xx✵Wʜᴇʀᴇ Aᴍ I?Platform 9¾ xxx✵Wʜᴏ Is Wɪᴛʜ Mᴇ?Mama, Dec, Fiadh, and Zoot xxxx✵Wʜᴀᴛ's Gᴏɪɴɢ Oɴ?Heading to School! xxxxx✵Wʜᴀᴛ's Iɴsɪᴅᴇ Mʏ Hᴇᴀᴅ?I can't wait!!
Seb grinned brightly, nodding when Fiadh hoped he'd get off the bench too. Green eyes glanced over to the blond beside him, noting the slight sadness on his friend's face. Well dang. "You'd make an ace Chaser, Fia. But for Seeker... I hope it's not down to just focus. 'Cause the only time I seem to be able to do that is when I'm in the air. Otherwise, my thoughts are zoomin' all over!" He laughed happily, before throwing an arm over Dec's shoulders and pulling him back into the conversation.
"But I'm also real excited for clubs too. Mama got me my own camera, so I won't have to borrow one all the time. Plus the guys at cooking club feed me if I take pictures, which is a good deal, I think." The pink-haired boy laughed again, remembering all the pasta he'd had at the last club opening. Though he wondered what the big meal would be this time. Maybe he could even try to cook something for it! He ran a hand through his messy hair, green eyes twinkling under the lights of the platform.
Finneas MacDavis- Grey Unsorted │ First Year │ Eleven Years Old │ Single
Today was the day, the day he’d been waiting for much of his life to arrive; today was the day Finn MacDavis-Grey was coming to Hogwarts. To be sure, he’d heard of the school since he was a tiny tot, and there were times he wondered if maybe this place was like Narnia or Middle Earth, nothing more than legend, and now he was to have the chance to see for himself if this school was all that the stories his parents and cousins made it out to be. He was also keenly aware that he’d nearly not made it to this day, as less than a year ago, Finn nearly died.
It had been an afternoon, after school, after playing a quick match with his mates, when he was heading home, when it all happened. He’d offered to walk with another friend, a girl named Racheal, who lived not so far from him, and usually sat a couple pews down from him and his family in church, and as they were heading for home, they were cornered by a gang of older boys. He’d never seen their like before, certainly not in the nice areas of Waterford, and they were laughing and sniggering at the two of them. The way they spoke, Finn was certain they planned to beat the heck out of him, and do unspeakable things to Racheal, before robbing them of what they had.
When a couple of them pulled out knives, it seemed as though time slowed down for Finn. Just as he’d made the determination that he wouldn’t let them get to Racheal without him having a say in it, and figured he was halfway to explaining to St. Peter why he was showing up a bit early for his appointment, an unexpected ally showed up. He never got a good look at what it was, as he didn’t get a straight-on look at the thing, but he knew it was a huge black hound with long shaggy fur, huge fangs and it made a growling which made those boys turn pale.
One of the boys with the knife made a threatening move towards the hound, and that was when it launched itself like a great furry thunderbolt. Finn didn’t see any more than that, as he grabbed Racheal’s hand, and they ran as though the Devil himself were at their heels. They didn’t stop running until they got to Racheal’s house. After that, things got even stranger, as Ministry folk in long black coats started showing up to investigate. They got stranger still, when one of those investigators looked him in the eyes, and intoned, “I will have your secrets!”
Dad told him how brave he was, Mom cried over him, his little sister, Freya, didn’t understand what all the fuss was about. Of the dog, the investigations found no trace, not even a stray paw print to suggest it was ever there, and of the boys nothing was said. So far as Racheal and her family knew, while something happened at the park that day, neither she nor Finn were anywhere close enough to see anything. Grammy Grey told him what happened was the dog was actually the manifestation of an ancestor, Wolfric Grey, an animagus who took the form of a creature very much like what he saw, who’d died saving members of the family during the Irish War of Independence. Finn quickly learned he was a fledgling wizard, that he would need to be homeschooled until it was his turn to attend Hogwarts, and couldn’t even go play football with his mates. The last bit was a crushing blow to Finn.
Finn was a star player on the school’s intermural football team, and he’d had dreams of one day playing for a World Cup, and now he was barred for life owing to the chance something inexplicable might happen during a match, knowingly or not of his own doing. But it wasn’t all bad, as he could now focus on playing Quidditch as Mum and Aunt Hannah had for the Irish for many years, just as taking lessons at home meant he could spend more time learning guitar and violin with the Hares.
The night before today, he and Dad made sure everything he needed was packed in his trunk and ready to go, as the plan was for the four of them to travel with Aunt Hannah and Uncle Conall, along with Cousin Linsey and Cousin Ella, to the big train station in London. It was going to be a bit weird going to school with his sometimes babysitter and his newly adopted cousin, and it didn’t seem fair he not only couldn’t have his own broomstick, but he couldn’t have his own big doggo like the mighty Blannat with him. There was a big dinner party last night, and it was all he could do to get any sort of sleep afterwards.
All of a sudden, Hogwarts was less of a collective story told by his elders, as he was standing by the big red steam train and its brightly painted carriages. Freya didn’t want to be left behind, not when Linsey and Ella were going back to school, and taking her big brother with them. The little tyke threw herself onto him and wrapped her arms around his legs until he picked her up so she could give him a proper hug. “Don’ go, big buwver, don’ leave me too,” she sobbed, as she snuggled up to him.
“I’ll see you at Christmas, Freya, I promise,” he said to her, as realization hit that he wouldn’t see her again until winter break. The small girl said with a snuffle in a small voice, “Okay, I wuv you, big buwver,” as she slid something into his hand. Without looking at it, he slipped it into his pocket. Next thing he knew, his flame-tressed Mom was giving him an appraising look. “Not sure I’m so ready to give you up to that school yet,” she said to him with a sigh.
Finn suggested, “Well, I suppose we do Hogwarts online, and I can stay and play with the Hares. You guys can always use an extra session guitar player.” Fianna chuckled, and said, “Yeah, doesn’t work like that, I’m afraid. ‘Sides, you need to learn how to do your magic. There’s the makings of a great wizard in you, I know it. Remember to do all your assignments, do what your teachers tell you to, and listen to your cousin. Please, don’t put anything on her shoulders you can do for yourself just as well; I find out Linsey’s in hospital because of you, we’ll have words, I promise. You three need to care for each other, that school’s a nut hatch as it is, an’ each other may be all you’ve got to rely on.”
Fianna sighed, and she collected Freya from Finn. “Here, I’ll get her from you. Pretty sure the school supplies list didn’t mention you bringing your five year old sister along for the trip.” Finn chuckled softly, and he said, “I’ll listen to Linsey, and I’ll follow instructions, Mom. You don’t need to worry about me. Don’t suppose you can post a broomstick for tryouts, can you? It’s that, or I’ll borrow Linsey’s, right?” Fianna sighed, and answered, “Not on your nelly, young man. ‘Sides, tried that one with your aunt when I was your age, an’ turned me doon flat, she did. Dun’ worry, school’s got new broomsticks, so ye won be stuck with some antique like I was. Now, off with ye, wouldn’t do fer ye te be late. Safe journey, an’ see ye soon.”
Mother and son hugged once more, and she kissed him gently on the forehead. Lochlainn reached in, hugged his son and shook his hand. “See you soon, Mo Mhisneach,” he said to Finn. “I’m sure your mother told you the important stuff, she’s good about all that, but don’t forget to take the time to look around, never know where you might find inspiration, be sure to have fun, and steer clear of trouble and all the nonsense.” Finn answered, “All right, Dad. Now, what about Christmas?” He’d heard some bit of the conversation taking place not far from him, and the idea of going to parts unknown concerned him. Lochlainn sighed, and said, “There’s two sets of functioning parents here; between the lot of us we’ll have it sorted by then. Now, it’s time for you go off, make friends and start your own adventure.”
With that, Finn started looking around. The journey had begun….
OOC: Open for Interaction
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Floating free as a bird Sixty foot leaps it's so absurd From up here you should see the view Such a lot of space for me and you
Oh you'd like it Gliding around get your feet off the ground Oh you'd like it Do as you please with so much ease
xx❅ Wʜᴇʀᴇ Aᴍ I?Platform 9¾ xxx❅ Wʜᴏ Is Wɪᴛʜ Mᴇ?Mother Hannah, Father Conall, Linsey, the other Greys xxxx❅ Wʜᴀᴛ's Gᴏɪɴɢ Oɴ?Saying Goodbye? xxxxx❅ Wʜᴀᴛ's Iɴsɪᴅᴇ Mʏ Hᴇᴀᴅ?Why does it sound weird...
As the family arrived on the platform, Ella couldn't help but remember all the terrible, scary things that had happened here. Even on the very first day in the British Magical Scene, with a floo from Romania she was alone. She could barely pull the weight of her own trunk, since no one at her former home would cast the spells to make it easier. Luckily she'd packed most of her belongings, anything she hadn't wanted to risk getting destroyed. The only things left behind had been too big to squish into her trunk. That day had been so awful. She'd thought she was going to miss the train and have to go home, probably to be beaten... or worse. But thanks to an older kid taking pity on her, she'd managed to slip aboard.
Then there had been the past winter, where she'd found herself abandoned... yet not alone. Had Linsey not been there, everything would've been different. She probably would never have gotten seen, probably would've gone back to Romania to try and survive the winter chill all alone in a freezing nightmare. But instead, she was brought to safety in the Grey home. Sure, it was chaotic and filled with way too many people, but none of them seemed to mind giving her space when she got too overwhelmed. And then this summer... finding out they wanted to adopt her and truly keep her safe...
A small shiver ran through the tiny girl, before she stepped a little closer to Linsey. They'd gone through everything together, but it was always together. From the day Linsey had bravely volunteered to help Ella with her hair, which the brunette had pleaded not to cut short, to them going to a spa with Mother Hannah. It had been a weird experience that quickly overwhelmed little Ella, but in the end, she had to admit it had been a fun day... even if her head hurt for days. The only times she'd been without her new sister was when she went to honor a friend or when she'd gone to work... and even then, she (and her bosses, probably), let Ella join a few days. While Ella hadn't ever delved into fashion, she had to admit the fluffy dresses seemed more magical than anything she'd ever imagined. Things she'd only seen when the Antonovs held a big party and she was forbidden from entry... But they didn't know she was small enough to slip through the air vents and sit up in the drafty rafters of their home, watching with a longing to be down with the fancy folk whirling and eating fancy, yet tiny, foods.
Even in the scary events, one of her new family was always there beside her. They'd taken her to the doctor for the first time since she was only a baby, which didn't work out super well. From having to get caught up on some "essential" vaccinations to finding out her height made her seem more like an eight-year-old and her weight was way too low even for that. The doctor was very kind, thankfully, and had given her some vitamins to try and supplement what little food she was able to eat. He even seemed understanding when she said she never felt hungry, and he promised that'd eventually change once she had some more confidence that she'd never go hungry again.
The only day Ella thought she might not work well with the family was when they went to a music and arts festival. There had been so many people milling about, so many people accidentally bumping into her. Just as she started to get too overwhelmed, there were the Greys with a set of headphones that muffled all the sounds around her. And then they'd gone to watch some band that Linsey was pretty sure the Greys knew... somehow. Their family tree was quite confusing. The only time the headphones came off was when Linsey got up to sing, when Ella's attachment switched over to Mother Hannah's hand instead. But Linsey had a lovely voice and Ella was quite enamored with the sound.
Even in the quiet days, while Linsey was busy with the million things on her plate, Ella often found herself hidden somewhere with her sketchbook and a pencil, drawing away her surroundings. She knew she'd never be able to handle her sister's busy life, but those moments of quiet made the summer far more bearable. All these lovely things brought the family back here. Linsey accepted Ella's hand as the younger girl glanced over at her sister. The brunette blew upward to try and shuffle her fringe from her eyes, but the action of the younger Freya (who was very nearly Ella's height already) throwing herself at Ella just shuffled the messy brown hair back down. Thankfully the redhead moved on, first to Linsey, then to her brother.
Mother Hannah told Linsey she wasn't in any position to keep Ella and Finn safe (though just being near Ella was good for her!), and to keep herself sane too. It was then Ella was called directly, told to take care of not only herself, but Linsey as well. She nodded, though hesitantly. "I-I know. I have them i-in my bag. A-and I'll try..." Honey brown eyes looked over at her new parents, still worried that she'd screw up and they'd lock her out too. It was then that Mother Hannah stepped over, brushing Ella's messy hair from her eyes. The girl looked up for a moment, before her gaze fell, a tinge of pink brushing her pale cheeks at the compliment. She was even called Ella Bheag, which was similar to Linsey's nickname (though admittedly the younger still had no clue what it meant).
It wasn't until the indigo-haired woman said that they loved her and were proud of her that Ella felt a few tears in her eyes. On instinct, a small hand pulled her hair back down to shield herself a bit. She was told that she no longer had to hide, but Ella knew she'd never quite feel the same. There had been too much pain to try and be open. She was even promised one of the adults would meet up with them over winter break to avoid the train. Though apparently with Aunt Selina, there were odds to end up somewhere random to do some shopping. That alone sounded frightening, and the young girl hoped one of the other grown ups would meet them... for now.
Ella squeaked softly when Mother Hannah pulled her in for a hug, but the brunette gently pat the woman's back, which was more of a hug than she'd given most. It was still a weird notion and probably always would be. A kiss was placed on her forehead before her hair was again swept out of the way... so she had seen Ella try to hide again, right? While Mother Hannah was hugging Linsey, Father Conall stepped over, saying to be careful with their trunks. Thankfully, the next time she'd have to worry about it, it'd already be in her room. Within seconds came another hug, this one making her push up to her tiptoes, and another kiss on her head. "I-I know. I... I'll see you guys then too." she said, softly as ever. She sent over a tiny grin when they told Linsey to do a good job on the pitch, and her sister said she'd hoist the cup high.
After a small hesitation, Ella figured she'd try some new words. Words she'd heard only from this family, but had never really understood. Squeezing Linsey's hand a bit for strength, Ella spoke, trying to make her small voice just a little bit louder to be heard over the bustle of the platform. "G-goodbye... um... I-I love you?" The words sounded a little awkward and unsure, but Ella had no idea how to make it more natural. Maybe someday...
Fiadh Reilly O'Shea ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Hufflepuff ☆ Second Year Half Blood ☆ Twelve Year Old
★ Location : Platform 9 3/4 ★ Company : Parents... Dec & Seb
“I can hope. And hay, what happens in the air stays in the air.” Fia laughed. Hopefully Declan would cheer them on if they made their respective team. Just like they both did last year for Seb last year. She smiled as Seb wrapped his arm around Dec. Whatever Declan was thinking about, he was sure to be pulled out of it. Clubs were up anyone’s ally.
Fiadh had been apart of the astronomy club all year and hadn’t joined anything else. Truth be told she didn’t know what else to join. The possibilities were endless. Fia had no idea that Seb was taking photos for the cooking club. “Oh! Speaking of clubs, I’m opening to suggestions so long as it isn’t herbology club.” Fiadh commented. “I’ll be joining the astronomy club again this year, you going to be coming too Declan?” She asked hoping to have a friend in the club again this year. She’d managed clubs somehow, though with astronomy club plus Quidditch she wasn’t sure how much a struggle it would be. Best not to worry until later.
★ OOC : - - -
AliceInWonderland0921
Cinnabun Gryffie
A kind heart you have there One that's good for making friends of all kinds Everyone will be safe with you! You'll find a home for your heart in... Hufflepuff!
Brianna Cathaline Quinn-Smith Slytherin │ Sixth Year │ Sixteen Years Old │ Single │ Slytherin Prefect │ Dueling Club Captain │ Quidditch Captain
It had not been the best of summers, and Brianna was hoping this wasn’t a harbinger of how her term at Hogwarts would go as well. Things started off promisingly enough when she got the results back from her OWLs, and she was definitely pleased with her Outstanding Wizard Law score, that she barely managed to scrape together an Exceeds Expectations for her Herbology, and her Healing Arts score surprised her as she thought for certain she’d barely get an Acceptable out of it after her examiner’s critique of her performance on her practical exam. No, she got an Exceeds Expectations which thrilled Mom and Dad to no end.
Part of it was attending the wake for Aeden, over at Tam’s home in Scotland. It seemed as though Slytherin had taken it on the chin yet again, as yet another of theirs died in a pretty gruesome fashion, except this time it was more than a Housemate, but a fellow Snake. However, what really did it was finding out one of her best friends, and one of the girls she used to play cricket with at her old school was dying at the start of July after taking sick not long after the start of school last year. Brianna kept contact with her as best she could while at Hogwarts, visited her over Christmas break, and she seemed to be on the mend when she saw her again after coming back from school. However, the cancer wasn’t to be denied for long, and Brianna was there with her in hospice when the end came.
Losing a friend that she’d grown up with hurt Brianna more than she could put in words, and then part of her support system, her cat took ill as well. Bubber Hairfoot was seriously ill, and it required magical means to save him from leaving her too. Her big, fluffy, Maine Coon-Neasle crossbreed survived his own brush with death, he was several pounds lighter for it, but he’d yet to fully recover from his illness as the end of the summer came. Much as it pained her, Brianna decided it was better to leave her friend at home, so he’d have the other cats and Barney, dad’s elderly beagle, to keep him company.
During the summer, she invited Csuri to come over, partly to help her train up for next Quidditch season, and partly because she could do with the company. Last season was bad; she’d gone in as the ‘Plan B Vice-Captain’, as she thought of herself, full of hope for a glorious season, and finished it hoping they could just forfeit and deny Gryffindor the sweep. Brianna racked up more goals in matches than she could recall scoring previously, all while managing to avoid trips to Hospital for the most part, but the goals didn’t matter much in the end. Now she was the incoming Captain of the team, she needed to pick her own VC, and hope she could even assemble a squad of her own.
Now, it was time for her to meet the train in London, and things were going pear-shaped there as well. Dad was at a conference with company reps in Germany, while Mom was out of the country on some trip on behalf of St, Mungo’s, and both of them were gone for a couple days already, and wouldn’t return until Brianna was back at Hogwarts. At one point, Brianna was planning to either Floo here or take the Knight Bus, however, Ron was able to rearrange his schedule so he could take her to the train station instead.
“You look like you’re dressed for a funeral there, Anna,” commented Ron dryly, as he tried hard to suppress a yawn.. Brianna was wearing a black school jacket with the Hogwarts crest over her usual white school blouse and House tie, a fitted black vest with her Prefect badge, a matching skirt and black shoes. Ron, on the other hand was dressed in a pair of well-worn jeans and a Tutshill Tornados sweatshirt. “You look like Death warmed-over, Ronald,” countered Brianna, as the two of them arrived in one of the large Floo platforms.
“Thirty-six hour shift will do that, Anna,” said Ron. Brianna winced, and said, “Ouch. Pretty poor way of thanking you for coming with me to the station.” Ron shrugged, and said, “Had a couple favours to pay off, so its all good. Didn’t want for you to come here all by yourself; pretty crummy way to start off the school year.” Brianna said glumly, “Skipped breakfast, I was feeling so bummed out. There was just the cats to say good-bye to this morning, and Barney, of course.” Ron opened up the courier bag he had hanging off his shoulder, produced a brown paper bag, and passed it over to his younger sister.
“What’s this?” asked Brianna. Ron answered, “Uh, lunch…dinner, breakfast maybe? Got it at some point, and didn’t have time to eat. Better that than loading up on sweets off the trolley or waiting until tonight.” Brianna shook her head and chuckled in dismay before asking, “Thanks, but what about you?” Ron said tiredly, “I’ll order in when I get home, then sleep. I got thirty-six off until I need to go back. Curry place ought to be open by now, right?”
“You don’t know what time of day it is, do you, Ronald?” she asked him. Ron blinked at her a couple times, and then answered, “I dunno what day of the week it is, let alone the time. Just knew I needed to get you after my shift, and get you to the Hogwarts Express. Bunches of folk around, and the train’s still here, so I’m assuming we made it in good time.” Brianna passed the off the appliance dolly bearing her school trunk and her Quidditch bag to be loaded onto the train, and she looked over at her big brother as a wash of guilt came over her. “Thank you, Ron, I mean it. Go home, get some sleep and try not to splinch yourself partway into something while you’re at it.”
Ron and Brianna hugged each other, though at one point she was pretty sure she was holding him up. Ron said tiredly, “Have a good year, Anna. I’ll come get you for Christmas break, okay?” Brianna sighed, and countered, “We’ll make plans when you’re functioning and not a zombie.” Ron said, “Butterbeers at the Three Broomsticks, Anna?” Brianna laughed, this time with a genuine bit of mirth, and said, “Like always.”
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"And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming Or the moment of truth in your lies When everything feels like the movies Yeah, you bleed just to know you're alive."
"And I don't want the world to see me 'Cause, I don't think that they'd understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am "
Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 1:44 pm
Brianna Cathaline Quinn-Smith Slytherin │ Sixth Year │ Sixteen Years Old │ Single │ Slytherin Prefect │ Dueling Club Captain │ Quidditch Captain
Start of Summer 2062
Given how her sixth year at Hogwarts started, Brianna was pretty content with how it was winding up. While she was rather unhappy with the anemic attendance for her Dueling Club, she was pleased to finally have living opponents to play chess against at the newly-created Chess Club. While having the pieces play the game against her was fine, it was hardly a substitute for her AI opponent at home, or matching wits with another like-minded individual.
What really made her happy was seeing her team blossom and claim the Quidditch Cup, especially after the epic drubbing they got last year, when it was she and Karah presiding over what became a slow-motion train wreck of a season. Seeing Csuri attack the role of Seeker and Vice-Captain and triumph gladdened her heart to no end. Brianna hoped Karah could take solace in the thought that the seeds they sowed last year reaped a glorious reward for the Snakes this year. As much as Brianna wanted to accept credit for this year’s sweep, she knew it was a team effort all around; it was something she took great pleasure in acknowledging.
With the season over though the remaining time left in the school year was profusion of days which all seemed to blend together, enough so she barely knew one day from the next. It was a blur of getting assignments finished, studying for exams, taking care of her Prefect duties, and it didn’t stop until the last exam was written, and the Year End Feast was being served.
One thing she took particular care to do, beyond hoping to arrange to have Csuri visit over the summer so they could plot—er, plan out strategies for next season, was to let Tam know if he needed her, even if only to talk, say so, and she would Apparate there immediately. His episode right before the holidays, though she refused to show it, scared the crud out of her; she’d seen enough friends die, and attended enough memorials of late, she didn’t want to attend any more if she could help it. She was also planning to hike to Hogsmeade Station to meet the train back to London, as she didn’t want any part of the psychopomps pulling the carriages now she knew they were there.
Now she was on the train, heading for London, she just wanted to get home and be with her sick cat. Not having Bubber there with her the whole school year was depressing, and after what happened to poor old Barney, she was desperately fearful she’d come home and he wouldn’t be there. It was enough that the elderly beagle wouldn’t be there to greet her, wagging his tail and yelping happily as he danced around her, like he always used to do, without having her big Maine Coon- Neasle crossbreed also absent as well, and not there to rub her leg, purr and beg for treats.
The Sixth Year Slytherin pushed her concerns to the back of her mind, as she needed to stay focused on her patrols on the train, and whatever else was needed of her as a Prefect. After what happened with Linsey the Christmas before last, Brianna made a point of being more attentive of what was going on when she was on the train, not allowing herself to be lulled into a sense of well-being, or routine. She was aware now there were places to hide on the train, which was both asset and problem, depending on the situation. It was too easy for a student to get lost or forgotten, and Brianna was determined not to have it happen on her watch.
Once the train pulled into the station, she paid close attention, watching to see that the students, their various pets and their belongings departed in something approaching an orderly fashion, and they were being greeted by family coming to collect them. She wished her friends a good summer, while taking oppourtunities to look through the windows, hoping to catch sight of her own family. As the train was emptying out, the Sixth Year collected her bag and stepped down onto the platform.
She was immediately in the midst of returning students, wearing school jackets in place of their robes and pointed hats, so they emerge through the portal looking like relatively normal kids returning from a Muggle boarding school. The Sixth Year was wearing a short plaid skirt in Slytherin tartan and black walking shoes, paired with a white dress shirt and school tie, a black vest with her Prefect badge, while she had her school jacket over one shoulder. While she was seeing other students being greeted by family, she was seeing no sign of her own having come to fetch her.
‘Okay, Mom, where the heck are you?’ she asked silently, as she scanned the platform for any sign of any member of her family. If Mom couldn’t make it, she knew Dad would be on the other side of the portal (if work didn’t prevent him from being there), as he wouldn’t be able to access it himself. Brianna also knew if it came to it, she could use the Floo or take a heart-jolting ride on the Knight Bus. While she had her Apparation license, there was still the little matter of being underaged. Still, as she searched in vain, she scoffed inwardly, ‘Be just my luck, wouldn’t it? I’m the one who gets forgotten.”
After collecting her trunk and broomstick case from the train, both of which were thankfully strapped down onto a heavy-duty appliance dolly, Brianna took another look about the platform. ‘What the heck happened?’ she asked wordlessly, as anger and mounting resentment pulled at her heart, and her eyes swept the area with the intensity of a Seeker searching for a Snitch in the snow. The Sixth Year was about to head towards the portal, and Muggle London, to search for Dad, when she spotted Ron leaning up against a back wall. The way he was pressed against the wall, and his head bowed down, her older brother looked as though he might have been there a while, although Brianna was fairly certain she’d looked over in that direction earlier…. maybe
“Ron!” she called out, though as loud and chaotic as the platform was, she was fairly certain her voice wouldn’t carry, and it didn’t sound as though he heard her anyway. Pulling the sturdy two-wheeler behind her with her trunk, Brianna walked over to where she spotted Ron. As she got closer, she saw he was dressed in a set of lime-green scrub pants and an old Hufflepuff Quidditch hooded sweatshirt, with the hood up and his hands tucked into the central pocket. With his head bowed down and the hood pulled forward, it was hard for Brianna to get a good look at him until she was close, and whatever anger she was feeling was immediately replaced by guilt. With the bags under his eyes, he looked worn out, and, in fact, he appeared to be dozing while leaning against the wall for support.
Reaching out, Brianna gently shook his arm, and said softly, “Ron? Ron, are you all right?” As though a switch were flipped, Ron responded with a bit of a start, he blinked a couple times before his eyes focused owlishly upon his little sister. “Um, Anna, hi. Wow, train’s here already….” Brianna sighed, and said, “Train’s been here for a bit, practically unloaded, actually. Was starting to think that …well, never mind that now, you’re here and that’s all that matters to me. Seriously, are you okay? You were sleeping standing up there.”
“Just resting my eyes, that’s all, Anna,” said the Apprentice Healer dismissively. “Had to do a bit of horse-trading on the schedule with a couple of the others at the hospital to get this evening off to get you.” Brianna nodded her head, and asked gently, “Uh-huh, and when was the last time you slept, or ate, for that matter?” Ron paused for a moment, and then answered, “I…uh, don’t remember. Not sure what today is, actually. Oh, well, that’s not important, right now.”
Brianna gave her brother a thoughtful look, and said, “Pretty sure Aria would say otherwise, but we won’t go there.” Gone were the days when she would refer to Aria in a teasing fashion; she wasn’t the bratty little sister in Ron’s shadow anymore, desperate for attention. In fact, she was planning to get with Aria over the summer and maybe get her foot in the door at the Obliviators office for after she graduated next year. Any advantage she could get over other possible applicants would pay dividends later. They were walking along the platform, and Ron was leaning heavily against his younger sister as they went along.
Ron chuckled wearily, and said, “Likely so. Uh, there’s a shawarma place that just opened up not far from the hospital, gets a fair bit of foot-traffic, so it must be pretty decent. Been meaning to go in and have a try, you know, when I wasn’t otherwise busy. Sound good to you?” Brianna answered, a bit of plaintiveness in her tone, “Honestly, Ron, I just want to go home and be with my great, big Bubber kitty.” Ron drew a deep breath before replying, “Yeah, about that…”
All at once, icy cold despair and pain clutched at Brianna’s heart, and a sob wrenched itself out of her. Looking up at her big brother, she pleaded, “Oh, God, no. Please, Ron, not poor Bubber too, not after Barney….” She couldn’t think about how the faithful old hound curled up and passed away in front of her door with tearing up. Ron gave her hand a gentle squeeze, and said reassuringly, “It’s okay, Anna, he’s fine now. Took us a bit, but we figured out what was going on with him in the first place. Mom and I took turns nursing him back to health. He’s a lot floofier than he used to be, but don’t worry, he’s okay now. Mom’s keeping him and the other two with her.” Knowing they had time to explain things further, Ron didn’t go any further; it was enough for his sister to know Bubber was okay. She’d learn soon enough he was twenty pounds lighter than he was last summer, and seemingly made for the loss of mass with volume of fur.
“Thank you, Ron,” said Brianna in a soft, relieved tone, as they passed through the portal and were now in the Muggle area of the huge rail station. As they walked along, she started parsing out what else he told her, and then asked, “Hang on, what do you mean ‘Mom’s keeping him and the other two with her’? Bleedin’ bullocks, Ron, what else is going on here?” Ron told her, “It’s been busy lately. Right now, the house is basically uninhabitable. Last month, there was a small electrical fire. Don’t freak out, nobody was hurt, we didn’t lose any of the animals, and it was dealt with before any real structural damage was done. Old, dodgey wiring was at fault. Anyway, Mom and Dad decided now was the oppourtunity to upgrade the plumbing and the wiring, fixing things that they’ve wanted fixed for years along with some improvements, starting with a home office so Dad can start doing most of his projects without going into the office, and he’d turn his old study over to Mom. The plan was to have it all done before you got home from Hogwarts, you know, be a nice surprise an’ all for you.”
“I hear a ‘but’ coming,” said Brianna dryly. Ron nodded, and he sighed, “It’s all gone pear-shaped, Anna. Everything’s behind schedule, costs have shot through the roof, Mom and Dad are furious with the contractors. Mom let into them already, telling them that her daughter was coming home from boarding school and wouldn’t be able to sleep in her own bed. Rate things are going, it won’t all be done until the end of July, I’m guessing.” It took a moment for Brianna to digest what she was told, and she knew that it would change a bunch of things she had planned, but first things first. “Where are Mom and Dad?”
Ron replied, “Well, Dad’s been staying at a suite at AyeZee, they usually have them available for visiting vice-presidents and such. He’s on a business trip in Frankfurt, right now. Mom’s got lodgings at the Leaky Cauldron, since she can keep the cats there, and wouldn’t be a long-term imposition on any of her friends. She’s been staying close to the Quinns lately, since Grandpa Quinn’s been sick.” Brianna then asked the question she dreaded, “Where does that leave me?” Ron said, after a long moment, “Well, you could stay with Dad, but that could be a bit of a bother since he’s out of the country. Stay with Mom and the cats at the Leaky Cauldron. I think Aunt Arabella offered to put you up in the room Mom stayed in when she was our age. Failing that, Aria and I might be able to make up the davenport in the main room at our place…”
OOC:Open for Interaction
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"And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming Or the moment of truth in your lies When everything feels like the movies Yeah, you bleed just to know you're alive."
"And I don't want the world to see me 'Cause, I don't think that they'd understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am "
The scarlet engine pulls into the station, ready to start the long journey to another year of school. Students and parents come to board the train to go another year. In an hour or so, the train will pull out, taking students to Hogwarts.
((OOC: You may begin posting students arriving to start the new year at school. The train will be leaving the station on the 26th for the school.))
Posted: Sat May 25, 2024 5:41 pm
xx✴ Wʜᴇʀᴇ Aᴍ I?Platform 9¾ xxx✴ Wʜᴏ Is Wɪᴛʜ Mᴇ?Mum & Mam, Nain & Taid, the Abramses xxxx✴ Wʜᴀᴛ's Gᴏɪɴɢ Oɴ?Departure day xxxxx✴ Wʜᴀᴛ's Iɴsɪᴅᴇ Mʏ Hᴇᴀᴅ?Hogwarts sounds terrifying!
Meallan was excited to go to school, yet was quite afraid to leave his current life. He had a nice school, friends, and a fun life... but going to Hogwarts would turn everything upside down. Thankfully, he'd be going the same year as his cousin, Rosa, and her brother Lewis was already an established student there. He'd gotten a fancy breakfast at Nain and Taid's house, before she had to leave and do some work. She did promise to meet him on the platform again after bringing a few other kids in for school. Mea held tight to Mam's hand, a look of concern on his face. "I'm thinking maybe I don't want to go. There's just a lot to worry about all alone!" Mea sighed softly, feeling a bit upset that he wasn't sure about leaving home.
"Hey now, what's this? You've been so excited to go to Hogwarts since you were just a little dude! Why the change of heart?" Nani stopped, resting a hand on her son's shoulder. Mea looked up at her, trying to hide his worry. "Well... there's a whole bunch of worries in my noodle. Like... what if no one but Lew and Rosa know how to sign and my ears stop working? Or what if I fall in the lake?! I can't swim that good, and I'd get gobbled up by a mermaid! Or what if they don't have any of my favorite foods?! Or if I get lost like Lewis did when he was a first year?!" Mea's voice escalated in volume as he spoke, but it was quickly hushed by Nain signing to lower it down.
Nora, who'd just gotten over after bringing Sebastian and Declan in, had heard her grandson and hurried over. She stole his hands, kneeling down to look up at him. "Hey, my little acorn, take a big breath. I've been working with new students for a loooooong time. All your worries are normal, I promise, but you're going to be just fine. For your ears, I've already let Madame Kavanagh, the head healer, know about them. She's prepared if anything happens and she has plenty of batteries." Her voice was calm, in contrast to her grandson's, but she was also very used to calming nerves. "But how will I even find a healer?! I can't get to the hospital, Nain."
Nora gently brushed her grandson's hair over to make it a bit tidy. "Well, that's where having a cool Nain comes in handy," Nora winked, a small grin on her lips as she grabbed something from her handbag. "I've got a map, just for you. All your classes are circled, along with the Hospital Wing, Library, and Great Hall. Your cousin, Lewis, promised to note your Common Room as well. Don't worry, sweetheart, it's going to be a breeze." Thankfully, Nora always knew what to say. Her kid... not so much. "Yea, and don't worry about the mermaids, kid. They're in the way deep part of the lake. You've really gotta worry about the Giant Squid of all things." She laughed, but stopped quickly at the look of terror on Mea's face... and the look of annoyance on her mum's. Though she did note her da trying not to titter.
"Nani Verity Heulwen. Stop that right now. And Mea, sweetheart, I promise you'll be just lovely." She stood and pulled Meallan into a hug, taking a chance to shoot another maternal look at Nani, who at least had the good graces to seem a bit sheepish. "But Nain's right, Mea. Everything's gonna shake out and be just top-notch. You'll make loads of friends and have more fun than you can handle. There'll be tricky days, sure, but we will always be there for you. I promise you'll do so grand." Nani ruffled his hair back up, ignoring the small sigh from her mum. "If you guys say so... but it'd be better if I could see you guys more..."
"Hey now, what kind of talk is that?! You've got Me and Rosa at school with you, plus a zillion others to be friends with. It's going to be the most fun ever! And don't worry, if you ever feel lonely, I'll be there for hugs. Besides, you'll get to spend time with your coolest cousin." Lewis walked over, having seen the commotion. Shortly behind him was his dad carrying Wen, and presumably the rest of the Abrams crew. Somewhere, he was sure Grandpa and Papa would appear, wanting to say goodbye to Rosa (and probably cry a lot, in Milo's case). "Y-yea, Rosa will be there." Mea retorted, laughing a bit while wiping tears from his eyes. Wen laughed, thinking it quite hilarious. "Awh, what?"
Ayy, domino, flick and a drop and I see it all fall down Shakin’ the world, magnitude makin' everything crumble like blah, blah Okay, all that's left is dust, A.K.A. "The Bulldozer" Right when everyone falls, they're crawling ’cause they can't help but follow
(づ￣ ³￣)づ Rosa had been bouncing between excitement and anxiety the past few days and was now literally bouncing in place as her entirely too large family got to the platform to say their goodbyes. It made sense she guesses since it was hers and Mea's turn for the teary goodbyes but good lord she forgets just how much [i[space their family takes up. And the grandpas and uncles were running late! She sighed and absentmindedly twiddled with her ring, rolling the dice to a calming number form. She caught her aunt Laili rubbing her hand calmingly on her cousin's back as he rambled to his other mom and had a feeling she wasn't the only one riding the anxious broomstick.
She walked closer to him just as Nora did to offer her own reassurances mentioning a map, (she wanted a map too! she didn't want to just rely on Lewis!), and she really wanted to hear more about the giant squid had her aunt not hissed a "So not the right time, babe!" which Rosa completely disagreed with. She opened her mouth to say as much until she caught her own mother's look who then mouthed to her, "Don't. Even." Drat. Lewis' voice startled her a bit but even she admittedly felt a bit better at his words. At the comment of his coolest cousin, Rosa piped in with "You mean me?" at the same time that Mea did which caused her to cackle with her little brother. She was gonna miss her partner in crime.
Just then, she saw her grandpa's arrive, Wyatt holding a box in the hand not holding his husband's (cute and gross) saying his apologies for being late. "Kalin and Thane send apologies and favors that they have to miss this and Kalin especially sent a box of treats for the kids to share on the train. He wouldn't let us open it though so we don't know what's in it." Was he pouting? He certainly looked like it, which was hilarious. Puck dropped a hand on her daughter's head causing the younger to look up. "How are you faring, Petal?" Rosa scrunched her face at the nickname which of course made her mum laugh as she ran her fingers through her daughter's curls.
"I'm ok I think. I kinda wanna be in Mea's house but I think he's gonna be a Ravenclaw like Lewis and I don't wanna be in his house cuz then he'll be like. Unstoppable? Insatiable? Idunno, a word that means he's gonna be around like, all the time!" the tween rambled as she anxious spun her dice ring. Puck just chuckled again as she looked over her daughter. "I honestly thought you wouldn't mind seeing as you're the first to mention how much you miss him when he's gone."
"SHHHHH! He's not supposed to know that though!" Rosa hissed embarrassed at her mum's words and consequent giggles. That was need to know information and definitely no one needed to know!
Spitting out a single joke makes everybody L-O-L Think you can outdo me? Let me kick you out to somewhere else (Bye-bye) I always try to do it one by one But I know with just a single nod, I'm knocking over millions
Cinnabun Gryffie
Posted: Sun May 26, 2024 11:46 am
xx✴ Wʜᴇʀᴇ Aᴍ I?Platform 9¾ xxx✴ Wʜᴏ Is Wɪᴛʜ Mᴇ?Mum & Mam, Nain & Taid, the Abramses xxxx✴ Wʜᴀᴛ's Gᴏɪɴɢ Oɴ?Departure day xxxxx✴ Wʜᴀᴛ's Iɴsɪᴅᴇ Mʏ Hᴇᴀᴅ?Hogwarts sounds terrifying!
Meallan watched his Mum tell off his Mam for mentioning what had to be a booby trap... or a legend, right? At least his one of his parents seemed understanding. Mea sent over a nervous grin toward Rosa when she walked over, followed by the rest of her family. When they both teased Lewis in harmony, the boy couldn't help but laugh. "You guys are little monsters, you know that? Especially you." Lewis laughed along, ruffling Wen's messy hair. He'd been in a mood for a few days, not wanting both his siblings to leave. Poor guy was going to be stuck with only their boring parents!
Mea looked up when the granddads walked over, apologizing for being late. He was about to say something, but they said they had a box of fancy treats from Kalin. "Yea, it was a bit my fault. Well. Mine and the tea I spilled all over myself. But don't worry, I am all fresh up now, though not caffeinated, which may be a crime." Papa Milo sighed, missing his morning tea. "Oh no, dad. What ever will you do without your breakfast tea?" Dris teased back, but Milo looked a bit offended. "Just because you got Wyatt's taste in tea doesn't make this not a travesty!"
Mea sent a look over to Rosa, playfully rolling his eyes. Their granddads would never not be weirdos. When Puck asked how Rosa (or Petal heehee) was doing, she responded about her house quandries. Rosa, who never really seemed to be the best about words tried to find the correct one, but before Mea could answer, Lewis did. "Interminable... or perhaps incessant..." The eldest Abrams kid offered, pondering other options. "I was gonna say insufferable." He giggled again, laughing as his cousin sighed. "Mea, don't be a butthead to your cousin. Remember, you're gonna want him when you're at school."
Nani set a hand on Mea's shoulder, hoping to prevent any fights before they broke out. It seemed Puck had similar thoughts, reminding Rosa that she often missed her big brother. "Aww, does Rosie-Posie miss me~" The tall teen grinned over at his sister, though he was secretly glad to know she did indeed miss him. "They both miss you. Every year, Lewis. Make sure you check in on them while you're doing your prefect rounds on the train, okay? And maybe if you're nice they'll share some of Kalin's snacks. And maybe if Rosa and Meallan are nice, you'll buy them treats from Hogsmeade through the year."
"No one's gonna give me special treats! Or... or play puzzles with me or cars or... or anything." Wen complained from his position by his dad... for about a second before Lewis lifted him up... upside down. "Whaaaaat? No way. You've got mum and dad, Grampa and Papa, Grandma and Granna.... Plus you can keep Nani and Laili busy too! They'll be lonely with Mea at school." Wen giggled from upside down, wiggling to try and get free. "Hey no fair! You're too taaaaall!" Mea giggled at his cousins, glad that at least he'd be with some of his family, even if it wasn't his moms. It would be super weird without them!
Brianna Cathaline Quinn-Smith Slytherin │ Seventh Year │ Seventeen Years Old │ Single │ Slytherin Prefect │ Dueling Club Captain │ Quidditch Captain
“Now, you’re certain you have everything loaded in your trunk, dear?” The question came from Quentin Quinn, as he walked along with his great-granddaughter along the concourse. The centenarian wizard could easily have passed for seventy with his broad shoulders, ramrod straight posture, and not even the slightest of tremor in his step or hands. Standing nearly six and a half feet tall, the elder wizard towered over the two younger generations he had in his company, and he was impeccably dressed in his black raincoat, tailored dress shirt, waistcoat and trousers. With his round wire-rimmed glasses and bowtie, he looked as though he’d just stepped out from an old photograph, and while he was all but semi-retired from the Ministry of Magic, he gave off the impression he could give functionaries half his age a run for their money.
Brianna smiled as she walked along, her head leaned against his shoulder., and she assured him, “We triple-checked everything last night, Grandpa.” Over the summer, Brianna grew into her full adult height, and now was as tall as her mother, which was still noticeably shorter by nearly a foot than her elder. The Seventh Year Slytherin Prefect was still dressed for breakfast at the Thule Club with her great-grandparents, Mom and Ron, and others, wearing a long-sleeved white dress shirt and House tie, fitted dark-pinstriped vest with her shiny Prefect badge, a nearly knee-length wool skirt in a dark Slytherin tartan, sheer black hose and ankle-length, high-heeled black leather boot. The young woman’s long buttery blonde hair was pulled up into an elegant, off-the neck coif, held in place with pins and a pair of black lacquered wood hair stays. Her dress jacket was draped over her arm, while she had her soft-sided cat carrier over one shoulder, along with the bag she often took with her on train rides.
“Yeah, Dad, this isn’t the first time I’ve gotten a kid ready to head off to Hogwarts. Gotten it down to a science actually; have the checklist to prove it,” Dani told her grandfather. There was a time when Quentin would tartly correct Dani, reminding her she had a father she needed to be mindful of, no matter how much of a cad and a villain he might be, now he accepted it as the endearment and attachment that it was. She and Ron were close at hand during his medical crisis, something he now referred to as being a ‘mere trifling thing’ and a ‘quibbling with the Veil’, and she was happy to see him out and about without seemingly having missed a step.
“Quite right, you do, Danica,” said Quentin, as though anything less wouldn’t be right, before adding with reproof, “ nor is it the first time Andrew has chosen to run off to the Continent at a poor time. Bad enough he leaves his only daughter to practically sleep in the streets, but then he compounds it by not being here to see her off on her last year at school. It’s absolutely scandalous, Danica.”
Feeling an urgent need to stick up for himself and Mom, Ron cleared his throat, and said, “Grandpa, we offered to have Anna stay with us over the summer, and she could have stayed with Mom at the Leaky Cauldron while the house was being repaired.” Here he was, on a day off from the hospital, and he was stuck wearing a suitcoat and tie for the morning, and lugging along Brianna’s luggage behind him on a heavy-duty appliance dolly. The situation with the house was a mess of epic proportions rivaling some seen on those HGTV reality shows, and at one point he was sure he heard Mom threatening to summon lawyers to get things finished correctly, and not sign off or pay them a quid until it was done. It wasn’t until the first week of August before all the work was done, and the cats could hide under their bed once more in peace.
“Ronald, you and Aria have a perfectly cozy place,” the elder Quinn said soothingly, “… for two. Three would have been like living in a police box. And, it is all fine for Danica to stay at the Leaky Cauldron, its certainly serviceable, you could certainly run to St. Mungo’s in a trice if it came to it, and that’s a level of self-sacrifice and devotion to service one must acknowledge and respect. However, none of that excuses Andrew and the abrogation of his duties as a father.”
“Dad, this is a very important project for the firm. Andy has been spearheading the whole thing for years, and the launch is coming in October. He needed to be in Frankfurt this week, there was no getting around it.” It wasn’t the first time, nor the last, she felt the need to defend her husband from her family, and her grandfather in particular. Over the years, she’d learned to be able to avoid visibly bristling when anyone spoke ill of Andy, or used his full first name, which he hated. Andy also told her he was thankful he was to be out of the country, not because he didn’t want to see off Brianna, but it was so he could duck out of spending the morning with his father-in-law. He was sure Quentin still saw him as the kid at University he first met twenty years previously.
Quentin replied dismissively, “My dear, Danica, nobody is impugning his work ethic or the importance of his efforts to all concerned. However, there is business and there is family. There should have been a specific plan in place to see that Brianna was looked after when she got back from school. Moreover, a man with his level of seniority in a firm has no reason to ever leave his office to handle affairs himself, like a junior clerk. When I was in a similar position in my career, I needed but to snap my fingers and there would have been ten lined up in a row, all vying for the honour of carrying the baton forward in my stead. And, really, what was the point of spending all the guinea on building that lovely office at the house, if he’s not there to utilize it?”
Dani chuckled and chided teasingly, “Dad, they haven’t used guinea since before ‘tall, pale and creepy’ was running things on his first go-around. And before you ask, Euros went by the wayside when you and Mom were dating…um, I think.” Quentin smiled, and said thoughtfully, “Now, those were grand times. Duchess and I certainly had our fun. I think on that note, we need remind ourselves this is Brianna’s day, and other familial concerns can wait for later to be tabled.”
Brianna glanced at her watch, and saw they could be potentially running up against the clock if they didn’t get across the barrier soon. She really couldn’t complain about her summer, all things considered. By the time she and Ron got to the Leaky Cauldron, Grandma and Aunt Arabella Quinn were waiting for them in the taproom, having glasses of sherry. Katarina Quinn explained how when it was apparent she (Brianna) was at loose ends, plans were made for her to live at the Quinn Estate, and there was a suite waiting for her use. A freakin’ suite, with its own bathroom, and a huge bed which Bubber immediately appropriated for his use.
She had fun being with her cousins, most of whom she was just meeting for the first time, and Brianna went shopping with Aunt Arabella for a new wardrobe, as it was becoming apparent, she needed to update it. Katarina introduced her to friends of hers, many of whom had grandsons they wanted for her to meet. Grandpa Quinn took her to a couple Holyhead Harpies matches where they sat in the owners’ box, and Brianna got to meet them, and a number of former players who were there in attendance. He arranged for her to get in some practice with the younger players, so he could pick up tips from them she could bring back to her own team. More importantly, he took her around the offices of the Ministry, and started introducing her to people who could help her post-graduation future, which was looking closer than she cared to think about.
The Seventh Year was disappointed to find out she didn’t make Head Girl, annoyed her silver-haired rival got it instead, and irritated to start receiving Owl Post from her as she laid out plans she had for what to do in the coming year. It wasn’t that she disliked the ideas, in fact, she applauded them and she was getting a leg-up on things already, but she was annoyed at whence it was coming, and it was being thrust upon her over her summer. Brianna invited Csuri over a few times, so they could get in practice and plan out strategies for the coming campaign; she was also invited to go to the Harpies matches and meet their Seekers.
The family arrived at the platform in good time, and Ron was grateful to be relieved of the dolly, which was loaded aboard the train. Quentin sighed, and he said, “And, it is here where I must take my leave. Duchess is waiting for me at The Club, and I’m certain you have things you wish to convey without my presence.” The last bit was said without hint of rancor, and he leaned down to kiss his great-granddaughter on the forehead. “Bon chance, my dear. Just so as you know, my friends at the Ministry will be watching your progress with interest, particularly your NEWT performances. Carry on with your usual level of excellence, and there will be doors opened for you, my dearest Brianna.”
Brianna hugged her great-grandfather, and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, Grandpa. I love you. Tell Grandma I love her too.” Quentin turned and shook his great-grandson’s hand firmly, and leaned in to tell him, “You’re a good son, Ronald, never let anyone say otherwise. Take care of your mother, and that wonderful girl who I hope to raise a toast to on your wedding day.” When, he turned his attention to Dani, she was standing in front of him, hands tucked demurely behind her back. He chuckled softly, “Danica Quinn-Smith, you look as though you’re expecting for me to pass out a grade to you.”
Dani chuckled softly, and then hugged he grandfather and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, Dad, for everything. I mean it.” Quentin shrugged and told her, “It is no more than what family does, my dearest Danica. I know why Andrew isn’t here, and the causus belli stands before you. He and I need to have a long discussion so we might clear up what is between us. If this last year has taught me anything it is that Time is a hunter, Death it’s only companion, and we all of us are in their twin shadow. While light yet remains, I should…fix things. Now then, Duchess and I will expect you and Ronald at the house for dinner, seven pm sharp.”
“I’ll bring a cake,” offered Dani lightly. Quentin gave her a look, and said, “And, upset Camilla? Don’t be absurd, dear. Au revoir, one and all.” Giving Dani a wink and a sly smile, the centenary wizard offered a jaunty salute before vanishing in an instant. All three of them breathed a chorus of sighs of relief, and Ron reached up and loosened the tie around his neck, making him feel better immediately. Dani admonished lightly, “Don’t get too comfy, Ron. We still have to get through the weekly dinner.” Ron nodded, and lamented, “I’d rather sit through a staff meeting right now. Something stronger than Butterbeers at the Leaky Cauldron?” Dani nodded and said softly, “You know your limit, Ron. We do that, and we’re Flooing to the house.”
Right then, Brianna was unsure if they were talking as mother and son or co-workers seeking to unwind after work. Dani looked over at her daughter, and gave her a pained look. “You have to be feeling you were lost in the shuffle; I know I would have felt the same. You were never forgotten, things just kind of…” Brianna nodded, and she said, “Fell apart at the seams? Yeah, I get it, Mom, life gets messy; I’m just tired of needing to be understanding.”
Dani gave her daughter a broken smile, and said, “I’m tired of feeling the need to apologize for doing my best. Honey, this is your last year at Hogwarts, take time to enjoy it, trust me, you’ll regret not doing that. Take care of yourself, and don’t feel you need to kill yourself to impress Grandpa or his friends at the Ministry. If nothing else, you’ve got family who will happily take you in at St. Mungo’s, and I know you have the grades for it.”
Ron reached in and gave his sister a big hug, and he told her, “Fly hard, little sister. Bring home another cup for Slytherin.” Brianna gave him a surprised look and admonished, “What? No love for Hufflepuff? Ron, I’m surprised at you.” The Hufflepuff alum chuckled , and he answered back with, “If they aren’t good enough to win, bury them in goals, Anna. I’ll meet you in Hogsmeade to get you for Christmas.”
Brianna nodded, and she hugged and kissed her brother and her mother, and she moved to step away from them. She stopped, and turned to look at her family, and they could see there was a trickle of tears coming down her cheeks, and she fighting the sobs which were fighting to pull themselves out of her. In a voice barely above a whisper, she said, “This is my last year at school, and Dad wasn’t here to see me board the train. I know he’s been busy at work and he and Grandpa have their differences, but I’m tired of being understanding. When I come back on that train for the last time, I want my daddy on this platform to welcome me home, dammit.”
Ron and Dani moved to hug Brianna, with her big bother letting her cry on his shoulder. “It’s going to be all right, Anna,” he assured her. Dani told her, “He’ll be here, don’t you worry about it, honey. We’ll abduct him, if we need to.” Brianna nodded as she daubed her eyes and prepared to get moving again.
OOC:
Username
"And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming Or the moment of truth in your lies When everything feels like the movies Yeah, you bleed just to know you're alive."
"And I don't want the world to see me 'Cause, I don't think that they'd understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am "
Posted: Sun May 26, 2024 3:09 pm
xx❀Wʜᴇʀᴇ Aᴍ I?Platform 9¾ xxx❀Wʜᴏ Is Wɪᴛʜ Mᴇ?Brianna, Ron, their Mum xxxx❀Wʜᴀᴛ's Gᴏɪɴɢ Oɴ?Too Many Emotions xxxxx❀Wʜᴀᴛ's Iɴsɪᴅᴇ Mʏ Hᴇᴀᴅ?I should've just gotten on the train. This is probably a family thing
It had been a long, rather busy summer. Between family trips to countries either too hot or too humid, quidditch practices, studying for the year ahead, and simply trying to exist in an ever-changing whirlwind of hormones, Csuri was exhausted. Sure, it had been fun, but fun was tiring. Honestly, some days she'd rather simply lounge about and get some rest with a nice book. It seemed any modicum of free time was spent planning, either for quidditch or for classes, or being an emotional disaster.
Halfway through the summer, Brianna had invited her along to a Holyhead Harpies match, where apparently a bunch of pro Seekers would provide advice and even a practice session. While Csuri dreaded the thought of talking to literally anyone, the thought of getting to actually hone her craft with professional players was a really cool offer. After all, starting next year, she'd be in charge of the Slytherin team. She'd dressed in her sporty attire and had gone along, making sure to stay by Brianna wherever possible. She took tons of notes, practicing alongside former and current professional Seekers. What a phenomenal experience that was! She'd even gotten some cool souvenirs, which would add to her small collection. The only real downside was that Brianna's Granddad had asked oodles of questions, focusing mostly on Csuri's future career choice. What was she supposed to say to that?! Csuri just awkwardly gave noncommittal answers, hoping eventually he'd stop talking to her. That had been a frustrating time.
Two weeks before the end of summer, Csuri pre-packed her trunk, taking only what was needed for a final vacation. The morning of the train's departure, the little family returned home, allowing Csuri just enough time to pack the remainder into her school trunk, making sure everything was perfectly neat and tidy. Grey eyes looked longingly at her comfy bed, but there simply wasn't time for a nap. Instead, she brewed some coffee and hoped for the best. Grabbing her favorite lap blanket and putting it in her traveling backpack, Csuri figured she might be able to catch a few winks on the train if she simply got lucky enough to find a compartment alone. Not like there was a line of people itching to sit with her, after all. Honestly, she was sure the only one who might want to was Brianna, but she was a prefect with jobs to do. It was dumb she couldn't just go to the school early with Baba.
That thought circled around her head for the millionth time as she tried to choke down stupid emotions. She'd been alone for years, why was now any different? After a small goodbye (since they'd see each other shortly), Csuri packed up a nice lunch and put it in her backpack as well. "See you at school, Baba." The blonde called out before using the floo to vanish to the platform. Once there, she dragged her heavy trunk over to the drop off, then looked around for the one familiar face that was consistently nice. And there she was, tucked in a hug with her brother. Oh boy... it looked like they were having emotions. Ugh. She should just wait... but her dumb brain told her it'd probably be nice to check up on her one friend.
Drawing in a deep breath, Csuri stomped over, boots clunking on the stone floor. Oh wow, it definitely seemed like Brianna was crying, but it was too late to turn back now. Most likely Mrs Quinn-Smith already saw her. The curly haired teen cleared her throat, then spoke up in a semi-soft voice (though the grumpy hardened edge it usually had). "Hey Bri... Ron.. Ah, Mrs Quinn-Smith. Are... you okay?" Csuri shuffled awkwardly, a spring of curled hair escaping the clip and choosing to bounce directly in her face. Even here, she felt like a complete outcast. One might think Wool's (or public school) would teach kids any sort of emotional awareness, but nooooooo. That was left to a bunch of kids to work out. Suddenly, another emotional tide shifted within the teen, now doing all she could to not need an angry scream. Being a teenager was stupid.
xx❅ Wʜᴇʀᴇ Aᴍ I?Platform 9¾ xxx❅ Wʜᴏ Is Wɪᴛʜ Mᴇ?Pain xxxx❅ Wʜᴀᴛ's Gᴏɪɴɢ Oɴ?Escape! xxxxx❅ Wʜᴀᴛ's Iɴsɪᴅᴇ Mʏ Hᴇᴀᴅ?Please don't let them show up
Ever since he'd first gone to England, everything in Serghei's life had been turned asunder. From finding out his missing little sister was alive and well, but had been adopted by a rather lovely family to finding out the true depths of Father's rage, he felt at constant odds. He knew his parents were angry about his choice to leave Durmstrang, but the sheer level of rage and hatred he'd gone through brought him a deeper understanding of what poor Ella must have gone through. His older brothers were angry in Father's lead, heckling him and throwing him into bullying rotations. Unfortunately, since they were all far better at Dark Arts than he, Serghei wasn't much able to defend from a magical onslaught.
The only one with a different reaction was Demyan, the youngest of the Antonov boys. His was more akin to betrayal, but Serghei couldn't allow himself to waiver. He had to do this, if only for himself. Even then, he had a new mission... to prove himself as different to the one person treated worse than he within this family. A few days before he was set to leave, the brunette received a letter from the Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts. Apparently Linsey had sent half a dozen letters to the woman, asking if Serghei's title of Şeful Casei be transferred along with his schooling. But the part that really caught his eye was that within the letter, Professor Clarke noted she'd received one from a very unexpected source,
Llewella Grey-Cavendish
Serghei spent hours in the dark of the night examining the Prefect badge, wondering just what he'd done to earn something so touching from a pair of girls who had every right to hate him. And as he thought, a few realizations came to pass. The night before he was to make the final leap to Hogwarts, he set his plan in motion. Grabbing a spare trunk (one that used to belong to Matej), he carefully shrunk all his furniture and packed it away, making sure it fit nicely like a puzzle. He locked it and secured it with a few well placed spells. He then apparated out to the magical alleyway and hurried to the bank. This was the part he knew would seal his fate above all else. Serghei went into the family's vault and grabbed plenty of money to make it through the year with some to spare and packed it away as well, before quickly fleeing. To the Ministerul Magiei he went, collecting his Portkey from their office.
As he stepped out to their lobby, he looked up to see Markus himself storming toward him. "Serghei! Unde naiba crezi că mergi?! c** îndrăznești să-ți trădezi familia? Nu meriți nimic mai puțin decât moartea!" The man's voice boomed, earning the gaze of several people in the area. "Am făcut ce trebuia să fac, părinte. Spune-le celorlalți că am murit, așa c** ai făcut și tu cu Llewella. Serghei's voice spoke back. He wasn't as loud, but his voice didn't waver a bit. For once, he was resolute in his decision. He knew there would never be a chance to return home after this.
He went to apparate away to the safety of the busy streets, but Markus caught hold of him just in time. Serghei tried to land, only to be apparated back to the house. He was thrown to the floor amidst a circle of all the boys before Markus spoke once more. "Fratele tău a trădat familia. A mințit, a furat și încearcă să ne atace onoarea." It took no time at all before spells rained down, most having opted for the Cruciatus Curse. Serghei gnashed his teeth to prevent a cry of pain, struggling to reach the portkey dropped from his pocket. As they fired other painful dark magic his direction, Serghei just tried for freedom. With one final push his fingers brushed the small candleabra, vanishing with a painful twist to the British Ministry.
From there, he frantically apparated to the safety of Diagon, tucking down an alleyway beside the fashion shop. He just had to hope his family would remain steadfast in their refusal to enter UK soil. Stopping by a bathroom, he did his best to straighten up a bit, pulling his new Ravenclaw scarf from his trunk to wrap around his throat and try to hide what he could. From there, he borrowed a floo and made it to the platform. Only a train ride from here and he'd be secure at Hogwarts. Hopefully their school was as magically locked down as Durmstrang. Serghei leaned up against one of the columns, a soft hiss of breath as pain flared up. He had to be brave. He could learn a healing spell once there or simply nurse his wounds alone. He just had to hope his Father didn't know about the hidden platform.
{{Wearing :: Uniform + Ravenclaw Scarf}} {{Markus 1 - "Serghei! Where the hell do you think you are going?! How dare you betray your family? You deserve nothing less than death!" Serghei 1 - "I did what I had to do, Father. Just tell the others I died, like you did with Llewella." Markus 2 - "Your brother betrayed the family. He lied, stole, and is trying to impugn our honor."}}
Ayy, domino, flick and a drop and I see it all fall down Shakin’ the world, magnitude makin' everything crumble like blah, blah Okay, all that's left is dust, A.K.A. "The Bulldozer" Right when everyone falls, they're crawling ’cause they can't help but follow
(づ￣ ³￣)づ Rosa giggled over her grandpa Wyatt's exasperated looks as his husband and son squabbled over tea of all things. Honestly it happens enough that he really shouldn't be surprised anymore. "One day we're going to make it through one conversation without mentioning tea, and on that day I will weep with joy." the older man deadpanned causing Laili to snort and his granddaughter to lose it further while catching Mea's eyeroll. Her laughter was cut off with a look as she noticed her cousin overhearing her mum's embarrassing nickname and she made a mental note to threaten politely encourage him to keep quiet. She quickly forgave it though when he came up with the exact word that had been alluding (how can she remember THAT word but not the other?!) her. "'Insufferable'! That's the one!"
They were both scolded by Nani to be nicer to her brother considering they were gonna need him while at school. Which, yeah she's right but they've never experienced Clingy Octopus Lewis™ that takes a nearly hour long hug and a bribe of chocolate to get out of. Then the giant jerk had to go and open his giant jerk mouth! Rosa was going to shout in negative when her dad just had to open his mouth and mention that she and Wen both missed him (gross), and if he were nice they'd share uncle Kalin's snacks with him (slightly less gross), but also if she and Mea were nice he could buy them snacks from Hogsmeade (ughhhhh).
Rosa was pulled from her ugh spiral by Wen complaining there'll be no one at home to play with or get snacks with which of course had to make her feel super guilty on top of the excitement/anxiety smoothie. She guesses there was one good thing about Lewis being a clingy brother in that he could make Wen feel a bit better by being a doofus. "And think of all the stuff you can talk mum and dad into doing! You can just play up the 'I'm sad and lonely' and boom! Snacks, stuff, trips, the whole shebang!" Rosa wisely told him while contorting herself upside to also make him laugh.
"Wow, I don't know what I'm more insulted by. That you're planning it right in front of us or that it'll still work." Puck intoned drolly. In Rosa's defense...yeah no, their parents were pretty weak.
Spitting out a single joke makes everybody L-O-L Think you can outdo me? Let me kick you out to somewhere else (Bye-bye) I always try to do it one by one But I know with just a single nod, I'm knocking over millions
xx✴ Wʜᴇʀᴇ Aᴍ I?Platform 9¾ xxx✴ Wʜᴏ Is Wɪᴛʜ Mᴇ?Mum & Mam, Nain & Taid, the Abramses xxxx✴ Wʜᴀᴛ's Gᴏɪɴɢ Oɴ?Departure day xxxxx✴ Wʜᴀᴛ's Iɴsɪᴅᴇ Mʏ Hᴇᴀᴅ?Aww, no playing "volume" with the teachers?!
Meallan joined his cousins' giggling when Grandad Wyatt commented on the tea squabbling. "What can I say, passion runs deep in the Abrams family!" Milo offered, seeming almost proud of their lifelong feud. "You can finally admit you're wrong, Dad. It'll happen one day!" Dris countered, a smile on his face. Milo chortled, then dismissed with a hand-wave and a "Pish tosh." Mea giggled again at it, laughing harder when Rosa agreed that insufferable was the best word for Lewis. The older teen called them all monsters, then Mam scolded the lot of them. Well, that caused Mea to stiffen up a bit.
As Uncle Dris was rambling, Mea glanced over at his cousin and subtly signed toward her "Volume down?" He grinned, but the gesture immediately dropped when he noticed both Mam and Nain giving him *that* look. Oop. He watched his Mam sign back a quick, yet stern "if I learn of you playing 'volume' with your teachers, you're not going to be a happy little guy." Aaaaalright, so the new school teachers wouldn't think him charming about it. Dang. He nodded back, trying to seem at least like he'd been admonished.
While Rosa was talking to her little brother, Mea noticed Nain telling Mam that she had to step away to check on another student, just in time for the woman to give Mea a big hug and smooch before hurrying off. Darn responsibilities. Meanwhile Lewis was laughing along with his little sister. "It's really easy! Plus you're able to do those big sad eyes." Wen giggled, watching Rosa turn upside down to join him. He was wiggled a bit, being set back down on his feet. He had a dizzy wobble, then turned to laugh at Mom's reply.
"Nah, if anyone should be insulted, it's Wendel. He's gonna go hang out with the granddads for the weekend so mom and dad can stay up late.... for smooches!" He laughed, noticing Lewis immediately cringe while Wen looked a bit insulted. "How rude! My first day of being a lonely child and my own parents give me the boot!" Wen dramatically sighed, trying to see if it would work. Unluckily for him, his dad was quite used to his orange-colored theatrics. "Aww, don't be too upset, Wenny! We're gonna do all the stuff mum and dad say no to. I even got a big tub of sprinkle ice cream for sundaes." Milo sent over a smirk of his own as his son sighed. "It is much, much easier to get the sad eyes to work on Papa Milo. He says yes to everything." Lewis grinned as Wen seemed to be concocting a plan. Dris simply sent a tired look over at his wife, though there was a little grin on his face.
