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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Jul 4, 2017 15:47:29 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2017 15:47:29 GMT -7
A carnival had come to Hogsmeade, and Cecelia had to admit that she was curious. All of the social gatherings her parents had forced her to go to as a child were significantly more formal than a carnival, and she was a little apprehensive about the whole thing. Cece didn't want to get overwhelmed by all of the new sounds and sights and smells and tastes - she wanted the experience to be fun. In an effort not to get overwhelmed, the Gryffindor had decided that she wanted to go to the carnival fairly early in the morning, before most of the other students wanted to wake up. However, she hadn't wanted to go alone, mostly because everything was so foreign. Luckily, Cecelia remembered that there was someone in school who was in much the same situation she was - Andromeda Lestrange. Cece had invited Andy to meet her at the carnival that morning so that they could explore together. It seemed as if Andy had been avoiding crowds since she had returned from the hospital, too, so Cece's timing was doubly good. She waited near the entrance to the carnival, not wanting to get lost in the labyrinth without her partner there, but also fighting burning curiosity about what lay beyond the gates. If Andy didn't come soon, then Cece was going to consider embarking on her own.
@lestrange
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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Jul 7, 2017 10:06:40 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2017 10:06:40 GMT -7
Andy was thrilled when Cece invited her to go to the carnival early. That meant less people, and some quality time with Cecelia, which she hadn't had since coming back... partly because she was so focused on trying to catch up on homework, and partly because she was avoiding basically everyone. She was happy with the few moments they did have, though, and even happier that they were going to spend more time together today! Andy was running just a little behind, for she got a bit lost in her morning meditation.
She rushed down toward the Carnival Entrance, seeing Cecelia up ahead. There were a few people around but not many. Sadly, one of those people decided it would be funny to put a leg out and trip Andy as she was moving forward. Andy didn't fall, but she stumbled a little and looked back with an almost murderous look to see who it was. She didn't know them, it was some French girl. Her little friends giggled, "Suzie, be nice to ze British! We are in zere lovely country after all," one of them said, tripping with sarcasm. Andy took a deep breath and turned back toward Cecelia up ahead, reminding herself that it wasn't worth pressing the issue.
She reached Cecelia, smiling softly, "sorry I'm a little late."
@cecelia
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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Jul 8, 2017 12:31:12 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2017 12:31:12 GMT -7
Cecelia had remained vigilant while waiting at the entrance to the carnival, so when Andy appeared on the horizon, she locked on to the other girl. As such, when one of the Beauxbatons girls stuck their foot out to trip Andy, Cecelia saw the entire scene. Her nostrils flared, and she had half a mind to go up to Suzie and give her a firm verbal lashing. The two of them had had a history when they were younger, and it was certainly not a pleasant one. Before she could decide what she wanted to do, though, Andy recovered and approached her, apologizing for her lateness. “It’s fine.” Cecelia said, still staring at the retreating forms of the Beauxbatons girls. “I’m sorry about Suzie. She’s a –” Cecelia clamped her jaw shut before she could let out a very rude word in French. She wasn’t supposed to be acting this way around Andy. They were supposed to be calm and collected together, so that they could help Andy keep her zen. Cecelia took another deep breath. “Do you want to get something to eat? I skipped breakfast.” Cecelia had anticipated there being food in the carnival, and it sounded like more of an adventure than eating sausage and toast again.
@lestrange
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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Jul 13, 2017 14:58:40 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2017 14:58:40 GMT -7
Cecelia wasn't looking right at her yet, and Andy had a feeling she was going to go after those French girls. Cece apologize for them, and cut herself off before saying what she thought Suzie was. Andy couldn't help but smile at that, a small giggle starting to come out of her. She appreciated Cece holding it back, but it was a little funny. "Yeah, food sounds great," Andy hadn't eaten yet either, so she was glad for the suggestion. She didn't even notice she was hungry until Cecelia mentioned it, which was usually how her days went. It wasn't that she didn't eat on purpose, she just often forgot it was important until it was mentioned or food was in front of her.
She held an arm out to Cece, offering for her to take it. "I'm sure we can find something adventurous here to eat, right?" she guessed.
@cecelia
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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Jul 15, 2017 14:40:29 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2017 14:40:29 GMT -7
Andy was giggling at her, and Cecelia couldn’t help but smile back, even if she wasn’t quite sure why Andy was laughing in the first place. Her friend agreed to food, and Cecelia took Andy’s arm easily. They would promenade through the carnival together like they were supposed to promenade through balls or overly fancy gardens. It was strange, how they were both leading such different lives now than the ones they were born into – even though Cecelia still had to pretend otherwise. Andy mentioned something about finding something adventurous, and Cecelia nodded. “I saw a sign for cotton candy while I was waiting.” Cecelia suggested. “Eating pure sugar for breakfast sounds like a good idea.” She said with a laugh. If they were going to try to live on the wild side, then breakfast was a good place to start.
@lestrange
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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Jul 16, 2017 18:45:54 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2017 18:45:54 GMT -7
Cecelia smiled, and Andy felt a little warmer inside. She hadn't been as oblivious to the affect her friends had on her lately. Not like she used to be. Susan, with her warm touch and soothing voice always made her feel at home. Jamie, with her bright eyes and loving smile always made her feel flushed and flattered, somehow feeling important and wanted. Anna, with her confidence and her insecurities, always made Andy feel needed, which was something she didn't expect to feel from anyone. And Cecelia. Cecelia made her feel warm and comforted, while at the same time a little guilty and embarrassed. But in a good way.
Cecelia took her arm and Andy looked forward into the carnival ahead. Cecelia suggested Cotton Candy and Andy nodded, laughing a little herself as the girl mentioned the sugar. "I think that's probably the best option, my friend. Onward?" she suggested, starting to walk with Cecelia in arm.
"So, I don't feel like I've been able to talk to you one on one enough... how are things?" she asked as they moved forward.
@cecelia
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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Jul 16, 2017 18:58:21 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2017 18:58:21 GMT -7
Cecelia loved that there was someone else who thought the idea of cotton candy for breakfast was a good one. More than that – she loved that there was another Gryffindor pureblood girl who thought that the idea of cotton candy for breakfast was a good idea. Cecelia knew that saying she and Andy were the same was wrong in so many ways, but it was nice to know that they were the same in the little ways. Those were the most important anyways. Andy said that she didn’t feel like she’d been able to talk to Cecelia enough, and the Gryffindor bobbed her head in agreement. Since Andy had come back, they hadn’t had any significant period of time alone together. Did Andy even know that Cecelia knew Braelynn was alive? That wasn’t something that she was going to risk saying out in the open, surrounded by so many people, but later, maybe, Cecelia would ask. There was another thing she was wary to say with so many listening ears around, but when how things were came up, it was impossible not to mention Grey. “I’m in love with Grey Slater.” Cecelia blurted it out. It all sounded like one word because she had spoken so fast – I’minlovewithGreySlater. It wasn’t a nice word, really, but it was an important one.
@lestrange
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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Jul 18, 2017 15:32:11 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2017 15:32:11 GMT -7
“I’minlovewithGreySlater.” Um... what? Andy was not expecting that. The sentiment itself was odd enough, and the way it was blurted out was even odder... however, she understood that Cecelia probably just wanted to be honest and perhaps even didn't have control over that slur of words. Andy knew how that felt. Finding love so loudly that it was bursting from the seams of you at any moment. Andy smirked a little, and raised an eyebrow slowly, "you're a Grease Waiter?" she teased. Then she bit her lip to keep from laughing, but a little laugh did escape her lips of course. "Grey caught me sobbing on the couch once. It was lovely," she said sarcastically. "But in love... you... with him. I didn't even know you two were... when did this happen?" she asked, her curiosity peaking. It actually kind of made sense to her, now that it was brought to her attention.
@cecelia
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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Jul 22, 2017 10:23:24 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2017 10:23:24 GMT -7
Cecelia let out a nervous laugh at Andy’s teasing. She really hadn’t meant for it to come out that way, especially since the word love was so big and scary and it was so much more than just liking him, which was as far as Cecelia had admitted to with other people, if her memory served. “Grey caught me sobbing in a bathroom once. It was also lovely.” Cecelia said with a snort. Apparently Grey had a habit of finding crying Gryffindor pureblood girls with broken families – which was really only her and Andy as far as she knew. “It just… happened.” Cecelia said when Andy tried to put the pieces together. Realizing she hadn’t actually answered the question, Cecelia elaborated. “We talked in the beginning of the year, and then after Desi died, and then I caught up trying to sneak into the common room, and then I hugged him after I visited you in the hospital, and…” In short, Cecelia wasn’t really sure when it had happened. One moment he had been one of the only people she called a friend, and the next moment, he had been more than that.
@lestrange
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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Jul 23, 2017 12:59:45 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2017 12:59:45 GMT -7
Andy laughed when Cece explained that Grey caught her sobbing as well. He must have had a knack for that. Though, why they were in the same bathroom, Andy didn't know. Cece went on to explain, sort of, that it just 'happened'. Andy listened to the rest of the explanation and shook her head in disbelief. "I... I mean I guess that's how it usually happens. By chance and whatnot," Andy said.
Andys mind flickered back to that hospital visit, and how she had felt so terrible about not mentioned Braelynn... but she still didn't mention it now. "And... does he love you, too?" Love. Andy knew how complicated it was for HERSELF to reach admitting that, let alone how long it would take Cece. With her own family problems, dead sisters and all... she must really love him.
@cecelia
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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Jul 28, 2017 14:42:58 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2017 14:42:58 GMT -7
Cecelia nodded when Andy said that normally love happened by chance. That was strange to think about, considering that many people of their status were expected not to marry for love, but for power. Cecelia had almost been put in that position, but she wasn’t sure if Andromeda had ever faced such a dilemma, or if her position as the Gryffindor wild child had prevented her parents from doing anything with arranging her romantic future.
Cecelia had time to pause and think about how to answer the question as she stopped to purchase from cotton candy for breakfast. After taking a bite out of the spun sugar, Cecelia finally began to answer Andy’s question. “We, um, haven’t really used that word.” She explained. “I…” She bit her lip again, and then licked the sugar off her mouth before continuing, feeling distinctly vulnerable as she continued her train of thought. “Bad things happen to the people I love, Andy.” Cece admitted. They were killed or forced to flee the country or stuck in the hospital for a month while they tried to recapture their sanity. “And I hope, that if I can avoid saying it like that, I can keep bad things from happening to Grey, too.” Cecelia buried her face in the cotton candy again so that she could avoid seeing the look on Andy’s face when she made that declaration. Cece didn’t want to be pitied, or lectured about how it wasn’t her fault that bad things happened.
@lestrange
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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Jul 31, 2017 6:53:05 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2017 6:53:05 GMT -7
Andy got her cotton candy breakfast too, staying silent until Cece had stopped speaking. She understood that. Bad things happening to those Cece loved. Andy was sort of lucky in the fact that most people she loved were doing well... but Cece had a much more complicated history. Well, maybe not MORE, just different. Andys brow furrowed as Cece said that she thought if she avoided saying 'love' with Grey then he might be safe from the bad things happening to him. This sort of... curse, as she implied. "Well..." Andy paused, taking some of her own sugary candy to give her a chance to think for a moment.
"I think love is worth it," she finally said, wishing Cecelia would move that cotton candy aside. "And I think, if Grey loves you too, he'd agree with me," still, she didn't want Cece to feel pressured of judged or anything. "But you have to do what you think is best, and I get that," she added. But, really, she had loved Phil against many odds, hadn't she? She still thought it was worth it. Same with Nat. Same with Nik.
@cecelia
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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Aug 1, 2017 13:34:56 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2017 13:34:56 GMT -7
Andy seemed to be ruminating on what Cecelia said, about not wanting to say the word love, and the Gryffindor girl swallowed hard when her friend when she said that love was worth it. Cecelia wondered whether Andy was saying that if Grey really loved her, he’d be willing to risk all of those horrible things, or if it was Cecelia who had to get over her fears, but that didn’t change the reality. “I don’t want to make him make that choice, though.” Cecelia said, voice catching unpleasantly in her throat. It sounded almost like she was about to cry, even though her eyes were dry. “I don’t want to make him say that he would risk death or injury or insanity for me.” That just seemed… horrible. No matter what Grey had to say in that situation, it would be horribly awkward. If he wasn’t willing to risk something to be with her, then what was the point in them being together at all? But if he was willing to risk life and limb for her, then things were suddenly much more serious than two people ought to be at seventeen, and that was just as complicated. Cecelia realized she was still holding the cotton candy over her face, and she took another bite, hazarding one quick look around the pile of fluff to see Andy’s reaction to what she had said.
@lestrange
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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Aug 3, 2017 12:06:55 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2017 12:06:55 GMT -7
Cece said that she didn't want Grey to have to make that choice. She could see how Cece felt that way, of course, but it was taking all of her energy not to start telling Cecelia the things that her therapists had told her. Things about letting go of expectations and just doing what makes you happy. Things like not worrying about the future so much and just taking it one moment at a time. Things like finding love and seizing the day. Reminding her that life was too short to be scared.
She heard the way Cece's voice caught, which made her not want to bring up all those things even more. Cece did happen to look around her cotton candy at Andy, which made her smile just a little. "Well, he's already made that choice by being your friend. I have, haven't I?" she had never really thought about it but... She didn't second guess being friends with Bay or Cece, no matter how dangerous. "If he already made that choice by being your friend, then what's the difference?"
@cecelia
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last online Mar 28, 2024 8:41:14 GMT -7
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Aug 4, 2017 8:12:30 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2017 8:12:30 GMT -7
Andy asked what the difference was between being friends and being more than friends, and Cecelia was surprised by how quickly she had an answer to that one. “People have more than one friend.” Well, hopefully they did, though Cecelia wasn’t sure if she would say that of herself before this year. “And sometimes it can be hard to guess how close people are to each other.” A prime example: Cecelia had no idea who Andy’s best friend was, despite having lived with her for the past four years and having been her friend, too, for the past few months. If someone that close to the source couldn’t determine who the best friend was, then how could someone watching from the outside figure it out? “Most people only have one… person.” Again, that wasn’t true for everyone, and Cecelia wasn’t even willing to say the word boyfriend, or lover, because it felt so dangerous. “It’s much easier to target someone when you know how badly it’ll hurt the person you want to hurt.” Cecelia had no doubt that if Elaine wanted to hurt Andy, Phil would be the first person she would go after. Cece didn’t want to put a mark like that on Grey’s back.
@lestrange
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