So it had been a while since Dallin had been to Hogwarts. Or Hogsmeade, even, since that's where he was. The fundraiser was a nice excuse to go... Although it was a sad reason to hold a party. He was just very glad that he didn't go to the school during this time. He didn't know any of the details, but having to hold a fundraiser at all was not a good sign.

Dallin would enjoy this, though. He had his wife's hand in his and his son in the other arm. The one-year-old could walk, but since Dallin wasn't exactly sure where they were headed he was just carrying the boy. One-year-old toddles were slow and easily distracted. Carrying was easier.

The former Ravenclaw instantly caught sight of the food and led the way to the tables. Picking up a cookie he handed it to the baby in his arm, then grabbed a plate for himself. What to eat, what to eat...?

Liam wiggled in his father's arm as he saw the cookies on the table. He leeeaned forward, trying to reach one himself, but his dad gave him one just in time. And he was content. He nommed the cookie, holding it in both hands, and carefully watched his dad's hands as they staaayed by the cookies. Could he have another?

Wiggle. He wanted down. He wanted more cookies.

Carrying a one-year-old (or one year and about five months old, technically) little girl on her hip, arms around her to keep her in place, Vashti entered the tent and looked around. It didn't seem too crowded just yet, but she was sure it would likely fill up fast, especially once all the little Hogwartians started filing in. Granted, not all of them were little but...they seemed little to her after being out of Hogwarts for a few years now, even if many weren't little height-wise.

Enough of that though. She could worry about the students coming - including Penelope, hopefully, it's be nice to interact with her cousin a little again - later because right now, she spotted a couple familiar faces with their own little ones. So with a grin, she headed on over to the food table.

"Hey there, you two," she said, adjusting Regina's place at her side. Merlin, it was lucky Anakin had Naia; it would be so much harder holding two children on her own. She wished they both could have come along though, if only he didn't already have today planned out for a Daddy/Naia bonding day. They liked to have those every now and then, spending individual time with each twin, so they would't be constantly treating them as one entity.

Dancing! Yes. Merlin. She wanted to go dancing! And this fundraiser thing was the perfect excuse to drag Treyen out with little fear of him 'not being in the mood'. Also, it was for a good cause, right? Saving Hogwarts? Which Ellie didn't put much thought into. She really didn't care about the reason behind the financial troubles. And Merlin knew she wouldn't care at all to help it if her brother wasn't attending. However, since little Aidan was, she was planning on donating. Later.

Ellie walked into the fundraiser with her boys. Her boyfriend and her brother. Although, Aidan could scamper off now, really. Which would have happened if only they were headed for the same place. Only the food wasn't what caught Ellie's eye about this area of the tent. Instead, it was her old school friends!!

PEOPLE.

It seemed like AGES since they'd hung around people their age. Or who Ellie considered to fit in there, because they did see Ella over the holidays, but...she was much younger in Ellie's mind and it just wasn't the same. And it just wasn't Dallin, Ellie M., and Vashti.

She may have had a blind moment because she hadn't seen the children they were carrying when she pointed them out to Treyen. However, it was already obvious they were headed in their direction, so she couldn't back out now. And in any case, Treyen, of course, actually liked that they brought kids.

"Hey guys," the redhead greeted when they came up near them, a half-forced, half-genuine smile on her face.


You know what that flyer said? That food would be provided. FOOD! As in...HOGSMEADE food! As in, Aidan was totally carrying along both his and Lex's plastic dishes so he could grab plenty of grub to take back up to the castle. He was also planning on asking his sister to put some kind of charm on the food so it would stay hot and fresh because he was sure she'd be nice enough to do so. And maybe he could learn it, too!

After already meeting with his sister, he accidentally followed her in the same direction inside the tent. Only because she was going for the food, too. Or at least that was what it looked like. Except Ellie fell behind to talk to some people Aidan didn't recognize. And he didn't care either. There was a giant opportunity to stuff his face and he wasn't missing out on it.

"Find me before you leave," he called back to Ellie before continuing on and piling one of the provided plates with as much food as it would hold. His and Lex's plastic dishes he would save until he knew what tasted good and was worth bringing back. No need to cross-contaminate with something gross in the mean time.

Lex was in a good mood, an even better mood than usual really because HER DADDY WAS AT THE FUNDRAISER TOOOOOOO!!! She'd told him to go give a donation so she could stop living the pauperized life at school. Paper plates, washing them themselves, it was good she had Aidan or her cutlery would be history. Speaking of, where was he? A big fundraiser like this, there was bound to be LOTS of food and you know what?? The food would have to be GOOD because they were inviting outsiders to have some!!

A good meal! jdfgbbljgbf!!! It was about time!!

Okay, so she would plan her strategy. At the moment she had no clue where Lottie, Aidan or Cassia were so she'd find food, because she knew where that was. Yup. Right there in that tent. Besides, finding people was always easier on a full stomach, duh!

Alexa skipped into the tent and began scanning immediately for the food--oh hey, Aidan!!! "HAI!" She practically shouted as she settled in next to him. Oh? "You brought the plates? Good thinking!!" So long as he was thinking they were taking food back with him. "I can't wait to try most of this stuff!" Yes. Most. The veggies weren't happening--GASP!!! Without thinking she latched on to his arm and pointed. "Look at all that CANDY!!!" She was definitely slipping half of that into her candy bag for later. Nodnodnod. "Do you think anyone would notice if we went around taking the candy from the tables?"

Text Cut: Dallin and Vashti and Ellie S!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syd

So it had been a while since Dallin had been to Hogwarts. Or Hogsmeade, even, since that's where he was. The fundraiser was a nice excuse to go... Although it was a sad reason to hold a party. He was just very glad that he didn't go to the school during this time. He didn't know any of the details, but having to hold a fundraiser at all was not a good sign.

Dallin would enjoy this, though. He had his wife's hand in his and his son in the other arm. The one-year-old could walk, but since Dallin wasn't exactly sure where they were headed he was just carrying the boy. One-year-old toddles were slow and easily distracted. Carrying was easier.

The former Ravenclaw instantly caught sight of the food and led the way to the tables. Picking up a cookie he handed it to the baby in his arm, then grabbed a plate for himself. What to eat, what to eat...?

Liam wiggled in his father's arm as he saw the cookies on the table. He leeeaned forward, trying to reach one himself, but his dad gave him one just in time. And he was content. He nommed the cookie, holding it in both hands, and carefully watched his dad's hands as they staaayed by the cookies. Could he have another?

Wiggle. He wanted down. He wanted more cookies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysSnapesGirl

Carrying a one-year-old (or one year and about five months old, technically) little girl on her hip, arms around her to keep her in place, Vashti entered the tent and looked around. It didn't seem too crowded just yet, but she was sure it would likely fill up fast, especially once all the little Hogwartians started filing in. Granted, not all of them were little but...they seemed little to her after being out of Hogwarts for a few years now, even if many weren't little height-wise.

Enough of that though. She could worry about the students coming - including Penelope, hopefully, it's be nice to interact with her cousin a little again - later because right now, she spotted a couple familiar faces with their own little ones. So with a grin, she headed on over to the food table.

"Hey there, you two," she said, adjusting Regina's place at her side. Merlin, it was lucky Anakin had Naia; it would be so much harder holding two children on her own. She wished they both could have come along though, if only he didn't already have today planned out for a Daddy/Naia bonding day. They liked to have those every now and then, spending individual time with each twin, so they would't be constantly treating them as one entity.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaRoHeGiNeLu

Dancing! Yes. Merlin. She wanted to go dancing! And this fundraiser thing was the perfect excuse to drag Treyen out with little fear of him 'not being in the mood'. Also, it was for a good cause, right? Saving Hogwarts? Which Ellie didn't put much thought into. She really didn't care about the reason behind the financial troubles. And Merlin knew she wouldn't care at all to help it if her brother wasn't attending. However, since little Aidan was, she was planning on donating. Later.

Ellie walked into the fundraiser with her boys. Her boyfriend and her brother. Although, Aidan could scamper off now, really. Which would have happened if only they were headed for the same place. Only the food wasn't what caught Ellie's eye about this area of the tent. Instead, it was her old school friends!!

PEOPLE.

It seemed like AGES since they'd hung around people their age. Or who Ellie considered to fit in there, because they did see Ella over the holidays, but...she was much younger in Ellie's mind and it just wasn't the same. And it just wasn't Dallin, Ellie M., and Vashti.

She may have had a blind moment because she hadn't seen the children they were carrying when she pointed them out to Treyen. However, it was already obvious they were headed in their direction, so she couldn't back out now. And in any case, Treyen, of course, actually liked that they brought kids.

"Hey guys," the redhead greeted when they came up near them, a half-forced, half-genuine smile on her face.

Ellie hadn't been to Hogwarts in aaaages. Though, she wasn't technically at Hogwarts, but that was just fine with her. From what she heard, it was in bad shape and she wanted to keep her good memories of the castle untarnished. Hogsmeade was good enough, and it was a nice little setup they had here.

"Hey," Ellie scolded and swatted Dallin's hand, but he had already given Liam a cookie. "You'll ruin his appetite." SIGH. Oh well. She felt Natalie wiggle in her arms and grabbed a plate to keep her busy. Just as she scooped some potatoes on her plate, she heard a familiar voice behind them.

"Vashti! Hey, how are you?" Ellie felt like she hadn't seen her old classmate in a long time. Time flew when you had twins, right? Oh, and look, Ellie Stone was there too! Goodness, it was like a Hogwarts reunion. "Hey, Ellie." Where was Treyen?

Hogwarts was in need of some money, eh? Charlie supposed she could spare a galleon or two for the school where she’d spent some of the best times of her life. Besides, she and Amanda had caused quite a bit of mischief during their reign so she figured she owed them something for that.

Her reasons for being here had little to do with a certain guy she’d seen once or twice. Nope. Charlie Anderson didn’t go searching for guys. She wasn’t that type of girl, never had been. If she just so happened to bump into him, well that would just be a happy coincidence. It wasn’t as if she was hoping that’d happen. Nope. Of course not…

The blonde took a seat at one of the tables by the food display and let her fingers drum absently as she eyed the others in the place. It was a casual gesture, of course. She wasn’t looking for anyone. Well except maybe her best friend but that was different.

Yup, totally different…

So coming to this Fundraiser wasn't exactly a fun idea of his, he was doing a favor for the School again. The last time he did something for this school he got a bunch of stink eyes from the students he helped teach during a History of Magic Class,bunch of ungrateful brats. He gave a descent donation and moved on to the food tables.

But he wasn't hungry! No instead he spotted a certain someone from a distance. Charlie Anderson ,he liked her lots but wasn't sure she returned the feelings in full. Grabbing a random slice of pie Saul walked over to the table she sat at and put the slice in front of her. "Hi Charlie." He said pushing his glasses up as they slide down his face. "Can I sit here with you?" He moved back to the food table and grabbed himself a piece of pie too. Then returned to her side. "seems like Pie and dressing up are common theme in our lives right now." Saul made an intentional Funny.

The one bad thing about his Ellie not wearing a dress, or anything that resembled one, to this fundraiser was the fact that he had to dress a bit more casual than usual. He really liked wearing suits, though, but seriously, Ellie had pretty much left him with no choice. So, no tie. (MELLOW)

That was his definition of casual. No tie.

His smile widened when he noticed the ones on the table Ellie had pointed out. Liam, Natalie and...Vashti's girl...but which one was she? Nah, we're kidding, of course the people he noticed had been Dallin, Mrs. McKinley and Vashti.

He did take his time, because he wasn't sure if Ellie had noticed that there were babies in that table. He followed soon enough. Same smile on his face. "Hey Liam, and Natalie," he said, brushing the girl's hair away from her face, "Mrs. McKinley, you look lovely as usual," wink, "Dallin, someone's a little hyper, eh?" er, yeah, he was talking about the boy in Dallin's arms who was silently screaming to be let go, "And you look so beautiful, Vashti," really. It was the seat next to Vashti the one he took, was Anakin around, though? "Who would the little one be?" his eyes were on the oldest real kid at the table.

The oldest kid would be Dallin.

A princess!! When Papa told her about this ball, that was the first word that popped into her head. Marci gotta look like a princess today, not that it was far-fetched or anything new really, she was already her daddy's princess, but other people got to see it too today! How exciting! Pity Papa Botros seemed to lose her in the crowd, though, and pretty fast you'd think he'd planned this escape route ever since they stepped inside the tent. She hadn't finished telling him about the results of her beauty experiment, it was rather rude... well, not really since Papa never meant to be rude to anyone, it still stung though.

All in all, the twenty one year old was a lonely princess in this party with no one to dance with. But Marci wasn't a giver-upper (whatever the word was), so she'd spend some time at the food corner while Papa Botros came back to her. MHMM. Oh look! yummy!

She'd spotted him before he'd seen her and she smiled a little to herself, averting her gaze when he approached. She liked him, sure, but she wasn't going to make it easy. Charlie never did.

"Hey Saulie, didn't know you were coming." GRIN. Yup, totally playing it cool. Here eyes traveled from the guy in front of her to the pie and her smile widened considerably as he set it down in front of her. "You'd better." Y'know, sit with her. She didn't want him sitting with anyone else, not that'd she'd say as much. The blonde fixed her hair when he disappeared to get himself some pie, taking a pocket mirror out of her bag to check her makeup too. Merlin! What was wrong with her? She wasn't the nervous sort and really, that sort amused her so. Now she was one of them. Strange.

Shoving her mirror back in her bag, she smiled at him as he rejoined her and nodded her head. "I guess it's our thing then, pie and dressing up." Speaking of pie, she was quite hungry. "Mmmm. It's delicious!" She exclaimed after taking a few bites. "Try yours. You won't be sorry."

Everything seemed different. Stella knew that for the most part nothing was different, but she just felt like it was. More accurately, she was, no matter how much Matt had calmed down after she’d told him. It still all felt surreal, and being back in Hogsmeade was only making it that much moreso. Although she idly entertained herself with wondering if the stationery shop owner still had all those cats while she’d waited for him to catch up to her as she stood near the refreshments. Eventually they probably should go over to make a donation, but she wanted to acclimate herself first. The ever-present rumours about Hogwarts having to close hadn’t helped her thoughts either, after all, and maybe eating something would help. Provided she could keep it down, but Talia had told her that she should be fine right now. That was all still yet to come.

A smile had appeared on her face as she’d continued looking around and noticed the table occupied by Anakin, Vashti, Ellie, Treyen and the others, though. Even though the presence of the babies only brought other things back to the forefront of her thoughts. She’d have to admit it to people other than her family soon enough, but she didn’t want to be by herself. Even if she was fairly certain Matt didn’t know at least two of them, having him there would calm her down. Maybe it even would calm him down, if he got to see that others they went to school with were doing fine with kids, aside from Treyen and Ellie. She just had to get up the courage to approach them.

Grabbing the seat as Charlie demanded he should after returning from getting his pie slice Saul dug his fork into it and bite down on the piece. "Mmm This is Good Pie!" He finished chewing the piece and kind of smiled. "How would you compare it to the Pies from before?" After asking he took another bite, what kind of pie did he even grab? He just kind of randomly picked it without looking. Tasted almost Lemony.

So far so good Saul, you're picking up on this whole conversation thing. Maybe he should try it out on some random passer-by next.

Oh, he wanted a comparison? Charlie took another bite and chewed it thoughtfully. Hmm. "I think I like the other pie better? Though this is delicious. I don't know, I'm a fan of all pie if I'm being honest." Mhm. She was totally partial to pie. "What do you think?" Brows.

Resting her chin on her hand, the blonde watched Saul with a small smile. When she realized she was staring, she sat up a little straighter and cleared her throat. "So Saulie, when are you coming in to get your next tattoo?" She had other questions she wanted to ask, questions about future dates and such, but she'd save those for later.

All Pies are good, that is true. Of course the Schools Pies weren't up to snuff, maybe if they could pull in the money from this fundraiser they'll get the money to make even better pies. "I'd give it an eight out of ten, and I think you're right. The pie on our da...dinner was just a tad better." He asked her out to dinner then! She hadn't even considered it a date, so why get his hopes up there. He nibbled on a piece of pie to shut him up and used his free hand to hold his glasses in place as he looked down and away from Charlie. Stupid Saul!

He finished chewing his pie and looked back up at Charlie when she asked if he'll be back to get his next Tattoo. "Sooner than you think. Maybe once the Ministry Opens after Vacation, I've got more responsibility to handle in my Divition, but that means more Galleons in my account."
Talking about his job was much easier than it was about their Pie date. Could they continue to talk about work? "You have anything interesting happen at your job?" This was a lot more comfortable.

Charlie's brow furrowed and the blonde wondered why Saul had hesitated like he had. They had gone for dinner but it was more than that, wasn't it? He'd asked her out so that meant that it was, in fact, a date. "I thought our date was nice," She said honestly, her eyes trained on his face. At least his reaction would tell her if she'd been wrong to assume that the dinner meant something. ...Not that she cared that much either way. Nope. She'd just keep telling herself that.

More responsibility, huh? Charlie smiled at Saul and nudged him gently in the arm. "Well, well, Saul. That's great news! Congrats." She was happy for him, of course. As for her job, Charlie shrugged. "Same old thing but I love it. That's what counts, yeah?" As much as her Dad liked to disagree with that idea.

"Y'know, I've been thinking that we should see each other more." She offered after a moment or two of silence, her fingers tracing patterns on the tablecloth idly. "We do share a love of pie and seem to enjoy each other's company so I just figured..." And she trailed off, looking up at him thoughtfully. He wasn't going to freak out about this, was he?

It was not a surprise that the first place Paulie Foster found himself, after the donation box, was the food table. It was like the mouth-watering smells had lassoed him in an invisible rope and yanked him over to the table by the nose.

And when he set eyes on the table, his stomach began to growl. He grabbed a plate and went to town: shepherd's pie, potatoes, fruit, and a slice of garlic bread. And some pumpkin juice to wash it down... he purposely chose pumpkin juice just for a bit of a Hogwarts throwback. Anyway. Should he pick out a few more of those prefectly-red strawberries..? Perhaps his plate needed some more red.

There was a fundraiser going on and Tag decided on coming due to this being something new and different. He got himself nicely dressed for the occasion just to look his best. Once he had arrived at the place his eyes turned big at the food that all was laid out in front of him.

He quickly went over to the table and picked up a plate and fork. This was heaven for Tag. First he started off with the food, from 4 pieces of garlic bread to the fish and chips and lastly to the blueberries that were all on display. Afterwards, he grabbed an other plate and piled that with the chocoballs, some cheesecake ( chocolate ) and lastly scones. With some great difficulty, because his plate was rather heavy, the blonde boy poured himself some hot chocolate.

"Hello, there, fellow food lover." Tag greeted a boy that was standing nearby him, holding just as much food as he had in his hand.

Vesper...had successfully ditched France and was HERE. Yes, here in Hogsmeade to visit with people who were hip and cool. Not that people at her school weren't hip and cool...Meh, she just wanted to be here more than there...So, that alone made some of the difference.

Trying to blend in, the Fourth Year carefully made her way towards the food. There were a ton of people present...and she was grateful for it. If she just ate and remained silent for a bit, no one would realize that she wasn't supposed to be here. She was just a normal teenager enjoying Hogsmeade who had happened across this tent. It was plausible to her, at least.

Staring down at the food, everything looked amazing...but that Shepard's Pie was calling her name the loudest. So, grabbing a plate, Vse cut a small portion and set it down on the plastic...Starting small. It'd calm her nerves about being here, too...since she was a nervous eater.

Meep.

Nigel walked over to the food tables in a black suit that he wore as if it was simply what he’d found on the floor by his bed that morning. He was used to events like these. They were the only place he could actually talk to his parents. So first thing first was to get some food. The food was usually very good at these fundraisers.

He looks around for something he would enjoy and walks over to the Sherpard's Pie. You can never go wrong with pie and it seemed he was not the only person who thought so. This girl was also getting some pie. She looked his age. But he could not recall if she was ever in any of his classes or even at Hogwarts. The Ravenclaw takes a piece and puts it on his plate and tries to make conversation since she looks a bit nervous and out of place. "I have heard that this pie is delicious."

Hopefully she would not go running off. It would not be good for her pie.

Ves was just watching people...as she loved to do, eating her bit of shepard's pie. She was recognizing more and more people...since she'd stopped to actually look. Namely on the dance floor. Meep. Dancing. Steering clear of that...

Then someone was speaking to her.

She'd been found out.

Who was the French student kidding? She probably stuck out like a HUGE sore thumb...

Blushing some, she turned to look and noticed a boy about her age...also getting shepard's pie. He was commenting on how delicious it was supposed to be. Vesper squinted, positive she didn't know him...

Meep!

"Yea..."

Yep, causally slinking off....towards the end of the table......

Mika was just standing there at the end of the table eyeing the food. Oh food – you look so good, she thought and smiled down at the desert in front of her. Glancing up she just cocked her head to the side as a girl was walking backwards towards her.

This just made her curious. Who was this girl slinking away from? So she did the brave (and scary thing) and got up and walked closer to the girl. “So who is it that we are hiding from?” She asked beaming. “I’m Mika by the way” she added as a cursory thing. You know if you were going to hide with someone it was nice to know their name.

Nigel was just enjoying his pie waiting to hear her answer. He still had no idea if she went to Hogwarts. It appeared that she was really shy and timid. The blushing was cute of course. He continued to look at her out of the corner of his eye. When he finally heard an answer to his question. Yeah, shy was an understatement.

She seemed the type that just wanted some food and then to become invisible. Nigel could see her slinking off to the end of the table. But did not appear to care either way. He was here to eat. Then maybe give Hogwarts some money. He usually only went to the fundraisers for food and the people. Not to give money necessarily.

Looking at the dance floor. He spoke to the slinking off girl. "You know there are more boys at the end of the table, then right here."

And look Mika was here.

It was not the first time Astrid went to Hogsmeade, here in Scotland. It wasn't even strange to see her out of Beauxbatons in the middle of the term. She had been asking her daddy to take her out of school (not skipping classes, mind YOU) to be here, where the students were awesome and didn't require kicking unlike those in her sort of excuse for a school. She liked people in Beauxbatons too... only selected and lucky students that is. The others were just meaniefaces so whenever her daddy took her out of school, she was just super happy to leave its boundaries.

Astrid arrived at this fundraiser thingy, wearing the steel toed boots her Mama Hulk had sent her for Christmas. Recently, it has been of help to the little brunette especially when one of her frenemies in school would annoy the heck out of her.

Hello to all the familiar faces. HELLO HELLO HELLOOOOOOOOOOO!

And then maybe some food cos Merlin, her tummy was going to need them.

Ves was just trying to eat...and yes, she was slinking off. Truth of the matter was that she was shy...and terribly awkward when it came to meeting new people. Also, the phrase "Stranger danger" kept flashing across her mind for some reason. Eep.

...And then someone else was speaking to her...

The blonde was introducing herself...and Vesper just stared. The sensible part of her brain spoke before she could really think about the words leaving her mouth. "I'm not hiding...If I were, you wouldn't have found me." Her tone was matter-of-fact.


She sucked at blending in. Gah, she needed to learn from someone who knew how to do it...better.

Where was West? He knew everything...

...And....why was he looking at the dance floor? Glancing over that way, Vesper seen a few faces she recognized and sighed in relief. Good...They were nearby if she needed to scream for help...or something. She could relax.

"I just don't know many people..." She wasn't going to admit, however, that she was a long way from home...Nope.