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Harry Potter:"Do you really think there's going to be a war, Sirius?"
Sirius Black: "It… feels like it did before."
TURN ON THE LIGHT is a Post- Potter roleplay that takes place twenty-five years after the Second Wizarding War.
We welcome canon and original characters in this (currently) sandbox style roleplay.
Tonight Seraphim was expecting an old friend for dinner; no not like Hannibal, as a guest. Antonia Rennick, Tonia to Seraphim really needed love. Given what had happened in a very public way and the way these witches went back years Sera was not going to let Tonia go. Even Tonia going to Azkaban hadn't put her off and this Irish witch was stubborn, loud and stuck with her friends.
So as she kept an eye on the lasagne she was baking off in her wood fired stove she looked round for the alcohol she'd also serve. A choice of red wine, white wine or a couple of bottles of Irondrake beer. A wizarding type that was the middle of the road.
Now what else did she need? She used her wand to create heat to toast the garlic bread and and the side salad was in a dish her mother had given her when she moved into her own place.
So there was just enough time for a quick change into a sky blue dress that dropped to her knees and was sleeveless. Checking her watch and the food one last time she left it on the already laid table. Now all the needed was Tonia.
Post by ANTONIA RENNICK on Jan 2, 2023 19:22:12 GMT
Unlike most nights, Antonia would not be spending her evening alone in her one-bedroom flat above Honeydukes. Any other night would find her curled up in front of the fireplace with a book, immersing herself in lives that weren't her own for a few hundred pages. On worse nights she would be accompanied by a bottle of firewhiskey, comforting fiction replaced by troubling financial statements.
But not tonight.
There was still going to be alcohol, but instead of firewhiskey and vodka to numb the pain of her new reality it would be a nice bottle of wine to complement the food Sera would be serving at her house. Sera...
She was one of few friends that stuck by Tonia after her proverbial fall from grace, who still checked in on her and like tonight invited her over for a girl's night in. Tonia truly didn't know what she had done to deserve her, why Sera didn't see her for the coward she was. Sera's mum was muggleborn for god's sake! Her grandparents were muggles! Sera should resent her for the muggle deaths she could have prevented if she had only been a little braver, lived up to her House traits like she was meant to do. But for some reason Sera had extended a friendly hand and dragged her out of the loneliness Tonia found herself in after she was released from Azkaban, and continued to do so a few nights a month. It meant more to Tonia than she could say, even if she couldn't see what Sera saw in her anymore.
Since it seemed like they were staying in tonight she didn't bother to dress up too much; there was nobody to impress. Besides, what value did an impressive outside have when the inside was troubled and torn? Still, she did not want her appearance to reflect her inner turmoil, so she took care to cover it up with nice outfits and makeup, making sure her hair looked on point. Fake it 'til you make it. She settled on casual: a pastel pink top, black jeans and a pine green cardigan, grabbing the bottle of red on her way out.
Despite living in the same town, Tonia chose to apparate to Sera's place instead of walking, not feeling like running into anyone who might know her. Tonight she didn't want to think about anything, she just wanted to feel like her old self for a few hours, have a couple of drinks and eat some good food.
The food certainly smelled good, Tonia catching a whiff from the other side of Sera's door. She knocked, calling to the Irish lass, "Mmm, it smells like a restaurant!"
Hearing the knock at the at the door and the call Seraphim smiled. She shooed her cat Sorcha out of the kitchen which was part of one big room rather than being a separate entity. The one big room approach seemed to be the norm in her street which made it feel like the Slytherin common room; always cold, draughty and you wondered just when the lake would come through and give you a rude awakening. It had never happened before and there was no reason to think it should happen but there was always a possibility.
Opening the door once she got there she grinned and gave Tonia a big hug. “It’s my poor imitation of one; and I have three choices of alcohol for tonight. Take your pick” she replied happily.
Once inside and out of the cold she added playfully “shouldn’t I be the one in the green and black?” Tonia was supposed to be in the house of her enemy but it hadn’t worked out that way. Having gotten to know each other via the love of sweets just before she graduated she wondered why it hadn’t happened before that. She lived here and always went to Honeydukes when she had the chance.
When the sentence had came down from the Wizengamot even Sera had to think about what her and Tonia had. Given she still went to London to visit the English muggle half of her family she knew it could have been any of them; or even her mother but she knew that evil wasn’t just confined to wizarding folk. Muggles were pretty good at killing themselves off too and she couldn’t hold it against Tonia. It was the human rat b*****d she had been engaged too that caused it; and boy did she despise rats. The main reason why she kept a cat. Her anger was fully on him and none stuck on her. She also had a similar kind of experience when she was young and inexperienced and that pureblooded idiot nearly got her involved in erotic threesomes; at least until his wife turned up and that ended the whole thing. That also could have went badly but she lucked out. Now she knew better and was more choosy.
Then she revealed tonights choice of alcohol. Then noted Tonia also had brought red wine. The feast was also visible on her dining table but it probably would be drinks first. Sera reaching for a bottle of beer and popping the cap with her wand.
“But how are you?” The question that mattered first to this witch.
Post by ANTONIA RENNICK on Jan 6, 2023 15:57:43 GMT
Antonia had not come to this dinner with the intention to get drunk, all too aware of the thin line between the fun and excitement of pleasantly buzzed, and the depressive ‘crying into a bottle’ level of boozed up and she did not want to cross that line. But she was definitely looking forward to the former, smiling into the hug she was given and answering, “Let’s crack open that bottle of white!”
Following Sera inside her cozy home, she noted her fancy outfit. “I love the dress Sera, you look great.” Perhaps she should have put more effort into her own outfit she thought, but quickly pushed that thought aside; Sera wouldn’t care about that. If it turned out they were going somewhere else after dinner she could always pop over to her own place and change.
A meow drew her attention to the floor where Sera’s cat Sorcha sat, staring up at her with big eyes. Tonia smiled, bending down to give the cat a few pats, smile widening when Sorcha began to purr. Perhaps she should get a pet; with another living being to chase away the loud silence of her flat maybe she wouldn’t feel like the walls were closing in on her in the evenings.
Tonia joined Sera in the kitchen, and a comment was made about her own outfit. Tonia’s eyes traveled down the green and black attire she had chosen, giving a smile that looked a little sad around the edges. She didn’t subscribe to the common notion that every person was strictly this or that for the rest of their life; everyone had a bit of wit, courage, loyalty and cunning in them, and they were sorted into what happened to suit them best at the time. She didn’t feel much like a Gryffindor at all nowadays, her courage painfully absent. “Well,” she said, looking up and giving a small chuckle, “You lot definitely have the nicer color palette. I look like a wandering fast food advert in red and yellow!”
It was a good thing Tonia already had a glass of white wine in her hand when the dreaded question finally came. She shrugged, taking a large sip of the wine to give herself time to decide on how to answer. She could lie and pretend like everything was fine, go on having a carefree night like she so desperately needed - but Sera would probably see right through it - or she could tell the truth and find herself in an unwelcome conversation about problems and emotions.
She settled on a half-truth. “Oh you know… some good days, some bad. But today’s a good day and that lasagna smells absolutely delicious so why don’t we dig in and you can tell me all about what you have been up to lately. I’m sure you have loads of good stories about the customers at the Broomsticks!” Deflect, deflect, deflect.
After the hug ended dinner would begin. In Seraphim’s mind alcohol and food went together like a thestral and a carriage. You had to have both which was why she’d offered the selection. Tonia was clearly of the opinion that they needed to open the white wine up first so how could she refuse? She smiling she went to the table, found the corkscrew and started turning the cork in the bottle. As long as it was corked up again it would be good for another night that week. “Your wish is my command” she chuckled as firstly she was complimented and then Sorcha wanted into the action.
With a sharp tug the cork came loose and they were nearly there. Just one more tug needed as she concentrated and pulled again. Now they could enjoy the wine as she placed it on the table. She’d finish her bottle of beer anyway drinking some of the white wine afterwards.
“Oh this little thing? Its good for things that are more than just t-shirt and jeans but not the same level as one of my gigs. You need the fancy long black dress for those” she mused as Sorcha was clearly enjoying herself and milking the attention. The type of dresses she was referring to were long, sleeveless and very daring with virtually no back in them. They were a kind of uniform for musicians like her and she owned a few of these. “I got it in a newer place in Diagon Alley called Zara Spellmann. I picked it up along with another performance gown”.
When the comment was made about the house of green and black Sera smiled again. People were complex and the hat probably had made the right decision for her. Though it hadn’t looked like it at the time. Throwing her into a fight to carve out some space for herself felt like a cosmic joke at the time but she managed to get grudging appreciation from the idiots who thought they were better than her just because they thought they could trace their family back centuries. It took a year to rise to Slytherin b*tch and things took off from there. She would never forget that and when others like her came to the green house she looked out for them while she was at Hogwarts. If that wasn’t courage then how did you define it? It was a question with many answers even if it failed on occasion. Just look at Neville Longbottom and see how he turned out.
“I can’t recall the name but I can picture a clown in red and yellow. I eat there from time to time when I go down to London” she added cheerfully.
The half truth sounded convincing enough as Tonia posed another question. Even she had good and bad days but it bound to be tougher for Tonia. Part of the reason for these dinners. Sera poured half of her beer into one of those mismatching glasses on the table then waited for the head to settle. “Pull up a seat and I’ll serve up. Then I'll tell you all about how wonderful the three broomsticks inn is right now” she laughed. Plating up wouldn’t take long and the garlic bread won’t stay warm forever.
So stopping serving when Tonia indicated there was enough on her plate she started on her own with enough left for seconds. “It fully depends on the time of day. I get the handsy customers at night and the normal ones at lunchtime; that’s when its the busiest but you get run of your feet when the staying guests want breakfast. I think the octopi are learning slowly but surely. Poking kitten heels into shoes seems to do the trick”. Her smile broadened a bit as it was subtle enough to not get noticed but still prove more effective than a pepper spray.
Now she sat down and sipped her beer before starting on a slice of garlic bread.
Post by ANTONIA RENNICK on Jan 6, 2023 22:39:21 GMT
Talking about clothes with a friend was so incredibly normal that Tonia zoned out for a second. For a brief moment she felt as though this was all a dream and she was still in a cold cell in Azkaban, the stormy sea raging outside the prison and her own quivering breath the only sounds in the perpetual quiet. A whole year later and she still found herself being trasported back to her time behind bars, but the flashbacks were thankfully becoming less frequent as time went on. She shook her head, forcing herself back to the present. ”Zara Spellmann’s you say? I’ll make sure to check it out next time I’m in Diagon Alley. Oh and please let me know when you have your next gig. I haven’t seen you perform in ages!”
The delicious-smelling food was served up, Tonia taking a seat at the table as asked, and their conversation moved on.
Tonia knew that burger restaurant; she had eaten there with her ex-boyfriend a few times. ”Oh you mean that creepy McDonald’s clown? Roland or Roman or something…” she made a face, ”Honestly, I don’t know why they thought it was a good idea to have a clown as their mascot - I bet he scares the wee’uns half to death!” Tonia laughed and sipped her wine, thinking she’d rather have a run-in with a grindylow than that blasted clown with his giant feet and maniacal smile.
Thankfully Sera didn’t push and allowed the conversation to shift to herself instead. The anxiety that prickled Tonia’s skin subsided and she settled more comfortably into her seat, more at ease with talking about Sera than about her own miserable self. She took a bite of the food, humming appreciatively at the taste and nodding as Sera told her about work. ”If I ever get any handsy customers in my shop I will try your methods,” Tonia joked, ”Not that that’s likely to happen. Although I have to say, an odd man showed up at my shop last week. Bought up my entire stock of dark chocolate then asked me to share it with him. I couldn’t figure out if he was flirting or if he was just awkward. Either way, not the worst pick-up line I’ve heard,” she said, laughing, and took another bite of food.
”This is delicious, Sera. Thank you.” If Sera was free next weekend maybe Tonia could cook her a meal to thank her for tonight. She hadn’t had guests over in a long time but she still knew how to make a mean pasta carbonara.
“Yes, Zara Spellmann’s. They do everything from day dresses, date dresses and very sexy ones that will have eyes popping out. As well as formal wear” Seraphim mused before she finished off that bit of garlic bread. She ate in a neat manner preferring a smaller portion and being able to go back for seconds later on rather than try and eat too much. She being into girls and boys knew just what a sexy dress could do and now jailed fiancés aside she knew her friend deserved much better in life. She’d date Tonia herself if she’d thought that would help cheer her up. She could also picture Tonia in one of those eye popping dresses quite easily.
“My next gig is Sunday next; a pureblood event in London with the rest of the string quartet. Then the week after that we’re going to New York to play at a MACUSA sponsored ball. I can bring you something back from there if you want” she cheerfully added. This represented a good run of gigs but most weeks she’d nothing but the occasional invite only party or some studio work when Wizarding groups needed a violin section for recordings but didn’t have their own player. Which was why she needed to work at the Three Broomsticks. She wasn’t a starving musician by any means but she’d rather be playing than be standing on feet with kitten heels.
Now she took a drink of her beer and continued speaking in that same cheerful voice. “Yeah, that’s the one I couldn’t remember. Even adults can have clown phobias so how do little children cope?” She shrugged her shoulders at this question before moving onto the next one. Just having Tonia laughing was a good sign for Sera. Just maybe things were looking better than the last time they’d done this.
“It takes all kinds to make a wizarding world I suppose. Did he worry you? If I thought I could help I’d bring you on a date myself” She posed looking a little concerned. Creeps could be everywhere and not just in a tavern but she supposed the percentage of creeps to normal people was low enough the experience might have been a good one. Given Tonia laughed about it it probably was good.
“Thank you for the compliment. I do try and cook up a few things like this at the start of a week. Then I can keep it chilled enough to use it for dinner during the week. It saves a lot of time” she explained.
She went to the dish where the side salad was and using the tongs put some on the side of her plate. Green and red salad always finished off a lasagne.
Post by ANTONIA RENNICK on Jan 8, 2023 19:35:27 GMT
Sexy dresses...
Tonia hadn’t worn one in a very long time. It was sad; partying was something she had enjoyed doing before circumstances turned her into a recluse, and she would be lying if she said she didn’t miss the pulse and youthful energy of it. Not to mention the intimacy of dancing close to someone, being touched in that sensual way that promised of more.
“Who would I be wearing sexy date dresses for? This desert has not seen rain in eons!” Tonia said with a self-deprecating laugh, gesturing at herself with the hand that wasn’t currently holding her glass of wine like it contained a fix to all her problems. “I’ll still check it out though. I need new robes.” The ones she usually wore when she was experimenting with new candy flavors had a few too many stains from failed attempts and would not come out no matter how many cleaning charms she threw at them. “Next Sunday? Got it, I’ll try to be there. Oh, if you happen to find a shop in New York that sells self-cleaning robes please bring me one if you can! I’ve managed to ruin all of mine with failed potions experiments.”
They continued to chat while they ate, conversation flowing easily and eventually moving on from creepy clowns to creepy men. Tonia laughed, thinking back on her encounter with the spectacled man. "Nah he was alright, just odd." In response to the date comment Tonia could only smile. If her preferences had leaned that way she would definitely take Sera up on it; she was kind, gorgeous, and fun. Anyone would be lucky to have her. “Speaking of dates…” Tonia leaned forward in her seat, a teasing quality to her voice, “Are you seeing anyone? I’m living vicariously through you right now, give me something!” This right here was the reason she needed to force herself to socialize with people; there was no better distraction from her own life than hearing about what was going on in someone else’s.
While Sera served up the salad Tonia reached for the bread, taking a bite and savoring the rich taste of butter and garlic. “Did you make this from scratch?” she asked, holding up the bread. “Honestly, I should start taking the time to make fancier meals like this on weekdays. I just make something quick and easy most of the time.” It just wasn’t the same, cooking for herself.
Seraphim heard Tonia laugh when she mentioned a dry spell. And she wasn’t the only one as Sera herself had one too. She had the occasional and carefully one night stand after concerts once the week was done but that was it for now. She needed her luck to turn just as Tonia’s did.
Sera drunk more of her beer before she topped up the glass with more. Then Tonia said she’d try and make the Sunday event which was possible as she moved in that circle. If the invite hadn’t been owled already it would most likely arrive in time. Then a request for self cleaning robes as her experiments tended to be messy.
Then the older guy was mentioned along with her own dating life. That wasn’t so great.
So taking this all in Sera cheerfully spoke “I’ll take a look for you in New York. They are always coming up with new ideas in that part of the world. I hope you can make the gig. It’s in a hotel on the outskirts of London rather than anybodies mansions far as I know. I suppose its easier to book somewhere and pass it off as just another fancy event. Also easier to come and go without muggles seeing us”. Even with having all these muggle connections in her life she still valued the statue of secrecy. She was a witch after all and she didn’t want her world turned upside down by people who didn’t need to know about it.
“Thats good to know. Unfortunately my desert isn’t much wetter” she added with a shrug of her shoulders after more salad. “Just sometimes I found one night material but I am careful. Nothing more solid than that right now. Some witches and wizards feel the way I do too so we help each other out”.
It might not be as exciting as having a long term partner but it still was racy and it wouldn’t be hard to paint a mental picture if you put your mind to it. Then the garlic bread was mentioned and she was happy to give her recipe while she drank more beer. By now it was all emptied into the glass.
“I did make it from scratch. You just need normal bread. Demi baguettes work better but a normal white oblong batch loaf works too. To make the garlic butter crush as many cloves as you need and mix it in with slightly warmed butter. Garlic salt works too if you can’t get cloves.
Then spread thin layers and melt with wand heat. That also toasts it and lets the goodness spread into the bread” she cheerfully explained.
Tonia had a similar idea to hers and it made sense for the both of them. They were both busy people after all.
Post by ANTONIA RENNICK on Jan 10, 2023 16:44:06 GMT
If Tonia weren't so nervous about being recognized she would make it to more of Seraphim's events. Of course there were easy ways to hide her identity if she really wanted to, but that wouldn't be right. This was her bed to lie in no matter how painful.
Tonia didn't have any delusions of grandeur; she knew that not everyone knew her or even cared, but just being recognized by one or two people could put a damper on an otherwise pleasant night. It was the judgment in their eyes; Tonia would never get used to it. But she would be there for her friend regardless.
"Sounds good," she said, giving what she hoped was a convincing smile, "Formal wear, right?"
Their conversation moved on to dating and relationships, or in Tonia's case, the lack of it. Her reluctance to have one-night-stands stemmed from that same fear of being judged, of letting someone in just to end up getting hurt. It was painful enough being burned once, and she had been burned twice. Who knew when she would be able to trust a man with her heart again.
"Well I'm glad at least one of us is seeing some action. Let me know if someone sticks, will ye? I've always wanted to make a 'congrats on the sex' cake!" Tonia snickered, adding, "Or a 'congrats on the relationship' cake, I suppose. You don't seem to struggle with the former."
Tonia had a knack for potions making and baking was a science that in many ways resembled brewing; she had always found it a bit easier than cooking, although she could handle herself in the kitchen. "Thanks, I'll try that next time. I usually just get pre-made bread," she admitted. It was different when she was still in a relationship. She had enjoyed cooking then. Now it felt more like a chore.
Tonia had questions as dinner continued. By now Sera had finished her small portions and was thinking about the ice cream she’d left in the freezer for afters. She still had her beer to finish before they finished off the bottle of white between them. It was a fair guess that they wouldn’t be going very far if they kept drinking like this.
“Its formal. I can loan you something if you’re stuck” Sera cheerfully offered. Her formal gear wasn’t all black but a colour change charm could do wonders. So she would be going after all and knowing there was at least one person who cared enough to appreciate her efforts made her heart happy. She preferred being on her side of the event rather than being an attendee. She might find an admirer later on once the party wrapped up and she could concentrate on her music while it was taking place.
Then they moved onto her lack of solid relationships; while racy what she was doing wouldn’t help in the long run. “I’ll let you know when I know something. Right now its just sex on a stick” she mused after more beer. She hadn’t the luck right now but who knew when that could change?
Tonia also took on the recipe for Sera’s garlic bread and looked ready to try it. “Remember you set the level of the garlic taste” she helpfully said and then came the last question.
“I’ve got ice cream in the freezer box if you want some; but did you have an idea?”
Sera looked back at Tonia with a mischievous smile on her face. They didn’t have to leave if they just wanted to drink but she wanted to hear what Tonia had on her mind first. This witch was usually up for anything.
Post by ANTONIA RENNICK on Jan 13, 2023 22:37:50 GMT
It was not often that Antonia needed to dress in formal attire, the last event she attended that required it being her great-aunt Rosamund’s funeral. It was very kind of Sera to offer to loan her something. “I’m sure I can dig something out of the dark depths of my wardrobe,” Tonia said, smiling as she sipped her wine, “But I’ll let you know if I can't find anything suitable.”
What she needed was to go shopping. Even if Sera brought her back a robe from New York there were still other things she needed to get, and sometimes changing the outside also improved the inside. Tonia wouldn't mind testing that theory. Either way, she needed a haircut and some new trousers. "Maybe we can go shopping sometime when you're free?" Tonia suggested. She would prefer it to be on a weekday when the shops weren't very busy but Tonia was usually at the shop during the day. Maybe she could take a day off? It would hardly affect her business at all at this point.
Tonia gave a breathy laugh and reached for the bottle on the table to refill her glass, "Well... may we all find what we are looking for," she said and raised her glass.
Making a mental note to not go overboard with the garlic when trying Sera's recipe, she finished the piece of bread and nodded. "Ice cream sounds good. Honestly I don't mind just staying in and eating ice cream. We could watch a film, maybe?" It didn't matter what they did; Tonia was enjoying the company.
Antonia assured Seraphim that she'd find something but loaning something out wouldn't be a problem. Seeing her happy made Sera happy. Then came an offer that Sera could deal with as she didn't have work everyday of the week. Once she checked her schedule she'd know when she was free to head wherever Tonia wanted. "I should be free some day this week. I'll know which one later on" she mused.
Then her sex on a stick comment got more laughs and Sera joined in drinking more beer. By now she'd drained it and started on a glass of white just like Tonia had."I really hope we do and you need it too. You deserve love" she replied meaning what she said.Her ex was going to rot in Azkaban but Tonia shouldn't have to suffer now she'd done her time.
"Ice cream sounds good and I can serve that up once you finished. I have a tv that works even in a magical environment and DVD's. Do you have a particular type of film in mind while we finish of the wine?"
It looked like they wouldn't be going anywhere and if Tonia had to stay the night there was a spare bedroom. Even Seraphim wouldn't try and apparate while totally drunk.
Post by ANTONIA RENNICK on Jan 19, 2023 14:04:09 GMT
The two women agreed to go shopping soon and Tonia couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. Not so much about the shopping part, although she enjoyed it well enough, but because it was something she used to do before, something she associated with friends. She smiled, nodding. "Great, let me know when."
Then Sera hit her with a comment that damn near moved Tonia to tears. 'You deserve love'. Did she? Did she really, after everything? Tonia wasn't so sure, but the conviction in Sera's tone did not let Tonia discard them as empty words. She may not believe she did but Sera seemed to think so. It warmed Tonia's heart that so desperately wished for it to be true.
"I-" she paused, voice shaking a little, and took a long sip of wine to hide it. Swirling the glass between her fingers for a moment, Tonia watched the crisp liquid dance and ripple like a breeze on the sea. When she looked up again, a delicate smile was playing on her lips. She reached across the table and took Sera's hand, squeezing gently. "Thank you Sera, you're a great friend. I appreciate you."
After that emotional moment Tonia felt like they needed to lighten up the mood.
"How about Monday morning?" Seraphim suggested as she fairly free until the evening when she had to work in the Three Broomsticks. It was the closest free day she'd have that didn't involve doing her laundry and cleaning her house from top to bottom. She cleaned as she went anyway which made a weekly clean much easier. Then she'd practise her music after all that was done. So even a day she wasn't working was quite busy.
She felt the squeeze on her hand and heard what else Tonia had to say.She was clearly appreciated by somebody at least and she had a suggestion or two about tonights flim.
"If you like action I'd suggest Deadpool or Shaun of the Dead. Knives out and See how they run are also pretty good. Or if you want something classic my ma had some Mel Brooks films" she suggested as she got to her feet and went to what looked like another table covered up with a table cloth. It wasn't as once this was pulled off it revealed a really old style TV and dvd player. It was a magical lash up that had been set up when Seraphim was ten so she wouldn't miss out on muggle films and forget part of her heritage.
Muggles would be appalled to see this set up but Sera knew it worked. By rights these items should be in a museum but newer electronics simply wouldn't work with magic.
