OPEN Gnome Workshop

Interacting with @Howard White

Bloom wanted this summer to be perfect, but so far, it was lacking the perfection she was looking for. The fact that she was not cabined with her boyfriend made her feel extremely grumpy that she did not get to be with him every waking moment. She knew that when the year would start, they would be focused a lot on their studies and the future. It was their last year at Hogwarts. Things were beginning to get real. Even Bloom realized that herself, but put the thought of what she wanted to pursue after Hogwarts to the back of her mind. Right now, she just wanted to be with Howard and that wasn't happening.

Luckily, there was a fun little workshop that they could do together. Bloom signed up for the activity, Gnome Racing. She was excited to see that Howard also signed up. She thought it would be the best for them to build their gnomes together. This also allowed for the both of them to show their competitive sides to each other. Bloom, who is a Broom Racer, and Howard, who is a Quidditch player, tend to have a competitive side that they rarely used on each other.

Bloom arrived at the tents where there were so many different gnome pieces to choose from. There were different hats, faces, feet, and more. The pieces did not have color. Bloom looked around to see that there were paintbrushes about, and realized that she would have to paint her gnome to her colors, too. It was nice to have a childhood or muggle experience with this.

Although waiting for Howard, Bloom began by looking through the different pieces and slowly started to choose different pieces that she felt would make her gnome one of the best. When he does arrive, Bloom would look at him with a grumpy face and keep searching for her gnome pieces. Her eyes were looking for the right feet when she would communicate with him. "I'm still pissed that you're not in my cabin. I know it's not your fault, but I can't help but be mad about it."

@Bloom Silverton

Though Bloom would look to him with a grumpy expression, Howard still wouldn't miss the chance to give his girlfriend a quick kiss on the cheek. Not that he blamed her for feeling that way as his face was surely a reflection of hers. "Don't get me started, love." He too couldn't believe that they had to stay in separate cabins this summer. Memories of the last break spent together would be ones he'd cherish for many years to come. Sure, they could spend all of their free time together, but he wanted every moment they had to be spent with each other. This was their last summer break at Hogwarts after all! A fact that was weighing heavily on Howard these days. The threat of adulthood was growing by the day and Merlin knows what he would do to support himself out in the "real" world, yet the real fear was what would happen between Bloom and him? They had flirted with the idea staying together after school, but could they actually do it? Howard had resigned to keeping those fears at bay best he could so they may enjoy their last year together to the fullest, but damn was it tough to do. Now the school assigned cabins this year after letting them choose the year before! What the hell was that all about?!

With a heavy sigh Howard would begin work on his Gnome. The face he chose for his little racer represented their darkened mood as the figure resembled "Grumpy" from that old Muggle movie about the princes and the dwarves. It did however provide a bit of a distraction as he continued to put his Gnome together. "You know mine is gonna smoke yours, yeah?" Howard couldn't help but to provoke Bloom with a playful nudge. They were always a bit competitive with each other and neither could help themselves. At least it brought a smile to his pale face.

The thought of standing next to her and watching their bewitched little Gnomes run around the various courses proved to be enough to shake away the blues. "Purple or blue for the hat?" Howard asked as he held up his grumpy looking Gnome for her to inspect. "Oh! Do you want to get some flying in later? I want to stay sharp for the summer match." Hufflepuff had had one hell of a season this year as they ended with an undefeated record. Quite the turnaround from year before that was sure! And the chance to play against some of the visiting players from the other schools was putting Howard's competitive streak into overdrive.

Interacting with @Howard White

Even if the kiss on her cheek calmed her down, she was still angry about their sleeping arrangements. It wasn't fair that she had to be with a bunch of first, second and some fourth years and no one really her age in her cabin. Everyone was younger than her and here she was trying to celebrate her last summer as a student. "I have needs, you know," she mumbled to herself, loud enough for him to hear. Bloom placed the pieces that she already grabbed down on the nearby table and went to look at the faces of the gnomes. There were so many emotions that were staring back at her. She looked over at Howard and saw that he took a grumpy one. Was that how he was feeling? Here she was, worried about herself and instead did not see about what he was feeling. She took a deep breath and released as much of her grumpy energy as possible. They were now together.

Bloom grabbed a serious-looking gnome face and brought it back to the table. It wasn't long until Howard had shared some words of competitiveness. Bloom couldn't help but to roll her eyes and playfully scoffed at his start of something that will only brew between them. "If you mean that yours will crash and burn, then I agree," she said, sticking her tongue out playfully at him. It seemed that he was thinking between purple or blue for the hat. Bloom looked at the colors and shrugged. "Does it matter? It'll bust the minute you put it down to race." It seemed the competitive game was on.

Bloom started to slowly put together her gnome. She was now on colors and was unsure of what to exactly paint hers as. Right now there was no personality to her gnome other than to look serious. Did she want her gnome bright or bold? There were so many colors to choose from.

"Sure-- as long as there's no squids involved," she said, referencing her last race which had her stuck with the squid three times before being knocked off by her tree-like broom. It was embarrassing to be failing like that as a sixth year; the oldest player on the team. "Also, you don't have to stay sharp. You always are," she smiled.

@Bloom Silverton

“Trust me, I know.” Howard replied with little regard to who could hear as Bloom was not alone in her frustration. “I’m shacked up with a bunch of first years, that Arjan punk and Erin freakin’ Ryan of all people!” He said with a huff. “Just the thought of sleeping in the same cabin as them will keep me up at night.” The truth was that things with Erin had calmed down significantly since she was saved from turning into a Hag, but there history together was one he would love to forget. Back to their point original point of frustration though. How on earth would the two of them find time for an intimate moment being separated like this? Sure, they could sneak off somewhere, but a private room would be so much better. The castle already lacked privacy and now the had next to none! Howard would break back in and march them both off to the Room of Requirement if all else failed. As Bloom said, they had needs!! “We’ll find a way. Trust me.” He finished with a wink.

However, the hormone fueled frustrations would subside a little as the pair began building their Gnomes. “Oh yeah, Silverton?” Howard liked to throw in her surname whenever their competitive natures flared. As she stuck her tongue out he would quickly try and pinch her hip in an attempt to tickle her a bit. Hopefully she would slip with her paint brush if he proved successful. Surely by the end of their flirtatious gnome building, both figures would look like a Pollock painting. “You missed a spot, not that it’ll last on the track for more than a minute.” He further fueled their little game by flicking some purple paint at her gnome.

Howard tried his best not to wince when Bloom brought up squids. Thank Merlin Quidditch didn’t have any of those wild obstacles. Though a Bludger can be quite the menace. He shook away the thought before trying to console her. “We all have a bad one from time to time, love. I don’t know how you wacky broom racers deal with that madness.” Howard couldn’t help but to beam as she praised his play. Quidditch ranked just below her in life (maybe a tie, but he’d never dare say it) and to have her approval in the sport filled him with joy.

“So, what else is there to do around here this year? Wish they would bring the petting zoo back. Oh! Professor Blumenthal has a bug building hotel thingy we could do. I’ve heard she has some Bowtruckles out.” Howard couldn’t help the flash of excitement that spread across his face. She knew he had a passion for magical animals and one day he would have one of those little buggers as a pet. Of that he was certain! “I might talk to her about another profession I’ve heard about in my readings. What’d ya Think about me being a Park Ranger?” (Adult System!!!)

Howard waited to see her reaction. Pervious talks about life after Hogwarts had been a little tense. He had even thought about becoming a farmer or rancher, but maybe that wasn’t the life she envisioned. So, he tested the waters again.

Interacting with @Howard White

Bloom winced when he shared the different people he was cabined with. Maybe she had it slightly better. Bloom thanked the stars for a quick second that she was not with Erin Ryan. She still did not forgive her for making her go bald during their first week of Hogwarts during their first year. It was the worst experience ever. And last year, being a hag... She was just someone Bloom would never want to form any type of relationship with. She could not help but to smirk at his comment that they would figure out a way to have alone time. It was true that they've been going against the rules to be together all year. Why would now be different?

Finally, the gnome was ready. The serious-faced gnome was assembled and now was time to paint. She grabbed a paintbrush and looked at the colors. She dipped her brush in a baby blue, wanting to possibly do a pastel-based color to her gnome. As she was painting, she felt a pinch on her hip and moved her paintbrush to the side, wiping the blue across the face rather than the hat. Then after, purple paint was being flicked at her gnome. "Howard!!" she shouted playfully. She took her blue paintbrush and instead of getting his gnome, she went straight for him. If he would allow it, she would go straight for him, landing her paintbrush on his cheek. "Now you and my gnome have something in common," she laughed.

Using a new paintbrush, she dipped it into a soft green orange and began to paint the hat. It was then that the conversation shifted gears. At least it felt like that for Bloom. From being in the present to now thinking of the future. It was the time now that they were seventh years to think about careers. This wasn't the first conversation they had about this, which only meant that this is something going on in Howard's mind. Howard had been trying to figure out his future. He knew he wanted to be with animals of some sort. The last time they spoke, he mentioned to be a farmer and own a farm. "Oh, a Park Ranger? You don't want to run a farm anymore?" she asked, clearing her throat. Perhaps it was best to keep the conversation on him for awhile for she did not have an idea for herself.

Her father was one of the lowest careers in the Ministry handling mail and document distribution while her mother cleaned muggle homes for a living. She did not come from a wealthy family, but rather a family who works hard to make ends meet. Bloom honestly did not think of herself growing out of her family's norm. When she was little, she would help her mom clean homes. In a way, it was all she was used to has hard manual labor. In the Wizarding world, though, a profession like that did not exist. Most Wizarding homes had magic to help clean and organize.

"What would you do as a Park Ranger?" she asked, continuing the conversation about him as she continued to paint her gnome's hat orange.

@Bloom Silverton

The mention of Erin Ryan brought a wince to Bloom’s face and he appreciated her sympathy. It wasn’t that Howard hated her or anything like that, but much of his troubled past was linked to her. Not only that, but her near transformation into a Hag was traumatic for so many. Thank Merlin they had saved her, however the scars were still fresh. He wished her peace and hoped she would make the most of her life, but that was as far as that could go. Fortunately their continued flirting would keep the dark thoughts at bay as playful smiles returned to their faces.

Howard belted put a laugh as his tickling caused Bloom to go swipe the gnomes face with blue paint. He didn’t even try to stop her when she exacted her revenge upon him. His pale flesh was now adorned blue. There was no time wasted as he rushed back in for another kiss on the cheek, but it was merely a rouse to draw her face near. The tip of Bloom’s nose would look great with a bit of purple! If she allowed it that is.

Things would perhaps calm down as they set back to work on their gnomes. Howard’s poor figurine would suffer from his poor art skills, but hopefully it would gain some of his athletic skills. He had tested the waters with a little talk do the future and it pleased him she seemed open and encouraging to talk about it. “Yeah, I thought the farm life sounded pretty interesting. I mean, I still do, but it does kind of lock you to a certain spot ya know?” Howard also feared that Bloom had little interest in that lifestyle. Who knew what the future would bring for the couple, but at this moment in his life anything that might separate them just sounded awful. “As a Ranger I could live anywhere I suppose.” Perhaps that would sound more appealing. “I think I would just be assigned to an area, a park or reserve maybe, and I would be responsible for keeping the area safe. Make sure the animals are alright, keep any hostile plants under control. Things like that. I think I’d be pretty good at it.” He finished with a shrug.

“Any thoughts on what you might want to do? Pro broom racer?” Howard gave her a nudge and a wink. They both had surely dreamed of going pro one day. The talent was there on both their parts, but school sports were nothing compared to the big leagues. “Perhaps a trainer?” Howard suggested. All the best players needed great coaching and Bloom was a great teacher.

Interacting with @Howard White

Another kiss at a time like this? Couldn't be. Though Bloom allowed it because why not? Although it wasn't a kiss at all. Instead, it was Howard tricking her and putting purple on her nose. Now she looked absolutely silly, though when they stood together, they looked like a pair. "Hey!!" she laughed, and for a second leaned her hip into him as a means of support and that she was done with this silliness... For now.

Listening to his reason of wanting to be a Park Ranger was intriguing to Bloom. He wanted to take on a large piece of land and make sure that both creatures and people were safe. This could be a job in the Wizarding world or even in the Muggle world depending on where he was able to get a job as such. Bloom wondered if that was the life she wanted to live in. Did she want to live like Jane to her Tarzan? Did she want to live in a cabin and wait all day while he trailed the reserve? Bloom took a deep breath and just listened. It was all she could do. "I think you would be amazing at it," she said, supporting his idea.

Then, there it was. A question about her. What did she want to strive to be? He was cute to assume that she would think about being a Broom Racer. It was only a hobby. Bloom could not see herself going pro in the sport. Bloom's heart started racing. She focused more on her gnome, now painting the clothing a pastel green. Her mind did not realize what color she was using next. It was fully in shut-down mode while she thought of ways to get out of this conversation. She knew she had to say something though, it just took a few minutes longer than expected. He then broke the silence once more asking if she would maybe even be a trainer for Broom Racing. Bloom shook her head and stopped what she was doing, looking at Howard.

"I...," Bloom tried to speak. What was she going to tell him? That she didn't know what she was going to do for the rest of her life? That she felt unworthy to do something more with her life? Bloom took another deep breath through her nose and let it out through her mouth. "Let's talk about something else," she said, wanting to change the subject. To what subject, she had no idea what. She just didn't want this one anymore. She never wants this one anymore.

Bloom put the final touches on her gnome which was green polka dots on the orange cap. She put the paintbrush down and looked at her serious gnome. It was definitely ready. It kind of looked hideous as she did not really bring the colors together that well, but it was definitely hers. "I name you... Gnedork," she said. "What are you going to name yours?"

@Bloom Silverton

Their goofing off settle down a bit now that they were both covered in paint and a more serious topic of conversation had begun. It was of course triggered by Howard again. The young man couldn’t help it as it was beginning to consume his thoughts on the daily and who better to speak about it with than the one he trusted most.

The thought of being a Park Ranger was an exciting one indeed, but the reasons behind it were not all about him and his desire to work with animals. Bloom may think of living in a cabin in the woods and living a life a solitude, yet Howard had different ideas. If she wanted to live in the city or close to her family, he could easily floo into work as so many did. Howard would probably prefer the quiet life in the woods, but he would also sacrifice anything for Bloom’s happiness.

Howard would smile wide as she encouraged his ideas. It truly did fill his heart to have someone in his corner like that, but as he offered suggestions for her future a familiar silence would fall between them. He wondered what is was that always made her seem to shut down a bit when the topic was brought up. Was it fear? Was it perhaps the fact that she could not envision a future with him? Howard burned to ask, but he did not want to ruin a perfectly good day together by pushing to hard. So, when she asked to move on he did just that.

“Jerome the Gnome!” Howard held up the poorly painted figure for her to fully inspect. It surely would not win any beauty contest, but hopefully the little bugger was fast! “This work of art will surely hang in the Louvre on day.” He joked before moving the conversation on. “Want to sneak out tonight? I was thinking about a midnight swim. Could use my swim instructor.” Howard asked in a hushed tone. Memories of their last time together by the lake came rushing back to him. He still thanked the gods he could no longer blush as he thought back on it, but perhaps it was time for redemption. They couldn’t leave school with that being their only memory of the Great Lake!

Or we could do anything really.” Howard quickly suggested in case she was still traumatized. The thoughts of their time together did bring another memory with it too. He thought fondly of the time the went into London together for a real “Muggle” date. “Ya know, I just thought of our movie date together. We should really do that again. Maybe over winter break? Maybe I could even meet some of your family?” Howard looked over to her out of the corner of his eyes. How would that go over?