#dd:winterbreak

[fabia-o]

It was her first day back in the shop. Her father had insisted that she rest, but Fabia knew that sitting at home with all the tension there would only make her anxious. She soon settled into the calm lull of a day in Ollivander’s. She was just organizing a shelf, her father having gone out to speak to a woodseller, when she heard the bell chime to signal a new customer.

She turned around and, seeing it was one of her classmates, she grinned and put down the wand box she was holding. “Can I help you with something?”

[notalbuspotter-blog]

The Burrow was surprisingly quiet with Al left all alone in the big house. His mother, grandfather and grandmother had left hours ago, gone shopping for Christmas gifts, while his father was still at work. Even James and Lily’s whereabouts were a mystery. He settled back, reclining in a precariously balanced chair with his feet on the table, until a loud knock came at the door. Al toppled from his balanced position and scrambled toward the kitchen door, swinging it open with a confused look as he saw who was outside. “Wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

[karabelton-blog]

Snowflakes and Coffee || Kallison para

It had been way too long since she’d seen Allison, the miles between seeming like the worse thing in the world. After a few days, she sent an owl to her girlfriend asking for her to meet her in London for a date before the new year. It took a while for Kara to convince her parents to let her leave. All the presents had been bought, the tree was decorated and they were only sitting around doing nothing for the next two days.

Once she was dressed appropriately for the snowy weather, she took the Floo to Diagon Alley, where she was meeting Allison shortly. Pulling her scarf tighter around herself, Kara looked in a few shop windows and bounced on her feet. A genuinely happy smile pulled at her lips as she watched a few of the younger witches and wizards run by, their parents not far behind them. One of the kids smiled brightly and waved at her, giving her just enough time to wave back before they ran off again.

[ @dawlish-ousness ]

[andrew-davies]

He’d spent most of his break avoiding his family--holiday’s had never been like those out of a book and they were even worse now that Simon was gone. Settled down outside a coffee shop with a book was exactly how Andrew wanted to spend his time. He had a perfect view of the storefront that lead to Diagon Alley, but hoped that none of his friends or schoolmates noticed him”

[nottahero]

Chryson had known how to get to the Selwyn house like the back of his hand as long as he could remember. They had always been a part of the Nott’s life, an extension of their own family. But for as many times as he had been there, this was his first time ever going alone. Apparation was as easy as breathing now, but there was a tug of dread as he disapparated that was quickly soothed when the familiar house came into sight. His fingers ran over the hard stones of her gate post, eyes grazed over the wrought iron. He leaned back to wait, glancing at his watch before settling back. He didn’t know how much time passed when the gate finally creaked open and his head swiveled to check if it was her coming through.

[xmollyweasleyii-blog]

London was beautiful in the winter, with snow dusting the rooftops and streets alike. Molly had slipped out of her house early in the morning and walked the streets alone, eventually heading to Diagon Alley. The street was peaceful, just a few people milling about. Ducking into Flourish and Blott’s, she spotted the back of a familiar head. “Melanie!” She called to the younger girl. “Is that you?”

@melaniexmacmillan

[nottatty]

Atalia had needed a few hours out of the house, her parents constantly breathing down her neck. Her mother was constantly pestering her to keep her etiquette skills sharp, to dress more like a lady that her usual jeans. Her father was his usual distant self, with more disapproving glares than normal. Without any notice, Atalia apparated to Diagon Alley, leaving any lingering problem back at the Nott Manor.

It didn’t take long for her wander down Knockturn alley and started glancing through the shop windows. A few people were familiar, even a few students crossed her path, but none stopped for a conversation. A reflection caught her eye, pulling her gaze towards a shop on the corner of the street. Atalia started crossing the street, her eyes narrowing as she tried to figure out what exactly had caught her eye.

[nottatty]

Marks Left Behind || Satalia Para

Atalia and Chryson had left the manor for a few days, both of them just needing to get out from under their father’s grip. It was freeing, not feeling like the weight of the world was on her shoulders for a short period of time. She’d been able to wake up in the morning and have breakfast--not having to sit like a lady or worry about the correct utensil to use--without the glare of her Father falling on her. Though, things could never stay like that. Once their few days had ended, Atalia and Chryson made their way back to the manor with grim feeling gripping their hearts.

Once inside, they made their ways to their own rooms, completely healed for the time being. The second Atalia opened her door, her heart dropped. For a few moments, she didn’t know what to do, her eyes scanning over Serena’s body. “...Serena...Serena!” Closing the door behind herself, she ran to the bed and noticed the bruises littering her body, accompanied with a not pe written in Darius’ handwriting. Clean this mess up before Father does it for you. Enraged, she ripped the note up, tears welling in her eyes as she pulled her wand out and started working healing spells with shaky hands. “Come on, Rena, wake up...I’m sorry...I’m sorry...”

[xmollyweasleyii-blog]

The white paper, which read “Reminder: Prefect’s Meeting at 10am, first day back” transfigured to reveal it’s true message once Aidan was alone.

Aidan,

     I received a very interesting letter in the mail the other day from your friend Charlus. He had some... intriguing things to say about you. He also says you might have some information I, and some friends of mine, might be interested in.

     I hope I’m not putting my trust in the wrong person here, Aidan. I trust Charlus, and if he trusts you, then I can trust you too. For now.

     Meet me Thursday around 2:15pm at Madam Malkin’s if you want to talk. Come alone, and make sure it looks like we’ve just bumped into each other. We can’t be too careful in times like these.

Molly

@music-madaidan

[fabia-o]

Home For the Holidays II Self-Para

Fabia nearly tripped in her rush to get off the Hogwarts express; having seen in father and mother out the window, she felt tears prick the corners of her eyes. She had missed them so, so much. When the doors finally opened she rushed to them and collapsed into her father’s arms.

“Oh, Dad.” she sighed, as he squeezed her tightly before passing her off to her mother. They were alone, though they sometimes brought one or two of the boys with them. It was just as well, really; between mum and dad’s tight embraces, she was scarcely able to breathe. They instantly berated her with questions about her health, and she quickly endeavored to set their minds at ease. This was the first year Fabia was able to apparate with them, and they were home very quickly.

Fabia had no doubt what was in store for her. They planned a surprise party every single year for whomever was coming home; this year it was just her. Her last winter break before she graduated. The house was always decorated, cakes and sweets were served, music playing, fire blazing. Occasionally neighbors or relatives would stop by. It was always very merry; a signal Christmas was around the corner. So, she was surprised (but still happy) to find her brothers waiting outside instead of hiding in the house. Fabia rushed to hug Frey first, and then each of her brothers in turn. When they went inside, she found a nice dinner waiting for her, but no cake or streamers or anything of the sort.

Her face must have shown her confusion, because Fergus came up to her and whispered “Mum and Dad didn’t think you’d much feel like celebrating, with the last few days you’ve had.” Fabia nodded. She had received a letter from her family as soon as the lockdown was over, full of concern, and had penned one back immediately. Although, privately, she’d have liked a party to get her spirits up, she could understand their belief. 

The dinner was nice too, though. Her mother had taken care to serve Fabia’s favorite foods and, sitting between the twins and stuffing her face with her mother’s chicken pot pie, she could almost forget the war brewing outside. The family gathering gradually grew in volume as the large party began talking, but it seemed to be more subdued than before. Had the tensions from outside seeped into her home as well?

At one moment, as her father related a story about a difficult customer “...I swear, he must have tried about fifty wands...” Fabia noticed that Flavius’s chair, long empty, had been removed from . She put down her fork and looked around. That must have been it. It wasn’t the same without him. 

Fabia couldn’t stand it. She waited impatiently for her father to finish his story, then interjected. “Has Flavius been in touch? Is he coming home for Christmas?”

The room instantly fell silent. Everyone began studying their mashed potatoes. Frey touched her arm gently and shook his head, but nobody else would even look at her, let alone answer. She repeated her question; Fenton abruptly got up and ran to his room. After a beat, Falkner ran after him.

“No, dear, I’m afraid not.” her mother muttered quietly, and the dinner continued in a much more somber tone.