Here I am

More Weasleys arrive

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:12:58 GMT

Who: Bill, Cho, Jia and Sheridan
Where: Their home in Boar's Hill
When: September 18th
What: They're a family now.

I love that word.. family.

Choble forever

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 18:22:23 GMT

*walks into the bedroom quietly, in case anyone is snoozing* *smiles softly at what he sees -- Cho is in the middle of their large bed, many pillows propped behind her, with one baby in her arms* *Cho's head is tilted off to the side, her eyes closed* *Luna is holding the other baby in the rocking chair* *she looks up when Bill comes over* *she gives Bill a silent question, nodding at the babe she's holding* *he nods in return and she grins, standing up* *she walks over to Bill and places his son in his arms* *she pads out of the room, closing the door behind her*

*moves to the bed where he carefully sits down next to his wife, pressing a kiss onto her forehead* *her eyes flutter awake* How are my little girls?

Bill, Cho and Luna -- Boar's Hill, -- Wednesday, August 8th

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:31:14 GMT

*holds Cho's hand as they enter their house* *he's not said very much since they left the Healer's office and found out that Cho needs to go on bedrest until she has the twins* *listens for the sound of Luna and Andie, but doesn't hear them, so imagines they're outside our Luna managed to get Andie down for her nap* *looks down at Cho* Do you want to go to the sofa or the bedroom, love?

RP Link

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 14:11:29 GMT

Who: Cho and Bill
Where: Boar's Hill, Oxford, their home
When: Sunday afternoon, July 15th
What: Painting the nursery and talking about the upcoming arrivals.

I think I'll have to keep you pregnant for the next decade or so.

Cho and Bill -- Boar's Hill, Oxford -- painting the nursery, Sunday afternoon (Complete)

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:26:53 GMT

*pops open a paint can and stirs the paint magically* *peers down at the colour* *hands a paintbrush to Cho, kissing her forehead as he does* So, a rainbow?

Owl post

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:53:21 GMT

Multiple owls sent with hastily scribbled notes attached.

To: Cho Weasley, Molly Weasley and Tonks
From: B. Weasley

At St. Mungo's with Hestia, she's in labour, stalker has been captured.

Cho, I'm fine.

Love, Bill

Bill and Cho in Rio

Sun, 24 Jun 2007 13:47:05 GMT

Who: Cho and Bill
Where: Rio, Brazil
When: Sunday afternoon, June 24th
What: Soaking up the sun, Weasley babies showing off and serious conversation

I think the twins just said hello for the first time.

Cho and Bill in Rio

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 15:37:27 GMT

*rubs lotion across Cho's stomach, stopping to lean down and kiss the growing bump* *sun is very bright and warm and feels wonderful* You're not too warm are you? *stretches back out next to her on the beach, pushing her glass with straw toward her*

Bill and Cho, Charmed Investments, Friday afternoon, immediately after Zach leaves

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:33:53 GMT

*heard Cho yelling from downstairs and was heading to the stairs when she enters the office and sets a privacy charm* What's going on?

Zach and Bill at Nine Ploughs

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 03:08:53 GMT

Who: Zach and Bill
Where: Nine Ploughs Pub
When: June 12th
What: Discussing how their significant others are taking their pain out on each other.

Problem is, they both adored her, why I have no idea, so they'd rather tear each other up than admit that Marietta was nothing more than a using, abusing, vindictive sneak.

Zach and Bill, 9 Ploughs pub (COMPLETE)

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 21:25:25 GMT

*unhappily walks into the pub* *when he had told Cho where he was going, she had glared and locked herself in the bedroom* *sighs heavily, he had known this would happen if she tried to talk to Blaise again* *honestly felt at this point she'd be better off without the bastard, but unfortunately, she missed him* *and it wasn't like she had a lot of family to fall back on* *makes his way to the bar, spotting Zach's blond hair* Zach.

Bill and Hestia, shopping in Hogsmeade

Sat, 09 Jun 2007 04:28:09 GMT

Who: Bill and Hestia
Where: Hogsmeade
When: Friday morning, June 8th
What and Why: Shopping, because Hes can't go by herself.

I hate him! Why is he doing this to me?

Hestia and Bill, shopping at the market (Complete)

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:46:29 GMT

*walks down the pavement along side Hestia* *keeps his steps very small so the pace is slow for her* *smiles at the thought of Cho's growing stomach* Market next, Hes?

Memo

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:38:09 GMT

To: Cho Weasley, the desk next to mine, unless she's run off to the loo again
From: Bill Weasley, at his desk, pretending to be working, really making a list of everything that has to be done at the new house

Dearest wife,

Do we have plans on Friday night?

Love,

Bill

Molly and Bill

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:54:51 GMT

Who: Molly and Bill
Where: Bill and Cho's townhouse
When: Friday afternoon
What: Molly drops by to cook a few meals
Why: She wants to help.

I'm sure she'll be a very fine wife one day.

Bill and Cho's townhouse, Molly drops by (Complete)

Wed, 30 May 2007 15:12:31 GMT

*opens the door to the townhouse, carrying a grocery bag* *hears a clatter in the kitchen* You're supposed to be napping, Cho! *walks into the kitchen and sees his Mum* Mum? *smiles* You're here. Again.

Bill and Penny, Thursday

Fri, 25 May 2007 21:49:26 GMT

Who: Bill and Penny
When: Thursday, May 24th
What: Coffee (Penny) and Tea (Bill)
Why: To ~~gossip~~ catch up

Now, Penny, when you go shopping with Cho, make sure she gets at least one outfit with cute animals plastered across her chest, yeah?

Penny and Bill, Tea, Thursday -- (Complete)

Wed, 23 May 2007 16:46:31 GMT

*stirs his tea* *sets the spoon down and looks across the table at Penny* Now, Penny, when you go shopping with Cho, make sure she gets at least one outfit with cute animals plastered across her chest, yeah?

Blaise and Bill, Monday morning, Feld Townhouse

Mon, 21 May 2007 20:09:35 GMT

Who: Bill and Blaise
When: 21st of May, morning
Where: Blaise's townhouse
Why: Cho is scared and it all ties into Blaise.

She's right to be afraid.

21st of May, Monday morning, Bill visits Blaise (Complete)

Mon, 21 May 2007 13:16:39 GMT

*paces the pavement outside Blaise's townhouse, still trying to decide if talking to him was a good idea* *it definitely wasn't, he decided, but since he was quite sure he'd already set off Zabini's perimeter wards, he might as well talk to the man* *frowning slightly he walks to the front door, ignoring the door bell, he knocks on the door*

Cho and Bill -- Val d'Aran, Spain

Wed, 16 May 2007 14:20:03 GMT

Who: Cho and Bill
Where: Val d'Aran, Spain
When: 16th of May, Wednesday
What: Work, kissing and conversation
Why: They're partners.

William! I'm sitting on a coffin!

The first meeting between Charlie and Ethan, Holyhead, Wales -- May 12th, Saturday

Tue, 15 May 2007 21:37:19 GMT

Who: Bill, Ethan and Charlie
Where: Holyhead, Wales, Jonas Farm
When: May 12th, Saturday
What: A first meeting between Ethan and Charlie

Bill: *apparates to the farm with Ethan* *lights up a cigarette as soon as they get there* *takes two puffs and then stubs it out on his boot* *as way of an explanation* I'm trying to stop. Again. *points to the barn just ahead of them* That's where Charlie lives. A small flat on top. *spins the cigarette around his fingers* I'll introduce you to him and then I can wander off once he seems comfortable with you.

Ethan: *looks longingly at the cigarette* *reminds himself he can have one after this appointment* *nods* *feels nervous and glances around the farm for a moment before realising Bill has started walking toward the flat* *hurries to catch up with him*

Charlie: *forks more straw into the stall, moving with quick, nervous movements as he strokes it into place, just exactly so* *turns, quickly, and jabs up another forkfull to toss in -- and swears, softly, as he slams the pitchfork tines first into the corner post of the door, scattering straw everywhere* *stops, takes a breath, then very carefully pries the fork loose, strokes the straw into a pile and tosses it into the stall -- his nerves had been building all day, and it was hard to keep still, keep in place, the anticipation of the stranger thrilling all along his arms and shoulders, trying to make him hunch, to flinch, to run* *pauses and works his hands on the pitchfork, rubbing the shaft, turning it in his hands before he turns and closes the stall door, moving over to the next and preparing to throw more straw* *jerks and flinches when Doog suddenly vaults out of his spot by the door with a woof! of combined warning and greeting, and goes racing out to meet Bill and the stranger with him, dancing around the pair joyfully, pausing to sniff Ethan from head to foot, then eye him with some distrust before shying over to grin cheerfully at Bill, demanding his fair tribute of ear scratches and pets*

Bill: *grins widely when he sees Doog bounding toward them* *to Ethan* This is the dog we were telling you about. Doog. *reaches down and pets Doog happily after the dog has finished investigating Ethan*

Ethan: *eyes widen when he sees just how big Doog is* That is a great beast of a dog. *thinks he's a beautiful great beast of a dog though* *smiles and stays still while Doog sniffs him* *glances up at Bill pets Doog and spots Charlie in the barn* *waves his hand in greeting*

Charlie: *withdrawn slightly, into the shadows of the barn door, chin down, eyes focussed warily on the stranger, doesn't respond -- but does shift to lean the pitchfork against the wall, and steps away from it* *hesitates a long moment before moving slowly out into the morning sunlight, unconsciously beginning to stroke the leather cuffs on his wrists* *eyes moving from Bill to Ethan, then back, he moves to greet his brother, letting Doog stay between himself and Ethan as he does so, and shifting enough so that Bill is closer to Ethan as well, as he approaches* *softly* ....Bill. *eyes going to Ethan again, then dropping, shying away uncertainly, his fingers pulling harder on the leather at his wrists*

Bill: *smiles at Charlie* Charlie. How're you doing? *notices Charlie fussing with the leather bands on his wrists, but tries not to have a reaction to it* *gestures toward Ethan* Charlie, this is Ethan Summerby. Summerby, this is my brother, Charlie Weasley.

Ethan: *keeps his face neutral, takes in Charlie's body language, but doesn't watch him critically, not wanting him to feel as if he were being examined* *nods at Bill for the introduction* *voice soft* Hello, Charlie. You can call me Summerby, everyone does. *hesitates a moment then extends his hand to Charlie*

Charlie: *hesitates a long moment, then, jerkily, offers his own hand in return, head jerking down, eyes averting as he does so* *jerks a bit of a nod, then retreats a step when Ethan releases him* ....Sir. *eyes flick to Bill, then to Doog, reaching out to pet the dog, using the action to avoid Ethan's eyes*

Bill: *gives Charlie a reassuring look* *pats him on the shoulder* I'm going to go up to your flat and nick an ale. If you need me, just call.

Ethan: *softly* Please, just call me Summerby. *nods at Bill as he gives Charlie another pat on the shoulder and takes off toward the flat* *surveys the farm to avoid looking directly at Charlie* *casually* I'd love a tour.

Charlie: *looks after Bill, suddenly feeling incredibly alone and vulnerable -- until Doog shoves his head into Charlie's hand again, reminding him about the scratching that had ceased* *fingers tightening in the scruff of wiry hair on the Wolfhound's neck, he ducks his head, looking away from Ethan, then glancing warily back at him before looking after Bill one more time, eyes bleak* *looks back at Ethan, obliquely, and his hands start twisting at the leather wrapped around his wrists, almost wrenching the bands tighter and tighter, first one, then the other, in short, nervous gestures* *after a moment, he nods, a short, jerky gesture, and swings one hand briefly toward the house behind Ethan* *voice soft, hoarse and hesitant* ....Jonas' house. *hesitates a fraction longer, then volunteers* ....his farm, here. *nods again, swallowing before his hand swings around to indicate the orchard to one side of the yard -- though Charlie never quite turns his back on Ethan, and his other hand on the scruff of Doog's neck keeps the Wolfhound between them* ...apple orchard. *flicks a quick, curious and unnerved glance at Ethan before turning the other way and, after one false start, heading for the barn*...the...horses are over here. *as soon as Ethan moves after him, he sidesteps slightly, dropping back in an unconscious attempt to follow the younger man, keeping out of arms reach as he does so*

Ethan: *follows Charlie's gestures to the various locations on the farm* *notices Charlie doesn't want to lead him and the presence of the dog between them* *isn't bothered by either, seems natural to him that Charlie would be wary at this point* It's a beautiful farm, Charlie. *conversationally* I just came back from Africa. Lived in a few different countries there. Travelled a lot. Rode an elephant once. *small smile* I preferred the Land Rover, myself. *realises that Charlie might not know what a Land Rover is* That's a Muggle motor car. The Savannah was my favourite place of all. Open and gracious. Had a flow and a rhythm I loved.
Charlie: *hesitates a step as Ethan mentions his travels, then has to speed up a little to catch up, just as they get to the barn door* *hesitates again, this time at the edge of the sunlight, oddly reluctant to step into the dark barn with the other man* *after a moment* ...I ... *stops, looks down at his hands, fingers tracing across the scars of one knuckle, then touching the leather band around that wrist* *pulling in a breath, he speaks again, forcing a little more confidence into his voice -- never mind the initial tremble* ....I used to work in Romania. ....on the Reserve.

Ethan: *stops at the door to the barn, sensing that Charlie doesn't want to go in* *leans against the door* With the dragons? *smiles* I had never seen a dragon until the Tri-Wizard Championship. *smile falters for just a moment, his thoughts veering to Cedric* *pushes the loss away and focuses on Charlie* I was *chuckles* very impressed by them. They must be amazing animals to work with.

Charlie: *half-smiles, just a little sadly, and shifts his weight* *glancing into the barn* ...Jonas keeps a pulling team here, and a mare and stallion. *eyes going fond* ...has a filly this year -- he's thinking about teaming her with her dam for pulling.

Ethan: *follows Charlie's gaze to the interior of the barn* I don't know very much about horses. I've ridden a couple of times, not very much. *gestures to the stalls* I'd like to see them.

Charlie: *nods, immediately, obediently, and backs out of the barn, eyes averting* ...they're in pasture. *waits a moment for Ethan to step out as well, then he gestures around the corner of the barn, beginning to move that way, one hand on Doog's ruff* ...I just cleaned the stalls -- they won't come in until feeding time this evening. *glances at Ethan, eyes a little less worried, and little more curious, though he quickly averts his eyes before Ethan has a chance to meet his gaze*

Ethan: Ah, that makes sense. *half-smile* Told you I didn't know much about horses. *walks in the direction Charlie indicated* *as they move around the barn, he spots the fence and the large, grassy pasture, but no horses* It's large. *walks to the fence* *puts his hands on the fence, surveying the area*

Charlie: *follows Ethan to the fence, hesitates as the other man stops by the rail, then ducks and slips through the fence and into the pasture* *can't stop a bit of a smile as Doog chooses to pop over the fence in a casual hop* *takes a few steps out into the short grass -- just greening and beginning to grow through the thick mat of winter kill enough to hide the yellow below -- then turns and waits, diffidently, for Ethan to either come and lead again, or to give further instructions*

Ethan: *watches Charlie and Doog choose their paths into the pasture* *gives Doog and admiring glance, thinking again about what a large dog that is* *goes through the fence in the same manner as Charlie did* *notices that Charlie seems to be waiting for him to make the next move* *decides to see how Charlie would react to a question* Should we look for the horses?

Charlie: *steps back, giving Ethan room as he comes through the fence, averting his eyes and waiting for instructions* *at the question, his shoulders tense, but he answers amiably enough* ...you wanted to meet them?

Ethan: *nods even though Charlie isn't looking directly at him* I'd love to meet them. I've not seen very many horses up close.

Charlie: *the tension visibly fades from his posture as Ethan accepts his answer* *turns, takes a step toward the forest at the far side of the field, then pauses, glancing back at Ethan, clearly waiting for him* *Doog turns to look as well, then glances up at Charlie before moving over to sniff at Ethan once more, eyes large and assessing, almost challenging, as his nose comes right up into Ethan's face to sniff at his breath* *Charlie just watches, breath held*
Ethan: *takes a step a forward as Doog moves toward him* *is amazed again at just how big the Wolfhound is* *doesn't move back when Doog sniffs at him* *calmly* Warrington was right, you are a great beast of a dog. *smiles and lets Doog sniff him without making a move toward the dog yet* *to Doog* Do I pass?

Charlie: *tenses slightly, shifting his weight backward a little as Ethan steps forward, his shoulders coming up at the question* *Doog sniffs Ethan from head to toe again, eyes wary but friendly, glancing at Charlie occasionally, questioningly, as he does so* *Charlie just watches, body set for retreat, and doesn't say or indicate anything, leaving Doog to make his own choices, though he watches carefully, eyes on the dog* *Doog finally sits next to Ethan, and nudges his head under a hand in clear demand, lifting the hand a good foot in the process* *Charlie glances from Doog to Ethan and back, eyes uncertain, wary, and more than a little unnerved -- but settling quickly at Doog's acceptance* *after a moment, he shifts his weigh back, then turns and takes a half step further into the field before glancing back at Ethan curiously*

Ethan: *grins easily when Doog nudges his hand way, way up* *scratches Doog's ears for a minute* Let's go find those horses, yeah? *starts walking toward the forest at a casual pace*

Charlie: *relaxes as Ethan takes the lead again, falling into step just a little beside and behind the other man -- closer, this time, than before -- almost in arms reach* *Doog, moves right along with Ethan, demanding more scratches as they walk* *closer to the forest, Charlie steps up, just a bit, and turns a little away from Ethan, subtly guiding him toward one of the many hidden paths the horses had carved into the underbrush*

Ethan: *scratches Doog's head off and on as they walk* Bill says that you're getting on well living with Doog. *notices Charlie casually giving them direction* *spots the horses in the distance* I think we've found the horses. They're beautiful.

Charlie: *has dropped back behind Ethan as they walked the narrow path in the sun-dappled shade* *peers around him as he speaks, and starts to smile slightly* ....Hear and Athena. *looks around, frowning slightly in concentration* ....I don't see Zeus. *gestures toward a large oak* ...that looks like Hades, though. *looks back at Ethan, head tipping slightly as he addresses the first comment, his eyes on Doog as he speaks* ....Doog is a good roommate.

Ethan: *stops walking and observes the horses from the distance* *glances at the oak, then turns his face toward Charlie* I'd love to get a dog, but with my hours, it'd not be fair to the dog. Warrington lets me visit his dogs. They're great companions. *pauses, not sure of the best approach to take and is once again reminded of how different this is for him from most of the healing he has done in the past* Charlie, I'd like to help you.

Charlie: *is relaxed, beginning to smile again, as Ethan talks of dogs -- and the sudden return of tense wariness is visible and abrupt, his shoulders tightening, eyes and expression going shuttered and closed, his whole body suddenly seeming to lean away in absolute denial without him taking a step* *hands coming together, he begins testing the leather cuffs again in agitation, tugging, tightening, working the cuffs with hard, sharp motions -- first one, then the other -- in a clear, repeating pattern of self-reassurance* *head lowers and turns, almost submissive in its flinch, baring the side of his throat to the other man even as he seems to retreat without moving, in a clear shutdown*

Ethan: *observes Charlie's reaction, keeping his own expression placid* *feels bad that he's made Charlie uncomfortable, but he needed to know what his reaction would be* *sticks his hands in his pockets and looks away from Charlie, focusing on the horses in the distance* *decides to just let the silence carry for the moment*

Charlie: *as the silence continues, he, very hesitantly, eases back a step -- then another -- the almost painfully vibrating tension in his body easing slightly as he puts a little bit of distance between himself and Ethan -- and Ethan's questions* *pulls in a soft breath, then licks his lips, suddenly thirsty and wishing he'd brought a bottle of water with him* *slowly his posture relaxes and his expression opens up, just a little, easing enough for him to glance up and around, quickly, eyes focussing on the horses in the distance, flicking to the ground in front of him, flicking sideways (away from Ethan) to look for the other gelding, then jumping back to the mare and filly in the distance* *his hands slow in their motions, but do not stop -- white knuckled as he twists hard on the leather, pulling it tighter, harder* *takes another breath, a little easier, as the silence goes on, his shoulders easing, just a little more*

Ethan: *pulls his hands out of his pockets and moves to pet Doog's head again* *doesn't look at Charlie while he talk, not wanting him to feel he had to answer if he didn't want to* I live in a flat in London, so I couldn't have a dog this size, even if I was at home enough to care for him. Maybe I should get a cat. Tracey has a cat, aptly named Cat and she seems rather fond of it.

Charlie: *eases a little more, and eyes him for a moment* *frowns, looks away, then down at his own hands, abruptly realising what they are doing* *in a stiff, uncomfortable gesture, he pulls them apart and jams them into the pockets of his denim trousers, clearly aware that Ethan is diverting him from the real subject* *shifts his weight a moment, half turning away, then hunches his shoulders defensively before he speaks, voice rough and soft, the hesitancy clear* ....Bill likes you? *shoots a glance at Ethan out of the corner of his eye as he asks, gaze settling briefly on Doog before coming back to the ground in front of him* ....Doog likes you.

Ethan: *looks Charlie's way, then back out at the horses, remembering how embarrassed he had been when Bill had walked in on his and Chad's kiss* *honestly* I think he does. *doesn't think Bill would entrust Charlie's care to someone he didn't like* I like him. I knew Cho at Hogwarts. I was at their wedding reception. *sincerely, although his mind does flash to an image of Cho and Cedric together* I'm happy she's found someone to share her life with. *smiles fondly at Doog, scratching behind his ears again* Dogs usually do. *small shrug* Don't know why. I like Doog too.

Charlie: *shifts his weight again, scuffing his feet -- and inching just a little further away from Ethan, subtly testing the limits he's being given* *without looking at Ethan, shoulders hunching hard* ....why -- *voice breaks and cracks and he stops to clear his throat, swallowing, trying again* ....why -- *stops again, unable to complete the sentence, ears and cheeks flushing hard as he ducks his head, and turns half way back toward Ethan, then turning away, clearly torn*

Ethan: *watches Charlie quietly, not making a move closer to him or away from him* *turns his eyes on Doog, ruffling the fur on his back* Why do dogs like me? Perhaps because I like them?

Charlie: *shakes his head, sharply, frowning hard as his shoulders hunch again* *not looking at Ethan, his words rushing and hesitant at the same time* ....do you know what happened?

Ethan: *continues petting Doog, giving Charlie a sideways look* *quietly* I know some of it. Bill told me before we came over here today. *doesn't think it'd be wise to go into the details of what Bill told him as that is coloured by Bill's perceptions of the events and might not be accurate other than as a framework for knowing where to start* *would rather hear about it from Charlie himself, but isn't going to say that*

Charlie: *roughly, voice gone hoarse and tight* ....what do you want from me?

Ethan: *starts to say he doesn't want anything from Charlie, but that isn't entirely true* I want to get to know you. Listen when you want to talk, talk when you want to listen. Walk with you through the healing process.

Charlie: *is clearly startled by the answer, actually turning and looking at Ethan for a moment before he realises what he's doing* *blinks, eyes intensely green and gold, then jerks and looks away, looking baffled and confused* *scrubs a hand roughly through his too-long hair, pulling part of it out of the sloppy que its been tied back into and leaving a mess behind that he doesn't notice -- and looking more than half mad for it* *rakes his fingers through his hair again, snagging them in the que -- which he rips out in frustration before scrubbing his hands through his hair again, both of them this time, in clear, confused agitation, trying to process what he's been presented with* *shudders, once, and suddenly hugs himself, rocking slightly -- but not retreating any more -- as he lets out a shaking breath*

Ethan: *watches Charlie's agitation with concern, but isn't sure that it is a negative* *keeps his own body still, but not stiff* *just lets Charlie take the time he needs* *glances away again, watching the horses move in the afternoon sun*

Charlie: *finally, still not looking at Ethan* ....I don't know what to do. *voice soft, but somehow not quite as hoarse as it has been*

Ethan: *feels very much the same way* *softly, glancing at Charlie, but not staring at him* I'm not sure either, Charlie. Right now, we could just continue our walk for a bit.

Charlie: *somehow, knowing that Ethan was perhaps feeling adrift, as he was, was reassuring -- he wasn't alone, and he wasn't wrong to feel so lost* *after a moment, he nods* ....want to see the pond?

Ethan: *smiles softly* I'd love to see the pond. *takes off walking, trusting that Charlie'll guide him in the right direction.

Val d'Aran, Spain -- du Chastel Family Mausoleum -- Bill and Cho (Complete)

Sat, 12 May 2007 15:39:21 GMT

*pulls out his wand and moves it carefully over the doorway* *the spells on the door are illuminated and he smiles as he studies them* *the new wand Cho had given him was beautiful and amazing to work with* *it was good to be in the field, and even better to be out of England for a couple of days*

*does the equation that'll remove the outer layer of spells first in his head* *has worked through half of the spells, layer by layer when he hears the clicking of heels on the marble floor* *finishes the final step on the spell he's working on and then turns to greet his wife* *smiles and leans over to kiss her* Everything going okay with the clients, love? *then he kissed her again*

Link

Thu, 10 May 2007 21:41:44 GMT

Who: Angie and Bill
Where: HQ
When: Thursday night, May 10th
Why: A race!

BILL! Christ!

Fred and Bill, The Leaky

Wed, 09 May 2007 19:01:39 GMT

Who: Fred and Bill
Where: The Leaky
When: Lunch, Wednesday, the 10th of May
What: No eating, but lots of tension.

Bill: *orders an ale and carries it to a small table in the corner of the Leaky where Fred is already seated* *sits down after Fred gives him hug* *gives him a steady look and a small smile* Hello, brother. How're you?

Fred: *looks up, genuine joy lighting his smile* Bill! I didn't see you come in! *stands, moves to give his eldest brother a hug before sitting again* *cocking a cheerful smile at Bill* Got enough sleep last night -- first time in a week or so I think -- so I'm pretty good. You?

Bill: That's good. *takes a drink of the ale* Been better, been worse. *taps his fingers along the edge of the table* Cho's a bit upset about Etta. *and that was an understatement*

Fred: *and the joy instantly fades from his expression as it shutters and closes* Look. I don't know anything, all right? She's got no business nosing in on my relationship with Marietta, and has no right to send some tart pounding on my bloody door at five in the fucking morning over it.

Bill: Yeah, I know. *scratches his face* *picks up his ale and drinks* *half-smile* Tracey Davis? I worked with her before. She helped us after Cho's attack. *frowns slightly* Listen, I'm sorry she was bothering you. Cho hired her because she's *pause* worried and just wants to know where Etta is. *and that she's not coming back*

Fred: *snorts* Bothering me? *leans forward, the annoyance coming back and filling his expression as he lowers his voice to a more confidential tone* Bill -- the twat damned near beat my door in at five in the fucking morning! I was in the bloody SHOWER, man! Then, when I told her I didn't want to talk to her, she tried to shove her way inside, threatened you, and made me drop my towel. Finally, after I shoved her BACK out of my home and locked the door on her, she tried to break my wards, set off my alarms, got the Muggle bobbies called on her and pissed off my landlord! *sitting back, looking thoroughly annoyed now* 'Worried' isn't good enough.

Bill: *listens to the story, trying not to smile* She threatened me? I can't imagine why Tracey would threaten me. *can't resist* She made you drop your towel? And that didn't scare her away?

*more seriously* You shoved her? She tried to break your wards? Fuck. *leans forward* Cho is more than worried, Fred, she's scared. And Tracey seems to think you referred to Cho as a "bitch". *not mentioning yet what Cho had said that Fred told her at their wedding reception*

Fred: *not amused* *ignores the 'bitch' comment* Damned straight I shoved her. Bill, she was trying to force her way into my home! *glaring* First she accused you of biting me, then she threatened you, then she tried to shove her way into my home -- while I was naked and still wet, thank you very much! Of course I shoved back -- I'm not going to let a bint like that push in! *still glaring* And I don't give a fuck what's up with your wife. Just tell her to keep out of my business -- its none of hers. Period.

Bill: *decides to ignore the fact that Fred pushed Tracey because that was the least of his concerns at the moment and it was her job to deal with that* *goes straight to the point* *in a low and very serious voice* Cho says you threatened her, Fred. Is that true?

Fred: *frowns at him* When?

Bill: *not bothering to keep the annoyance out of his voice now* At our wedding reception.

Fred: *grimaces and frowns* Oh. That. *crankily* No. I reiterated a promise. *frowns at Bill* I don't think I've actually thre -- *pauses* Hmm. No, I did threaten her the other morning, when that bint was trying to beat in my door, I think. *chews on a thumbnail, trying to remember the exact conversation* ...no... Warned her, maybe. Don't think I actually threatened her then, either. *frowns at Bill* What'd she tell you?

Bill: *eyes narrow* She showed me an owl from Tracey where Tracey wrote that you referred to Cho as a bitch and that she was to remind you of a promise that you made to Cho. A promise which Cho says was that if she were ever to hurt me that she'd regret it. *pauses, scowling* *struggling not to raise his voice* And that you seem to be under the impression that Cho seduced me away from Fleur. I left Fleur -- I was going to divorce her anyway. Cho didn't steal me from her. My marriage to Fleur was over before I came back to England.

Fred: *not backing down an inch* Damned fucking straight I called her a bitch -- *offended* She sent that bloody bint to try to break into my home at five in the bloody fucking morning!

Bill: *gives an exasperated sigh* Cho just wants to know where Etta is. I'm sure she didn't realise that Tracey was going to knock on your door at so early in the morning. If you want me to tell Tracey to leave you alone, I will.

Fred: *suddenly gives a wicked grin* I can handle the tart. *eyes going bright with truly wicked mischief* I think she left a dent in the wall outside my door.

Bill: *raises a brow* That'd explain why she sent a bill for a very expensive pair of shoes. Just be *waves his hand, deciding Tracey could take care of herself* *changes the subject* Fred, about Cho. I can't make you like her, hell, no one liked Fleur. I knew that. Just leave Cho alone.

Fred: *snorts* I didn't have anything to do with the shoes. *frowns, then looks highly offended* I haven't touched Cho! *and the annoyance, unease, fear and outright dislike suddenly bubbles to the surface, tripping off his tongue before he can stop it* She's a sneak, Bill, and a liar. You don't know what she's done -- what she'll do -- to get her way and make her life easier on her and to hell with the rest of us. *shakes his head, trying to cover the shake in his voice, suddenly feeling terrifyingly young in front of his brother, but determined to say it all the same -- only hoping he doesn't sound as young and desperately frightened for his brother as he feels* All I did was tell her -- I told her I didn't give a fuck what you and she did or who you saw or, or any of that. *leaning forward, urgently* But I know who she is, Bill. I know who she was and who she -- what she did. And I told her -- *now his voice does shake, and he flushes, hard, in embarrassment for it* -- I told her that if she ever hurt you that I'd make sure that she lived to regret it. And I will. *vehement, and absolutely committed, voice going into a furious growl* I will make certain that she lives to regret every moment of it, if she -- if she hurts you.

*suddenly, he can't look at his brother, his ears and cheeks burning scarlet -- feeling very much like the very little brother, incredibly young, telling the much bigger, older brother in front of him that he could handle anything the bigger boy couldn't take on himself...all the while knowing that the older boy could probably save the world without any help from a pipsqueak like himself*

Bill: *stares in disbelief at his brother* Cho? MY Cho? *hands flat against the table as he tries to control his anger* She is not a liar or a sneak! What the fucking hell did she ever do to make you think that? *doesn't even notice Fred's expression, he's so angry* *leans across the table to get in Fred's face* She would never hurt me, Fred. I think it would be very wise for you to never speak to her. *voice very low, but dangerous* Do you understand?

Fred: *looks up, his own temper suddenly snapping into life* *meets Bill's eyes, blue to blue* *very calmly, the words clipped and short with the control he has to exert to keep them coherent* If she never hurts you, Bill, then you don't have anything to worry about, do you? *absolutely not backing down, despite his distress* But I swear, if she ever does, I will not let her get away with it. *chin coming up, voice going rough* I've never approached her, never spoken to her first -- so don't you threaten me, brother. *he can't stop the tremor in his voice...but he won't back down, not on this*

Bill: *growls* I will threaten you, Fred, because you've scared and upset my wife.

Fred: *doesn't back down, doesn't look away... and doesn't say a word*

Bill: *glares at his brother for a long moment before speaking again* Tell me you won't talk to her again.

Fred: *tries to keep his voice steady, pausing to swallow, once* *finally* ....I'm not going to lie to you, Bill. I don't make promises I won't keep. If I make that promise, she'll find a way to make you angry with me again because I won't talk to her -- and I'm not an idiot. *back stiffening slightly, though he keeps himself still in his seat, not pulling his eyes away from his brother's* *steadily, though his voice cracks on the last word* ....so you just do whatever it is you're going to do to me, because I won't make that promise.

Bill: She's not trying to find ways to make me angry at you! *grabs Fred's robes at the shoulder, but doesn't hit him* *digs his fingers into the cloth* *breathes in, not even noticing if they've caught the attention of anyone else in the pub* *very slowly* I don't want to do anything to you Fred. I just want you to be polite to my wife. Can you fucking do that?

Fred: *can't stop the flinch when his brother grabs him -- had fully expected to be struck, in fact, so much so that he can't not flinch, face gone dead white, when Bill reaches out for him, can't stop his face from averting, despite his intention to take the beating like a man...rather proud of the fact that his hands stay on the table, though...even if they do go white knuckled from the effort of staying in place* *breath catches as the cold sweat starts on his neck, and arms -- he can hear the growl in Bill's voice, and its terrifying in its sincerity* *keeps his hands pressed flat on the table to hide the tremor from the adrenaline rush, his voice soft and faintly breathless as he tries to make his lungs start working again, speaking carefully* I promise. *he closes his eyes, to keep from looking at his brother, or at anyone else in the pub, until he can control the emotions flaring inside*

Bill: *tugs Fred forward, his heart racing and the desire to strike out his brother almost more than he can control* *when Fred's eyes close, when his brother can't even look at him, he finally releases his grip on him* *leans back, his eyes still on Fred* *tightly* Good.

*finally looks down at his own hands, still cut and battered from hitting the wall at HQ*

Fred: *when Bill finally releases him, he keeps his face averted -- though he does, eventually, open his eyes, and stare at the table* *hands pressed flat against the table, he doesn't say a word, too unhappy (and angry) to trust his words*

Bill: *wants to just leave, ashamed that he lost his temper and even if he didn't actually hit his brother, what he did wasn't much better* *stares at his hands and takes a couple of deep breaths before he attempts to speak again* *goes straight to the point, thinking that a change of topic was wise* Healer Pucey is leaving his practice.

Fred: *that does make him look up, though he quickly averts his eyes back to the table again, swallowing back the startled questions for fear they'd come out wrong and continue the argument -- tasting the furious bile in his throat*

Bill: *picks up his ale and takes a long draw from it, thinking they probably should order food, but he's not sure he could eat anything* *picks a spot just over Fred's right shoulder and stares at it* Warrington recommended another healer. *pauses* Ethan Summerby. *doesn't think it would be wise to mention that he was a friend of Cho's* *eyes shift to Fred's face for a moment, then down to Fred's hands on the table* *can see how much he's upset his brother, but can't apologise, won't apologise* *steadily* I'll meet with him.

Fred: *just nods* *after a moment, he manages to reach for the glass of water sitting at the edge of the table, his movements stiff and carefully controlled*

Bill: *chooses to ignore the obvious tension* How do you think Charlie's doing? Do you know Lavender Brown?

Fred: *shrugs, just a little, and sips the water* *looks toward the door, watching people come in and go out* *quietly, still not looking at Bill* Lav's all right.

Bill: *finishes his ale and sets the glass down harder than he meant to* Good. *bluntly* Do you want to order lunch or would you rather I just left?

Fred: *shakes his head, just a little* I'm not hungry. *manages a brief flick of a glance at his brother, though his attempt at a small smile falls horribly flat* ...you can order something, if you like. *sips his water, then studies a gouge in the table, attitude and manner subdued* I already told Tom to put it on my tab.

Bill: I'm not hungry either. *glances at his empty ale and decides against ordering another of those* I should get back to the office. *doesn't like to leave Cho alone for too long, but thinks it is best not to mention that* *stands* Thanks for the drink. *can't hardly look at Fred or anyone else that might have seen what happened*

Fred: *still not looking at him* ...yeah, sure. *fingers rubbing the condensation off his glass of water* Let me know if Summerby works out for you.

Bill: *starts* Fred....*hates leaving things like this between them, but can't think of what to say to fix it either* Yeah, I'll let you know. *turns and walks briskly out of the Leaky, not looking at anyone as he leaves*