allabbottme

[allabbottme]

Anthony chuckled slightly, relieved to have a conversation that was jubilant, something to take his mind off everything else. As Emma mentioned restlessness, he chuckled slightly. It was something that Anthony believed only a retired or benched Quidditch player could understand.

"It's all for good reason, and if I know you. You'll manage someway to be back in play in record time." Anthony remarked, but his tone was warm.

It had been a while since she had last seen Anthony, she couldn't recall how many months it had been only remembering that their last meeting had not been that recent. Her life had been more than busy this last year, with reuniting with Seth, getting married, moving and now her pregnancy. It was a lot to handle and she had her plate full with social engagements now that she was married and getting even more invitations to each and every societal event.

Something was off about him, his demeanor and appearance seemed downcast although she did not think it was her place to mention anything so she would do the tactful thing and pretend not to notice.

"Thank you." She was beginning to come around to the idea, not having much choice but to do so, but she supposed she could focus on the positive sides of her situation. "I do not like this restlessness one bit, I have to admit. I am not good at giving up control to other people."

[allabbottme]

"I think so," Anthony nodded in agreement in regards to the two peas in a pod reference, it felt like it was more of a muggle saying, but Anthony had definitely heard it in passing before. Ted's advice was welcomed, prior to Mira, Anthony had always believed he wasn't the relationship type. It was party why he allowed Tiberius to host a speed-dating event in his name, dating back then was merely for a bit fun. Now it felt different, like a whole new realm of opportunities were ahead of him, ones that he had never thought of before. "So far, it works. Even our differences seem to be more of a balancing act, rather than completely diverting us off kilter."

"Ah, I wouldn't worry about wrinkles. You've still got it, Tonks." Anthony reassured with a laugh, "You've still got a bit of time before you have to start looking for the heavy-duty wrinkle potions." His tone jovial, it was obvious that Ted Tonks was a good looking man. While Anthony's gaze was fixed to the Quidditch Pitch, Anthony listened intently to the other's mans words. A reassurance washing over him that Ted and Andromeda had worked it out through difficulties. Sure, Anthony and Mira hadn't stumbled across any blockades just yet, but that didn't mean it couldn't happen. Anthony would have been naive to believe that the Selwyns would be happy for Mira to date him, but perhaps he shouldn't paint them with the same brush. Mira was in the Order after all.

"At the end of the day, outside factors don't really matter. But they can rear their ugly heads when the want to." Anthony acknowledged with a nod. "Even with daily life, it's hard to balance it all...but the war, and everything that comes with it. You guys have overcame some serious tribulations, and to still have each other throughout it? Well, that's a testament to you both." His tone genuine. "And while raising a daughter, and doing a good job at it. Merlin, Ted, i'm exhausted even thinking about it."

"Hey, doesn't hurt to try what works and what doesn't." Not that Ted had especially much experience when it came to witches, but Anthony seemed like he could do with a little pep talk. "Two peas in a pod is a saying too, isn't it? Seen plenty of couples who're exactly alike, just as many as are opposites."

He laughed at the whistle, still mildly alarmed by the time period. "Yeah, yeah, I'm old and I know it. Got all the wrinkles to prove it, too." Only half a joke. He regularly spent a few extra minutes per morning peering at the new lines and grey flecked hairs in his reflection. The years and the war were aging him. But he remained young at heart, fuelled by his family and his love for them. His glance softened, becoming something more grateful as Anthony assessed Nymphadora. A moment later, it became more rueful. Ted was always honest. This was no exception, and he wasn't ashamed, happy to speak about his life and its challenges. "No, we didn't. It's the hardest thing I've ever done, staying with Andromeda. I love her with all my heart, but I know what it took for her to leave. That weight, the sacrifice... it's not something that ever goes away, and we were afraid for a long time, even though we had each other. People came after us. People judged and shunned us. We can't afford to be afraid now that Dora's here."

[allabbottme]

Humiliation consumed Anthony as he entered into the McClaggen household, a household where the scent of dinner engulfed you when the door open, and the warmth invited you in like a warm hug. He knew as Cressida invited him in of the bad impression he was making of himself. First impressions were everything, and deep down Anthony knew that he should have cancelled, but he just needed somebody to talk to.

Standing in the middle of Tiberius and Cressida's living room, his eyes scanned the decorations, the etchings of love dotted across the room. From photographs, to trinkets, evidence of them picking out a home together. Perhaps this was too much for him, Anthony's hands shook slightly as he looked around. Pulled out of his thoughts by Tiberius slapping him on the shoulder, Anthony attempted to regain his balance swiftly. Stumbling slightly towards the sofa.

"I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't have came." Resigned, Anthony decided to sit down. The past few days, Anthony had kept it bottled up. His mind playing a game of back and forth, weighing up every possible little moment that Mira could have been hinting towards her allegiance. But Anthony was too happy, too in love to think that it was even a rogue possibility. Anthony wanted to talk, he needed to talk.

"Mira..." He started, barely even able to utter her name before his lip began to quiver. Anthony took a deep breath, "It just...felt like the first time that something truly good was happening to me. Since the accident..." He paused, eyes looking to the ground. "I haven't had much to look forward to, or any direction."

"Of course, that doesn't mean I've not been happy....I have you guys, my family, friends." Anthony trailed on his words, "but I actually thought for a moment, this is it, this is where the rest of my life is."

"I loved....I love her." Acutely aware that he wasn't quite making sense as he spoke. Instead, he had shown up to their house, a drunken mess. Rambling on about the position of his life. Glancing up to look at Tiberius, "but turns out....she was spying for them all this time. That's the only reason Mira joined the Order." A guttural scoff falling from his lips as he finally said it. "Probably the only reason she entertained me."

@cressxmclaggen @tiberiusxmclaggen

The entire day Cress had been moving around to prepare the house for the double date with Anthony and Mira. Not that she was able to cook anything but she had been cleaning and a lot of other things. All to cover up her nerves. The blonde had known about Anthony being Tib's best friend but they hadn't really officially met. And she knew Mira as being a part of the Selwyn family. But a double date was a different story.

When she heard the knocking at the door, she told her husband that she would open up the door. When Cress opened up the door, she had not expected to find a very, very sad young man standing in front of her and a bottle of wine, but without a girlfriend in sight.

And by the way Anthony spoke, he already had a lot of wine - or other alcohol - in his system. "Only you?" The woman repeated before she stepped aside to quickly let him in and she closed the door behind him. She gently nudged him in the direction of the living room before she made her way over to Tib there. "I have no idea what is going on but it is just him and I think he has had quite something to drink already. Do you have any idea what's going on?"

@tiberiusxmclaggen

[allabbottme]

Anthony's arms remained folded, still somewhat resistant to the idea. It was hypocritical, for him not to want his sister to join a organisation that he, himself, was part of. But ultimately, the younger brother had no control over it, and he was well aware that he could argue until he was blue in the face, but come to no resolution that he felt content with.

His eyes flicked between his two sisters as they spoke, Rosmerta ultimately deciding that the conversation about the Order was over. Anthony though, did feel he had something to mention. Holding up his hand to stop the conversation from moving on. "Please be careful, Bea." He resounded to resignation, "we all want to help, but don't let the Order put you into any dangerous or stupid positions. They might be our friends, but the organisation is always going to want results. As much as we want to help out, this is a whole lot bigger than us."

Anthony blinked as Rosmerta carefully diverted the conversation in his direction. He had something he wanted to tell them, he did but he didn't quite know how to actually say it. As close as the siblings were, Anthony always tended to keep his love life in his own hands, and as close to his chest as possible. "Ah yes," He paused, "I have a girlfriend? Kind of have done since November."

Bea had bend down to place the boxes onto the floor, yet those words change everything. Within mere seconds the mood shifts. Although there are smiles, there is a seriousness within the air that makes it almost too thick to breathe as her eyes dart from Ros to her brother and back, the question lingering in the air. The same time a part of her cannot help but wonder what was so wrong about her request to join. Perhaps she had misunderstood their expressions. The brunette shakes her head at the thought. “Yeah, I did ask. I talked with Alice if you must know. And I don’t think there is anything to be done to change my mind about the whole thing.” It wasn’t the first time someone had raised concerns.

Beatrice moved; a bar stool grabbed to sit on with a sigh. “I fully understand why you might dislike the idea; I don’t fault you for that.” For once her expression lacks a smile, that usual gleam of mischief of joy. This was anything but a joke, nothing fun but the life they all lived in their own way. Everyone had to make that choice. “I have my reasons for joining, just like everyone else does.” All kinds of people joined the Order, from all kinds of backgrounds.

The witch shrugged. “Now, shall we move on to why we actually got together?” Three siblings spending time, not war talk. Somehow, though, Beatrice struggled to believe that her sister and brother would let things go as easily. - @rosxabbott

[allabbottme]

Mira was speaking, but Anthony didn't feel like he was really listening. His head still reeling from the first blow. Anthony wanted to take it all in, to feel every word and come to a level-headed reasoning for it all all. For the pair to reach an understanding, for somehow it to make sense, and for this to culminate in sweeping romantic gesture, of how love could overcome anything. But none of Mira's words or consolations was easing ache in Anthony's chest, or the feeling of sickness in his stomach.

He didn't know what to do or where to look, looking at Mira just seemed to deepen his own hurt. Anthony didn't enjoy to see her upset, and in distress. Of course not, he loved her, and despite how tainted that now felt. Anthony knew there was no use harping up on the past, partly as it wouldn't change anything and also because of how upset Mira seemed about it all. He couldn't understand it, and perhaps he never would, but it wasn't doing much good going around in circles.

His hand swept over his face once more, collecting anymore tears as a sigh rattled from his chest. Trying his upmost to collect himself, every part of him felt exhausted, drained.

"What-" He paused, taking a breath. And in truth, it was more of a question that he wanted Mira to answer than one for him to figure out on his own. Being the one to ask for space just felt too cruel, and callous. But Anthony had to remember, it was him that had been betrayed, no matter how much Mira reassured him. How much could he really believe?

"What do you want me to do? What can we do now?" Anthony continued, his voice quiet, defeated. "Is this even what you want?" He questioned, gesturing between the pair.

Mira hated to see him cry, she hated everything about this situation. But no matter how it hurt, no matter if he never forgave her; she had to tell him the truth. All she wanted to do was grovel, beg for forgiveness. Anything to see him smile and no longer see the tears or pain on his face that would no doubt be etched in her mind for eternity.

She couldn’t blame him for the harsh questions, ones she’d already asked herself. If it hadn’t been for Anthony would she have ever even cared or thought to leave the Death Eaters? To stop what she was doing? She was selfish, and she recognized that she had not been a good person. She could try to fix it, to do right going forward. But it would never forgive all she had done before. “I know.” She said weakly, wiping at her eyes as she looked up at him. “I know there is no excusing what I’ve done, the consequences of the information I’ve shared. I know it’s unforgivable.” She wasn’t playing the victim, didn’t expect sympathy. The witch had merely accepted the consequences of her decisions and what it meant for her.

“I understand if you don’t….I know I’ve ruined that trust.” Her throat felt constricted, her voice hoarse with emotion. She winced at the detached tone of his voice and shook her head. “It wasn’t about tying up loose ends. I wanted to prove that I meant what I said about changing, righting my wrongs even if it is impossible. The order could have turned me into the Ministry, shipped me off to Azkaban and I would have accepted it.”

This wasn’t how she had wanted to confess her feelings to him. She had never cared for anyone the way she loved Anthony, and she’d wanted the first time she told him to be perfect. No matter that she meant the words, now they would only come out false, laced with the poison of her actions and her past. If he even believed she meant it, she wouldn’t blame him if he thought her reaching for anything to make him forgive her.

At the question she sniffed, wiping at her eyes. “It was just meant to be a job, my duty to the cause. Don’t get attached, don’t get close to anyone. I was meant to go in and gather information, put in minimal effort and get out and report it back.” She shook her head. “I’ve always been the sort to prefer solitude, it seemed simple enough to stay detached as I always have and do whatever was necessary. But it got harder the longer I was involved, the more I came to know everyone. I was battling myself, everything I’d been taught and raised to believe…But I knew I couldn’t do it any longer.”

[allabbottme]

who: @cressxmclaggen, @tiberiusxmclaggen

where: the McClaggen residence

tw: alcohol, tw: drunk Anthony, tw: sad Anthony

The night had finally arrived, a planned double date evening between Anthony and Mira with Tiberius and Cressida. An occasion that had been in the calendar for weeks, and now as he made his way towards the house, stumbling with an opened bottle of wine in hand, Anthony reckoned he should have just cancelled. At least if he cancelled, he wouldn’t have to experience the embarrassment of showing up alone, and detailing the even more embarrassing reason of why. The wine was supposed to be a gift, a thanks for The McClaggen’s hosting, but as Anthony sat on the Night Bus, he reckoned it would work better as his own version of liquid luck.

Finally arriving at the door, Anthony leaned forward to knock, banging slightly into the door with his shoulder as he did so. Muttering an array of swear words as he leant backwards, smoothing out his shirt in a bid to compose himself. Somehow as though he believed that he didn’t already look a mess. Squinting as the light from the McClaggen’s hall flooded around him as the door opened. Warmth flowing out from the door, and sharply nipping at his fingers. “Cress, it’s just me m’afraid.” He explained, the depth of his loneliness burrowing into his stomach as he admitted it. Tucking the bottle of wine against his chest with his forearm, mimicking an explosion with his hands. “Things have went poof…not good.”

[allabbottme]

Anthony never quite realised how much a break-up impacted your daily life. Before Mira, he had only had a series of short-lived relationships, none lasting long enough to sustain an actual bond. With Mira, things had been different or so Anthony thought they had. It was one thing to mourn a relationship, it was a complete different ballgame to mourn a relationship built on a lie.

For the past few days it had felt like he was living in a dream, moving from one task to another without processing what he was doing. Getting into a routine of not leaving bed until the afternoon, and tossing and turning throughout the night. In a bid to ease himself into a bit of normality, he made a trip to Diagon Alley, in pursuit of purchasing a new pair of Quidditch gloves. Just for recreational use, of course. Hoping that people could ignore his unkept appearance, not typical for Anthony Abbott.

Catching glimpse of Emma Vanity, it was perhaps the first thing to bring a smile to Anthony’s face in weeks. She was a close friend to him in his Quidditch days, albeit an intensely fierce rival too. So, when he read of her pregnancy announcement in the Daily Prophet, he made a mental note to write a congratulations card. A mental note that quickly disappeared after he slipped back into his thoughts. Anthony breathed a laugh at Emma’s defensive tone, “Don’t worry, I’m a kindred spirit. It seems we’ve both been exiled from the league.”

“Congratulations, by the way.”

status: open to anyone location: Quality Quidditch Supplies

Emma's pregnancy announcement and interview with Rita Skeeter had been published in the daily prophet just days before and she could feel eyes on her as she set foot into her favorite store as she was running low on broom polish. It was different than the looks she got due to her fame of being a professional athlete, she noticed people's linger on her stomach, trying to see a bump that was not yet visible. Emma had wanted to keep playing but she'd been overruled, the state of her baby's health too fragile should she fall off her broom. Apparently she should have stopped as soon as she had found out about her pregnancy, but she had not been ready to do so. It's not like she was planning to fall of her boorm. She was no fool, she had not fallen of her broom in years. And yet here she was, only allowed to fly up to a certain speed and height, effectively forced to take a leave of absence from the job she loved. "What?" She sighed before even looking at who was standing behind her, feeling their stare. "Do not look at me like that. I'm just here to buy broom polish, not a new broom."

[allabbottme]

"No worries, mate. I get it." Anthony flumped his head into his hand. A sigh of resignation when the man in front of him candidly told him that it was one more and then out. He understood, of course, the bartender wanted to go home. Anthony would have been of a similar train of thought but the last place that Anthony wanted to return to was his flat, that dreaded flat, where he kept recounting his conversation with Mira over and over.

"That's quite the change, what brings you to London?" He perked up, grateful for some other topic of thought. "Often enough, Ros is my sister. I'm Anthony Abbott, pleasure." Albeit his tone was slightly slurred.

The night was winding down and Max was already to get the place ready to close. The first step was always asking people to leave, but his method was to act subtly passive towards the guests until they got the hint. Max raised a brow at the guest who said he was keeping it open. "Alright. One more, then it's time." Max chose not to push the guest out since he came in looking sad and he didn't want to add to the misery. "New to the country," he corrected. "Come here often?"

[allabbottme]

There was a part of Anthony that shrivelled when Emmeline pointed out that they had in fact played against each other in Hogwarts. Anthony hadn't meant to put his foot in it, but after playing so many games, the years seemed to merge into one. And often, if they didn't win , he tried to blank them out all together. "Well, I'm sure you gave me a run for my money." At the mention of his accident, Anthony shrugged. A tendency to downplay it to mask the true regret behind his failed attempt at becoming one of the great's. "Accident," Anthony quickly responded. "Lost the control of the broom when diving for the Quaffle, St Mungos tried their best to return my leg to its full potential but there was only so much they could do."

"The Three Broomsticks? Yeah, she does."

Emmeline listened, eyes not once changing expression even when he asked if she’d played. Part of her wondered if she was that easily forgotten, another part did not care when the one in question was someone of such little significance. “I played. Against you, as a matter of fact.” She paused, allowing her words to sink in without really wondering all too much about their effect. “I was one of the chasers of the Slytherin team. And then I went into the ministry.” There had been a career in Quidditch for her, had she wanted to take it. Hard work, dedication and a hint for the ruthless fair play that her style happened to be. “Sorry to hear that an injury messed with your career.” And then she added, curiosity driven: “Accident or foul play?” As if that somehow mattered. Ruined was ruined.

The witch slipped her hands back into her pockets, observing the other. Something came to mind, the thought of Rabastan a part of that. Hadn’t he been one to clash with the blond? Or perhaps it was someone else. It wasn’t as though her house lacked an incentive to mess with others, or tease them without abandon. "So, does your sister finally own that pub of hers?" - @allabbottme

[allabbottme]

An Abbott invasion, he had never heard it described as such, but at the heart of it, Anthony supposed it was an invasion. "We're a friendly bunch but persistent." Anthony chuckled breathlessly, "Next time I'm here, I'll have to bring her with me, she'll be here for hours."

"It almost seems too good to be true," He remarked, perhaps that was a negative tone to take. However, with such a war on their doorstep, it was key to appreciate the moments of quiet. . For the first time in a long time, Anthony felt quite content. He was happy with Mira, and work had been good. "Decorating eh? I reckon that sort of stress can either make or a break a couple."

Aurora’s smile was soft, fond even, as she gently wrapped a bit of twine around the parcel she was preparing. “I don’t think I’d mind an Abbott invasion. Sounds like good chaos.” There was a teasing lilt to her tone, but it was warm, genuine. The idea of a family, loud and curious and interested in the stars, was far from unpleasant.

"I get that," she said with a small smile. "The quiet… the peace, it sounds nice, doesn’t it? Sometimes it feels like it’s just the calm before the storm, though." She was grateful for the company. "Remus and I finally got the flat sorted. Took a couple of months, but it’s starting to feel like home."

[allabbottme]

Anthony barked a laugh at Remus' dismay when he mentioned the Triwizard Tournament, it wasn't a challenge that Anthony was quite up to facing but he reckoned he would do quite well on a broom task. "Well, at least now if you ever had to fly from a dragon, you could. Albeit, the dragon might beat us both on speed." Anthony stated, quite amused by the topic. Back in his heyday, Anthony's cockiness probably would've convinced him that he could beat a dragon in speed but with his injury, the older man was quite aware that any attempt would be a death mission.

"I've never actually rode a bike," Anthony revealed, glancing back at Remus. It seemed somewhat odd to have been comfortable on a broom but not to ever have ventured into the popular muggle past-time. "But from what I hear, once you learn, you never look back."

Holding his place in the air for Remus to catch up and gain confidence, Anthony readjusted his hand on the broom. "Twice, and it's not pleasant." He pointed out, "one I deserved, and the other was a Quidditch incident in Hogwarts. But I'd prefer not to mention that right now. " Not wanting to spook Remus while he was doing so well.

"I'd be more than happy to teach you about reward systems. I have to do them for myself otherwise I would get nothing done." That wasn't necessarily true. Not anymore anyway. When they were in school Remus definitely needed to give himself something in return for doing something productive. It's not that he didn't want to do the work, it was finding the time. Between classes and busting everything up with his friends he didn't really seem to have much time to himself. Hence, reward system.

Remus let out a Ha! "Triwizard Tournament my arse! You'll never catch me there. Too many stories about people going missing and worse. No thank you," he said as he glided ever so slightly in the air. "But you're right. Trusty Steve has me. Doing good so far. But I've often wondered about that muggle phrase. Bicycles are hard to ride just like brooms are hard to fly. How can it be just like that," he snapped his fingers, "and you all of a sudden remember?"

Rising a little higher to catch up with Anthony, Remus stayed firm. He wanted to do this so badly that he wasn't going to let anything get in his way. It already felt amazing and he had barely gotten anywhere yet. "How many times have you gotten a drink with a black eye? Curious minds want to know," he laughed as he rode higher.

[allabbottme]

Even now, as Anthony felt that his world was crumbling out from underneath him. His chest felt tight at the sight of Mira crying in front of him, with every guttural sob he wanted to close the space between them. To bypass his own hurt to ensure she was alright. To sit beside her on the sofa, and let her cry it out. Perhaps if he was a better man, he would have done it. But his feet remained planted where they were, the back of his hand wiping at his cheeks.

Anthony considered members of The Order of The Phoenix to be his friends, and while he was not close with everybody, members of the organisation were good people. People on the right side of history, irregardless of upbringing, people who longed for good, who reaffirmed that everybody had a place in the wizarding world. People who welcomed Mira with open arms, blissfully unaware of her true intentions. He winced as Mira stated his name, swearing that she hadn't passed on any information about his sisters. His relief was muted by a hesitation that he hated, how could Anthony believe her?

"Was that all that they had to protect them? The fact that you wanted, in some sick sense, to do right by me? What about the others? People, who might I add, welcomed you." It had only been twenty minutes, and Anthony felt as though the life had been drained from him. A wave of exhaustion settling on his bones. His voice defeated, "How do you expect me to believe you?"

Anthony's eyes settled on her for a moment, as his tears stilled, trails left on his cheeks. Shaking his head as Mira discussed her plan with the Order. "I'm happy that you're back on track with the Order and tying up any loose ends." His tone dull.

This felt too big to ignore, this wasn't a small mistake. This was heartbreak with intent. Irregardless of Mira's reassurance, the pain in his chest, and the gutting betrayal only grew as words of love fell from her lips for the first time. No matter how persistent she was that this wasn't her plan, Mira had made her decision the moment she had reciprocated his efforts at the Flint wedding. Irregardless of falling in love, or feelings become involved, Mira had made the decision that she was content with Anthony Abbott being collateral damage of her espionage back in November. That was hardly a decision grounded in respect.

"What was the plan?"

Once Mira began to speak there was no stopping the way the words began to tumble from her mouth. She struggled to so much as look at him, her eyes on her lap as she told him everything. She expected him to hate her, she would deserve it after all. She had kept things from him for so long, had tried to keep up the lies for far longer than she should have. She thought she wouldn't catch feelings, that it would just be fun and a nice distraction. What a fool she'd been. And now she'd ruined everything.

She flinched at the sound he made at her words, it was warranted. But she'd never heard a sound so cruel from him. He'd never been anything but kind and warm to her, her own personal sun that had brightened her life. She wasn't sure she could ever forgive herself for what she'd done to him. No matter how she tried to fix things going forward, it would forever weigh on her.

Her eyes lifted to watch him as he began to pace, blinking back further tears as she ignored the wave of nausea that threatened her. Her eyes widened at the question, the seeming accusation and she shook her head. "Anthony...I swear I didn't. I didn't tell him anything about that. I wouldn't have risked your sister like that." It was such a selfish, callous answer. Because at the end of the day while she may have never specifically mentioned Anthony or his sisters to the Death Eaters, she'd still put them and all other order members at risk on a regular basis with her decisions.

The sound that fell from her lips was a broken sob as he mentioned love, her heart clenching in her chest. She'd fallen in love with him too, and she'd denied it for so long. And now it was too late, if she said it to him she doubted he would even believe her. Tears streamed down her face as she returned her eyes to him and she shook her head. "I didn't want to come to you with empty words, I wanted to show you that I meant it. I was prepared for whatever the Order chose to do, whether they turned me in or not."

She wiped at her eyes futile, more tears continuing to fall. "I don't expect you to forgive me. I know I've done terrible unforgivable things." She breathed. "But I never pretended with you Anthony, it was real. Everything I said, everything I had with you was real for me, no matter how I tried to fight it." Her voice broke. "I didn't plan to fall in love with you."

[allabbottme]

Anthony chuckled at Mira's feigned outrage, shrugging with ease. "I'm hopeless at potions," He pointed out, with an amused glint in his eye. "And I do look handsome with stubble, I agree." At Mira's compliment, Anthony grinned. His hand moving to rub against his cheek. Anthony knew he was a decent looking bloke but that didn't mean he didn't enjoy a compliment from Mira, it was quite the opposite in fact.

A small groan escaped his lips when Mira deemed him needy. "That's your fault too, I'm afraid." He stated, running his thumb along Mira's bottom lip as he spoke. "You drive me crazy, Selwyn." A small shiver running down his spine as Mira's hand ran through his hair. "Yeah, let's skip drinks." Anthony agreed, kissing her once more before sliding out of the booth. Holding out a hand to help her up, "Let's go home."

END

Mira feigned outrage. "Oh so now it falls to me to help you grow a beard?" The look on her face quickly turned to one of amusement even as she shook her head. "Perhaps I like you the way you are." Though she was pretty sure it was evident by the way she looked at him that she did in fact like him exactly as he was. Her smile grew as he assured her that his sisters would have stories, eager to hear what sort of trouble the wizard across from her had got into in his younger years.

A laugh fell from her lips at the admission, her smile turning playful as she moved closer. "I'm afraid you may already come off that way." She teased. Though he would certainly not hear any complaints from her. There was no helping the way she turned towards him as he teased her with kisses, a pout beginning to form. Before she could respond his lips were on hers and she found herself leaning into the kiss. Her fingers slid back into his hair and only when they broke for air did she finally part from him, albeit not far. "Let's skip drinks?" Her eyes met his, lips quirking. "I'm ready to go."

[allabbottme]

Anthony was still stewing with the revelation that Rabastan Lestrange was sniffing around The Three Broomsticks when Beatrice burst through the door discussing Puddifoots and Cupcakes. Separating from his thoughts for a moment, he had turned towards the door, standing up to help Beatrice with the items she was currently balancing in her arms. "Thanks for the cake, Bea." Anthony remarked, although his tone was not quite matching his words.

Rosmerta and Beatrice were immensely important to Anthony, his family was his world, and the idea of something happening to either of them - Anthony couldn't bear to even comprehend it. A furrowed brow, Anthony glanced over his two sisters. Concern evident on his features.

As Rosmerta trailed off and glanced at him for support, Anthony cleared his throat. Typically, he would have been upfront about his objections, but this was a tricky situation to navigate. It would be hypocritical for Anthony to advise Beatrice against something that he was also willingly a part of. "Have you ever approached anybody about joining The Order? Or has anybody ever approached you?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "Is this...something that you're thinking of doing?"

Beatrice was running late, had insisted on picking up some cupcakes from Madam Puddifoots, only to find herself stuck having to deal with a mass of people in dire need of cake and tea. It had taken longer than intended, caused the witch to be held up more than she cared to admit. Now, she may not have been the most punctual of people, usually late by a minute or to – or five at times – but when it came to her siblings, she was rather reliable.

Finally, she burst through the doors of the Three Broomsticks with a cheer. “Sorry I’m late. I wanted to bring some cake or cupcakes and somehow people seem to believe it is the end of the world as we know it. Puddifoots was filled to the brim. Never seen that many people in there.” She called out, making her way over toward the two with a chuckle. On one hand she was balancing the box, the other carrying some other things. Her eyes darted around, a frown settling on her face. “Why the gloom faces?”

It wasn’t something she’d expected to be greeted with. “I was only a few minutes late, wasn’t I?” Beatrice somehow found herself worried, wondering what was going on. It was certainly a shift in atmosphere from the cheeriness of the streets outside. - @ofxsorcery

[allabbottme]

"I used to always value similarities when it came to dating but..." Anthony paused, before shrugging simply, "clearly that was where I was going wrong." All his previous relationships had been fairly surface level, especially back in his Quidditch days, where the young man was far too focused on the buzz of attention to build something of substance. With Mira, it felt as though something had just clicked, like jigsaw pieces fitting perfectly into place.

At twelve years, Anthony whistled slightly, it was admirable to be in a committed and loving relationship for twelve relationship and Anthony could only hope that such a strong and stable partnership was in his future. Only recently, had Anthony begun to see it on the cards, and a commitment in the not so near future. But perhaps he was getting ahead of himself, he hadn't even told Mira that he loved her, yet here he was thinking about a future together. Anthony had heard rumblings about the Black Sister who had been disowned, brief comments here and there, but with the slight age difference, it had never been a topic that directly involved him. Listening intently at Ted described the situation, Anthony evaluated the older man with a sense of admiration. "Quite the love story that you've got," Anthony remarked, warmly. Casting a glance out at the pitch, catching glimpse of Ted's daughter on a broom. "Obviously, it's all worked out well for you, but..." He paused, looking back at the other man. "How was it...after everything unfolded? Did you both find your feet right away?"

"Opposites attract, or so they say. I think it's true." Ted's grin expanded into a heedless laugh. He wasn't especially taking this conversation seriously. The topic was important to him, but the tone was light. He and Andromeda had a lot in common. But 'on paper' they were worlds apart - or they used to be. As teenagers, it'd taken months of chipping away to get through her barriers, but he'd always known he'd find someone like-minded and like-hearted beneath her guarded exterior.

"Around twelve years," he answered, suddenly feeling old and showing his distaste of that age-frame in a fleeting wince. "God that's a long time. We got together in our seventh year at school. Then we had an on-off moment before we settled." It seemed foolish now, that time he'd tried to leave for her own good, as though she didn't have her own mind and wouldn't have quit her family without him in the picture. But he'd been young and afraid for himself, and terrified of hurting her. That thought alone had been enough to persuade him to at least attempt forgetting her. He couldn't bear to be the cause of her distress. He'd needed to grow up and realise that he wasn't the cause, but the remedy. "You know who she is, right?" Maybe he didn't. Not everyone did, and Anthony was a little younger. The scandal may have escaped him. Turning sideways, he propped his arm onto the back of his seat and tried - failing yet again - to make the bleacher more comfortable. "She was a Black; Bellatrix and Narcissa's sister. They all disowned her because of me."

[allabbottme]

Anthony hadn't slept in days, his eyes were practically closing as he sat at the bar. But as soon his head was hitting the pillow in the evening, Anthony was wide awake. Swirling the melting ice cube around in the glass, watching as the water combined with the whiskey. He looked up curiously at the sound a new voice, an American at that, working in his sisters bar. "Yeah, I'm keeping it open." His voice hoarse as he spoke, well aware that if Rosmerta was here that he would be cut off already. "New to the bar, mate?"

where: three broomsticks status: open to all!

The Three Broomsticks wasn't his idea of his first job when he recently moved to England. When he realized that he should've thought things through more when he made the big leap, he knew he needed a job to help cover rent with his cousin. Max couldn't compare London to Brooklyn, but he did like that there was more room to breathe. The bar was a good place to work as if he wanted to listen in on any other people's thought for mild entertainment, all he had to do was look at any lone patron at bar seat five. "I'm back. Decide if you were keeping your tab open or closed?"

[allabbottme]

END

"Well, Tiberius if that happens, you'll just have to get in line." Anthony retorted, smug at the concept of him still having fans. Sure, the radio show had consistent listeners but the man doubted he still had such a dedicated fanbase. At the mention of not putting his face on the front of the flyer, Anthony shrugged. "Well that is up to you, but I hope you don't forget my striking poses for the Ballycastle Bats announcements."

As Tiberius agreed to play nice, it took Anthony all of his power not to release an outward sign of relief. "I'm glad to hear it mate, she's far too good for me, and we're at the stage where I don't want anything to ruin that." Anthony remarked with a laugh, glancing at his watch, "It's probably time that I practice before the show starts tonight," He pointed out, "but I'll owl you...with a date that works, yeah?"