wired differently | veronica

[gehry benjamin ollivander]

Don't tell me I'm flawed

My flaws don't deserve it

April 23, 2027
veronica giselle ollivander

Benny had never sought any kind of fame or glory in his life. His name made him popular enough the second he walked the hallways of Hogwarts. The name ‘Ollivander’ famous with the wands most, if not all, of his fellow first years held in their hands—including his own. The attention never bothered him, nor did his lack of involvement in the family business. It wasn’t something his parents had pushed on him, minus the amount of time he spent in the shop as a boy. Now, one mustn't be fooled into thinking that Benny didn’t have anything in that skull of his or behind those yellow-framed sunglasses. Even the youngest Ollivander knew about wand woods, cores, and all that—though not nearly to the extent or level of his older sisters.

Tossing the empty disposable coffee cup in a nearby bin, Benny stopped. He could see the front of Flourish and Blotts, but the time told him that he was much too early. Well, fancy that. Gehry Ollivander not late for work. But he wasn’t about to waltz in early. If Mina was working, she’d likely happily take off early. Benny was a nice guy, but he still had a half-hour of free time to himself he’d rather enjoy. So, instead, he walked past the bookstore and past the other shops he had grown up around. Past the Bank and entrance to Knockturn Alley until he spotted the entrance to his family’s shop—his last name displayed proudly on the sign.

Benny pushed the door open, the familiar bell chiming to warn of a customer. ”Ronnie?” When Benny was born, Veronica had completed half of her third year at Hogwarts. So for the first few years of his life, the boy only saw his oldest sister and sibling when she was home for summer or holiday break. And, very quickly, it became apparent that ‘Veronica’ was not easy for a toddler to pronounce. And since then, Benny had never called his sister by her given name unless absolutely necessary. Much like how very few ever called him ‘Gehry’ except for perhaps Veronica or his parents.

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[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

MERLIN. WHERE HAD THE TIME honestly gone? It was already April, meaning seven odd months had passed since Gideon had began schooling in Ilvermorny due to Hogwarts' destruction. Seven long months of her son being so incredibly far away that there meetings were limited to the odd weekends, either once or twice a month. While Gideon was growing into a young adult, he was in fact her only son and only child and with him being so far away only left with worries and doubts in the Ollivanders mind, just like any regular mother would face. The only issue was, it was also affecting Veronica's work. Ever so slightly anyway.

Since gaining a new intern, the work-life had been rather easier for the Ollivander, and Gideon - bless his soul - would still whittle away at wood when he could at Ilvermorny. His best results ended up being used for orders that clients had ordered. A real team-work between mother and son really. Well. Mother son, and intern anyway. But alas, the school year was close to ending for the summer, and every time a summer was due to come around, so was Veronica's birthday. She was already thirty-six and the thought of becoming one year closer to forty simply didn't sit well with her. She wasn't remarried, and instead was fooling around with her ex-husband at times, nor did she have any idea when she would next bare a child, or if that was even her plan anyway, to present Gideon with a sibling.

All these thoughts that clouded the eldest mind while she chewed away at some loose skin near her thumbnail almost resulted with the Ollivander missing the chime of the bell that was connected to the door, and even the faint voice of someone Veronica knew. As she blinked, once, twice and then once more, she got up at the final blink, placing her tools down and heading to the front. "Gehry." Veronica smiled, taking in the sight of her youngest brother and immediately pushing the small flap that separated Veronica from her customers. Pulling her brother into a brief hug, she stepped back, slightly tilting her neck upwards to look up at him. "Merlin, did you grow taller again? Or are you at that age now when you stop...Remind me, how old are you again?"

| gehry benjamin ollivander |

hopefully this works!

[gehry benjamin ollivander]

Don't tell me I'm flawed

My flaws don't deserve it

April 23, 2027
veronica giselle ollivander

Sometime during the middle of his Hogwarts years, he’d suddenly towered over his sisters. And much to his amazement, his brother as well. From the perspective of a ten-year-old, his brain remembered a giant of a man. But as Frankie returned home, Benny realized that he was now much taller than him. Benny more resembled a long strand of a Toothflossing Stringmint with how scrawny he’d always been. Thankfully, he’d gained a little bit of muscle in the past few years. Veronica moved from behind the counter to greet him, her face and smile friendly as she called him by his given name. Benny didn’t mind. He supposed using his middle name had always been a habit he hadn’t bothered to break.

She wrapped her arms around his middle before stepping back. ”Twenty-three.” Benny replied proudly as if he were still a small boy. But he shrugged at the question of his height. ”Hmm…Mum asked me the same thing yesterday. Perhaps I have.” Their mother was of shorter stature, whereas all the Ollivander children seemed to gain their heigh from their father. Out of habit, he glanced at the floor and noted it had all but a few specs of dust on it. ”I see the new intern has taken over my duties, that’s very kind of them” Not that Benny was employed here, but every once in a while, he would grab a broom much like had as a boy. It was easy work, so he didn’t mind, and then he’d chat with Ronnie while here. Much like he did when he stopped by Nell’s shop as well, who did not have an intern.

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[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

AS THE TWO SLIGHTLY STEPPED back from one another, Veronica couldn't help but keep her smile wide as she looked up at her younger brother. "Merlin..twenty three already?" She grinned then, gently pushing the hair on his face back, similarly to how she would do so in his younger years. "Where has the time gone already?" Luckily for Veronica, after giving birth to Gideon, she felt prepared enough to raise her son, especially since she played an active role in caring for Gehry as he grew up. "She did? You must have grown then." Veronica added. "How is she? I haven't called in a few days."

In her younger years, Veronica was closer to her parents but since Gideon was born and later on, her fateful divorce, the eldest Ollivander found she had more arguments with her parents than casual conversations. Oddly enough, the arguments weren't really there with her father, unless the topic or discussion at hand was about the shop. As Gehry pointed out the lack of dust on the floor and the mention of Veronica's new intern, she couldn't help but smile a little wider.

"When you're so awfully busy, of course I needed to find help from elsewhere." Veronica patted his back then and stepped to head back behind the counter, leaving the flap open as an invitation for Gehry to join her. "Tea? Coffee? Cigarette? Anything?" She questioned in offering, digging into her pockets to fish out her usual pack.

| gehry benjamin ollivander |

[gehry benjamin ollivander]

Don't tell me I'm flawed

My flaws don't deserve it

April 23, 2027
veronica giselle ollivander

Veronica had been well into her studies at Hogwarts by the time Benny was born. It was exciting news, another son! Things might have been different if he’d been born a decade sooner. But Benny simply couldn’t imagine any other life than his current one. Managing the shop, perhaps? The idea didn’t appeal to him at all. There was freedom where his obligations were simple, his work schedule predictable, and the rest was up to him. Benny flinched a little, moving slightly away as Veronica fixed his hair much as she had when he was a little boy. It wasn’t new. His mother never did that though she hadn’t minded Veronica minding her youngest brother when he was small.

”I think she’s starting to lose it a bit.” Gary spoke, though not dramatically enough to imply that he was serious. ”She was going on and on about marriage and this and that, but I managed to leave before she finished her rant.” Their mother was growing more persistent. Benny had gotten into the habit of scarfing down his dinner, so he didn’t have to sit through all of it. Not that his father ever commented unless called upon. And at least in that instance, he was grateful, for perhaps the first time, that he had to be at work.

Benny followed Veronica behind the counter. It hadn’t changed, as far as he could tell. Certain items were in different places, but he could still visualize where his father would have kept them. ”Some Tea would be lovely.” The caffeine addiction itched at him, but he would pop by the Pi Pâtisserie later for some coffee and baked goods he’d grown very fond of. Plus, the owner Decima was a very kind woman who’d always told the once scrawny boy he needed to eat more pie, and Nova always had something new up her sleeve for him to try. ”When does Gideon return? I don’t understand why he didn’t just go to Beauxbatons. It's so much closer.” The American school was so far, and Benny missed seeing his nephew, though he often forgot that technically he was his uncle.

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[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

THERE WERE CERTAIN TIMES IN Veronica's life when she hoped that Gehry was the first born son compared to their other brother. Maybe the two would've had an easier relationship, with more kindness in the family, comparable to the state of the family ties at the present moment. Although, she was glad she seemingly raised Gehry, as it gave her enough practice for when Gideon came along. Smiling softly as Gehry stepped away from Veronica's typical habit to adjust her brother's hair, the eldest Ollivander's arms went behind her back, smiling a little more as he spoke. "Don't tell her that. She'll tell on you to Dad and then he'll be on your arse for 'taking the piss again'." Gehry wasn't a typical troublemaker - at least Veronica hoped he wasn't, but at the same time, the Wandmaker knew he definitely had a bad mouth.

As Gehry went on, mentioning how their mother had brought up marriage and such, Veronica tutted quietly. "Oh Gehry, can you blame her? She's old fashioned, expecting all of her kids to be married off by twenty five..But do you see our brother or sister getting married anytime soon?" She questioned. Veronica wasn't the type to defend nor criticise her parents, but simply keep a neutral stance about their words and opinions. It's how she was raised after all. "I can bloody guarantee they didn't anticipate their eldest child to be the first divorced child either.."

Fumbling out another cigarette from her pack, Veronica slotted the item between her lips and used her wand to light the other end. With a quick puff, she held the cigarette between her fingers, while her other hand worked at her wand to start prepping some tea for the two of them. Out came a few saucers, her classic tea pot and two plain mugs. "Sugar? Milk?" She asked, taking another puff on her cigarette.

Her preferences for tea had truly never changed, a dash of milk and two sugars. Enough to keep her going during the day. At the mention of Gideon, Veronica lifted her head, looking up at her giant of a brother then. There was a slight difference in their height, despite the older Ollivander being tall for a woman. "He's there for the year, but he should be back later on this month for the weekend. Like those little trips the Hogwarts students did to Hogsmeade. As for why he didn't choose Beauxbatons...Not even Merlin could answer such a thing."

| gehry benjamin ollivander |

[gehry benjamin ollivander]

Don't tell me I'm flawed

My flaws don't deserve it

April 23, 2027
veronica giselle ollivander

Veronica had always been around when Benny was young, at least on her school breaks and after. No even marriage had stopped her presence in his life. Like a combination of part older sister and part mother, as she often doted on him. Benny didn't mind how she issued instructions or how she would end up chasing a young Benny down Diagon Alley for one reason or another. Like some distracted child chasing a balloon. Though sprinting at full speed, it was more likely he'd snuck up behind Nova or Vasilia and said 'TAG YOU'RE IT' and then run away as they followed.

But as Benny grew older and Frankie left before he began at Hogwarts, he realized that it was comforting to know she was nearby. Differently from Nell, who was also his older sister but acted as such. Although they did get along. Benny grinned playfully. Their father rarely got on his case about anything, minus the occasional mishap due to whatever mischief he and other children had gotten themselves into. Speaking ill of his mother, even in jest, would undoubtedly elicit a reaction.

Like he often had as a young boy, Benny childishly leaned his head back and let it roll to the side so he could see Veronica over his shoulder. "No." The answer to that question was obvious. Frankie far was too busy moping around the house, showing up with whatever evidence of a fight he'd gotten into. And Nell was far too busy behind those funny soda cap glasses she wore when working on a wand. What busy lives they led. So it made sense that their eyes turned to their youngest and most readily available son. " Yes, but you gave her a beloved grandson." Benny reminded her. His nephew had suddenly appeared one day as a six-year-old Benny tried to comprehend what it all meant.

"Sugar, please." He responded. It would help pick up his energy levels to something that resembled an over-caffeinated state. But when it came to Gideon's choice for academics, Benny shrugged. Maybe Gideon wanted some adventure. But he could hardly imagine his nephew sitting on whatever bus, boat, or train the students had been placed on where their elbows bumped too closely. " He's not angry with you, is he?" It wouldn't have been completely out of character for Gideon to choose the school farthest away in some attempt to prove a point. Where Benny could let things slide with ease remaining light and untroubled, his nephew was not the same. ”I’ll have to ask him when he visits.”

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[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

SMILING SMALL AS SHE WATCHED her brother fall back into his childish ways, answering her fairly quickly, the eldest puffed away at her cigarette once more. Pushing the blunt bud into one of the many ashtrays she kept nearby, Veronica turned, reaching for the sugar and adding it to her brothers drink. "Exactly. Francis is off most times getting black out drunk and well Eleanor?..She seems to be more..career driven these days. Not that you can blame the girl, wand making is essentially rooted in our blood."

There was a time in which the eldest considered her life outside of wand making. A life in which she found her own separate path, still close with her parents and family of course but just...something she chose for herself. But the reality of that..thought, that..dream was that truthfully? The Ollivander enjoyed making wands. Despite generational pressure. "A single grandson." She clarified, remembering their mother's quarrels about ensuring a long line of grandchildren. "A grandson who is already growing up far too quickly. Anyway, you know how Mother is when it comes to babies. She absolutely adores them." Continuing to stir her brothers tea, Veronica turned once more, facing her brother. "Plus I'm sure she's anticipating a slightly longer line for the Ollivander generation. Gideon technically should have taken his father's last name but of course..Father forbade that."

At the question of Gideon potentially being mad at Veronica, her brows lifted. "I should hope not..yes, he's a rebel at heart - like his bloody father but..I don't recall any major arguments prior to his decision making.." She sighed then, before handing over Gehry his cup. Sipping on her own tea she hummed quietly, gently placing it down on its saucer as she spoke once more. "He sends letters as often as he could...so maybe it was a choice of adventure?..But when its your only child..out there technically on his lonesome it becomes..worrying."

| gehry benjamin ollivander |

[gehry benjamin ollivander]

Don't tell me I'm flawed

My flaws don't deserve it

April 23, 2027
veronica giselle ollivander

The world felt upside down If Benny was the Ollivander’s hope for securing the family’s lineage. He rolled his eyes dramatically again. Benny still hadn’t sorted out his feelings toward his older brother, not that they were particularly negative. Although, should he have children with a muggle woman, the chance they’d have magical ability was unlikely. There was still Nell, as Veronica pointed out, but she also brought up other good points. With a sigh, he supposed he agreed, not that he’d say it out loud. ”That and she has all of two friends.” Realistically, Nell probably had more friends, but Benny only ever saw the same one or two faces around.

Maybe she could take that ball and chain of problems off Vasilia’s hands. Benny visited the Violet Hound often, and it was a flip of a coin whether Vasilia would be her usual cheery self or simply wearing a mask to hide she was upset. A rare frown crept onto his face. The notion of gaining the responsibility of parenting was a frightening one. Benny could already see whatever alcohol Mina was drinking come out her nose at the mention of Benny as a parent. ”Well, I’m not yet twenty-five.” Benny announced. Surely that left a couple of years for Frankie to find a nice magical girl or Nell to finally take a vacation. ”Don’t tell me you’re siding with mum on this?” He feigned hurt. Veronica usually had no issue siding with Benny, no matter how ridiculous the problem was.

”Thank you.” He took the cup from his sister, waiting a minute or so for the tea to cool a bit. Normally he would have cooled it magically, but his mind tried to find a solution to this situation. It was odd, wasn’t it? Aside from Frankie, the family was close, so a school nearby seemed logical. ”Yes, but he’s also of age now.” Gideon had turned seventeen the previous month. Veronica’s little boy was all grown up now but still had his final year of schooling to complete. Benny sipped his tea. Fortunately, it had cooled enough because he tended not to cautiously drink hot liquids if he could help it. But it was perfect. ”Will he work here next year after he graduates? Or maybe find himself a nice girl and make mum happy with a great-grandchild.” Benny spoke sarcastically, with a light smirk.

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[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

SIPPING ON HER TEA, VERONICA seemingly had to hold back her laugh at her brother's response. To the next person it was cruel, to laugh at the fact that your sibling..essentially had no other friendships or relationships outside those within their family. But given how introverted Eleanor was..Veronica only believed it was Merlin and fate that tied that conclusion together. Clearing her throat and sipping on her tea once more, the eldest gently placed the cup down on its saucer as she looked up at her brother. Merlin, how was he this tall? "And you can't..help her potentially find more? Aren't you social with almost everyone?" Or so it felt.

Gehry had the wonderful trait of being sociable and friendly with every sort of entity he could meet. While Veronica didn't seemingly approve the notion of randomly talking to strangers, for Gehry, it simply meant he wouldn't have an issue making friends as he grew. And the eldest Ollivander was able to see that observation seemingly come true. "But you will be soon no?" Veronica questioned, brow raising. " Regardless Gehry I'm..not insinuating that you must find a partner and sire a child sometime soon but at least..seek out some happiness for yourself. For your future self."

The youngest Ollivander was still young though, and Veronica didn't want to push that..traditionalist view onto him the same way her parents had done so for her. Maybe it was because she was a woman, and her biological 'clock' would tick faster than her brothers. "So..no. I'm not siding with Mum on this but..I think she's just worried that you might be lonely..Or that all of her kids are frighteningly independent already." Veronica sighed then, the thought of her younger self being excited for marriage and a child so quickly without even..thinking of any repercussions.

Lifting her cup to drink more of her tea, Veronica was seemingly thankful the topic had shifted onto her son. But at the same time, the thought of her son continuously growing frightened her. That was one thing no..book or other parent could teach a 'new' parent. How to deal with the fear of their child growing, and no longer needing to be dependent. "Of age, but still has schooling to finish." She retorted. Gideon would always be a baby in her eyes. Her baby. "Only Merlin knows." She admitted, finishing the remainder of her tea, and simply using magic to clean the cup alone. "Ideally..he would be here. But if he wants to go..explore the world or do such a thing..who am I to stop him? But for Merlin's sake, don't wish me grandchildren of my own at such an early age. That's strictly forbidden for now." Although, there was a girl in mind that Veronica believed Gideon had a soft spot for. But she didn't mention this to Gehry.

| gehry benjamin ollivander |

[gehry benjamin ollivander]

Don't tell me I'm flawed

My flaws don't deserve it

April 23, 2027
veronica giselle ollivander

Benny had always felt that his sociability made up for the both of them. Nell was always quieter, at least in crowds, whereas Benny had no sense of how loud he was at any given time. And it was not anything that he had not told his sister before. She worked too much and needed to see more sunlight. How often did he just show up at her shop and annoy her until she took a break? Not often enough, apparently. ”Not everyone.” He lamented. Certainly, personalities would never budge. Benny loved people and being around them, yet the influence of his parents and Veronica his entire life left him with certain opinions.

”There’s that Cursebreaker—the one Vasilia is dating.” Though only Merlin knew why. ”Talk about a prickly fellow. She’s been friends with him forever somehow.” Benny shrugged. Dwelling on it wouldn’t change a thing. ”I don’t think he likes me.” He mused. But that didn’t solve nor had anything (mostly) to do with this sudden idea that he should marry at some point. ”Well—yes but I’ve got time until that.” A little dramatically, he rolled his eyes and leaned his head to the side. At least it was a better argument than his mother had offered.

But his eyebrow raised. Him lonely? Benny never considered himself to be such. He wondered what gave off that impression. ”Well I’m most definitely not lonely.” He corrected, sipping on his tea. Whether platonic or otherwise, he was never short of friends. Still, he was hopeful he could push the burden onto his nephew. Gideon was still far more forward-thinking than Benny ever was. But he had to stifle a laugh and put his tea down. Imagine that. A grandparent and not even forty, he hadn’t thought about that. ”Merlin—that would make me a great-uncle, wouldn’t it?” Ah yes, on this note, perhaps he had to agree with his sister. It was far more likely Benny would have children still before Gideon or even Nell, though the path Benny would have taken if his mother kept insisting was impossible. He sighed as he picked his tea back up. Didn’t they have cousins or something?

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[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

TO VERONICA'S SURPRISE, GEHRY NOT being social with literally everyone left the older Ollivander with a raised brow. "That's virtually impossible. Don't you have a million and one friends you still need to introduce us to?" She joked, sipping on her tea once more. "Does it entirely matter if he doesn't like you?..Or is it in your nature to ensure you're liked by everyone?" Veronica added in question. The eldest Ollivander liked to believe she knew Gehry like the back of her hand, but even then there were lacking details.

"Is there even someone in the picture for you?" Veronica asked, her smile rather small but her thoughts curious no less. She hated drama when it evolved around herself, but loved the whispers, rumours and gossip of others. It just pained the Ollivander that most of her drama-filled days were in her youth and now she was nothing but a mother and a business owner. There was no spark beside the secret meetings with Gideon's father every now and then. "I'm glad for that at least." Veronica added, finishing up her tea and using her wand to clear up the mess that had been left.

"Merlin, don't you dare bring that up any further!" Veronica responded, her hand at her chest while she tried to picture anything but a young Gideon with a child in his arms. "The boy just became of age. He's probably sulking around in Ilvermorny regretting his choices." Or so Veronica liked to hope.

| gehry benjamin ollivander |

[gehry benjamin ollivander]

Don't tell me I'm flawed

My flaws don't deserve it

April 23, 2027
veronica giselle ollivander

Benny rolled his eyes. It was quite rare for Benny not to get on with someone. His naturally light and sunny disposition made it hard not to speak to him. And he let most things simply roll off him, well, almost all things. ”Only a million and two.” He happily corrected. Benny might not have had the will nor the fortitude of his sisters, but Merlin’s beard, he could network like no other. When Veronica asked the question, Benny’s eyes fell for a moment. There were things he didn’t share with his siblings, let alone one the most protective of him. ”No.” Benny answered simply. He could care less if the grumpy Cursebreaker didn’t like him. ”I can sort of see how Nell is friends with him, but it's just—such an odd pairing.”

He decided to leave it at that. Much as he had avoidsed studying in school, he would not sit here and figure out why a part of the world didn’t make sense. At that, he internally cringed at that question. Nobody had fallen into that category for him. There were plenty of dalliances, flings, and fun nights out, and he and Mina might play a game and guess if a man might swing one way or the other. There hadn’t been any particular that had sparked that urge to marry and start a family. Or perhaps the only ones close weren’t available. Benny shrugged nonchalantly. ”No—” He drank more of his tea, allowing himself to pause. ”And you seem far too eager to interrogate whomever I bring to dinner.” Benny gave his sister a serious yet playful look. Merlin help the poor soul first up to bat.

Benny chuckled but contained himself long enough to drink the rest of his tea. At barely twenty-three, it felt a little ridiculous to be a great-uncle. ”I’ll eat my wand if he isn’t.” He’d like to think that being this far away from home for the first time would affect the boy at some point. They were a close family, after all. Then again, Benny hardly knew Gideon’s motivations on this matter. Or maybe this simply fell into the realm of the world that Benny couldn’t make sense of anymore.

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[veronica giselle ollivander]

━ you have bewitched me, body and soul ━

AS HER CUP WHIZZED BY her, happily flying to the small sink within their kitchen, Veronica's lips twitched into a smile at her brothers correction. "Well out of those million and two people I've met less than.." Veronica raised a single hand then counting upon her fingers. "Five." Noticing how Gehry's eyes dropped at her question, Veronica felt her expression soften. She saw glimpses of her younger self in her brother at times, and this moment was one of them. She loved to be liked, but mainly she loved to be adored by her parents. It was just a shame Francis came along. "In what sense? Eleanor tends to befriend even the strangest of people." It explained why Eleanor and Francis did not mind one another also - despite being siblings and all.

Watching intently as Gehry took a moment to drink his tea, the eldest Ollivander knew her eyes were lit up and fairly wide as of present. Considering her life was pretty much the same as days passed, hearing about her siblings and their affairs was more than enough to keep her entertained. But Gehry, who seemingly held his personal life far far away from his family...Of course Veronica was nothing but intrigued. "Interrogate? On what grounds?" She questioned, leaning against the counter now with a sly smile plastered across her lips. "Of course I would have to..question a few things, but only to ensure my brother has met his perfect match."

Sighing as the two discussed Gideon, Veronica looked down at her feet while she crossed her arms. "Well..is Owls suggest he is perfectly fine and happy..But while he is my son, he is a wonderful liar and on top of all that a bloody rebel." Turning once more, her hands gripping on the counter, she continued. "The boy has not lived outside of England for longer than a month...I do worry for him."

| gehry benjamin ollivander |

[gehry benjamin ollivander]

Don't tell me I'm flawed

My flaws don't deserve it

April 23, 2027
veronica giselle ollivander

Benny knew his family had met a few of his friends. Mina, naturally, as she worked with him at the bookstore. And, of course, whoever he was close to of their neighbors in Godric’s Hollow. He supposed the significant age gaps added to whoever one befriended closely. Veronica’s question made him pause to think. ”He’s sort of…grumpy, doesn’t talk much.” Benny recalled attempting small talk, but the vibe he received from the werewolf was intensely guarded, only softening when Vasilia was present. ”I dunno—you know how Vasilia is. He’s not that.” But Benny supposed nothing could be done, and as long as Vasilia was still his friend, he was happy with that.

Curiously, Benny lifted an eyebrow. One would imagine they would only need Veronica’s blessing in his family. It would weigh more than his parents' blessing at this point. But, before they could dig deeper into that topic, Benny figured he should get out while he was ahead and not trapped in a corner. ”That reminds me…” Dramatically, he pushed up his sleeve to reveal his wristwatch. ”I have work.” Despite his initial early arrival, he was now three minutes late. Now the world felt normal once more. ”As much as I’d love to get your thoughts on this matter—I’m already late.” Merlin forbid Benny give his oldest sister a chance to tell him what his perfect match is. ”Lovely to see you, as always.” He began his escape.

[ end benny ]

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