Espresso Patronum

[sweetpinkpixie]

Located on the South side of Diagon Alley in London, past a number of other shops you notice a quaint building. It is a café in this fairly busy part of section. What makes this different from the other shops? Their logo for one, resembling a wispy stag that moves every now and then in the window, illuminating from a quite distance in the evenings. One can't help but chance a glance as they pass by.

Approaching the café you get a large sense of security as a warm haze falls over you upon entry. There were tables outside the place, where diners could have their meals and chat among themselves as well as indoors. Heading on the inside you are greeted with the sight of many Patronuses floating throughout the walls behind the other stag logos of the café. The flooring a pleasant velvet red, further emphasizing the pleasant warmth one would experience whether for a quick stop or a romantic scenery.

Floating around you see the wispy forms moving around the walls featuring creatures such as phoenixes, zebras, otters, horses and many other magical creatures. Perhaps your own will join the walls if you stay long enough? The tables are compact and decorated with candles that automatically light up keeping the darkness at bay. Along with additional small booths near the back for more privacy. The Menu illuminates right behind the counter as you approach to order. As soon as you sit, you can't help but feel as if you're right at home.

Text Cut: menu

Breakium Emendo
*items served all day
- Apple & Berry Bircher Muesli - 11 Sickles
- Cheese / Chocolate Twist - 12 Sickles
- Croissant - 13 Sickles
- Fruit Salad - 14 Sickles
- Porridge - 12 Sickles
- Yoghurt - 13 Sickles, 10 Knuts

Deluminating Delights
*side choice of chips/crisps/rice
- Bacon, Brie & Cranberry Panini - 1 Galleon, 2 Sickles
- Dragon Feast Handcrafted Panini - 1 Galleon, 2 Sickles
- Ham & Chimera Spiced Chutney Sandwich - 1 Galleon, 5 Sickles
- Pigs on Blankets Totalus Melt - 1 Galleon
- Veggie Fidelius Flatbread - 1 Galleon

Felix Felicis
*choice of cream/sugar/milk
- Cappucino - 11 Sickles
- Caramelatte - 13 Sickles
- Cortado - 12 Sickles
- Espresso - 12 Sickles
- Hot Chocolate - 10 Sickles
- Latte - 11 Sickles
- Mocha - 11 Sickles
- White Chocolate Mocha - 12 Sickles, 1 Knut

Salvio Sweets
*choice of sprinkle/syrup topping
- Lemon Posset - 13 Sickles, 9 Knuts
- Mince Pie - 16 Sickles, 5 Knuts
- Salted Caramel Cake - 14 Sickles, 6 Knuts
- Salted Caramel and Hazelnut Brownie - 14 Sickles
- Tiramisu - 15 Sickles
- Torte - 14 Sickles

This shop is owned by an NPC and is a part of the IC Shopkeeper initiative. For details, please see this thread.

[SilverTiger]

She had gone about things rather backwards, or at least Jemma acknowledged to herself that some people might have thought as such. Getting the job before settling on a place to live, but then she had been staying with her mum and Gregory since she’d returned to England so technically she had somewhere to live. It just felt a bit like she was encroaching. Whether or not her mum and her adoptive dad told her otherwise. Staying with Uncle Léo or Aunt Camille in France was one thing. She’d been in school then, and neither of her relatives had said she was unwelcome even afterward although she had gotten a little flat in Paris once she’d started properly working there. Her boss in France had been very supportive of her seeking the transfer and promotion, though, and she herself had been curious if she could handle it.

Either way, now that she’d officially gotten the transfer, it was time to see if she could find a flat here. Somewhere where she wasn’t invading her childhood home. Someone had mentioned a real estate office in the Alley, but first, sustenance was needed. House, or flat, hunting always could use a show of energy, and the brunette had stepped into the coffee shop for said energy. Things like this were rather the same no matter where she was, too. Cafés, and after ordering a cappuccino and a bacon, brie and cranberry panini, she roamed over to a table to sit.

[Nordic Witch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverTiger

Either way, now that she’d officially gotten the transfer, it was time to see if she could find a flat here. Somewhere where she wasn’t invading her childhood home. Someone had mentioned a real estate office in the Alley, but first, sustenance was needed. House, or flat, hunting always could use a show of energy, and the brunette had stepped into the coffee shop for said energy. Things like this were rather the same no matter where she was, too. Cafés, and after ordering a cappuccino and a bacon, brie and cranberry panini, she roamed over to a table to sit.

Cole was back in London after trying different odd jobs out that his extended family, and friends had fixed for him. Sadly no job had really spoken to him as this is it, this is what you should do with your life. The blond and blue eyed guy with an athletic build at least had a place to live in. Cole loved his flat in Diagon Alley and cherished it deepley for the privacy and security it provided. Now he just needed to find a job that he didnt dislike, but first something to eat.

Heading into the coffee shop, he quickly ordered a latte and a ham and chimera Spiced chutney sandwich before looking around for a place to sit. Spotting a pretty brunette sitting alone Cole on impulse headed over to her table with a friendly smile pursing his lips. "Hey! Do you by any chance have today's issue of the prophet?"

[SilverTiger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

Cole was back in London after trying different odd jobs out that his extended family, and friends had fixed for him. Sadly no job had really spoken to him as this is it, this is what you should do with your life. The blond and blue eyed guy with an athletic build at least had a place to live in. Cole loved his flat in Diagon Alley and cherished it deepley for the privacy and security it provided. Now he just needed to find a job that he didnt dislike, but first something to eat.

Heading into the coffee shop, he quickly ordered a latte and a ham and chimera Spiced chutney sandwich before looking around for a place to sit. Spotting a pretty brunette sitting alone Cole on impulse headed over to her table with a friendly smile pursing his lips. "Hey! Do you by any chance have today's issue of the prophet?"

One thing that was both good and bad about the career she had decided to focus on, Jemma was rarely bored when she had downtime. It paid to know what was going on when one was in the realm of press conferences and the like, even if she wasn’t exactly doing just that right now. Moreso overseeing all of it, but still, it helped to know what was going on. She regularly had several copies of various newspapers on her, and she had been perusing a French publication while nibbling on her panini when she’d found herself joined by someone.

Not that she minded being interrupted. It wasn’t as if she was trying to project a sense of wanting to be alone, and she’d easily glanced up at the man as he’d asked his question. “I might”, she replied with a smile, letting him sweat just the tiniest but before she rummaged in her purse and withdrew the latest copy of the Prophet. “I’ll need it back once you’re finished, though.” For reference, of course. She’d already looked through the latest news from it earlier.

[Harron Peasley]

The library was one of Oli's least favourite places, considering he spend an enormous amount of time there. It didn't matter if it was the one on the Edinburgh campus after lectures, or the one on London's campus on his days off (having access to both of them was one of the perks of his living situation), he hated going there. It was like the sense of stress and dread leeched from people into the air and made him feel like he should be panic-writing essays and chugging coffee to meet deadlines on topics that he hated.

When he'd realised that it was making him less productive, he'd started to avoid them, which was why he could be found at the back of the coffee shop, numerous empty mugs acting as paper weights for his outlines, or holding books open as he read through them and tried to pull pieces for his latest assignment together.

[AlwaysSnapesGirl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harron Peasley

The library was one of Oli's least favourite places, considering he spend an enormous amount of time there. It didn't matter if it was the one on the Edinburgh campus after lectures, or the one on London's campus on his days off (having access to both of them was one of the perks of his living situation), he hated going there. It was like the sense of stress and dread leeched from people into the air and made him feel like he should be panic-writing essays and chugging coffee to meet deadlines on topics that he hated.

When he'd realised that it was making him less productive, he'd started to avoid them, which was why he could be found at the back of the coffee shop, numerous empty mugs acting as paper weights for his outlines, or holding books open as he read through them and tried to pull pieces for his latest assignment together.

Though she could grab coffee for a discount at the coffee shop she worked at, sometimes Ivy preferred going elsewhere just to shake things up a little. Espresso Patronum wasn't that much of a shake up - she'd been here plenty of times before - but it was still a nice change of scenery.

The café appeared quite busy today, so as she slowly worked her way through the queue, she spent that time people watching. A person in front of her behaving impatiently, a couple seated at a table, a child with her mum pointing out the desserts... Ivy pondered each of the people in the café briefly, until her eyes landed on a young man toward the back of the room.

He seemed...familiar? In some way?

It was difficult to place exactly how or why from this angle though. But she would find out.

After placing and receiving her order, Ivy walked over to the table, with a brief glance at the papers and books on the table. "Looks like a lot of work you've got there," she said, a friendly smile on her face.

[Harron Peasley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysSnapesGirl

Though she could grab coffee for a discount at the coffee shop she worked at, sometimes Ivy preferred going elsewhere just to shake things up a little. Espresso Patronum wasn't that much of a shake up - she'd been here plenty of times before - but it was still a nice change of scenery.

The café appeared quite busy today, so as she slowly worked her way through the queue, she spent that time people watching. A person in front of her behaving impatiently, a couple seated at a table, a child with her mum pointing out the desserts... Ivy pondered each of the people in the café briefly, until her eyes landed on a young man toward the back of the room.

He seemed...familiar? In some way?

It was difficult to place exactly how or why from this angle though. But she would find out.

After placing and receiving her order, Ivy walked over to the table, with a brief glance at the papers and books on the table. "Looks like a lot of work you've got there," she said, a friendly smile on her face.

Reaching for his mug, Oli was dismayed to find it empty when he brought it to his mouth. He felt a small sense of embarrassment as he added it to the other empty ones, but shrugged it off - he was giving the coffee shop business, after all, and he needed this amount of coffee to stay awake for this essay. Rubbing a hand across his face, he leant back in his chair to read what he had written so far.

When the shadow fell over his table, he was distracted from mentally tearing his work apart. Which was probably for the best, as he was often his own worst critic. But looking up, he offered a small, sheepish smile at the girl who looked an awful lot like one of Florrie's friends.

Not that he was going to say anything, though - no, Olivier was far to awkward to acknowledge the fact, just in case it wasn't Florrie's friend. Or, in case it was, and she thought him bringing it up was just weird. Which would be totally valid, and he was absolutely not overthinking. So, instead, he just offered a small smile back, and returned his gaze to the papers before him, closing one of the heavy books with a thump. "It's less than it looks," he admitted. "But it's just coursework."

[Waddles]

Was there anyplace more fitting to share happy news with a friend than a patronus-themed establishment such as Espresso Patronum? Gabriel didn't think so. He ordered a pair of drinks for himself and his friend and claimed a seat near the window to wait for Joanna and the beverages. He clasped his hands and rested his forearms on the table, focusing all his attention on the door. After the war and being mernapped, it was nice to have good news for a change.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddles

Was there anyplace more fitting to share happy news with a friend than a patronus-themed establishment such as Espresso Patronum? Gabriel didn't think so. He ordered a pair of drinks for himself and his friend and claimed a seat near the window to wait for Joanna and the beverages. He clasped his hands and rested his forearms on the table, focusing all his attention on the door. After the war and being mernapped, it was nice to have good news for a change.

A few good things had come from her extended stay in Atlantis. Okay, more than a FEW good things but she was still trying not to appear too giddy about the whole ordeal since so many around her kept throwing out buzz words like 'victim' and 'prisoner' where she felt like neither. It was, perhaps, the minority opinion regarding the whole mernapping incident...but she had felt utterly restless ever since her return above sea level.

But, speaking of good things, Gabriel had been one of those and was one of the reasons her sanity had been kept. Which meant, naturally, she was delighted to grab a coffee with him - though it was still surreal to see him sans the eerie blue-green filter of the sea. She was, as always, putting in entirely too many hours at the Ministry but there was no rest for an aspiring Wizengamot. The Minister had even smiled and waved at her the other day while she was delivering some paperwork from Magical Cooperation - she was going places. No, she would not be accepting reminders that the Minister was an incredibly personable man and smiled at everyone.

"Gabriel," she greeted, rolling the 'r' unnecessarily and spiritedly as she went in for a hug. "Oh? Is that a grande, quad, nonfat, one-pump, no-whip, mocha?"

Her tone may not reflect so, but she WAS being facetious.

[Waddles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

A few good things had come from her extended stay in Atlantis. Okay, more than a FEW good things but she was still trying not to appear too giddy about the whole ordeal since so many around her kept throwing out buzz words like 'victim' and 'prisoner' where she felt like neither. It was, perhaps, the minority opinion regarding the whole mernapping incident...but she had felt utterly restless ever since her return above sea level.

But, speaking of good things, Gabriel had been one of those and was one of the reasons her sanity had been kept. Which meant, naturally, she was delighted to grab a coffee with him - though it was still surreal to see him sans the eerie blue-green filter of the sea. She was, as always, putting in entirely too many hours at the Ministry but there was no rest for an aspiring Wizengamot. The Minister had even smiled and waved at her the other day while she was delivering some paperwork from Magical Cooperation - she was going places. No, she would not be accepting reminders that the Minister was an incredibly personable man and smiled at everyone.

"Gabriel," she greeted, rolling the 'r' unnecessarily and spiritedly as she went in for a hug. "Oh? Is that a grande, quad, nonfat, one-pump, no-whip, mocha?"

Her tone may not reflect so, but she WAS being facetious.

It was excellent timing on Joana's part to arrive at the same time as their beverages. "Oi, Joana," he said, embracing her. He returned to his seat and made a show of checking the two drinks. "It is, but I'm afraid it's for me," he joked, passing it to her.

"How are you?" he added as he relaxed and took a sip of his own beverage (not a grande, quad anything, though technically it was no-whip). He hadn't spoken with her as often as he'd have liked since they'd been back at work, but he had been rather busy trying to catch up with everything. Presumably, so had she.

[siriusblackliveson]

Charlie had just finished her shift over at Madam Malkins, she was loving being an apprentice there. It felt so rewarding to be utilizing her skills there. Not only was she learning about merchandising she was also learning to make the things she so often wore to Hogwarts.

She had grabbed a Caramelatte and a seat by the window. She needed to get in touch with a couple of her friends from Hogwarts that she hadn't seen in a while. How had they been out of school as long as they had? How was her younger sister just now headed off to Hogwarts with her brothers? It seemed absolutely impossible that it was already that time. At least it looked nice outside and would feel nice on her walk home.

[MadAlice]

Violet was sitting at a back table at Expresso Patronum nursing a large cup of coffee. She was dressed neither in the well-made but conservative clothes she had worn for most of her life nor anything from her brief stab at fashionable during her last year at Hogwarts, but a thrown-together, casual (and let's me frank, slightly rumpled) outfit. On the table was one of her ever-present writing journals and she had one of the Muggle ballpoints she favored ready in her right hand, but instead of working, she was staring off into space. She looked...tired.

[Charely Potter]

Caes had been planning the rest of summer out when he received a surprising invitation. It wasn't something he could see himself passing up after everything last year of course. So he dressed himself in one of his clean shirts and jeans before heading out. Grabbing himself a mocha his eyes scanned for the familiar sight and.. there she was. He felt a little nervous but a different kind of nervous than before.

"Hi," Caes said, his grip on the cup loosened as he set it down. Violet seemed distracted so he sat down to be at her eye level.

[MadAlice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

"Hi," Caes said, his grip on the cup loosened as he set it down. Violet seemed distracted so he sat down to be at her eye level.

Violet jumped slightly at the sound of Caes' voice, and the sudden appearance of his face in her field of vision. Her mind had been elsewhere, and truth be told, she had not been sure he would show up. She still couldn't quite believe this cute guy wanted to date her and had been expecting him to break it off all during the past year, his last at Hogwarts.

Oh, hi Caes!" ok, Violet, that sounded too eager chill out. "How...how've you been? Do you miss Hogwarts, or were you glad to leave?" That's right, make pleasant small talk and try to gauge his reaction.

[Charely Potter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadAlice

Violet jumped slightly at the sound of Caes' voice, and the sudden appearance of his face in her field of vision. Her mind had been elsewhere, and truth be told, she had not been sure he would show up. She still couldn't quite believe this cute guy wanted to date her and had been expecting him to break it off all during the past year, his last at Hogwarts.

Oh, hi Caes!" ok, Violet, that sounded too eager chill out. "How...how've you been? Do you miss Hogwarts, or were you glad to leave?" That's right, make pleasant small talk and try to gauge his reaction.

Caes hadn't been sure how he'd be feeling with a whole year without contact with Violet. She seemed to harbor no ill will towards him at her brightening up after recognizing him. His rare and small smile appeared at that as he remembered how attractive he found her and the good times they shared in a short time. How was he? "Good.. I joined the Chudley Cannons team as their new Seeker," Which was one of his good news. As for leaving Hogwarts, "Well, it'll be tough not seeing Aria and a special new young friend whose staying with us for the summer, but I'm good without Hogwarts otherwise." He definitely didn't dislike the school it just, well, was still school in the end outside of the fun and chaos.

"How about you?" He asked tentatively. One of the reasons he felt nervous was in that they had gone a whole year without contact, "Were you able to get all my letters?" He knew he sent them but he hadn't been able to receive any until recently due to certain weather mishaps inconveniently.

[MadAlice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

"Good.. I joined the Chudley Cannons team as their new Seeker," Which was one of his good news.

Violet sat staring moment with her mouth slightly agape. She knew Caes was athletic, but had had no idea he was that serious about Quidditch. "Wow, Caes, that's...that's great!" Though--how much did Quidditch teams travel, anyway? She might not be able to have much more contact with Caes than she'd had while he was in school.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

"How about you?" He asked tentatively. One of the reasons he felt nervous was in that they had gone a whole year without contact, "Were you able to get all my letters?" He knew he sent them but he hadn't been able to receive any until recently due to certain weather mishaps inconveniently.

Violet flushed guiltily. Oh yes, she'd received his letters all right, but she'd been a slacker about answering them--which was unusual for her. But this past year had been so strange and hectic. "Oh--yes, yes I did. Thank you for writing so often. I'm sorry about being so slow to answer sometimes, it's just...this year has been such a strain." And now Violet felt what might be an actual tear trying to creep into her eye and sternly willed it to just stay where it was. "I don't know if you remember me trying to talk to you at the closing feast the year I left..." was that just one year ago? it seemed longer "...My mother was in hospital a lot of the year and I've been...well, I've been spending a lot of time there with her. I guess I just let everything go, sort of. I haven't even been able to keep up with my writing very well." Well, she'd written a lot, sitting in the hospital, but it was just bits of scenes and character sketches--it was like she couldn't focus on cobbling together any sort of narrative or plot any more.

[Charely Potter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadAlice

Violet flushed guiltily. Oh yes, she'd received his letters all right, but she'd been a slacker about answering them--which was unusual for her. But this past year had been so strange and hectic. "Oh--yes, yes I did. Thank you for writing so often. I'm sorry about being so slow to answer sometimes, it's just...this year has been such a strain." And now Violet felt what might be an actual tear trying to creep into her eye and sternly willed it to just stay where it was. "I don't know if you remember me trying to talk to you at the closing feast the year I left..." was that just one year ago? it seemed longer "...My mother was in hospital a lot of the year and I've been...well, I've been spending a lot of time there with her. I guess I just let everything go, sort of. I haven't even been able to keep up with my writing very well." Well, she'd written a lot, sitting in the hospital, but it was just bits of scenes and character sketches--it was like she couldn't focus on cobbling together any sort of narrative or plot any more.

"Thanks," Caes said, he had been nervous leading up to the tryouts and miraculously winning the spot. He usually kept his quidditch skills on the low or brief mentions out of his occasional insecurity on failing expectations.

Perhaps it was Caes own turn to feel a bit flushed. Mostly of relief, to hear that the lack of letter response wasn't a case of bad luck or purposeful ignoring. Well, not intentionally. "Oh, I see... that's alright," He did briefly remember last year, with her mentioning about her mother coming back, "How is she..?" Clearly not well to still be in the hospital, but his question hung off of her progression status. "I... was a bit worried over a change that could've occurred." More or less. That was disheartening to know her passion of writing also took a hit from the events. Caes could see she was holding something back, it made him feel a bit guilty over not knowing the right thing to say as he searched her eyes for a hint on it. "I'm sorry to hear that.. is there anything I could do?" He asked.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by waddles

it was excellent timing on joana's part to arrive at the same time as their beverages. "oi, joana," he said, embracing her. He returned to his seat and made a show of checking the two drinks. "it is, but i'm afraid it's for me," he joked, passing it to her.

"how are you?" he added as he relaxed and took a sip of his own beverage (not a grande, quad anything, though technically it was no-whip). He hadn't spoken with her as often as he'd have liked since they'd been back at work, but he had been rather busy trying to catch up with everything. Presumably, so had she.

She was not exactly the touchy feely sort, but she certainly could appreciate a good hug when she received one and he just so happened to give pretty good ones. "Ugh, selfish jerk," she teased, not even remotely meaning the words as she gave him one more quick but hearty squeeze before letting him go entirely so she could slide into her seat.

"Um...fine. Restless if anything," she lamented before picking up her own drink and tipping it towards him in 'cheers' and taking a small sip. "It's like Atlantis has some pervasive Stockholm syndrome hold over me. I think you're one of the only people I can admit this to but...I miss it down there." Well, him and Eros mostly. She dare not ever mention such sentiments to Jacob who she could only imagine would lose his cool. Maybe Regina as well...who had really gone through the thick of it topside with having both family and friends as part of the hostage situation. "At least I get to still help out with diplomacy between the Ministry and Atlantis." Another heavy sigh as she took another sip and then set her drink down. "But enough of the woe is me treatment. What is new with yooooou?"

She had he suspicions but, well, she could play coy.


━━━━━━━☆☆━━━━━━━

Quote:

Originally Posted by siriusblackliveson

charlie had just finished her shift over at madam malkins, she was loving being an apprentice there. It felt so rewarding to be utilizing her skills there. Not only was she learning about merchandising she was also learning to make the things she so often wore to hogwarts.

She had grabbed a caramelatte and a seat by the window. She needed to get in touch with a couple of her friends from hogwarts that she hadn't seen in a while. How had they been out of school as long as they had? How was her younger sister just now headed off to hogwarts with her brothers? It seemed absolutely impossible that it was already that time. At least it looked nice outside and would feel nice on her walk home.

While it was never truly a dull day at the Menagerie, things certainly had intensified thanks to the rush of new pets purchases during this time of year. Cooper hardly minded it though and found each day just a bit more fulfilling - even if he was not sure that this was the sort of thing that he really wanted to be doing. Was it just him or...did the first years seem like they were even smaller this term? Maybe Mercer was just getting bigger. Maybe he, Cooper, was just getting older.

In any case, it was a quick stop by Espresso Patronum for a Veggie Fidelius Flatbread and Cappuccino on his lunch break before he needed to pop back over to the flat, possibly wake up Theo, make sure Phoebe had done the dishes since it was her day, change, and grab his portkey to France to photograph another dinner party for the Benoit family. He had just received his order and pivoting to find a place to sit when he spotted a very familiar face. Naturally, he strolled over to her table and pulled up alongside where she sat. "How do angels greet each other?"

[MadAlice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

"Oh, I see... that's alright," He did briefly remember last year, with her mentioning about her mother coming back, "How is she..?" Clearly not well to still be in the hospital, but his question hung off of her progression status. "I... was a bit worried over a change that could've occurred." ... "I'm sorry to hear that.. is there anything I could do?" He asked.

Violet paused a minute, because she still wasn't really sure what was going on with her mother and didn't want to talk too much to anyone--even Caes--until she was. But she'd felt she had to mention something of it, or Caes would think she had just moved on and was ignoring him. She decided to fall back on Slytherin vagueness when faced with uncomfortable questions. "Well, she's--she's better. I guess. But her memory of the last several hears is...fuzzy, and I'm still not really sure what happened, yet. It's certainly not what I'd imagined finding my long-lost mother would be like in my childhood dreams, that's for sure." Violet took refuge in a long look into her coffee. She wasn't really being fair, being so evasive, because now she wanted Caes to come out and talk to her honestly.

"I just wanted to see you, to explain things...a little, and just--well, I've missed seeing you all this time." Violet looked up at him, a little surprised that this was so very true. She'd been so preoccupied with her family the past year that she hadn't really taken stock of her own feelings. "And to see if you...if you still wanted to see me. I mean, it's been a long time and I'd understand it if you didn't, but I just wondered...." <long pause> "I'd certainly still like to see more of you." Violet delivered this last looking Caes straight between the eyes. Because she was tired of all the convoluted, subtle wordplay that passed for personal discussion among Slytherins, especially among her complicated family, and she had decided to try just being open about things. Because she wanted to find out where she stood and didn't have the emotional energy left to spend in beating around the bush. Even if she did wind up scaring Caes off (because of course, he was a Slytherin, too).

[Charely Potter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadAlice

[b]"I just wanted to see you, to explain things...a little, and just--well, I've missed seeing you all this time."[b] Violet looked up at him, a little surprised that this was so very true. She'd been so preoccupied with her family the past year that she hadn't really taken stock of her own feelings. "And to see if you...if you still wanted to see me. I mean, it's been a long time and I'd understand it if you didn't, but I just wondered...." <long pause> "I'd certainly still like to see more of you." Violet delivered this last looking Caes straight between the eyes. Because she was tired of all the convoluted, subtle wordplay that passed for personal discussion among Slytherins, especially among her complicated family, and she had decided to try just being open about things. Because she wanted to find out where she stood and didn't have the emotional energy left to spend in beating around the bush. Even if she did wind up scaring Caes off (because of course, he was a Slytherin, too).

While Caes didn't know all of what was going through Violet, she was sharing enough for him to get a general idea. Everything was happening at once for her. To where she couldn't concentrate on her own passions. His smile may have came off sympathetic, but that was what he was feeling as she shared what she could.

"I missed you too, Caes said honestly. Given how much she shared, he was torn between knowing she was going through things and now getting the validation on his best thoughts of her. Though, there was still a long enough gap to where as comforting as her words were, he still felt he was missing something. Could that have been it? If he was sure, it'd be easy to talk about wouldn't it?

"You know, we did talk about seeing how things went with me still being at Hogwarts." He started. ".. it seems like the universe wanted to make it difficult for the both of us," Shaking his head, "I would like to see more of you and we shouldn't stop seeing each other.." Then before his next said of words came out he felt something. Something like a drop within him that pitted him, "..but I think it would have to be as friends," He said solemnly.

He couldn't imagine how much it hurt her if this was hurting him,"Violet... I really, really like you, and you shouldn't have to think about my feelings whilst you're focusing on your mum," Pausing to think, this was the most he ever shared or ever broached about. "and your own passions again," Caes didn't feel it necessary to mention how much traveling he will end up doing now. He wouldn't be much of a boyfriend to expect her to make time for him and not follow through. Especially when he tried to consider himself in her place. If she wasn't even able to focus on her writing passion, how else could she fill her time? It didn't feel right to risk replacing it. It was hard for Caes to have his eyes remain on her after dropping such words, but he kept focus though the eyes were threatening to not feel so dry anymore.

[MadAlice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

"You know, we did talk about seeing how things went with me still being at Hogwarts." He started. ".. it seems like the universe wanted to make it difficult for the both of us," Shaking his head, "I would like to see more of you and we shouldn't stop seeing each other.." Then before his next said of words came out he felt something. Something like a drop within him that pitted him, "..but I think it would have to be as friends," He said solemnly.

He couldn't imagine how much it hurt her if this was hurting him,"Violet... I really, really like you, and you shouldn't have to think about my feelings whilst you're focusing on your mum," Pausing to think, this was the most he ever shared or ever broached about. "and your own passions again,"

Violet's heart skipped a beat at that "I missed you too" but it very shortly took a sudden tumble down into the pit of her stomach. Oh. They were having that conversation. Well, she'd been expecting it ever since she left school, but that still didn't make it any easier to hear. And...friends? Would she--could she--be just friends with this boy--no, young man--now? She didn't know. She felt a brief flash of anger cutting through her disappointment--was he really using the situation with her mother as a reason to end the relationship?! But that anger passed as suddenly as a flash of lightning. Why should Caes heve to deal with all her baggage? It was not like they'd been lovers, or engaged or anything, just a brief school-days romance and nothing more. Apparently. And really, why should Violet expect anyone to be able to deal with all the convoluted relationships and history of the Blackthorne family? She should have known better--really she had known better than to think she could have a relationship with a nice, normal person like Caes. Violet supposed she would become another eccentric, unmarried hanger-on at the family mansion like her uncles, shutting herself up in her garret bedroom and writing sad poetry until she grew too old...

NO! That was just self-pity. She was going to take care of her mother, take care of the family, put all her pain and anger and strange life into her work and become a fabulously successful author someday, travelling the world and living as she wished. (Well, maybe she would write one or two sad poems, but she would certainly never let Caes ever know about them!)

"I see," she finally said aloud. "Well, I guess that's what I expected. We're really both too young to be making permanent life decisions right now, aren't we? So," Violet continued in a non-stop string of conversation, gathering her notebook and pencil together and stuffing them in a small carrier she had with her, "you'll have to send me a postcard now and then and let me know how the Canons are doing." Violet knew that rushing out right away was probably the wrong thing to do, but she didn't want to wait around in this awkward conversation until she said or did something too embarrassing and emotional.

[siriusblackliveson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

While it was never truly a dull day at the Menagerie, things certainly had intensified thanks to the rush of new pets purchases during this time of year. Cooper hardly minded it though and found each day just a bit more fulfilling - even if he was not sure that this was the sort of thing that he really wanted to be doing. Was it just him or...did the first years seem like they were even smaller this term? Maybe Mercer was just getting bigger. Maybe he, Cooper, was just getting older.

In any case, it was a quick stop by Espresso Patronum for a Veggie Fidelius Flatbread and Cappuccino on his lunch break before he needed to pop back over to the flat, possibly wake up Theo, make sure Phoebe had done the dishes since it was her day, change, and grab his portkey to France to photograph another dinner party for the Benoit family. He had just received his order and pivoting to find a place to sit when he spotted a very familiar face. Naturally, he strolled over to her table and pulled up alongside where she sat. "How do angels greet each other?"

At the sound of a very familiar voice she turned her head with a bright smile, "I would think with a hug, hurry hurry set down that food so I can give you the biggest one available." She couldn't contain herself. It seemed like it had been far too long since She had last seen Cooper, but she was fairly certain that it hadn't been that long at all.

Although he had been busy photographing just like she knew he would when they were in Hogwarts, he was so talented and he didn't even always acknowledge how talented he was. Hadn't she heard he was working in the alley now, "You're working around here now right?" She was going the opposite route as most people did after Hogwarts, but she loved what was happening.

[Charely Potter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadAlice

Violet's heart skipped a beat at that "I missed you too" but it very shortly took a sudden tumble down into the pit of her stomach. Oh. They were having that conversation. Well, she'd been expecting it ever since she left school, but that still didn't make it any easier to hear. And...friends? Would she--could she--be just friends with this boy--no, young man--now? She didn't know. She felt a brief flash of anger cutting through her disappointment--was he really using the situation with her mother as a reason to end the relationship?! But that anger passed as suddenly as a flash of lightning. Why should Caes heve to deal with all her baggage? It was not like they'd been lovers, or engaged or anything, just a brief school-days romance and nothing more. Apparently. And really, why should Violet expect anyone to be able to deal with all the convoluted relationships and history of the Blackthorne family? She should have known better--really she had known better than to think she could have a relationship with a nice, normal person like Caes. Violet supposed she would become another eccentric, unmarried hanger-on at the family mansion like her uncles, shutting herself up in her garret bedroom and writing sad poetry until she grew too old...

NO! That was just self-pity. She was going to take care of her mother, take care of the family, put all her pain and anger and strange life into her work and become a fabulously successful author someday, travelling the world and living as she wished. (Well, maybe she would write one or two sad poems, but she would certainly never let Caes ever know about them!)

"I see," she finally said aloud. "Well, I guess that's what I expected. We're really both too young to be making permanent life decisions right now, aren't we? So," Violet continued in a non-stop string of conversation, gathering her notebook and pencil together and stuffing them in a small carrier she had with her, "you'll have to send me a postcard now and then and let me know how the Canons are doing." Violet knew that rushing out right away was probably the wrong thing to do, but she didn't want to wait around in this awkward conversation until she said or did something too embarrassing and emotional.

Feeling stomach drop further, Caes knew this wouldn't start well but this took a turn even worse. His insecurities on being left alone started to rise again as he froze watching Violet collect her things he didn't register all of what she had said right away. I do want to see you and hang out but our romance was already on the freeze. It wasn't going to start back up again anyway but... maybe it was better left unsaid? No... They had to talk about this.. but if we can't talk about it extensively, then we aren't ready for this. He thought in the moment.

Did she tell him to write a post card? Well, she didn't have the energy to write so what good will that do.... No. She had a reason to not write. A very important one. Maybe I am being selfish. Still, this was too much to think over in public right now. "Fine," Caes said. Leaving the money down that covered hers and his share of the bill, Caes then got up and went to the washroom to rinse out his not so dry eyes before heading home.

[MadAlice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

Did she tell him to write a post card? Well, she didn't have the energy to write so what good will that do.... No. She had a reason to not write. A very important one. Maybe I am being selfish. Still, this was too much to think over in public right now. "Fine," Caes said. Leaving the money down that covered hers and his share of the bill, Caes then got up and went to the washroom to rinse out his not so dry eyes before heading home.

Violet stood beside the table, watching Caes suddenly go toward the washrooms. She felt everything was going horribly wrong, but she'd initially felt too hurt and embarrassed to stay at the same table with him a moment longer. But leaving things like this didn't seem very good, either. It was just--oh Merlin, was she really so forgettable that one year out of sight had totally put out the spark between them? Violet wished she knew more about relationships, she wished she had a mother she could talk to for advice, but her only female confidante was Jane Howard, who was pretty much a genius on so many things but was not much help with romance.

Violet felt just a little miffed that she, the injured party, was standing her worrying about Caes' feelings, since he'd just pretty much indicated that he was no longer interested in her, but she couldn't help worrying about how quickly he rushed off the the lav, and so she stood here like an idiot, clutching her notebook against her chest and waiting to see if he would come out again. She felt she needed to end this conversation a bit better, though right now all she wanted to do was to go find somewhere to hide (which she couldn't do anyhow, because after this, she had to go back to St. Mungo's). Adulting was not all it was cracked up to be.

[Watson]

Noah had popped into Diagon Alley to meet up with his best mate. He was only planning on being the UK for a short time after he had dropped his two sisters off at King’s Cross. Quick visit to the fam and friends and then he’d be back to Japan to finish his final year of his residency. Then he’d officially be Healer Nam.

Scary, that title made him feel older.

He stood, in fourth position, as he eyed the menu.