Summary: Mika and Skylar go out to Diagon Alley (after receiving permission from their parents) to shop for Spring Ball outfits. They first ventured to the Leaky Cauldron, where their parents meet. However, it seems that their parents have a history with each other...

Mentions: @Mikaela Hendricks

WC: 561

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Hex code: Sky - #0050b4, Andrius - #29465b, Charlotte - #763b91

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Interactions: Mika, Sky, and Andrius

Skylar bounces on her toes excitedly as they enter the Leaky Cauldron. She turns to Mika, who was walking next to her, and gives her a grin.

Earlier in the week, Skylar had sent an owl to her parents, asking for permission to go to Diagon Alley during the weekend. To her delight, not only had her parents agreed, they also offered to come with her and meet Mika. Apparently, Mika's father will also be here as well. However, despite feeling excited, Skylar also feels quite nervous. Mika always speaks so highly of her dad, and she hopes to make a good impression.

Skylar reaches the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron and pushes open the worn, weathered door. Inside, clamor and laughter can be heard as people mill about. Some seem to be playing a game, some were drinking, and some were just catching up with old friends. Scanning the area, Skylar's eyes search for the familiar eyes of her father. She perks up when she notices a figure, slim and tall, leaning on the wall across from her. Almost as if through telepathy, Skylar's father turns and locks eyes with her.

The man appears professional and stern, his wavy black hair styled in a side part. A few black strands of hair frame his face, his dark blue eyes holding more experience than one could imagine. He dresses formal as well, way too formal for a pub like the Leaky Cauldron. White button up, a dark blue vest, and black slacks. His sleeves were rolled up his forearms, revealing an expensive looking watch on his wrist. A pocket watch settles nicely in his chest pocket, the gold chain visible. He looks put together and unbothered, quiet confidence radiating from his person. However, the moment he notices Skylar, his serious expression immediately splits into a bright smile, one that matches his daughter's.

"Dad!" Skylar exclaims happily as she turns to Mika. "There he is, come!"

Making her way across the room, Skylar greets her dad with a big bear hug; one that the man enthusiastically returned. Skylar pulls away and gestures to Mika.

"Dad, this is Mika! She is a close friend of mine, and we were planning on going to the Spring Ball together. Mika, this is my dad! I don't know why he's dressed so formally —" Skylar states as she side eyes her father. Her father, at least, had the decency to look a little sheepish. It was uncanny how similar he looked to Skylar when she does something wrong. "— but he's a really nice person."

Holding out his hand, Skylar's father gives Mika a friendly smile, one that is all too often seen on Skylar's face as well. "Hello there, Miss Mikaela. Skylar has told me much about you! I am Andrius, Andrius Blue. However you may just call me Andy." He states warmly. Skylar beams as her father gives her a pat on her head.

"Your mother should be here soon as well, little one. She has decided that you needed more sweets than you already have, so she took a last minute trip to Honeydukes to buy Merlin knows what." Andy chuckles affectionately, knowing he himself is a sweet tooth as well. Skylar turns and gives Mikaela a grin, excited at the prospect of treats.

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Code by Fawkes Chaos

WC: 240 words Interactions: Mr. Blue, Sky, John Hendricks. April 3rd, 2026:DATE 10:00 A.M :TIME

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Reducio @Skylar Blue

John Hendricks was late. Again.

Earlier in the week, Mika asked him for permission to go to Diagon Alley with a friend. After a few more letters of details and lots of joy, John let her go.

It also meant that he could go with her... If he arrived early. But he didn't. He never did. Ten minutes after the time Mika had scheduled, he was finally there. The first thing he noticed was that the place was... Abandoned. Broken chairs and a wet smell, in summary, he suddenly felt like he wanted to throw up. He didn't, after all.

The second thing he noticed was blue hair. That must be Skylar.

And if Skylar was here, it meant that...

"Pa!" Her daughter came out of nowhere straight into his arms. He hugged her back with the biggest grin in his face. Maybe a bit taller, a bit tanner, but still,his little girl.

Finally, after a few minutes, he approached the elegant man standing there.

"You must be Mr. Blue. John Hendricks, Mika's dad, nice to meet you." He smiled.

Mentions: @Mikaela Hendricks

WC: 423

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Hex code: Sky - #0050b4, Andrius - #29465b, Charlotte - #763b91

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Interactions: Mika, Sky, Andrius, John, and Charlotte

Andrius offers the man, John, a kind smile and shakes his hand. "Please, call me Andy. I get enough formalities at the Ministry already." He watches fondly at how excitedly Skylar and Mikaela were talking to each other. Perhaps about the shopping spree they are planning later.

"So, you are Mikaela's father? I have to say, you raised your daughter well. She is an incredibly kind child, and my daughter seems to enjoy her company greatly, too." He notes. Andy does, however, wince a little. "Ah, I feel my wallet crying already. Knowing Sky, she is probably going to clean out the whole shelf of the Ice Cream Parlor. Littluns, am I right?"

Meanwhile, Skylar is happily chatting Mika's ear off. "Woah, is that your dad? He looks like you quite a bit, especially his hair. He also has a cool mustache! My dad wanted to get one but my mom would absolutely flay him alive if he did..."

Suddenly, the door to the bar opens again. Skylar immediately perks up as a familiar flash of blond hair pops in. "Speak of the devil, that's my mom!" Skylar exclaims happily. Andy lets out a little noise of protest, something along the lines of "don't refer to your mother as the devil." However, he was ignored by his ecstatic daughter and could only share a helpless look with John. Across the bar, Charlotte Blue grins and waves to her family, her bright smile similar to that of her daughter's. In her other hand is a large bag filled to the brim, the golden label of Honeydukes stamped across it.

Andy sighs as he looks at his family, shaking his head lovingly. "Well, there goes my month's salary." He jokes. Turning towards John, curiosity piquing him.

"Say, how do you maintain that mustache of yours? I have been thinking of getting one as of late —" Andy was cut off mid question as the bag of sweets suddenly materializes in his hand. He grunts under the sudden weight, his eyes catching his wife's. Charlotte lets out a mischievous little laugh and gives Andy a pat on the cheek.

"Be a dear and hold that for me, would you?" She says playfully, completely aware of the heavy amount she bought. Turning back towards Sky and Mika, Charlotte gives a happy little smile.

"Hello there! Aren't you an adorable one. You must be Mika! Skylar has told me so much about you dear. Here, have some snacks! I bought enough for the whole village, so don't be shy!"

Code by Fawkes Chaos

WC: 338 words Interactions: Andy, Sky, John, Charlotte April 3rd, 2026:DATE 10:00 A.M :TIME

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Reducio You have NO idea how funny is this to write rn

Reducio @Skylar Blue

For his own mental sake, John decided to completely ignore the fact that Andy said that he worked in the Ministry. Was that like their... Government? Nevermind, he'd ask it to his walking Wikipedia (A.K.A. Mika) later.

"Well, thank you very much, Andy. It's actually nice to have someone who compliments it instead of someone who tries to rip it off my face the second I fall asleep." John laughed, giving Mikaela a side eye.

Meanwhile, Mika was opening her mouth in disbelief.

That is the ugliest mustache I've ever laid eyes upon! Trust me, he cares more about that thing that about my own feeding. I couldn't get rid of it if I tried. And, trust me: I've tried.

She pointed, rolling her eyes. Honestly, she never understood the hype of her dad with that mustache. And she was sure that her mom would have never allowed it.

That's when her mom decided to walk in. Or that's what her brain told her when a beautiful woman with blonde hair and warm smile walked in. The way she walked and talked reminded her so much of Mariah...

She stopped breathing for a second there, and, for they way she stopped listening John's voice beside her, she knew he had seen it, too.

When she shot her mind back to reality, the pretty woman was talking to the girls. She had to swallow hard three times to finally be able to nod at her.

"I... Y-Yes, I'm Mika. Thank you very much, ma'am. You're so kind." She said with the biggest smile she was able to give her.

Mentions: @Mikaela Hendricks

WC: 371

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Hex code: Sky - #0050b4, Andrius - #29465b, Charlotte - #763b91

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Interactions: Mika, Sky, Charlotte, John, and Andrius

"I... Y-Yes, I'm Mika. Thank you very much, ma'am. You're so kind."

Charlotte's grin falters a little at the girl's reaction. Not that Mika said anything wrong, she is a sweet kid. But something about her felt incredibly... familiar.

"Mom?" Skylar questions. Ah, I lost my thought again. Charlotte mentally curses herself.

"Sorry about that, kiddos! I just though of something is all. How about we move on to that shopping spree you all were excited for, hm?" She says cheerfully. Don't think about it, Charlotte. It's your daughter's day out with her friend.

Turning to her husband, Charlotte gestures for him to come. However, Andrius seems slightly preoccupied with talking to Mika's father. Sighing, Charlotte shakes her head.

"Ah, men and their priorities. It appears the dads are having their bro moment. Do not fret though! I shall offer the most splendid company for your shopping trip. The guys can stay here and do whatever guys do. Let us go, shall we?"

Taking Skylar's hand, Charlotte offers her other one to Mika and smiles. Then she remembers the sudden absence of something. "Oh! I almost forgot. Skylar, be a dear a take that bag of Honeydukes your father is still holding, would you?"

Skylar happily takes on the challenge, ignoring the dejected look and protest of her father as the whole bag of delectable sweets vanished. Off and away the ladies went, taking the wonderful snacks with them as well.

"Such cruel fate. To give me temptation so close to my face, only to rip it out right under my nose. No less from the ones I trust most!" Andy says woefully. Well, it appears Skylar's love for drama came from somewhere.

Andy was about to make another joke when he noticed John's pale expression. It was odd, considering how joyful he looked just moments ago. "Woah there, mate. You alright? You look like you saw a ghost." Glancing around, he spots an open area by the bar.

"Hey, how about to rest here? You look a little unsteady."

Code by Fawkes Chaos

WC: 365 words Interactions: Andy and John. April 3rd, 2026:DATE 10:00 A.M :TIME

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Reducio Fun fact about John: He's made, born and raised in America, that's why he has the accent

Reducio @Skylar Blue

John was so shocked he didn't notice the moment the girls were gone.

He was still processing the fact that he saw his wife in the wife of Andy.

But he couldn't help it. When she saw that blonde hair, all he could think about was in that day, back when Mika was still a toddler, when Mariah came back from one of her trips with blonde strands of hair.

And there he was, the man who thought he couldn't love this woman even more, suddenly feeling like a teenager all over again, unable to make a simple sentence on her presence because she was too wonderful to him.

He had to force his mind back to reality. Mariah was dead. He visited her grave on the weekend. He changed the flowers. She was dead, and there was nothing he could do about it.

John managed to get rid of the tears that were starting to fill up his eyes when he cleared his throat.

"No, dude, don't worry, it's fine, it's just..." He talked so fast that he didn't even notice they way his American accent slipped out. "You got a charming wife. She... kinda reminds of someone, actually."

Accepting Andy's offer, John sat in one of the dilapidated chairs he saw. Mika told him once that, for Wizards, it was a cozy bar. He didn't see it as cozy at all. But he trusted her word. After all, what chance did he got?

He took off his glasses, exhaustingly rubbing his fingers against his eyelids, letting out an exasperated sigh.

"My wife," He mentioned."Mika's mom. Your wife kinda reminds me of her. In the good way, obviously. She also used to bribe Mika with sweets and candies."

Mentions: @Mikaela Hendricks

WC: 561

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Hex code: Andrius - #29465b

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Interactions: John and Andrius

Andrius tilts his head as he listens to John. Ah, a death of a lover could do that to a man. Andrius could never imagine if something like that happens to Charlotte. Would he still have the strength to move on?

Taking a seat at the counter as well, Andy orders two drinks for him and John. The man still remains quiet as the drinks came. Letting out a thoughtful hum, Andrius swirls his drink in the glass.

"You know, it takes a lot to continue on. It is admirable how you raised Mikaela on your own, even after your wife's death. Grief can be a poison, really."

He pauses as he takes a sip. The liquor burns his throat a bit, but the water-downed drinks of the Leaky Cauldron is not enough to really give a bite. He turns to John, his eyes unreadable as he analyzes the man.

"When my mother died, everyone was affected. She truly was a gift to human kind. Always striving to make the world better, seemingly to never run out of that positive light within." Andrius smiles bittersweetly as he remembers his mother. It was cruel how fate take away those who should have stayed longer.

"Her death hit my father the hardest. He was not the most social to begin with, and losing my mother only made him worse. He stopped talking to us all together and never visits anymore. And though we often fought, it still hurt me as his son." He takes a pause as he looks to John again.

"What I mean to say is that not everyone can do what you are doing now. It is truly an amazing thing you are doing for your daughter, John. But hey, if you ever need someone to talk about it, I am all ears. After all, I have a feeling the girls are going to take quite a while with their shopping. All we have is time."

Code by Fawkes Chaos

WC: 401 words Interactions: Andy and John. April 3rd, 2026:DATE 10:00 A.M :TIME

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Reducio @Skylar Blue

John stared at his drink in a mix of shock and disbelief. For him, the drink had just came out of nowhere. He lifted the glass and smelled it as Andy talked about his mother. She seemed to be a lovely person. Well, he decided that, if Andy was drinking it safely, he could drink it, too.

Slowly, John nodded as he drank the alcohol. It was in some point between Whisky and Vodka. Maybe some weird wizard beer? Honestly, he had no idea. But it tasted good.

"Thanks. It means a lot to me, really. It was almost two years ago, but... Things are different without her."

John sighed. After all, Andy was right. Girls had that horrible habit of taking their time at shopping. What if he shared some pieces of Mariah's memories to a complete non-stranger?

"She wasn't home that much. She was something between a journalist and a herbologist. Honestly, I never understood that. So, I basically had to raise Mika on my own. But when Mary was home, it was like... like she stole some light from the sun and got it into our house."

He let out a laugh, taking another sip. It was the first time he openly talked about Mariah after her death. Mika refused to talk about it, and he had no one else to talk about her.

"Sorry, dude, I must sound like a stupid schoolboy with a crush, but... that's how she made me feel each time she smiled. She traveled a lot, and I was scared I'd be, like, the worst father in the world, but... I'm glad Mika came the way she did."

John finally turned to look at Andy, with tears already filling up his eyes.

"It's funny, though. By the time Mariah died, Mika was practically raising herself. She even reminded me of paying the checks of the house when Mary was on one of her trips." Sigh. "She died in Greece from a heart attack. It was supposed to be a three-day trip, you know?"

Mentions: @Mikaela Hendricks

WC: 619

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Hex code: Andrius - #29465b

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Interactions: John and Andrius

Andrius felt like he was slapped in the face. John was still staring longingly at his drink, lost in his past. Andrius, however, did not get that luxury.

Mariah. Greece. Dead.

He remembers. He remembers it all too well. The frantic letters, the conversations through floo powder, and the tragic news that came with it.

It was no mistaking it. That name rang too many bells in Andrius's head. John was the husband of Mariah Rietveld. The same Mariah that was their informer, the same Mariah that dug up evidence against the Lantsovs in court. The same Mariah that died from a Basilisk in Greece, trying to escape the Lantsovs.

And John does not know. After all, how could he? He was a muggle, and they had a daughter, for Merlin's sake.

Andrius curses to himself as he remembers the series of events. The Lantsovs were volatile creatures, filled with vengeance and hate. Even after his wife had successfully left her family, they were still finding ways to ruin her life. The only one that would try to help Charlotte was her brother Viktor, yet his hands were tied once his mother took over the business.

Illegal dealings, bribery, money laundering, that was what the Lantsovs did. Unfortunately, they knew how to cover their evidences all too well. In an attempt to finally expose the family's illegal business, Andrius and several of his connections began to research. Charlotte also had inside help from Viktor and one of her old friends — Mariah.

But things took a turn as new information was gathered. One of the Lantsovs' main bases was centered in Greece. Andrius had sent two of his friends, Jesper and Nina, to investigate. They were skilled and well equipped with spells, so he had little worries over them. However, Mariah also insisted to come along.

They tried to convince her to stay, they really did. Even to this day, Andrius has no clue why Mariah was so determined to go to Greece. The one who has the most idea would be his wife, yet she refuses to speak about it after Mariah's death.

The rest of the events are what Andrius has heard from his friends. Apparently, the group was able to find a really big lead on the Lantsovs, but at the same time the Lantsovs had figured them out. They wanted to leave before they could get caught, but Mariah wanted to stay. She wanted to investigate the lead before they left, claiming it would be their only shot.

And so they went into the warehouse the supposed lead was in, attempting to find evidence. However, they were quickly surrounded by Lantsov guards, and they had to flee. The Lantsovs, however, had another trick up their sleeves.

They had a Basilisk. It was unknown how they acquired such a beast, but Charlotte had suspected it might have been her sister's parseltongue abilities.

And the rest is history. Jesper and Nina came out slightly injured, but Mariah was not so lucky. Nina is a parseltongue, so she was able to subdued the Basilisk. However, they were not able to reach Mariah in time. When news of her death arrived, everyone mourned her deeply. Yet they also forgot the family she had left behind.

Andrius glances over at John, guilt heavy in his chest. If they just tried harder to stop Mariah, maybe, just maybe, she would still be here.

But for now, they shall drink. Andrius nods as John continues reminiscing about Mariah. The guilt eats him alive as he sits and listens to the man, so unaware of the truth. One thing is for certain in Andrius's mind:

He is taking this secret to the grave.