Pub Seating

[sweetpinkpixie]

Here at the Leaky Cauldron things can get pretty busy, and, for Phro, this is exactly the case. For this purpose, she kept the changes made by Louisa so that customers may come to the counter to place their orders, which keeps the chaos down and keeps things less hectic for the busy workers and their customers.

In the center of the room sits the baby of the Leaky Cauldron - baby grand piano that is. It is not unusual to enter the Leaky Cauldron and see costumers playing away at the piano. However, this piano is widely special, even for the Wizarding World. Years ago, Ryoma Shiradou, the former owner, built it by hand and therefore as one plays each key the ivory gives off a little puff of colored smoke that rises up into the air and form shapes that begin to tell a story to the music.

Off to the side of the room, a cozy fireplace and seating area can be found for those looking to relax a bit before heading off to the busy shops of Diagon Alley. At various times throughout the day, Phro will come by and give Tarot card readings.

OOC: The piano is free for all to use so have fun with that and enjoy yourself. Also, please remember that the shopkeeper does NOT take orders at the tables. Due to the Leaky Cauldron being unmanned at the moment, simply assume that your character placed their order at the Bar and Service Counter.

And a very IMPORTANT warning. Please please PLEASE make sure you have read all SS rules - especially those involving drinking. There will be a zero tolerance policy in regards to this rule.

[Chelliephone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

It was a strange feeling knowing that when she returned to Hogwarts after summer break she would be there for her final year. That she would be there without many of her friends whom all graduated the previous term, including the boyfriend. She still would have many friends returning there with her. But that was a thought for another day.

This afternoon there wasn't anything that was going to get her down. How could there be when there was one person she didn't get to see very often anymore currently waiting for her inside of the Leaky Cauldron. When she had heard that he was coming, Marley made sure she had ALL of the time in her schedule for her cousin. If he wanted the entire week, he got it! Sorry, not sorry, everyone. They all would understand.

So it was from the second she stepped foot through the door that her eyes roamed that pub for him and when they landed on him.. it was like she was ten all over again. "Tavvy!" Was he ready for it? He better be. She was bigger and older and she could squish a lot harder now.

The fact that Mar was officially a seventh year, his BABY cousin, was absolutely mind blowing to Tavion Lorne. Wasn't it just yesterday that he was little himself and they were playing Pokemon together!? And convincing his father to help them have an inflatable unicorn race in the pool with Figgy as well? Time had certainly flown by a lot, and her impending graduation was just more reminder they were all OLD now.

Well, not all of them. But he was starting to feel old anyways.

For the umpteenth time he checked the gifts for his cousin again, before hearing his name called out loudly in the pub and turned with a bright smile to search for the speak as he wiggled his way from his seat. Easier to give giant hugs while standing - because yes, he was absolutely ready. "Marley!!!"

How did she already look so grown up and tall?? Ignoring the fact that he'd been thinking that every time he saw her for at least the last 4 years.

[Kolyander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

The fact that Mar was officially a seventh year, his BABY cousin, was absolutely mind blowing to Tavion Lorne. Wasn't it just yesterday that he was little himself and they were playing Pokemon together!? And convincing his father to help them have an inflatable unicorn race in the pool with Figgy as well? Time had certainly flown by a lot, and her impending graduation was just more reminder they were all OLD now.

Well, not all of them. But he was starting to feel old anyways.

For the umpteenth time he checked the gifts for his cousin again, before hearing his name called out loudly in the pub and turned with a bright smile to search for the speak as he wiggled his way from his seat. Easier to give giant hugs while standing - because yes, he was absolutely ready. "Marley!!!"

How did she already look so grown up and tall?? Ignoring the fact that he'd been thinking that every time he saw her for at least the last 4 years.

Yes, yes, it was yesterday. In this girls head it was anyhow. Merlin she missed those days of them playing Pokemon together! She still had that HUGE plushie he had given her too. Before he went back home they were going to need to play some video games and watch some cartoons.

Need she remind him that he wasn't really all that much older than her?

Yeah, she may have actually forgotten that they were in a public place for a brief moment when she sorta launched herself at him in a huge hug. "You have to not live so far away!" she laughed, giving him a decent squish. Obviously she was teasing him and she knew why he had moved so very far away from her like he did. Don't worry, Tavvy, she wasn't going to hold it again him.. much. "I've missed you! How's your summer? How have you been? How's Emilia?"

Well as luck would have it, she doubted she'd be growing anymore. So he wouldn't have to worry about her getting any taller at least?

[Chelliephone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Yes, yes, it was yesterday. In this girls head it was anyhow. Merlin she missed those days of them playing Pokemon together! She still had that HUGE plushie he had given her too. Before he went back home they were going to need to play some video games and watch some cartoons.

Need she remind him that he wasn't really all that much older than her?

Yeah, she may have actually forgotten that they were in a public place for a brief moment when she sorta launched herself at him in a huge hug. "You have to not live so far away!" she laughed, giving him a decent squish. Obviously she was teasing him and she knew why he had moved so very far away from her like he did. Don't worry, Tavvy, she wasn't going to hold it again him.. much. "I've missed you! How's your summer? How have you been? How's Emilia?"

Well as luck would have it, she doubted she'd be growing anymore. So he wouldn't have to worry about her getting any taller at least?

As if he would ever say no to video games with his baby cousin. Who wasn't at all a baby anymore. And truthfully, he probably could use reminders he wasn't that much older. The difference in age between him and Marley was less than him and his oldest sister, and yet he still continued to feel like he was ancient in comparison.

He was going to blame his siblings and all their shenanigans for that.

Pfft, publich schmublic. Catching Mar he gave her the biiiiiggest squeeze, lifting her off the ground in the process. "I've missed you!" He knew she was teasing, but the full time in Korea was difficult at times when his family was all so far away. But he was glad Marley also understood, as he knew they all did. Emi was his future and being parted from her would have been even more difficult. "I'm doing good! I've been getting to learn a lot of new art techniques. I've been trying to work with pottery more, but I'm no where near what Davion can do." So he'd choose to leave that to his brother. As for Emilia? His entire countenance changed getting to talk about her, who happened to be one of his favorite subjects. "She's the best. Training has her tired a lot, but it seems like she really loves what she's doing so she generally bounces back. Even with living right there now it still seems it's hard to find time together, but... that's not going to be the case for forever so it's okay." He understood the demands of being an idol. He hadn't loved when they'd tried to circulate dating rumors about her with someone else but... what mattered was he knew the truth.

"How're YOU? Are you excited for your final year? How's Elias?" It was still sometimes hard for him to adjust to the fact she had a boyfriend, but it was clear the boy made her so happy how could he be anything but supportive?

Setting her back down on her feet and letting her go, he motioned for her to take a seat next to the packages. "What do you want for food? It's on me and I can go grab it while you open all of these." It was mainly just pieces of art he had created for her over the year. A portrait of her, some abstract pieces in her favorite colors, and quite a few pottery pokemon. She was the only person he knew would appreciate those as much as he did.

[Kolyander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

As if he would ever say no to video games with his baby cousin. Who wasn't at all a baby anymore. And truthfully, he probably could use reminders he wasn't that much older. The difference in age between him and Marley was less than him and his oldest sister, and yet he still continued to feel like he was ancient in comparison.

He was going to blame his siblings and all their shenanigans for that.

Pfft, publich schmublic. Catching Mar he gave her the biiiiiggest squeeze, lifting her off the ground in the process. "I've missed you!" He knew she was teasing, but the full time in Korea was difficult at times when his family was all so far away. But he was glad Marley also understood, as he knew they all did. Emi was his future and being parted from her would have been even more difficult. "I'm doing good! I've been getting to learn a lot of new art techniques. I've been trying to work with pottery more, but I'm no where near what Davion can do." So he'd choose to leave that to his brother. As for Emilia? His entire countenance changed getting to talk about her, who happened to be one of his favorite subjects. "She's the best. Training has her tired a lot, but it seems like she really loves what she's doing so she generally bounces back. Even with living right there now it still seems it's hard to find time together, but... that's not going to be the case for forever so it's okay." He understood the demands of being an idol. He hadn't loved when they'd tried to circulate dating rumors about her with someone else but... what mattered was he knew the truth.

"How're YOU? Are you excited for your final year? How's Elias?" It was still sometimes hard for him to adjust to the fact she had a boyfriend, but it was clear the boy made her so happy how could he be anything but supportive?

Setting her back down on her feet and letting her go, he motioned for her to take a seat next to the packages. "What do you want for food? It's on me and I can go grab it while you open all of these." It was mainly just pieces of art he had created for her over the year. A portrait of her, some abstract pieces in her favorite colors, and quite a few pottery pokemon. She was the only person he knew would appreciate those as much as he did.

Would gladly play video games with him all afternoon and remind him the entire time that he isn't OLD! If he was old then so was she and well, umm, no she was not.

"I've missed you more!" She laughed as she held onto him all the while squishing him as best as she could. He had always been bigger than her but had he grown even taller since being gone or was it just that long since she had seen him that it felt that way?! Not to worry cousin, she understood. "Pottery?! That sounds like fun! I'd love to see some of that. How's Davion? How is everyone?!" Tell her all of the things please. Gosh, being at Hogwarts was great but being away from everyone was hard. Marley smiled as she watched Tavvy's face when he talked about Emilia. "You'll tell her that I said hi, yeah? And that I say to keep up the amazing work and I miss her too." She really liked her, especially because she made Tavion so happy.

"Me? I'm amazing! Still busting my behind training all of the time." Ballet was no joke! "More than ready! I've already worked out a study schedule." Yes, very much a Ravenclaw, right here. And there is was. Could Tav see how her cheeks flushed pink at the mention of Elias still? "He's wonderful. They graduated this year and then there was Lia's wedding which you know but that's a big change for him." Knows how Elias can be with change and how protective he is of his sisters. They were all still close though so she didn't think they had any problems.

Food? Open ALL of those? What in the name of Merlin was all of that?! Marley took a seat and looked at all of the packages. "Surprise me. I trust you and you know what I like anyhow. What is all of this?!" She laughed softly, reaching out to pick up the one closest to her and turning it over in her hands carefully before starting to open it. Each of these would find a special place in her room at home and some might even make their way with her to Hogwarts.

[littledhampir]

Indigo was always happy to meet other people in England who spoke French. It didn't happen too often, and when it did it always made him feel a bit more at home. It was for that reason, among others, that he had been happy to keep in touch with Darius since the two had met in London. One of the other reasons was that Darius was pretty and Indigo was a shameless flirt.

He was the one who had suggested dinner, and they'd landed on the Leaky Cauldron mostly for convenience. Indigo headed there after work, grateful that it was a Friday and the start of a weekend. His brain felt a bit mushy after the concentration he'd put in to his current project all week. He could definitely use a break. When he arrived at the Leaky Cauldron he decided to nab a table first before it got too busy, and they could grab something to eat once Darius arrived.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by littledhampir

Indigo was always happy to meet other people in England who spoke French. It didn't happen too often, and when it did it always made him feel a bit more at home. It was for that reason, among others, that he had been happy to keep in touch with Darius since the two had met in London. One of the other reasons was that Darius was pretty and Indigo was a shameless flirt.

He was the one who had suggested dinner, and they'd landed on the Leaky Cauldron mostly for convenience. Indigo headed there after work, grateful that it was a Friday and the start of a weekend. His brain felt a bit mushy after the concentration he'd put in to his current project all week. He could definitely use a break. When he arrived at the Leaky Cauldron he decided to nab a table first before it got too busy, and they could grab something to eat once Darius arrived.

Lucky for Indigo, Darius found shameless flirts delightful and was a very giddy sponge ready and willing to soak up all the attention - and also give it back. So, really, one could say that they were both lucky. What was much less lucky were his peddling attempts in London from mediocre pickpocketing attempts. His judgement was off today, his mind lost as though it wandered through a heavy mist floating and creeping out in tendrils through of the cypress in the swamp. What had it been described to him as? A 'brain fog'. It was, perhaps, his new favorite English phrasing he had heard recently.

This brain fog was for good reason, of course. The waning gibbous was upon them.

Looking, perhaps, a little more tired than he would other days (though his black eyeliner and blending did make any dark circles look more intentional) and arriving a little later than promised (though this was not out of the ordinary either seeing as Darius was rarely ever on time), he strutted up to the table at which Indigo was seated. "Bonsoir, Indigo," he greeted as he leaned in to give his friend a kiss upon each cheek in greeting. "Are you wearing new cologne? You smell of rapture."

[littledhampir]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Lucky for Indigo, Darius found shameless flirts delightful and was a very giddy sponge ready and willing to soak up all the attention - and also give it back. So, really, one could say that they were both lucky. What was much less lucky were his peddling attempts in London from mediocre pickpocketing attempts. His judgement was off today, his mind lost as though it wandered through a heavy mist floating and creeping out in tendrils through of the cypress in the swamp. What had it been described to him as? A 'brain fog'. It was, perhaps, his new favorite English phrasing he had heard recently.

This brain fog was for good reason, of course. The waning gibbous was upon them.

Looking, perhaps, a little more tired than he would other days (though his black eyeliner and blending did make any dark circles look more intentional) and arriving a little later than promised (though this was not out of the ordinary either seeing as Darius was rarely ever on time), he strutted up to the table at which Indigo was seated. "Bonsoir, Indigo," he greeted as he leaned in to give his friend a kiss upon each cheek in greeting. "Are you wearing new cologne? You smell of rapture."

Indigo didn't mind waiting. It was getting to be peak dinner time, so the Leaky Cauldron was getting busy with people wandering in and out. Indigo entertained himself by people watching until he heard a voice close to his ear. He turned his gaze to Darius and smiled. "Bonsoir." He returned his greeting. "I'm not. Maybe this is just what I smell like." He sent him a bright smile. "You know, they say if you like someone's scent it means you're compatible."

He motioned to the chair next to him. "Do you have an idea what you want? It's on me?"

[sweetpinkpixie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by littledhampir

Indigo didn't mind waiting. It was getting to be peak dinner time, so the Leaky Cauldron was getting busy with people wandering in and out. Indigo entertained himself by people watching until he heard a voice close to his ear. He turned his gaze to Darius and smiled. "Bonsoir." He returned his greeting. "I'm not. Maybe this is just what I smell like." He sent him a bright smile. "You know, they say if you like someone's scent it means you're compatible."

He motioned to the chair next to him. "Do you have an idea what you want? It's on me?"

Each cheek now properly dotted upon, Darius left one more necessary greeting right upon Indigo's rosy lips before settling into the seat right beside his companion with an arm still draped lazily over his shoulder as well. "That is certainly a possibility and I do have a very sharp nose. Though I do not require it to feel confident of compatibility."

Leaning back a bit in his seat, Darius walked his fingers from around Indigo's shoulder to along his shoulder and just to the nape of the neck around the spine while casually looking over the menu. "Not particularly, though anything will taste delectable with you offering yourself as the plate." He truly could not resist when the object of his attention walked so easily into such enticing banter. "I am in the mood for something nutty I think. What do you recommend?"

[littledhampir]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Each cheek now properly dotted upon, Darius left one more necessary greeting right upon Indigo's rosy lips before settling into the seat right beside his companion with an arm still draped lazily over his shoulder as well. "That is certainly a possibility and I do have a very sharp nose. Though I do not require it to feel confident of compatibility."

Leaning back a bit in his seat, Darius walked his fingers from around Indigo's shoulder to along his shoulder and just to the nape of the neck around the spine while casually looking over the menu. "Not particularly, though anything will taste delectable with you offering yourself as the plate." He truly could not resist when the object of his attention walked so easily into such enticing banter. "I am in the mood for something nutty I think. What do you recommend?"

This is why Indigo liked Darius; he was also a shameless flirt. And while Indigo didn't often like being the center of attention, he did like attention from cute men. "You know that's not what I meant." His tone was a teasing scold, and he smiled. Not that Indigo would mind, but the Leaky Cauldron probably preferred their patrons to use actual plates. He turned his gaze to the menu, leaning close to look at the same one as Darius rather than use his own. It took a bit longer to read the menu than usual - Darius' fingers at the back of his neck were a bit distracting - but he managed. "I don't know what's nutty, but I was thinking about sushi. Or pizza."

[sweetpinkpixie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by littledhampir

This is why Indigo liked Darius; he was also a shameless flirt. And while Indigo didn't often like being the center of attention, he did like attention from cute men. "You know that's not what I meant." His tone was a teasing scold, and he smiled. Not that Indigo would mind, but the Leaky Cauldron probably preferred their patrons to use actual plates. He turned his gaze to the menu, leaning close to look at the same one as Darius rather than use his own. It took a bit longer to read the menu than usual - Darius' fingers at the back of his neck were a bit distracting - but he managed. "I don't know what's nutty, but I was thinking about sushi. Or pizza."

Having absolutely zero qualms with being in the spotlight, Darius also adored providing his undivided attention to whoever and whatever his present company may be. "It is not? Your desire for sushi almost implies the opposite. Eating in such a manner is considered an art form, so I have heard..." His fingers trailed off and entirely removed themselves from the back of Indigo's neck so he could brush his own long hair over his shoulder and out of the way of the buttons and zippers on his attire. "I cannot think of the last time I had either, though I must admit raw fish sounds appealing this evening."

His yearning for something nutty could be fulfilled later. Darius was certain that nothing on this establishment's menu would be suitable.

[littledhampir]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Having absolutely zero qualms with being in the spotlight, Darius also adored providing his undivided attention to whoever and whatever his present company may be. "It is not? Your desire for sushi almost implies the opposite. Eating in such a manner is considered an art form, so I have heard..." His fingers trailed off and entirely removed themselves from the back of Indigo's neck so he could brush his own long hair over his shoulder and out of the way of the buttons and zippers on his attire. "I cannot think of the last time I had either, though I must admit raw fish sounds appealing this evening."

His yearning for something nutty could be fulfilled later. Darius was certain that nothing on this establishment's menu would be suitable.

Indigo's eyes followed Darius' fingers as they moved to his own hair. "Perhaps I could be persuaded to feed it to you," he said with a small smile and a raised eyebrow. Either with chopsticks or with his fingers. He hadn't had sushi from the Leaky Cauldron before, so he was not sure how it was served. It could go either way really, he was never certain which it would be. "Sushi it is then. I'll go place our order."

He stood, and made his way to the counter to order. Luckily it didn't take too long. After just a few minutes he reappeared at their table, with a mug in each hand. He placed them on the table before retaking his seat. "I got us butterbeers too." He hadn't asked, just assumed, so hopefully that would be okay. "The food shouldn't take too long to be ready. In the meantime, tell me about your week?"

[sweetpinkpixie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by littledhampir

Indigo's eyes followed Darius' fingers as they moved to his own hair. "Perhaps I could be persuaded to feed it to you," he said with a small smile and a raised eyebrow. Either with chopsticks or with his fingers. He hadn't had sushi from the Leaky Cauldron before, so he was not sure how it was served. It could go either way really, he was never certain which it would be. "Sushi it is then. I'll go place our order."

He stood, and made his way to the counter to order. Luckily it didn't take too long. After just a few minutes he reappeared at their table, with a mug in each hand. He placed them on the table before retaking his seat. "I got us butterbeers too." He hadn't asked, just assumed, so hopefully that would be okay. "The food shouldn't take too long to be ready. In the meantime, tell me about your week?"

Darius' lips curled even more pleasantly than they had been already and considered this a challenge accepted. Though, truth be told, it was less than a challenge and more like a promise. "I shall certainly return the favor when you do." With his fingers, naturally.

Nodding as Indigo momentarily dismissed himself, he leaned back in his seat and draped one arm over the back of his chair while he made himself just a bit more comfortable. He may be feeling a bit more fidgety than usual, but in recent months there had been a sort of calm that came over him whenever he rested his left ankle upon his right knee - hardly even so much as a toe tap near the full moon. The calm had just settled in when Indigo returned with the quintessential Hogwarts darling maneuver: butterbeer. "How precious of you," he laughed softly as he reached for the butterbeer and lifted his mug from the table. "Before indulging in lackluster and inspired tales, a toast," he cooed while straightening. "To...stimulating company and finger foods?"

[Lottiepot]

If nostalgia was what you were after this meeting of two friends would certainly fit the bill. Even over the decades it had been since graduation, even with all the trials and tribulations that teenage hormones provided, even with forming families of their own and watching their children grow up to become beautiful adults, Trixie and Oliver had remained the firmest of friends.

Trixie of course had matured greatly from the sassy, sarcastic fifteen year old she had been when she first met Oliver. It was debatable whether the same could be applied to her friend although truthfully the blonde wouldn’t change that for the world. Being around Oliver made the fifty-four year old feel like that teenager again.

That morning had been spent giving lectures to her third year Healing students who were progressing swiftly through their education. That afternoon would be spent at St Mungos guiding her fifth years through their rotations on the wards. This had left her with a spare couple of hours over lunchtime in order to escape from the University and grab a bite to eat in Diagon Alley. As the children were still in school the streets seemed fairly quiet and finding somewhere with availability and not too long a wait was fairly easy. Into the Leaky Cauldron she walked, her heels clacking on the cobblestones as she padded passing by the bar where she ordered herself a glass of Elderflower Wine and a salad and over to a table near to the fireplace to await the arrival of her friend.

Best friend.

It didn’t matter how old they were that distinction would always be important.

[noodles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lottiepot

If nostalgia was what you were after this meeting of two friends would certainly fit the bill. Even over the decades it had been since graduation, even with all the trials and tribulations that teenage hormones provided, even with forming families of their own and watching their children grow up to become beautiful adults, Trixie and Oliver had remained the firmest of friends.

Trixie of course had matured greatly from the sassy, sarcastic fifteen year old she had been when she first met Oliver. It was debatable whether the same could be applied to her friend although truthfully the blonde wouldn’t change that for the world. Being around Oliver made the fifty-four year old feel like that teenager again.

That morning had been spent giving lectures to her third year Healing students who were progressing swiftly through their education. That afternoon would be spent at St Mungos guiding her fifth years through their rotations on the wards. This had left her with a spare couple of hours over lunchtime in order to escape from the University and grab a bite to eat in Diagon Alley. As the children were still in school the streets seemed fairly quiet and finding somewhere with availability and not too long a wait was fairly easy. Into the Leaky Cauldron she walked, her heels clacking on the cobblestones as she padded passing by the bar where she ordered herself a glass of Elderflower Wine and a salad and over to a table near to the fireplace to await the arrival of her friend.

Best friend.

It didn’t matter how old they were that distinction would always be important.

Merlin, how time flew. It felt like just yesterday that Oliver was graduating Hogwarts and leaving behind a sobbing Trixie, the book of memories she had given him firmly affixed in his hand. Now fifty-five years old (yes, fifty-five), Oliver still carried himself with the same confidence and the slight air of arrogance he exuded back in school. The same smirk-come-smile plastered in place as he entered the Leaky Cauldron, morphing into a warm, genuine smile as he spotted his best friend sitting by the fireplace.

Except Oliver was not the same as he had been at school. Life and the years had caught up with him. Wide eyed wonder at life vanishing, replaced by lines of age and experience on his face. His eyes were still just as green, his hair still a wild mop of unruly curls, but the innocence, if you could call it that, was gone.

He had taken early retirement, having made his name and money in both playing, and then managing pro Quidditch. He now lived a blissful, lazy life with Cameron in their family home in muggle Edinburgh – now a little too large for the pair as the four kids had flown the nest.

He ordered a butterbeer and a plate of nachos covered in all kinds of heart disease, and sauntered over to his best friend.

“Trixie Pixie.” He beamed at her. “Merlin, it's good to see you.” He remained standing, his arms open with the expectation of a warm, welcoming and familiar Trixie trademark cuddle.

[Lottiepot]

A Trixie trademark cuddle was exactly what Oliver was about to be given as she stood up, straightened out her dress and headed over into his arms. Oliver was still as tall and willowy as he had ever been. It honestly baffled the blonde how he had been so good at Quidditch with his body type but then again she didn’t exactly look like your typical Beater and Oliver knew first hand how talented she was with that Beaters bat. “You know you are always welcome at our house for dinner whenever you want to.” Despite four of her children having moved out, Trixie was so used to cooking for a large family that she often produced leftovers for days. Freddie might have been extremely tall but he certainly didn’t have the appetite of four people.

What she would ensure should Oliver decide to come over for dinner was that he would eat his vegetables. There might have been some personality traits that had matured out of the former Slytherin but she simply couldn’t help the disapproving look on her face as she spotted the calorie laden plate of Nachos. “You need to be careful now that you’re retired. Keep on eating like that and they’ll be using you as the Quaffle.” Or perhaps even worse considering who she was talking to. “Or maybe it’ll mean a trip to your favourite place, St Mungos.” The clinic that Trixie had set up and directed over the past thirty years had been inspired solely by Oliver’s fear of anything medical. She had passed the day-to-day responsibility of Kneazle Manor over to others now that she had decided to take a step back for herself and educate the next generation instead.

Or at least she was supposed to be taking it easy but everyone knew that Trixie was a chronic overworker even in her Hogwarts days. When she wasn’t lecturing or marking, she could often be found in her office making herself available to her students should they need her. Slowing down was just something she was unable to do.

[noodles]

Oliver's wrapped his arms around Trixie and squeezed her before letting go and taking a seat. “I'll keep you to that.” He replied, getting comfortable. “I'm sure my cousin will be just thrilled.” Cue naughty knowing smile. “But the same goes for you Trix, you can drop in on us anytime. You know that.”

It was odd to hear the word 'retired' aloud. He certainly didn't feel old enough to a member of the blue rinse brigade. Oliver was still a busy man when he wasn't spending those few lazy days with Cameron. At school, he was like a kid who'd sat on a nettle, never able to keep still, but through adulthood, he had focused that energy into his career. He now talent spotted, and coached a young team of up and coming players. “I know a few people who'd love to use me as a Quaffle.” He snorted. As for St Mungo's, that was just nightmare fuel. Nightmare fuel he had to get used to over the years of injuries on the pitch. “Don't you go there..” He chuckled.

But looking at Trixie, she certainly looked well. A youthful aura still surrounded her “But I want to know what your secret is, Trixie Pixie. You've hardly changed since school. Do you bathe in the blood of baby unicorns or something?” She looked happy and healthy. Content. It was heart-warming to see. He hoped his analysis was accurate.

He munched on a nacho and offered them to Trixie. She was missing out – these things were so good.

[Lottiepot]

Freddie wouldn’t have a choice when it came to who Trixie decided to entertain. He’d probably grumble a little, give his little trademark frown and probably only engage in small talk but he’d do anything for his wife and for that she was eternally grateful. Unfortunately for Freddie, Oliver came as part of the deal when he decided to spend the rest of his life with her. “Oh he’ll be fine. He doesn’t find you that irritating anymore,” she teased. Whether that was true only Freddie could admit but at least he somewhat tolerated her best friends company.

That she didn’t doubt. Oliver had been the subject of many a narrowed eye or smack of the arm from Trixie herself in school whenever he decided to purposefully wind her up. The problem was that the blonde was easily stirred and had she not loved the curly haired man so much she probably would’ve taken a swing at him herself at one point. “Certainly in school they might have. You had a talent for finding the most irritating thing to tease people about.” The smile that befell her lips was obvious enough to show that she was only teasing him herself. How the tables had turned.

Not that Trixie herself was ever innocent of that in school. They had of course become best friends for a reason. In fact had it not been for a certain redheads ‘interference’ it was possible that it could’ve been something more. The thought sent a shudder down the woman’s spine nowadays, not because she stopped loving him but because she was quite sure they would’ve killed each other by now. “But I know how much you love Mungos, there’d be a lovely bed waiting for you surrounded by Healers.” Why he was so scared she didn’t know but it was something she had been trying to work through with him for many years.

Trixie begged to differ that she hadn’t changed over the years. Yes she was still that tall blonde with kind hazel eyes who mothered over the younger students but the thirty-something years that had passed since graduation, the five beloved children she had helped shape through childhood and the years of working with some of the sickest patients had left her with the odd stray gray hair and ever so faint wrinkle. “Don’t be ridiculous!” she rolled her eyes playfully. “It’s the Elixir of Life actually.” She was joking of course. It was a combination of still having a busy and active lifestyle, amazing genes and sheer luck that she still looked as good as she did and she’d rather not change that. Hence why she shook her head at the offer of Nachos.

[Harron Peasley]

This summer was Winifred's favourite yet: she loved summer, and had found that fondness growing after they had started school. It became a slice of the year that was very much like before. Before Hogwarts, when they'd all been together; home schooled on the go, learning magic alongside music, intertwined with the culture of whatever city they'd been in that day. She was glad, so glad, that the sibcousins were enjoying school; that they were making friends, and memories, and getting to experience the teenage things that, in another life, they may have wished for. But she was so overwhelmingly lost, sometimes, that she longed for the time when it had been just them.

Maybe it was because, from her perspective, she hadn't fit in as easily as they all had: it wasn't anyone's fault but her own, of course, her need to keep people at arms length, to be watching and looking out for the people she cared most about rather than indulging in those teen experiences. And the need to be perfect, to control...

It didn't do to think about, the reasons she'd left school so early that year. Especially not now, when everyone was home and she should be soaking up the time with them. Because all too soon they would return, and she would likely not be with them. Sure, she'd floated the idea of resitting, but even the sadness she'd felt at missing out on graduation wasn't enough to make her really consider it. Even if she failed the two NEWTs she'd managed to sit, homeschooling (or no schooling) felt like the better option. Less chance of upsetting the careful balance she'd managed to restore.

But wait, she wasn't thinking about that - no, she was here with Celi, and she was wholly focussed on their time together.

[sweetpinkpixie]

On the list of things Mavis did not want to do in life THIS would ABSOLUTELY be at the TOP of it. It was even BEFORE apologizing to her BROTHER and being friends with that STUPID BLONDE WIFE of HIS so you KNEW that she DID NOT want to do this NOR did she want to be HERE. There were only so many letters she could burn and blasting into oblivion before she set part of her room on fire and mum and dad (ugh, no one bring up how she was still living at home OUT OF NECESSITY) started asking questions and finding things that she did not want to talk about but then her STUPID therapist would MAKE her do it and then had come the numerous MELTDOWNS with Chestire and then a certain REALIZATION that had finally had her come around.

SO, since she HAD to do this, Mavis was going to make SURE that she LOOKED amazing. Her outfit was entirely impractical for the time of year and especially today's weather but WHATEVER because she was flaunting her good qualities and feeling good about herself in the process. Not to mention warming charms were a thing so she could look good in ANY weather, thank you very MUCH! Of course the veil was back as well for dramatic effect because this really had all been the death of her soul, happiness, and belief that there was ANYTHING GOOD in this world...but also the death of something ELSE as the paperwork she carried in her bag would imply.

She would have MUCH preferred to sit outside but with the weather being every shade of dreary today and the sky too was crying for her losses, so there was a forced relocation inside. It was fine though. Inside or outside still had drinks that she could throw in his FACE at just the right moment before she stormed off to make her grand exit - she had it all planned out you see.

She was early. NOT because she WANTED to be but because in her frustration she had misread the time and arrived obscenely early. It was FINE though, or so she told herself as she nursed her drink with little sips here and there. Maybe she should have got a plate of chips to dip in some tartar sauce too - being bitter and petty made her very hungry.

[Felixir]

He'd not been sure of whether or not he ought to arrive pretty much exactly on time, or to get there early. Early would make a better impression, would give him a little time to settle himself and relax into his surroundings, maybe talk a while to Tommy, if he was working. However, early would also allow for plenty of opportunity for, well, for things to go awry before they had even started. He was almost convinced - though he hoped very much to succeed in averting it - that things would go awry eventually, so he'd decided to show up only five minutes before they were due to meet.

When Noah entered the Leaky Cauldron, it was with a bouquet of white roses in hand. Aside from the fact that he knew Mavis to be the kind of person to appreciate a grand gesture, he hadn't wanted to show up empty-handed, without a tangible token of apology or peace-making. Historically, Noah's apologies had not gone particularly well, though he tried not to think about that right now; the memories would hit him soon enough, as all of that was really how... all of this... had started. He was braced for them.

He held the flowers in front of him like a shield as he scanned the room for Mavis, and was unsurprised to note the veil she wore. He hesitated for a moment, then forced his feet in her direction. This meeting had been his own idea, after all, so his sudden trepidation didn't really make sense. But it did. But it didn't.

Noah stopped by her table, eyeing Mavis almost warily. It had been a very long time since they'd seen each other; so much had happened, good, and bad, and either disguised as the other. He offered her the flowers, expecting them to be ignored, to be snatched away and thrown back at him or thrown aside, expecting a withering, hateful glare, braced for it despite the fact he could not ever recall her looking at him in such a way. He knew he'd deserve it, but he also knew that he didn't. It didn't really make sense to him. But it did. But it didn't.

He was made up of dualities; that was really the essence of the problem, when they got right down to it.

"Can I get you another drink?" he asked, and the words came out stilted, overly formal. He knew, from experience, that he would not be allowed to slot so smoothly into any former familiarity.