coffee n' croissant | archie

[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

9th june 2026

WITH ANOTHER LUNCH HOUR RUNNING slow, Veronica Ollivander decided to take her well-deserved break a little early. She hadn't gotten through many of her custom wand orders for the day, as she was relying on her new intern to pick up the slack - whittling on the woods and leaving the management of the cores to the Ollivander herself. Each upcoming academic year simply meant that wand-makers alike had pretty tight schedules for themselves, cooped up in their stations to work upon children's future guides. How inspirational.

Waving over as her intern wished her a nice lunch, the brunette stepped out, a cigarette already lifting to her lips, with the flame omitting from the lighter soon rising also. It was perfect timing really, considering Veronica had arranged some lunch plans with an old friend: Archie. Archie is...Or more so was, the Arithmancy Professor and while the Ollivander knew her son was far from interested in arithmancy, Veronica had a slight interest. That, and she loved a good intellectual conversation. Casual talks between the two soon rose to a regular friendship and soon enough the two were friendly enough to arrange the odd lunch plan, or two.

Walking gracefully and proper as she usually did, one in front of the other, Veronica headed towards Alderton's Bakery and Sweets. She wasn't too fond of over-sweetened goods but with the store being on the same street as her own, she had passed by a few times and even had a few bakery goods. They also made incredible coffee..At least the right staff did. Considering she hadn't given Archie a specific time, the Ollivander decided to wait outside the store, her cigarette already half finished. She took a few extra puffs while she waited, dark eyes looking to point out her friend.

| octavian archimedes vector jr. |

hopefully this works!

[octavian archimedes vector jr.]

Even flow

thoughts arrive like butterflies

June 9, 2026
veronica giselle ollivander

It hadn’t even been a month, and most days, it felt like yesterday to Archie. Thankfully the Hogwarts staff were some of the Wizarding World’s best-trained individuals and, by some strange occurrence—an incredible amount of former Cursebreakers. Quick reactions to perilous situations were the name of the game. He was thankful it wasn’t worse, though his heart was still heavy from those lost. Teaching had become his passion as he helped guide students on their quest for knowledge—well, most of them in any case. But it wasn’t hard to find like-minded individuals.

Archie—or Octavian as some still called him, was from a handful of families that were well known in London. Diagon Alley and Horizont Alley, where many families had laid the foundations for centuries or longer. His own family had merged some time ago with the Smiths, and now his Aunt and sister ran the family bakery. But everybody seemed to know one another, which is how he became acquainted with Veronica Ollivander. If there was ever a famous name that wasn’t Potter, it was Ollivander. Archie could see how some might not end up on the wandmaker’s good side, but Archie found he rather enjoyed talking to her—she was intelligent and didn’t mind his ramblings about numbers or even his old stories of his previous work.

He left his Aunt’s shop as he’d dropped by for a few minutes to check in on his family, and all was well. Decima Vector had worked hard all her life, and Nova was slowly taking on more and more responsibilities. Archie wished he could help, but he was useless, aside from being able to clean. The walk was short to the agreed meeting site, and quickly he spotted the brunette. ”I hope I haven’t kept you waiting long.” Archie greeted her with a grin as he noted her cigarette was just about finished.

template by vee

[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

AS VERONICA SOON ENOUGH FINISHED the cigarette that slotted between her fingers, the Ollivander fished into her pockets to pull out the small box in order to draw out another. Flicking the small ashes of her current cigarette and gently crushing the the bud with the ball of her shoe, Veronica paused as she heard a familiar voice speak towards her. Looking up from the box, the Ollivander smiled small and rested the cigarette box in her pockets once more.

At Archie's greeting, Veronica laughed quietly and shook her head before she responded. "Not at all." She began rather softly, standing up straight so she appeared a little taller than she really was. The brunette knew that Archie would forever be taller than her but truth be told, the eldest Ollivander was somewhat tall for a woman also. "Hopefully the smell of cigarettes isn't too..Off-putting for you. I know a spell that can rid me from it." She smiled, somewhat taking a step to the side from the assumption that the smell was overpowering.

| octavian archimedes vector jr. |

[octavian archimedes vector jr.]

Even flow

thoughts arrive like butterflies

June 9, 2026
veronica giselle ollivander

”I don’t mind.” Archie spoke honestly. Traveling as he had for those few short years and working at the Museum had accustomed him to people’s habits. Plus, his father had smoked incessantly, so he either got used to it or risk his father finding a new reason to leave him behind. Archie could have slouched and still towered over Veronica, not that he would mention it. She was a proud woman, Archie had seen that right away, but a reputation also preceded her. Not that he was surprised in the least. Gideon was not a student in his class nor his former house, but the incident involving an older girl had spread throughout the classrooms and into the staff breakroom.

Blaise hadn’t seemed amused by the behavior of his house, but he’d made a note of the incident. He had often wondered what went through their minds as he tried to remember his own thoughts at that age—but colleagues such as Hazel paid far more attention than he had. ”Shall we sit outside?” It was too far a lovely day to waste indoors—at least more than they had to already. Archie gestured to the tables just outside the café, just a few feet away, where Archie could easily and quickly pull out her chair for her.

template by vee

[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

NODDING, VERONICA WENT AHEAD ONCE more, hand digging into the pockets of her trousers, fishing out the box of cigarettes. Eagerly, the Ollivander slotted one between her lips and used the tip of her wand along with magic to light it. It was a disgusting habit that she had picked up so many years ago and no matter what, the wand-maker simply couldn't quit. Sure, there were magical ways that suppressed any sort of nicotine craving, but where was the fun in that?

"Outside sounds perfect." She responded, following Archies gesture and deciding upon which table by the cafe to sit by. "So," She began, holding the cigarette between her index and middle finger now. "Are you still teaching now?..Elsewhere anyway, considering what happened at Hogwarts?.."

| octavian archimedes vector jr. |

[octavian archimedes vector jr.]

Even flow

thoughts arrive like butterflies

June 9, 2026
veronica giselle ollivander

There was a slight sense of relief in the way Veronica dug for her cigarettes. Like any vice, he supposed, but fortunately, he had always been of the agreeable sort. Merlin knew how much existing at the end of someone’s vices had defined his life, and nobody could measure up to his father in that regard. Archie followed Veronica’s lead as she chose a table. The weather was perfect for such a setting, not too warm and not too hot, and a nice change of pace for Archie. It took time to find one’s footing again after the world turned upside down, not that it hadn’t happened to him in some way before.

The news of what had occurred spread faster than the fire itself. The global magical community was quite small, after all. But Hogwarts’ student population in the past few years had grown significantly in its percentage of foreign students. ”No, not at the moment.” Archie admitted, pausing for a quick second. ”The Ministry has asked any willing staff—former staff to assist in the rebuilding efforts. I suppose that makes me a Ministry employee now, doesn’t it?” He chuckled lightly to himself, looking down for a moment. It was one of the last places he ever expected to work. ”And my family is still here. My sisters just completed their final year, and my brothers are a year behind Gideon.” A young woman walked by the table, small saucers with cups on them floating gently onto the tabletop. The menu was far from extensive here, and Archie dropped by often for coffee, though he hardly ever purchased a pastry when he could visit Nova and his Aunt in Horizont. ”How is Gideon doing?”

template by vee

[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

AS THE TWO SAT, VERONICA was more than thankful that Archie had gestured for the two of them to sit outdoors. The Ollivander would've felt bad if the decision to sit inside was made, as she was sure she would've picked upon loose skin on her fingers or found an area to itch as she craved another cigarette. No many how many times the Ollivander tried to quit her bad habits, she simply couldn't get out of it. The simple habit she picked up since her divorce from Gideon's father, or even in her earlier years. She couldn't exactly pinpoint when she began to smoke, truthfully.

As the male across from her began to answer her questions, Veronica continued to puff away on her cigarette, nodding in understanding. As Archie admitted he wasn't teaching elsewhere, the Ollivander flicked at the bud of the cigarette, flicking the ashes into the convenient ash tray that sat on the table. "It's understandable..given what had happened and all.." She began, showing genuine sympathy. "It's remarkable that many people have 'returned' to normal so..quickly."

"For the time being I suppose." She added, her lips rising into a small smile as Archie chuckled. "Are they also seeking any extra help from the public? I'm sure I can spare a couple of hours here and there with the rebuilding.." That and also the quicker Hogwarts was rebuilt, the faster Gideon could return home. "Oh that's lovely to hear..Congratulations to your sisters. Are they working elsewhere now"? She questioned, pushing the finished cigarette into the centre of the ash tray.

"Lately we only seem to communicate through Owls or meet whenever he has the chance to. Like the little meetings at Hogsmeade every month. Except he tends to spend more time in America...I'm assuming its for his studies but.." Veronica trailed off then, biting the side of her thumb as she tried to recollect her thoughts. "Truthfully...I believe he's doing fine. But a mother can't help but worry..right?" Gideon was her only son after all.

| octavian archimedes vector jr. |

[octavian archimedes vector jr.]

Even flow

thoughts arrive like butterflies

June 9, 2026
veronica giselle ollivander

Despite his love for teaching and research, Archie rather enjoyed the outdoors. As a cursebreaker, that had been an enjoyable part of the job and something, he had missed when he began to work at the museum. And despite his time at the Ministry being short so far, he had already grown tired of the conference rooms—painted with walls of a gloomy gray. Archie nodded. ”As normal as one can be these days.” He remarked. Despite his typical calm and friendly demeanor, there was much he carried with him from that event. But a lifetime of pain had taught him how to carry it well, balancing the weight, so he didn’t fall over.

”I’d be happy to ask on your behalf.” Archie offered. Surely the services of an Ollivander and the shop owner would be much appreciated. He had not had the opportunity to interact with Veronica’s siblings--though he didn’t know much about them. His interactions with the youngest had typically been while Archie patrolled the halls after curfew or when the boy tagged along with one of his friends to ask Archie a question. ”Less than half the teaching staff have offered to assist, but I’m not surprised.” If one really looked at it, the remaining few were comprised of former Cursebreakers or former Law Enforcement officers. Archie had spent a few years as a Cursebreaker, though not nearly as many years as Renfri. Blaise had many years under his belt in the field, and even Parvati had seen such conditions in the past. Perhaps they simply bounced back quicker than others.

Veronica inquired after his younger sisters. ”No, I believe they went with their stepmother to France. She elected to enroll my brothers in Beauxbatons.” Archie didn’t particularly care where they attended school. It was only their safety he looked out for. But perhaps his sisters could at least make their own way now that their education was finished. Not that their—his stepmother would let Archie or Nova influence if should help it. But he didn’t linger on the topic, instead opting to ask about Veronica’s son. Archie nodded. While he couldn’t completely comprehend it, he was sure the distance was part of the challenge. ”If I heard correctly, he’s at the American school, correct?” Archie had never visited, opting to stay close to him with his sister and Aunt. ”Seems an odd choice to be so far away.” But teenagers will do what teenagers do, they were all so willful but Archie remembered those days.

template by vee

[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

NODDING IN AGREEMENT, VERONICA COULDN'T help but sigh at how life had changed for many souls so quickly and rather abruptly. Many students that were in their final year had to finish exams within the Ministry and now her son was miles and miles away, starting and finishing another school year. "Though there must be many that are pretending life is normal. Especially the ones who might have..lost someone.." And those people truthfully had Veronica's condolences. She wouldn't know what to do if she were to lose Gideon.

At Archie's offer, Veronica simply nodded while her lips curved into a small smile. She appreciated the offer and genuinely wanted to help with the rebuilding. It would put Veronica at ease, knowing she would be helping for a good cause, while also keeping her mind at bay in between her busy moments at work. When the Ollivander wasn't busy with the immense backlog of orders the store had received, simply sitting around, puffing away at a cigarette or stirring at her tea wasn't enough to keep herself entertained. Frowning slightly as Archie revealed less than half of the teaching staff had offered to help rebuild, Veronica only began to imagine why. "Perhaps the stress of it all? Or maybe the painful reminder I suppose.." There could have been many factors as to why, but regardless, Veronica felt bad.

Nodding in understanding, Veronica wondered what schooling might have been like for Gideon if he had attended Beauxbatons. One fact would have been that he would have been a lot closer to home, thus having less of a reason to not visit as often as he could. But aside from the obvious, Veronica realised she didn't know much about the French schooling. "Well, I'm glad they're safe and hope everyone remains safe, even if the family is somewhat extended now." Nodding as Archie inquired about Gideon, Veronica sighed slightly, crossing one leg over the other.

"Yes, Ilvermorny..Not even his father or uncles could convince him to stay closer to home..he was adamant on exploring America and seemingly has friends who were forced to return there after..well, you know." But Veronica too couldn't figure out why Gideon had picked Ilvermorny out of all other options. "I hear from him enough to know he's safe and having..a decent time I suppose."

| octavian archimedes vector jr. |

[octavian archimedes vector jr.]

Even flow

thoughts arrive like butterflies

June 9, 2026
veronica giselle ollivander

It was a grim thought but an unavoidable one. Archie felt haunted by that night. The Professors had slowly trickled back into the village and to safety—at least the ones that hadn’t jumped in to help the Aurors, Hit Wizards, and Healers. The quick reflexes from years of Quidditch and those few years as a Cursebreaker had helped Archie respond to encounters with individuals he ran into. Low-level types, at least, he assumed by their lack of finesse in dueling. But in such scenarios, his muscles moved faster than his brain. But his goal had been to get students to safety and out of the Great Hall, where many were a breath away from being petrified.

And finally, later in the night, as students found their friends and siblings at the Three Broomsticks or The Hog’s Head, Archie felt that sinking feeling as the list of unchecked names grew smaller on his list, but he wasn’t able to cross every name off. The last group rushed through the doors, and Archie hoped young faces were among them, but mainly Aurors and others who were done at the castle and were seeking their loved ones. Archie merely nodded. Death was an uncomfortable thought, although his own father’s death had felt like another one of his escape’s rather than a sad event. ”Yes, well…it was lucky it wasn’t worse…” Not to minimize the losses by any means, as those lost would always be remembered, but Archie could think of a thousand other ways things might have gone.

”I suppose it was a wake-up call for some.” Truly a rare event to occur in the mundane lives of some Professors. And Archie knew what it felt like to feel death passing by one’s face. Feeling the air shift as his breath left his lungs. That was the day he reevaluated what he was doing there in the sands of Egypt and what to do next. The Vectors and the Ollivanders were fortunate in that their relatives were physically unharmed, and Archie was grateful. They didn’t need more losses on top of those already gone. ”I hope the rest of your family is well.” Archie recalled meeting the younger sister once and a brother. But they had never been his students.

The sigh that left Veronica’s mouth was one he expected from the parent of a teenager. Not quite exasperated or defeated, but perhaps tired. ”Have you ever visited? I never had the opportunity.” It was not uncommon for Professors to visit other schools or colleagues in their respective fields, but it had never come up for him. Even when he worked for Gringotts, they rarely were sent there. ”Hopefully, these plans move forward for rebuilding before he returns.” Surely, many displaced Hogwarts students would prefer to graduate and complete their schooling a little closer to home.

template by vee

[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

NODDING HER HEAD IN AGREEMENT once more, Veronica couldn't help but let her mind wonder a bit. What grief would she be going through if Gideon had been caught in the chaos that ensued? Truth be told, the Ollivander didn't want to even think of a thing, but her pessimistic brain was clever in that thoughts, always drawing across a 'what if' option, despite the damage being done already. "I suppose.." She murmured quietly. An insane sort of wake up call - she thought, but the smile she forced on her lips was enough to say the topic was a depressing one.

"Ah yes- everyone is well, thank you." Her parents had recovered well from the Hags Fever that had swept the nation last summer..or was it the summer just gone? "I hope the same for your family. Close and extended." She added, her fingers fiddling with the loose skin she had picked upon on her thumb. "Ilvermorny?" She asked, looking up at Archie then. "Once or twice I believe, no true reason as to why but..I suppose I just came across it during trips abroad." She began, smiling small at fond memories. It was before Gideon was born of course, perhaps a honeymoon trip she had repressed the memory of.

"Not as grand as Hogwarts once was, but nevertheless..an extraordinary sight to see. I do recommend you travel to visit." Veronica stated, smiling small at the thought of a new refined Hogwarts upon Gideon's return. "One can hope so, but I've already anticipated him staying at Ilvermorny to complete his final few years..Merlin where has the time gone?.." It felt like it was only yesterday when Gideon received his letter in the mail, outlining his acceptance into Hogwarts.

| octavian archimedes vector jr. |

[octavian archimedes vector jr.]

Even flow

thoughts arrive like butterflies

June 9, 2026
veronica giselle ollivander

The thoughts and memories of that day crossed Archie’s mind less and less. Mostly, he did not want to think about it. Nothing in his life could have prepared him or anyone really for all that. And compartmentalizing it seemed like the best option before it began to weigh him down. Much like every time his hopes were dashed as a boy, the disappointment shoved aside as he told himself that next time would be different. Or every time he created his own success at Hogwarts, but it never mattered.

That school was gone now. Archie felt the same disorientation as when he made the decision to leave his career as a Cursebreaker and settle for something calmer. He nodded—his family was well, thank goodness. As much as he resented that Harmony Harwood tried to take everything from his family, as well as breathing all the good oxygen, he would never want her to lose her boys. Not to mention they were Archie’s siblings as well.

Archie considered his options. Despite all the work ahead of them to rebuild and restart Hogwarts and magical education in the UK, he knew he had more time than before. ”I’ll have to plan a visit.” The statement was more for himself, a mental note. His Aunt always worried he worked too hard despite her own tendency to not take a break. Archie let out a slight chuckle, where did the time go? ”I feel like your father was just handing me my first wand yesterday.” How the times had changed. Ollivanders still assisted this generation of wizards but her father was no longer at the helm.

template by vee

[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

DESPITE EVERYTHING, THE HOGWARTS VERONICA and even Archie knew was long gone. Veronica along with all of the recent graduates and even the older graduates knew their memories lied in the rubble that was left from the destruction of the school. It was sad, truthfully, but what else could they do now aside from rebuild and start again? Nodding at his statement, Veronica sat straight, changing the legs she had crossed over so she would be more comfortable. "I'll be happy to recommend some places to visit during said visit." She smiled, fishing out for the box of cigarettes once more. Surely it hadn't been more than ten minutes since her last and the Ollivander was craving another.

"Merlin." She began, gently hitting the box against her hand in order to pick one out carefully. "That statement alone made me feel one hundred years older." She smiled, thinking back to when her father was the forerunner of the store, and how with the years passing, Veronica had picked up the mantle. "It's almost been..twenty years give or take since he started..stepping down and letting me take control." The precise time of when Veronica became the main owner left her mind, yet it had definitely been twenty years or so of coaching and guidance in order to take up the role.

The Ollivander smiled then, her hands moving as she placed the cigarette at her lips. "Is it fine if I?.." She began, referring to wanting to light the muggle item between her lips.

| octavian archimedes vector jr. |

[octavian archimedes vector jr.]

Even flow

thoughts arrive like butterflies

June 9, 2026
veronica giselle ollivander

”That would be lovely.” Archie accepted the offer. Now it was a matter of when he would visit. Since he wasn’t teaching at the moment, he certainly had the time. Maybe before the school year began? Would he be allowed to see that campus? Many questions filled his mind about such a trip. And he should probably research what else he could do while he was there. Perhaps his sister wanted to go, but he had to ask her the next time he stopped by the shop to see her and his aunt.

Archie chuckled. Sometimes he forgot his age until his knee made a noise or his back was a little sore from sitting for too long. He recalled his few years as a Cursebreaker and all the falls, injuries, and bruises. It was probably best he stepped away from that. ”Well, you just made me feel a hundred years old.” Twenty years. Obviously, Archie could do the math, but he’d rather not announce it. She motioned toward her cigarette, and Archie nodded in approval. It honestly didn’t bother him. His father would smoke occasionally. ”Do you enjoy it?” Archie asked since they were on the topic of wands and the shop. He supposed the appeal of their individual work didn’t look the same to others.

template by vee

[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

"IT WOULD BE MY PLEASURE." Veronica began, knowing that if the roles were reversed, Archie would most likely offer to do the same. Perhaps a trip of her own was necessary. No final destination in mind but instead a place to go to just..disappear for a few days..weeks..or even months. With the stress and chaos that had been built up and erupted in recent society, Veronica believed everyone needed some kind of break.

"How so?" She questioned with a smile, going ahead and lighting her cigarette as he approved. It was odd enough, considering the two of them alongside various other wizards alike shared the beauty of magic, but Veronica was trapped by the desire of a muggle item. A single cigarette and the enjoyment of relieving her stress, one smoke cloud at a time. "Enjoy what?..Wandmaking or this?" She questioned, lifting her hand that held the cigarette.

| octavian archimedes vector jr. |