The Most Brilliant Summer Sum-up PV Closed

English: #008000 Parsel: #008080

@Lindsey Springhall

This summer got better and better. First Haley was able to spend a great time with her family in America. Then she and Ronnie were there together at a summer surf camp. Now she would see her good friend Lindsey again and Miles would also come to visit her at the end of summer vacation. It already felt like a lifetime ago when Lindsey and Haley last saw each other at Hogwarts and so the joy was especially great.

It was finally Monday morning, the day Lindsey would arrive. Haley had cleaned her room and at this moment she was sitting at her desk writing a letter to her cousin Ian. She loved him like a big brother and missed him way too much even now. Spending time with him in America did her so much good and it was so nice to see him again, laugh and go surfing together. It wasn't quite like riding a bike but after a few hours of practice, the red-haired girl also got back into the flow.

After sending off her letter with an owl, taking Sky for a walk and completing her daily training, Haley was now in the large living room awaiting Lindsey's arrival. Haley's parents were out with her grandmother at that moment, running some errands for her grandmother's store. Haley had not inquired further. She sat down on the armchair in the corner with a book, Sky lay down on the floor next to her feet, sleeping peacefully after the exhausting walk.

As soon as Haley noticed the green fire in the corner of her eye, she flipped the book closed, not even noticing which page she was on. A big smile appeared on her face and she jumped up from her chair. As she did so, she gave a quick hand signal to Sky, who by now was sitting but understood that he should stay there as well. "Hey Lindsey!" replied Haley happily, hopping over to the Fireplace. "It's so good to see you!" continued Haley, greeting her friend and spreading her arms for a hug. "Welcome to Rose's home."

From the corner, Haley heard a soft wink and looked to Sky. His tail was already wagging like crazy, and it was obvious from the dog's expression that he, too, was eager to greet Lindsey. "Are you afraid of dogs?" asked Haley Lindsey, "I think someone would like to meet you quite a bit too." She added, laughing further. Depending on Lindsey's response, Haley would signal Sky so he could go to Lindsey or put him off with a petting session.

"My parents are out with my grandmother right now. My mom will be home after and my dad has to go to the hospital for the late shift. But there's one of the best lasagnas you'll ever eat in the oven. Are you hungry?" By now it was lunchtime and Haley was suitably hungry. But before she would prepare the table, she would give Lindsey a house tour. "So down here we have the kitchen, our large living room where we're standing right now, a small bathroom as well as the exit to the garden and the stairs up." Haley led Lindsey through the rooms toward the stairs. "On the second floor we have my room, a large bathroom and two guest bedrooms." Haley pointed to another small staircase. "That's where we go under the roof. That's where my parents have a room with a bathroom and a study." Haley led Lindsey to her room. "You're welcome to put your things here. If you like, you can sleep in my room, or you can take one of the guest rooms."

As Haley led Lindsey back down the stairs after the little tour, she explained a little further. "Outside through the garden you can still get into a small garden shed that has been added on. The space is nondescript from the outside but inside is a veritable green paradise. The land and the house has belonged to our family for generations and has now passed into the hands of my parents, don't ask me how and why. We moved here two years or so ago and I can't complain." Haley shrugged, this was one of the topics Haley wasn't involved in as she was too young but it hadn't really interested her either.

After the little tour was over. She put the food on the table, set the table for the two friends and put a big carafe of water on the table. "So tell me, how has your summer been so far?"

@Haley Rose

Lindsey grinned at Haley, the wide smile revealing her anticipation and excitement. She willingly let herself fall into her friend’s arms, hugging her back with much warmth and love. “Thanks.” Lindsey said. “It’s so lovely to see you again.” It was then when Haley summoned her wonderful dog that she had mentioned before near them, and Lindsey had nothing else to say other than letting out an excited “Awwwwww!” triggered by the cuteness of the animal. Her answer would be very clear. “Nope. I find them wonderful animals.” She grinned while affectionately patting the dog’s head and giving him (or her?) a little snatch just beside the ear, like what she often did to Napoleon. Her cat loved this, and though Lindsey wasn’t sure if dogs were like cats, she just presumed that fluffy animas would react similarly. It’s a truly amazing thing to be so near to and actually pet Haley’s dog, for the majority of the Springhalls were faithful attendants of the Kitten Church, and all Lindsey’s dog experience was to spot one or two chasing after each other ages ago when she still lived in London. “What’s its name? And is it a he or she?” She inquired while being overwhelmed by the cuteness brought by this faithful animal.

Lindsey nodded when Haley told her about her family. “Surely they are all lovely people.” She smiled. She had small gifts brought for Haley’s family members - lockets for Haley’s mother and grandmother, and a nice wine decanter for Haley’s father - courtesy of her mother Carolyn’s caring and polite nature. “Oh…sort of.” She truthfully answered. Meals were always satisfying, especially for the badgers who were so used to sneak into the kitchen and grab a couple of sandwiches or a cup of hot chocolate after a long day of school. “Ohhhhh and by the way, have you got a vase to put these flowers in? They can stay for approximately five days to a week if attended to properly.” She made a gesture to the flowers she was holding, the blooming colour shining with dews on the delicate petals and leaves.

She listened attentively to Haley’s introduction of her household, nodding and smiling with great interest. “It’s a very beautiful house.” She said genuinely, when the tour was near the end. “And…maybe we could sleep together, if you don’t mind? I mean, we probably won’t have the chance to sleep together at Hogwarts…” Lindsey chuckled slightly. It would be exciting really, to spend the night with Haley, when they would seldom have the chance being in different houses (btw she really wanted to get into other common rooms to sneak a peak, could anybody volunteer to help?). Lindsey settled her luggage, and looked out to the Roses’ garden through the windows after they got down the stairs. When she heard that Haley’s parents somehow inherited a land and a house totally out of expectation, Lindsey felt a sense of familiarity. “Yeah. Life’s kind of unexpected sometimes.” She nodded affectionately, remembering three years ago when she as well found that there was in fact a larger family lying behind the several Springhalls she thought she had already known well, and who robbed them of the house they used to live and got them into another one.

“Thanks so much.” Lindsey said genuinely as Haley spread the table. She seated herself alongside with Haley, and answered. “It’s been nice I think…met a few friendly people and generally enjoyed myself.” She said thoughtfully, remembering the reunited talk with Aly during summer camp and a few other nice neighbours she met after travelling back to York last week. “It’s…not striking in any way, but yeah, I think I like it. I hope you have enjoyed your summer also?”

Reducio

I’m super sorry for how long this took life has been a little busy recently.

English: #008000 Parsel: #008080

@Lindsey Springhall

So many friendships were made at Hogwarts and Haley treasured each one in its own way. But Lindsey in particular was one of those friendships that was just easy. It was hard to explain but it was never awkward, they always had something to laugh about or talk about. And if not, it would never be awkward just being in silence with Lindsey. Haley watched Lindsey and Sky and it also seemed like the two had become friends from second one. "His name is Sky." Haley smiled and it seemed like Sky heard the words from Haley's mouth and he came wagging his tail towards her. She stroked the gray fur before turning her attention back to Lindsey. "It seems like he really likes you too." She laughed softly and winked.

"Oh by merlin, look at those flowers! They are beautiful!" Haley's eyes lit up as she accepted the flowers and quickly fetched a vase from the kitchen. She cut the stems and placed the finished vase with the flowers on the dining table. "Thank you so much! They just fit in here perfectly."

Haley was delighted that Lindsey suggested sleeping in the same room. "My friends and I used to share a room and bed at Sleepovers and I really miss that!" All the better that Lindsey didn't have a problem with it either. The idea that they could do a sleepover at Hogwarts was nice but unrealistic to the max. Still, she had been wondering what the others' common rooms looked like since day one and would do a lot to take a short trip to the other common rooms. Maybe, one day.

As the two sat at the table, Haley prepared a plate of lasagna for them and poured water. "Enjoy your meal!" she wished her friend and listened to her words. "Well, that sounds good. Did you take part in Summer Camp?" the red-haired girl asked, shoving a forkful of lasagna into her mouth. Haley hadn't attended this year and was curious to know if Lindsey had been there and what she had experienced. "I didn't go this year, but my summer was still perfect." Haley reminisced and wished she could just take Lindsey back to America now. "I visited my family in America. My aunt, uncle and cousins live there. I was so happy to finally see Ian again. He's one of my cousins and like a big brother to me." The two of them were always in contact, but they rarely saw each other in person. She enjoyed every minute she spent with him, which always flew by far too quickly. "We went surfing together a lot and then I went to a surf camp. Ian was also a coach there and the best thing was that Ronnie also took part in the surf camp. It was nice to finally see him again." However, Haley didn't want to keep nagging Lindsey about their relationship or gushing about Ronnie. Now it was time to spend some quality time together with Lindsey.

After they finished eating, Haley cleaned up and the front door opened and they could hear the chatter of her mother and grandmother. "You two want some lunch?" Haley called from the kitchen. "No thanks, we had some in town." Haley's mother replied, standing in the living room just a few seconds later. "And you'll be Lindsey." Haley's mother stated with a broad smile. "I'm pleased to meet you, Haley has already told me a lot about you. I'm Stephanie, you can call me Steph if you like." Haley's mother pointed to Haley's grandmother with her hand, "And this is my mother, Cecilia.", "Hello dear, what a beautiful girl you are." Haley's grandmother greeted Lindsey before giving her granddaughter a hug.

After the greetings and introductions were over, Haley led Lindsey to her room and helped her carry her luggage upstairs before suggesting they go out into the garden in the beautiful weather and plan their time together.

@Haley Rose

Sky was adorable, no doubt, and the name certainly fit. “So hi there Sky! Good to meet y’a little fella.” Lindsey grinned as the dog wagged his tail, and then bent over and caressed his fur. “Oh gosh, he’s soooooo cute.” She giggled. Dogs weren’t easily seen around the Springhall’s household, and Lindsey did cherish the moment to be with such an ardent and devoted little furry friend.

“I’ll get you some flower seeds when we are back to Hogwarts.” She said, as Haley put them into the vase on the table. Flowers were enlightening as always, the perfect decoration for a clean and lively household. “Have plenty of different types stored in my dormitory - a few years ago I actually developed a passion in gardening. And as you know Hufflepuff is just for that.”

“Thanks!” Lindsey nodded gratefully for Haley preparing food for them. Lasagne was right up Lindsey’s alley. She took her seat, and picked up her fork, munching the food delightfully. “Um, hardly.” Lindsey had to admit. Summer Camp activities were not the most appealing to her this year, not to mention that Lindsey - who was still somehow unfortunately stuck in her own unreciprocated feelings as of last term - had little interest in socialising back then. It was all better now, thankfully (a big thank you to both Amadea and Aly), and she was pretty sure that she wouldn’t be weeping over some boy anymore. “Just wandered around and met some people, I guess.” She shrugged, and smiled a bit apologetically. It was at that moment when she suddenly realised that Haley wasn’t updated with her relationship - cough, feelings - status, but it didn’t seem like a good time to confess, let alone the fact that it was all over now. Maybe someday, quietly thought Lindsey, when they’d occasionally wander off to that certain topic and she’d bring it up casually as a mere story. “Went to see the games though, they were pretty well fought. Hogwarts did a nice job.” Sports was evidently the cure, and despite the fact that Hufflepuff failed to enter the duelling tournament again this year, Lindsey found a good deal of pleasure in spectating. And Quidditch was exciting as always. Broom Racing was fine, though Lindsey weren’t as interested as with the prior two.

America was a country Lindsey wasn’t vert familiar with, her own family spreading across Eurasia, except the few come-across she’d had with those Ilvermony students when they came for a visit. She listened to Haley with great curiosity, tilting her head towards the lioness. The mention of cousin Ian made Lindsey thought of her own ones, and naturally a smile was brought up to her lips. “Yeah, meeting intimate family members is always such a pleasure.” She agreed. “It must have been a great reunion.”

And when Haley talked about her boyfriend Ronnie, Lindsey had that sly smile attached to her. Eyes shiny with curiosity, she took a little gasp that was commonly seen among teenage girls (and some boys as well, maybe) who happened to learn some adorable gossip about their own friends or popular school star, followed by a raise of eyebrows and a small “awwwww” sound. Although she herself didn’t have a boyfriend to surf with (not even a crush, as said she believed her feelings had died out) - and not a cousin who could coach them, she didn’t count on her own nerdy ones - Lindsey felt great for Haley. It’s good to learn that she was content with her summer and was surrounded by love and happiness. “Surely you’ve enjoyed your time!” Lindsey smirked and put a thumb up, then winked and whispered to her. “Dear, that sounds so cute.”

Lunch was finished with Lindsey’s praise - “That was really a delicious meal! I’ll take them to the basin or help you clean the table.” She gestured. Lindsey followed Haley into the kitchen, when they heard the crack of the front door and somebody seemed to have entered. Lindsey looked up and saw two women, taking from the resemblance in features they were sure to be Haley’s mother and grandmother. A bit nervously she smiled at them, hoping to leave a fine first impression - granted, Lindsey was extroverted, but meeting a friend’s family was different from confronting mere strangers - but thankfully the two Mrs. Rose were friendly enough. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you as well, Stephanie.” She smiled at Haley’s mother. “Haley’s been a great friend of mine.’ And when Haley’s grandmother greeted her, Lindsey flashed a grateful and genuine smile at her praise. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Cecilia! It’s so lovely for you to say that and I’m honoured.” - it seemed a bit inappropriate to directly call an elder by their first names being not so familiar with them, she thought, but Mrs. Rose sounded rather distant - “And thanks so much for hosting me.”

She settled herself down in the bedroom with Haley’s help and hesitated for a moment if she should take her gifts prepared for the Rose family now but finally decided to wait until Haley’s father’s back. Meanwhile Haley’s suggestion of going outdoors sounded appealing enough. “That’ll be great! The weather’s really good.” She nodded and agreed. “Let’s head down together. It’ll be absolutely lovely to do something in the sunshine.”

Reducio

After all this time…thanks for bearing with my slug-like posting speed, but hopefully things will get better now as RL’s less busy these days