Mamma Mia, Here I Go Again -- Raina

[Irina Rose Krum]

Irina was pretty excited about seeing a theatre show with Raina; her parents had gotten them the tickets for the first of June and the weather was simply perfect. They could sit outside on the patio of a restaurant before heading over to the theatre to enjoy the show. Irina had been able to listen to some of the ABBA songs featured in the musical; they all seemed pretty fun, bubbly and easy to dance to. She was sure Raina would enjoy it almost if not more than she would herself. Irina had made a reservation for them at the Radio Rooftop Bar, right across the street from the theatre. She had braved the phone after seeing it offered spectacular outdoor views of the Thames and of London, which would be wonderful while they ate.

June first arrived, and Irina got ready quickly; their dinner reservation was for five thirty, but Irina was taking Raina along in Side-Along Apparition, and she wanted to be early to the Leaky Cauldron as an extra precaution, in case Merlin forbid anything went wrong. She wore a green and white floral sundress, her hair plaited in a long black braid down her back, and she had put on minimal makeup, just to accentuate her eyes. She waited at the bottom of the stairs, her white sandals tapping with anxious anticipation. “Rai! Come on we have to get going,” she called up, tapping her watch as if her sister could actually hear her.

@raina

[Deleted]

When Raina had found out about the plans for her and Irina to go to the theater she had completely freaked out, in a good way of course - but she had freaked out rather spectacularly. Since finding out she had been buzzing with excitement and eagerly counting down the time until they would be leaving, the fact that she'd be going with Irina was a complete bonus of course - she was more than happy to spend some special time with just the two of them, she was still a little sad that come the new school year - Irina wouldn't be going back to Hogwarts with her. It left her with a little unease, change was never something that Raina dealt with all that well - changes could be good sometimes - but for the most part, she saw them as something uncomfortable and strange.

But the time spent with her family before yet another change happened, it was helping and she was still in good spirits. She had taken care in her appearance, having very little make up on, it wasn't something she wore all that much anyways - her hair carefully brushed - still a slight blue but mostly her hair was back to her natural color, she wasn't sure if she'd charm it again or not yet. She was wearing a similar dress as her sister but hers was in a dark blue - she quickly slipped her flats on before looking up as she heard her sister calling, "Coming Rina!" she called back, pausing only to grab her bag - making sure she had everything she needed before rushing down the stairs, jumping the last three and landing beside her sister, "Lets go Rina!" Her hand darted out, clasping Irina's hand and tugging her gently, "We don't want to run late."

Irina Rose Krum

[Irina Rose Krum]

Irina smiled as her baby sister came rushing down the stairs, looking so pretty and grown up. “I’m sorry, I’m looking for my sister Raina, have you seen her?” she asked, pretending to be confused for a moment before laughing. “You look lovely Rai,” she told her, allowing her to lead her out into the yard. “Alright, hold tight,” she told her, squeezing Raina’s hands. She closed her eyes, picturing the courtyard of the Leaky Cauldron in her mind. She could smell the Shepherd’s Pie baking in the kitchen, the brick wall in front of her, waiting to be tapped in the proper order to reveal the giant, glimmering archway of Diagon Alley. She counted to three in her head, and spun on the spot. There was that quick, suffocating feeling she always got while Apparating, before it vanished, her feet planted firmly on the ground. Quickly, Irina opened her eyes and checked herself and Raina out. Both looked alright; no body parts missing at the very least. With that out of the way, Irina found herself smiling widely.

“Right, let’s head to the restaurant for dinner,” she said rather excitedly. The rooftop bar offered, according to reviews, the most dazzling views of London from the Thames; perfect for a sister dinner date. Letting go of Raina’s hands to link arms, Rina led them out of the Leaky Cauldron, saying hi to the bartender as they left to join Muggle London. They only took one wrong turn, but eventually made it to the right building. Rina gave her name at the front, and they were taken to the top floor to a table overlooking the Thames. She set down her shawl and went over to look at the majestic view of London. “Wow,” she breathed with a smile. She looked back at Raina, crossing back to sit down with her. “So the food here is small plates, so tapas style. We can get a few and share everything; sound good?” she told her, pulling out the menus for them to look at.

@raina

[Deleted]

Raina burst into giggles, shaking her head slightly - her hair flying around her shoulders slightly at the action - it was mostly back to its usual brunette - but she was debating changing it to blue again, it had been nice while she had it and she was starting to miss the blue. Her eyes rolled playfully as she stood beside her sister, wrapping her arm around Irina's, "You look amazing 'Rina!" she happily commented, her hand reaching up to gently play with her sisters hair before clinging onto her. Her eyes squinting closed tightly. While she didn;t need to picture anything - the sensation was still an unusual one and she knew it was coming. She held her breath - only letting go when she felt herself feel more back to normal. "Thats still so weird.." she blinked quickly before shooting her own blinding smile back at her sister, her usual bubbling self back again.

She had been looking forward to this ever since it was decided on, and now seeing Irina just as excited - it fueled into her own as she nodded happily, linking arms with her sister as she followed Irina's lead - her own eyes taking in everything as she held in a tiny little squeal she knew was building. But she hadn't expected where they ended up and out came the little squeal once she took in the view, "Rina! Look at this place!" Her eyes were alight as she breathed in, clinging to Irina slightly - only looking back when it was time to sit down; and even then her eyes darted around, "That sounds perfect - plus that means we get to try even more." She was clearly a little distracted - much like she had been as a small child, wide eyed and curious as she tried to see every little thing, but with a deep breath she focuses herself enough to look over the menu, straightening herself up a little - she didn't want to embarrass her sister after all.

Irina Rose Krum

[Irina Rose Krum]

Irina smiled widely at Raina’s awestruck reaction to the rooftop restaurant. “I thought you’d like it,” she said happily as her sister finally came to join her at the table. “Exactly my point,” she added, nodding at her sisters’ comment. The more food the better in Irina’s own personal opinion. “Let’s get...two each for four total,” she decided finally, knowing it was a bit much for just two people, but Irina’s stomach was far bigger than most people. Or so she had been told by pretty much anyone who had dined with her. She sat back, scanning the menu in depth for options that sounded appealing to her. When she had finally decided, a waiter appeared with waters for them, as if he knew they were ready. “Can I do the Black Truffle Arancini, and the English Asparagus?” she asked.

She waited for Raina to make her order and the waiter to whisk away before speaking again. “We have about two hours before showtime, so we have time to eat leisurely before meandering across the street,” she told her. She opened her purse and checked again that the tickets were in her wallet. They were of course, safe and sound. This was Irina’s first time going to a theatre show without one of their parents, so her first time being responsible for the tickets. She thought herself to be a relatively responsible person, but she had still been nervous about accidentally losing them. “So how do you think you did on your exams?” she asked Raina curiously. She hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to her sister much about the OWLs with her schedule, so now was as good a time as any she supposed.

@raina

ooc: here's the restaurant menu

[Deleted]

Raina was simply amazed, her eyes darting around - taking in as much as she possibly could before smiling brightly back at her sister, she was still fidgeting a little and still trying to see everything she could but was able to calm herself a bit better as she focused on Irina. She nodded happily, eyes taking in the menu carefully as she read over each selection. Chances were they wouldn't be able to eat everything - but at least this way they could try more and perhaps find a few new favorites, plus of course - that would be a complete bonus in itself. Deciding however, now that was a hard thing as she gently licked her lips, there were so many choices - she looked up with a little grin at her sisters choices, both of which she had been thinking she'd want to try as well. 

"I think - I'd like to try - the Onion Bhaji Rings and perhaps the Mushroom Beignets?" she glances at her sister as the waiter leaves them, carefully sitting back in the chair as she places her hands on her lap, "Rina, this is amazing.." she murmurs the words, her smile not leaving her face even as school was brought up, she sits a little straighter but her smile was still in place, 'Actually.. I think I did pretty good, even with -" she pauses to look around before shrugging as she notes that no one was paying them any real mind, "Even potions, I guess my extra studies helped - I mean, at least nothing bad happened - but I'm pretty sure I didn't get a flying pass, at least I didn't fail." Raina's eyes lit up as she spoke, she was honestly proud of how she had done - it wasn't the best of course, but she had at least not failed which had been a worry on her mind.

Irina Rose Krum

[Irina Rose Krum]

Irina looked on with a sisterly tenderness as Raina continued to look around eagerly. For some reason, her mind went to Dan; it was probably very, very good that he was not currently here, as her excited emotions would be too much for him, even if he was getting better with his ability. Luckily, Irina had only been given the Clairvoyance ability; Raina’s emotions did not affect her negatively but instead were rather infectious. She loved that her baby sister was so full of love and life, even if she was scared of what may come in the future. She was so proud of the young woman her sister was blossoming to be, and knew she would be fine in the long run without her at Hogwarts.

“Good choices,” Irina conceded as Raina placed her order. She handed the menu back to the waiter and picked up her glass of water, sipping it casually while her sister went through how she thought she did on her OWLs. She didn’t envy Raina - even though she had had to sit through NEWTs this past year, at least they were in subjects she was voluntarily wanting to study. Raina had to take the OWLs in all her classes, and her scores would determine her course load for the following year. “That’s good!” Irina replied, smiling. “And at least you can finally drop it once you return to school in September,” she added, knowing Raina would be quite happy about that bit. She knew she was when she got to drop Herbology it was one of the happiest days academics wise she had felt.

The food was brought out rather quickly and Irina inhaled deeply, closing her eyes as she savored the smells of their meal. She decided to try the black truffle arancini first, plucking one of the pieces up and blowing on it gently before popping it into her mouth. “Mmm,” she sighed happily, glad she had made a good decision. “How’s yours?” she asked after she swallowed, looking over to see what Raina had picked first.

@raina

[Deleted]

Raina knew that for some people, she was honestly.. well.. annoying. She had heard it more often than not at school - while some found it adorable or comforting that she could eagerly take in life and try and see the brighter sides of things - others, didn't agree. It was something she tried not to let her siblings see, not wanting them to worry as she tried to just handle those things herself. Since the small meeting with Daniel though, she had been trying to learn how to calm her feelings a bit, practice she supposed. She really hoped to see him again, and not make him feel overwhelmed like she had that day - it had been nice though. She shook her head, looking back at her sister with a wide smile, she also hoped though that he had reached out to her sister, she missed seeing them together for sure.

As the conversation continued she calmed herself down a bit more, she was still happy and bubbly as she usually was, but she was more focused and quietly enjoying herself as they waited for their food and spoke with each other. "That's true - I can drop it if I want this year!" her eyes widened at the idea, she had honestly forgotten about that fact - she was going to be in her sixth year which meant classes would be different as they chose future careers and took classes to help with reaching those. "I worked hard with potions this year, but.. It might be safer to drop it all the same." She giggled and shook her head, It had been a surprise to none more than herself that she had passed her OWLs without blowing up her cauldron. 

Raina sat up straighter, eyes lighting up as the food came out, carefully deciding before starting with her Onion Rings, "Pretty sure we made good choices." she happily spoke, offering for Irina to try her choices as well. "I am pretty sure I have never tasted Onion rings like these." Her eyes danced as she happily tried out her other choice,  "Why does it all taste so good? How is yours?" She looks back at her sister, shifting slightly as she takes a sip of her own water. She was already enjoying the night with Irina, and it really was only just beginning - she couldn't wait to get to the theater though even if this was wonderful and the food was amazing.

[Irina Rose Krum ]

[Irina Rose Krum]

Irina smiled at her sister, laughing at her infectuous giddy nature.  "You certainly can Rai, and besides, if you ever need any potions you have me," she said with a laugh.  She had already made her first batch of Wiggenweld potion, which was certainly coming in handy with her intense Cursebreaking training.  She had always known that the training would be intense, and truth be told she knew she was currently in the best shape of her life.  But she definitely had a lot more bumps, scratches and bruises than she had from just her days of jogging and climbing trees on the Hogwarts grounds.  It would be worth it though; Karen had told her that by the end of the summer she would probably be ready to go on her first raid abroad.  The thought of that alone made all the physical labors something she could endure.

Irina reached over and tried one of the onion rings; it WAS very good.  "Mmm," she said in agreement with her sister.  She pushed her food plates towards Raina.  "Try for yourself!" she told her happily; she was really glad that they had chosen this place.  The views alone would have been enough of course, but the fact that the food was so good was an added bonus.  They continued to share their meal and talk, and after they finished and Rina paid the bill, they walked over to the balcony to take one last look at the skyline.  The sun was beginning to set, and she wished for once her family used muggle electronics like cell phones so they could take a photo together.  The memory would have to be enough for now.

"Come on my darling sister, let's get going," she said, linking arms with Raina and leading her towards the elevator.  They went down to the bottom floor and walked across the street to the theater.  They walked in, and Irina took in the beauty of the theatre before they were shown their seats.  "Wow, Dad did a great job," she said excitedly, settling into their seats in the fourth row.  Just four rows from the stage - could it get any better?

@raina

[Deleted]

Raina grinned, giving her own wide smile as she reached over and squeezed her sisters hand, "So true! I guess that means if I need any potions - I will just come and bother you. My sister. My own personal potions maker!" she burst into giggles at the words, while partly it would be a joke - of course she wouldn't bother her sister like that, but it wasn't going to be a secret to anyone that knew Raina that she'd be more than glad to never see another Cauldron in her life time. She knew though, Irina was and would be busy - she was an adult, training to make her dreams come true. While Raina had desperately missed time with her older sister, she was immensly proud of Irina and likely would be chattering come the new year all about how her big sister is training and going to be an amazing curse breaker.

Dark eyes light up as she eagerly reaches out to try Irina's choices in food, happily eating and digging into the food. While she had her favorites - like everyone basically did, Raina was rarely one to not want to try new foods. Between eating she gladly spoke with her sister, enjoying the company more than both the view and the food. Raina would have been happy if they were just eating a sandwich together at home, but she was surely going to remember this place later. As the time came to leave and head to the theatre she barely gave another look around as she happily linked arms with Irina.

Once again she was almost skipping as they entered the theatre. She couldn't wait to experience this, it was the music more than anything that she was looking forward to of course though.

"This is amazing Rina." Her eyes were wide in pure joy - her excitement showing clearly on her face as she looked around, keeping a hand close to Irina as they made their way to their seats. With how much she was taking everything in, it would be a bad choice to not keep close - knowing how Raina could get, she would likely end up wandering off. "How long do we have until it starts?" she tries to calm herself as she plays with the end of her dress, peering back at her sister as she spoke.

[Irina Rose Krum ]

[Irina Rose Krum]

Irina chuckled at Raina’s potions quip as they settled into their seats. “Gladly,” she promised her. She was planning on keeping a stock of Antidote and Wiggenweld Potion on her person at all times when she was out on Cursebreaking missions, so she would have enough to send over to Raina if necessary. Besides, until Raina left for Hogwarts in September Irina would be living at home, so if anything, Merlin forbid, happened to her sister, she’d be there immediately for assistance. She watched with a smile on her face as Raina took in the theatre, and where their seats were. Irina had to admit; their parents had done a great job with the seating. She noticed someone selling programmes and waived them over. The program was a little pricey, but for the experience Irina purchased it for a keepsake. She opened it and marveled over the glossy, but still, photographs of the cast in various musical numbers. She was immediately glad she had decided to fork over the pounds for this.

Irina checked her watch at Rai’s next question. “We have about fifteen minutes to start; do you want to hit the loo before it does? I’m going to go grab us some waters,” she suggested; she knew Raina would not want to miss any of the performances to go to the restroom once it began. She made her way to the back of the theatre and purchased them two waters, and by the time she returned to their seats, they were just two minutes away from showtime. “This is so exciting, our first West End production!” she marveled, her smile bright.

@raina

[Deleted]

Raina knew that despite her own potion making issues, she would never really have to worry if there was some kind of potion that she did need. She knew for sure that her sister would make sure that she'd be alright - with that issue and probably any other kind of issue that she might have an issue for in her life. It was one thing she was truly glad about, if there was anything she needed at all - her brother and sisters would be there for her, and in return she would always do her best to be there for them as well. She was truly blessed when it came to her family that was for sure.

Carefully she shook her head, shaking her musings aside to focus more on where they were, this was sure to be an amazing night and spending it with her older sister was truly the best part. She leaned over, peeking over Irina's shoulder to peek at the program, a small happy gasp escaping her. Seeing the still pictures were beautiful it made her even more excited to see the show.

"Fifteen minutes.. " she murmured and scrunched her nose before deciding she would go to the rest room, it was better to go before rather than risk missing even a moment. So while her sister went to get them some waters, Raina decided to head to the loo, managing to get back right before Irina did with their waters. She grinned at her sister and nodded happily, reaching out to gently grasp Irina's hand, squeezing carefully. "It's super exciting. I'm so glad we get to see it together though.. no matter how good the show will be it's already my favorite." Because she got to share it with her sister.. honestly, it was already amazingly special because of that alone.

[Irina Rose Krum ]

[Irina Rose Krum]

Irina put her arm around Raina’s shoulders and squeezed lightly. “You’re a sweetheart you know,” she told her, bumping her forehead against the side of hers. The lights flickered, signalling the beginning of the show. Irina leaned forward eagerly, listening to the orchestra tune with the signal from the conductor. She had always loved watching the pit warm up, especially after she had taken up playing the flute. She hadn’t played for awhile, not since Dan had left back in January. The realization hit Irina surprisingly fast. Playing had always made her happy, and reminded her of the time she spent with Dan’s elder sister, Louisa. The woman who with her quiet but intuitive nature had helped Irina discover her love of music. She hadn’t wanted that reminder last spring, but now everything was different. Perhaps she’d pick it back up again; hopefully any future roommate of hers wouldn’t mind her playing.

The first act passed by so fast that Irina barely had time to take it all in. It was fantastic; the women cast as Sophie & Donna were spot on, and her personal favorite ABBA song “Dancing Queen” was in the first act. The curtain had come down after Sophie had passed out during her bachelorette party, which meant that the next act would bring Sophie’s wedding. Irina was bursting with questions, especially who would be walking Sophie down the aisle; Bill, Harry or Sam? She turned to Raina with a wide smile. “Soo...who do you think is the father of Sophie? Personally I still think it’s Sam, but I wonder if the audience is meant to think it’s Bill,” she asked excitedly, wanting to know her sisters’ thoughts and opinions on the show so far.

@raina

[Deleted]

Raina giggled, leaning into her sister at the action, "So people tell me - a lot actually." Her eyes brightened as she grinned and looked back at Irina. Almost all her life she had been told that she was a sweetheart, and while she at times found it puzzling - she did understand. Without even meaning to Raina did and said things, it was just who she was - it wasn't that she tried or anything. She shook her head from the thoughts, sitting up slightly as the lights flickered. Her eyes brightened as she eagerly listened to the music. Music was something utterly important to the youngest of the Krum children. It was beautiful - a magic all of its own that spoke to her heart. She missed the days of sharing that with Irina when she'd play the flute - maybe one day Irina would take it up again. She made a silent note to ask about it at some point.

HEr attention was quickly grabbed by the first act, even as Raina silently sang along to each song - she loved the songs, the music - it was all amazing and beautiful - although she was careful not to sing along loudly as she didn't want to break the magic of the show. She almost jumped as the curtain closed - her hands clasping together happily, "It's so wonderful!" she happily side as she leaned back into her chair, grinning at her sister, "I'm not sure - I kind of like the mystery of it." she wiggled happily as she spoke, "I think the audience is meant to believe its Bill though, but I agree it could be Sam - but thats not to say it can't be Harry either." her nose scrunched slightly in thought, "I really do like the Mystery of it though - and the music!" Her eyes lit up at this , her hand moving happily, "its amazing - and the songs Rina!" she flopped back into the chair, hands clasped to her chest as she lets out a happy little sigh. "its ... its magical.."

[Irina Rose Krum ]

[Irina Rose Krum]

Irina laughed at the earnest way Raina talked about the musical. “I agree it could be any but...Sam is just sticking out to me,” she said with a nod of confirmation. She had never seen the show before, so who even knew if she’d find out who her real father was? Irina loved a good mystery, but she did tend to want to see that mystery SOLVED by the end. “The songs are amazing. Dan’s going to kill me when I see him next I’ll get the songs stuck in his head!” The words were out of Irina’s mouth before she knew what she was saying. It wasn’t that she was trying to HIDE her rekindled relationship with Dan per se, but it was still so new she had been hesitant to talk to anyone about it. She sighed, knowing her sister had heard exactly what she’d said. “So….I went to dinner with Dan a few weeks ago,” she said casually, shrugging her shoulders.

Irina knew her sister would want more details, but the second act was starting, mercifully, so they focused their attention back towards the musical. To her slight disappointment, they never did find out who Sophie’s real father was, but the music was still just as catchy as the first act. She really enjoyed the final number, and got up to dance during the bows like the rest of the patrons. As they filtered out of the theater, Irina looked up at the night sky. “Looks like it’s later than I thought, we should probably head home soon,” she told her sister, trying not to bring up what she had said during the intermission.

@raina