Quote:

Originally Posted by Sneakeh Cat

Naida returned the girl's hug, widely smiling as she did so. "Hey, girly." It was nice seeing her again - really nice. She was like family now, and for her, family was everything. Coming from the McDean family, that spoke volumes considering how none of her Uncles really got along. Not only did seeing Esme make her happy, it also gave her a chance to feel happy, even if for a brief time. Ever since her doctor's appointment, she has been dealing with a lot of emotions that she has attempted to put on the back burner. The only thing that has stopped her from having a mental breakdown was the fact that she was keeping her mind occupied.

"Good, good," she said, nodding. "How close to do you live to here?" She has contemplated moving to London to be closer to her brother, but she did not have the heart to leave her father behind. She truly believed he needed her there, and she basically lived her life around making sure her father would be okay. "They are good. Really good. Uncle Sam is enjoying his time off. Juliette is getting ready for college, and she couldn't be more excited." She grinned. "What about you? How are you? How is Ollie?" SO MANY QUESTIONS.

This was going to be an amazing meet up; Esme could feel it already. She was always so happy and excited about things!! "What do you want to play first? We could do table Quidditch?" Unless Naida was more in the mood for something else right now.

"Well, it's pretty close since I am living with Olly." Naida had been to the apartment, so maybe she would have an idea of the distance from there to Diagon Alley. Happily she listened to all the news about the family that she already felt a part of. Esme knew that she was as good as a McDean and hoped that it would always stay that way. "I'm glad that everyone is good. What is Juliette going to study at college?" It was nice to hear that she was excited about school. She herself was looking forward to the change of going to university, but not loving the idea of studying. "I am doing great. I got an internship at Florean's and I am going to university soon. Olly is well too. He is getting a lot of painting done and loving photography. What about you?"

Naida place her bag aside, making sure it was in view in case anyone wanted to think about touching it, then looked back at Esme. "We can do that," she responded. "Just know, I am pretty decent at Quidditch." Decent. Yep, that was a good word to describe her Quidditch skills. She wasn't the BEST, but she wasn't the worst either.

Oops. "Sorry," she apologized. "That was a stupid question because I know where you and Ollie live." Goodness, it felt like her memory has worstened over the past week. That and the headaches, but the headaches were under control right now due to the potion she was on. "I don't think she knows what she wants to do right now. She's going to take a few courses then decide." She began to walk over to the Quidditch table. "Oh, really? Congratulations! Does that mean I can get free ice cream?" She laughed, obviously kidding! "I'm so proud of Ollie. I really am. He's always been so talented, and I'm glad he's getting his work out there." She couldn't be more happier for her brother, even if she tried.

What about her? Well, she could of answered that question in many different ways, but she decided to take the less upsetting route. "Good," she said, reassuring. "I've been volunteering, per usual. If I'm not volunteering, I'm training for Quidditch season. I tend to keep myself busy."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sneakeh Cat

Naida place her bag aside, making sure it was in view in case anyone wanted to think about touching it, then looked back at Esme. "We can do that," she responded. "Just know, I am pretty decent at Quidditch." Decent. Yep, that was a good word to describe her Quidditch skills. She wasn't the BEST, but she wasn't the worst either.

Oops. "Sorry," she apologized. "That was a stupid question because I know where you and Ollie live." Goodness, it felt like her memory has worstened over the past week. That and the headaches, but the headaches were under control right now due to the potion she was on. "I don't think she knows what she wants to do right now. She's going to take a few courses then decide." She began to walk over to the Quidditch table. "Oh, really? Congratulations! Does that mean I can get free ice cream?" She laughed, obviously kidding! "I'm so proud of Ollie. I really am. He's always been so talented, and I'm glad he's getting his work out there." She couldn't be more happier for her brother, even if she tried.

What about her? Well, she could of answered that question in many different ways, but she decided to take the less upsetting route. "Good," she said, reassuring. "I've been volunteering, per usual. If I'm not volunteering, I'm training for Quidditch season. I tend to keep myself busy."

Seeing as Naida played Quidditch, Esme was a bit surprised that she called herself decent and nothing more. "I am sure that you will do well. Better than me in all probability. I haven't played in a while." All of her Seventh Year she had been busy, and now she was living in London, so there was nowhere that the COULD play. At least not near the apartment... At any rate she was ready to go. "Let's do this!" Excitedly she rubbed her hands together.

"No worries," she added, brushing aside the apology. "Everyone forgets, and I haven't been living with him for a long time yet." Esme hoped that she would be living with Olly forever, and had the feeling that it was going to happen; they fit together perfectly and loved each other. "Nothing wrong with taking time to figure things out, and maybe she will find what she wants to do soon. Thanks! Even though I know you are kidding, I could probably get you free ice cream, or at least reduced price." Isley was absolutely amazing and adored her. Beam. "It's amazing how well he is doing, I couldn't be prouder of him if I tried. I tell him all the time that he's the most amazing painter. And I'm so happy that I inspire him."

It was nice to hear that Naida was doing well. "That's great! I love volunteering and keeping busy. Where are you volunteering? Still with the animals?" Esme was curious.

Miss Kitty's feathers were fake! Emmeline breathed a sigh of relief as she returned the older girl's smile AND her tiny hug. She'd only seen Miss Kitty in lessons, really, but the Ravenclaw had LOADS of opinions on Muggles and stuff. Opinions that Emmeline didn't really agree with; she thought that maybe Miss Kitty needed more DADA lessons, mhm. But, she was happy to learn that the feathers were fake and that Miss Kitty seemed much nicer when she wasn't talking about all that secrecy stuff.

"I'm goood, how're you? Uh huh, I did LOADS of stuff this summer," she informed the older girl with a biiiig smile. Not that she would tell anyone, 'cept her friends, about the stuff she did with James -- but she'd done loads of stuff with Cami too, and not much of that stuff was a secret. The twelve-year-old tilted her head to the side a little bit when Miss Kitty asked her if she liked the feathers. She thought that colorful ones would totally be prettier, but she wasn't going to say anything like that to an older student. She figured that maybe Miss Kitty just liked wearing lots of black for some reason; actually, there was a boy she'd glimpsed around here somewhere that was wearing loads of black too. Maybe it was one of those weird older kid things. Still, Miss Kitty was always pretty anyways like loads and loads of older girls at Hogwarts, so Emmeline smiled again and said, "You look realllly pretty, Miss Kitty." That much was true, mhm. Even though she still wasn't sure about people wearing fake feathers, either, 'cause what if people saw them and wanted REAL feathers?! That would be a super disaster.

The Bowling Alley was the place to be in the summertime, right? Well even if it wasn't Zita would make it be the best place on earth. She had a way of doing that especially if her girls were going to be there too. She assumed they'd meet up with her later, but for now, she was meeting up with Slate and thought it would be fun to hang out with her housemate here.

Looking over the games she thought about playing one while she waited, or maybe she should get a lane for them to bowl. Nah, for now, it was the games, but which one? Maybe she'd just stand by them and look cute, though she didn't feel the need to look too cute with Slate, no he was Juni's and best friends didn't do that sort of thing.


Hmm, what game was this? Her eyes turned to the nearest one and started to check it out.

Slate waved before making his way over. He was actually excited about this. He'd been playing games with Zita over the school term, but this was different. These were games.

"Think they've got one of those games with the crane?" he asked looking around. Those were always fun to win. Although, now that he was thinking about it, he wondered if that even worked in the magic world. Cheating seemed far too easy.

She looked over the game, trying to figure out how to play it. The buttons on the sides made the levers go up, but what were they there for and what did you do with the little ball?

Before she could think about it any longer a familiar voice came from behind her and she smiled, "I know that game. It has toys and stuff in it that you try to get out, but barely ever win." She had seen it once or twice, but never got to try it.

"I was looking at this pinball machine, have you ever played it? It looks quite fun." Maybe he could show her how to play some of these games that she didn't know like he did chess.

Slate chuckled. "I was alright at it." He used to be at least. He hadn't played one in a few years. Now he wasn't sure if it was skill or magic. Or maybe a random person just won occasionally and he happened to be that person.

He glanced at the pinball machine and nodded. "Yeah, actually." He paused. "Not this specific machine or game. I've just played pinball machines in general before." He almost added with his dad before deciding against it. That wasn't important and Zita didn't need to know that.

"Have you played before?"

"Well good, hopefully, they have one and you can win me something." She lifted her eyebrows and bit and grinned. Boys were good at games and she loved cute little-stuffed animals so it was a win-win in her eyes. Plus didn't boys like to win girls things, even if they were just friends?

Though they were talking about the pinball machine her eyes were searching for the crane one, she wanted to see him in action with this now.

Soon her eyes were back on the pinball machine though, "I haven't,
but I've seen it before. I'm much better at the pool and air hockey though." She did know those, "And the quidditch game they have." That was fun too. She had been here and played that a few times.

"What is your favorite?"

Slate nodded. "Yeah. Sure. Of course." He'd just go ahead and assume he was capable enough of winning. That was an okay thing to do, right?

Besides, it was like, his duty as a guy to win stuff.

"Want me to teach you how this works?" he asked nodding toward the game. "It's actually pretty simple." It was also pretty entertaining for awhile.

As for his favorite, "Is it weird that I don't have one?"

He was going to win her something!!! She beamed and bounced a bit on her heels. "I can't wait to watch you win it." Not just because he was going to win her something, but because she liked to watch people play that game. It was interesting to see how it worked.
Though Slate Ryker winning her a stuffed animal was bragging rights to, yes? She could make sure someone heard her say he won it just for her. Though she would tell Juni beforehand so Juni wouldn't get mad.


Looking back at the pinball machine she grinned, "You are my official game teacher. So sure, let's figure this one out." Though if it was as easy as he said it was then she would be a quick learner. Nothing could be as complicated as the chess game. She had been practicing at home, but still it confused her.


Giving him a shrug and smile she shook her head, "Not at all, if you like them all you like them all."

Zarina thought it was wayy to hot to be outside. What better way to cool off was to go into a bowling alley arcade. As she stepped inside she thought this place was SO COOL. She saw an air hockey table and her eyes lit up. She smirked to herself and thought whoever challenged her was about to get their butt kicked. She asked her mother for a couple galleons and sickles and she agreed and once this slytherin got what she needed, she parted ways from her parental units and found all the games.

She began to check out the air hockey table but people were using it before and figured she needed to wait her turn. She needed a worthy contestant but who would it be?

Slate chuckled. "Yeah. As soon as we find one." Otherwise it would be difficult to win her one.

He glanced at the pinball machine. "So it's pretty straightforward. This buttons on the side flip those things there. You see?" he said demonstrating with a few clicks of the side buttons. "There's this silver ball. The goal is to keep it play as long as possible." He pointed out where the ball was currently sitting.

"You pull this back to put it in to play," he explained.

"Why don't you watch me play a round and then you can give it a go?" he offered putting in a few sickles. He pulled back and launched the ball into play. "You get points for the things it hits." he explained between hits.

The smile on her face probably said it all. She was excited he was going to win her a prize, this was fun. What a good day she was having. In a popular area with a very cute boy sorry Juni
and he was going to win her something. The fourteen year old didn't know exactly what a date was but if this was an actual one she'd say it was great.


Her blue eyes watched as he told her how to play. Now this game wasn't as confusing as what chess was. She smiled thinking she had the concept already. "I can do that." She might not be good at it but at least she could understand.


Scanning the area Zita found a stool and went to get it. Propping herself on it and crossing her legs she was ready to pay all the attention to Slate and this game. "Okay, ready when you are."

Where were they going exactly? The bowling alley, which was not the reason why they were there. They were here to play the arcade games. Although Juni was pretty sure that she could talk Slate into going some bowling after they spend all of there sickles in the gaming center.

At least she didn’t have to drag him around anymore, it had been years since she had to pull him by the arm to places with her. Now a days he pretty much followed her wherever she went when they were together. Funny how things change at least this was for the better.

She grinned at him as they headed over to the gaming center. So many games to choose from. ”What do you want to spend our sickles on first?” As she walked passed the air hockey table and stopped beside of it. Hint, hint.

Slate was excited that they had time to spend together. They both had busy summers with trips and family time planned. So any second they could spend together was obviously used to the fullest.

"I vote air hockey." he said after a quick lap around the arcade area. "Should I go easy on you?"

A small smile formed on her face. Could he read her mind about playing air hockey? Or was standing there by the air hockey table a subtle enough hint. ”That’s what I was thinking.’ He should know that she was extremely competitive. Nudging him in the side with her elbow. ”Do you want to lose?’

Counting out the sickles for the game and putting them into the slot. ”Don’t go easy. Bring. It. On.” She grinned and took the puck turning it between her fingers. ”Ready?” As she placed the puck down on the table and hit it with the paddle. It was on.

Slate smirked a bit. "Who said I'm gunna lose?" He was probably going to lose. But he didn't mind if it was to Juni. He walked over to the other side while she put the coins in.

"Ready." he said putting his paddle on the table as well. He slammed it against the puck.

Juni seen that smirk and she liked it. Still didn’t know what it meant but…. That didn’t matter at the time because she was was going to beat him. She laughed. ”We’ll see who will be the loser.” Of course she was kidding, Slate would never be a loser to her. .

”I’m ready for anything.” She kept her brown eyes on the puck. She blocked it and hit it back to him. There was no way she was going to let him score. Nah not on her watch. But somehow she had a feeling that this was going to be a long game.

Slate chuckled. "Whatever you say." he replied with a smirk. He knew better than to take that seriously.

He hit the puck with the side of his paddle to send it back to her. He liked when it hit the sides. It made a fun sound.

And this was fun. He glanced in her direction to see if she was going to hit it back.

It had been awhile since Hadleigh had stepped foot into the gaming corner of the bowling alley in DA. That happened though when you got older and had children to care for... her carefree days to herself were far and few now but that didn't bother her. She loved being a wife and a mother. What made it even better was moments like this when they got to do things as family. Like today.

"I think we made the right decision in not bringing Melody along today," the brunette admitted against her own motherly nature of wanting to have her children near. She hadn't wanted to leave their younger daughter behind with family but the noise and flashing lights may have been to much for the seven month old. It also was really nice to have a few hours just Frankie, her and Nova.

Hady held onto Nova's hand as she looked around the area. "Where to first?" She was talking to Frankie but it seemed their blue eyes toddler was going to show them where she wanted to go! The delight on the little ones face matched the bright twinkle in her eyes as she tugged on Hady's hand trying to get her to go where she wanted all the while telling them to 'Hurry up'.

Laughing she let Nova 'tug' her along with Frankie towards a game that had a catchy tune and bright lights.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

It had been awhile since Hadleigh had stepped foot into the gaming corner of the bowling alley in DA. That happened though when you got older and had children to care for... her carefree days to herself were far and few now but that didn't bother her. She loved being a wife and a mother. What made it even better was moments like this when they got to do things as family. Like today.

"I think we made the right decision in not bringing Melody along today," the brunette admitted against her own motherly nature of wanting to have her children near. She hadn't wanted to leave their younger daughter behind with family but the noise and flashing lights may have been to much for the seven month old. It also was really nice to have a few hours just Frankie, her and Nova.

Hady held onto Nova's hand as she looked around the area. "Where to first?" She was talking to Frankie but it seemed their blue eyes toddler was going to show them where she wanted to go! The delight on the little ones face matched the bright twinkle in her eyes as she tugged on Hady's hand trying to get her to go where she wanted all the while telling them to 'Hurry up'.

Laughing she let Nova 'tug' her along with Frankie towards a game that had a catchy tune and bright lights.

Today had been a paperwork kind of day in the Auror Office. So, naturally, when it was time to leave the building, Frankie had been one of the first out the door before another stack found its way to his desk. That was the only downside of the job, really. Thankfully the intense and more physical part of the job made up for it on any other day.

The blond, rather than take the floo home, he instead had made use of the telephone booth and walked his way to Charing Cross Road and into the Leaky Cauldron where he met up with his family. Then they were off to the bowling alley, which Frankie was grateful for as they didn't have to walk all the way down to the end of the icy street.

Once inside the building, he removed his hat and coat. Before Hady's question could even register in his mind, Nova was already dragging her off toward the arcade games. Naturally, Frankie wasn't surprised by the toddler's behaviour. Loud noises and bright lights were alluring, he had to admit. A smile cracked on his face as he followed them.

"I wish she had gone for the food first, honestly," he murmured to Hady, the smile still on his face.

Food. That was always the very first thing Frankie wanted to find anywhere they went. Hady looked over at her husband as she was pulled along by their daughter and laughed. "Why doesn't that surprise me one bit?," she teased. Coming to join them for a trip to the arcade directly after word when he would normally head start home where she had dinner waiting for them all, he should be hungry.

"Why don't you take Nova to play a game or two and I'll get us all something to eat?" It sounded like a wonderful suggestion to her. He would get a few minutes with their toddler and she would get a few minutes of not chasing a toddler around. Not to mention she would return with food. This sounded like a win-win situation to her. "What should I get?" As in 'what did he want to eat?'. She could decide what to get Nova when she got to the counter to order.

Coming to a stop near the game of Nova's liking, Hady began to remove the little ones hat and coat which wasn't easy when the child was hopping up and down and flapping her arms around in excitement. Luckily this was something she was used to dealing with and took it all in stride while laughing, passing the items to Frankie afterwards. "She's like a little baby bird when she does this." It was absolutely adorable!

Of course Hady wasn't surprised. Frankie was ALWAYS hungry. Luckily for him, the training and exercise he got as an Auror kept him from blowing up like a balloon. If anything, that was an excuse for him to constantly be eating. Running around after bad guys required energy, and food was an excellent way to put fuel in his tank. In response to his wife's teasing, he dramatically shrugged his shoulders with an innocent look, that smile, perhaps more cheeky now, of his still on his face.

"Sounds good to me," the blond responded. As for what he wanted to eat, he wasn't too picky. He was certain anything on the menu would please his stomach. Hady knew as much, though giving her something specific was probably better than making her shoot in the dark. "Some wings or a burger sounds good to me. Dragon cheese fries too."

Once the little girl's hat and coat were off, Frankie temporarily swooped her up in his arms. "Alright, little bird, what game do you want to play first?"

That cheeky smile had her rolling her eyes at him playfully in return. Truth be told Frankie's smile was one of the things that had gotten her attention and held it back when they were Hogwarts... or well it was actually more so that grin he always gave her. Not to mention his blue eyes and perfect hair. Her husband was definitely good-looking there was no denying that.

"Burger, wings and dragon cheese fries. Got it." Hady nodded repeating the small order again in her head. "I'll be right back." With that she slipped away while Frankie had their daughter occupied to get them their dinner.

Nova squealed delightedly at being picked up, her eyes shining brightly in excitement. So many lights, flashing colors and sounds! The toddlers attention was all over the place before zoning back in on the machine that had caught her attention when they had first arrived. "'Dat!" she giggled pointing her little finger at one of the games.