26 Feb 2021, 08:18
St. Paddy's Day
It had been a while since Simon and Haley had their first official date and Haley had planned since that day that she would also come up with something special. And it wasn't because she thought that every meeting with Simon had to be special, because it was special even if they were just sitting together in the library. Still, she wanted to return the favour for this special day and just because she was a girl didn't mean she couldn't come up with a surprise for her boyfriend.
Today was the 17th of March and the idea for today came to her a few weeks ago and she was really looking forward to it. The day the idea came to her, she immediately sent Simon a note so that he would really be free on that day. She had almost forgotten to leave a little note for Simon, so before sending it, she wrote in the top left-hand corner that he could wear something green.
Reducio
Haley got her outfit out of the wardrobe and a quick glance fell on her self-made Cheshire cat standing on the small table next to her bed. A smile formed on her lips and she quickly changed. She wore a pair of blue jeans that were decorated with a few rips and of course a green shirt. This had a small pocket at chest level and on it was a white shamrock.
She packed up her things and made her way to the rehearsal room. She would have liked to spend the day outside, the weather was incredibly beautiful, but she didn't want to do that to Simon. And after thinking about it for a while, the rehearsal room had been the better decision. When she arrived there, she could already see the elf she had spoken to a week ago. She had asked him for support and she would get it today. She was incredibly grateful and had also offered to pay the elf in some way, but they refused.
To the right of the piano there was already a round table with two chairs. She put another green tablecloth over it and placed the muffins she had baked. The elf snapped his fingers once and a large carafe of water and two glasses have appeared. Haley knew of course that Simon didn't like sweets but he liked lemondrops and so she had tried to bake the muffins in that flavour. She hadn't succeeded perfectly, but compared to the usual muffins, these were hardly sweet and had a strong lemon flavour. Especially the mint-green cream on the muffins tasted strongly like lemon.
Reducio
She now turned back to the house elf and gave her the recipe from her father. "Thank you very, very much again! If there is anything I can do to express my thanks, please let me know!" The elf took the recipe in his hand and spoke in a squeaky voice, "No need Miss Rose." Gave her a smile and was gone again.
Haley handed out a few more shamrocks that she had made. A few on the piano, a few on the tables. Each had something written on it. "Erin go Bragh", "Sláinte", "You're my luck charm", "Kiss me, I'm irish". Every single saying had a meaning, which she would of course explain to Simon if he was interested.
A glance at the clock told her that Simon would soon be there and so she sat down at the piano and began to play. As soon as she hit the keys, the notes of "I'm shipping up to Boston" rang out and she thought back to her last St. Paddy's Day in Ireland.
The only one who fear death are those with regrets
1 Mar 2021, 17:39
St. Paddy's Day
Meeting up with @Haley Rose
March 17th was usually a normal day for Simon Kincaid in London, England. He would go to school as normal and his aunt Maggie would to go work as normal. Still, throughout the city there were often parades and festivals held near this day in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden. There, someone could experience many aspects of Irish culture including food, crafts, dance, and music. With these events usually wrapping up around nightfall, Simon didn't attend. There was one year that he and his aunt went to an Irish pub for supper, but that was about the extent of his memories that included St. Patrick's Day.
This year though would be different. He had gotten an invitation from his now girlfriend, Haley Rose, to meet him in the Rehearsal Room on St. Patrick's Day after supper's end. She asked that he wear green. After searching through his entire wardrobe that he brought to Hogwarts, he found something that would work and tossed it on.
He was eager to see what she had in store. Haley's family currently had moved from the heart of London to the outskirts of the city, but he knew they were originally from Ireland. It was her home and he felt it was where her heart still rested and longed to be. That paired with the fact that green was Haley's color - well, this day was designed for her.
Heading to the Fourth Floor of the castle, he found his way through the large open doors and was greeted with her playing an Irish sounding song on the piano. Next to her was a table, decorated for the day, filled with green. He smiled, not wanting her to know he had entered and did so quietly, wanting her to continue the song and liked to just take a moment now and again to watch her - not in a creepy sort of way - but to see her just be herself because that alone was amazing.
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
1 Mar 2021, 19:37
St. Paddy's Day
an irish blessing @Simon KincaidHaley lost herself in the music as she played the song. At some point she had unconsciously closed her eyes and dreamed back to her last St. Paddy's Day in Ireland. How they were dancing together with her family, singing and everywhere she looked there was nothing but green. She swayed her body to the music and there was a big smile on her lips. When she finished, she opened her eyes again and was back in reality. At Hogwarts. But still, she would have a special St. Paddy's Day today, because she could celebrate it with Simon.
Anxious to see where he was, she got up from the piano and when she turned around she could see Simon standing there. How long had he been there? Her cheeks flushed at the thought of him watching her silly rocking back and forth the whole time and laughing, she shook her head. "Hey stalker," she walked up to him, took him by the hand and pulled him behind her. "I'd love to ask how long you've been there, but maybe I don't want to know after all." She joked as she offered Simon a seat with a quick wave of her hand.
"Anyway, welcome to your very own St. Patrick's Day here at Hogwarts." She now greeted her friend, grinning broadly at him. It was clear to see that her heart blossomed at this. At the little bit of Ireland she had prepared here. And now that Simon was here, she didn't know where to start. She collected herself for a moment and then sat down in the seat opposite him.
"Well, traditionally St. Paddy's Day starts with a church service. It's a bit difficult here, but still I'd like to start with an Irish blessing." She smiled at him and folded her hands. She knew Simon was religious and so Haley tried her best. She had never had much connection to faith but still went to church every year with her family on St. Patrick's Day. And so she began to speak,
"May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friendsbe yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!
May the love and protection Saint Patrick can give
be yours in abundance as long as you live."
When she had finished, she looked eagerly at Simon and before continuing with her programme, she wanted to hear how he was doing and of course answer any questions he might have about today. "And now tell me how you are. And if you have any questions about this crazy date, feel free to ask."
The only one who fear death are those with regrets
7 Mar 2021, 15:52
St. Paddy's Day
"I'm doing well, very well." Who wouldn't be in his situation? He had a girlfriend that had just provided him with a special date. He had someone who wanted to spend time with him and that was a special thing in this world.Irish talk with @Haley Rose
"No questions right now, not really," he said as he looked around, his eyes falling on the cupcakes. Cupcakes. Haley should know better to know that he wasn't a fan - although he didn't realize how they had a special flavor to them. "Well, no. I do," he looked back to Haley.
"Since St. Patrick's Day is an Irish holiday and you're of Irish descent, why don't you tell me about what you remember about Ireland, what you love about Ireland, about what this holiday was like back in Ireland." She already told him a little about the last one and was sharing the experience with him.
"Honestly, the most I know about Ireland are some of the music groups that have come from there. The Chieftains, Snow Patrol, Van Morrison, The Cranberries, My Bloody Valentine, U2..." There were probably some others but he couldn't think of them at the moment.
He moved over to the table so he could take a look at the words on the shamrocks that were placed around.
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
7 Mar 2021, 16:48
St. Paddy's Day
Sláinte!@Simon KincaidHaley still had a big grin on her lips as she listened to Simon and she was very pleased that he was doing well. She was still very excited about today and it made her so happy that she could spend it with Simon and share her memories and love of Ireland with him. And she was even happier that Simon wanted to know more about it. More about her love of Ireland and what St. Paddy's Day was like in Ireland.
"I'm glad you asked." she laughed and thought for a moment. She thought about words that could describe it all. "Ireland is not only beautiful nature, fresh air, the sea and cliffs but also love. The people there are so friendly and you are welcomed with open arms everywhere. This small island has so much to give, besides the many traditions like St. Paddy's Day or Halloween also just so many beautiful places and towns." As she spoke it was as if she was seeing her old home in front of her. As if a movie was playing in her mind's eye to match her words.
"St Paddy's Day was always celebrated by us with the whole family, of course. Once even Ian and his brothers used to visit for St. Patrick's Day back then. We always went to church together in the morning. The day before, I often baked with my mother and made the decorations. Every year was different but it was always special. One year we went to a parade and watched it. The next year we even ran in it and the next year my family took part in a fun run. I was way too young for that, of course, and me and my grandparents were standing just before the finish line cheering my parents on, though." Haley laughed at all these stories. She couldn't remember much of it because she was still very young, but her family often showed Haley pictures and told her about those days and so by now it was as if they were her own memories.
"We always spent the rest of the day with lots of Irish music and dancing, laughing together and of course eating. Today, too, I will put this traditional meal before you." It was a classic dish from Ireland and she had had the recipe sent to her by her father and she very much hoped that Simon would like it.
When she stopped speaking for a moment, she only realised that she had been speaking without a full stop for the last few minutes and apologised for that. "Sorry, I got a little carried away." Haley laughed now shyly, playing with her hair. "Oh and by the way," her eyes now turned to the cupcakes, "I didn't forget that you don't like sweets of course but that was just part of my tradition. But I tried to make them taste like lemondrops and if you want you can just try one for dessert. I won't be mad if you don't like it either."
While really trying to talk less now, Haley poured them both some water and raised her glass, "To an Irish evening, Erin go Bragh," she waited for Simon to join her in a toast, *Cheers, or as we say in Ireland, sláinte!"
The only one who fear death are those with regrets
21 Mar 2021, 02:02
St. Paddy's Day
Cheers with @Haley Rose
Simon listened to everything she had to say and while she seemed to think she was starting to bore him, that was far from the case. "Maybe we could travel to Ireland together some day," he said to her, trying to reassure her that he thought it sounded beautiful and wanted to share in her love for the country.
She talked about the cupcakes. Cupcakes were something often forced upon him by his aunt who worked at a bookstore/bakery in London. She prided herself on new recipes and while the business got 5 star reviews, he had yet to meet a cupcake that he liked. To hear Haley say that they were lemon drop flavored piqued his interest. Maybe this time he might find one that was at least worth tasting.
But the cupcakes would wait. She took her glass of water and raised it up to make a toast and he took a glass into his hand. "Sláinte!" he tried his best to repeat after her and smiled. Poor Simon. He knew English and English. There were some at his muggle school back in London that took a foreign language already but it wasn't required until he reached the upper grades. So close to countries like Germany and France and yet he didn't know their language or that of any other.
Maybe someday he'd learn a new language.
"Thank you for thinking of me." This could have been a day where she reminisced of her memories of the holiday so to have decided to share it with him made him feel quite special.
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
26 Mar 2021, 12:59
St. Paddy's Day
There was probably nothing better Simon could have said than that he and Haley could travel to Ireland together someday. She loved that idea. The thought of visiting Ireland again for a longer time and sharing all the beautiful places with someone made her smile. And not just anyone but Simon. She nodded at him with a smile, hoping very much that they would really do this together someday.Let's have dinner@Simon Kincaid
Haley tried to stifle a laugh at Simon's pronunciation but chuckled a little as the two clinked their glasses. "Thank you for celebrating this day with me." Haley replied to his words and just a few seconds later two plates suddenly appeared in front of them.
After Haley recovered from the initial shock, she whispered more to herself than to Simon, "Wow the elves are fast and that looks damn good."
She collected herself for another moment to then introduce Simon to dinner. "So here, of course, we have a traditional Irish St. Patrick's Day meal." She made a sweeping motion with her hand and pointed to the delicious looking dish in front of them. "This one my dear is corned beef and cabbage from our family recipe."
Reducio
It looked almost exactly like they used to have it on the table back in Ireland and she could hardly hold back to try it. "We used to make this every year on St. Patrick's Day. I was very young but some little task I was always allowed to do and help." She smiled slightly to herself at the memories.
But she didn't want to reminisce further, she wanted to enjoy this moment. "Shall we?" she asked Simon with a raised eyebrow, taking the cutlery in her hands. "Bon appetit."
The only one who fear death are those with regrets
28 Mar 2021, 05:01
St. Paddy's Day
An Irish connection with @Haley Rose
Wanting to make the most of this date, and also never wanting to offend Haley, Simon looked down at the plate in front of him. It was aesthetically pleasing enough to to the eye but it also contained things like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Simon had carrots before and wasn't much of a fan. He had potatoes before and he could tolerate them. He never had cabbage but if he had to venture at a guess, it wouldn't be much to his liking - as most things weren't. The corned beef might just have a chance.
Still though, to be polite, he began with a bite of the carrot and then ate an entire piece of the potato. The cabbage he took on his fork along with some of the corned beef so he could pair them together. It had an assertive taste of salty, spiced, sour, and meaty all at once. Simon took another bite of the corned beef, this time without any cabbage to go with it.
"When my mate Graham back in London first found out his parents were getting a divorce, we broke into his dad's liquor cabinet and pulled out his bottle of Celtic Cask whiskey, made in Ireland. He wanted to dull the pain of what he was feeling and we both wanted to see what it tasted like. We ended up downing the whole entire thing in one sitting and didn't realize that one bottle put his father back about 300 euros. Pretty expensive stuff," but also pretty great.
"Pretty crazy stuff too. We ended up taking pieces of his mum's pottery bird collection and going door to door and giving them away...while in nothing but our boxers. Not sure how it got to that point but I suppose such is the Whiskey Life."
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
28 Mar 2021, 16:48
St. Paddy's Day
Never mess with Haley @Simon KincaidHaley looked excitedly at the plate in front of her and could hardly wait to take the first bite and even though she didn't usually eat much meat, she always appreciated a well-prepared piece of meat on the table. And so she ignored the carrots and potatoes and cut herself a small piece of corned beef and brought it to her mouth. And her expectations were not disappointed. The house elf had done an excellent job and it tasted almost like her father used to make it. It was literally a kind of taste explosion in her mouth, she let the meaty, sour but also salty and spicy taste melt on her tongue.
As she continued to eat, trying not to devour the whole plate within a few minutes, she listened intently to Simon. "You really drank a bottle of Irish whiskey together?" Haley asked, her eyes wide open in shock. "And you're both still alive?" she added with a laugh. "How old were you at the time?" she wanted to know, shaking her head in disbelief but continuing to laugh. She had never really drunk alcohol before and the smell of champagne alone put her off but she could hardly imagine that one could survive so much alcohol at such a young age. Nevertheless, she now wondered what Irish whiskey would taste like and above all whether it would taste good to her. "I'll have to do that sometime." She laughed again. She wouldn't drink a whole bottle, yet she would want to try it sometime.
As they ate and talked, her eyes wandered over the little shamrocks she had made and her gaze lingered for a moment on one of the sayings. "You're my lucky charm" she looked at Simon and had to grin. He really was. She was incredibly glad that she had Simon as a friend and not only as a friend but also as her boyfriend. She was grateful that he was always by her side and had her back and she was grateful that he was open to so many new things.
"One St Patricks Day, I think I must have been 4 years old, we had a party in a huge garden with our family and another family." She remembered that day and had to grin broadly. She couldn't remember everything, but this part all the better,[color=#00800] "We were also some kids all playing together in the garden and outside on the tables there were also little decorations and sayings like that everywhere."[/color] She pointed her gaze at the shamrocks, each decorated with a different saying. "At one point the son of the other family, who is a year older than me, came up to me with one of these and started screaming `Kiss me, I'm Irish´" She started laughing again at the thought of it, "And you have to know, there was no way I was going to kiss him, so little Haley ran away screaming. The whole spectacle made our families laugh of course but I really had the panic of my young life then. Well, he was faster than me and had caught up with me eventually. But I wouldn't be Haley if he had then got his kiss, because of course I still didn't want to kiss him. He didn't want to give up either, though, and I ended up punching him in the nose."
Haley tried to look innocent but couldn't help laughing. "Anyway, years later - you have to know, people still like to laugh about that story - I eventually found out that my dad had put him up to it because he'd noticed he had a crush on me. Well, a kindergarten love. Today we say it's my dad's fault that poor Tom got punched in the nose."
It took her a moment before she recovered from laughing, even though she found it quite horrible as a 4 year old, thankfully she could laugh about it today. "I guess I was waiting for someone special." She added softly, looking slightly embarrassed at Simon.
The only one who fear death are those with regrets
28 Mar 2021, 17:05
St. Paddy's Day
Staying on the good side of @Haley Rose
"Oh we were probably ten and a half when that all went down. His father was not happy about it. He blamed Graham's mum for pouring it out when he found it empty and poor Graham had to come clean - about the alcohol and his mum's bird collection. Then we had to go door to door, fully clothed, and apologize and ask for all the birds back, then do chores around the house to pay back his dad." But in a way it had ended up a good thing because Simon was pretty sure that in that punishment, his friend could see that despite the two breaking up, they still loved him enough to make there be consequences for his actions. They were giving up on their relationship but not their son.
Simon laughed at her story and he could imagine this little boy chasing after her fiery redheaded self through the yard, only to get the biggest disappointment of his life - no kiss and pain to go with it. At least Simon's endeavors hadn't resulted in such. "I'll have to always stay on your good side, Haley Rose," he smiled wider.
Simon ate a little more and actually wasn't doing so bad with this plate. He was eating more than he normally did when it was meal times down at the Great Hall. "Makes me curious. Am I your first boyfriend or were there others between me and Tom that you actually liked and liked you back? You know, official relationship stuff."
If one could call twelve year old love 'official relationship stuff.' Someone could easily debate that, surely, but Simon would never discredit what he and Haley had. Maybe it was young love, maybe it was more - but what he knew was that it was some sort of connection, some sort of bond. It was something very meaningful to him and he was lucky to have it.
He took another bite again and paused. "And I am on your good side, right? I mean, this dish isn't poisoned or anything... Right?"
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)