new traditions [toby]

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

23 November 2028

Thanksgiving had dawned a dull, steely grey, which matched how Amy was feeling precisely. She was feeling incredibly homesick now that things in her life had settled a bit more - considering she'd struck up a relationship with Alora and had spent much of summer break in London with her. Though the girls were extraordinarily different, they had an easy sort of companionship. Amy trusted Alora implicitly, even if she wasn't sure the trust went both ways. But the thing that Amy was most proud of was her relationship with Toby. She hadn't expected it at all - she'd come to Hogwarts to learn more about her sister, not fall in love. And she had done just that. She'd fallen really, really hard.

Toby was easy to love - he was thoughtful, caring, and silly in all the right ways. He helped Amy with her homework, and knew exactly what she needed when it was time for a break. Not to mention that underneath all those clothes and brains, he was hiding a smoking hot bod. Amy still got butterflies every time she touched him, even though they'd been together for nearly nine months now. She wondered if it would fade - her father had tried to instill in her how love would make her weak, but Amy only felt stronger.

Despite the life that she'd built herself in Scotland, Amy missed California. She missed the sun, the lifestyle, the ever present sea. But she hadn't felt quite comfortable enough with returning home to face her parents. Especially not after they found out why she had really come to Hogwarts. So, Amy pushed thoughts of home and memories out of her mind, and pushed her long hair away from her face in a black headband. She was headed over to Toby's, who had said he had a special surprise for her. Amy had nearly clawed her eyes out in desperation to find out, but he kept his secrets well. She dressed in a plain black skirt, tights, a white blouse and pulled on a plaid jacket over top. She wound a scarf around her neck before setting off from her dorm - which she rarely stayed at anymore as it was.

The ten or so minutes it took for Amy to walk from the dorms to Toby's flat were brutal - the wind was blustery and the beginnings of a drizzle pelted down onto her rosy cheeks. Amy knocked twice on Toby's door, hoping he'd hurry up and let her in. She was freezing.

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Over the duration of the past week, Toby scrolled the internet endlessly researching the best American Thanksgiving dishes. Since Amy had been dreadfully homesick as of late, he wanted to find a way to bring a comfort from home to her. Seeing her down made him sad. So, he curated a Thanksgiving meal especially for Amy. Toby was extra sneaky about it, too, careful not to pick up any ingredients until the day of not to give anything away. Toby was no Gordon Ramsey in the kitchen, but he did find cooking fun. In some ways it reminded him of potions because cooking was mostly following directions and research. The beauty of cooking was the ability to bend the rules more than potions, which made it more relaxing and rewarding. He never celebrated Thanksgiving before so he was looking forward to a new tradition with Amy.

Nine months of loving Amy flew by. They spent many nights that blended into mornings together studying, loving, sleeping. The deep seated familiarity provided him comfort and security he never knew was possible in a relationship. Toby didn’t think it was possible to love someone so deeply, a love that was constantly growing. Amy quickly became a part of his heart. She made him feel happy and strong every day. A confidence he had never felt in his life. Their friendship blossomed into the most nurturing and powerful love he felt privileged to have.

Amy would arrive any moment since she sent a text about 8 minutes ago. He pulled a fresh pumpkin pie out of the oven and placed it on a rack to cool. A small turkey was on the table, surrounded by an a assortment of sides. Hell, he understood why his mum didn't enjoy cooking for the holidays, it was an all day affair. He hovered over that bird for hours. He wasn't sure what Amy's favorite holiday dish was so he went with a variety.

After two knocks, Toby opened the door and was instantly hit with a blast of cold, wet air. He swooped Amy into his arms for a warm embrace while closing the door. ”’ello love,” he greeted happily as he rubbed her sides for warmth, leaning in for a kiss. He felt like a golden retriever whenever she was around, if he had a tail it would surely be wagging a hundred miles a minute. He gazed at her sweetly, ”I hope you’re hungry…” Toby hinted with a spreading smile, pulling off her coat and hanging it on a hook. She was trying to guess the 'surprise' all day..

The table had a massive spread, a bit of an overkill for two, but at least there’d be leftovers for days. He was proud of his table decor, adorned with gourds and a couple of tapered candles. Toby slid around the table so that he could pull the chair out for Amy, ”Thought I could try to bring the Turkey Day festivities to you this year.” he told her, pouring her a glass of red apple cider sangria, finishing the glass off with an orange wedge on the rim and cinnamon stick. Oh, this Ravenclaw did his research.


AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy wrapped he jacked more tightly around her as she trekked across the grounds into the village of Hogsmeade. A slight drizzle pelted at her frozen cheeks, and she tried to burrow her nose deeper into her jacket. But by the time she arrived at Toby's front door, she needed major defrosting. She knocked twice, shivering in place as she waited for him to open the door. And when he did, heat flooded Amy. Both from his warm embrace and the way he made her feel. Toby greeted Amy with a kiss, which she returned eagerly. She stepped inside and looked around.

Amy had been trying to guess at Toby's surprise all day, and the moment she'd crossed the threshold she was able to put the pieces together. From the delicious smell wafting from the kitchen, to the attempts at autumnal decorations, Amy was floored by the effort Toby had put in. "Toby..." she whispered, her voice breaking as her eyes welled up with tears. "Oh my god..." There were no words to encapsulate how special she felt at this very moment. Toby had pulled out all the stops for her, just because she was feeling homesick. Amy swiped at her face as the hot tears began to fall.

Circling the table to Toby's side, Amy flung her arms around him, squeezing him with every ounce of strength she had. "You are the most wonderful human being in the whole wide world," she announced, peppering his face with kisses. "Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me," she added, loosening her death grip around his neck only slightly. She took the seat that Toby had pulled out for her, and forced the waterworks back down her throat as he poured her a spiced apple sangria. "This is the most amazing Thanksgiving spread... did you cook it all yourself?!" asked Amy, looking up adoringly at Toby. Her family had always had the meal catered - which meant that this was something incredibly special.

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Tobys arms wrapped around Amy to squeeze her lovingly, a warmth ignited within him as it usually did when his beloved girlfriend was present. The frigid cold was radiating off of her coat as he shrugged it off his girlfriend to hang on a hook behind the door. Loving and taking care of Amy came naturally. Life was good. He felt a sense of accomplishment after seeing the happiness and appreciation oozing from Amy. The smells swirling around his flat made his mouth water. He couldn’t wait to eat until they were sick, cuddle into a nap, then repeat. That’s what everyone online mentioned about Thanksgiving..as well as football and other family traditions involving gratitude.

As he watched Amy carefully he noticed tears start to well up in her eyes as she admired the spread. A slightly concerned smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Amy flung her arms around his neck in an aggressive but loving death grip. His hands dropped to her waist, kissing her softly. Toby nodded proudly when she admired the spread, following by asking if he cooked everything himself. “I diiid. All for you, babes..” he took a seat next to her. There was a moment he caught a glint in Amy's eyes, which made his stomach flutter with butterflies, filling him with excitement.

Toby reached forward to cradle her hands in his, warm brown eyes drinking her in as his heart inflated three sizes in his chest. “Meeting you this year and falling in love with you has been the most amazing expierience...I wanted to do something special for you..” he told her, smiling up to his ears. "I've had to sneak my Thanksgiving research behind your back because I didn't want you to find out. Wasn't sure what your preferences are, so I made a little bit of everything.." Toby blushed knowing he was a bit overzealous but Amy was worth it. His head tilted to the side suspiciously, "Sweet potatoes and marshmallows seem to be an adored American delicacy." 


AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

"You make me feel so incredibly special," breathed Amy as she looked around Toby's flat. She couldn't believe the amount of effort he'd put in to make her feel at home. She couldn't recall a time when anyone had been so thoughtful. And when he kissed her, with all the gentleness in the world, Amy felt like she might melt right into the very ground at their feet and be a happy little puddle for the rest of her life. She took the proffered sangria and sipped it, still flabbergasted at the spread before them.

"I am the luckiest girl in the world," Amy murmured, leaning forward and kissing Toby softly again. She wanted him to feel all the emotions she couldn't put into words - her gratefulness, her awe, her love. "You're nothing if not thorough," she said at last, glancing once again at the spread. "Thank you," she repeated, feeling like a broken record even if no words were enough to express her gratitude. Amy snorted at Toby's observation. "Trust me, it's better than you'd think," said Amy, filling up both their plates with a little of everything. "I've never seen so much homemade food in my life. This is amazing," Amy said, her eyes wide as saucers.

Before she dug in, Amy took both of Toby's hands in hers. "In some families, it's tradition to say a prayer before Thanksgiving. My family never did that, but some of the girls from school would tell me about it years and years ago. Instead, I'd like to say what I'm thankful for." She eyed Toby, her lip curling at the side. "I'm thankful for the strength you've given me to face my sister. I'm thankful for the laughs you bring me every day. I'm thankful for the little dimple in your cheek which makes my heart swoop. And I'm so thankful for this time we get together - may it last forever."

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Toby could feel his own left dimple betray him as his smile grew while taking in Amy's kind words. He was touched by her kind words, unable to hold himself from leaning forward to pull Amy in for another loving embrace. After kissing her soundly on the lips, he stole a couple of more kisses after that, peppering her face with love. Everything felt perfect, like a movie. In that moment he realized he and Amy would either be together forever, or his next heartbreak..

Pulling himself together, he braced himself to share what he was most thankful for. Toby squeezed her hands in his palms, ”I’m most thankful for meeting you.” He nodded easily with a smile. ”You’ve given me friendship, and love…and the courage to chase my dreams and goals without looking back. Before meeting you I thought being lonely was a part of the norm.. Amy — you make me feel so full. I love you.” his face went slightly red, only because he was naturally awkward, he was the most comfortable with his girlfriend. A laugh slipped past his lips and he sat up, knowing if he didn't eat now, they'd end up in the bedroom. 

The time they spent together was sacred. Toby was thankful to have a love like Amy. A love that felt like home. He was sure he'd follow her anywhere if she allowed him to. "Thanks for making new traditions with me.." he smiled, taking a sip of sangria. Warmth swirled in his stomach. "This is the best Thanksgiving I've ever had." Toby jested with a cheeky smile, since Brits didn't typically celebrate Thanksgiving. Bloody Hell, they were missing out on some damn good food. "...maybe we could plan something with Alora for the holidays next month. It would be a nice gesture since this time of the year is difficult for many." he stated thoughtfully, not yet having met her mystery sister. After finishing that thought, he shoveledd a generous portion of mashed potatoes into his mouth, nodding happily in satisfaction.

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy smiled under the kisses Toby showered her with. Her heart felt like it was going to explode - it was so incredible to feel so much love and attention from someone she actually wanted it from. Someone for whom she returned the sentiment. She touched his cheek gently, brushing her thumb lightly over his cheekbone, gazing fondly at him. "And I love you," she replied softly, but no less heartfelt. "I'll make sure that you never feel lonely again," she promised, kissing him once more.

The pair dug in, and Amy glanced up after swallowing a bite of some of the best potatoes she'd ever eaten. "Thank you for doing this. It's not just for me, it's for us," she said honestly. "Also... isn't it your only Thanksgiving?" asked Amy, narrowing her eyes and smirking. "You're naughty," she added, pointing her fork at him before setting it down to take a sip of sangira.

Amy tried not to let her appetite dwindle at Toby's suggestion, but something heavy curdled in the pit of her stomach at the mention of the holidays with Alora. She'd spent much of her summer in London with her sister, but she couldn't quite place the mystery feeling in her gut. It was probably that she simply wanted to sequester herself away with Toby and never see anyone else again. "Maybe..." said Amy unenthusiastically, taking another sip of her sangria. "Let's just focus on today though, shall we?" she added after a moment, straightening her spine. "Surely someone as educated and well read and handsome as you knows the origins of Thanksgiving? And how they're very likely all bullshit?" asked Amy with a saccharine smile, reaching over to squeeze Toby's hand on the table.

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

Amy's sentimental words caused Toby's heart to flutter out of his chest. A feeling he constantly experienced with his beloved girlfriend. He wouldn't ever get over her expressing her love for him. It made him feel like he could float. Everything had changed in his life since meeting Amy. His lips pressed against hers soundly, ”You are the sweetest feeling I know.” he caressed the side of her face lovingly. Toby knew how disgusting their displays of affection probably looked to outsiders. There was a time he told his sister Claudia to get a room when she’d be snogging that Svendsen fellow on the family sofa - of all places. That was a power move on Claudia’s part, a way to make Toby squirm out of his skin and hideaway in his room. It was times like these he was happy to have his own place where they could seal the rest of the world off while they hid away in their personal love cocoon. Toby could spend hours nuzzled into Amy, fingers stroking her hair as they lost track of time gazing into each others eyes. Suddenly he wasn't so hungry anymore..

After mentioning Christmas with Alora, Toby noticed Amy’s expression tighten ever so slightly. Reaching his hand over to squeeze her hand gently, he offered her an understanding nod at her request, ”Of course.” he agreed easily with a sheepish smile, quite liking the idea of focusing on just them. Toby had a notorious habit of thinking ahead, always planning and worried about the future. Amy often reminded him to stay present and enjoy the moment. This was one of those moments. Toby focused on pouring Amy a bit more sangria, following with topping off his own as Amy asked if he knew the true origins of Thanksgiving. 

”Aye,” he agreed with a nerdish nod, slowly smiling as if he was secretly waiting for her to ask. He cleared his throat dramatically. ”Thanksgiving day is a reminder of the genocide of millions of Native people, the theft of Native lands, and the relentless assault on Native culture..” Toby stated as matter of factly. He took a breath, not trying to make turn the convo in a morbid direction. ”I imagine the fluffed up bollocks version of the story is what’s commonly shared..” he cringed slightly, raising the glass to his lips and taking a long sip. ”Instead it seems like people focus more on gratitude, family, and soccer-er - oops -football to you…oh and that parade with the flowers.” he teased lightly before quirking an eyebrow at her. ”Pin the tail on the Turkey?” he asked in jest after he emptied the glass. The sangria was sweet and fruity, making it easy to drink in excess, which he was already beginning to feel. "Oh, fuck, this stuff is good I'm about to be sloshed." Toby warned with a goofy smile, face reddening slightly from the alcohol.


AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy's face flushed and she busied herself with another drink. If this was to continue, they'd never get far in this dinner. Amy had half a mind to jump across the table and have her way with Toby then and there. But the feeling drained from her at the mention of Alora, and Amy, chewing on the inside of her cheek, asked to focus on the present. She didn't want to think too much, just thrive in the moment. Amy had never been one to plan, her move to the UK a perfect example of such lack of forethought. And yet, it had turned out exquisitely.

Amy snickered into her sangria. Toby had hit the nail on the head. "Exactly! Sounds familiar, right? After all, it was the European people who did so," said Amy with a smirk. It had been drilled into her head from a young age in elementary school that Thanksgiving was peaceful and lovely, but the indoctrination had been stilled by the glorious internet. "At least the food is good," Amy added with a shrug. "We always had a big party, I've never had a home cooked one before. I think I said that - did I say that?" Amy peered down at her drink, which was going to her head more quickly than she would have liked to admit. "Yes, hand-egg to you," Amy added, glancing up at Toby and sticking out her tongue.

Setting down her glass, Amy pointed an accusatory finger at Toby. "Don't you knock the flowers parade. Flowers are great," she managed with a straight face, before dissolving into a fit of giggles. "No, you've done so well. I'm so proud. I love you," said Amy, who could keep repeating herself from dusk til dawn. She sat back in her chair, appraising Toby thoughtfully. "If you could live forever, would you?" asked Amy in a slightly hushed tone. If she could spend every day like this, with Toby laughing over drinks and good food and their love for one another, she would. Amy was sure she would never tire of him. Maybe if she focused a bit more on her alchemical studies, she could work on a project akin to the philosophers stone. Or some other similar magnum opus. She tilted her head slightly as she waited for Toby to reply.

tobias charles watkins

[tobias charles watkins]

”Touche" he nodded with a dark chuckle, smiling down at his sangria as he silently sank back in his chair to admire the beautiful specimen sitting across from him. Every day he couldn’t help but marvel in how much he lucked out with Amy taking a chance on them. After a moment of admiring Amy, she pulled him out of the spell as she asked a rather deep question considering the amount of alcohol they were quickly consuming.

Amy asked Toby if he could live forever, would he? That question took him off guard slightly but he liked it. Cocking his head to the side in consideration, his eyes fell on her, ”Forever is a very long time. But if I was able to experience love and bliss of being with you forever, then yes, I'd consider living forever.." Tobys head nodded up and down to confirm his answer, realizing that was a huge commitment, but it felt right in his heart. The sangria was surely to blame. There were many underlying factors in that decision that he wasn't going to think about now, such as aging, being a werewolf forever, and outliving everyone he knew - just to name a few. Getting physically and mentally older also freaked Toby out more than he'd like to admit. However, living eternally with Amy sounded like the ultimate fantasy, which was another indicator that Toby was simply a drunken, lovesick fool, but he wouldn't change it for the world. Being in love with Amy made him feel so complete, like he could do anything he set his mind to. The thought of losing her was one he simply couldn't bare.

Setting his glass down on the table, his expression flickered with curiosity. "You hiding something from me-“ he tilted his head to the side suspiciously, eyes for slits as his drunken smile broke into a sly, cheeky grin. "Did ya get your hands on the Philosophers Stone?" he asked playfully, eyes widened excitedly before fading because he didn't mean it. ”I have one for you. If you could make one wish right now, what would you wish for?" he asked, always striving to dive deeper into his beloved girlfriends mind. Toby would give Amy the world if he could.

AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW

[AMY ESMA ASTOR-SHAW]

Amy didn't know it was possible to love someone as much as she did Toby, let alone feel this much at all. She felt as if she'd grown into a real adult with real adult emotions in her time in Scotland. Granted, it was pretty daunting to move halfway across the globe with a name and the ghost of an idea - but no matter what happened with Alora, everything with Toby made all the pain worth it.

Sipping her sangria (unnecessarily, as she was already drunk) Amy asked Toby if he would live forever. Her foolish smile widened at his response, matching what she expected and felt herself anyways. "Same. I want to capture every moment with you and live in it forever," said Amy with a dreamy sigh. "It just feels like the right thing to do. Be with you. Makes me so happy," she added after a moment.

Amy stuck her tongue out playfully. "I wish. Professor Burke would be so pleased if I did recreate it, as the last one was destroyed. The magnum opus of alchemy..." she trailed off wistfully, before perking back up. Amy tapped her chin as if thinking for a moment - but her playful answer had already sprung to mine. "I wish you'd kiss me until I was dizzy," said Amy, before closing the distance between them with a kiss and a promise of everything.

tobias charles watkins