St. James's Park

[sweetpinkpixie]

Tucked amid London's busy streets and buildings, being a roughly six-minute walk from the Ministry entrances, is St. James's Park. Covering 57 acres and featuring a small lake with two islands, there is plenty to explore. Entering the park from Horse Guards Road to the east, one will find themselves near a park pavilion and quaint cottage. From the Mall to the north is a gate kiosk, drinking fountain, and a tiny coffee shop. Walking far enough west, one will stumble upon the Vitoria Memorial, Buckingham Palace, and the park's playground. The rest of the park provides a number of trails and a bridge that gives access across the lake from the south end of the park to the north.

On a sunny day, the park is a perfect getaway, especially during one's lunch break or after clocking out of work. It is is an excellent place to have a picnic under the shade of a tree, enjoy watching the waterfowl and resident colony of pelicans idly swimming in the lake, or go for a stroll or a run along the trails with a friend before having to venture back into the loud, bustling city.

The usage of wands or anything magical is strictly prohibited in the park to avoid breaking the Statute of Secrecy.

[sweetpinkpixie]

It really only seemed fitting that food would be involved today. Even better that Cooper just so happened to be visiting his mum and dad's for a bit after his stint in France so that his contributions to the informal potluck picnic meet up were actually palatable. Not to say that he was not a decent cook but...well...he was also not a great cook and it was hard to top his mum's cooking - though his culinary pilgrimage with Mercer over the summer had put that logic and their stomachs to the test on that front.

Armed with a wicker box he had borrowed from Monsieur Benoit and full of little Italian finger food appetizers, Cooper was battling the gentle breeze as he grappled with picnic blanket. Thankfully there was a stand in the park today renting out some sporting equipment, so the overworked but thriving on it Ravenclaw could weigh down some of the corners with the bags. He hadn't played badminton in what seemed like forever, but if anyone was up to some food and friendly competition he was sure it would be Mamie. There were also some discs they could borrow as well and Cooper had learned what had felt at the time like a rather poshy game called 'disk golf' that might be fun for them to have a go with.

Blanket finally in place, Cooper checked his watch and gave its face a couple of taps. Good, he wasn't late and there was still plenty of time before WADA was finished for the day. His stomach protested and his gaze glanced towards his mum's cooking. "...couldn't hurt anything to just tuck in and have one antipasti..." he mused to himself, and maybe the birds watching him from the branches of the trees, as he knelt down and plucked one of the Caprese skewers that had just the right amount of balsamic drizzle on it.

[Waddles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

It really only seemed fitting that food would be involved today. Even better that Cooper just so happened to be visiting his mum and dad's for a bit after his stint in France so that his contributions to the informal potluck picnic meet up were actually palatable. Not to say that he was not a decent cook but...well...he was also not a great cook and it was hard to top his mum's cooking - though his culinary pilgrimage with Mercer over the summer had put that logic and their stomachs to the test on that front.

Armed with a wicker box he had borrowed from Monsieur Benoit and full of little Italian finger food appetizers, Cooper was battling the gentle breeze as he grappled with picnic blanket. Thankfully there was a stand in the park today renting out some sporting equipment, so the overworked but thriving on it Ravenclaw could weigh down some of the corners with the bags. He hadn't played badminton in what seemed like forever, but if anyone was up to some food and friendly competition he was sure it would be Mamie. There were also some discs they could borrow as well and Cooper had learned what had felt at the time like a rather poshy game called 'disk golf' that might be fun for them to have a go with.

Blanket finally in place, Cooper checked his watch and gave its face a couple of taps. Good, he wasn't late and there was still plenty of time before WADA was finished for the day. His stomach protested and his gaze glanced towards his mum's cooking. "...couldn't hurt anything to just tuck in and have one antipasti..." he mused to himself, and maybe the birds watching him from the branches of the trees, as he knelt down and plucked one of the Caprese skewers that had just the right amount of balsamic drizzle on it.

Margaret's brothers had both been surprised to see her on her way to a picnic, but she'd spent half of practice worrying about what to bring and the other half making a mental shopping list of ingredients. She was about as prepared as one could be for a picnic with a friend. Possibly over-prepared. Possibly slightly under-prepared, as she hadn't thought until just now to bring anything for dessert. She had, however, packed two thermoses of their favorite soups, and also packed a deck of cards, in case eating and catching up got old and they needed something to do.

When she got to the park and spotted what looked like Cooper all set up already, the brunette grinned and waved with her entire free arm, even though she was still up the path a ways.

Once she got within a range where she could talk and he could probably hear her and she didn't have to shout, Margaret greeted him. "Hey Cooper, I brought..." she dramatically heaved her (not very heavy) basket toward the picnic blanket. "Soup!" In her opinion, it was the perfect picnic food for a day like today.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Did Cooper say one? What he clearly meant was three since he had already consumed three and was considering a fourth when Mamie arrived and with soup. "Oh that's great! What kind is it? There is loads of bruschetta in one of these containers that would be ace to dip into it." Regardless of what it was, probably, though he did find himself hoping it was a tomato soup. She also did not need to worry about dessert because he (er...his mum) had that covered with some of her secret family recipe cannoli.

Moving a few things aside and stepping around the baskets, Cooper opened his arms wide and grinned at her. "But before all that business...do I get a hug?" There was a itch to throw in a bit of self deprecating humor in there like he all too often did, something about her being too famous now thanks to her quidditch career to hug an average slob like himself, but he was working on shedding that urge and go back to the confidence with himself had had had before the tragedy that was puberty struck.

[Waddles]

Margaret wasn't one to judge. She was hungry herself, and yet it was difficult to eat soup on the go. "Creamy tortellini soup, and chicken and dumpling," she said simply. The tortellini was a recent favorite. She and her brothers had discovered it was easier than most of their childhood favorites to throw together, and with a little magic, fresh soup was even faster than something from a can. "I was in the mood for something cozy, I guess." Nothing was cozier than soup from a thermos, except maybe soup next to a fire.

Her entire face lifted in amusement, but Mamie wasted no time in giving Cooper the requested hug. She wasn't sure she'd ever turn down a hug from him. "You shouldn't have to ask," she said, voice muffled slightly by the hug. Really. She would have come all the way to this park even without the promise of food, if only for a hug. Her brothers had grown out of being the hugging kind, which made friends who did hug all the more precious. ""s good to see you," she said, muttering again into his shoulder. Had he gotten taller again? It seemed like he'd gotten taller again.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Yup. Perfect pairing bruschetta.

"I don't know which of those I want to tuck into first," he chuckled with the most modest of licks to his lower lips. Probably creamy tortellini though considering his thoughts were fixating on the word creamy now. "Can't go wrong with cozy. I did bring a couple smaller blankets in case it got too chilly." The weather this time of year did have that tendency to be unpredictable his toes had been a bit twitchy this morning. Hopefully it would stay pleasant as predicted.

Before all that though, a long overdue hug. Obviously.

It hadn't been too long, certainly not as long as between school terms or Hogsmeade weekends once he had graduated, but they were both busy individuals. He tried to make matches when he could too, though not nearly as many as he wished he could attend. All this to say that while it had not been all that long between the last time he had seen Mamie, his embrace was warm and tight like it had been - it was just really nice to see people and stay connected, you know? "You never know," he chuckled while rubbing her arms with his palms as he leaned back a bit. "Maybe you are too famous to accept hugs from a brute like me."

Brute only in that he was bulking up thanks to all that manual labor he did on the ranch.

"Shall we?" Cooper grinned softly with a couple of jabs of the thumb towards the picnic blanket and their spread of homemade goodies.

[Waddles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Yup. Perfect pairing bruschetta.

"I don't know which of those I want to tuck into first," he chuckled with the most modest of licks to his lower lips. Probably creamy tortellini though considering his thoughts were fixating on the word creamy now. "Can't go wrong with cozy. I did bring a couple smaller blankets in case it got too chilly." The weather this time of year did have that tendency to be unpredictable his toes had been a bit twitchy this morning. Hopefully it would stay pleasant as predicted.

Before all that though, a long overdue hug. Obviously.

It hadn't been too long, certainly not as long as between school terms or Hogsmeade weekends once he had graduated, but they were both busy individuals. He tried to make matches when he could too, though not nearly as many as he wished he could attend. All this to say that while it had not been all that long between the last time he had seen Mamie, his embrace was warm and tight like it had been - it was just really nice to see people and stay connected, you know? "You never know," he chuckled while rubbing her arms with his palms as he leaned back a bit. "Maybe you are too famous to accept hugs from a brute like me."

Brute only in that he was bulking up thanks to all that manual labor he did on the ranch.

"Shall we?" Cooper grinned softly with a couple of jabs of the thumb towards the picnic blanket and their spread of homemade goodies.

It felt like it had been a long time, and Margaret didn't see her non-Quidditch, non-family friends nearly as much as she'd have liked. One eyebrow flew up as Cooper called himself a brute...she didn't think anyone, himself included, would ever think that an applicable adjective for him. She didn't want to comment on his physique and hurt his self image in any way, though, so she just chuckled slightly. "Never," she said, her voice more sincere than her laughter.

"We shall!" At Cooper's suggestion, she took up a seat on the picnic blanket, rubbing her hands together as she peered around at their spread. "Chicken and dumpling soup first?" she suggested. It being lighter than the tortellini soup, she thought they'd be able to eat more soup that way. She patted the picnic blanket spot next to her, so Cooper would sit down too. "And maybe that bruschetta?"

[sweetpinkpixie]

"Very good to know," he chuckled as he plopped himself down and got comfortable on the blanket. He did not require an additional blanket to combat the cold, at least not right now, and with the promise of soup on the immediate horizon it was even less likely he would need that. There was some wisdom to be shared here as well, something from his dad about celebrity and not forgetting your more humble beginnings and his earlier days on the Wanderers...but Cooper felt it for the best not to bog things down just yet. No doubt advise giving conversation would be on the horizon soon enough, it was just what friends did.

"You got yourself a deal," he nodded eagerly as he reached over for the container with the bruschetta and peeled off the lid. That left...five or so other containers left still - mum had been overzealous as always due to her adoration to play host and feed people. "Mum went a bit overboard...so you're welcome to take some things back with you we aren't able to finish. I reckon she was influenced by some mild empty nest syndrome." Not entirely empty next since his younger siblings were still at home when they weren't at Hogwarts, but mum and dad had always placed great care in stating that he was their first born. "It's endearing...in a way. Though you'd think I'd moved across the Atlantic and not just from Loch Katrine to London," he added with a modest chuckle.

[Waddles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

"Very good to know," he chuckled as he plopped himself down and got comfortable on the blanket. He did not require an additional blanket to combat the cold, at least not right now, and with the promise of soup on the immediate horizon it was even less likely he would need that. There was some wisdom to be shared here as well, something from his dad about celebrity and not forgetting your more humble beginnings and his earlier days on the Wanderers...but Cooper felt it for the best not to bog things down just yet. No doubt advise giving conversation would be on the horizon soon enough, it was just what friends did.

"You got yourself a deal," he nodded eagerly as he reached over for the container with the bruschetta and peeled off the lid. That left...five or so other containers left still - mum had been overzealous as always due to her adoration to play host and feed people. "Mum went a bit overboard...so you're welcome to take some things back with you we aren't able to finish. I reckon she was influenced by some mild empty nest syndrome." Not entirely empty next since his younger siblings were still at home when they weren't at Hogwarts, but mum and dad had always placed great care in stating that he was their first born. "It's endearing...in a way. Though you'd think I'd moved across the Atlantic and not just from Loch Katrine to London," he added with a modest chuckle.

Mamie got busy with doling out the soup into two bowl-mug hybrids (these were better for holding in your lap on a picnic blanket than a regular bowl). She sprinkled some chopped green onions, that she'd grown herself in a kitchen window, onto each bowl of soup and held one over toward Cooper. "I think it's nice," she said, impressed that his mother had cooked so much, and just for two people. Though she supposed his mother might have thought it was more than two people. "My mother doesn't cook, and Pa...sees us plenty." Her father didn't live in London, but he was just a short train ride or, for her, a quick burst of Apparating, away.

She tilted her head back, examining the sky. "You're pretty busy, though, so maybe it feels like you have moved across the Atlantic." She squinted at a cloud, trying to decide if it was shaped like a dragon or more of a thestral shape. "Do you see them a lot?"

[sweetpinkpixie]

Fresh chopped green onions. Wow. Cooper really appreciated the fine details and would especially be enjoying the accent flavor soon. Truly, if you wanted to have a superior picnic you needed to have two foodies like themselves in charge. Well, once he learned how to cook a bit better because right now it left much to be desired when compared to his mum's cooking. Or Mamie's, for that matter.

"Merci," he smiled as he accepted her offering and immediately wafted a bit more of the smell towards his nose. "This smells absolutely divine, Mamie." And he absolutely could not wait to tuck in, though first he nudged the tupperware with all the bruschetta in it a bit more towards the space on the blanket between them. "I'll be sure to relay your praise. She'll be over the moon." Mum certainly did like to entertain and host dinners, which was a good thing she enjoyed it because she was really good at it and the spreads could put the start of term and end of term feasts to shame, easily. When she hesitated, speaking about her father, Cooper's expression softened and he reached over to rest what he hoped was a comforting hand on her back just between her shoulder blades. No need to elaborate, he understood, and he gave her back a couple of tender rubs before his hand returned to his spoon.

Still waiting on that first bite, just so everyone was clear.

The Ravenclaw of many trades and master to some lightly stirred his soup to mix in those luscious green onions and chuckled. "I suppose that is true enough." He rarely even saw his own flat some weeks, save for his own bed and he barely registered the rest of the flat due to exhaustion, but he was trying to pull back a little and smell the roses more. "Probably not as much as they would like," he replied while licking his lips of any residual soup. "But I make time for family dinner at least twice a month. Dad and I still try to fit in some overnight camping trips every now and then. I took Mercer on a food pilgrimage of sorts over the summer, we ate our way through three different countries before heading back home." He probably should plan something with his little sisters too...they were well beyond the ages of playing princess dressup with him and giving him their version of a makeover...

... probably.

He wasn't sure what she was looking at but his stomach and senses could not put off trying soup number one for much longer and he fed himself a very hearty spoonful. "Mmmm....mmmhmmm...mmmhmmmm. Didn't think it was possible for it to taste better than it smells but you've managed it," he praised before taking another couple of spoonfuls. "So, what else is in development for you? Becauses honing your potager skills, obviously."

[Waddles]

She beamed at the compliment, trying not to let it go to her head. It wasn't like she was a chef or anything, but she had been making soup with her babulya for as long as she could remember. And grandmothers excelled at comfort food, from what she could tell. She shivered slightly, definitely due to being cold and not at all due to Cooper patting her on the back.

And that was why she had brought soup, so she quickly took her first bite, sans bruschetta, and sighed happily. Soup.

"That sounds amazing," Margaret said, laughing. "Both the camping and eating your way through three countries." It had been years since she'd gone camping with her own father and brothers (and Blake). She made a mental note to suggest it during her next off-season. And she couldn't help but smile as Cooper continued to compliment her cooking. He was exaggerating! She wasn't that good of a cook! It was hard to mess up the soup she'd brought, though, so she just smiled. "Thank you," she said quietly.

She thought for a moment before deciding what else to tell him. "Quidditch, mostly," she said. "I've been doing a little modeling for one of my brother's photographer friends, because they think that's what my career is." And it was awkward, lying to all her brothers' friends, but necessary. It wasn't like she could tell them about Quidditch. She didn't want to dwell on that though, so she moved on to other (more interesting) news.

"Since I've been visiting my mother more, I help around the estate sometimes." Which meant lots of French practice. "She wants me to move to France permanently, to help, since she's so busy with her job." She hadn't decided yet if she would actually move, but she hadn't decided that she wouldn't, either. "Are you still working with the Abraxans?"

[Zoe]

Now that the wintry weather was no more and the rain showers of April had passed, Dafydd looked for every reason to be outdoors to soak up the nice weather that Britain was experiencing. Crup walking in the morning took longer and longer each day. An hour between classes meant aimlessly wandering about the campus lawns. Hours of studying were spent out on the patio until the night sky was lit up by stars.

Today, however, no pack of crups or study materials accompanied him on his trek to St. James's Park. Instead, the pre-healer uni student was glad in casual wear and sunglasses, a backpack slung over his shoulder. It was the weekend, and it was one of those rare days he didn't have to commit to burying his nose in medical textbooks. Naturally, a picnic in the park was what the (future) healer ordered.

Finding a nice spot beneath a tree not far from the lake, Daf set his pack down and started discreetly pulling a number of items out. The first was a large blanket, which had been spread out on the ground. After came a few bottles containing lemonade and then a decent-sized basket, the latter of which he couldn't resist digging into. There was still time for an old friend to arrive, so he didn't mind passing the time by munching on a few bite-sized sandwiches and watching the ducks swim.

[FearlessLeader19]

SPOILER!!: Daf!!! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

Now that the wintry weather was no more and the rain showers of April had passed, Dafydd looked for every reason to be outdoors to soak up the nice weather that Britain was experiencing. Crup walking in the morning took longer and longer each day. An hour between classes meant aimlessly wandering about the campus lawns. Hours of studying were spent out on the patio until the night sky was lit up by stars.

Today, however, no pack of crups or study materials accompanied him on his trek to St. James's Park. Instead, the pre-healer uni student was glad in casual wear and sunglasses, a backpack slung over his shoulder. It was the weekend, and it was one of those rare days he didn't have to commit to burying his nose in medical textbooks. Naturally, a picnic in the park was what the (future) healer ordered.

Finding a nice spot beneath a tree not far from the lake, Daf set his pack down and started discreetly pulling a number of items out. The first was a large blanket, which had been spread out on the ground. After came a few bottles containing lemonade and then a decent-sized basket, the latter of which he couldn't resist digging into. There was still time for an old friend to arrive, so he didn't mind passing the time by munching on a few bite-sized sandwiches and watching the ducks swim.

It was the weekend alright!

Though Jude taught some classes on Saturday, he had made sure well in advance that they were covered by a capable substitute. Since he had no other plans, this left him free for the entire day, to be able to catch up with Daf all day if his friend wanted to hang out that long. They could not have coordinated a better day for the meet up: it was perfectly warm and sunny. Jude enjoyed the sun’s rays bouncing off his skin as he headed for the park.

Since they’d agreed to meet some place by the lake, Jude set off briskly in that direction. He kept his eyes peeled for the familiar form of his friend and was rewarded almost instantaneously. If the guy didn’t know any better, he’d have thought that Daf was having a picnic by himself. Smiling rather broadly, Jude bounded over. “Hungry, are we?” he asked in Welsh. Shoes kicked off, Jude plopped himself down on the blanket. “Hi, Daf! Bloody hell, I’ve missed your face!” And Daf’s company, and jokes and, well... Daf’s everything.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddles

She beamed at the compliment, trying not to let it go to her head. It wasn't like she was a chef or anything, but she had been making soup with her babulya for as long as she could remember. And grandmothers excelled at comfort food, from what she could tell. She shivered slightly, definitely due to being cold and not at all due to Cooper patting her on the back.

And that was why she had brought soup, so she quickly took her first bite, sans bruschetta, and sighed happily. Soup.

"That sounds amazing," Margaret said, laughing. "Both the camping and eating your way through three countries." It had been years since she'd gone camping with her own father and brothers (and Blake). She made a mental note to suggest it during her next off-season. And she couldn't help but smile as Cooper continued to compliment her cooking. He was exaggerating! She wasn't that good of a cook! It was hard to mess up the soup she'd brought, though, so she just smiled. "Thank you," she said quietly.

She thought for a moment before deciding what else to tell him. "Quidditch, mostly," she said. "I've been doing a little modeling for one of my brother's photographer friends, because they think that's what my career is." And it was awkward, lying to all her brothers' friends, but necessary. It wasn't like she could tell them about Quidditch. She didn't want to dwell on that though, so she moved on to other (more interesting) news.

"Since I've been visiting my mother more, I help around the estate sometimes." Which meant lots of French practice. "She wants me to move to France permanently, to help, since she's so busy with her job." She hadn't decided yet if she would actually move, but she hadn't decided that she wouldn't, either. "Are you still working with the Abraxans?"

Seriously though, she should look into maybe a pop up stand with the vendors in Diagon Alley. Could just be a seasonal thing for a weekend or so. Just a casual side hustle that could also use her quidditch celebrity to advertise. She'd have a line halfway down the Alley and looping back around, surely. This was something he would absolutely be pitching to her later...but for now his mouth was entirely too preoccupied with enjoying his current bowl of soup.

And listening to her updates, of course. The delicious soup and additions from his mum were simply bonuses on the day.

"Modeling?" My that seemed to be a trendy thing with their generation, even if Mamie was only using hers as a cover and not a serious pursuit. "How did you land on that for a cover? I mean, sorry...don't take that the wrong way, please. You are a very beautiful person and it isn't a far fetched thought. I just always understood you to be the sort to not want to be objectified for her looks and more what you can do. You don't actually need to answer that. It was a bit uncalled for from me." Which meant her performance on the quidditch pitch and overall athleticism. And her skills in the kitchen, though maybe that was just him being a fanboy. He really should have just kept his mouth shut, it was none of his business and he really should have learned by now not to offer such unsolicited advice and observation. Instead he should have just focused on this photographer friend - always looking to network in the industry, after all.

Especially in light of the next update Mamie shared and how very vulnerable and sensitive a topic her family still was despite it being some time since the divorce. Those ripples would still need quite some time, perhaps indefinitely, before smoothing out. "Ooh," he replied, his brows raised a bit while his voice remained a very pleasant neutral. "And...how do you feel about that possibility? The French league is still quite prestigious, so at the very least you would have an easy option to continue with quidditch if its what you want. Maybe...even the chance to have a non-yellow uniform." A comment that was meant as a joke to preemptively lighten the heavier mood that could come from making big life changes. Cooper understood that, he still was avoiding solidifying a career path - very curious ways his commitment issues manifested. "Yeah...still alternating my time between here and there. The Benoits have also sort of adopted me as their family photographer...so I handle a bit more than just abraxans now. Thor, I mean, Monsieur Benoit, is officially taking over the family ranch so he has needed a fair bit more of my help making preparations and adjustments to his liking. We've got a viewing with some Beauxbatons officials this summer. They need a couple new abraxan for the carriage now that a couple have gone into retirement." Also on the Benoit ranch, so Cooper had been tasked with some new installations for the elderly abraxan.

[Waddles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Seriously though, she should look into maybe a pop up stand with the vendors in Diagon Alley. Could just be a seasonal thing for a weekend or so. Just a casual side hustle that could also use her quidditch celebrity to advertise. She'd have a line halfway down the Alley and looping back around, surely. This was something he would absolutely be pitching to her later...but for now his mouth was entirely too preoccupied with enjoying his current bowl of soup.

And listening to her updates, of course. The delicious soup and additions from his mum were simply bonuses on the day.

"Modeling?" My that seemed to be a trendy thing with their generation, even if Mamie was only using hers as a cover and not a serious pursuit. "How did you land on that for a cover? I mean, sorry...don't take that the wrong way, please. You are a very beautiful person and it isn't a far fetched thought. I just always understood you to be the sort to not want to be objectified for her looks and more what you can do. You don't actually need to answer that. It was a bit uncalled for from me." Which meant her performance on the quidditch pitch and overall athleticism. And her skills in the kitchen, though maybe that was just him being a fanboy. He really should have just kept his mouth shut, it was none of his business and he really should have learned by now not to offer such unsolicited advice and observation. Instead he should have just focused on this photographer friend - always looking to network in the industry, after all.

Especially in light of the next update Mamie shared and how very vulnerable and sensitive a topic her family still was despite it being some time since the divorce. Those ripples would still need quite some time, perhaps indefinitely, before smoothing out. "Ooh," he replied, his brows raised a bit while his voice remained a very pleasant neutral. "And...how do you feel about that possibility? The French league is still quite prestigious, so at the very least you would have an easy option to continue with quidditch if its what you want. Maybe...even the chance to have a non-yellow uniform." A comment that was meant as a joke to preemptively lighten the heavier mood that could come from making big life changes. Cooper understood that, he still was avoiding solidifying a career path - very curious ways his commitment issues manifested. "Yeah...still alternating my time between here and there. The Benoits have also sort of adopted me as their family photographer...so I handle a bit more than just abraxans now. Thor, I mean, Monsieur Benoit, is officially taking over the family ranch so he has needed a fair bit more of my help making preparations and adjustments to his liking. We've got a viewing with some Beauxbatons officials this summer. They need a couple new abraxan for the carriage now that a couple have gone into retirement." Also on the Benoit ranch, so Cooper had been tasked with some new installations for the elderly abraxan.

Why was he so surprised?? Margaret tried to keep her face neutral as she processed Cooper's surprise. It wasn't like she was really a model. Nor was it even all that important that her brothers' Muggle friends believed she was a good model, but...it did hurt a little. Smiling a bit uncomfortably, she tried to think of what to say. But there...really was nothing. It was a sort of random choice, based mostly on how hard it would be to pretend to work, but also to explain why she needed to stay in such good shape, since she couldn't just say she was an athlete. "It seems to be effective, so I think it was a good choice," she said finally. Really, pretending to be an aspiring model was a lot less effort than pretending to be an aspiring chef or teacher.

Margaret's eyebrows raised in reaction to Cooper's own brow raise, but soon she was truly smiling again. Laughing even, given Cooper knew her complicated feelings about the color yellow. "I thought about playing in the French league right out of school, but I was worried my French wasn't good enough," she admitted. "I would definitely still play Quidditch," she added. That had never been part of the question for her. She could never give up Quidditch (well, okay, maybe someday when she was older and more tired).

With the way Cooper talked about the Benoits, Mamie could tell he really liked working with them. She nodded appreciatively as he talked about the changes, and providing abraxans for Beauxbatons? That seemed important!! "Is it exhausting?" she asked, curious. "You always seem so busy." And the fact that he made time to picnic with her despite all that busy-ness...that was noted.

[Emzily]

This, perhaps, wasn’t the best place to spend time when one had called in sick to work, but in actual fact wasn’t sick at all. Sick of work, more like. Theodore Kinsley, strolling with a rugged look about him, eagerly wanted to capture that bit if sun before the streets were flocked with children on their summer break. Was there anything worse than children? Nah… he didn’t mind them in small doses, his only real experience being with his two 8 year old nieces. Of course, Theo wasn’t often Kathryn’s first choice of babysitter, so he only experienced the fun uncle duties and absolutely zero responsibility. That was something that never came easy to Theo, even in his lengthy career.

The bearded man paused by a bench to tie his shoelace, before deciding to sit and relax for a few minutes. Or hours. He wasn’t especially worried about being seen by fellow colleagues, but if he had seen his boss then maybe you’d see a little fear in him. His head gently tilted back with his eyes shut, and but a few moments later…

SNNOOOOOOREEEEEE.

His mouth fell open a little and if one got close enough they would see a drop of dribble droop down his chin.

[Chelliephone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emzily

This, perhaps, wasn’t the best place to spend time when one had called in sick to work, but in actual fact wasn’t sick at all. Sick of work, more like. Theodore Kinsley, strolling with a rugged look about him, eagerly wanted to capture that bit if sun before the streets were flocked with children on their summer break. Was there anything worse than children? Nah… he didn’t mind them in small doses, his only real experience being with his two 8 year old nieces. Of course, Theo wasn’t often Kathryn’s first choice of babysitter, so he only experienced the fun uncle duties and absolutely zero responsibility. That was something that never came easy to Theo, even in his lengthy career.

The bearded man paused by a bench to tie his shoelace, before deciding to sit and relax for a few minutes. Or hours. He wasn’t especially worried about being seen by fellow colleagues, but if he had seen his boss then maybe you’d see a little fear in him. His head gently tilted back with his eyes shut, and but a few moments later…

SNNOOOOOOREEEEEE.

His mouth fell open a little and if one got close enough they would see a drop of dribble droop down his chin.

Despite how much she had wanted to skip work for the day, Rosemary knew she had a long day of player interviews lined up so she had begrudingly made her way to the office that morning - only with enough time to grab some of her material and some thank you items she had prepared for each of the Quidditch pros giving her some of their time. She knew from experience from her long ago marriage, that there was not always a lot of free time to give away. Especially if those pros had family's that expected them to be home and spending their down time with them. Truly, a reasonable request. And one she'd made back before her and Bogdan's divorce when she actually cared to spend time with him.

That truly felt like eons and eons ago now.

She'd just finished up the last of her interview's for the day when she'd decided a break, and a reward, was in order. Spotting St. James park, she made her way that direction and found a food vendor in order to get herself a small popcorn and a bottle of sparking water, before she began to just walk - letting her feet take her wherever.

She'd not gotten far when the sight of a familiar figure caught her attention. Wasn't that one of her colleagues? ... And was he asleep on a bench? With an amused smile, and perhaps a hint of judgement, Rose made her way the man's direction. The closer she got, the more she could see (and hear) the man was definitely asleep - mouth hanging wide open. Deciding to have a bit of fun, she sat down on another bench not too far off and took popcorn pieces - one by one - and aimed them directly towards him. Maybe she'd get lucky and actually make one in.

[Zoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

It was the weekend alright!

Though Jude taught some classes on Saturday, he had made sure well in advance that they were covered by a capable substitute. Since he had no other plans, this left him free for the entire day, to be able to catch up with Daf all day if his friend wanted to hang out that long. They could not have coordinated a better day for the meet up: it was perfectly warm and sunny. Jude enjoyed the sun’s rays bouncing off his skin as he headed for the park.

Since they’d agreed to meet some place by the lake, Jude set off briskly in that direction. He kept his eyes peeled for the familiar form of his friend and was rewarded almost instantaneously. If the guy didn’t know any better, he’d have thought that Daf was having a picnic by himself. Smiling rather broadly, Jude bounded over. “Hungry, are we?” he asked in Welsh. Shoes kicked off, Jude plopped himself down on the blanket. “Hi, Daf! Bloody hell, I’ve missed your face!” And Daf’s company, and jokes and, well... Daf’s everything.

It was weekends such as this that Dafydd missed. He knew that going into the pre-healer programme meant there would be a lot of work ahead of him, but it ultimately made him truly appreciate moments like these. It was a good reminder to stop and enjoy the little things. And that was exactly what today was all about: a simple picnic, watching the waterfowl, and good company.

He was so lost in the moment that he hadn't noticed his friend's arrival until a series of words in Welsh hit his ears. Instantly his face shifted and he beamed up at Jude. "Always," he told him as he finished off the remaining bit of the sandwich in his hand while his counterpart made himself comfortable.

When Jude mentioned missing his face, Daf smirked and jokingly made a dramatic pose. He had slightly leaned back and his face had morphed into that pouty yet alluring look that many models made. "Best take a picture then so you can look at my pretty face whenever you please." He winked before he replied seriously with a "I missed you too, Jude. How's everything going? And help yourself to the basket. There's plenty in there."

[Emzily]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Despite how much she had wanted to skip work for the day, Rosemary knew she had a long day of player interviews lined up so she had begrudingly made her way to the office that morning - only with enough time to grab some of her material and some thank you items she had prepared for each of the Quidditch pros giving her some of their time. She knew from experience from her long ago marriage, that there was not always a lot of free time to give away. Especially if those pros had family's that expected them to be home and spending their down time with them. Truly, a reasonable request. And one she'd made back before her and Bogdan's divorce when she actually cared to spend time with him.

That truly felt like eons and eons ago now.

She'd just finished up the last of her interview's for the day when she'd decided a break, and a reward, was in order. Spotting St. James park, she made her way that direction and found a food vendor in order to get herself a small popcorn and a bottle of sparking water, before she began to just walk - letting her feet take her wherever.

She'd not gotten far when the sight of a familiar figure caught her attention. Wasn't that one of her colleagues? ... And was he asleep on a bench? With an amused smile, and perhaps a hint of judgement, Rose made her way the man's direction. The closer she got, the more she could see (and hear) the man was definitely asleep - mouth hanging wide open. Deciding to have a bit of fun, she sat down on another bench not too far off and took popcorn pieces - one by one - and aimed them directly towards him. Maybe she'd get lucky and actually make one in.

It was so easy to feel like an old man in this situation, when it actual fact he wasn’t that old at just forty-five. Wizards could live a bloody long time these days, but he didn’t feel he really fit into that great wizard category. With his muggleborn roots set deep, and because he had spent a lot of time with his family recently, Theodore found he didn’t use an awful lot of magic when he wasn’t at work. It was food for thought, actually, as Theodore was really craving doing something big with his later life.

This particular nap didn’t seem to be doing much good for Theodore, probably the heat beaming down on his face that he did not have sun protection on. He lived a reckless and dangerous life, so you see. OR it could have been the tiny popcorn pieces that were being launched at him. Some thwacking him on the head, some missing completely, some landing in his lap.

And ONE landing right on target, into his mouth and down his throat. Immediately, Theodore tried clearing his throat and by this point was awake and standing, dropping the popcorn pieces that were in his lap, then clutching at his throat.

CALL ST MUNGOS, THE MAN WAS CHOKING.

Did this woman not know that popcorn was one of the leading causes of choking??? in children

[FearlessLeader19]

SPOILER!!: Daf!!! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

It was weekends such as this that Dafydd missed. He knew that going into the pre-healer programme meant there would be a lot of work ahead of him, but it ultimately made him truly appreciate moments like these. It was a good reminder to stop and enjoy the little things. And that was exactly what today was all about: a simple picnic, watching the waterfowl, and good company.

He was so lost in the moment that he hadn't noticed his friend's arrival until a series of words in Welsh hit his ears. Instantly his face shifted and he beamed up at Jude. "Always," he told him as he finished off the remaining bit of the sandwich in his hand while his counterpart made himself comfortable.

When Jude mentioned missing his face, Daf smirked and jokingly made a dramatic pose. He had slightly leaned back and his face had morphed into that pouty yet alluring look that many models made. "Best take a picture then so you can look at my pretty face whenever you please." He winked before he replied seriously with a "I missed you too, Jude. How's everything going? And help yourself to the basket. There's plenty in there."

Jude grinned. “And yet you never manage to put on a stone! What’s your secret?” Not that Jude needed help in losing any; dancing kept him fit. For as long as he could remember, food had been Daf’s other half. But hey, food kept him happy and that was all that mattered. Speaking of happiness, Jude couldn’t help but feel exactly this way as he leaned back and propped himself up on the palms of his hands, his feet stretched before him. This position only lasted for about a second.

Quick as lightning, Jude whipped out his phone. The camera app was pulled up and a picture of Daf’s face was snapped. “Perfect!” he remarked. “I’m just going to back this picture up so I never lose it…” While he talked, Jude’s fingers worked, doing exactly as he said. “If being a Healer doesn’t work out, you’ve definitely got the actor package going.” He amused himself for a bit by thinking about his boyfriend and his friend here acting together.

It was nice to be missed. Jude missed Hogwarts for the most parts, but mainly for his friends and all the silly adventures they shared at the school. Now they were off on their own adventures. This was why these hangouts were important: to catch up and just to chill. “Everything's going great!’’ Jude began, helping himself to a piece of shortbread from the basket. “WADA has its challenging days. Not to mention teaching dancing to pre teens.” Some days… some days were so hectic. “But going home to Davet everyday helps a great deal.” How was it that it was almost a year since they moved in together already?! Jude wiggled his toes happily. “Tell me about the pre-healer programme! Is it difficult? Have you made loads of new friends?”

[sweetpinkpixie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddles

Why was he so surprised?? Margaret tried to keep her face neutral as she processed Cooper's surprise. It wasn't like she was really a model. Nor was it even all that important that her brothers' Muggle friends believed she was a good model, but...it did hurt a little. Smiling a bit uncomfortably, she tried to think of what to say. But there...really was nothing. It was a sort of random choice, based mostly on how hard it would be to pretend to work, but also to explain why she needed to stay in such good shape, since she couldn't just say she was an athlete. "It seems to be effective, so I think it was a good choice," she said finally. Really, pretending to be an aspiring model was a lot less effort than pretending to be an aspiring chef or teacher.

Margaret's eyebrows raised in reaction to Cooper's own brow raise, but soon she was truly smiling again. Laughing even, given Cooper knew her complicated feelings about the color yellow. "I thought about playing in the French league right out of school, but I was worried my French wasn't good enough," she admitted. "I would definitely still play Quidditch," she added. That had never been part of the question for her. She could never give up Quidditch (well, okay, maybe someday when she was older and more tired).

With the way Cooper talked about the Benoits, Mamie could tell he really liked working with them. She nodded appreciatively as he talked about the changes, and providing abraxans for Beauxbatons? That seemed important!! "Is it exhausting?" she asked, curious. "You always seem so busy." And the fact that he made time to picnic with her despite all that busy-ness...that was noted.

Sometimes Cooper wished he had a time-turner to take back something he had said - now was among those. At least Mamie didn't seem to take the unsolicited observation and analysis too poorly so he was going to try not to chastise himself too harshly for it. "No, of course. I mean. I'm sorry. It...it isn't my place to make such sweeping conclusions." A hard lesson to learn and even harder to continue to apply to his interactions and relationships, not creating images and idealistic standards of people the way he saw things. Somewhere along the journey that was life he had lost some of his natural behaviorist knack and sauntered on in to ... well ... a bard of sorts, perhaps. Something that had not only given a certain rose colored hue to things where it was inappropriate but also reflected inwardly to unrealistic standards for himself. Toxic perfectionism, perhaps? It was something. "It's just a pity they can't know the truth depths of your talents. I don't have any strictly muggle circles so...I don't even really have a gnome's leg to stand on here."

The moment passed, Cooper took another hearty couple of spoonfuls of soup while she spoke. "I am sure you would have done just fine. You already have a foundation and you'd be getting the full immersion experience which is one sturdy roadmap to learning a language," he pondered between a couple more spoonfuls...which naturally meant there were little dribbles clinging to the corners of his mouth and one that had managed to land on his chin. "You'll succeed wherever you go, Mamie. You're too dedicated and driven to do anything but." Hopefully that was not too...well...to MUCH. "And...in event you do end up in France, I'll still be able to make matches often. Meet you in some French parks for a picnic," he added with a little nudge from the elbow.

Exhausting was...perhaps a bit of an understatement, but he apparently did not know how to be idle anymore. Yes, there were moments he slowed down to smell the roses - so to speak - but there was a restlessness that settled in whenever that happened. "Yes...and no...I suppose," he chuckled while running a hand through his hair and ruffling it a bit. "But...everything feels enriching, in some way...just grateful I suppose to wake up and know I have somewhere I need to be and something I need to do."

[Chelliephone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emzily

It was so easy to feel like an old man in this situation, when it actual fact he wasn’t that old at just forty-five. Wizards could live a bloody long time these days, but he didn’t feel he really fit into that great wizard category. With his muggleborn roots set deep, and because he had spent a lot of time with his family recently, Theodore found he didn’t use an awful lot of magic when he wasn’t at work. It was food for thought, actually, as Theodore was really craving doing something big with his later life.

This particular nap didn’t seem to be doing much good for Theodore, probably the heat beaming down on his face that he did not have sun protection on. He lived a reckless and dangerous life, so you see. OR it could have been the tiny popcorn pieces that were being launched at him. Some thwacking him on the head, some missing completely, some landing in his lap.

And ONE landing right on target, into his mouth and down his throat. Immediately, Theodore tried clearing his throat and by this point was awake and standing, dropping the popcorn pieces that were in his lap, then clutching at his throat.

CALL ST MUNGOS, THE MAN WAS CHOKING.

Did this woman not know that popcorn was one of the leading causes of choking??? in children

The argument could have been made that her current past time was as rude as it was dangerous, but she grew less and less conscious of that danger factor as popcorn pieces bounced of various parts of his head. Think of it as her entertaining way of feeding the pigeons, which were now quite happily gathered around the man. You're welcome feathered friends, enjoy your meal.

Except then apparently she was feeding him too, as one piece landed in his mouth. And of course just her luck, seemingly went straight down his wind pipe. Well, that was just bad luck wasn't it? Giving a small sigh, she put down the rest of her bag and headed towards him - cracking the seal of her unopened water and offering it towards him.

No words of apology. No attempted heimlich. Just an outstretched bottle. "Try this, it might clear it away." She didn't even bother to take the time to warn the beverage was carbonated. Hopefully that didn't present as another problem.

[Zoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Jude grinned. “And yet you never manage to put on a stone! What’s your secret?” Not that Jude needed help in losing any; dancing kept him fit. For as long as he could remember, food had been Daf’s other half. But hey, food kept him happy and that was all that mattered. Speaking of happiness, Jude couldn’t help but feel exactly this way as he leaned back and propped himself up on the palms of his hands, his feet stretched before him. This position only lasted for about a second.

Quick as lightning, Jude whipped out his phone. The camera app was pulled up and a picture of Daf’s face was snapped. “Perfect!” he remarked. “I’m just going to back this picture up so I never lose it…” While he talked, Jude’s fingers worked, doing exactly as he said. “If being a Healer doesn’t work out, you’ve definitely got the actor package going.” He amused himself for a bit by thinking about his boyfriend and his friend here acting together.

It was nice to be missed. Jude missed Hogwarts for the most parts, but mainly for his friends and all the silly adventures they shared at the school. Now they were off on their own adventures. This was why these hangouts were important: to catch up and just to chill. “Everything's going great!’’ Jude began, helping himself to a piece of shortbread from the basket. “WADA has its challenging days. Not to mention teaching dancing to pre teens.” Some days… some days were so hectic. “But going home to Davet everyday helps a great deal.” How was it that it was almost a year since they moved in together already?! Jude wiggled his toes happily. “Tell me about the pre-healer programme! Is it difficult? Have you made loads of new friends?”

It truly was a wonder how he managed to eat as much as he did. As for what his secret was, well, there really wasn't one. "Oh, you know, just some casual crup walking, running from one end of campus to the other, and daily workouts to keep everything from turning into mush." That honestly summed up the majority of his days since graduating from Hogwarts.

Daf didn't move a muscle (okay, maybe he flexed them a little) when the phone was taken out and quick mugshot snapped. For a moment he thought about making another pose, but there would be plenty of time for more shenanigans such as this. "Do I even get to see it? How do I know it's any good? Did you get my good side? Should I take one without my shirt on?" he fake pouted for a moment before a grin grew on his face. "Good to know I have what it takes, though can you imagine how hard it'd be to land an audition being in the same industry as you?" Fortunately for him, things were going just fine with his healer track. He'd leave acting and improv as a hobby and let Jude take the limelight there.

While his friend reached for some shortbread and spoke about WADA, he snagged himself another sandwich and bit an end off. He nodded at the remark made about there being some challenging days; that he could relate to. His face did perk up at the mention of Davet. "And how is lover boy doing?" he asked with an eyebrow wiggle before he continued with his own life update. "Things at uni are going well. The programme is quite challenging -- a lot of information and memorization and exams, but it's definitely going to be worth it in the end. And I've made a handful of friends within my cohort. We spend many a night studying together."

[Emzily]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

The argument could have been made that her current past time was as rude as it was dangerous, but she grew less and less conscious of that danger factor as popcorn pieces bounced of various parts of his head. Think of it as her entertaining way of feeding the pigeons, which were now quite happily gathered around the man. You're welcome feathered friends, enjoy your meal.

Except then apparently she was feeding him too, as one piece landed in his mouth. And of course just her luck, seemingly went straight down his wind pipe. Well, that was just bad luck wasn't it? Giving a small sigh, she put down the rest of her bag and headed towards him - cracking the seal of her unopened water and offering it towards him.

No words of apology. No attempted heimlich. Just an outstretched bottle. "Try this, it might clear it away." She didn't even bother to take the time to warn the beverage was carbonated. Hopefully that didn't present as another problem.

At this point, Theodore had no idea who or what was going on - if he had known someone was throwing popcorn into his mouth, he would be absolutely furious and probably resort to a duel, but he soon focussed on a woman standing in front of him offering him water. While she started off as his angel rescuer with the sun beaming behind her head, he soon narrowed his eyes crossly at her, shocked that she at least wasn’t trying to smack him on the back. Useless.

Still, he grabbed the water and tried to sip, and cough whatever it was up. Luckily the popcorn piece soon moved enough that it moved up into his mouth, where he was able to pick it out with his fingers. He was so confused by the entire situation. He hadn’t eaten or purchased popcorn in a long time.

Back to his rescuer, who had resumed her status of an Angel with the sun shining behind her, Theodore let out a relieved breath but wasn’t quite ready to smile - too traumatised. “Phew… thank you so much.” He screwed the lid back onto the water bottle tightly and handed it back to her. “Did you see what the heck happened there?” He needed some insight now.

[Harron Peasley]

Fin loved his job. He loved it most when he was in the field, working with dragons, but the responsibility of research meant he spent a least a few days a week in the office. And whilst he loved the Ministry, it was so.... indoors. Yes, there were windows, but he knew they were charmed, and so it didn't quite take the edge off his need for the outdoors. It was why he spent a lot of his lunches (like right now) out in the nearby park. He'd inhaled the pasta he'd brought and now he was wandering around aimlessly, breathing in the crisp air and watching the birds that flocked around.