matched to the rider, rather it is often about which wood the broommaker prefers to use, and if it is bespoke, then it tends to be more about the aesthetic." Ramiel mused. "Brooms are also created to be able to take certain types of spells. Cushioning charms, braking charms, and the like. Certain woods don't allow for those charm applications in any practical sense. I suppose that's the crux of it: wands are created to make magic, brooms are created to have magic applied to them. And wands are far more individualized. Anyone should be able to pick up any broom and ride it, it just may not be the most comfortable of dimensions for someone who isn't a physical match for its owner." He shot her a little smile. "I don't think an oak wand would be a comfortable fit for you, Zinnia." They tended to be attracted to more a more heavy-handed individual than what she seemed to be.

"I haven't been." To Kenmare. "I do like a good hike myself..... and we keep horses at home too." He added with a smile.

She got another, more sheepish one when she managed to gloss over his awkwardness. "Thank you." Actually it was the best part of him, he rather thought. A good mind was the best of things to be in possession of, wasn't it? Though they did say ignorance was bliss....

.... and food! It appeared in front of them with a pop and Ramiel would have jumped if he was the type to startle. He adjusted his glasses and peered at the plate in front of him. Well it looked nice and not at all like he'd expect to see in a prison. "Who do you suppose the chef is? A house elf maybe?"

sweetpinkpixie · 06-12-2019, 02:13 AM

Gatekeeper culture. Zinna found herself far more attracted to that word than she was willing to accept. Or perhaps the attraction was more in his wish for the demolishing of it. Transparency of information and education. That was something she could certainly get behind. "Well, if you want to share the keys and be my guide, I certainly wouldn't complain," she mused while tracing her fingers up and down the handle of her wind glass.

In case it was not apparent already, she enjoyed having her intellect stimulated with new concepts. As the following discussion was an example of.

"I never considered that. Not that wands serve as conductors but the contrast between wood types," she nodded thoughtfully. It was fascinating, honestly, considering the properties of one medium to another. But that truth had been staring her right in the face all this time, something that only someone with a trained eye to this sphere of magical theory would notice. Meaning that not all woods on the wandmaker's shelves were also on broommakers'. It made her all the more curious. especially when he said that about her. "Interesting," she said, pausing to take a sip of her wine and feeling her cheeks flush a bit. It was the Asian blood in her resonating with the crimson liquid, an unfortunate side effect for someone with a taste for firewhiskey. "So then, Ramiel, what wood would you say would be best suited for someone of my stature?"

She hadn't been proper hiking for a bit now, quidditch consuming almost all of her time and more than a few reckless impulses keeping her indoors a bit more than she would have liked, but now the thought was like an itch that she couldn't scratch. Because they were literally locked in a cell at the moment...for who knew how long. "Well, should you find yourself in Kenmare ever I would be more than happy to escort you," she smiled, her large almond shaped eyes twinkling subtly in delight. Perhaps it could be a more active second date, depending on how things here went. Or perhaps simply two people enjoying one another's company. She did find herself enjoying their conversation, after all. "You may be the first person I've taken riding that will actually know what he is doing." Since he mentioned keeping horses, it was only a natural conclusion that he knew how to ride. Levi had by far been the most amusing, being bucked off a pony like that.

To his gratitude, she simply lifted her glass and would have taken yet another sip when the food arrived. And it did, surprisingly, look delightful.

This blind date was subverting expectations left and right. Truly a surreal experience.

"I would hope so," she agreed while cautiously inspecting the food presented before her, politely poking at the ravioli with her fork. "I wouldn't want to eat something cooked by the inmates here." Oh no. Why had she said that. "....surely they wouldn't do that. As a sort of community service in attempt to shorten a sentence based on good behavior..."

She recalled Evangelion mention something of that variety in passing once.

Suddenly her appetite was less present.

TeafortheSoul · 07-10-2019, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Gatekeeper culture. Zinna found herself far more attracted to that word than she was willing to accept. Or perhaps the attraction was more in his wish for the demolishing of it. Transparency of information and education. That was something she could certainly get behind. "Well, if you want to share the keys and be my guide, I certainly wouldn't complain," she mused while tracing her fingers up and down the handle of her wind glass.

In case it was not apparent already, she enjoyed having her intellect stimulated with new concepts. As the following discussion was an example of.

"I never considered that. Not that wands serve as conductors but the contrast between wood types," she nodded thoughtfully. It was fascinating, honestly, considering the properties of one medium to another. But that truth had been staring her right in the face all this time, something that only someone with a trained eye to this sphere of magical theory would notice. Meaning that not all woods on the wandmaker's shelves were also on broommakers'. It made her all the more curious. especially when he said that about her. "Interesting," she said, pausing to take a sip of her wine and feeling her cheeks flush a bit. It was the Asian blood in her resonating with the crimson liquid, an unfortunate side effect for someone with a taste for firewhiskey. "So then, Ramiel, what wood would you say would be best suited for someone of my stature?"

She hadn't been proper hiking for a bit now, quidditch consuming almost all of her time and more than a few reckless impulses keeping her indoors a bit more than she would have liked, but now the thought was like an itch that she couldn't scratch. Because they were literally locked in a cell at the moment...for who knew how long. "Well, should you find yourself in Kenmare ever I would be more than happy to escort you," she smiled, her large almond shaped eyes twinkling subtly in delight. Perhaps it could be a more active second date, depending on how things here went. Or perhaps simply two people enjoying one another's company. She did find herself enjoying their conversation, after all. "You may be the first person I've taken riding that will actually know what he is doing." Since he mentioned keeping horses, it was only a natural conclusion that he knew how to ride. Levi had by far been the most amusing, being bucked off a pony like that.

To his gratitude, she simply lifted her glass and would have taken yet another sip when the food arrived. And it did, surprisingly, look delightful.

This blind date was subverting expectations left and right. Truly a surreal experience.

"I would hope so," she agreed while cautiously inspecting the food presented before her, politely poking at the ravioli with her fork. "I wouldn't want to eat something cooked by the inmates here." Oh no. Why had she said that. "....surely they wouldn't do that. As a sort of community service in attempt to shorten a sentence based on good behavior..."

She recalled Evangelion mention something of that variety in passing once.

Suddenly her appetite was less present.

"Oh well of course, a mutual exchange of information could be.... err.. that is to say, it might be interesting? I'm sure your expertise with brooms could set me in good stead too." And he was always willing to learn more. And while he could make a broom, it was the use of it that was the proof in the pudding of its creation, or so the saying went.

Ram was a little more at ease now, which if he had spent a little time thinking about, he would consider odd giving the setting, but the company and the discussion made up for much.

"Which wood?" He mused out loud. "For broomstick or wand?" He studied her thoughtfully, his brows beetling behind his glasses. "You strike me as a dragon heartstring core, Zinnia, Ironbelly or Longhorn I think. How long have you had your Ebony? That would be a factor as far is if I'd attempt to rematch you with the same wood or if I'd look at say... Cherry perhaps, or even Beech. For broomstick however.... the factors are remarkably different. I suppose it would take some experimentation. I'd need to know more about your flying style than simply map a wood to your.... stature." Ramiel sipped his own wine and pushed his glasses up with one long finger when they slipped forward once more.

He was also finding he quite wanted to visit Kenmare now, should the opportunity arise, and he leaned forward a little, about to confirm that yes he was a decent rider, when the food proved itself to be better than expected too, almost as much as the company.

"Oh I doubt it very much that they would be cooking anything - too much access to potentially dangerous items I would say. More likely this is house elf prepared. Or ordered in." He speared some with his fork and bravely put it in his mouth, chewing thoughtfully, then swallowing and offering Zinnia an encouraging smile. "It really is quite good."

sweetpinkpixie · 07-13-2019, 01:34 PM

She had been mid sip on her wine while he was speaking and it had prompted her to need a very real moment there at the end. Masking a laugh behind a soft cough, one of her strong slender fingers resting on her upper lip so that her palm covered her absurdly amused smile, Zinnia cocked her head and set her glass down. "Does that mean you want me to teach you how to handle a broom?" she inquired with as straight a face as she could manage. "Take you flying sometime?"

If he had been anything like any of her other mates, the would have most certainly interpreted things differently. But Ramiel was an entirely different sort of creature and it was only, truly, in this moment that she was beginning to see just how much so. It was...refreshing, to say the least.

She had meant broom, but she was also curious as to how close he could peg her wand with what all he had observed and taken in from their meeting thus far. So one could say that the curious twinkle in her eyes implied she was seeking an answer to both - wand and broom. "You're quite good," she mused appreciatively. "Dragon heartstring, Romanian Longhorn." Which had been something she had taken pride in initially, her wand paying homage to her Romanian upbringing. Though the brief visits she had taken to some Japanese wandmakers while visiting the country had shifted her own loyalties a bit as that part of her heritage had taken a bit of a stronger hold on her. "I actually received my wand from Ollivanders upon my transfer from Durmstrang to Hogwarts for my sixth year. My previous one receiving irreversible damage from dueling antics." Seven years ago, which seemed like a lifetime ago with all that had happened since. "And I suppose if I am to teach you a thing or two about how to handle a broom that you will gain some first hand observations as to my flying style.

Another sip of wine was necessary, partly to wash down some of the memories that were trying to creep into her peace of mind (found in Azkaban of all ironic locations) as well as to hide the smile tugging to her lips.

"What about me made you say dragon heartstring?" Or any of it for that matter. There was a bit of a test involved in her questioning, of course, but there was also a very real curiosity into how these pairings worked. She knew full well about a wand choosing the witch or wizard, but wandmakers had unique insight into how to narrow down the copious combinations of core and wood and length for each hopeful. It was remarkable.

She would almost say she pitied the house elf who would have to work under such conditions, but that would be a lie. Rather she was quite satisfied with his analysis and decided that it was safe to tuck in. She had never been one to question a meal or its authenticity, Hogwarts had changed that perspective a bit. Still, she took her time serving herself up the perfect bite on her fork and waited for him to take the first. There. Now she was truly satisfied, so into her mouth it went...and out came a rather unladylike soft grunt of approval.

A five star meal in Azkaban. Who ever would have thought?

TeafortheSoul · 07-31-2019, 11:33 AM

Did he wa---oh. Oh. His phrasing hadn't been intentional but now he couldn't get his mind out of the gutter. Unfortunate. At least Zinnia seemed to be amused and not offended.Ramiel had his oblivious moments, and his awkward moments certainly, but he was quick enough to catch the innuendo and he smiled a bit sheepishly for a moment at her reaction and tried to save it a little, though the curve of his lips certainly indicated he had caught up. The slip hadn't been intentional, but he was amused by it.

"I think everyone should be willing to take on some, ah, constructive criticism. That is to say I'd love to go flying with you." Genuinely, and probably also less genuinely, but he would, err, fly for that goal post when he got to the pitch. Currently he was still en route to the stadium. Or something. He kept his thoughts to himself and mentally face palmed. Get yourself together, Ramiel.

It was easier to make a recovery with the topic at hand anyway. "Romanian Longhorn." He repeated, leaning forward slightly and having to push his plate back a little so that he wouldn't get sauce on his shirt in his enthusiasm.

"Oh really? Was your former wand from Gregorovitch Zauberstäbe?" Many of the Durmstrang students had Gergorovitch-made wands. "What were you matched with originally?" It was interesting to know, and often revealing regarding the extent of the change between one wand and the next, and Ram found himself entirely interested in what else the young woman before him had to reveal. And flying style... well. Ahem. Observations. "I suppose I will." He agreed with a faint blush, then stabbed some more of the ravioli with the kind of absent-minded aggression that some people used to peel labels from glass bottles.

As for dragon heartstring and why he'd surmised that core to be one that would match to her, Ramiel chewed thoughtfully, giving pause to really consider his response. He was inclined to give questions deep thought in general but in this case he was picking though his mental catalogue of dragon heartstring traits and those that tended to be fundamental to the people who matched them, and sorting through what he was learning about Zinnia Shacklebolt so far. He swallowed and put his fork down.

"Well, heartstrings from different dragons have added traits and considerations at play, but as a core they are powerful, with a lot of oomph and raw energy, and so it makes sense that most people who match with dragon heartstring are passionate, relentlessly driven, and resilient. They often hold firm convictions and are firm in their moral conduct - regardless of what end of the spectrum they may fall on with ethical considerations. Dragon heartstrings are not fickle in nature, and that's true of both the wand and its owner. I've never known a person matched with a dragon heartstring who has a hard time standing up for themselves." He said consideringly. "I admire people like that greatly. Strong minds, and strong hearts." The kinds of people that were worth knowing, he found, and very intriguing to his more cerebral, unicorn hair core self.

sweetpinkpixie · 08-04-2019, 01:52 PM

She felt remarkable refreshed being around someone who did not have a mind that immediately turned to locker room banter. Always a pleasure when she could catch someone off guard and make them flustered and rare that it was done so with such charming naivety. Which said a lot more about the company she kept than anything else.

"Mmmhmm," she nodded, her lips pursed and twitching into an amused smile of her own. "I am inclined to agree with you." Though she could think of a few within her inner circle and those dancing around the perimeter who enjoyed offering up their unsolicited constructive criticism far too much. Her grandmother being the largest perpetrator of such notions. "It would be my pleasure to take you flying."

Sorry. Not sorry. She couldn't help herself sometimes.

She took a few more bites from her own plate, still marveling a bit in how delectable it was considering the location. Straightening her posture a bit, one leg tucking politely behind the other, she lifted her napkin from her lap and dabbed the corners of her mouth gently. "It was," she nodded in agreement. "Juniper, nine and a quarter inches with a centaur tail hair core." Which would surely mean something to him. All it meant to her now was the pieces of a wand that had failed her. Perhaps also had rooted her dislike for centaurs as well, though she would be unlikely to admit that.

Briefly wondering what his plate of ravioli had ever done to him as she gave her wine another casual swirl in its glass, she found herself entranced soon enough by his words as he shared a sliver of his wealth of wandlore understanding and, almost more importantly, what understanding of her he had gathered thus far. Just how perceptive were you, Mr. Wandmaker?

Quite, as it turned out. But she fought off whatever giddy and girlish reactions his analysis may have elicited, maintaining her calm but now more clearly impressed exterior while reminding herself that these sorts of phrasing were not unlike horoscopes. Worded in such a manner that it was easy to apply to yourself. Though there was one bit in particular that stood out in his description, the firmness of her moral conduct, that caused her wall to crack just enough to show some genuine surprise - and perhaps a little sadness as well. The strong mind she agreed with, a strong heart was another matter.Though it was fleeting at best, her glass of wine back to her lips with another sip.

"Intriguing." She meant that and surely the delight that danced across her the rosy hue that had danced across her cheeks revealed as much. The strong mind she agreed with, a strong heart was another matter. "And your own wand? How does it compare?" Engaged in conversation, she entirely missed the approach of footsteps shuffling down the corridor towards their cell.

**The Announcer** · 05-07-2020, 12:29 AM

All aurors had checked in to their assigned posts on time and it was as any day towards the end of September should have gone. Nothing amiss. Business as usual. Even the prisoners seemed calmer this day...

The history books and papers, however, would look back on on the 24th of September, 2101 with entirely different regard.

There was no warning. No indication of anything amiss. Nothing to warn the aurors of the series of explosions that took place, blowing away walls, doors off their hinges, and allowing a WHOOSH of icy cold air from the OUTSIDE that SWOOSHED through the cells and stone corridors of Azkaban. The bone chilling draft was enough to cause even the most capable of wizard to still, to feel the goosebumps form and hairs raise on the back of their neck.

Pure chaos ensued. Some were recaptured. Many were not. And none noticed a handful of figures fleeing the scene towards the cliff. A series of green flashes later and only two departed the scene. The others fell limply into the raging ocean below.

Azkaban was compromised, it's walls resembling that of Swiss cheese in some places, and then came the roar of the prisoners' as they celebrated their release.

DaniDiNardo · 05-07-2020, 01:32 AM

What had started out as a relatively tame morning had quickly turned into mass mayhem and prison escapes. Lex had barely sat down at her desk when she got the alarming message and just like that, she was up and ready to be out again. This was what she missed most about simply being an Auror, the rush of adrenaline, knowing you were out to have another adventure. This office work...this wasn’t it. The meetings, the paperwork, it wasn’t her.

Once she’d gathered as many of the others as she could, Alexa gave them the run down and it was time to go.

Now here, she could clearly see the reason for the panic earlier. “....Circe....” This was a mess. A huge mess. She didn’t know how they would begin to contain this but they needed to start somewhere.

“Check for stragglers, bodies, anything and anyone you can find. Make note of damages. Find out where and how that breech occurred.” There was much to be done. “We gotta figure out what happened here and bring some order back. Anyone know where the warden is?” She asked the Aurors who were already present during the breech.

She’d need to have words with him.

Felixir · 05-07-2020, 05:09 PM

If Jake thought he was feeling stressed before today, it was nothing compared to how things had been since the message had reached the ministry. A mass breakout from Azkaban was certainly enough to get the heart racing. It was fortunate that Jake had long since learnt to thrive on stress. It was very much unfortunate that Merlin knew how many escapees were now at large.

Fighting the almost overwhelming urge to send an immediate patronus to Becca and tell her to get their younger children out of school and back to their extremely secure home (the kids are fine, we can't afford days off, the kids are fine, we can't afford days off), Jake stared at the near desolation of Azkaban, while listening to Alexa's instructions.

Right... right.

"I'll focus on looking into that breach," he said to the group at large, when boss lady was done and addressing the Aurors who had been on duty. But yeah, just announcing it so they didn't all go off doing the same thing, and leave certain tasks unattended. Also spoken for the benefit of anyone who would join him. Stupid to do it alone, given the circumstances.

But also stupid to delay for very long, so once Jake knew he'd have at least one person along with him, he set off to investigate. No need to draw his wand, that hadn't been holstered since the ministry.

TakemetotheBurrow · 05-07-2020, 06:16 PM

No use lying about it, Emilia was scared. Probably not surprising considering the capabilities of the people who'd escaped this horrible place. Luckily for the junior auror and all that worked with her, the fear pushed her forward. She'd always fought back against the things that scared her, wanting to confront them head-on, take away the power they had over her. If she could help catch these escapees, they wouldn't hold the power anymore and that's all she wanted.

"I can help with a sweep," She announced, glancing at the others to see who'd be coming along. If there were stragglers hiding in this place, she was sure they weren't going down without a fight. Her grip tightened on her wand some and she too headed off when she knew she had backup.

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