13 Dec 2020, 17:02
A Christmas Gathering
@William Dubois
What the color means:
Elzabeth Gillian
Mark Gillian
Mary Gillian
Nestled away in a small neighborhood in Bristol England Elzabeths family was hard at work, decorating their small home in a last-minute attempt to add some holiday cheer. Her mother had gone all out, baking all kinds of sweets that Elzabeth had only seen at family gatherings.
It would have almost been embarrassing how much detail her parents were putting into things if she weren't nervous as well. Elzabeth knew William, and she knew that he wasn't the type of person that would judge her for where she lived, but she also knew he was used to a classier group of people when it came to families.
Heck, he grew up with a nanny while Elzabeth either had to be babysat by her deaf grandmother or she had to suck it up and entertain herself while her parents were at work.
"What about this? Do you think it's too much?" Mary waved her husband away from the Christmas tree, gesturing at the table where she had displayed the gingerbread house Elzabeth had struggled to put together. Elzabeths eyes widened with panic.
"Mom that looks so bad! It's falling apart!" She tugged down the sweater her mother practically forced her to wear as she approached the table. It truly looked as if the little gingerbread man had experienced a nasty earthquake, the walls all in disarray and the icing dripping off in odd places.
"Nonsense! It looks great!" Her dad waved off her concerns, placing two warm hands on her shoulders. She missed him more than anything, somehow he could make everything seem alright no matter what the problem was.
In one last-minute attempt to make things seem more festive, her mother turned on some Christmas music, the new Bluetooth speaker set on a low enough volume to just add to the atmosphere. Elzabeth took a moment to look everything over, bouncing on her heels.
The tree was up, warm lights were thrown around pretty much every surface that wasn't covered with other pieces of decoration or activities. Her mother had some food set out along with cookies. It was probably overkill for the number of people that would be here but it made everyone in the house happy.
"Well, I think whoever this William is will really enjoy this." Mary clasped her hands together, proudly looking over her work. Elzabeth was originally nervous about coming home for Christmas, especially after the summer with her mom, but they managed to put whatever was going on behind them in an effort to act normal during the holiday.
"He better. I don't care if his family is fancy, in fact, I'll throw him out." Elizabeth's dad smirked as she nudged him in the side with an embarrassed "Dad!"
She was more worried that his odd sense of humor would be embarrassing to witness in front of a friend, with her luck he was going to try and tell William a few of his dad jokes. It would have been endearing in any other situation but this one. Elzabeth watched the clock, wondering how much longer her friend would be.Reducio
E. Gillan
15 Dec 2020, 23:17
A Christmas Gathering
@Elzabeth Gillan
They had left the highways for some time now. The landscape had changed slowly to become a quiet neighborhood. The small houses looked cozy all around the car. Decorations adorned each houses they passed. Small children played outside with big smile on their face. It screamed Holiday in the most peaceful way.
William breathed out as the car slowed. He stopped gazing out of the shaded window to stare at his hand. This year had been full of first time, first school, first friend and now first Christmas out of his home. He smiled. The thought of seeing Elzabeth again excited him as did Christmas. He looked up with a frown when the driver giggled. He barely caught his eyes in the mirror before the other focused back on the road.
They slowed down as they neared Elzabeth's house. William looked back out before grabbing the bag laying at his side. As soon as they stopped, he was out of the car, thanking the driver. Excitement wasn't reason enough to be impolite. He closed the door behind him and inhaled deeply. It smelled like Christmas even outside. The lights shone even brighter and the decorations were shinier. With another breath, he started for the door.
As he neared it, a soft sound echoed from the house. William couldn't quite place it, but only the rhythm he could hear put him in the mood. He halted before the door and schooled his feature. Even if, from what he'd seen, he'd have a hard time making a bad impression. He raised a fist, holding a second, and knocked. It was loud to his ears and he hoped he wouldn't have to do it twice.
They had left the highways for some time now. The landscape had changed slowly to become a quiet neighborhood. The small houses looked cozy all around the car. Decorations adorned each houses they passed. Small children played outside with big smile on their face. It screamed Holiday in the most peaceful way.
William breathed out as the car slowed. He stopped gazing out of the shaded window to stare at his hand. This year had been full of first time, first school, first friend and now first Christmas out of his home. He smiled. The thought of seeing Elzabeth again excited him as did Christmas. He looked up with a frown when the driver giggled. He barely caught his eyes in the mirror before the other focused back on the road.
They slowed down as they neared Elzabeth's house. William looked back out before grabbing the bag laying at his side. As soon as they stopped, he was out of the car, thanking the driver. Excitement wasn't reason enough to be impolite. He closed the door behind him and inhaled deeply. It smelled like Christmas even outside. The lights shone even brighter and the decorations were shinier. With another breath, he started for the door.
As he neared it, a soft sound echoed from the house. William couldn't quite place it, but only the rhythm he could hear put him in the mood. He halted before the door and schooled his feature. Even if, from what he'd seen, he'd have a hard time making a bad impression. He raised a fist, holding a second, and knocked. It was loud to his ears and he hoped he wouldn't have to do it twice.
16 Dec 2020, 04:00
A Christmas Gathering
@William DuboisElzabeths heart practically froze in her chest when she heard two knocks come from the front door. Her family paused and looked back, eyes wide. "Oh no, he's here," Elzabeth whispered. Her father flicked her on the temple as he passed her by, reaching out for the front door. She quickly rubbed the spot on her head, shoving her hands back into the sleeves out of nervousness.
Elzabeth looked around one more time, feeling satisfied, and a little nervous about how everything was looking. Her mother stood by the table, her hands clasped in front of her and an excited smile on her face. It was odd to see her so eager to meet one of her friends, especially one of her magical ones. Elzabeth supposed the fact that he was muggle-born helped, she couldn't imagine having a pureblood friend here with all of their questions. Her mother could barely handle her questions as is.
Her father cleared his throat, looking back at them for a moment almost as if giving them a warning. Elzabeth adjusted her sweater, wondering if she should take a more natural position as to make it not seem as if she had just been standing there waiting.
She had no time to think on that act though before her father pulled open the door, welcoming a chilling breeze into their warm home and revealing her friend. For a second Elzabeth thought he had changed, perhaps it was the lack of robes that made him seem a little older. None the less, it was exactly what she expected him to wear all things considered.
"You must be William. Nice to meet you." Mark stepped aside, gesturing for William to come in and escape the cold night.
E. Gillan
17 Dec 2020, 22:43
A Christmas Gathering
@Elzabeth Gillan
He slowly lowered his hand as he heard commotion from inside. He could still feel the stare of his driver waiting impatiently for him to enter. He couldn't wait too.
His fingers clutched his bag rhythmically, the rough fabric gliding smoothly between them. His hair tickled his cheeks as the soft wind played with them. He allowed himself a more casual style than he'd usually wear. The touch felt foreign, and he couldn't help but swat it behind his ear. The boots he wore squeaked as he arranged his stance over and over again. The small winter jacket rubbed soothingly against his neck when he moved.
It only took a second, but it felt like an eternity before the door opened before him. A soft breeze made it's way into the house, making him shiver. The man that stood on the porch seemed nice. He smiled, making William immediately feel welcomed. As he stepped aside, William caught a glimpse Elzabeth. Her sweater made him smirked a little. Had his parents been prone to such expenses, he would've probably been subjected to that thing. Ha had long ago accepted that he was small.
"You must be William. Nice to meet you."
He was greeted by Elzabeth's father as soon as he entered. Without a beat just like his parents had showed him, he extended a hand to him. He raised his head to look the man straight in the eyes, and said, "Nice to meet you too, Mr. Gillan, Ms. Gillan. I'm glad to see you again Elzabeth. I like your sweater." He let the soft smirk grace his face at that.
He slowly lowered his hand as he heard commotion from inside. He could still feel the stare of his driver waiting impatiently for him to enter. He couldn't wait too.
His fingers clutched his bag rhythmically, the rough fabric gliding smoothly between them. His hair tickled his cheeks as the soft wind played with them. He allowed himself a more casual style than he'd usually wear. The touch felt foreign, and he couldn't help but swat it behind his ear. The boots he wore squeaked as he arranged his stance over and over again. The small winter jacket rubbed soothingly against his neck when he moved.
It only took a second, but it felt like an eternity before the door opened before him. A soft breeze made it's way into the house, making him shiver. The man that stood on the porch seemed nice. He smiled, making William immediately feel welcomed. As he stepped aside, William caught a glimpse Elzabeth. Her sweater made him smirked a little. Had his parents been prone to such expenses, he would've probably been subjected to that thing. Ha had long ago accepted that he was small.
"You must be William. Nice to meet you."
He was greeted by Elzabeth's father as soon as he entered. Without a beat just like his parents had showed him, he extended a hand to him. He raised his head to look the man straight in the eyes, and said, "Nice to meet you too, Mr. Gillan, Ms. Gillan. I'm glad to see you again Elzabeth. I like your sweater." He let the soft smirk grace his face at that.
20 Dec 2020, 05:00
A Christmas Gathering
@William DuboisElzabeths face burned bright red as she crossed her arms, trying to cover the embarrassing message displayed on the front. One day she was going to burn that thing.
"Nice to see you too, William." She waved a small hand, biting the inside of her cheek.
Her father shook Williams's outstretched hand, an amused smile printed across his lips. Her mother was the second one to step forwards and offer her hand for him to take.
"Elzabeth said you would be a gentleman." She teased. Elzabeth wanted to smack her forehead but refrained in an attempt to look a little less crazy. It was an odd sight to see her parents interacting with a friend from school, after all, Hogwarts seemed like a whole different world compared to the one at home.
Somehow it felt like watching a crossover episode of her favorite shows, like both sides of her getting to finally meet each other and come together.
"I hope this isn't too much." Elzabeth gestured around, the smell of cinnamon tickling her nose. Her mom had bought a new candle and was very excited to have an excuse to light it. Elzabeth watched as her father closed the door, effectively sealing out the cold and allowing some warmth to spread back into the home. She just hoped all of this wasn't too overwhelming for her friend.
E. Gillan
23 Dec 2020, 03:19
A Christmas Gathering
@Elzabeth Gillan
William smirked slightly when Elzabeth covered her sweater. A weird glint crossed her eyes before she greeted him. He nodded toward her while he griped her father's hand.
The hand shake was solid and energetic. The Slytherin matched it proudly, whishing to make as good an impression as he could. The smile playing on his lips reassured William. He knew he could sometimes come off as being a bit rude because of his manners. Ms. Gillan followed suit and he shook her hand with as much liveliness as she did. Just this small greeting eased him into the family. Already, the seed of nervousness that was growing before dwindled.
As if the spell had been lifted, he finally felt as at ease as he was with other adults. Since most of the people he would meet were older than he was, he quickly caught on how to interact with them, or at least those who attended Galas. He slipped an answer with an equally teasing tone, "I try to be one, miss." He parted from Elzabeth's mother after that and took his first look at the inside of the house.
While the strong smell of cinnamon had always floated around since he entered, he only just now smelled it. It spiced up the air and gave a holiday feel to the house already doused in Christmas decorations. William had rarely seen as much as when he took the time to admire the Gillans' work. It was overwhelming a bit, but he liked every inch of it. It felt cozy and familial unlike his own home. It was different in a beautiful way.
"I hope this isn't too much."
Elzabeth's question made him shake his head. It was too much for him but he didn't want to be rude. It also felt genuinely good to walk around this cheerful decor "Not at all, it's beautiful. Different from what I'm used to, but really beautiful," he answered still admiring all the fine details.
William smirked slightly when Elzabeth covered her sweater. A weird glint crossed her eyes before she greeted him. He nodded toward her while he griped her father's hand.
The hand shake was solid and energetic. The Slytherin matched it proudly, whishing to make as good an impression as he could. The smile playing on his lips reassured William. He knew he could sometimes come off as being a bit rude because of his manners. Ms. Gillan followed suit and he shook her hand with as much liveliness as she did. Just this small greeting eased him into the family. Already, the seed of nervousness that was growing before dwindled.
As if the spell had been lifted, he finally felt as at ease as he was with other adults. Since most of the people he would meet were older than he was, he quickly caught on how to interact with them, or at least those who attended Galas. He slipped an answer with an equally teasing tone, "I try to be one, miss." He parted from Elzabeth's mother after that and took his first look at the inside of the house.
While the strong smell of cinnamon had always floated around since he entered, he only just now smelled it. It spiced up the air and gave a holiday feel to the house already doused in Christmas decorations. William had rarely seen as much as when he took the time to admire the Gillans' work. It was overwhelming a bit, but he liked every inch of it. It felt cozy and familial unlike his own home. It was different in a beautiful way.
"I hope this isn't too much."
Elzabeth's question made him shake his head. It was too much for him but he didn't want to be rude. It also felt genuinely good to walk around this cheerful decor "Not at all, it's beautiful. Different from what I'm used to, but really beautiful," he answered still admiring all the fine details.
27 Dec 2020, 22:11
A Christmas Gathering
@William DuboisIt was more than relieving that he wasn't too overwhelmed by everything. The last thing she wanted was more embarrassment.
"Dear, are you hungry?" Elzabeth mother gestured at the assortment of food. Most of it was just snack items or platters but Elzabeth knew from experience that those could fill you up plenty if you weren't careful.
Elzabeths dad reached over and took a handful of candies, shoving them into his mouth with the disapproval of Mary. He had already been scolded once for snacking before things were ready, though now that William was here Elzabeth supposed there was no real reason to scold him anymore.
"We probably have more food than we need." Elzabeth smiled, eyeing her favorite Wizard treats sitting on the counter. Though her mother was against it, both Mark and Elzabeth ended up bringing some treats home from their tips. Elzabeth had been craving Chocolate Frogs for the longest time and she couldn't resest.
"Turkey's in the oven, so leave a little room." Mary directed the last part to her husband who was already shoving another handful of candies in his mouth. Elzabeth rolled her eyes but the smile on her face remained.
"Yes ma'am." She nodded. Even if the Chocolate Frogs were calling her name, the last thing she wanted to do was spoil her dinner, especially if dinners Turkey.
E. Gillan
2 Jan 2021, 21:29
A Christmas Gathering
@Elzabeth Gillan
Immediately, the atmosphere seemed to soften. The platers of what William supposed were entries seemed delicious. His stomach agreed with a quiet growl as he analyzed every snack.
They were different from what he was used to. Some were similar, but he quickly conceded that his usual was a lot more fancier and not as good looking as what was presented. The smells wafted up his nose, sweet and sour mixing like a cocktail. As he approached it, he could see how colorful some of the stuff was. Muggle delicacies shared the scene with Wizarding candies and each appealed to his senses. Everything on this table felt homey and warm. Everything offered a sharp contrast with what he had always known.
Elzabeth's mom's question was quickly answered with a "Yes". He took it as an invitation and dug in. With small conscientious bites, he tasted every baked item he was presented with. The step down from formality and fancy ingredients didn't deter any of the deliciousness. Swallowing, he complimented Elzabeth's mom, "I like it, It's very good miss Gillan."
Just as he said that, he caught the longing gaze of his friend. Familiarity took him as he followed her gaze. Chocolate frogs were always good and almost reeked of the Wizarding world. He'd almost miss them. He hadn't thought to bring any weird snacks from Hogwarts and had had only what his parents bought. He didn't dare take one with Elzabeth's mother's advice fresh in his mind. He didn't want to spoil whatever was for dinner.
With one last look at the counter, he approached his friend, " Elzabeth. How has the beginning of Christmas break treated you?"
Immediately, the atmosphere seemed to soften. The platers of what William supposed were entries seemed delicious. His stomach agreed with a quiet growl as he analyzed every snack.
They were different from what he was used to. Some were similar, but he quickly conceded that his usual was a lot more fancier and not as good looking as what was presented. The smells wafted up his nose, sweet and sour mixing like a cocktail. As he approached it, he could see how colorful some of the stuff was. Muggle delicacies shared the scene with Wizarding candies and each appealed to his senses. Everything on this table felt homey and warm. Everything offered a sharp contrast with what he had always known.
Elzabeth's mom's question was quickly answered with a "Yes". He took it as an invitation and dug in. With small conscientious bites, he tasted every baked item he was presented with. The step down from formality and fancy ingredients didn't deter any of the deliciousness. Swallowing, he complimented Elzabeth's mom, "I like it, It's very good miss Gillan."
Just as he said that, he caught the longing gaze of his friend. Familiarity took him as he followed her gaze. Chocolate frogs were always good and almost reeked of the Wizarding world. He'd almost miss them. He hadn't thought to bring any weird snacks from Hogwarts and had had only what his parents bought. He didn't dare take one with Elzabeth's mother's advice fresh in his mind. He didn't want to spoil whatever was for dinner.
With one last look at the counter, he approached his friend, " Elzabeth. How has the beginning of Christmas break treated you?"
6 Jan 2021, 03:26
A Christmas Gathering
@William DuboisElzabeth shrugged at his question. Really break had just been completely normal. "It feels good to sleep in my own bed, and not worry about classes in the morning. I can finally relax and watch some Christmas movies."
To be honest, she still didn't understand why Hogwarts didn't allow technology when so much of the outside life was reliant on it. One way or another some of the pureblooded children were going to have to know how to work some muggle technology.
Plus, whats there not to like? Phones connect people countries away, television can tell stories that take you to different worlds, and social media makes it easy to see what others are doing without even having to talk to them. In Elzabeths opinion the Wizarding worlds view on muggle technology was just plain stupid. There were too many useful things that they seemed to avoid just because of the lack of magic.
"What about you?" She didn't really know what to expect his answer to be, a lot of her friends life was still a mystery to her. Elzabeth wondered what he did in his free time other than what she saw at Hogwarts.
Without much thought, Elzabeth walked to the dining table and picked up a few grapes, popping them into her mouth. She offered some to William, holding out her hand.
E. Gillan
17 Jan 2021, 22:41
A Christmas Gathering
William nodded pensively when she shrugged. He didn't know what he expected from this question. It hadn't been that long since they had left the castle. Not much would've happened except a slight change in routine for her. Though the change had been drastic for him, not much had change either. He even continued to wake up in the morning to catch his language classes. He chuckled at the thought that he probably was the only one to continue school during the holidays.
He smiled when Elzabeth mentioned Christmas movies. William wasn't a fan of them himself. Once or twice his nanny had pushed one down his throat because it was "for his age". This year specifically, he much preferred to catch some of the nationals he'd missed. She returned his question soon after.
"Not that much either, I've caught back some championships I wanted to watch. Except, unlike you, I still wake up early for classes. My parents want me to learn new languages so I can accompany them on more business trip. Since I can't exactly do that in Hogwarts, I get to do it in vacation", he answered. He didn't mind at all. It filled his time like a charm.
William followed Elzabeth as she crossed to room to the table of delicacies. He followed her, not really knowing what else to do and gladly accepted the grape he was offered. He leaned lightly on the table, taking a long look around what he could see of the house. Again, the sheer number of decoration astounded him. After popping a second grape in his mouth, he whispered, " It really is different from what my home looks like.
@Elzabeth Gillan
He smiled when Elzabeth mentioned Christmas movies. William wasn't a fan of them himself. Once or twice his nanny had pushed one down his throat because it was "for his age". This year specifically, he much preferred to catch some of the nationals he'd missed. She returned his question soon after.
"Not that much either, I've caught back some championships I wanted to watch. Except, unlike you, I still wake up early for classes. My parents want me to learn new languages so I can accompany them on more business trip. Since I can't exactly do that in Hogwarts, I get to do it in vacation", he answered. He didn't mind at all. It filled his time like a charm.
William followed Elzabeth as she crossed to room to the table of delicacies. He followed her, not really knowing what else to do and gladly accepted the grape he was offered. He leaned lightly on the table, taking a long look around what he could see of the house. Again, the sheer number of decoration astounded him. After popping a second grape in his mouth, he whispered, " It really is different from what my home looks like.
@Elzabeth Gillan