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last online Mar 28, 2024 22:48:18 GMT -7
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Jan 25, 2015 21:55:15 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2015 21:55:15 GMT -7
With five children to escort home, all of which were possible targets for one reason or another, Neville had elected not to use the Hogwarts Express. Much as he loved the old scarlet steam engine, he knew from experience that it was hardly a safe mode of transportation. If someone was determined to stop that train, board it, and search it, that train was stopped, boarded, and searched. The Floo Network was the next logical conclusion, but as that was one area where Harry and Hermione didn't have contacts high up, Neville did not trust it. The system had been in place for a long time, which meant that operating it was generally taught by whoever the current operators were to their chosen replacements. As one of the few places in the Ministry where nepotism still held a degree of sway, it was not to be trusted. Neville was still impressed beyond words that Hermione had unraveled enough of the secrets of Floo travel to create a one-off transport between Longbottom Hill and the Leaky Cauldron that wasn't connected to or detected by the rest of the network. She really was the best fit to take over Hogwarts if she chose to do it. The last major option was a Portkey. Hermione got him a permit easily enough, and scheduled it for lunchtime of the same day that the train left, which gave his charges a bit of a lie-in if they wanted it.
So now here he was, standing in the teacher's lounge at Hogwarts, one hand on one of the tables within, the other holding his father's old pocketwatch. Arrayed around the table were children old and new, with the widest variety of expressions Neville had ever seen among so few. Particularly, Alice's ill-disguised (at least to his eyes) fury at the whole situation worried him. As he had suspected, she would need his attention very soon after they all got home. “Alright then, here we go, in 5...4...3...” Three seconds later, the Portkey grabbed hold of Neville's body by the middle, and they were all torn through space, landing seconds later in the center of the living room, which had been cleared of furniture beforehand by Hannah. Neville reflected that it was a good thing they'd taken a table, so people would be able to brace themselves on landing. He looked around and grinned. The couches, chairs, and low coffee table that normally dotted the room according to Hannah's whims were all lined up against the wall. The large wireless in the corner was off at the moment, and there were no candles, but the noonday sun shone through the skylight, giving the room its usual cheery atmosphere.
Neville smiled. “We're home.”
[Tagging Finley in case you want him to be there when everyone arrives :3]
@hannah @finley @alice @kay @philip @lestrange @remy4
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last online Mar 28, 2024 22:48:18 GMT -7
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Jan 26, 2015 21:10:44 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2015 21:10:44 GMT -7
Hannah had been waiting all day for her husband and the others to arrive at the cauldron. Fin had come over to help her get ready and they had just had a lovely time together. They had moved ask all of the furniture to the sides of the room using magic in order to make room for the family that was going to show up by portkey. "Fin, sweetheart, will you come into the kitchen with me for a moment? They'll be here any second and I'm sure they'll be thirsty!" she smiled excitedly as her dear nephew followed her into the kitchen.
As they filled glasses with juice and wine they heard popping noise on the living room. Hannah bounced on her heel excitedly as she heard Neville speak. She ran into the other room, the glasses floating behind her and landing on the mantelpiece in a neat line.
"Happy Christmas!" she said as she walked up to Alice first, giving her a big hug. She turned to kiss Neville on the cheek next before moving to her boys, giving them each warm hugs. "I'm so glad that you're all here." She tightened her grip on Phil before finally turning to the two dark haired girls. The younger one looked in awe with her jaw dropped.
Hannah walked over to her and reached up to gently tap the girls chin and close her mouth. "Welcome. You must be Andromeda," she smiled warmly at the young girl before turning to her sister. "And Aurora. It's lovely to meet you both," she finally gestured to the drinks, "Anyone thirsty?"
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last online Mar 28, 2024 22:48:18 GMT -7
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Jan 26, 2015 21:40:57 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2015 21:40:57 GMT -7
When the time had come for Andy to decide if she would spend Christmas at Hogwarts or with the Longbottoms, Andy had taken up the offer to go to the Leaky Cauldron almost immediately. She was invited because the Longbottoms were sort of her family now... She was still wrapping her head around the idea of spending an entire year under the legal custody of the Longbottoms. Still, she had decided to spend the break with Phil and his family.
She was nervous about it, but she really shouldn't have been. She knew this family, some of them at least. They would be kind to her, hopefully. She had her bags all packed for the Holiday. She was dancing on the balls of her feet as she waited for it to be time to head to the Teachers lounge to meet up with them. Had her sister decided to come along or was she staying at Hogwarts? Andy hadn't considered asking her, of course.
She groaned internally at the thought of talking to Rory. She had promised the professor that she would make an attempt at reaching out to her. She had no idea where to even start. She was far too proud to approach her sister on her own. No, they needed to get thrown into a situation together. This holiday would be a good opportunity but she had no idea if Aurora was even coming.
The way Andy saw it, she would be spending summer with the Longbottoms herself, so she may as well see what it would be like by spending the break with them now. It wouldn't be that different from Hogwarts right? Her and Phil practically lived together already by sharing a common room. Add Alice, Henry, Aurora and two adults... Ahh. This would be extremely different.
Soon it was time and they were all crowded in the lounge surrounding the portkey. Andy couldn't being herself to look at Aurora... Or Alice. She decided to just keep her eyes fixed on Phil, who was standing next to her. She gave him a nervous smile before they all whisked away, landing at the leaky cauldron.
Andy barely had time to register the room before she saw her. Blond hair, warm smile, loving tone of voice. Andy didn't notice she was staring until mrs. Longbottom closed her mouth. "Yes ma'am," Andy squeaked out when Hannah guessed who she was. Before she knew it the blonde was gone and there was a glass of juice in Andys hand. She instinctively leaned closer to Phil, pressing her shoulder into his. Trying not to freak out.
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last online Mar 28, 2024 22:48:18 GMT -7
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Jan 26, 2015 23:35:34 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2015 23:35:34 GMT -7
Finley was a family person. He loved his mother, father, and younger sister very much, but alas, the official Abbott family gathering wasn't destined to be until a little later in the month. Therefore, today was just a regular old day to him. He had no games to play, his sister was at a friend's house, and his parents were doing their own stuff. Fin had the day all to himself, and he usually would just hit up some pals to hang out with in this situation. However, he was in the mood to stop by at the Leaky first to see how his aunt was doing. He absolutely loved Hannah. She was such a hard-working, spunky, affectionate, loving lady. He couldn't have asked for a better aunt! He also liked his uncle-in-law, Neville, and his cousins, too.
When he came over, Fin was surprised to find nary a soul at the pub. Oh wait, it was a closing day. Also, it was the day that Neville and his cousins were coming home for the holidays, too! Fin hadn't known that, and he was excited to see the whole Longbottom pack again. When Hannah said she needed help arranging things in the pub to make it suitable for a little welcome home celebration, Finley had offered to pitch in immediately. He had the whole day to himself, was a strong guy, and was gallant. No way was he going to leave a woman, least of all his own aunt, to do stuff all by herself, especially when she needed help! Granted, life was easier because they had magic, but she wanted to get a lot done and two could get the job done faster.
After they had moved all the furniture to the side, Hannah asked him if he could help her pour drinks for them, and Fin quickly nodded. "Sure thing, Aunt Hannah! We don't want to leave them parched, now, do we?" he agreed, sounding equally as happy as Hannah. "Phil would never cease to make my life a living hell if that be the case! Hmm...maybe Alice, too, but Henry's too sweet to do that, I think." Fin could imagine Phil being more physically violet, although Alice's rage would be more icy and cold. And, of course, Henry was an innocent puppy, bless him. He was seriously looking forward to a reunion with his cousins, who he hadn't seen it a long time. Uncle Neville was just as great to be around, too.
He followed his aunt into the kitchen and commenced to assist her in filling them up with beverages. Right when they were done it seemed, the family chose to arrive. Fin grinned and followed his aunt out of the kitchen and back into the other room. Once he made it there, he definitely saw his uncle and cousins--however, there were also two other girls who he hadn't been expecting to see. He stared at them with ill concealed surprise. "Aurora? Andromeda?" he said bluntly. He definitely remembered them, as they were close in age with him, which ensured that he'd seen them around at school before. They were from the fearful Lestrange family, but were rather normal kids. And they were hot, too, both with their own unique beauty.
He wouldn't have minded trying to flirt with them if only he had not been expecting them to show up randomly at a Longbottom holiday celebration. What did both girls have to do with his aunt's family? Finley had no idea. Maybe both girls were friends of the Longbottom children and wanted to spend time with them for the holidays? But wait, wasn't Aurora a Ravenclaw? Didn't Alice hate Ravenclaws? So maybe the girls were just friends of either Philip or Henry or both? Or maybe Andromeda was also Alice's friend too but Aurora tagged along nonetheless? Weird, but intriguing!
His first instinct was to approach them first, but of course he remembered his relatives and had the decency to greet them first. Finley moved first to Neville and gave his uncle a quick hug. "Hey, Uncle Neville!" he greeted him after stepping back and giving him a grin. "It's good to see you again! How's teaching going for you, Uncle?" Usually kids were a bit indifferent to the spouses of their aunts and uncles, but Neville was just really cool. He had also been Finley's herbology teacher, so they had a bond beyond a curt greeting and a faint level of acknowledgement of the others existence. He smiled mischievously. "Sneaking some good grades in for Phil, Al, and Sir Henrington lately? I hope so!" That was a joke, of course, because he knew that his uncle was the last person on earth to do that.
Laughing, he turned towards his cousins and hugged Alice, Philip, and Henry in turn. "Agh, I missed you little school cubs!" he said affectionately. They weren't that much younger than him, but still, he was the one out of school while they still had to put their uniforms into use, so Fin felt rather old right now, and they seemed rather small to him. "Listening to your professors and getting good marks like good little children, now, hmm?" He looked at Phil, then, remembering the Gryffindor was a Quidditch player too. "Oh yeah, Phil, did you get to play in any games recently?" he asked, genuinely curious for obvious reasons.
And now it was time to address the two lovely Lestranges! It wasn't hard to turn his attention to Andromeda, for she was standing really close to Phil. Finley looked surprisingly amused. She was standing really close to Phil...was Phil bringing home a girlfriend? But then why was the sister here too? Surely Aurora couldn't be dating Henry--good god, no!!! And Neville and Hannah had made no mention about Andromeda being Phil's lady friend...and the sisters seemed rather anxious as well. It still didn't make a lot of sense to Fin, but what mattered was greeting them.
He flashed both the girls his most charming and suave smile. "Hey there," he said. He probably would've added some kind of pet name at the end, but considering the rather strange circumstances of the situation where he most likely had to behave a little more gravely--after all, these were the guests of his relatives, he refrained from that. "I'm Finley Abbott, Al, Phil, and Henry's cousin. I do believe we've seen each other before in Hogwarts." And he couldn't help but wink at them.
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last online Mar 28, 2024 22:48:18 GMT -7
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Feb 4, 2015 15:21:01 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2015 15:21:01 GMT -7
The day had come.
They were all in the teachers lounge. Team Longbottom. Him, papa, sister, brother, Andy, and Aurora. They were finally going to go home for the holidays and not only was he going to have a break from schoolwork and be with his warm and cozy family, Philip was going to get a taste of what it was like to have a friend with him under the same roof, and how it was to be a trusted guide and companion to a guest as well. He couldn't wait. He was more excited than he let out. Phil wasn't too expressive when it came to excitement, and he was embarrassed about showing it plainly in front of Andy and his family. Therefore, he looked casual as they surrounded Neville and the portkey he had in his hands, all of them touching it. Philip agreed that using a portkey was the best option for the reasons his father explained. By now the feeling of using a portkey stopped catching him by surprise. He was used to it now, and he also thought it was the ideal choice because it would ensure that they would make it home together without anyone potentially getting left behind, especially because they were using the same portkey.
So on a count of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Phil felt the same sensation that Neville felt when he was transported from the teacher's lounge and to the ever so familiar Leaky Cauldron. He blinked, taking in this change of surroundings for a quick moment, but smiling when the thought registered to him that they were finally home. "We made it," he murmured, glancing at his fellow portkey-ers to make sure no man was left behind. Good, they were all here. He knew that Andy was with there, though, as she was standing next to him. He preferred that she stuck close to him, because he was pretty much the only one who she actually knew and got along out of all of them. Alice was not in the best mood, Aurora and her had sibling problems, and she generally didn't know Henry and his parents well. It was probably harder for her, too, because she was nervous about this new experience. Phil hoped to ease that some.
He looked around to see where his mum was, but that was not necessary, as his mother was soon bursting out of the kitchen with glasses of juice...with Finley following from behind! Phil looked surprised, for he hadn't been expecting his cousin to be here, too. Well, all the better, because Fin got along well with most people, Alice included, and so his sunny aura might help dispel some of the tension, especially with Alice. He could also make Andy and Aurora feel welcome, too.
Phil grinned at his mother and cousin. "Hey mum! Hey Fin! It's great to see you," he said happily. When his mother hugged him, Phil hugged her back. He was usually not a person to hug, but his mother was a person who he was used to hugging more than anyone else in the world besides him voluntarily hugging Andy. "I missed you," he said to her before releasing her and stepping back. He then hugged Fin, even if this one made him feel more awkward. "Uh, heh, missed you too, Fin, I guess," he said, smiling a little strangely. He was glad when Fin released him and rolled his eyes at his remark about them being little school cubs. "Yeah, sure, as if you're not just a little older than us."
Phil heaved a sigh of regret when Fin asked him about any recent games. "We did have one before the break, one against Slytherin," he said reluctantly. "But we lost." It was just a game and Phil didn't lose sleep over losing, but still, it was always better to report a victory back to a fellow Quidditch enthusiast, especially one who had a low opinion on Slytherins. He shrugged. "We did our best, though," he added defiantly before Fin could make a nasty comment about that. Fin of all people should remember his former team mates and how ambitious they were in Quidditch. They did do all they could and put a considerable amount of skill in effort into the game. And the Slytherins were just as good, so it was a game of chance. Fin, again, should know how it felt like to lose some games too, if he was the Quidditch player he called himself. As cocky as he was, reality most likely showed him that winning wasn't always an option in every game he played. Every good player out there had tasted defeat before, Phil was sure.
He then watched Fin greet Andy and Aurora, and he glanced at the girls and his cousin from the corner of his eye with a slight frown, not knowing whether to be amused or worried. Was he going to creep them out? He knew Fin had a thing for pretty girls, but Rory and Andy were most likely NOT in the mood for that stuff. But if he looked worried, that would just make it worse, so he decided to pretend to believe that Fin was just being a good old neighbor. He smiled then, keeping his eyes on Andy to assure her that all was okay.
@hannah, @finley, @alice, @superluigi64, @kay, @lestrange, @remy4
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last online Mar 28, 2024 22:48:18 GMT -7
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Feb 5, 2015 3:28:59 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2015 3:28:59 GMT -7
This was a tricky situation.
Not only did Aurora go to the Longbottom professor, but she accepted his invitation to live with them for a period of time while she was getting an education. Neville practically adopted her. Because of that, Aurora was more than grateful for this opportuinity. Aurora left her room with a backpack on her back. She wasn’t sure how long they’d be there for and enchanted her pack to hold many books and clothing for all occasions. The brunette was soon ready for the trip.
Entering the room, Aurora avoided most eye contact, other than Mr. Longbottom's. She gave him a friendly smile and head nod before waiting for the command. When everyone grabbed the portkey, Aurora instinctively grabbed her sister’s hand in a sense of protection. She opted to stand by the girl because she was the one she currently trusted to stand by. Everyone else was a stranger or hated her.
The blue eye girl reluctantly let go of her sister’s hand when they landed.
This was not the first time Aurora took a portkey. She did a handful of travels with her father and mother creating a graceful landing for the brunette when they reached their destination. This was no different. Aurora still felt the butterflies in her stomach and the had a blurry vision. BUt her landing was just as graceful as anything else she did and was accustom to. The dark haired girl waited a moment to get her feeling back.
Prier to coming to the Longbottom’s, Aurora kept the fact away from James. Though Aurora acted as though nothing was going on between her and Alice, Aurora knew the blonde had no liking for her just because of her house, but the moment Aurora agreed to keep contact with James and encourage his behavior, she knew there was nothing but hatred in Alice’s heart where Aurora was concerned. Having James show up because Aurora was around… The girl was a Ravenclaw for a reason and put logic to the situation. Hopefully this would be a smooth get away than anything else.
Aurora’s bright blue eyes looked around her surroundings. A small smile grew on her face. Where they landed was warm and welcoming, nothing like the stone and cold atmosphere of their mansion of a home. It was bright and a bit cluttered, but Aurora thought it was better than spacious environment she was use to. Her eyes finally went on to look at the faces surrounding her, the first time she did so during this whole time. She was happy to see them all, until it dawned on her. She had no one in the room other than Mr. Longbottom for support. Alice hated her, she didn’t know Henry, and well Andy had Phil, she could clearly see it along with the fact that Andy and Aurora were a bit estranged, Aurora was completely alone. Sometimes it didn’t matter what environment she was in, Aurora still carried a haunting feeling of loneliness. It made her heart fall to the bottom of her stomach. She wished she could owl her brother and visit him, but the idea was a bit far fetched at the moment. Nonetheless, Aurora turned on her socialite self and applied it to the people around her. Polite, quiet and only speak when spoken to, that was Aurora's defense.
Hannah first acknowledged Andromeda, someone who could be quickly welcomed to the family. As for Aurora. The girl stayed silent keeping her eyes on the ground. She had her books, she had her silence. All she needed was a corner and the girl would stay out of everyone’s way. Aurora nodded to the blonde and finally made eye contact, “Thank you.” Aurora took the juice and pushed her eyes back on the floor. Whatever confidence and bravery she earned from standing up to her father was now gone. She felt out so of place.
Aurora thought the greetings were done until another fellow appeared in front of her and her sister. Aurora looked up curiously and raised an eyebrow at the young man. He was charming and welcoming, but the added wink made Aurora think of James. This Finley was a bit like him in that sense, seeing as, James was the only one to pay immediate attention to Aurora and act on in. Aurora glanced at Neville before looking at Finley. “Yes... I suppose.” She nodded before looking away from him. Aurora was back to being the shy and unsure mouse she had been since she was a child. The brunette reached a hand up and ran it through her brown locks. She looked up again, but this time, her eyes landed on Alice. The girl must hate her. Aurora’s eyes stayed on Alice a bit more, fear lingering in them before she brought her eyes to her juice and took a sip of it. Yup, the loneliness was settled deep within her. Different atmosphere, same feeling.
Felt like she’d never find an escape.
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last online Mar 28, 2024 22:48:18 GMT -7
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Feb 6, 2015 18:29:07 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2015 18:29:07 GMT -7
This couldn't be happening. This really couldn't be happening.
Of all people in the whole wide world, it had to be her? Her sister, Alice didn't really know or care about but... her? As if avoiding James alone this holiday wasn't going to be bad enough, it was surely going to be much harder now that Aurora Lestrange was staying with her family! Needless to say, Alice was simply outraged. How could her father think this was a good idea? Not only was this girl "dating" James, but she was a Lestrange for Merlin's sake! Had her dad gone completely bonkers? Had he forgotten what her relatives were responsible for doing to their family all those years ago? It wasn't like a Longbottom to hold grudges but that was just one instance that Alice couldn't look past. That, and of course considering everything that had gone on recently... Did her dad not suspect them at all? Of course not. Her father was much to unprejudiced and kind to listen to rumors. Alice didn't love him any less for this but she was certainly not happy with him. At all.
Alice couldn't help but fold her arms, Oscar her cat curled up in them, in front of her and scowl as she awaited the others to arrive. She was just ready to be home. Ready to see her mother and be in her room, in her own bed. Her two pygmy puffs were nuzzled in her robe pockets somewhere. She was just excited to be curled up in her bed with them at this point. Any thought she had had about a peaceful and happy holiday had gone out the window the moment her father explained to her what was going on. She avoided her father's eyes the entire time they stood in the teachers' lounge. She was mad at him, yes, but... she felt bad for it. Alice figured her father was doing what he felt was the right thing but a part of Alice felt like he had not at all considered how this would affect his family. What if one or both of these girls were guilty for the recent murders? What then? Would he be reprimanded? Would her whole family's safety be at stake? Alice usually trusted her father but in this particular instance... she wasn't sure what to think.
As the last of the group showed, Alice prepared herself. She tightened her grip on Oscar and as her father counted down, Alice's eyes only on the table, she prepared herself for the weeks that lie ahead. "5... 4... 3..." She placed her hand on the table and Alice felt the same old pull behind her naval as her family traveled by the Portkey back home. It was nothing special. Alice had traveled by Portkey many times in her life and this time was no different. A part of her just wished she could have Apparated by herself so she wouldn't have to be around the Lestranges. Within moments, Alice was finally in the comforts of her living room. She looked around at the familiar furniture all pushed up against the walls. She set Oscar down on the floor and he immediately ran off. Oscar had only traveled with her a few times through Portkey and he was still not used to it. Alice's eyes were then met by blonde hair that matched her own. The smell of the perfume and shampoo this particular person wore filled Alice's nostrils and finally, Alice didn't have to force a smile or anything. "Happy Christmas, Mum," she said quietly to her mother. As Hannah moved on to hug her brothers, Alice's eyes met Finley's and she smiled again. She hugged him tightly as he, too, made his rounds. Finley was one family member Alice got along with easily. "Hey, Fin," she said, playfully rolling her eyes at his calling them "cubs."
And... everyone had moved on to the Lestranges now. Alice rolled her eyes. To Alice, this was hardly deserving of a "welcome home party." She folded her arms across her chest once more and eyed her family trying to mingle with the sisters. Why was Aurora's sister standing so close to Philip? And why did Finley look so suddenly all interested in them? They were Lestranges. Evil? Torturers? Was this not ringing a bell with anyone else? Alice rolled her eyes and let out an audible, annoyed sigh. "Well..." she said quietly, at first. She could feel something like anger rising in her. "I think I'll be retiring to my bedroom." What happened next just happened, and Alice wasn't even thinking about. Her eyes fell on her father. They were blank and she showed no emotion except for the icy tone of her voice, a tone she had never used with her father. "That is... if that hasn't been rented out to someone else?" She stood there a moment, staring at her father. When she couldn't bear to stand there a moment longer, she turned on her heel and exited the living room.
She regretted saying that the moment the last word left her lips.
@superluigi64 @hannah @philip @remy4 @lestrange @kay
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last online Mar 28, 2024 22:48:18 GMT -7
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Feb 10, 2015 8:59:30 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2015 8:59:30 GMT -7
Hannah practically danced into the room, a trail of drinks following in her wake. Nothing could mar things for her on the day that her brood flocked home. Neville watched her pass greetings all around, content for now with the shortest greeting. They both knew their time to talk would come later, when everyone was in bed and they would have the many events of the day to discuss. He did have to hold in the laughter when she closed Andromeda's mouth for her, though. Finley’s presence was a surprise. Neville had not expected him to be here—not that it mattered, his nephew was a good kid, but still. “Finley Mason Abbott, are you suggesting my children need help to get good grades?” he asked in mock offense, but let Finley move on to discussing Quidditch with Philip. Neville just sat back and listened to everyone talking back and forth, noting that Aurora wasn’t saying much. He did catch her look at him before responding to Fin’s flirtations, and decided he’d knock the wind from his nephew’s sails right now. “Now Fin, you know I love you, right? But this is Aurora and Andromeda’s first day at their new home, and if you make them feel uncomfortable on their first day, your aunt is going to throw you out of the window. And I will not be stopping her this time.” He ruffled the Chaser’s hair playfully, but squeezed his head just a little as he did, warning him not to ask questions. If Finley was curious, he could corner Neville or his aunt later and talk to them.
And then Alice decided to head to her room. But the last words she threw at her father cut worse than any blade. Neville did not yell at her, but he did not flinch away either. He merely locked eyes with his daughter, disappointment and sadness warring for dominance, until she turned and left. He would have to talk to her—but later. What she’d just said might have done irreparable damage, Aurora already looked on the verge of wanting to leave and he couldn’t stop her if she really wanted to. But she needed to stay, for her own sake. “Don’t mind Alice. She doesn’t speak for the rest of us, and she did this exact same thing with both of her brothers.” But that one line had ruined the mood, and Neville could tell. He needed to find a way to bring it back. So instead, he looked around, one eyebrow raised. “Hannah dear, I think we’ll need to decorate for Christmas tonight. What do you think?” It would be good, if he could get everyone participating. Well, everyone except Alice. She would stay in her room with the door locked until tomorrow at the earliest. He turned to the sisters and smiled. “Alright, so, tour time. This is the sitting room, feel free to use the wireless in the corner. We’ll get the furniture back off the walls in a bit. Through that door is the kitchen. Anytime you’re hungry, feel free. There’s a bathroom there, and that door goes to the den. Through the den, the Leaky Cauldron is downstairs. The laundry room is through there.”
Neville turned and pointed toward glass doors on the far wall. “Those are the greenhouses. The double doors lead to the Grove. Mostly it’s an orchard with fruit and nut trees, but we have some other useful trees too—Phil, we’ll need to cut the Christmas trees later—and there’s a nice vegetable garden and a few berry bushes too. You can go in anytime, eat whatever you like that you find, it’s all safe. Oh, and if you want to send a letter, Percival stays in there most of the time.” The Grove served as the megabat’s food source when they were all home. It was also probably the most expensive greenhouse in Britain, laden down with enchantments to its size, weather and climate control, time dilation enchantments to speed up the food growth, and anti-pest wards. “The smaller, single door leads to the Glade. That one’s not as big, but still a pretty big greenhouse. The Grove is for food and mundane plants, the Glade is for the magical ones. Don’t go in there without one of us just yet. I don’t mind you being in there, but you’ll need to learn the dangerous areas. A few of the plants in that greenhouse are of the more lethal variety.” Nothing overly dangerous, of course—the truly deadly plants were all grown in the highest-security greenhouses over on Longbottom Hill. The two greenhouses here served entirely to help produce supplies for the Leaky Cauldron and the Longbottoms.
Neville motioned for the others to follow him as he traced Alice’s path out of the living room, into a long hall with nine doors: four on either side, and one at the very end of the hall. “Right, so, the door at the very end is our bedroom,” he said, pulling Hannah to him as he said that. They had their own bathroom in there, a walk-in closet, and a side entrance to the Grove, among other things. “Then the next two doors are Alice’s room on the left and a small office on the right.” The office served dual functions: Neville used it to store documents related to old Auror cases, while Hannah kept the Cauldron’s books and the Hill’s supply tallies. It also made a quiet place to write letters when needed. “The next two are a bathroom to the left and a linen closet to the right. Then we have Philip to the left and Henry to the right. And the last pair are new.”
Neville walked over and pushed the doors closest to the group open, beckoning the Lestrange sisters forward. The one on the left—well, his right now that he had turned around—was Andromeda’s, set right next to Philip for her own comfort. The one across the hall was Aurora’s, putting her close to her sister and farthest from Alice. The rooms were almost identical. Both were nice and roomy, and both had a twin bed, with a small table and lamp beside them, a bookcase, a vanity, a chest of drawers, a closet with a full-length mirror beside it, and two chairs—one big, purple, and squishy for curling up in, the other small and wooden, for sitting at a desk or in front of a mirror. The only difference was the beds themselves—Andromeda’s had a deep red blanket on it, with the Gryffindor crest carved into the headboard. Aurora’s had a dark blue with Ravenclaw’s crest instead. There was nothing else of decoration, giving the rooms an empty feeling, but Neville would not abide that for long, and he suspected his wife would not, either. “They’re a bit sparse now, but we’ll get that fixed up soon. For now, feel free to put your stuff wherever you like and decorate it however you please. We have paints, you can stick whatever pictures you like to the wall and ceiling, however you like it. Your room, your tastes. The only thing we can’t allow you do to is nothing.” Neville smiled reassuringly. This was their home now, for as long as they wanted it, and he fully intended to drive that point home by not allowing them to “respect” the rooms by leaving them as they were.
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last online Mar 28, 2024 22:48:18 GMT -7
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Feb 11, 2015 12:16:26 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2015 12:16:26 GMT -7
Hannah watched happily from the sidelines as Neville chastised Fin. She nodded with a faux serious look on her face when Neville implied that she would throw Fin out the window if he made the day uncomfortable in any way for the new girls. She moved to stand beside Neville as Alice said she'd be heading to her room now. "But Alice we're-" Hannah didn't finish her sentence as Alice directed that hurtful comment at her father. She took a step forward, as if she was going to follow the girl, but didn't. Instead she reached over and took Nevilles hand, squeezing it tightly for a moment. This was the one thing she was worried about when Neville said he'd invited the girls to live with them and it was already starting. He needed her hand for comfort just as much as she needed his.
"I think that sounds lovely!" Hannah chimed in happily, purposefully aiming a bright smiling at Aurora, who looked the most uncomfortable out of the group. "You two will need to make some ornaments, of course," Hannah said to the Lestrange sisters. She had a tradition of having the entire family make a new ornament for the tree every year, and these two would be no exception. Hopefully being included int he tradition would make the girls feel more at home.
Hannah released Nevilles hand as the tour began and moved to stand near the two girls as he showed them around the flat. Before moving out of the living room, however, Hannah turned to the three boys. "Will you three put the furniture back in it's place? And no funny business, you!" she pointed knowingly at Henry, her youngest, before following Neville and the girls down the hall and toward the two new rooms added for the girls. She smiled at Aurora and Andromeda as Neville encouraged them to decorate. "We can even do some shopping later, if you'd like," she added, "but that will have to wait until tomorrow! I'm going to get started on dinner-if anyone would like to join me?" she raised an eyebrow at the two girls and her husband.
@kay @lestrange @superluigi64 @remy4 @philip @finley
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last online Mar 28, 2024 22:48:18 GMT -7
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Feb 14, 2015 11:42:48 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2015 11:42:48 GMT -7
Andy found herself rubbing her hands together. She could still feel Auroras hand placed protectively over her own. She felt unbalanced when her sister let go, hence why she leaned in closer to Phil. She wanted to show her sister that they were in this together, but she wasn't sure how. She wasn't sure if she could... Things were entirely different between them now that it was clear how alike the two of them really were. Andy really could relate to her sister in so many ways now but she didn't know how to start. She did know, however, that under the Longbottom roof she could learn to converse with her sister. She could learn to show her love... But that would take time and effort from both of them.
When Fin approached them, acting like his normal flirty self, Andy just smiled and rolled her eyes. "Long time no see, Fin. Still breaking hearts?" She smirked. They were in the same house and only three years apart, so Andy knew of him well. Plus, Fin was the type of guy who made sure every girl in the tower knew of his existence. He was a good guy though, she could tell.
Suddenly the room became focused on Alice seemingly throwing a little tantrum, which didn't surprise Andy. She had been warned that the eldest Longbottom was but entirely thrilled about the girls arrival. Andy just watched in silence, glancing at Aurora with a soft look of understanding. This would be harder for her than it was for Andy. Andy had Phil... And who did Aurora have? Just Andy. Andy who was not being as supportive as she could be. No, Andy was hiding beside Phil while her sister was left to stand with no one to lean on. Still, Andy didn't move yet.
When Hannah suggested that Andy and Aurora needed to make ornaments for the Christmas Tree, Andy almost shook her head. But it seemed like something that was important to Mrs. Longbottom and Andy couldn't go around denying the offer. No, she just smiled a little and held her hands together in front of her, not wanting to leave Phils side. But, as the tour began, Andy froze when Hannah asked the boys to stay behind and set up the room. Her heart pounded a little as she made eye contact with Phil. A you better be here when I get back, look crossed her face and her eyes widened a little as she moved away from him, following the adults around the flat.
It was homey, that was certain. There was a warm quality to the space that Andy haven't ever really experienced before. She found she was standing closer to her sister then she had in years as the four of them made their way down the hall. Andy leaned into the doorway of the room that was meant to be hers and smiled at the Gryffindor bed frame and blankets. She also registered that Phils room was right beside hers and her heart seemed to calm a little. She kept her hand on the door frame as she turned to see the blue in Auroras room and listen to the Longbottoms talk about decorating.
Decorating? Andy wasn't sure what she'd even put in there. She'd have her luggage, of course, and some books that Jude had recommended to her.... but most of her other belongings were at her parents house. Not that she had anything there that she really cared about. No, she'd figure something out. The idea of a shopping trip with Mrs. Longbottom caused Andy to smile a little once more. That sounded nice.
Andy made eye contact with her sister briefly as Hannah offered for them to help her with dinner. She wanted to see what Aurora would do. Would they go together? Would Aurora want to stay in her room? She fought the overwhelming urge to run back to Phil and the boys, for part of her would rather help them in the living room than anything else...
@kay @hannah @superluigi64 @remy4 @philip @finley
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last online Mar 28, 2024 22:48:18 GMT -7
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Mar 19, 2015 21:20:04 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2015 21:20:04 GMT -7
((So sorry for holding this up.))
Fin smiled, amused by Aurora's shyness. Typical Ravenclaw girl action--well, that is, beside's Cori's. Andy though was Gryffindor enough to banter back, and he grinned. "There are times when I feel bad about it, but it can't be helped," he quipped back. Unfortunately, though, his uncle was not pleased with what he was doing and was not shy of stating so. Uncle Neville was a lovable bear but he was not one to argue back against. "Excuse me? Uncomfortable?" he protested, but Fin knew that he had to stop, especially when he felt Neville give his head a squeeze while ruffling his hair.
He frowned slightly, but upon making glancing at the Lestrange girls again, he wriggled his eyebrows before abandoning the chase completely. He wasn't going to give up without leaving a mark of some sort. Anyway, he glanced at Alice when she spoke up about retiring to her bed early. "Uh, Alice, you just got here. What's up with going back to your room so soon?" he asked quizzically, and with perplexity in his tone. Knowing Alice, she didn't really seem to be in the best mood. He wasn't sure why, momentarily forgetting about her aversion to Ravenclaws--well, at least, the speculation that she did that Phil shared with him.
His eyes widened a little when Alice made that snarky comment. Okay, something was not right...was it because of the visiting girls? Fin had absolutely no idea why they were here and was curious, but first and foremost it seemed like Alice was disturbed by their presence. He wondered what was between her and the Lestranges. Maybe she resented their family name for having harmed her family? Finley definitely knew about the past Longbottom-Lestrange conflict, and it was understandable that she would be biased, if not fair. He decided to tag along with Alice to ask her what the girls were here for and if she didn't like them and why; he was feeling nosy about both cases. Curiosity was a huge factor, but of course he was concerned for his cousin, too.
He cast a sidelong glance at his uncle and aunt, who looked troubled. He then looked again at Alice, who was leaving the living room. Finley decided to talk to her. She was the cousin closest to his age and they had this kind of bond. Maybe he could fish some answers from her even if she might not be in the mood to. After all, he was stubborn and she knew that, and she might find it worthwhile to confide in him. He'd have to put up a pretext of sympathizing with her--and hey, maybe he actually did/would.
Looking again at the entourage, though, he knew he was needed. He was supposed to help Phil and Henry reorganize the furniture, and he was not going to say not to his aunt. That would not be gallant to do. So instead, he nodded. "Leave it to us men! Have fun," he said before glancing again at Phil and Henry, taking out his wand. "You know, I'm tempted to start a duel right in the middle of this convenient space, but we all know that's suicide if your mum catches us. Now, let's get down to business, boys!"
He pointed his wand at the first piece of furniture; it levitated, and he moved it back to its original place. He may seem cool and casual, but he was still worried about Alice. He'd catch up with her later. Come to think of it, he was worried as much as he was curious. Perhaps more so. After all, she was a dear cousin and it would dismay him to see her distraught.
@alice
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last online Mar 28, 2024 22:48:18 GMT -7
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Mar 22, 2015 9:24:07 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2015 9:24:07 GMT -7
Phil was satisfied when his dad had a tactfully humorous way of getting Fin to stop flirting with the girls, although he did grin at Andy's sarcastic response. He snorted when Neville warned Fin from taking it further, getting him a sharp glance from his cousin, but he didn't care as he was all tot familiar with dealing with an annoyed Fin.
What he was not all that peachy about, though, was Alice's snarky remark toward their dad. He frowned at her, dreading her less than friendly reaction to having Andy and Aurora here. He had tried to assure Andy that she would have nothing to worry about in the Longbottom residence, but now he wondered if there would be tensions between Andy and Alice with the way his sister was behaving. He didn't want that, as he wanted Andy and her sister to be as comfortable as possible. He sighed and glanced at Andy to see if she was alright. Andy was looking at her sister and apparently she thought that Aurora was the one who needed more protection than her. It relieved him to see that she that she wasn't taken it as badly as he would've thought she would, but nonetheless he inconspicuously inched a little closer to her.
And then Alice left and it was then that Neville wanted to give the girls a tour around the house. Phil thought that was a good idea, of course, because they would need to know how to navigate this place if they were going to stay here, and because his father was gentle company. He hoped it would help them forget what Alice said. He couldn't join, though, as he was supposed to help Fin and Henry move the furniture back.
Phil smiled encouragingly at Andy before she left, as he caught the nervousness on her face. "You'll be fine. See you around," he said. He had imagined that he would follow Andy everywhere she went around the house, but now he realized that she didn't need that much protection. He trusted his father completely with Andy and Aurora, and if she was going to make herself at home here, she ought to be confident about venturing around it on her own.
He turned back toward the furniture and pulled out his wand, rolling his eyes. "Very mature of you, Fin," he said drolly. "But, yes, that's the only thing you've ever gotten right." His mother was NOT going to be happy if she saw them dueling in the middle of the living room. Anyway, Philip preceded to move the furniture back to its original places with his wand.
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