ofxsorcery

[ofxsorcery]

“I will leave the mirrors to you.” Fabian was far from vain, that was one thing he was sure about. He watched for a moment as his brother started to arrange the two piles. Only for a second, however, before he started attempting multitasking as he listened to what Gideon had to say about Amelia. “Added bonus? I would nearly say you hope to bump into her and that I am being used as an excuse whenever you do bump into her,” he mentioned to his brother, a grin on his face to make clear that even him as the ‘designated boring one’ could joke around from time to time.

"Spend a lot of time doing that then?" He teased, taking a few of the files and making space at the desk to arrange them into two piles. Seemed simple enough to him, although the paperwork was his least favorite part of the job, he much preferred going out there and taking part in the action rather than this. "I wouldn't really call it an accident. She does work here. It's only natural that I see her when I stop by to visit you. Let's call it an added bonus."

[ofxsorcery]

A wave of relief washed over Fabian when Amelia seemed to have been conflicted about it as well. “You are right; I just wanted to get coffee. I don’t think I would survive it if I had asked you out on an actual date.” Okay, way too much information Fab. Gideon would probably have his head anyway for the fact that Fabian was trying to advocate for his brother anyways.

“So no date, for sure. I just wanted to grab coffee and talk some more about an annoyance in both of our lives, to be honest.” He had already said too much so why would he not just be honest the rest of the way as well.

In the hours that led up to her meeting Fabian, Amelia had contemplated just owling ahead to say she couldn’t make it. She had agreed to meet the wizard for a coffee few days ago, and with the more time that passed, the more she questioned her decision to say yes. It had sounded like he was asking her out on a date, which made no sense since he’d given her no reason to think that he’d want to do such a thing in the past. And especially given how many times she had brushed off his brother’s advances. Maybe it was some joke between the twins and she was the target? But the people pleaser in her had agreed, leaving her to worry about how she was going to approach the subject later.

“Of course.” Amelia replied with a small nod, trying to contain the brief look of panic when Fabian used the word date. Thankfully he had been quick to correct, and it was like a weight had been lifted. “I won’t lie, it did sound like you were asking me out on a date. And I didn’t say anything at the time because it caught me off guard and I didn’t want to come across as being rude… This isn’t a date though right? Just so we’re clear. You did just want to get coffee?”

[ofxsorcery]

Ros looked over her shoulder at the backroom he mentioned. “Not really, I think the cook might be able to handle it all himself. Unless you want to offer to help him cook. That is if you ever cooked yourself in your entire life.” He probably had a house elf looking after him and the family for all those years. Offering for him to go back there was rather dangerous, but there were still layers of protection there hiding the extra room. And it was not noticeable that there was a room hidden there.

The woman grabbed a firewhiskey for Rabastan as she looked at the front door. People were starting to try to get out but there were also people on the other side of the door, luckily for her. All she could hope for now, was that the people on the outside were quick to make sure the door was unblocked. She placed the glass in front of him on the bar.

“Here you go, on the house. For the trouble of being locked in,” she said to him, her voice sickly sweet as she said so. As if it was faith, after she had spoken those words, the front door opened up again and people walked in, drenched from the rain but happy to find shelter.

“Now, if you don’t mind. I have to make sure that the door won’t get blocked again. My colleague over there will see you out after you’re done with that firewhiskey.” Time to get Lestrange out of there.

[ofxsorcery]

“You have changed in deciding which side of you to show.” Ros wasn’t sure if that made any sense, but to her it did. Maybe she needed that. To believe in something that maybe wasn’t even there because otherwise… How much of it had been real anyways.

For a moment, her lips parted just a bit as his thumb brushed over her bottom lip and her dark eyes were focused on his lips for a second, before she pulled herself from her thoughts and took a drink of the alcohol in front of her. Stop it Ros, it’s over, it’s all in the past. “Not a crime at all.” She downed the last bit of her drink and then pushed the glass away from her.

Quiet was what was lingering between the two of them, before she broke it again. A dangerous question but she wanted to know the answer. “Can I get full honesty for a moment from you? You never think back of the Hogwarts days we had together and the big contrast between those days and the days that we have now?”

Augustus shrugged at her words, flashing a charming smile. "I haven't changed that much Ros. But you speak about me as if I'm this entirely different person. You should know it isn't nice to make assumptions." His smile was almost cruel in the way it curled up teasingly.

His smile grew as she didn't move away from him, true she didn't lean into him either but she hadn't slapped his hand away and that was a win. His thumb traveled down over her cheek, brushing over her bottom lip before he pulled back. A chuckle fell from his lips as she called him out, shaking his head even as his eyes remained on her. "There's that fiery spirit I remember so well." He shrugged, taking another drink from his glass. "I merely needed a drink after a long day at work. Is that a crime?"

[ofxsorcery]

A smile formed on Ros’ lips at hearing the news that things had been better since then. “Hold up, Remus you say? Remus Lupin you mean?” She asked the other woman, just to make sure that she had the right person in her head with the name. But if that was the right name, they would make a pretty cute couple, that was one thing she was sure about. “Well, you definitely seem happier than that day. It’s good to see.”

There was something touching to know that Rosmerta came to check in on her, the last time they had a chance to really talk was her birthday back in September. A smile forms on her lips, letting them come into the shop. "That is very sweet of you." She gives a small sigh, realising where she was at that point in her life. "Things are definitely better since then. Remus actually surprised me and came over that night."

[ofxsorcery]

Letter for @alaraselwyn

Dear Alara,

I know we haven’t spoken a lot when we were still part of that world. But I heard about your decision. And I wanted to reach out. If you ever need someone to talk to, I want to offer you my time. Talking about something like this might be easier to talk to with someone who knows what you are feeling. I know that has helped me, so it might be good for you too.

Also, I want you to know that I admire your bravery. Because that is what it needed to make this decision.

With love,

Cressida McLaggen

[ofxsorcery]

Starter for: @alaraselwyn Where: Alara's Bakery

It was after working hours when Cressida entered the bakery after the invite from Alara. The news had gone down just a bit but it was clear that the decision made by the youngest Selwyn sibling was one for the news. The blonde knew what that felt like, so she hoped she could be a bit of support to Alara.

“Alara? Are you right there?”

[ofxsorcery]

“I do understand that, I truly do,” Cressida really did understand why he wanted that. She came from the world where it was the norm. But the most important thing for her - the thing he could provide her with the most - was just his presence. “Us living comfortably does also mean that our home situation is a good one. And the best thing you can provide me with, is your presence. I love your presence around me, you calm me and you ground me. That is so much more worth to me than money or living comfortably. I could live in a box with you and be happy.” Okay, that last bit was maybe a bit too much but it would get the point across for sure. Or at least, she hoped so. “I will try to be more accepting. Because I am grateful for all the work you do every day,” she said to him, a small smile appearing on her lips as well. It was going to be a balancing game for the both of them in the end. “But, am I allowed to apply for the job as a Welcome Witch at St. Mungos? That way I won’t be sitting here on my own as well, I need a new social circle too.”

Tiberius groaned and ran a hand back through his hair, mussing it. “I do want to support you though Cress! Can’t you understand that? I don’t want you to have to work, I want to be able to provide for you, for us to live comfortably and not have to stress.” He wanted to be able to take care of her. “Look I’m sorry I’ve been gone so much with work, I’m trying my best here. I’ll try to stop staying so late, to be home more. Okay? I’m trying to figure out this balance.” He offered her an apologetic smile. “I’m working on it okay… I’ll try to be better.”

[ofxsorcery]

“Damn, son. So is this like… like, goodbye?” “Goodbye, Johnny.”

[ofxsorcery]

Starter for @amvlias

When he had spoken about it with his friends, he realised more and more that he had been going the wrong direction with this. Fabian was actually surprised that Amelia had agreed to go with him and get coffee as he realised that him asking her, had sounded more like asking her on a date than anything else. He could already hear his brother laugh about it, or maybe not seeing as he was going on a date with the woman his brother was interested in.

“Thank you for coming today. I do think I have to make some things clear before we start this coffee date of ours.” Okay, wrong word choice, Fabian. He shook his head, a smile forming on his lips. “Not a date, that’s what I wanted to talk about. Do you think this is a date?”

[ofxsorcery]

“I think you’re good.” There was a lot more needed for Fabian to get an identity crisis. He was happy, however, that he was able to give Greta an idea for her best friend’s party. Despite the fact that the entire subject of decorating dicks was making him uncomfortable. “Alcohol does seem to be a vital part of a briday party, yes. Happy I can help you with that.” He motioned over his shoulder in the direction he had to go. “I do hope you have a good party, I have to go now.” He paused for a moment before he continued speaking because he could not contain his curiosity. “Please let me know what she thought of the idea.”

// END.

"I'm sorry for any possible identity crisis I may have caused." Greta smiled apologetically, her grin wide. She could imagine having twins to be extremely stressful so she didn't blame his mother. Especially two boys. "That is a really good idea. It's something everyone could participate in and I think Alara would love that. Thank you so much! I owe you one. Of course drinks after that are a must, can't have a bridal party without shots."

[ofxsorcery]

“How can I forget when I remember, every time I look in the mirror?” He pointed out to his brother. He looked at the files that his brother was going to look at. “Well, one pile with cases that are in need of short term solutions, the other pile for which the solution can wait a little longer.” That way he could see which he had to work on before he could get out of there with Gideon to start with. “But are you really here to see me, or are you trying to bump into Miss Bones again by accident?” He asked his brother, a grin on his face as he spoke up.

"Exactly. That's why I have to remind you. Can't have you forgetting." He always saw the two of them as two halves of a coin, Gideon had never felt alone, knowing that he had Fabian. He couldn't imagine a life without his brother, even if they didn't see each other every day like they used to when they were kids, it just made sense to be close to him. While Gideon wasn't a fan of paperwork, his work for the day was done, so he thought he might as well help his brother. "What goes on what pile? Any specific criteria?"

[ofxsorcery]

Letter for @alaraselwyn

Dear Alara,

I know we haven’t spoken a lot when we were still part of that world. But I heard about your decision. And I wanted to reach out. If you ever need someone to talk to, I want to offer you my time. Talking about something like this might be easier to talk to with someone who knows what you are feeling. I know that has helped me, so it might be good for you too.

Also, I want you to know that I admire your bravery. Because that is what it needed to make this decision.

With love,

Cressida McLaggen

[ofxsorcery]

Cressida considered it a small win when Alecto gave in and actually turned back to her again. Sure, it was only that and one word, but it was better than not being able to help her. So indeed, she printed the name label with the department where Alecto needed to be according to the appointment in the papers and then handed it to the woman. “If you move in that direction, you will find the elevators you need. Second floor and the waiting room will be there. The Healer knows you are on your way.”

[ofxsorcery]

“I will get there at some point. I have enough people surrounding me that can help me adjust. And make sure that life becomes less boring at the moment.” You could say about the social circles of the Pureblood world; they always had something going on. Although, most of it was based on gossip. Which lately she was growing to hate more and more.

“Did you celebrate the holidays with Edgar or with family? Or both?”

The witch smiled, glad to have a friend who was as accepting about her work habits as Cressida. It had always been nice and the friendship treasured more than she could put into words. "I'm glad you do. It's a bit of an odd time whenever I am off work and without it. I suppose I've gotten used to it." How would she deal with things when it all calmed down if the war ended? That was another question for another time.

"Bored? Well, I suppose it is a lot to adjust. What you did was bound to change your entire life." Hestia looked at her friend with sympathy written all over her face. Of course, it couldn't have been easy to walk away like that; to start over anew. "I have, actually. I did work, which won't surprise you, but I also spent the days celebrating the holidays." - @ofxsorcery

[ofxsorcery]

The woman in front of her was rather happy for this time of the hour. She didn’t seem to be inebriated either, so she was just happy. For someone who had had a long day already, Ros wasn’t sure how this was going to go. “Rosmerta. The owner of this place, so it isn’t that strange you’ve seen me around.” The older woman leaned against the bar and tilted her head slightly. “What can I get you to drink? I first need to hear your story before I decide you can stay after than drink.”

It was late. Madhuri had just come from a Spellbound concert and was still on a high, soaked in sweat without a care in the world. Her friends had gone home but she wasn't ready to quite yet. She wanted to keep the party going with a drink and new company so she found her way to the Three Broomsticks.

Going inside she moved around with happiness on her way to the bar. "Hey there!" She said to the woman behind the bar only to be told last call was already in the works. She was disappointed. But then she was told she'd be given an exception. "Oh, thank you so much! A firewhiskey will hit the spot! And I love interesting topics and getting to know new people. So let's do this. First off, I need to know your name. I already know your face from being in here so many times. I'm Maddy," she said, placing both hands on the bar.

[ofxsorcery]

Ros looked over her shoulder at the backroom he mentioned. “Not really, I think the cook might be able to handle it all himself. Unless you want to offer to help him cook. That is if you ever cooked yourself in your entire life.” He probably had a house elf looking after him and the family for all those years. Offering for him to go back there was rather dangerous, but there were still layers of protection there hiding the extra room. And it was not noticeable that there was a room hidden there.

The woman grabbed a firewhiskey for Rabastan as she looked at the front door. People were starting to try to get out but there were also people on the other side of the door, luckily for her. All she could hope for now, was that the people on the outside were quick to make sure the door was unblocked. She placed the glass in front of him on the bar.

“Here you go, on the house. For the trouble of being locked in,” she said to him, her voice sickly sweet as she said so. As if it was faith, after she had spoken those words, the front door opened up again and people walked in, drenched from the rain but happy to find shelter.

“Now, if you don’t mind. I have to make sure that the door won’t get blocked again. My colleague over there will see you out after you’re done with that firewhiskey.” Time to get Lestrange out of there.

He was unaffected by Rosmerta's surprise, aside from the vague recognition that her expression made her look like an idiotic goldfish. It was hardly exaggeration if it were true - which it was. Surely even this infuriating witch knew the difference. He wholeheartedly believed that she understood the legal implications, but having stated his intention he could not be bothered to debate with her about anything else. On her own head be it, if the other patrons saw fit to object. He hoped they did. A little contained riot would make this whole sorry ordeal worth his while. He was not against instigating one.

Since she was usually so vocal, the mere fact that she remained silent confirmed his suspicion. This was not merely a case of protecting one's possessions. There was more to it. So he raised his eyebrows in mirrored indication, still aware of the sounds drifting from the backroom between the storm's heavy thunder claps.

"Does something need your attention back there, Abbott?" In the pause that followed, a couple moved to the front door and proceeded to rattle it. He didn't turn, remaining exactly where he sat, willing to witness how quickly the mood could change in the currently affable room. "Very well. I will have a firewhisky." He deserved it for his trouble. Behind him, the witch with her hand on the door attempted an unbolting charm. It backfired, earning yelps from both sides of the building; others had gathered on the outside in the rain, hoping to shelter inside.