Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringo

Ronnie smiled at Jory's suggestion of turning on music and she gave him a thumbs up. She then was about to head to the living room when she heard another knock at the door. The red head turned and opened it to find a man (Simon) that she didn't recognize. Must be one of Jory's co-workers, yeah? She smiled warmly at him and extended her hand for him to shake. "Hello! I'm Ronnie, Jory's girlfriend. Come on in, make yourself at home!" she said.

She turned back to Minerva and beamed. "They are so cute!" she said, hugging her friend back and laughing as Chloe gave her a hug as well. "I've been pretty good, lots better after unpacking everything at last," Ronnie said with a laugh as she closed the door behind them. "How have you been?" she asked as she lead them to the living room where she put on an old Beatles record she had recently bought at a Muggle record shop. Even though they were old, she adored record players and loved listening to really old Muggle bands. Something about them made her happy.

It wasn't long before his knocks were answered, the door opening to a young woman whom he was unfamiliar with. But Simon didn't have to wonder long for she was quick to introduce herself to him. Ah, so this was Jory's other half. "Hello," he returned, accepting her offered hand for a friendly shake. "A pleasure to meet you," the auror added as he let go. "I'm Simon...Jory's coworker."


At the offer to come inside, he simple nodded at first. That was the intention of the visit after all seeing as he had come to see what was about. And there was the sound of others already inside, including the other woman and child in the vacinty "Thank you...hello" he added, including the greeting to the other two and obeying the request, walking slowly past Ronnie inside the house.

"And it's a pleasure to meet you as well, Simon!" Ronnie replied with a smile as she let him in. So, he worked with Jory! That's what she had thought.

She glanced around herself for a second before hearing to the sound of Jory's voice. "Ah! I believe he's over here." She glanced behind her shoulder to tell Simon before leading him over to Jory.

Jory hugged Min tightly. It had been a while since he saw her. A really long while. Too long for his liking. "We're so glad you could come. It's nice to fnally be able to catch up with you guys.'' Really, it had been his fault they were so out of touch though he was sure Ronnie had kept in contact with everyone. "I've been good. Been so busy late though. But how are you? I figure you're always busy with these two little ones." Jory smiled at Chloe whose attention seemed to be on her mother's bag. But at least she was willing to hug him and in turn she got a hug too. "Nice to meet you, little Chloe.'' Jory was sort of awkward around kids. And Gunnar was the shy one. "I understand,'' Jory added to Ethan.

Min taught dancing? Jory hadn't known that. Obviously. "Min, what about Healing. Did you get the chance to become a Healer?" Or maybe she was just teaching dance for now until the kids grew older. Aw. Look at the kids. Jory watched them in fascination, one shyer than the other. "Pretty good moves you got there, Chloe.''

It was not surprising to hear someone at the door again. Jory knew Ronnie would be answering the call. Was it Alyssa? Gwen? Nope. Simon! Someone equally as good as his Hogwarts friends. "Hi, Simon. So glad you could join us.'' This was one of those rare times where the guys hung out outside of work.

"Everyone, this is my coworker from the Ministry. Simon, this is Minerva, Ethan, Jordan and Belle. They're friends from Hogwarts. And these two little ones are Min's and Ethan's, Chloe and Gunnar.'' Jory completely failed to add that Simon was his idol in addition to one of his mentors. Then again, even Simon didn't know that.

Turning to Ronnie, he asked, "Are there lots more persons to come? There's something I need to do.'' He wasn't giving any hints as to what that was.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

“Right back at you, Belle.” Jory hadn’t realised how out of contact he had been with everyone after he left Hogwarts. But this would be a great time to catch up with everyone. Ronnie had come up with a great idea of having their friend over. “You and Ronnie still that close, huh?” He knew his girlfriend kept in contact with some of their old friends. A lot more than what he could say for himself.

Belle’s question had the YATI member shaking his head. “No, I mean yes.’’ Way to go, Jory. Can’t you even answer a simple question? “I haven’t even proposed to her as yet,’’ he added. He had decided to… soon but he hadn’t told anyone that as yet but he figured he could tell Belle. “I plan to do it really soon.’’ Jory was sorry to hear about Belle’s luck with jobs. “I could always help you with that. I’ll let you know about any,’’ he promised.

Belle smiled at Jory and it was really nice to be back with her friends. She hardly seen them at all since everyone goes on their separate ways. Jory asked about if her and Ronnie were still keeping tabs on each other. "Yes I try to keep tabs on everyone. Ronnie and I will try to stay close as possible." She treasured their friendship greatly and plus she had a great impact on Kace.

Waittt he hasn't eve proposed to her yet? "Well you better get going Jory.." she nudged him playfully. "I am will be excited to hear about it once it all goes down." she winked playfully. "I hope to find a guy one day." she sighed and knew time would come. Oooh Jory was so sweet. "I would love the help. Thanks Jory." she smiled towards her fellow puff.

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Ethan glanced at the other guests, giving them a polite smile or nod as he didn't know any of them. Though there was Belle. "Hey, Belle!" he grinned. It had been a little while since he had seen her.

As more people were coming into the house, she noticed Ethan and Minnie made their way in. She noticed their children made it too. Awww she always wanted to meet Gunnar and Chloe. As she was going to approach the children, she heard Ethan greet her. She turned around and smiled wide. "Hey Ethan!" she greeted him with a hug. "I have missed you guys. What has been going on? How is fatherhood treating ya?" she gushed over the kids. They were so adorable and some of them had Ethan traits she could see it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

She listened to Ethan talk to Ronnie and Jory turning her head hearing him say Belle's name. "Belle!" She grinned at her and set a wiggling Chloe down laughing as she started bouncing to the music. "Are you dancing?" She smiled toward Gunnar as he asked about toys, "Here you go buddy." She handed him a toy dragon. Seeing Ronnie lean into Ethan to say something she just kept watching the kids and laughing as Chloe's dance moves got more hilarious.

Then as if on queue she heard Minnie calling her over. She smiled and greeted one of her best friends she made at Hogwarts. "Heyy Minnie.." she greeted her and went in for a crushing hug. She missed her so much. "Your kids looks too cute. They look just like you." she smiled still observing them. "What has been going on Minnie anything new?" she asked needing to catch up and all.

Ronnie glanced around and shrugged. "I think this is everyone!" She said with a smile. She wasn't sure if anyone else was coming, so she was probably right. The red head then gave him a thoughtful look, wondering what he was up to.

Okay. So if anyone else turned up afterwards, they would get the good new via an excited and happy Ronnie and the memorabilia he would be placing on one of her fingers. Should she say yes to his question, that is. He had been thinking of doing this for a while and he couldn't have picked a better time. He knew he would have a positive reaction from Ronnie but it didn't stop him from feeling suddenly nervous, his heart thudding wildly in his chest and his palms sweating a little. Even Simon throwing a whole lot of dangerous spells at his during training hadn't made him this nervous but there was no backing down now. Jory impatiently brushed his sweaty palms against his jeans before grasping both of Ronnie's in his. He wasn't sure of what to say despite practicing so many times but when his eyes met hers, the words just flowed.

"Ronnie, I can still remember the first time we met. You were sitting on that bench and to this day, I still don't know why I was so drawn to you but I'm glad I was. The story of our love was only beginning. I've never met anyone who's so much like me. Imagine my surprise when I found out you love having ice cream while reading comic books as much as I do. There are many ways to be happy in this life, but all I really need is you. What I'm trying to say is..." Jory took a deep breath as he reached into his pocket, pulling out a red coloured box as he got down on one knee. "Ronnie Veronica Hawkins, will you marry me?"

The box was now opened, displaying the ring he had selected as he waited anxiously for a response.

Ronnie was glancing around at her guests, about to go fetch some cookies for Minerva's kids when Jory had taken her hands in his. Turning towards him, she watched as he began speaking to her, describing when they met. She gingerly raised one hand to her mouth as she let him hold the other, smiling at the memory. She then watched as he reached into his pocket, and everything seemed in slow motion, her heart beating wildly. Oh Merlin's beard...was he...?!

He WAS! The red head stood there for a second, trying to take in what he just said, the tears beginning to flow from her eyes as she looked at the beautiful ring. Finally, she let out a laugh and gave him an eager nod. "Yes! Yes! Of course!" She managed to squeak out, bending down to wrap her arms around his neck and hug him tight and kiss his cheek multiple times. She couldn't believe it! She was getting married to Jory...she couldn't be any happier in this moment.

The shock. Jory was expecting the shocked reaction from Ronnie and so he was not surprised at that. Nor was he surprised at the tears. Though... those were happy tears, right? Actually, he wasn't feeling surprised at anything, just hopeful that he wouldn't be rejected. He knew Ronnie loved him but what if she wasn't ready to get married?

*Gulp*

But then... Jory beamed. SHE HAD SAID YES! As he was kissed and hug, Jory wrapped his arms around his soon to be wife, feeling as if he were at the top of the world. SHE HAD SAID YES! All that worry and pressure of wondering if he were saying the right words suddenly lifted from his chest.

"I love you, Ronnie,'' Jory murmured as he stood up, pulling her with him.

Ronnie burried her face into Jory's chest, holding him tight as he stood up. "I love you too." She said into his chest, her voice a bit muffled but the words clear. She had definitely not been expecting this when she had awoken this morning!

Keeping an eye on Chloe and watching as Gunnar clung to Ethan she just had to laugh. They were so cute, but so different. "Gunnar is a little more shy then what Chloe seems to be turning out to be." She laughed a bit herself. "I love it, I have so much fun and the age group I teach is wonderful." Little kids were the best, they were always just so excited it seemed. Glancing back at her daughter she chuckled at her dance moves. What was it with music and babies. They just seemed to go hand in hand.

Hearing Jory introduce his cowoker she nodded, "Hello, nice to meet you."


Then her blue eyes turned to Jory and she smiled, "I'm so glad we came too. I have been wondering about you and how you were doing." He was one of her closest friends at school, so she was beyond thrilled to get to see him now. [b] "I've been great. Yes we stay pretty busy with them."[b] She glanced back down at Chloe until that question had come up and she shifted awkwardly. Everyone knew how much she wanted to be a healer back in school and with the reunion coming up she knew that same question would come. "Well no actually I haven't. Gunnar had come a little unexpectedly and plans had changed, I was working at a hospital during my pregnancy and a little after, but haven't since Chloe. Dance has always been a passion since my child hood and this opportunity kind of fell into my lap so I've changed directions a little bit." She wasn't ashamed of her decisions, but she knew others might not understand her choices.

Seeing Bella, she grinned, "Hey, aww thank you, though Gunnar looks just like Ethan." Though he had her blue eyes and Chloe had E's beautiful green ones. "Not really just keeping up with the kids and teaching Dance. Ethan's doing great at work and we're just doing every day life things, what about you?" She knew her life was a bit kid focused, but she did have two.


This music was fun and Chloe continued to bend her knees to the beat and move her arms. Looking around she noticed everyone looking at her and grinned. Clapping and trying to bend her knees faster to the music. Showing off the best a one year old could, this was fun after all. Seeing her brother she walked towards him and daddy and danced holding daddy's leg. Was Gunnar going to come play? "Un Un" He would like to dance to, she knew he would.

Ethan grinned at Ronnie as she so pleasantly understood that Gunnar was a little shy and just took him a little time to warm up to people he didn't really know. "Sometimes just a little time is all it takes." Or that plus a cookie. And Jory understood too, good. Ethan looked over as he introduced the newest arrival to everyone. The man looked a little older so he likely didn't go to school with all of them, but Jory explained that he was a coworker. "It's nice to meet you, Simon.. I'm Ethan." He offered his hand to shake.

Smiling pleasantly at the sight of his old friend, Ethan returned Belle's hug. "Oh, we're doing great.. It's been a while, huh?" Really, that should change, but that happened when people were busy which they definitely were with two kids. "Just the same old.. working and taking care of kids.. anything new with you?" Seemed like Gunnar was ready to get down as he was getting somewhat fidgety in his arms. "Ready to play?" He set him on the floor next to his sister and watched for a moment.

And then something was going on.. Ethan turned his attention to Ronnie and Jory as he saw Jory get down on one knee. Wow.. was he..? Yep, he was. This was certainly nothing that Ethan was expecting today and he wouldn't have thought that it would have happened at their housewarming party, but he was really happy for them, especially after Ronnie accepted the proposal. "Congratulations," He said with a grin as he started clapping for them. He glanced at Min.. was she seeing this?

Gunnar was getting bored and, even though there were still too many stranger people around, he was ready to get down. He leaned towards Chloe as he watched her dance, reaching that way and getting a little squirmy until Daddy put him down. He watched Chloe for a minute, then laughed a little bit and began dancing too, moving his arms and bending his knees.

Then a noise caught his attention and he snapped his blue eyes to Daddy, watching him clap. Why was Daddy clapping? Gunnar began clapping too, because that's what you were supposed to do. When one person clapped, everyone was supposed to clap.

Ronnie beamed at Ethan when he congratulated them. "Thank you," The red head said with a smile, laughing as little Gunnar clapped as well. He was just simply adorable, wasn't he?

Sighing, she turned back to Jory and smiled again. She was still in shock a little about what had just happened... it had felt like it went by in slow motion when it happened but now that it happened it felt like a flash. Her head was a bit dizzy from all this confusion...but of course all the same she was still super happy!

"That sounds like fun. I bet all your Hufflepuff patience comes in when you're dealing with those kids.'' Jory liked kids but the thought of having his own someday did scare him a little. No, he never told Ronnie that. Oh, so Min didn't take the Healer career path. Jory saw no problem with that given how much he saw that she loved her kids. "I'm sure you're just a great teacher as you would have made a Healer,'' he assured his friend as he continued to watch little Chloe. "It seems she has her mother's talent.''

"Thank you,'' Jory said happily to Ethan and Gunnar though he knew the little boy wouldn't understand why his dad was clapping. Did that just happen? He had actually proposed and Ronnie said yes! He wondered why he had been nervous in the first place.

After a day at work, Ronnie entered the house with Oliver in her arms. It had been take your pet to work day and the two had had lots of fun. She was a bit worn out though from keeping him out of trouble and keeping him from exploring the place... ah well. Oliver was tired too, and they ought to take a rest until Jory got home.

The red head carried her cat to the couch and she laid down, letting him get comfy on her lap. Sighing, she slowly closed her eyes and stroked Oliver.

Another day at work was completed and Jory was not one bit tired. It was probably because there had not been much for him to do today so he had left the Ministry earlier than usual. Wouldn't Ronnie be surprised? He let himself in through the front door. "Ronnie?" he called.

The moment he walked into the living room he noticed her laying on the couch with Oliver the cat. Was she asleep? "Ronnie?" If she didn't reply, he would leave her to rest and maybe fix himself something to eat. He was starved.

Ronnie's eyes slowly flickered open when she heard her name being called. She glanced at her watch through squinted, tired eyes, seeing that Jory was here early. She gradually sat up and stretched, not caring about her messy bed-hair. Turning around, she smiled sleepily at him. "Oh, hey, you're home early." She said, standing and fixing her hair a little before making her way over to him and falling into his arms. "I missed you today." She mumbled into his chest. Even though she had seen him this morning and every day before, she had just been dying to see him since being at work. She didn't know why but he was just on her mind more than usual today. Huh. Maybe it was because work was so tiring today? Who knew. She was just glad that he was home early.

"You hungry?" She then asked, kissing his cheek and walking to the kitchen. "I went grocery shopping last night and got some things... we can have burgers... soup... whatever you want." The red head told him as she poked around the cabinets to double check on what they had.

Ronnie wasn't asleep. Jory was glad about that. It would have been a bummer having gotten home that early and not able to spend time with his favourite girl. He hugged her tightly then smoothed out her hair. "I hadn't much to do today so I thought I would give you a surprise by coming home early. Had a good day?''

Jory followed Ronnie to the kitchen and watched her check through the cabinets. "You know what? Let me make something.'' He took her by the shoulders and led her over to one of the stools at the kitchen table. "You're always doing too much,'' Jory stated firmly. "I'll be your cook and waiter today. What does Ms Hawkins want to have? I can assure you I'm a very good cook.''

Ronnie melted inside as he held her tight and smoothed her hair. Just at his touch she really knew how much she had missed and needed him today. She was so happy he was here, holding her. Sighing, she leaned into him. "I'm so glad you're here earlier. I had an okay day, kinda tiring." She admitted with a shrug. "I'm better now though. What about you, sweetheart?" The red head asked, peeping up at him and pecking his cheek.

As Ronnie was looking, she turned when Jory offered to make something. Before she could say anything, he had taken her by the shoulders and sat her down at the table. She sighed and smiled up at him from the chair. Giggling when he pretended to be a waiter, she gave him a thoughtful look. "Hmm, let's see," She said, playing along. "I'll have some tomato soup please, with a grilled cheese sandwich." She finally told him with a giggle. It was such a kid thing to order but she was in the mood for it.

It honestly felt good to be home so early. Maybe he should do this more often. Work shouldn't always have to take priority over the persons in his life. He had done that enough during the last three years. "You should take a break from work someday... might have to do that for the wedding.'' The wedding was something they needed to talk about; they had to start getting things planned and worked out. Jory kissed Ronnie and smiled. "Did I have something to do with you feeling better?" he asked lightly. "Let's see. I'm with you and there's nothing better than that.''

"The lady has a healthy appetite,'' Jory the waiter and chef replied as he set about getting the fire started on the stove to heat the soup and what not to prepare Ronnie's food. He used magic obviously which he had grown accustomed to using some years ago. Since he had been muggle born, he had been used to doing things the muggle way practically his entire life. "Back to the topic of the wedding. When do you want it to be?" Frankly, he didn't mind the date, time, whatever. He just wanted to marry the girl he'd been dating for so long.

Ronnie nodded. "Yeah, maybe I should." She agreed with a small shrug. A break would probably be nice, she wouldn't mind one. And then he brought up the wedding and she couldn't help but smile. "Right, we do need to get on discussing that." She said with a small nod.

Did he have something to do with her feeling better? OF COURSE he did! Silly Jory. "You're the only reason I'm better, silly!" She kissed his nose. Silly Jory.

Ronnie giggled. Jory was funny, and he sure made a cute waiter. "Thank you, Mr. Waiter." She replied as he went off to make her her food. He was so sweet, she was so happy they were together. Sighing, she rested her chin in her hand, watching her soon to be husband bustling about and making her dinner. She couldn't believe they were getting married. And then, as if Jory had been reading her mind or something, he brought it up. "When?" She repeated his question to herself thoughtfully. She had no idea, really. She wished it could be soon, but she knew there was planning to do. "Dunno, really. What do you have on your mind?"

"Jory's only pretending to be silly,'' was his reply. Wasn't she just the cutest with all her little kisses? "Where did Oliver go? I thought I just saw him. He might be hungry too.''
..................

"You're welcome, Miss Hawkins.'' Jory was rather busy now. While the soup was getting ready, he was working on the grilled cheese sandwich. "I think it would depend on how big you want it to be. A bigger wedding means more planning and time to get everything done.'' The cheese was all shredded and now he needed bread. Bread... where was it? Right in the cupboard in from of him actually. He removed a few slices as he continued to talk with Ronnie. "I wouldn't mind a big one but I prefer a smaller one with just our families and closest friends.'' The other advantage of having a smaller wedding would mean he got to marry Ronnie faster.

"Oh, yes, I was going to get to that when I woke up." Ronnie said with a laugh. "But you distracted me!" She added, waggling a finger at him before going to feed Oliver.


The red head leaned back into her chair, relaxing and watching Jory make her sandwich. She thought what he said over, and she gave a nod. "Yeah, that sounds fine to me!" She said. "So, what time are you thinking, exactly?" She went on excitedly. She just couldn't wait to get married to him! The thought was making her all giddy inside.

Jory turned around to face Ronnie and in his hand he was clutching a plate containing four pieces of grilled cheese sandwiches. Two for him since he had a big appetite and two for Ronnie if she decided she wanted an extra one. He set the plate down on the counter in front of her. "You can decide,'' Jory said. "It's your wedding too.'' He smiled and tucked a strand of her bright red hair behind an ear. "We should probably hire a planner to get the other stuff done. But that's only if you want.'' Jory had no idea about wedding planning and this was going to be his only marriage so he was not going to screw up an event like that.

Moving back to the stove with the now bubbling pot of tomato soup, he continued, ''I bet our moms would just love to plan this though.'' He knew for sure that his mother would love that. She was an interior designer so this sort of thing was right up her alley. Kind of, actually. Both involved being creative.

Ronnie smiled as Jory gave her her sandwiches. "Thank you." She beamed at him before taking a bite. Mmmm, she really loved her grilled cheese. She smiled at him as he tucked a strand of her hair behidn her ear. "Alright, well maybe let's aim for somewhere in August?" She suggested with a shrug. It wasn't too far away or too soon and seemed just right to her.

She looked him thoughtfully when he suggested a planner. "Maybe. We can think about it, but I'm sure we have lots of friends and such to help us with that." She told him. When he brought up their moms, she nodded. "Yeah I'm sure they would love to plan it together! That's so much better. Do you want to do that?" She asked eagerly, loving Jory's idea.

"You're welcome.'' Jory watched Ronnie take a bit of one of the sandwiches, a small smile playing on his lips. He really ought to do more things like these for her. She had done so much for him especially on those days when he would come home practically ready to collapse from exhaustion. "August sounds good. Perfect weather...'' He trailed off, a thought occurring to him. "An outdoor wedding?'' That seemed like a great idea to him. He always loved the outdoors so why not?

"Yes, I am sure Gwen would love to pitch in,'' Jory said with a bit of a laugh as he spooned steaming tomato into a bowl. Gwen was his best friend and he really did miss the girl whom he had once thought had hated him. "I can see her turning her face up at the thought of you wanting to marry me." Gwen had not been one of those persons who fancied anything to do with love. "Alyssa on the other hand, I can see her planning everything by herself.'' His 'twin' as he and the other Hufflepuff girl had often referred to each other, was the hardworking type that would not stop until verything was perfect. He needed to owl those two girls.

Jory set the bowl before Ronnie. "Dinner is served, my lady.'' But he could see that Ronnie really liked his idea of their mothers planning the whole thing. "I hope they don't have arguments,'' he said, now setting down his own bowlful of soup. His mom could be a tad bossy but decorating was really her thing so he couldn't think of anyone better. The man really could picture a scene between the two women having it out because they disagreed about the colour of tablecloths or something. "We'll have to ask them first.'' He was sure they would say yes though.