Spike had been excited about coming back to Hogwarts, the place where he'd had so many adventures, and most importantly, where he'd met his wife. He tucked his arm securely through hers, and squeezed her hand gently, trying to ignore the nervous feeling in his stomach. He wasn't sure why it had settled there - it wasn't like he was worried about seeing both old friends or enemies - but he assumed it was probably related to Addy throwing up on the way here. He shouldn't be so worried about her so early on, and yet he was. His spare hand made it to her barely noticeable bump and rubbed it subconsciously.

"Sure," Spike agreed, his face lighting up and reflecting Addy's excitement. "Though yours should say 'The gorgeous Mrs. Hutchinson and Bump'," he said with a grin. He was a proud husband and daddy that was for sure, and he felt a little lost not having to scan the room at knee-height for their investigative toddler. "And mine should say something like 'Mr. Hutchinson, apparently grown up but still with tarantula in his hair.'" The name tag could fit that all on there, right?

As for seeing anyone they knew, well he barely had time to answer before looking round and seeing a whole HOST of people they knew, and a certain Auntie Vivi calling them over (yes, he now had the habit of putting the 'Auntie' bit there). She did mean for Spike to join too, right?

"Ellie! And Louisa! And Vashti!" He grinned and waved, and generally resembled his younger awkward self. Could they go into the grounds? Because they were SO on for a Quidditch reunion right now. "How are you all?" And yes his curls WERE moving, Ellie. It wouldn't be right if they didn't.

"By sad, she's underselling it somewhat," Spike with a chuckle, dipping into his wife's conversation. "Clingy would be marginally more appropriate, especially once we'd mention we were seeing Auntie Vivi. You clearly spoil your goddaughter too much." And with that he grinned, because that's were godparents were meant to do, and he didn't mind Sephi spending time with Vivi and Max in the slightest.

Which begged the question...where WAS Max? Except, well, his wife had already got there first. The oddly familiar babble of Addy being pregnant. "There's nibbles in your purse, my love," he answered with a smile. He'd managed to think that far ahead at least, even if he hadn't been prepared for a last minute outfit change after Sephi decided the previous one needed to be left at home for cleaning. "Hiking trip. Possibly a waddling trip too, if Sephi finally takes the plunge to walk. We've got her the CUTEST little boots."

He was allowed to gush a little, okay?

"Hey you twoooo! I would've thought you'd bring Henry and Pensacola to show them off to everyone." Giggle. Suuuurely they could have found sitters? She blew them both kisses though. Hi family and practically family, basically!


"And I DO." Cela said happily. Of course she did. Miles should remember, Celandine was always awesome at winning people over. Like everyone loved her right? Everyone? Every single person that she ever met ever? Like everyone who ever attended Hogwarts at the same time as her? And even people who hadn't met her yet?

Right?

... right!

But Miles was being well behaved and asking about her babies!

"Charlotte is nearly ten, Callum is 8 and a half, and Chloe is 5." She provided happily. "How old are your twins now? And oooooh, Fia you're about to pop! That's SOOOO exciting! Congratulations!" Cela was all FOR babies. She even shot a little look at Copernicus. He totally KNEW she wanted more. It was a process to butter him up though, he thought three was plenty given Charlotte was loud enough to count for two on her own.




"I can too say it. Its only the truth." Sexiest Kettleburn right here. And all hers. She squished him a little bit and sparkled up at him happily, quite pleased to be back at Hogwarts with him even for just a short time. "I'm not scared of any of their disapproval, Copey, I'm a grown woman and I can tell the whole world how amazing my husband is if I want to, the people have the right to know!" Teehee. She was mostly teasing him really, but she let him have his plain card, it would make him happy to have it all neat and ordered and factual.

... though she DID consider jazzing it up with hugs and kisses.

Ooooooh! Cela's attention was diverted by the pretty ring. Very nice! She liked her OWN best of course, and no doubt that there wasn't a single proposal that could compare to hers, but it was very nice.

"Oh you too, and its lovely! Do show him off to me too whenever your man shows up! Is he Ravenclaw too?" Ravenclaw men were the BEST weren't they? Totally were. So thoughtful and romantic, with lovely hair and a fabulous sense of style. Or at least they were willing to let you dress them and fuss with their hair if they were lacking that last part.

She looked back as Copernicus invited Evee and Plymouth to join them and smiled happily. They could if they wanted, but she didn't expect them to want to stick around too long and besides, Cela wanted to dance soon. Until her feet hurt!

Louisa chuckled and took Vivi's hand shaking it. It was very nice that she remember Louisa wasn't a hugger, though it was pretty hard hugging her when she was all dressed up like that. "Aren't you a bit overdressed?" She grinned down at her always-the-stunning figure and then back up at her gorgeous hair and face. Maybe people glowed differently when they were truly happy and satisfied, Louisa wondered if she glowed like that, too???

"Yeah. I'm really excited, it took a while and I had to stalk some posh people and follow them around like a puppy, but it worked! I officially work in the office where decisions are made and I can work on my diplomatic dream for real." She WAS happy about this, and she continued on to tell Vivi about other stuff. "I'm looking for a flat in the city, too. Preferably a big one, which means I need to share the bills with someone sooo a flatmate it is. Not sure how I'm going to live with another person, it looks hard." She scrunched up her face for a moment but then let the excitement overcome her. "What about you? How's the wedding plans going? What about your job, you're a proper Auror now?"

Louisa smiled back at India, nodding her head. "Hey, I'm good. Pretty good, yeah, how're you? What are you doing these days?" They weren't that close of friends so they never kept in touch, but Louisa was interested to know what everyone wound up doing after school. So much changes after graduation, she would know.

... stand on tables? "Or just lounge on the benches, extend our freakishly long legs on the tables." She added, with a playful grin.

Oh. Yeah. That was her. "That's me. Never heard of another Ravenclaw Louisa. Nice to meet you, then, Nigel. I like your hair." Could she touch it? WAIT. "Oh! You're in that band! The uhmm, the dead kneazles band that played in the summer festival, right? Oh yeah, I remember you from there, not from school." Since he already said he was twelve or thirteen when she was here and he must've not looked this... attractive then. Heh heh. What, she could rate guys as much as she wanted, she was a free bird. Nigel got an eight. That was pretty high on her scale.

See, making new memories already in this hall, this was good, whew! Things were getting less sad and intense inside her head right now, thank you Nigel.

"Ellieee, hiya." Louisa smiled at the ginger, the greeting lacked the enthusiasm of those long-lost friends she hadn't kept in touch with but it was warm and friendly. Ellie and Max were Louisa's only reason to follow some Quidditch news. She didn't care particularly, but being a good friend and all that.

Louisa laughed heartily at that. "I was pretty darn cute, wasn't I?" She wasn't, she knew she wasn't but Vashti was that good of a friend to say she was. "Oh Merlin, I remember crying like a baby here when you all graduated." She shook her head slowly, lightly chuckling at the memory. That memory she was happy to remember, heh. "Now your kids might make it here in a few years, oh dear. That is why I didn't get married, I want to be young forever but you guys had to do it and ruin it for me." She scolded playfully, unable to keep a straight face. "I wish Dallin and Ellie could make it." Sigh. And Treyen. SIGH.

Aww! Spikey! Mr. Hutchinson! Awwwww. Louisa laughed warmly at her old friend, "Hey Spike, long time no see." His curls hadn't changed. "How's life treating you? Last time I heard you were in uhh South Africa?" She squinted her eyes trying to remember correctly... yeah, hunting down some rare plants? Getting a degree? She couldn't recall, she heard it from friends anyway. "I still have the plant you gave me." Five years ago right here on this table, minutes before she graduated. Ugh, he was such a sweetheart to her when she was having the saddest day. Max and Spike, they owned her last memory here!

"It was, yeah." It wasn't anymore, could Kingsley pick that hint up? But it still was for Quidditch reasons, if he followed Quidditch at all, so maybe he did and was totally right to call her 'Stone'. She still liked the sound of it. Ellie Stone.

As for the next question, Ellie answered without even looking around. She shrugged. "Wouldn't've expected you to be here, though." Kingsley would be the fancier event type, wouldn't he. "Why aren't you wearing that ruffley thing?" First of all, Kingsley always wore those ruffles. Second of all, it was a special even, so he should be wearing them to dress up a little (nevermind she was in sweats). Lastly, he was going to a reunion and would most people even recognize him without them?

Normally, Ellie would dismiss this as a formality and not answer how she'd been. She didn't want to tell the whole truth about it, anyway. So she'd answer about right now. And right now, she was happy. "Good. Back at Quidditch and that's fun." It was, it had become fun again. "You?" Wasn't she not even British anymore or something?

Please don't mention the k-i-d-s.

Ellie had thought Vivi overdressed, too. That was why she liked Louisa, she pretty much had her priorities straight. There was just the twisted bit about reading, studying, and schooling rather than Quidditching. But Vivi was wearing way too much dress and Ellie wanted to know why.

Also, the bit about the flat and flatmate. "What about Paulie?" They'd always been good friends and he wasn't already living with anyone else, was he? Or...wait, was he living in the States now, too? Wait.

The thing about Paulie was that Ellie never knew exactly what he was doing. He always seemed to be doing something else. The again, they didn't talk much about what he did. Jobs were boring and all that. Mostly, she was snapping at him about his less than appropriate jokes about her and Treyen.

Amidst her wonderings about Paulie Foster, Ellie's attention was caught up again by her name. But not her name. "Wait, they're not coming?" Louisa would know. That was so disappointing, though. Ellie and Dallin would be two people who fell into the category of not seeing often. Of people she mostly came to this whole reunion for. Of people who she actually wondered about as far as how they were doing. As long as they left the kids out of it, of course.

.................................................. .

Spike came!

He was also someone Ellie didn't really keep tabs with. But in his case, she was okay with that? He was into his Herbology and wife that didn't like her. It was definitely mutual, though, and she couldn't really think of Spike apart from the fact he loved someone who could be....Addy.

Maybe this was how Kurumi felt.

On top of that, he clearly still kept that massive spider in his hair. But if Spike was happy, who was Ellie to call him out on all it? She smiled when he greeted them. "I'm back in Quidditch!" was her answer.

...Oh, Merlin. Loads of people. Loads of old familiar friends and peers kind of people. Faces that Maximus James could have lived without seeing again, and faces that he saw often, and faces that he wished he saw more often - but as soon as he stepped toward the Ravenclaw table to go see where his fiancée was, he stopped.

And there came the feelings.

Nostalgia hit him in the chest like a brick, and he actually brought a hand up to place over his aching heart. So many memories - mostly good ones - came flooding back, and the sight of Vashti, Ellie, Vivi, Louisa, and Spike all conjugated together at the Ravenclaw table made actual tears pool in his eyes.

Instead of going over to say hello, the former Ravenclaw turned his back to them by the door of the Great Hall and cleared his throat, taking a moment to choke back emotions. He took his glasses off to keep them from fogging up, but he was not going to cry in front of them, no. No. Not today.

But his friends. All in one place.

-----------

The party don't start till I walk in.

Becca Parker didn't plan on staying long, not unless the two people she wanted to see most were there and wanted her to stay - Cela and Cope, of course - so naturally the first thing she did upon entering the room was look for them. She saw Max along the way, her old Arrows teammate, and he appeared... to be... crying? What? At least overly emotional, and that was concerning, so Becca marched right on over, ruffled the young man's hair, and gave him a booty-bump to the hip. "Cheer up, James. This is a happy occasion," she chimed as she continued walking by, shooting the Keeper a cheeky sort of grin. If baby James was here, he surely brought his mum, too, didn't he? Becca would keep an eye out for her, then. She loved that woman.

Setting her sights for the Ravenclaw table, Becca skimmed the faces currently present. She saw many familiar ones, like Ellie and Vashti who had both grown up beautifully, but before she could even throw them so much as a wave, there. She spotted them, and a wave of relief washed over her. Friends. Good.

Strutting down the walkway between the two tables - hey, athletes could look smokin' in formal attire, too - Becca Parker arrived behind Celandine Toussaint Kettleburn and gave her a few gentle taps on the shoulder. "Head Girl Toussaint? D'you remember that time you let a weregoat eat my pillow?" The memory struck her suddenly and a grin kept onto her face as she made grabby hands for a hug. Cope got smiles, too, and... a Plymouth Morgan?

Fantastic.

Listening to conversations made things ever more clear really, so Vivi was engaged? She’d…ugh, have to congratulate her when someone said it aloud that was…or hey, when she flashed her ring to Ellie! YES perfect chance.

“Congratulations,” She did chime in to Vivi because well that was ONLY the polite thing to do especially when rings were being flashed right? And turning her attention back to Nigel she beamed, “that is awesome I’m really happy for you guys, I did see a little bit of your show it looked really fun,” she continued to smile as really, that sounded awesome.

“Oh I’ve been well – though honestly university is far more boring than well…working at a pub?” She laughed and then made sure to send Nicola big smile as well. “Hello Nicola,” she grinned and waved to the redhead. “How’s life after Hogwarts treating you?” She asked happily.






India sent Vashti a pleasant smile, “Oh it feels so strange admittedly,” India chuckled and smile to the other women, “what have you been up to since well, graduating from this place?” India asked kindly because really that was what reunions were for…asking people polite and not at all intrusive questions about their lives and how they were doing.

India of course sent Louisa a smile, “I’m glad you are doing well,” India grinned, “Oh I’ve been well,” she nodded and grinned back to the only slightly younger girl. India really was glad to catch up with everyone it was easier now, without the shellshocked feeling of being removed from her home. “Oh I’ve got a little potions business even deliver them via owl,” she grinned. “What have you been up to?” She asked happily because well, from what she remembered Louisa had always seemed rather nice.

Was. Preston Kingsley was nothing if not perceptive, and so he offered his hand for a greeting while he spoke. "Is there a more appropriate manner of address, then?" He did not wish to make assumptions, and was not at all up to date on Quidditch to know how she was referred to.

"No?" he responded. It was true that he almost hadn't attended, but his reasons were not for a catch-up with a former student. "I suppose I thought it would be nice to see the school again," was all he offered, as he clasped his hands behind his back and looked around the room once more. He had quite enjoyed it here, questionable colleagues aside, and wondered at how far away his work as an educator seemed.

"Students aren't the only ones who change once they leave the school," he offered with a bit of a smile - something else she would not have seen too frequently as a student. "I do hope you recall more of my time as a professor than simply what I chose to wear."

Was it bad that three terms he had been at Hogwarts, he hadn't really made friends. He knew people but had he really spent time with anyone but Delphinia? It might seem rude on his part but he had been incapable of bonding with anyone but Delphinia.

So when he had made his way to his own table, he had recognized faces but no names came to mind. It was a shame but then again Delphinia's hand was in his and that was all. He had hoped to get to see the castle but they were allowed only in the great hall and it sort of sucked. Abandoning his own house table, and going over to Delphi's, the former Hufflepuff tried to pretend he knew people around him.

"I think I would have preferred seeing the places we had spend time talking at" he said with a smile.

"What about Paulie?"

Paulie Foster entered the scene with a big old grin on his face just as he was wrapping his arms around Ellie Lockhart from behind. Then she got a big, wet smooch on the cheek. Smoooooooch.

He stood back up again and patted Louisa on the head because he always saw Louisa and it was his form of 'hello' to her today.

As he took a seat, he waved at Vivi, too. "What a coincidence that I am surrounded by all these beautiful, beautiful ladies." Pure coincidence.

Was he scoring any points here??

Belle decided to go around and see what other familiar faces she could see. As Belle made her way to the ravenclaw table she promised Kace she would say hi to Mika. She wondered why that name sounded so familiar. Maybe they did meet somewhere or had classes together who knows? She went off of Kace's description and once she found her, Belle lightly tapped on her shoulder since she seemed to be talking to someone.

"Heyyy Mika is it?" she didn't wanna sound awkward. But probably too late for that. "I am Belle Lecium related to my brother you may know, Kace?" she asked hoping she wasn't making a fool of herself. I mean it would be a typical Belle thing to do.

As she was saying hi to Mika she noticed a familiar face and it was Paulie. He waved slightly at him but she realized he was with ladies and she decided maybe it was better not to interrupt.

Hadley made her way into the Great Hall. It had been… what… 12 years since she graduated? She tried doing the maths in her head but failed. Never the best at math. She held her breath slightly as she entered the magnificent hall. It was a weird feeling, like it had been years and years since she was here, but also like it was yesterday since she walked through these doors for breakfast, or a feast.

Having kept mostly to herself through her time at Hogwarts, and spending a great deal of time with the spirits of Hogwarts, she didn't immediately recognise anyone. But still, she made her way over to her old house table and sat, looking around at all the faces.

There was no hugging or handshaking or TOUCHING Ellie, but Vivi was pleased to see the older girl. Max's closest friend was someone that Vivi desperately wanted to be friends with... a position the former Ravenclaw hadn't found herself in before. She'd wanted things, but she hadn't wanted someone to LIKE her.

"We didn't, actually. I was here setting up, and he was meeting me here. He'll show up soon. Has he talked to you about the wedding yet?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eriin

Addy was STARTLED when she heard someone nearly shouting her name... Of course it was Viv. Heh. She tugged Spike along with her and stopped by wjere Viv was sitting with a slew of people. A whole SLEW.

Some of those assembled were vaguely familiar faces, some she was sure she had never met. And furthermore there were some she wished she had never laid eyes on. One in particular who was awfully rude. And that someone got snubbed. No hello from Addy Hutchinson for YOU. Hmph.

Smiling she took her friend's hand and bounced on the balls of her feet. "Sephi was so sad she couldn't come tonight. I think she wanted to see you more than she wanted to come hang out with her parents." Kids tho. Sighs. And now that Vivi had mentioned it she DID miss her ickle one a lot. Thanks Genevieve Branxton. Thanks. A. Lot.

"Where's your fiancee? Is he going to grace us with his presence this evening?" HMMMMMM? WAS HE? Did Viv want to rub her itty bitty baby bump? She was the only one besides Spike who was allowed. Mhm. Hehehehe. "I want food. Would you like me to bring you some? OH! We're going to Peru. To the Amazon." Word vomit anyone? Addy was good at random conversations!

As a matter of course, Vivi was very tempted to pat Addy on the belly, but she knew that, should they be reversed, she'd break the fingers of anyone who tried it. So even though she suspected she was allowed to do it, Vivi held herself back. "We'll drop by soon and take her out for the day. Max needs the practice of dealing with very demanding females if he's going to marry into the Branxton family."

Food actually sounded good. Very good, even if Vivi worried she'd end up wearing some of it on a pretty dress. "Bring me something amazing, and twelve napkins. And he'll be here, but if you see him, tell him I look amazing and he's missing out."

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermygirl

"By sad, she's underselling it somewhat," Spike with a chuckle, dipping into his wife's conversation. "Clingy would be marginally more appropriate, especially once we'd mention we were seeing Auntie Vivi. You clearly spoil your goddaughter too much." And with that he grinned, because that's were godparents were meant to do, and he didn't mind Sephi spending time with Vivi and Max in the slightest.

Which begged the question...where WAS Max? Except, well, his wife had already got there first. The oddly familiar babble of Addy being pregnant. "There's nibbles in your purse, my love," he answered with a smile. He'd managed to think that far ahead at least, even if he hadn't been prepared for a last minute outfit change after Sephi decided the previous one needed to be left at home for cleaning. "Hiking trip. Possibly a waddling trip too, if Sephi finally takes the plunge to walk. We've got her the CUTEST little boots."

He was allowed to gush a little, okay?

She leaned past Addy to greet Spike properly. "I don't spoil her enough. Don't challenge me, Spike, 'cause I will definitely spoil the pants off her. And look at you... you bought your infant who can't walk hiking boots. Just because I take her to Arrows games and let her chew my hair and maybe there was an incident with a stuffed unicorn... I'm not spoiling her." She was. Baby was getting roller skates as soon as she could walk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magical Soul

Louisa chuckled and took Vivi's hand shaking it. It was very nice that she remember Louisa wasn't a hugger, though it was pretty hard hugging her when she was all dressed up like that. "Aren't you a bit overdressed?" She grinned down at her always-the-stunning figure and then back up at her gorgeous hair and face. Maybe people glowed differently when they were truly happy and satisfied, Louisa wondered if she glowed like that, too???

"Yeah. I'm really excited, it took a while and I had to stalk some posh people and follow them around like a puppy, but it worked! I officially work in the office where decisions are made and I can work on my diplomatic dream for real." She WAS happy about this, and she continued on to tell Vivi about other stuff. "I'm looking for a flat in the city, too. Preferably a big one, which means I need to share the bills with someone sooo a flatmate it is. Not sure how I'm going to live with another person, it looks hard." She scrunched up her face for a moment but then let the excitement overcome her. "What about you? How's the wedding plans going? What about your job, you're a proper Auror now?"

It was just like Louisa to offer an insult with a smile, and it ALMOST choked Vivi up with emotion as much as it annoyed the pants off her. Overdressed? It wasn't her fault that people didn't know what semi-formal meant, and she was the daughter of the president to boot. She had to wear a dress. Fancy. Ravenclaw colors. "I look amazing and don't try to deny it."

Hair fluff. But really, it was nice to see Louisa so relaxed and excited about her life. Vivi listened carefully to all of Louisa's plans. Ambitious, but then she'd always been. "I know a nice place where the flats are really reasonable. You might even be able to afford to live by yourself, have a little back garden... it's lovely. Right in the middle of things." And she'd have some old friends as neighbors, not that Vivi would throw that in just yet. "Congratulations on your job, truly. It sounds just up your alley. You deserve something fabulous after all the work you've put in. Oh, and wedding plans." She waved her hand. "I'm getting to it. Slowly, but it's happening. Found a dress, letting my mother do the caterer and flowers because it makes her happy. And yes, I'm a full Auror now."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tegz

Ooooooh! Cela's attention was diverted by the pretty ring. Very nice! She liked her OWN best of course, and no doubt that there wasn't a single proposal that could compare to hers, but it was very nice.

"Oh you too, and its lovely! Do show him off to me too whenever your man shows up! Is he Ravenclaw too?" Ravenclaw men were the BEST weren't they? Totally were. So thoughtful and romantic, with lovely hair and a fabulous sense of style. Or at least they were willing to let you dress them and fuss with their hair if they were lacking that last part.

She looked back as Copernicus invited Evee and Plymouth to join them and smiled happily. They could if they wanted, but she didn't expect them to want to stick around too long and besides, Cela wanted to dance soon. Until her feet hurt!

It was so gratifying to have someone fuss over her, and Vivi turned the ring to let the light hit it. It was so sparkly! "He's a Ravenclaw. Quidditch player, Keeper for the Arrows. Adorable, very sweet, a little shy. He'll be here. I had to help him match me, you know? But we don't usually do that..." Then again, Cela and her hubby were matching a bit too, so maybe she shouldn't make fun.

"That's him there," Viv pointed to Max lurking by the door.

Quote:

Originally Posted by feeheeheeny

...Oh, Merlin. Loads of people. Loads of old familiar friends and peers kind of people. Faces that Maximus James could have lived without seeing again, and faces that he saw often, and faces that he wished he saw more often - but as soon as he stepped toward the Ravenclaw table to go see where his fiancée was, he stopped.

And there came the feelings.

Nostalgia hit him in the chest like a brick, and he actually brought a hand up to place over his aching heart. So many memories - mostly good ones - came flooding back, and the sight of Vashti, Ellie, Vivi, Louisa, and Spike all conjugated together at the Ravenclaw table made actual tears pool in his eyes.

Instead of going over to say hello, the former Ravenclaw turned his back to them by the door of the Great Hall and cleared his throat, taking a moment to choke back emotions. He took his glasses off to keep them from fogging up, but he was not going to cry in front of them, no. No. Not today.

But his friends. All in one place.

What was he doing? Lurking and... was he ill? Vivi half stood before deciding that Max was fine. A little bit of a tender flower, but he was the flower and she was the butterfly and they'd always worked well like that.

"JAMES. COME HERE AND KISS ME." She wanted him to come join them instead of lurking all nostalgic and weepy in the doorway. And she wanted a kiss.

***

Cope was taking a lot of good-natured abuse from his wife, and he appreciated her for it. She got a squeeze, and then he went back to watching her work the room. Or this corner of it, but it would be no time at all before Cela spread out. He was still watching her when a familiar voice called Cela by her maiden name. It took a moment, but Cope rose and offered a hand to her. "Becca. That was Cela who ate your pillow. She admitted everything to me later."

Or not, but... where'd they go and fine a weregoat?

"You suppose Plym will join us, or just stand there looking scared all night," he leaned in to drop that question right in Cela's ear.

"Lockhart," she replied, failing at supressing a rather large smile. Yeah, that happened. It was weird to still have to tell people her and Treyen got hitched, but in a good way.

The castle? Big, old, stone building? Must be more satisfying when you're older, like Kingsley, and your memory's not so great anymore. Did he realize he'd have probably been confined to one room for the reunion? Most likely the Great Hall? Especially since like..school was in session and there were students running around everywhere else?

Old people changed, too? But the professors were supposed to be set in their ways already, and not change. But..."They were nice, though." The ruffles. "You taught us how to camp," Ellie answered proudly, "And some other stuff."

EEP!

The grin that appeared on her face from being hugged very quickly turned into a look of disgust from the cheek kiss. He would have gotten away with the hug, too, but now even that seemed a bit too much for Ellie's liking right now. She wiped at her cheek with her sweatshirt sleeve. See, it was a good thing she dressed as she did and not in fancy clothes like........everyone else.

However, she could answer his question. "You could be Louisa's flatmate." And he should be.

Oh, okay, then. Ellie gave another glance around for him....and Treyen, maybe. Maybe Max was going to be bringing Treyen! Maybe they'd come together! Both her boys!

....Must they talk about wedding things? It sort of made sense for Vivi to be curious about these things and follow up on them, since she was planning it, but....she'd never pinned Vivi as that kind of girl, really. That was why she liked her so much. "He said I could wear pajamas," Ellie nodded.

But seriously, yes, he talked to her about it.

Also seriously, he did say that.

OH! He was here now! He could tell her! Yes, Max, come over, give your girlfriend a kiss, and tell her about the pajama wedding.

The mention of Ivan's name was enough for Fia to cut her green eyes towards Miles. The glare was enough to hopefully never mention the name again. Or perhaps it was nothing more than hormones shining at the moment.

Selfish? "Humpf!" Ivan was selfish, alright! And rude! And conceited! And ANNOYING! No matter how old or mature she was at this point in her life, Ivan made her childish side appear from no where.

And in an instant, her demeanor changed from one mood swing to the next. By now, 8 1/2 months, she was used to the ever changing part of her body, including emotions. BABIES! Pictures of cute little babies and other people's children. She gleamed at the picture as a vibrant smile formed.

"Cela, they are absolutely adorable." And then her bottom lip began to quiver slightly. "And...and they look so innocent." With a heavy sigh, she took ahold of Miles's hand and took a seat, leaning down from one side to the next. This baby was heavy.

Ooh a potions business? "Oh I have a friend who also specialized in potions. Not sure what he's doing right now, last time I heard from him he was teaching." She smiled and nodded. "Jonathan Kim, you know him? He was probably from your class. Slytherin." Speaking of, was he coming today? Louisa doubted it, and she looked back at the Slytherin table where he could've been sitting.

Nope. No Jonathan. Sigh.

... hmm? Oh, yeah, her. Louisa was happy to asnswer that today! Thank goodness she got the job before this reunion was announced, heh. "I actually started working in the IWC office in London." The beam on her face should tell India that Louisa was super excited to have gotten this job. "And I'm looking for a new flat, preferably with a flatmate. Got a good few options laid out for me. Things are good." Was India married with kids like the rest of the group, though? Hmm? Louisa was curious but didn't want to ask so directly.

"You look stunning." Louisa admitted loudly, with another laugh. She did, Vivi was the stunning one of the two even without being overdressed. But yes, after a second thought, maybe Vivi's mom's position required her to be all neat and fancy. Also, she could be rehearsing for the wedding dress. Who knows, Louisa wouldn't.

Oh? She knew a nice affordable place? "That sounds pretty good. I will check this one out along with the rest options I have, thank you." She was so helpful, bless her. Louisa looked at her, somewhat sheepishly, when Vivi went on being supportive and just completely sweet and nice about things. Ugh. This was why it was hard being her friend, Louisa didn't know how to be vocal about this! Was this where people hugged? Should she? But Vivi's dress had sparkly things. "Thank you, really, I know you understand that. You did a pretty darn job yourself with your life." Better job than Louisa because her success was in all the aspects in her life not just her career, but shhhhh, no one was thinking that. Nope.

The wedding part was so exciting, though! Max and Vivi. Wow. Who would've thought. Louisa laughed, "It sounds intense, good that your mom's helping. The wedding dress! Ha! I hear that's the tricky pary? To decide on one?" Again, she wouldn't know.

Dallin and Ellie weren't coming as far as she knew, Louisa just gave Ellie an exaggerated sad look. "They're not sure they could make it? I don't know, you know Dal. I think they couldn't find someone to babysit?" Louisa wouldn't mind the little cutiepies to come cause havoc here to be honest, heh heh heh. She'd watch. Or help with the havoc making. Heh.

Oh Merlin, it was odd talking about Dal's kids when eight years ago she was fighting for her right to play with him.

"Treyen not coming then?" He would be sitting here with them if he had, Louisa assumed. But then again, he was pretty popular with girls, he could be seeing the Hufflepuff, been their Head Boy and all.

Paulie as her flatmate? Louisa opened her mouth when Paulie's voice reached her ear. Oh he was here--

--Louisa simply sat there with a sour face. She was not a kid to be patted on the head. She was a sophisticated business woman now. A simple hello would've sufficed but noo, Paulie had to tickle her big ego and make her grumpy. ish.

... "He already has a flat. And a flatmate." Louisa answered Ellie, trying to get rid of that sour face. Hmrph. "I do have a few good options laid out for me, I'm trying to find one that's high and spacious. And affordable." She's just started her new job, salary wasn't great yet. Few more years and she'd be the Supreme Mugwump and she could buy her own manor with her name on the front welcome plaque. hehe

”I think you overestimate your power to get people to do what you want.” Miles snorted and gave Cela a smirk knowing full well she got him to do all sorts of stuff when they were younger. He chose to think of it as more of a, he didn’t care enough to fight back.

Miles stood behind his adorable wife and started rubbing her shoulders. “They’re…six now?” Oh Merlin they were growing fast. Little trouble makers at that just like he was. His mum was right when she promised he’d see his dad’s frustration someday. But really they made him incredibly happy. Seeing the look Cela gave her husband he laughed. He wasn’t getting out of having another kid. He knew that look well. “So your oldest is about to come here soon. That must be a strange feeling.” Thankfully he had a few years.

He stopped himself from laughing at Fia’s glare. “You know he’s changed a bit.” But he did still call her Fiona. Which still amused him to no end. “Really don’t understand why you two can’t get along.” They both liked to pick on each other it was annoying really at times. But then again he was the one who was going to make Ivan donate a small fortune in a minute because he knew he was competitive.

Why was she looking like she was about to cry? He couldn’t keep ahold of her moods these days but he thought it best not to ask and just took a seat next to her.

Did Vivi just IGNORE him? Did she miss his friendly wave? All so she could beckon her lover over for kisses?!

..Well, okay. Granted, he supposed if he were pathetically in love, he'd be making the most of getting kisses wherever and whenever he wanted.

He still crumpled up his nametag thing and tossed it at Vivi's head because HELLO. He wanted some acknowledgement.

As for Max, who was standing in the doorway with his head on his shoulders, he got a hello. "Hiya, Maxxie."


Oh, look. Someone POLITE. Who greeted people. Yes, Paulie did catch Belle's wave over his way. He wiggled his fingers at her in a wave and grinned. "All right there, Belle?" Hadn't seen her in a little while.


Paulie settled in and made himself quite comfortable between Ellie and Louisa. The disgusted face she made went completely unnoticed. Or perhaps completely ignored. "Where's your better half, Elliekins?"

He could be Louisa's flatmate? The great Helen herself answered this for him. "Mhm. Alas, I've lucked out with sharin' a flat with Golden Boy." AKA August Goldstein. Who SHOULD have come. Gosh, that boy coulda had the ladies after him. August was totally a dreamboat for girls. And guys, mind you.

Heheheeee. See, that was EXACTLY the sort of reaction Paulie loved getting out of Louisa. That sour look on her face. You aren't any big hot shot YET, Helen of Hogwarts.

Paulie never did tire of teasing her.

"Hah!" He laughed. "High and spacious and affordable?" Good luck with that one, Helen. Though if he and August had the space, he wouldn't miss a beat inviting her to live with them. You know, so long as Auggie was cool with it.

Delphinia wasn't so sure about this whole reunion thing, any more than she had been upon receiving the invitationan, and the discussion she and Nathan had about attending the event. But here they were, back at school. Back in Hogwarts. The same place she had run off to, with Artie's help, to escape her troubles. The only reason she and Nathan had ever even met.. perhaps it was a good thing they had agreed to come, after all.

Had it not been for this school, who knew what would have become of her. Or even him? Delphi couldn't even guess if she wanted to, and she most certainly didn't. She simply couldn't picture what her life would have entailed without Nathan's presence, even through all the bad.. nothing would have mattered without him.

"We did spend a lot of time here, too, though.." Delphi reasoned, but she knew what he meant. It would have been nice to visit the lake again, or even the library. Green eyes roamed her former house table, and silently she gave his hand a little squeeze.

Ah, look, Copernicus and Celandine. It had been a while since she'd seen them last, but Evolette didn't think at all that they were different. Just older. In fact, it was a bit of a flashback to see them together here like before. She smiled warmly at them both as they were good friends, and patted Plymouth's arm too. "I think we're still wandering, but we could stop here for a bit, yes?" She had been addressing Cope, but after she spoke, she turned her gaze to Plymouth. He was her escort of the night and if he didn't want to stop here for a while, then they could continue on. "Nice beard." She added in the Kettleburn's direction.

And if she were asked about pictures, well, obviously she had some of her own. Her children were beautiful, you know.

----

Taryn wasn't eating. She was doing a very good job at keeping her stomach contents at bay though the hall was full of smells. Food. Perfume. All of it. She had a glass of water in one hand that she sipped at and that seemed to help as well. In her other hand, she had Milton's hand and she gave it a squeeze. There was no point in going over to the Slytherin table, so she had led them here to see the Ravenclaws. Milton's house. Aspen's house. Dora's house.

Those were really the only people she was interested in seeing, anyway.

Oh crap. Foster.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cela horrifying Plymouth

"Hey you twoooo! I would've thought you'd bring Henry and Pensacola to show them off to everyone." Giggle. Suuuurely they could have found sitters? She blew them both kisses though. Hi family and practically family, basically!

Plymouth's sister in law didn't waste any time at all in making him feel.......... like an idiot. Ola would have outshined everyone here, but it had seemed like a good idea to have a night out, a little nostalgia with his best friend. It was supposed to be fun but why did he already feel like going to hide out in the hall?

To answer, he mumbled something about something, cough, this and that, Evolette McKenna.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Copey

Oh, good! Perfect! Evee and Plymouth. Cope waved them over eagerly. People! To look at Cela's pictures! To keep her happy and entertained! Yes. People.

"Evee. Plym. Come sit with us. Did you see the spread? D'you suppose this is what we're really fundraising for? More parties?"

What? Plymouth was just here to see people. Like.... Anna Greingoth and Toby Avalon and maybe even Daphne. Plymouth hadn't stayed in touch with her at all, but often wondered if she ended up happy. In other words, he had no idea what the fundraisers were for.

But he felt obligated to sit down, so he.... at least mimed sitting down? Did Evolette want to sit here? "I wonder if they'd let us go see Zahra..." the one thing that Plymouth and Cope had in common that they could communicate about without starting fires.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evolette McKenna, PGM's prettiest one here date

Ah, look, Copernicus and Celandine. It had been a while since she'd seen them last, but Evolette didn't think at all that they were different. Just older. In fact, it was a bit of a flashback to see them together here like before. She smiled warmly at them both as they were good friends, and patted Plymouth's arm too. "I think we're still wandering, but we could stop here for a bit, yes?" She had been addressing Cope, but after she spoke, she turned her gaze to Plymouth. He was her escort of the night and if he didn't want to stop here for a while, then they could continue on. "Nice beard." She added in the Kettleburn's direction.

And if she were asked about pictures, well, obviously she had some of her own. Her children were beautiful, you know.

Ah. Plymouth had been around these woman enough to know what was coming now. They were going to show off pictures of their babies and talk about wanting more and quietly compare/contrast their own babies. He went ahead and beat them all to it and whipped out pics of HIS TWO TODDLERS. Bayrose and Calyx with their mother, Ola. HIS WHOLE WORLD. "Took this one last week. Hehe." It was pretty comforting to know they weren't very far from him, just down in Hogsmeade.

Oh hey was that BECCA? She'd changed! He didn't want to look like the idiot he felt like, so he.... just looked at her like he KNEW HER but didn't but he did, right? BECCA?

Well, he was there. He didn't really want to be, his eyes were on everyone and he was slightly paranoid, but he was there. Mostly, he showed up for Dora because he knew she'd hunt them down and kick their shins if they didn't show up. But most people at Hogwarts had been MEAN to him were just okay, so he didn't really care about revisiting his past.

Milton moved his hand from Taryn's and slid his arm around her waist instead. "Are we having fun yet?" he asked, leaning over to whisper in her ear. Were they? He wasn't sure.

Fun? Nah. Not really. Taryn made a face that said as much. They both knew that the main reason they were here was to see Dora, and they also knew that Dora could see them any time she wanted to, and in the comfort of their home, so she wasn't quite sure why they were even here. "Not quite. I feel nauseated. If Paulie Foster annoys me enough, I'm going to vomit on his shirt."

That was her way of giving him a warning and also pointing out that PAULIE FOSTER was in the vicinity. Just, you know, be prepared and all.

"Where's Dora?"

Mika smiled over to Belle when she walked over and nodded. “Yes, yes it is, hi – Belle!” She grinned over to her, she had seen her around the school before she had met Kace as well…she had met Kace when he was what? A first year? “It’s a pleasure to meet you officially Belle,” Mika grinned.

“How have these…what? Five years away from Hogwarts treated you?” She asked kindly and even gave a smile to the older guy who was now well talking to Belle….she knew him some how right? Had seen him around the school wasn’t he…the head boy or something? She wondered and sent Paulie a smile.







India smiled over to Louisa, she had to think really if she had known Jonathan really. Sure, the name was familiar but she honestly wasn’t the best with names – but, that really, just made her more sure that she had at least known him…or of him. “Honestly, I don’t really know him but I know who you mean – but I’d love to make more friends in the business” she smiled.

Oh, that sounded great! India grinned, “That is awesome I’m really happy for you,” she saw the beam and tried to at least send her back and equally encouraging smile. “Oh good options, that is great!” India grinned, and then with a little chuckle she asked, “what do you think about well, really, nearly all of our former classmates being well having kids?” She asked intrigued really because from what she had heard and all of the lifestyles publications in the Dailyprophet it really seemed like there really was a wizarding baby boom, or well something close to that at least.

She wasn't in that group, not personally, but she had a feeling her own sister would be first. Really, not that she had minded that after all she was only in her twenties.

Paulie was here? Super. "Me too," he said, in regards to the vomiting. He LOLed in his head to himself. Nah, Paulie wasn't that bad. Only when he would hit on Taryn ALL THE TIME EVEN WHEN THEY WERE TOGETHER. "Hey, remember that time he almost moved in with us?" Good times.

Where WAS Dora? They were here for her, you know. "I dunno. Am I supposed to keep track of her?" That would be a headache of a job, because she was always going somewhere. Egypt? Was she still in Egypt or was that just a short thing? He didn't know. He didn't know anything. So maybe Milton really hadn't changed at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cedric

Oh, look. Someone POLITE. Who greeted people. Yes, Paulie did catch Belle's wave over his way. He wiggled his fingers at her in a wave and grinned. "All right there, Belle?" Hadn't seen her in a little while.

Ah so Paulie did notice her. Alright try to keep your cool Belle. Not that he was cute or anything. "Hii Paulie.." she said with a wide smile. She made her way over and sat down. "I am doing alright.." she told him and let out a huge breath she didn't realize she held in. "I am excited to be here and see everyone again. How have you been? The last time we met was at that cafe." Yeah it had been that long.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Optimist

Mika smiled over to Belle when she walked over and nodded. “Yes, yes it is, hi – Belle!” She grinned over to her, she had seen her around the school before she had met Kace as well…she had met Kace when he was what? A first year? “It’s a pleasure to meet you officially Belle,” Mika grinned.

“How have these…what? Five years away from Hogwarts treated you?” She asked kindly and even gave a smile to the older guy who was now well talking to Belle….she knew him some how right? Had seen him around the school wasn’t he…the head boy or something? She wondered and sent Paulie a smile.

Belle smiled and thought Mika was cool like Kace said. She really liked her just by the first impression. "It is a pleasure to meet you too Mika." she told her as well with a wide smile. Oh myyy five years? "Merlin has it been that long.." she said recounting the years in her head and it was. "Woww five years that is a while but they have treated me well. I mean I graduated from uni and still finding a job but baby steps right?" she grinned. I mean finding jobs wasn't easy. Not easy at all.

"How have the years treated you? Anything interesting?" she asked. She wanted to know what others have been up to.