April 13th 2025
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics

"AAAUUUNNNTIEEEE!"

"EEEMMMILLYYYY!"

The second Emily stepped off the train she made a dash for her guardian, who ran up to her from the opposite direction. Both ladies had their arms open, ready to meld into the biggest snug they've had together all year.

Oooh boy how magical it felt to be back in the arms of the woman who raised her! They both embraced each other, nearly toppling over each other at the same time. Emily gripped "Auntie" tight, her hands clasping over each other at her guardian's back while "Auntie" reciprocated the gesture along with an affectionate ruffle of Emily's hair with her cheek. She still smelt of the same lavender and pink pomegranate perfume Emily was familiar with.

"How's my best girl, hm?"

Her best girl. It felt like forever since Emily last heard that! She nodded into her guardian's chest.

"I feel amazing now that I'm home..."

"Sounds like you have a lot to tell me".

Emily knew she caught on to her. After weeks of silence and being snuggled near to death after watching her fly off the train towards her, "Auntie" didn't have to guess that something was wrong to see if she was right. Emily exhaled and nodded again.

"Yeah... But not all of it's good".

She felt "Auntie's" arms tighten around her, prompting her to do the same. Snuggles were just as powerful as words when they could both understand each other without a single utterance.

"It's a good thing we have all Easter to discuss, isn't it?" "Auntie" said. She removed her grip, reaching for Emily's hand which she instinctively took it in turn. "You've been radio silent with me for too long, missus. Now I want to hear all about it. So come on. We'll head home, stick some nibbles in the oven and you can spill the chickpeas or whatever the saying goes!"

A smile was quickly painted on Emily's face as she kept pace with "Auntie", who opted carry half of her bags for her as they left the train station. Emily hardly took in any of the sights around her, instead focusing on the feel of her beloved "Auntie's" arm wrapped in hers, her heels hitting against the tarmac when they crossed a newly paved road outside, how the tail end of her pinafore dress flapped by her knees, how her auburn hair bounced in waves behind her, the way she had her face and chin lifted, talking with the silken soft voice Emily had known her whole life.

For all the pain and bollocks Emily had been put through, seeing how "Auntie" hadn't changed at all was the best thing to come home to. The woman was perfect, unsullied by the stresses of life, as she should be.

God, she was amazing!

She rested the side of her head against "Auntie's" arm as they made their way to the bus depot on the other end of town. Despite Belfast being hours away, Emily knew the wait would be worth it to be back on soil she was familiar with. After everything that went on at Hogwarts, cloudy, plain Belfast was the perfect change in scenery.

Emily beamed. How proud she was to be from Muggle-mania! Even prouder she felt to have returned!

_{Word Count: 530}

Stats: Stamina: 7 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 6 | Wisdom: 8 | Arcane Power: 7 | Accuracy: 6
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

April 13th 2025
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics
Mentioning: @Scout Fu-Hai - @AngelFyre McCubbin - @Colin McCoire - @Simon Kincaid

"Oh my..."

The look on "Auntie's" face was one Emily swore she had never seen before. There was surprise. There was shock. And then there was "Auntie's" face. Emily faced away and looked down at the kitchen table, her arms holding her head up as she slumped forward. It wasn't like she could blame her for looking so... Taken aback. She told "Auntie" about Gideon. Her mark. Darkest Night. The nightmares. The worries. The slow recovery. Most parents would ring the other kid's parents for an apology or to vent their anger for twelve hours, or both. Others would have raised a complaint with the school. A select few would've even pulled their kid out instantly. Emily was waiting for "Auntie" to say the word but when she didn't, Emily decided to prompt her purposefully. She thought for sure this would be good enough to never return after Easter.

"I suppose... You'd want to take me out of school then? Considering... Everything..." she mumbled.

"Auntie" arched a brow, her expression changing to one of confusion. "Pardon?"

Emily shrugged. "You heard me..."

A beat of silence passed before "Auntie" took a few elegant steps towards her ward, encompassing her in a cuddle. Emily instinctively rested the back of her head against "Auntie's" front, absorbing the feel of her fingers threading through her hair.

"Kiddo. I feel like we've danced this dance before," she finally said. "We did it before back in Primary school. Remember that time you told me about those girls that were bullying you in the bathroom?"

Emily's face soured. "Thanks for reminding me..."

"Now, now. Let me finish... Despite everything they said to you, what they did, you pushed back up. You stood your ground. You remained calm. And the icing on the cake? That was when you first got your magic. So not only did you defend yourself but you proved to be much more than a mere force to be reckoned with at the same time."

Emily knew what she was trying to say and yet she still sighed. "That was different. That was an accident involving girls who liked to poke at my private life. And there weren't any demon trees or gross bottles of liquid or-- The half a million other different things Hogwarts has."

"You mean like Scout? And Casey? And that lovely girl, AngelFyre and her fella? And that other boy you've told me about. Colin, right?"

Emily fell quiet and "Auntie" smiled. "Gotcha. And that's what's different. You aren't alone there, Emily. You've managed to find a tribe that hasn't left you. I can't say that when I think about your Primary school days. So it makes me really happy that there are people to look out for you when I can't."

"But they shouldn't have to," Emily protested weakly. "Scout's got her vampirism. Casey has a missing brother. Colin has who knows what on top of being a-- a... A fourth year. As for AF and Simon, they're in a much better place to have to have throw it all away for me."

"Auntie" clicked her tongue, releasing her to play with her hair. "Ever considered why they stick with you?"

"Because they either pity me or feel they have to babysit me because I'm always in some kind of trouble," Emily said defeatedly without a second thought.

"No pet..." "Auntie" rebuked calmly. "It's because they love you. I've met Scout, remember? And all I see in her eyes is the absolute adoration for you. By the sounds of it, that Colin boy must feel the same way. They wouldn't see you like that if they saw you as a nuisance. The same goes for the Ilvermorny boy and your Hufflepuff seniors. Actually, that goes for everyone who knows you".

She pushed Emily's chair over so she could face her fully, her expression full of love. "Times got tough but they pulled you back from the depths. Not because they see you as a nuisance, nor because they feel obligated to return a favour. They have your back because they see you the same way you see them... So full of love. I love you. They certainly do too. That kind of bond wouldn't thrive if they wanted to see you suffer the way you did. So don't shut them out. And even if it doesn't last as long as you hope for... Well, I'll have them gather at this table and listen as I list off the 101 reasons why you're brilliant for the next nine hours! So no... I'm not pulling you out of that school. If anything, I want you to take what I'm saying and put yourself out there more. Be bold and show them - show Gideon - what Emily Shephard is made of, to remind them over and over again why you're precious to them".

Emily finally managed a small smile, albeit the weight of her sadness was still obvious in her face. "I... I think I need another hug".

"Auntie" went straight in, holding her ward like she used to since she was small. Emily held tightly onto her, her smile becoming warmer and brighter the longer they held each other.

"I love you so much, chickie-dee," "Auntie" said, pecking Emily's forehead. "Near or far, I'll always be here to help you chase away a raincloud."

Emily relaxed in her guardian's arms. She truly did have the best hugs to get rid of rainclouds. "Love you too... Always."

"I know you must still be a bit shaken after everything. It might take some time before absolutely everything feels like normal again. But you're going to be A-OK."

They let each other go, sharing another look of love together before "Auntie" glided over to the fridge and lifted out two small containers of custard pudding. She slid one across the table to Emily, who caught it along with a small spoon that was also passed to her. She watched "Auntie" sit opposite her, still smiling.

"I say we have dessert and go backwards from there tonight. Shall we?"

Encouraged by "Auntie's" playful smile, Emily peeled off the lid of her pudding. She grinned and nodded. "Sounds good to me...!"

_{Word Count: 1033}

Stats: Stamina: 7 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 6 | Wisdom: 8 | Arcane Power: 7 | Accuracy: 6
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

April 17th 2025
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics

The following days willed by slowly, accompanied by a wave of downpours throughout the day. That wasn't unusual in Belfast. It was already a well-known fact that the city was 80% cloud much of the time, especially in the Autumn and Winter. Around Spring would see the occasional slips of veiling sunlight before the full force of sunshine would be welcomed in May.

However the rain felt different the last few days as Emily sat and observed it when there was nothing else to do. Rain was cold and boring. Usually. Not that she found the rain boring personally herself. These showers on the other hand smelt warm and felt sticky. That only tended to happen when the preceding day was hot, which it sure hadn't been. Although that wasn't to say the rain this time didn't feel pleasant. With her bedroom window cracked open, a nice mix of hot and cold air permeated the room while the rain patted against the sill. It was a feel-good moment, to stay still and watch the natural world.

Until the sound of cackling hens from downstairs broke the atmosphere. Emily rolled her eyes and groaned. Her mother didn't come on Monday like she usually would with her circus of flying monkeys which Emily thought was a sign of good things to come. It turned out to be a sign of more depressing things to come. Having her mother home didn't lift her mood but rather interrupt it when she sat to think on "Auntie's" little lecture to her from the other day.

Emily slid off the bed and went towards the door. Leaving the room, she stopped and sat at the top of the stairs. Nearly three floors and Emily could hear their shrill voices from all the way up there. Emily could see down to the hallway where two slim looking women were strutting in screechy heels across the floor in flashy colours. Emily rolled her eyes. Again.

She never saw the big whoop in clothes. So long as you were wearing something, you were fine right? So long as it wasn't scandalous. So what was the deal with pencil skirts, skinny jeans and the million and one types of shirts?

Emily slipped quietly down the stairs to get a closer look at their faces. Emily cringed. They were tanned darker than an orange with layers of something on their face. Emily reckoned if they smudged their face against something, even if only slightly, half of their face would probably come off.

Was this really the modern standard of beauty? Emily mocked a retch. If it was, she wanted nothing to do with it. She'd stick with her turtlenecks and long skirts until she'd leave the earth. People who lauded over-exaggeration could make fun of her all they wanted; it was better to be modest than to look like a twit.

Eventually the women went back into the living room where her mother and the rest of her raucous brigade were hogging the space. Emily tiptoed until she was outside the door, peeking through the cracks between the hinges. She nearly passed out at the glimpses of what she could see. Her mother dressed up in the largest, tackiest dress she had ever seen. The colour was paler than her skin, the top squeezing against her chest while the bottom half of her was lost in the waves of lace and ruffles.

How could one woman look wafer thin but lost in a dress at the same time??

What was the point of that behemoth??

"With a few refinements this'll be in all the wedding catalogues..." she heard her mother boast. Emily nearly collapsed.

It was supposed to be a wedding dress??! Emily wouldn't even get divorced wearing that!

Naturally, the amateur models surrounding her fawned over it like the fan club they were. Emily continued standing outside the door with the most irritated face on her. How does something so flashy get more attention than a mother's child?

Then again... The dress certainly looked like it was designed to attract everyone's attention. Props to that then, she supposed.

The Huffie sighed and retreated back upstairs, leaving the cackling hens to their horrendous outfits.

Emily plopped onto her bed back in her bedroom. The rain continued to hit against the window, a sound more melodious than the screeches downstairs. The room was dark, overshadowed by the looming rainclouds outside. Emily faced the window as she lied across her bed, watching the rain.

She. Was. Bored.

But with her mother flooding downstairs with terrible fashion and "Auntie" away on errands, Emily felt all but cooped up in her room.

She began counting the droplets of rain that would hit the window. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten...

After the sixty-fourth count, she dozed off.

_{Word Count: 800}

Stats: Stamina: 7 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 6 | Wisdom: 8 | Arcane Power: 7 | Accuracy: 6
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

April 17th 2025
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics
Mentioning: @Scout Fu-Hai - @Ava Winchect - @Colin McCoire

Emily's eyes blinked open, her vision returning slowly as it settled on the same dreary day that she fell asleep with. She found herself sprawled across her bed like she was just thrown on the bed like that. She glanced at the clock on her bedside table. 17:46.

"Hmm..." Asleep for at least an hour. No wonder she felt refreshed. Still... The day hardly felt like it changed at all. It was still raining even as the evening began to settle in, daylight fading just as fast as the rain was falling. Emily sat up and fixed her hair, grabbing a nearby hairband to keep it in a manageable ponytail before slipping off her bed. The room felt eerily too quiet for its own good.

Emily went to the door and down the stairs. The cackling hens were dead silent. She padded across the hallway and peered into the living room. They were gone. As were the mess of fabrics and outfits they brought home with them. Emily rubbed an eye. Surely she would've heard them leaving if they'd left given their tenacity for noise. Or maybe Emily was simply out cold to have heard them in the first place.

Emily let out a loud sigh. Today just felt so quiet. And weird. Nothing was happening. Even her mother's intrusion felt tamer than usual. The house was dark and miserable like the clouds outside. It was an empty box.

Emily fell face first into the sofa, a groan escaping her upon impact. She missed chasing Scout around the grounds. She missed Colin running circles around her and howling up and down the corridors. She missed Ava showboating on her broom. She missed watching AngelFyre and Simon being all cute and adorable together. She missed the forest. With the blend of curiosity, adrenaline and euphoria all but out the window whilst she was in this miserable silence, there wasn't much energy to do anything else besides smother herself with the fluffy cushions piled on the sofa. The house didn't have the same energy as Hogwarts did. Although if Emily were to be honest, the house never did. Not really.

She was even starting to miss "Auntie". Only she could bring some life back into this building. Where was she anyway? What did she say she went to do again? How long had she even been gone?

Then the front door opened.

"Goodness gravy--!"

Emily heard some fumbling and footsteps followed by the door closing. Scooching off the sofa, she met a slightly drenched "Auntie" holding two large hessian bags full of shopping just as she made her way up the hallway.

"Need some help?"

"Please". "Auntie" outstretched an arm and Emily took the bag hanging from it, leaving both of them carrying a bag each. Emily shuffled behind "Auntie" as she lugged the bag towards the kitchen. She stole a sneak peek at what was inside.

"Chocolate bars?"

"Auntie" smiled and nodded. "For Easter eggs".

Emily tilted her head. "Feels like a lot for just a few eggs..."

"Oh there won't be a mere 'few'...!" "Auntie" grinned. There was a peculiar spring in her step as she went to put the rest of the groceries away, storing a meat parcel away in the fridge while a few tins disappeared into the cupboards. Emily unpacked the chocolate, piling them all onto the counter. She watched as her guardian busied herself about the place, humming to herself.

Emily arched an eyebrow. "What's gotten into you all of a sudden...?"

"Your mother's already left?"

"About a couple hours ago probably. Now it's your turn".

"Auntie" tried her best to conceal a giddy smile. She twirled around and faced Emily excitedly.

"I was on the phone to Matthew while I was out. I asked him over for Easter dinner this weekend... And he said yes!"

"Matthew?" The suspicion in Emily's tone morphed into surprise. "Really?"

"Auntie" was pink with enthusiasm. "Mm-hm! All three of us will get together, make some Easter eggs while dinner's cooking, have dinner, maybe a game or two..."

Emily chuckled nervously. "You make it sound like a date..."

"It's really not," "Auntie" replied. "He spends Easter alone every year so I thought he'd benefit with some company this time. And call me crazy, kiddo, but we could do with house guests that aren't corporate business people for once".

"Or models the size of orange flavoured matchmakers wearing fluorescent nonsense," Emily added half-bitterly.

"Auntie" frowned a little at that. "That bad?"

Emily scoffed. "It's just not even fun to joke about anymore".

"Auntie" gave her a swift shoulder pat. "One day she'll see beyond the bioluminescent bikini tops and gala garb, pet. Until then, keep being your lovely self because eventually she'll notice what she's been neglecting".

Emily nodded. Pushing aside the thoughts of her 'fashion' designer mother for the moment, she thought about Matthew. The prospect of having him here in this echoey house was quite curious to imagine. Mostly because sincere guests weren't a given in the household, let alone the fact that "Auntie" had essentially asked a good looking guy to come over. Even if they were just friends. Or so "Auntie" says. They sounded a lot closer than casual friendship--

Emily quickly shook her head. No, no. She and Colin were good friends but they haven't gone beyond that. Emily smiled dreamily. Colin was a great friend. She was happy to have him in her life. She wouldn't forsake it for anything. Oh! Perhaps Matthew was "Auntie's" version of Colin! He did seem to give her the same joy that Colin did for Emily. Nearly all of "Auntie's" letters had Matthew's name mentioned in them these days. Cute.

Emily smiled a little brighter. Some guys were just gems. Her father was a far cry from one, but she would always treasure Colin. Perhaps Matthew would be another sweet addition to the list...

_{Word Count: 970}

Stats: Stamina: 7 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 6 | Wisdom: 8 | Arcane Power: 7 | Accuracy: 6
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

April 20th 2025
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics

More rain. What a surprise. And with it came another slow lapse of time. Emily almost forgot what day it was, still convinced she was at least 40 hours stuck in the past.

Emily had her arms propped up against the windowsill as she sat in the living room, clad in an overall dress with a yellow shirt underneath. The dress code for Easter was never strict in the house though with a guest coming over for a few hours, Emily knew she had to try a little harder this year. "Auntie's" dear friend Matthew was en route to arriving at their front doorstep, with "Auntie" fetching him at the bus stop further down the main road.

Smells of ham soaked in herbs, freshly washed and prepped vegetables and stock cubes wafted from the kitchen, all left neatly for "Auntie" to return to once she and Matthew arrived home.

Emily lazily tapped a finger along the windowsill as she spaced out, her vision blurring slightly after watching the rain for so long. Belfast was a town that held no surprises. Everything was cloudy grey with the city centre overrun with overrated hipster stores and pavements too narrow for people to walk on. The town was as predictable as the weather - as established - and needless to say, Emily was sick of it.

Now, if it had been the forest back at Hogwarts by comparison...

Emily sighed. She missed her unicorn friend. She missed her little secret hidey hole a few clicks away from the edge of the grounds. She missed the mystery. The wonder. The suspense, for all it was worth in the end. All things considered, it was miles better than her dreary town.

Emily flopped backwards into the sofa. She felt lethargic the last several days. She was ready to melt into the crack of the sofa at this point.

Then she heard laughter coming from outside. She sat up and the first spark of life in days flashed in her eyes. She saw "Auntie" in all her loveliness, sharing an umbrella with Prince Charming himself. Matthew.

Emily bolted to her feet.

They're back. He's here. Henry Jek-- No wait-- Matthew was here. Dang. Emily still couldn't get used to Matthew having short hair, not after he pulled of the luxuriant Henry Jekyll ponytail back at the December theatre performance.

They disappeared out of window shot. Emily could hear "Auntie's" heels approaching the front door and seconds after, the door opened.

"Get yourself inside, Matthew! My word, the rain has been relentless all weekend..."

Emily's eyes peeked round the corner of the door, watching as "Auntie" shook out the umbrella and placing it in a stand beside the doormat. "Let me take your coat," she said, already peeling away Matthew's outer layer before giving him a chance to rebuff her. Underneath revealed a Prussian blue polo neck that rested neatly against Matthew's muscles. Emily blinked. Dang. She almost forgot that Matthew had a modest size of strength to him.

Matthew's eyes eventually landed on the snooping Huffie and Emily squeaked timidly. Crap!

"Emily! We meet again," Matthew greeted, the same handsome smile gracing his lips as he gave a little wave to the Huffie. Emily's face went pink and she grinned, though a little forced as she tried to mask her shyness.

"Hello!" She quickly cleared her throat after. Yes, she was definitely nervous... Her voice was five octaves higher than usual, the definitive sign that Emily was feeling quite unsure of everything in that moment. At the same time however, it all felt trivial in her head. She already met Matthew back in December and knew he was a sweet and sincere guy. He had a look on him towards "Auntie" similar to the looks Colin gave Emily. Full of heart and fondness. That just screamed earnest intentions. Maybe she really was just slightly intimidated by how utterly magnificent he seemed.

"I'm going to crack on with dinner next door," "Auntie" said, hoofing up and down the corridor as she tidied up the last of the coats and shoes by the door, her auburn hair trailing in the draft left behind her. "Emily, why don't you make Matthew feel comfortable and keep him company a wee while in the living room?"

"M-Me?" Emily glanced at Matthew quickly, who surprisingly went shy at the idea as well. "I mean-- Of course!"

"Auntie" could sense the red cheeks and awkward eye contact between the two. Emily was always a timid little sweetheart while Matthew had probably grown accustomed to "Auntie's" company that he'd feel a little out of place conversing with a teenage girl... Because anyone would know teenage girls are a challenge to talk to no matter who the other person was!

"Now come on you two. You know neither of you bite," she jested. "I won't take all day! Just an hour or so, alright?"

The Huffie and Prince Charming nodded like scolded children before "Auntie" disappeared into the kitchen, the door clicking shut behind her. With "Handsome Guest Mode" at the ready to improvise in her system, Emily offered Matthew to step into the living room where they both took opposite ends of the large sofa and sat down.

With no clock to tick by over their awkward silence, the room was deafeningly quiet. Neither of them looked scared by the other but they couldn't find any words to spark a conversation either. It was as if the silence was forced upon them.

That was until the rain lashed harder outside, strong enough to hit violently against the window. Both their heads simultaneously turned to the window and finally Emily was the first to say something.

"It's been a while since it's been this rainy..."

"Indeed... Even London hasn't had a downpour like this in a while".

"Apparently it takes seven minutes for small raindrops to hit the ground when they fall from the sky". Emily blinked. How was that important to the discussion? Who knows. But it was out there, whether Matthew expected it or not.

"Really?" Matthew sounded as if he couldn't quite believe that. "That's actually fascinating. I never knew that".

Emily smiled. So far so good, apparently. "And larger raindrops can travel 20mph from the clouds to the ground, on average".

"Fascinating again," Matthew said, intrigued.

Silence fell between them again, though not as awkwardly as the last bout. The rain continued to lash violently outside while the pair of them watched it from the comfort of the living room sofa.

"I wonder if the raindrops by the window are small".

Emily scooted towards the windowsill to check - not even thinking about the fact Matthew probably said that to fill the silence. She examined the rain hitting by the window outside and hummed. She gave him the satisfaction of an answer.

"They look small to me".

A small, amused smile grew on Matthew's face. "Or maybe they're far away".

Emily looked again and shook her head slightly. "These ones are small".

"But the ones out there are far away..." Matthew followed quickly, a face of mirth sprinkled in his expression. Emily looked at him and jerked with realisation.

Ahhh...

She chuckled and nodded. "Small~" she said slowly.

"Far away~" Matthew responded in the same cadence.

Pretty soon they both broke eye contact laughing.

"You watch that show too?" Emily beamed.

"Nora introduced it to me. She wasn't kidding when she said it was good". Matthew smiled back.

Of course it was "Auntie" that introduced him to the magic of one of the best Irish sitcoms in the world.

Emily turned and bravely scooted towards Matthew, still maintaining a respectful space between them. "Do you get to unwind much when you're on the road rehearsing?"

Matthew shook his head regrettably. "Not as much as I would like to. The most I do to relax would be some tea and classical radio".

"Sounds like acting is a lot of work".

"Very true. And I haven't even dipped my toe into Broadway yet".

"Eh? But I would've thought--"

"Oh no, no". Matthew laughed. "I'd need a lot more time and talent before Broadway would want to think about adding my name to their credit".

"But you're so good...!" Emily said. "With your grace and nuance, you could easily be in a big theatre production as Victor Frankenstein, if there was such an opportunity".

"Heh..." Matthew glanced down, flattered. "That would be quite a fun challenge... But that would only be a fraction of my bucket list in dream performances. Anything by Robert Louis Stevenson adapted for the stage would make me a lucky man".

The heat in Emily's cheeks returned and her eyes dazzled. "Auntie's" new and handsome buddy being the centre fold of performances in works written by one of her favourite authors? She would faint a thousand times over from the sheer bliss alone if that happened. "I could read works by Stevenson forever," she said dreamily.

Matthew matched her expression with a sweet smile of his own. "So could I".

_{Word Count: 1510}

Stats: Stamina: 7 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 6 | Wisdom: 8 | Arcane Power: 7 | Accuracy: 6
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

April 20th 2025
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics

(51 minutes later...)

Laughter. Sonorous, joyful laughter bounced off the living room walls. Eleven minutes was all it took for Emily to describe her favourite Stevenson stories to the equally fascinated and dedicated Stevenson fanboy, Matthew. Eleven minutes was all it took to gush over favourite characters, settings and lines from everything they've read. Eleven minutes was all it took to bond over something so small to others, but special to them. And all sprinkled with pop culture reference and jokes throughout. It was then that Emily knew that Matthew's performance on stage wasn't to mimic an act. He was dedicating a love straight from the heart to the audience.

A man enamoured with the minds of men and the undertones of duality of instinct and intent. Yes, he and Emily were going to get along very well indeed.

In the time they had been talking, Emily found herself scooting a little closer to him. She was never weary of the man to begin with, instead blaming the width of the sofa for their distance apart. Well, it was either that or admit she was still shy of the man that had her awestruck the moment she first saw him onstage back in London. Yeah... Dignity dictated she would stick with the former excuse on that one. Nevertheless, she and Matthew were respectably closer as they talked.

Then Matthew pointed a finger towards something behind Emily. "That's pretty".

Before Emily could even catch on to what Matthew was looking at, he rose from his spot on the sofa and retrieved it in a few quick strides. It wasn't until he brought back under Emily's periphery that she was able to see what it was.

Matthew smiled thoughtfully at the silver chain Colin had made for her. Emily however, was glowing a blend of pinks and reds in the cheeks. She really needed to stop leaving Hogwarts-related stuff in the living room. She was almost called out for leaving her History of Magic book downstairs where her father's businessmen could see it. Now this time, it had to be her keepsake from Colin of all things.

"Oh! That's--"

"Beautiful... Truly beautiful. Simple but elegant..."

Matthew caressed the surface of the melted bead with a finger. "It's finely crafted. Reminds me of the keepsake my mother gave me when I was very young".

Emily blinked and she relaxed, her smile warm. A man with a tenderness for past innocence and personal love that has lasted a long time. A sweet tooth for nostalgia. Yep. That ticked off not only "Auntie's" boxes but Emily's too. Dang. Matthew was really good at exceeding Emily's expectations as the Ultimate Guy Friend for her dearest guardian. Then again, "Auntie" knew how to attract good company.

Matthew continued to cradle Emily's necklace in his hand, eyes lost in the past, floating in a memory Emily couldn't read but could sense a mile off. Soft and fluttery like a butterfly. Deep and reflective like an abyss in water.

"~Like a warning light... Glimmering in red... Shimmering in red... Like crimson bloodshed... See how the colours change before my eyes~"

Emily felt giddy. A singing voice commanding passion and talent. She was transported to that night in the theatre, Jekyll tampering with the juice that would change his life forever. Matthew handed the necklace back to Emily. She held it gently, still feeling tingly over Matthew's heavenly voice.

"One of the best songs in the show..." Emily inhaled a breath as she tried to suppress another gasp. She said that out loud, didn't she...?

"Mine too," Matthew said fondly.

Yep. Said it out loud.

Emily fell back into "Timid Star Struck Emily" pretty quickly, her eyes darting everywhere except Matthew. "Hehehe..."

And there goes the dorky, nervous laugh. Dang it, why did Matthew have to be so-- So--- Cool?? And nice? And sweet? And well-read? And humble?

"Aww, did I miss the little songbird singing in here?"

The pair on the sofa looked up to see "Auntie" standing in the doorway, her strawberry blonde hair tied back and wearing her "This is What an Awesome Cook Looks Like" apron across her slender waist. She took note of the friendly energy between them, as well as Emily's facial plea for her to save her from her own embarrassment. "Auntie" smiled. Her master plan to have the two bonding was producing great results.

Heh. Mission Easter was going swell.

"Let's take this next door. Dinner's on, so that leaves one thing left to do... The Easter eggs!"

_{Word Count: 735}

Stats: Stamina: 8 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 7 | Wisdom: 9 | Arcane Power: 8 | Accuracy: 7
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

April 20th 2025
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics

Stepping into the kitchen, everyone was presented with pots and pans washed and rinsed at the sink, while another clean set sat on the opposite end of the counter. Stew pots and trays slowly cooked and baked away on the hob and in the oven. Compound fragrances of herbs and vegetables, both roasted and boiled, mingled with the succulent scent of red wine-laced ham cooking away in the slow cooker.

On the table was a stack of small Easter egg moulds, a stove of melted chocolate on a low running heat and an assortment of presses and icing for decorating.

"Whoa..." Emily leaned in to get a look at the task ahead. "This all seems rather fancy for just a few Easter eggs, is it not?"

"Auntie" grinned smugly. "Not just a few. There's enough to make a whole pyramid of Easter eggs! Now, both of you wash your hands and let's get shaping those eggs. When that's done, you can assist in decorating the dessert".

Swiftly obeying, both Huffie and Handsome cleaned their hands at the sink before re-joining "Auntie" at the counter, where she passed down a few moulds to each of them. The operation of scooping tablespoons of chocolate and rolling it around the mould had begun. Every now and then, Emily would glance up and see either "Auntie" or Matthew - sometimes both - sneaking shy looks at each other.

Now, Emily was no connaisseuse in love but she did recognise cute flirty eye contact when she saw it. She had AngelFyre and Simon's relationship to thank for that tip. But unlike theirs, which was slightly more passionately charged, "Auntie's" and Matthew's were like two kids too nervous to play with each other in the back garden while their parents talked inside.

It was honestly kind of adorable!

Although both pairs of eyes fell on Emily when she giggled a tad too loudly for them to hear. Emily gulped and began to get very invested in the mould, shaking it and rolling it around for the chocolate to cover the inside. She even did the nonchalant humming to accompany the task. She rinsed and repeated the process for the next five eggs until she was certain the adults hadn't totally caught on to the fact that Emily was noticing the unspoken tension between them.

When all thirty-something of the mini chocolate eggs were moulded, "Auntie" gathered them up and put them all in the fridge... Well, in whatever space there was left in the fridge between all the Easter groceries. Nothing a bit of "Fridge Tetris" wouldn't fix!

"Perfect! They should be ready in an hour or so. Now! To assemble the cake".

"Cake as well? I didn't realise you went all out for the holiday," Matthew said.

"We don't," Emily replied somewhat bluntly. She then gave another small smile, sincere as the last as she brought her voice low for Matthew. "I think she's just trying to impress you...!"

"Auntie" smirked, almost as if to say, "Ohh, so we're playing that game..."

"Well... If I am, then I'd like to think I'm doing a good job. Besides, I'd hardly call this an attempt to impress when I compare it to things you've tried to do to impress others, kiddo".

Emily stilled and went beet red. "Is--Is fact-sharing and reading out paragraphs from books too stimulating?" She always did have the sinking suspicion she lost people when reciting Shakespeare...

"I personally find it endearing and simply you, kiddo". The guardian walked over and bent down to peck Emily on the top of her head. Emily could feel the amused look Matthew was giving her and her face went an even darker shade of red.

"Anywaylet'sgetonwithdessert!" Emily hastily picked up a random spoon she found - praying it would be needed for something - and stood at the counter. "What do we do?"

"Auntie" shook her head and chuckled. "If you insist... The dry ingredients need measured and sieved before they can be mixed with the wet ones, the ganache needs whisked and the icing needs made". She handed Matthew the makings for the icing while Emily measured the flour and sugar with a keen eye before handing it off to "Auntie" for mixing.

Emily watched "Auntie's" movement. It never ceased to amaze her how everything she did could be done so gracefully. Emily once asked her beloved guardian if she ever trained to be a ballerina at one point. "Auntie" always insisted she hadn't, which Emily wanted to call poppycock. Though then again, did it really matter? "Auntie" was perfection incarnate. She could be whatever she wanted to be. Why she chose to be Emily's carer, the Huffie would probably never know, besides from the obvious, but she would be spending the rest of her life being eternally grateful for their connection.

"Oh-- Nora..." Matthew tapped his cheek with a finger. "You've a little something there..."

Emily looked up and saw a smidge of chocolate on the apple of "Auntie's" cheek. The latter smoothed a delicate hand across it. "Did I get it?"

"Um..."

Emily giggled. "I'll get a towel," she said as she put her utensils down and pranced out of the kitchen.

Man... "Auntie" was just the cutest sometimes!

Poking in the laundry cupboard under the stairs, Emily pulled out a fresh towel. Upon returning to the kitchen however, Emily stopped dead just as she was about to open the door.

Peeking through the glass in the door, she could see "Auntie" and Matthew, but instead of their backs turned to each other and carrying on with dessert preparation, Matthew's lips were pressed against "Auntie's" cheek. After lingering there for longer than a few seconds, Matthew withdrew and the chocolate on her cheek was gone. Emily could see the shy, blushing faces they were giving each other. Nowhere near as flushed and embarrassed at the tomato face Emily had on display!

Hah! Caught in the act! And GOD was it adorable!

Emily squealed in quiet triumph. "I knew it...!"

It didn't take much observation in Simon and AngelFyre's interactions to see that "Auntie" and Matthew were smitten with each other.

Emily swung open the kitchen door and the pair immediately distanced from each other.

"Oh! Looks like you didn't need a towel after all!" she said, grinning.

Neither of them were looking at each other, instead taking a sudden fascination with the floor. "Y--Yes, Matthew... Helped".

"Helped". That was one way of putting it!

"D'aww, thanks Matthew!"

"Of course..."

Both of them didn't dare look at anyone in the eye. Emily stood between them as she picked up the fresh cake batter "Auntie" made. "This is ready to go in now, right? Into the oven?"

"Auntie" nodded timidly. "Yes. Thank you, pet..."

Emily obliged and began clearing away the used dishes. "Come on you two! I can't clean this place by myself. Tidy kitchen, tidy mind!"

She beamed at both of them, mischief in the light of her eyes. "Come on now... Neither of you bite!"

(2 Hours Later...)

The counter was wiped down and the table was cleared, making way for the banquet everyone had been waiting for. Steaming vegetables circled the prized honey-roasted ham, the scents of which had everyone eagerly sitting down in their seats with their awaiting plates. Off to the side cooling down under a glass cover was the cake, the ganache fluffing up between the layers while the mini eggs and icing remained in the fridge, ready to finish the touches when the time was right.

Stories, jokes, facts, recitals and memories were shared at the dinner table, along with plenty of laughter, smiles and the return of the stolen glances between "Auntie" and Matthew - which didn't go unnoticed by Emily who was still entertained by their silent flirtation. It continued the whole way through dessert, where the cake was topped with the mini eggs and laced with the icing. It was as sweet as the time spent together at the dinner table. When Matthew got up to use the bathroom and "Auntie" cleared the last of the food from the table, Emily remained at the table. She drifted into her own little quiet space in the back of her brain now that she had a couple minutes to herself.

Thinking about the last few hours, her chatting with Matthew and how he and "Auntie" gazed at each other... It all felt so domestic. Relaxed. Perfect.

Feelings that Emily could scarcely remember when thinking about times at the dinner table with her own parents. If at all.

Who am I kidding...

There were no times like that with them. Perhaps that's why it felt odd but ultimately refreshing-- amazing even, that she got to experience that for the first time proper in what felt like forever prior.

And it was with two of the most remarkable people she had ever met, as far as Muggles went.

When all was said and done, Matthew decided it was finally time to leave. "Auntie" chased him as he went for the front door, thanking her for a wonderful time.

"I trust that you'll come back again soon?" "Auntie" asked, a gentle plea in her tone that was quickly pushed aside when Matthew took the back of her hand and kissed it.

"I'll always be nearby, Nora. Whenever and wherever you need me, I'll be there".

Both of them exchanged coloured cheeks before Matthew turned to Emily. He shook her hand, warm and calloused, his smile still as soft and kind as the moment he walked in the door from the start.

"And, the true realism, always and everywhere, is that of the poets... To find out where joy resides, and give it a voice far beyond singing--"

"--For to miss the joy is to miss all," Emily finished, squeezing his hand in turn.

Matthew let go and after donning his jacket, he disappeared out the door and back out into the rain. "Auntie" closed the door when he rounded the corner back out onto the main road and out of sight. The two of them stood at the door, dreamy-faced as they fell into a comfortable silence.

"You like him...?" "Auntie" asked the needless question. Emily hummed an agreeable response.

"You really love him..." Emily said obviously.

"I do".

Emily snuck an arm around "Auntie's" and leaned into her. "And he loves you too".

"Auntie" didn't say anything. Emily soothed her arm with her hand.

"I'm happy for you~".

That provoked a sudden hug from "Auntie", to which Emily melted into instantly.

"When can we invite him back...?"

"Auntie" still didn't say anything, but her face glowed with hope. Emily radiated an excited grin.

"Let's hope sooner rather than later..."

_{Word Count: 1790}

End of Tread

Stats: Stamina: 8 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 7 | Wisdom: 9 | Arcane Power: 8 | Accuracy: 8
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace