Rowan Fairfax hadn't been out of her house in a week. A whole week! Did her mother not realise how long that was for a thirteen year old child!?

Her actions had not warranted a grounding as far as she was concerned. She was sick and tired of the adults in her life trying to control her. What she had accomplished in finding.. him.. was immense for one so young. She would be proud of herself had it not gone so horribly horribly wrong.

Yeah.. she might have lied to her mum and gone off to another part of the country on her own and without permission, but it was for the greater good. At least she had thought so at the time. But she wouldn't take it back despite the crushing disappointment.

Having floo'd from her home in Bath, she strode into the street to pause and breathe in the fresh air of (as fresh as it could be), Diagon Alley. Oh sweet freedom.

She dug in her pocket and took out the scribbled yellow post-it note with her tiny writing, and scanned over the list. She needed everything being new to Hogwarts. She decided to start at the North of the street and make her way down. Perhaps stop for an ice cream on the way. London summer heat was clammy and irritating.. especially when you were a be-freckled redhead.

Another day, another sickle. At least, that's what she was telling herself as Vera made her way up and down the length of the Alley, her eyes kept peeled for anything shiny or worthwhile dropped onto the cobbled street. She'd found a couple knuts so far, and certainly plenty of shopping lists which she'd collected in the sack over her shoulder. But nothing that seemed worth bothering any of the current shop owners to add to their list and found pile.

Well, not until she saw a shiny silver bracelet sitting on the ground. The rising fifth year made her way towards the piece on the ground, noticing a set of shoes close by it. Squatting down, the brunette picked up the piece - a lovely little thing with some astronomical charms on it - before righting herself and looking towards the wearer of the shoes. Another student it seemed, perhaps close ish to Vera's own age. "Is this yours?" She asked, holding out the piece whilst hoping for a negative answer.

Rowan squinted down the narrow street at the crowds and wondered why she hadn't come here before the Hogwarts Summer holidays to get this out of the way, without the need to partake in that ye olde British tradition of queuing.

Oh yeah, that was right. She'd spent the day she was supposed to be here doing something she wasn't supposed to be doing..

She spotted the sign for Potage's Cauldron Shop swaying gently in the light summer breeze and decided to head there first. That way, she could use the cauldron as a convenient shopping basket for the rest of her supplies. Just about to start off towards it, her eyes settled on a girl who was looking at her, holding out a silver trinket of some sort. She looked at the bracelet and then back at the girl.

“Oh.. No. It's not mine.” She replied, giving the girl a brief, tight smile. She looked around to see if she could see anyone who looked like they might be searching for it. No one? “Perhaps you should leave it at the Leaky Cauldron, should anyone be looking for it.” She looked at the bracelet again, at the astronomical charms. “It's pretty. It looks like it might be important to someone.”

Excellent. Vera returned the girl's smile enthusiastically, fitting the bracelet into her hand as she also glanced around to see if there was anyone else in the direct vicinity she should ask. No? One step closer than to adding it to the shops inventory. At the suggestion of the Leaky Cauldron, she glanced at the closer shops before nodding towards one of them. "Lost and found is for sure a must. But I think I'll take it to one of these - just in case whoever lost it didn't go to the Leaky Cauldron today." Most people DID go to the Leaky Cauldron considering it was the main entrance from the street, but a couple of the other shops were equipped for floo travel or maybe it was even one of the resident's above.

Realizing she might have sounded dismissive, her attention turning once more to the girl, she gave a wave of the hand with bracelet now encased. "Thank you for the suggestion and help! I'm Vera by the way. Are you here for Hogwarts shopping?" Or... maybe any school shopping. She often took it for granted that there wasn't just ONE school for the young witches and wizards of this generation.

Looking back at the girl, Rowan registered the sack on her shoulder, but didn't really pay much heed to it. Her tight smile grew more genuine when she noted the girl's enthusiasm and openness. She had been so stressed lately that she had almost forgotten how to smile. She was sure the furrows etched into her forehead of late were going to cause astronomical wrinkles in later life, but short of some kind of cosmetic freezing charm, what could she do?

She didn't care all that much anyway.

She nodded to the girl's idea, although she didn't fully understand it. Anyone searching for something would surely check the Leaky Cauldron just in case a passer by had found it and handed it in. But then she guessed if the bracelet was that important, they would go door to door, so it didn't matter in the end.

Rowan's hand moved in a small, nonchalant, subconscious wave in response to the girl. “Vera.” She repeated. That was a nice name. Floral. Like Aloe. She resisted making the stupid 'Aloe Vera', greeting joke. She, herself, was named after a tree - the irony. “I'm Rowan.” It looked, judging by the heaving, narrow, cobbled street that the whole school was out in force doing their shopping today. “I am. I'm starting this term. I'm just trying to work out how to battle these crowds." Another smile. "I take it you already go there?” She looked around the same age as Rowan, if a little older.

If there was one thing that Vera did not lack, it was enthusiasm. Actually, she was pretty sure most people in her life would argue she had TOO much of it. Despite the small steps she'd taken in maturity, she was still easily excitable and tended to talk waaaay too much for most people she met. She was pretty certain at this point she was one of those personality types that people usually liked right away, or loathed and she tended to take the second option as an invitation to bother them even further.

Most of her own ideas also didn't tend to make much sense outside of her own head, so if she'd picked up on the girl's confusion she wouldn't have been offended by it. It was probably because her ideas usually didn't make sense - period. And yet, somehow, they usually seemed to work out for her by some sheer stroke of dumb luck. Maybe Mama had taken Felix Felicis when she was pregnant with the twins. Would that have a lasting effect?

She couldn't help the giggle when the other girl likewise introduced herself, "Looks like our parents both like root inspired names!" They were pretty names too, in her opinion. Rowan sounded much nicer than Vera but still.. both good names! OH! So a new transfer? She gave a small excited hop at the news. "Welcome to Diagon Alley then! This place is much nicer on the breaks when it's quieter, but sometimes if you're really loud while you're walking down the street people will naturally clear for you." That was usually her go to move. "Yeah, I'm heading into my Fifth year." Her face and countenance clearly showed how TRAGIC this information was with the impending exams. "What year are you going into? And where'd you transfer from?"

The giggle from the girl resulted in a smile from Rowan, followed by a soft chuckle. She liked open people who were good at talking. It helped to fill in the gaps of silence for Rowan. She was more of an observer and listener. But there was something about Vera that made her feel at ease – perhaps her obvious outgoing nature and aura. She was likeable.. on first impressions. “My brother is called Ash. My parents were certainly going for a theme.”

It was ironic that Rowan had next to no interest in Herbology.

“Oh.. I know Diagon Alley very well.” She rectified softly. Her statement about starting Hogwarts had caused some confusion it seemed. She needed to learn to elaborate. She used few words, and only those necessary, so being loud to get people to move wasn't going to cut it for the girl. “I don't think that's my style.” Rowan would rather just keep her head down and quietly slip though the crowds and noise.

Words were necessary in this particular moment though.. to clear things up. “My mum is mixed heritage, but my dad—stepdad--is a muggle so we live out there in the non magical world.” She explained and gestured in the direction of the entrance to Diagon, “I'm transferring from muggle school to give me time to prepare for my OWLS, but I've been homeschooled in magic up until now.”

As for her year? “I'll be a fourth year.” And Vera was a fifth. “Oh I do not envy you going into you OWL year.”

Her liking people who filled silence with chatter was lucky for Vera. That happened to be perhaps the only special ability she did have. The name of her brother got a small chuckle, nodding her head. "Plants are a good theme to go with! My parents had a theme too, but it was only the letter V. I'm Vera, my brother is Vasco and my baby sister is Vesper. But sometimes I actually forget her given name because we just call her Scooter." We being mainly her, and anyone else who decided to. "Doesn't the name Vesper make you think of a Vespa??" Isn't that what those muggle scooter things were called?? If not, her word association had been wrong for like... forever.

The rising fifth year was in fact confused, but only because she had made an assumption with really no facts to back it up. Battling the crowds didn't necessarily mean she'd NEVER been here to Diagon Alley. Just maybe it hadn't been recent. Or during the summer months. The not being her style part also confused her - though it should not have. Not everyone enjoyed being a loud mouth and even if she thought it was easier, that didn't mean everyone else would. "To each their own!"

Ooooh, a muggle school!? That sounded super interesting and Ve was certain that showed on her face. She had a bunch of questions she wanted to ask but she didn't know where to start. "Are you excited to be going to a magic school now? Or kind of bummed to not still be in the muggle world? And was your muggle school a boarding school? What subject did you like the best? I bet you'll be SO good in Muggle Studies!" It was a lot of word vomit, and she probably could have still down twice as much but she was pretty certain everything she'd asked as it was, was overwhelming enough.

"I mean... at least it's over at the end of the year! And then Sixth year will be a really nice break until NEWTs." Even if Sixth year might also be depressing with all of the things she was probably going to fail but... a problem for next year's Vera.

That special ability of Vera's was enviable. As an introverted sort, Rowan found herself drawn to magnetism of extroverts. They made you feel comfortable, and coaxed out the wings of your inner social butterfly. Although, admittedly, better in small doses, because the inevitable exhaustion of needing quiet time to think would kick in eventually. Eventually.

For now though, Rowan was very content with this affable girl's company.

She found herself chuckling lightly at the names of Vera's family. It wasn't just her mother who wanted a theme it appeared. “I love all those names.” She said softly. And Scooter? That was utterly precious. She nodded her head. “Yes, Vespa. Those pretty classic scooter bikes. I think Scooter is an adorable nickname. How old are your siblings?”

Rowan was pretty adept at reading people and she noticed the flicker of confusion on Vera's face. “Perhaps, then, you could make the noise and make a path, and I'll follow you through.” She teased with a wry smile. Like some weird tumultuous Pied Piper.

Rowan wasn't certain.. although the bombardment of questions over her muggle education, made her wonder if Vera had any experience at all of the non magical world. She knew of scooters though, and Vespas. Curious. She sighed softly, thinking. She'd left so much behind. All those years of education to then miss her exams was frustrating.. And leaving her small group of close friends was even worse..

But head over heart. Always.

“You know what.. I have mixed feelings. Leaving my friends and having to start all over again is the worst part. And then having to choose between muggle and magical exams came next. But my mum gave me a choice and I made it. Magic is part of me and I think I should use it.” She tucked her hair behind her ears and continued. “My favourite was Chemistry, but I prefer Potions—they're extremely similar. Mixing ingredients to get a reaction.” In fact, Rowan's blood father was a master Potioneer. One of the biggest surprises of meeting Daniel was how much the pair had in common despite having never met for the first thirteen years of her life. Nature had triumphed over nurture. “No, it wasn't a boarding school. Just a regular state school.” She smiled warmly at Vera. Girl was really making her open up, which she appreciated.

As for Muggle Studies, “Having experience of both does seem like an unfair advantage.” People who didn't use magic to get everything done had to be more practical, and the combined knowledge an upper hand. “So, yes, Muggle Studies should be a breeze!” With any luck. “It's a bit unfair isn't it?” She crinkled her nose.

But that was enough about Rowan, Vera! Tell us about YOU. “Do you know much of the muggle world?” The redhead asked carefully as not to offend. Some magical folk did get offended over such intrigue. Daddy dearest had been first hand experience of that. And as for OWLS. “What's your strongest subject? Are you feeling confident about your exams?”

How her partners had managed to convince her to come to Diagon-freaking-Alley was still beyond her, but the blonde kept her feelings in check and her hands tucked deep into the pockets of her coat. Dora had mainly avoided this place for some time now... only popping in when she felt as though she would go unnoticed (and only when she was on her way to Knockturn, really).

Here she was, though... and nothing horrible had happened... YET. Turning to smile at Baxter she squeezed his hand slightly. "We're just grabbing some things for Nicolas and then heading to Ama's shop, yeah?" They had had this conversation several times, but her anxiety was hitting at about a 10 at this moment. Heh.

She did relax a little when she looked at her ridiculously handsome rockstar husband, though. Cat, their other partner, was meant to join them at some point, but for now they just walked along the path and toward... she had no idea where exactly. BUT HI HOT HUSBAND!

See if she COULD read the girl's thoughts, she would have asked to be able to bottle them to show to her brother later. The idea of any of her traits being enviable would have just been too good to pass up! But lucky for them both, she was not a Legilimens and they were both spared that probable embarrassment from the Gryffindor:s side.

The Gryffindor who was now positively BEAMING at Rowan's compliments of her siblings names. Did she have any hand in selecting them? Of course not, besides nicknames. But family was where she held the most pride so something as simple as this still warmed her heart considerably. And perhaps even more so at the commentary on the greatest little sister's nickname too. "Isn't it?! Scoot is absolutely precious too. Which I know I'm biased but I'm sure other people would say similarly too!" Not that she'd ever ASKED anyone though. "Vasco is my twin brother so he's a Fifth year like me. And Scoot is 12 so going into her second year!" She was a big fan of having both of the siblings there. And even MORE so now that Papa seemed to have... Company. Even if she was a little flip floppy on how she felt about that.

Listen, that suggestion was right up Vera's alley and she was happy to comply. So while it might have been said in jest, the girl was taking it as her mission. "Okay, deal! Which direction you going?" She did a couple of her vocal exercises from frog choir, getting ready to BELLOW.

Vera knew some stuff about the muggle world, she quite enjoyed a lot of the TV shows and tried to keep up with programs that she'd labeled her favorite. Of course those tended to be subtitled for reasons unknown, but one liked what they liked. But while she knew, she hadn't experienced like Rowan had. She was excited to hear about the things the textbooks left out. Her face flickered with empathy as she mentioned how hard it was to start over, giving a nod of her head in understanding as she thought to Leo and Daxon and how out of place they seemed to feel when they first transferred. "Having to start over is definitely a LOT. But... If it helps, Hogwarts is for the most part REALLY friendly! Like even the ones who look grumpy are a lot more teddy bear like than they'd seem. So I imagine you'll have any easy time finding a new place you feel like you belong! And if you want, I can be your first Hogwarts friend and show you around the school! There's a LOT of cool spots!" And thanks to her Gryffindor bucket list, she was truly getting to see a lot of things. "I know that doesn't help with missing the people from before though. Will you be able to keep in contact with any of them?" Her nose crinkled involuntarily at Potions, not because she judged the girl for her own passions but because of the reminder her brain took on of her own inadequacies. Potions was where she was the most scared to have to catch up. "We have a new potions teacher this term, but I imagine if they was hired they're good! Hopefully you like them and their classes!"

She considered the question on fairness for a moment, before shaking her head. "Nah. I think it's nice there's a class that might be able to still give you a little bit of what you're missing from Pre-Hogwarts! Plus some people have parents who are very involved in certain fields and just KNOW more stuff. So it's really just use the advantages you naturally have!"

She wasn't really expecting the return of questions, but she of course didn't mind either. "I know a little! My Papa is half blood so he made sure we have some knowledge but I haven't really gotten to see much with my own eyes outside of the MS classroom." Maybe she should take a gap year when she graduated to fix that! As for exams? "I'm very confident! .... That I will fail. School isn't reaaaally my forte... But I think I'll at least have an easy time with Care of Magical Creatures! And maybe Charms." Everything else? Well... TBD.

-----------------------------



Had Baxter been surprised when Dora agreed to an excursion to Diagon Alley? Yes. But he also was never one to question his wife's motive nor was he someone who resisted an opportunity to show off how gorgeous she was. So there was no questions at her agreement, but rather a quick made plan to do so before she could change her mind. Before either of them could change their minds, considering Hecate had also been down for an adventure. Although, when was she not?

He could feel her anxiety as they walked, one eye peeled for their partner while he also tried to soothe her concerns. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze before softly tugging her closer and pulling her arm through the crook of his elbow so she was even closer. "I don't know, I was actually thinking maybe instead we could rob Gringotts, maybe sell some illegal product at the street vendors and THEN grab Nic's stuff and see my sister." He smirked at her, throwing her a wink. While he was one to generally suggest crazy ideas, all of that was certainly outside of his range of comfort.

For today at the least.

"Remind me again, what are we grabbing for him?" Because he was absolutely itching to duck into Atticus' as well and pick up some music or a new guitar for their oldest as well. Maybe a few things for the twins too.

Hecate knew why her wife had issues with Diagon Alley. However, she also knew that avoidance was not the best coping mechanism. Possibly by experience...not that she wanted to get into all of that. Anyway, that is why she figured that some pre-shopping to surprise little Nicky would be a grand suggestion. It could work Dora up to the real thing. After all, Nic was probably going to want to do the whole bit and go shopping...all of that jazz...with parents. She hadn't gotten that, but she saw how important it had been to other children and she wanted that for him.

She wanted to surprise their wife, so she allowed the husband to start the journey. Once they headed out the door...Hecate ordered a special flower arrangement of her wife's favorite. Peonies. Pink, Peonies. With accenting black and white Hellebore, to represent herself and their husband. Yes, every part of the continual courtship of her wife needed to be elaborate and slightly dramatic. She was a wrockstar married to a wrockstar and an extremely talented sorceress. It was to be expected, wasn't it?

Striding up behind them in all black, leather boots and jacket, with dark sunglasses, she was far less than inconspicuous. "You aren't going to start such a daring escapade without me now, are you?" Her smirky grin flashed as she linked their wife's other arm, presenting the bouquet as she did so. "Sorry to keep you darlings waiting. I had to get our wife a reward for her beauty and bravery." Cue eyebrow waggling.

Well, well... the husband pulled her closer and she happily slipped her arm into the crook of his and leaned into his side slightly. He and their wife both had a knack for putting her at ease when she was getting all dark and twisty inside. She was ever so grateful to them for that... not that they had much choice than to adapt over the years. Dora Umbridge BYRNE was nothing if not a difficult woman to love. But they had all put in the work and never gave up or gave in.

Dora pressed her lips together in amusement as Baxter outlined his nefarious plans for the lot of them. A small giggle managing to escape as he finished up. "That's so hot..." and just as she was about to go down a bit of a list of things they needed to pick up their wife joined them... AND SHE HAD FLOWERS!

Dora made a grabby hand for the bouquet before leaning in to kiss her cheek quickly. "You spoil me so, my love" she said with a sappy tone to her voice. She LOVED to be spoiled. That was true. But she knew her partners were doting on her this particular day because she was facing a fear head on. Or at the very least just getting out of her head and being less introverted. "Baxie... look at the bouquet! Cat did good!" Pulling it up toward her face she inhaled deeply and closed her eyes, letting the pair lead her down the alley. Once upon a time this had been one of her absolute favorite places on the Earth... perhaps she would get to a point that that was the case again.

Hearing Hecate's voice from behind as she joined them, Bax looked over Dor's head to see the final piece of their heart as she joined them. He smiled at the sight of the flowers, Cat being once more always the thoughtful one. "Of course there's no party that fun without your presence." What kind of partner did she take him for, hm?

At Dora's show of affection, he leaned over to press a quick kiss to her temple as they continued on. Had he been able to hear the blonde's thoughts, he would have assured her she was quite easy to love - even if the relationship had not always been the easiest. Baxter Byrne never expected love to be a word in his vocabulary to begin with, but his two favorite people had clearly changed everything for him.

"Have to continue to remind you why you love me, don't I?" He teased on response to her, going quiet as flowers were presented merely to let them have their moment as well. It was only when Dora addressed him again that he gave a nod of approval, eyes twinkling towards Hecate. "She always does! I like the drama of the pink and black together. Do those flowers have specific meanings?"

"...and I agree, he really is pretty hot...we all are. I am somewhat amazed that between us the sidewalk doesn't melt honestly." There was a distinct reason that she was one of the band's lyricists.

The grabby hands implied she had done the job perfectly, the quick peck on the cheek made her beam and toss her hair. Cat positively thrived on praise and words of affirmation. Having Dora flaunt and praise her had her absolutely walking on air. Was she over the moon at also getting a temple kiss? Obviously. She merrily assisted their husband in parading their wife down the Alley, staying on cloud nine.

"I would hope that that level of fun is strictly reserved for when all three of us are present." She chuckled and winked playfully at their husband. Having both of them look at her lovingly...it comfortingly filled the void that her childhood had ripped into her, until she didn't think about it anymore.

"It is so fitting for you to say that husband...the colors represent us." She smiled at them both with all of the fondness in her heart. "Of course they do. The main one being...Peonies are Dora's favorite. But also, Peonies represent romance, compassion, luck, prosperity, femininity...and happy marriages." Hecate tended to obsess a bit with detail when it came to such matters. "Hellebore, my loves, wards evil and negative energy. It is used to purify the mind, body, and soul. Helpful in releasing and cleansing past demons..." She felt it symbolic and useful in this case.

Dora also couldn't be happier to be with the pair of them. It definitely took her mind off of the obvious stressor that was Diagon Alley. Her husband and wife were GOOD. Very good. Very attentive.

"We are indeed all VERY hot. Very, very. Scorching." She pulled the bouquet away from her face and smiled at each of them in turn. And listening to Cat explain the importance of the differing flowers she couldn't help but smile wider. She had learnt a lot from her cousins when it came to Herbology so she appreciated her attention to detail. Which was always immaculate.

"So you both chose to spoil me today, huh? Not that I am complaining in the slightest! I love it, actually. What else would you lot like to do today? Other than pick up some things for the children?" Yes, she had a list and she knew Bax wanted to get their eldest some music related things. She was so glad that they had that common bond! She had dabbled in music once upon a time, but she had no real talent at all. Her talents lay in other areas. In fact, each of them had their own special talents... Cat and Bax simply shared the musical bit.

"Maybe we can go visit Ama? Have dinner out?" she had every intention of taking advantage of them being sans kiddos today. Dora leaned into Bax a bit more and squeezed Hecate's hand with her one free one. "I love you both."

Christmas was in the air!

This year, Aria was taking extra care to shop for the people on her extensive list. Her brothers - Caes, Darius and Luther - were already covered, as were her fathers, Uncle Deacon and Aunt Mae. However, she now had two new additions to her family: two nephews! Oh, her heart could burst from love for those munchkins! It was these munchkins that she was currently searching for the ideal gifts for. Actually, Aria already had designed and knitted cute little jumpers for them already but she needed to spoil those nephews MORE!

Yes, Aria Mae McLeod was a doting aunt!

The twenty year old was humming cheerfully to herself as she passed the shops of Diagon Alley while occasionally she absently tugged at the rather Christmas-y shirt; it was designed with little bunches of mistletoes. That and the pair blue jeans radiated warmth to her skin and were quite comfortable. On her feet, Aria wore flats because heels in this icy weather were a big no-no. It could result in her sliding and breaking her pretty neck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Christmas was in the air!

This year, Aria was taking extra care to shop for the people on her extensive list. Her brothers - Caes, Darius and Luther - were already covered, as were her fathers, Uncle Deacon and Aunt Mae. However, she now had two new additions to her family: two nephews! Oh, her heart could burst from love for those munchkins! It was these munchkins that she was currently searching for the ideal gifts for. Actually, Aria already had designed and knitted cute little jumpers for them already but she needed to spoil those nephews MORE!

Yes, Aria Mae McLeod was a doting aunt!

The twenty year old was humming cheerfully to herself as she passed the shops of Diagon Alley while occasionally she absently tugged at the rather Christmas-y shirt; it was designed with little bunches of mistletoes. That and the pair blue jeans radiated warmth to her skin and were quite comfortable. On her feet, Aria wore flats because heels in this icy weather were a big no-no. It could result in her sliding and breaking her pretty neck.

Normandie never knew what to get her dad for special occasions, and with his birthday and Christmas falling within a month of each other, she was pulling double gift duty. Holy hippogriffs, why was he so hard to buy for?! He never wanted anything! And he always seemed so sad at the holidays, as much as he tried to pretend that he wasn’t. She knew why; he missed her mom.

Unlike her dad, Normandie always loved the holiday season, and her attire reflected her festive mood. She wore a top with a mistletoe pattern, jeans, and flats. The red-haired young woman stood to one side of the street, her bluish-green eyes scanning the shop windows in search of something to buy for her dad. A new wizards’ chess set or dark detector from Wiseacre’s? Books from Flourish and Blotts? A new shirt from Madam Malkin’s?

As she looked around, she spotted another young woman about her own age and did a double take. Wow, that outfit looked familiar! It was exactly like hers. What were the odds of that? “Hi! Nice outfit!” she said with a smile.

SPOILER!!: <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMadamMalfoy

Normandie never knew what to get her dad for special occasions, and with his birthday and Christmas falling within a month of each other, she was pulling double gift duty. Holy hippogriffs, why was he so hard to buy for?! He never wanted anything! And he always seemed so sad at the holidays, as much as he tried to pretend that he wasn’t. She knew why; he missed her mom.

Unlike her dad, Normandie always loved the holiday season, and her attire reflected her festive mood. She wore a top with a mistletoe pattern, jeans, and flats. The red-haired young woman stood to one side of the street, her bluish-green eyes scanning the shop windows in search of something to buy for her dad. A new wizards’ chess set or dark detector from Wiseacre’s? Books from Flourish and Blotts? A new shirt from Madam Malkin’s?

As she looked around, she spotted another young woman about her own age and did a double take. Wow, that outfit looked familiar! It was exactly like hers. What were the odds of that? “Hi! Nice outfit!” she said with a smile.

Unbeknownst to Aria, there was another young woman pondering almost the same thoughts. Christmas shopping could be such a hassle for some as finding the perfect gifts can result in one feeling immensely pressured. Not this fashionista though! She thrived on such pressures, which came in handy when the demands of being a fashion designer and deadlines or achieving perfection need to be met.

Aria now was literally standing along the sidewalk {out of the way of the crowd so that she wasn’t hampering anyone’s journey through the street} with her hands on her hips as she squinted at the shops. “Which to browse first?” Aria asked herself. Hmmm…

She had not quite yet made up her mind when someone’s words came floating out at her. Compliments about her outfits or designs always grabbed her attention. “Thanks! You look -” Her words died in her throat as she stared in surprise.

They were wearing the same clothing!

What a DELIGHTFUL coincidence!

SPOILER!!: <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Unbeknownst to Aria, there was another young woman pondering almost the same thoughts. Christmas shopping could be such a hassle for some as finding the perfect gifts can result in one feeling immensely pressured. Not this fashionista though! She thrived on such pressures, which came in handy when the demands of being a fashion designer and deadlines or achieving perfection need to be met.

Aria now was literally standing along the sidewalk {out of the way of the crowd so that she wasn’t hampering anyone’s journey through the street} with her hands on her hips as she squinted at the shops. “Which to browse first?” Aria asked herself. Hmmm…

She had not quite yet made up her mind when someone’s words came floating out at her. Compliments about her outfits or designs always grabbed her attention. “Thanks! You look -” Her words died in her throat as she stared in surprise.

They were wearing the same clothing!

What a DELIGHTFUL coincidence!

Normandie didn’t consider herself a fashionista by any stretch of the imagination. She’d always been kind of a tomboy, more interested in things like quodpot and dueling than clothes. As such, she was surprised when the other young woman complimented her outfit. Or at least she thought it was a compliment. She couldn’t be sure, as the words sort of trailed off mid-sentence.

Wondering how that sentence was meant to end, she met the other woman’s stare with a curious glance of her own. “Thanks… I think,” she replied. “It looks better on you. Though. I’m not sure this color works with my hair.” Red hair was the worst sometimes, so hard to match with outfits!

Realizing she hadn’t yet introduced herself, she extended a hand to the other woman. “I’m Normandie, by the way. Normandie Carton.”

SPOILER!!: <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMadamMalfoy

Normandie didn’t consider herself a fashionista by any stretch of the imagination. She’d always been kind of a tomboy, more interested in things like quodpot and dueling than clothes. As such, she was surprised when the other young woman complimented her outfit. Or at least she thought it was a compliment. She couldn’t be sure, as the words sort of trailed off mid-sentence.

Wondering how that sentence was meant to end, she met the other woman’s stare with a curious glance of her own. “Thanks… I think,” she replied. “It looks better on you. Though. I’m not sure this color works with my hair.” Red hair was the worst sometimes, so hard to match with outfits!

Realizing she hadn’t yet introduced herself, she extended a hand to the other woman. “I’m Normandie, by the way. Normandie Carton.”

The other young woman could have fooled her, and anyone else, for that matter about being a tomboy. She looked quite chic; who else would know this better than a fashion designer that had picked out the exact pieces of clothing to wear herself today?

Oh, never fear! It was indeed a compliment! Aria was just shocked into surprise temporarily. “You look wonderful! That’s what I was about to say before I was stunned into absolute silence.” She brushed a hand through the air as though warding off a particularly annoying insect, dismissing the fear of the woman. “Please! It’s only in your mind that you think something doesn’t suit you. How you dress usually reflects your mood so I would say you’re in a good one today?”

Aria shook the extended hand. “Hi, Normandie! My name’s Aria McLeod. Nice to meet you.”

Normandie beamed, her face blushing the same shade of red as her hair. It wasn't often that people complimented her outfits! “Oh, thank you!” She replies, stifling a slight giggle at the bit about being stunned into silence. She could relate; that had been her initial reaction as well!

Her expression turned thoughtful as she considered the woman's next words. “You know, I never thought of it that way. I may have to dress like this more often!” She smiled, giggling softly. “Oh yes, I love this season! I don't think my dad does, though. Here's hoping my good mood will rub off on him!” That reminded her she still had shopping to do, and no idea what to buy!

She gave the other woman a firm handshake. “Nice to meet you too,” she replied. “Aria… that's a pretty name. A lot better than Normandie anyway. Everybody thinks I'm named after the town in France!” She said the last bit with a laugh.

SPOILER!!: <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMadamMalfoy

Normandie beamed, her face blushing the same shade of red as her hair. It wasn't often that people complimented her outfits! “Oh, thank you!” She replies, stifling a slight giggle at the bit about being stunned into silence. She could relate; that had been her initial reaction as well!

Her expression turned thoughtful as she considered the woman's next words. “You know, I never thought of it that way. I may have to dress like this more often!” She smiled, giggling softly. “Oh yes, I love this season! I don't think my dad does, though. Here's hoping my good mood will rub off on him!” That reminded her she still had shopping to do, and no idea what to buy!

She gave the other woman a firm handshake. “Nice to meet you too,” she replied. “Aria… that's a pretty name. A lot better than Normandie anyway. Everybody thinks I'm named after the town in France!” She said the last bit with a laugh.

Interesting!

Normandie was able to blush the exact colour as her hair. Did she know this? Aria thought that this would make an excellent fun fact. Like… whenever someone asked Normandie to state something about herself, the entire blushing thing would be perfect.

“You should,’’ Aria said solemnly, bobbing her head to emphasise her words. Her grin was in place as Normandie giggled; clearly Aria was right when she deduced that the other young woman was in a good mood. And to back her speculation up… “I’m sure it will! Why doesn’t he like this holiday, if you don’t mind me asking?” Aria was wise enough to know that everyone loved this particular time of year for one reason or the other. It was always best to respect these opinions.

“Oh, thank you! My dads picked it out.” And they had done a great job of it if you asked her! “Normandie is a town in France? I hadn’t known that. Have you ever been to it?”

Arguably Elias had mellowed over his first year at Hogwarts. Perhaps not to the extent that his older brother had hoped but there wasn’t such a cold stare plastered on his face as he padded his way out of Knockturn Alley where his Grandfather was shopping for his own supplies and into the Main Street. He couldn’t be trusted to be unaccompanied in Knockturn, or rather his Grandfather didn’t trust the unsavoury characters that frequented the street with his precious ‘heirs’ but he did allow him the freedom of being in Diagon for a short while whilst he finished off whatever it was that he was doing.

Eli found it best not to question what sort of dealings the Greenwoods conducted. Remaining oblivious meant that he could never be considered complicit, not until he was older anyway.

Socialising wasn’t on the twelve year olds agenda, mainly because he didn’t enjoy the company of many of his school companions who he found overeager, annoying and quite frankly childish. Ironic really considering his own age. Instead he stood near the window display of Slug and Jiggers and stared into the shop contemplating whether there was anything he needed to purchase before term started. Potions was his favourite after all.

Florence was relieved to be able to do a little school shopping by herself. It was nice to not have to always be tied to an adult along with her twin brother and her other siblings. She was perfectly capable and responsible enough to manage her own list. She was almost twelve years old and would be going into her second year. Surely she could do something as simple as purchasing potions supplies without incident.

So she headed in the direction of the apothecary. But, upon catching sight of a familiar face standing near the window, Florence paused. She could simply walk on by, but a bit of mild curiosity got the better of her.

"Window shopping, Greenwood?" she asked. Was that why he was just standing there instead of going inside? Or did he get caught in a daydream?