With the capture of Verandi Farley and several high-ranking Trossach members, the British wizarding world has finally caught a break. The rate of rogue werewolf attacks have started dropping at a steady rate and, hopefully, things will stay that way. The Ministry is starting to loosen some restrictions, like not arresting werewolves standing on the street for loitering, however there’s still an obvious power imbalance between wizardfolk and werewolves.
The Cotswolds pack are continuing to advocate for the rights of werewolves and petitioning to change the legislation that has been set in motion by the current Minister for Magic, whilst the remaining Trossachs members are trying to stay out of the spotlight and keep a low profile… for now.
Whilst the British wizarding world seems to have calmed down, the same cannot be said for over in Northern Europe where a rebellion of magical creatures has risen. The state of things has gotten so bad that the European Ministry has enacted protocols to protect those under eighteen whilst their adult witches and wizards fight to keep control of their countries.
Students from Durmstrang have been sent to Hogwarts to keep them safe and those not old enough to attend school have been sent to live with relatives or designated British Ministry officials outside of Europe for the time being.
Will the low rates of werewolf attacks in Britain continue? How long will Durmstrang students stay at Hogwarts? Will the creatures usurp the wizardfolk in Northern Europe? Only time will tell.
SEPTEMBER 2019 It's been a very long, eventful summer in the wizarding world. A baby was stolen, several high ranking Trossach members were imprisoned, and werewolf attacks have drastically dropped as a result. What will happen now school has returned?
MAY 2019 An attempt to capture the beta of the Trossachs has been launched. Were the Aurors successful in their mission? Go read more here!
When Whomever or Whatever you believe in - be it the fates, the gods, the one god or some cosmic coincidence - was handing out gifts, Pierre took the lion’s share (in his humblest of opinions... which have, not ever will be, truly humble). A gifted potioneer even before he begun his schooling perhaps due to his mother’s insatiable appetite for cocktails yet incredible laziness to do them herself, Pierre now found himself reminiscing about what had come before to lead him and his family to this momentous occasion.
His baby sister - well... publicly acknowledged sister - was growing up and getting the best gift and grandmere could ever provide - a young man. Merlin, if only he could be so lucky! Pierre’s nimble fingers put the finishing touches to the rather intimate setting; an obligatory place set for Maman (though Pierre had already dosed her with enough sedative in her night cap to see her til the following Tuesday) as well as a setting each for the betrothed and one for Pierre at a purposefully small dining table.
The napkins were freshly pressed and folded elegantly, whilst the silverware sparkled as if a hundred house elves had laboured for days to bring them to polish. In the centre of the rounded table were freshly cut flowers imported from Mexico just this evening; chocolate cosmos that filled the room with a delightfully light chocolate scent and the bright red petals seemed rather fitting for the occasion.
The menu was light and classically French and the champagne was chilling in a bucket beside the table. Now all that was left to be done was greet the guests of honour: Vinda, his baby sister, and the young man brave enough to enter the ranks of the Rosier Selwyn family.
”Bonsoir, Vinda et Adrian,” Pierre greeted his guests with a sweep of his hand gesturing towards the dining table.
Christmas with the Selwyns was, and always had been, interesting. Usually because of their maman who enjoyed one too many beverages at the best of times but especially on Christmas because 'it's only polite to join in on the festive spirit, right, Vinda darling?' After a few polite beverages, things usually devolved into shambles. Last year, her dear maman had to be dragged off their antique, hand-crafted dining table by their house elf who had whisked the woman singing Celestina Warbeck at the top of her lungs whilst wearing only one shoe straight to bed.
But this year was different. She had given very strict instructions to Pierre that their maman wasn't to be present because Adrian did not need to be exposed to that side of her family quite yet. In fact, she preferred to keep the family embarrassment behind closed doors for as long as she could. She didn't want to risk the rest of Hogwarts finding out about her.
Glancing towards Adrian as they flooed into the drawing room, Vinda's fingers flew up and started to adjust his tie. She wanted him to look perfect, make a good impression on her brother. "Pierre's very... he has an eye for fashion, Adrian. You need to look immaculate. You can't spill a single drop of wine on yourself tonight, okay?" she said, words coming out as an order. Truth be told, she was nervous, not that she'd ever admit that but this was a big deal. How many times in her life would she introduce her fiancee to her brother? "I hope you've had a good birthday. Speaking of which, that's another talking point you and Pierre can have. Perhaps mention the presents we bought you when we were out, and if he asks, tell him that you're not wearing your brown shoes with your new pair of pants because it clashes."
Just as Vinda finished completely micromanaging the hypothetical discussion Pierre and Adrian were going to have, her brother decided to make himself known. "Pierre," she said, a genuine smile breaking out across her face as she moved forward, pressing a kiss against her brother's cheek. Then she reached for Adrian, taking his hand and pulling him forward into the dining room. "Everything smells delightful, but that's to be expected. Is maman feeling unwell? I've noticed she's not here yet."
Post by ADRIAN ANDERSON on Oct 1, 2019 12:53:41 GMT
It had certainly been an interesting day for Adrian. He'd been woken up by his mother to enjoy a plethra of gifts from many people, including from his fiancee's family. He'd been shuffled off to get his apparition licence, had brunch with a few free friends and then shopping with Vinda Selwyn, the afformentioned betrothed. Now, to top it all off he was sharing Christmas Eve with her family. He was more than nervous, he was sick to his stomach. He felt like a lead ball was sitting in it, crushing his stomach into his intestines. Travelling in the floo certainly didn't help. He took a few sharp breaths as he stepped out of the fireplace. It was certainly the house of the wealthy, with French decore undertones.
He glanced down as Vinda started to play with his tie, raising an eyebrow at her. It had become a little eskew on the trip over but nothing to write home about. He accepted it as he had her sniping while they shopped and the nitpicks about his appearance when he'd first met up with her. His lips twisted unpleasantly as she implied he'd be messy, "Vinda...darling, you seem to forget that I also grew up as a pureblood too." He withstood her rambling as his eyes slid towards the handsome man who appeared in the doorway. Vinda pulled away to greet the older man, calling him Pierre which declared him as her older brother. Beautiful seemed to run in the genetics of this family, and as much as he didn't want to be intimidated by this; he was. Adrian's own mother was a fading beauty and his father a rock of a man. It certainly wasn't beauty that kept them in business, that was for sure.
"Enchanté Pierre." He responded to the man's French greeting. He supposed it was fortunate that he'd been taught French in his younger years, or being engaged to a Frenchwoman would surely be the worst outcome for him. He followed Vinda's tug into the room, observing the obsene grandeur with a softer eye. This was familiar and comfortable. He glanced between the siblings as Vinda asked about her mother. It seemed to imply that Pierre had done the decoration himself, something that Adrian's mother had always insisted doing. "You have done a wonderful job of decorating. If the food is as good as your presentation is; I look forward to it." Maybe Adrian shouldn't have gone straight into compliments...definitely. He wasn't smooching up to some wizard that his father was sealing a deal with. This was his future brother-in-law.
If Pierre wasn't so busy nit-picking over the final details of the dining-room presentation, perhaps he would have overheard his similarly pedantic baby sister run through very specific instructions. He'd have been extremely amused, and beyond proud. Instead he appeared moments after the happy couple flooed in and let his critical eyes glance over Vinda - perfection as always - and then onto Adrian.
In just a few moments, Pierre noted Adrian's strong jaw and puppy-dog-esque eyes. A Hufflepuff no doubt. They all had that same look. Was he a dark blonde? or a light brunette? Either way, Pierre decided that the suit he wore was well tailored, if not the best colour for his complexion. Quickly though, Pierre's attention turned back onto his favourite person, "Vinda, oui maman has unfortunately taken ill this evening. She sends her love, of course." Pierre returned her kiss on the cheek and moved forward towards the young man that had been blessed with the best gift a young man could possibly want (if it wasn't clear, Pierre believes that is Vinda's hand in marriage). "Enchanté indeed, Adrian," Pierre said with a smile, holding his hand out to the boy to shake.
"C'est soir the elves have outdone themselves, in your honour, of course. I believe that it is your birthday? Happy seventeenth. Have you had a good day?"Pierre gestured once again towards the dining room to usher the teenagers in. The house elves were bringing in several plates of classic French hors d'oeuvres and the soft scent of the chocolate cosmos flowers were masked by the selection that the little elves brought through. On one platter was the caviar, with its tiny silver spoons, on another smoked salmon topped cream cheese on a soft puff pastry and... many other things along these lines that are delicious and making Roo hungry.
"Please, sit and enjoy - if there is nothing to your liking I will promptly arrange for another cuisine. Vinda tells me you're from Germany? Tell me, why did you move?" Pierre delicately sat down at the table, poised perfectly at the end of his chair as he watched the two kids. Too bad Adrian was earmarked for Vinda - he was cute in a ... Germanic... kind of way. Pierre had a flash of Adrian in lederhosen and nothing else. Yas Queen.
Vinda steadfastly ignored the way Adrian's eyebrow raised at her as she adjusted his tie, smoothing it out with the palm of her hand afterwards. There wasn't a crease to be seen, but it needed to sit in exactly the right spot otherwise it would look sloppy. When he spoke up, Vinda's eyes narrowed. "Adrian, dear," the words left Vinda's lips as cynically as the words 'Vinda, darling' had left her betrothed's mouth, "You may have grown up as a pureblood, but you haven't met my brother yet. He's very particular and I'm trying to help you in case that's not abundantly clear."
Vinda watched as Pierre took in Adrian's appearance for a moment, her breath baited as she just waited for something negative to be said... but it never came. Apparently Pierre approved of Adrian, at least aesthetically. It remained to be seen though if Adrian was going to conduct himself appropriately this evening, and whether her brother would enjoy his company. When Pierre informed her that maman was ill, Vinda sent a brief nod his way. "What a shame. I'm sure she would have liked to meet you, Adrian," she said, though... she couldn't really say the same on Adrian's end. "How's work, Pierre?
She listened as the two men exchanged pleasantries as she made her way over to the table, sitting down and taking in the sheer volume of food. It was a lot, and after a moment hesitation, she reached for the pastry with smoked salmon. Bringing it to her lips, she took the tiniest nibble known to man before placing it back down onto her plate. "Yes, Adrian is from Germany. His mother is English though... it's just one of many interesting things about him, Pierre. He's very... intriguing. We have a lot to talk about," she said, only half-lying. Then she shushed up for a minute because why had Adrian moved to England? She'd never thought to ask.
Post by ADRIAN ANDERSON on Oct 20, 2019 12:31:32 GMT
"Please extend my well wishes to your mother. I hope she recovers quickly, I hope to see her next time, if that's not too presumptuous." Adrian wasn't exactly sure who to look at as he said this, decided to address it to Vinda. She was the one to say that their mother would be disappointed. Honestly, Adrian was a little relieved that she wasn't here, he didn't think he needed more than one family member judging him. Especially if Vinda's mother was anything like Vinda herself, he wasn't sure he was prepared for something like that. He almost asked after their father before practically biting his tongue. The wrong question to ask, or bring up in this environment; imprisoned dads weren't the best thing to converse about upon first meeting. "Yes it has been a good day, I enjoyed the presents that we bought...if not the shopping itself. The company was excellent." He gave a tight smile to Vinda, sitting down next to her on the table.
His eyes roamed over the selection, waiting for Vinda to reach the salmon before serving himself some, along with a spoonful of Duck confit and red cabbage. He nodded as Pierre mentioned changing the menu if nothing was to his liking, but of course, Adrian wouldn't mention if anything was amiss. Nothing was, anyway. Adrian would have to be a particularly fussy eater if he didn't enjoy some kind of the French cuisine on offer. He glanced to Vinda as she responded to question he'd been asked as if she intuitively knew he had his mouth full. "Ah. To be completely honest, this was not a decision that I had any hand in making, I was ten. I think it was a combination of factors, my mother, my father's business and of course, my education. I like it here, it suits me well enough. I do not pine for Germany, not all the time at least, but I like to visit my Aunt and Grandmother."
He reached his hand forward to grasp the wine glass, that had been magically filled by the elves and took a small sip. "I'm not sure that much else needs be said?" Words: 366 Tags: VINDA SELWYN @pierre
The look that passed over his baby sister was undeniable when he confirmed that maman wouldn't be here to embarass the pair with her drunken musings about the world. He tilted his head, ever so slightly, as a knowing (if not miniscule) nod to the girl because he would always have her back. Unless there was a sexy-ass backside involved then...
"Merci beaucoups, Adrian, I will pass on your well wishes," he said with a small nod and his welcoming smile turned into a bit of a dubious grin, "unless you're planning on breaking my baby sister's heart, we'll have plenty of opportunities for family dinners in the future... engagements give you certain liberties like being presumptious," he spelled it out clearly just in case the teenage hormones made it difficult for the Puff to make the connection. The right side of his lips began to curl in a small smile as Adrian very cleverly replied about how wonderful a day shopping with Vinda had been. It's as if the boy didn't think Pierre had ever spent a day with the prim, proper and opinionated apple of his eye. "Don't make me jealous - I spent the day assisting a mother whose parental supervisory skills are questionable to put it kindly because honestly who leaves their child in a greenhouse filled with alihosty? The put everything in their mouths - yes, even this gay knows that about babies." Five hours with an uncontrollably giggling 18-month old? Merlin, Pierre had pleaded more than once to be allowed to cast a simple silencing charm to the dismay of his fellow healers. Pierre's impeccably plucked brows quirked in Vinda's direction because surely she'd feel the pain of his work day - she spent her year at Hogwarts, after all.
It had not missed Pierre's notice that Vinda merely picked at her food, but he forgave it as she began to explain Adrian's immigration to the British Isles. He nodded gently as he took a small spoon of caviar and placed the eggs delicately into his mouth. "A British mother, hmm? Our stories are similar in this respect then," Pierre turned his gaze back to his brother-to-be, "our father is decidedly of British stock. It's a blessing, is it not, to be bicultural?" Pierre then focused in on the for my education portion of Adrian's measured answer. "Your parents felt that Hogwarts was superior to the Durmstrang Institute?" Pierre couldn't possibly see how, given its prominence amongst pureblood families... unless, of course, Adrian's family was made of soft muggle-loving stuff. "Your father's business is very successful - will you be following in his footsteps?"
Pierre took a moment to also drink some of the freshly poured wine and he laughed easily as Adrian announced that there was nothing much else that needed to be said. "Oh come now, I've only just met the man that'll take my favourite Selwyn and turn her into an Anderson - or will she be like our grandmaman and make you into a Selwyn? hmm?"
Vinda did not plan on extending Adrian's wishes to her mother because that would mean she'd actually need to converse with the pathetic witch of a woman, something she normally avoided at all costs. Before she could try and articulate an appropriate response, Pierre interjected, accepting them graciously. Then Adrian was piping up, sharing how much he enjoyed spending time with her and yes, good job. If Vinda was marking him with a red pen, she'd give him an A for believability, however there was always room to improve. "It's nice to go shopping with a man who doesn't have a wandering eye," Vinda said with a nod, giving a very meaningful glance to Pierre because she had seen his attention stray to quite a few shopkeeper's behinds when he was meant to be paying attention to her trying on clothes instead. She was certainly more important than some stranger's behind, that was for certain. "It's also refreshing to know that there are still some teenage boys out there who know that pairing brown belts with black pants are a fashion faux par... and that having your boxers overhang the sides of your pants is absolutely atrocious. I know the 90s are having a comeback but does society really aim to go that low?"
Vinda wanted to tease Pierre that he put everything in his mouth as well, but given their current company... it likely wasn't appropriate, and she didn't see Adrian enjoying jokes about her brother's promiscuity. "People who are clearly lacking common sense, that's who," she said, shaking her head at Pierre's little tale about a neglectful mother and their baby. Regarding Pierre being jealous, however, Vinda hummed before suggesting, "Perhaps you two could go shopping together for my birthday? Have some future brother-in-law bonding. I'm sure the two of you would kick it off."
Conversation was an excellent excuse not to continue eating, and Vinda was fully embracing it. "It's fortunate that witches and wizards are able to travel so easily, I suppose. During the holidays, you could go and visit your Aunt and Grandmother whenever you wish," Vinda said, although she was inwardly questioning Adrian's taste in education if he liked Hogwarts. His standards were low if he thought the school was even semi-decent at teaching it's students. Vinda nodded curtly as Pierre brought up how their backgrounds were similar in regards to have one British parent, and one from another part of the world. "Being bicultural has it's perks... going to Beauxbatons, unfortunately, is not one of them." Their mother had wanted to keep them close (an idea that Vinda scoffed at nowadays), so they wouldn't miss out on bonding with their sister cousin Flora and their uncle.
Like her companions, Vinda raised a glass of wine to her lips before her brows arched at Pierre's very bold question. "Interesting that you address that towards Adrian and not me, Pierre. I exist too," Vinda said, voice cooling down a little. Of course, the reason why it irked her wasn't because she hadn't had the question directed towards her, but more because she likely wouldn't get that big of a say in what she did with her last name. Grandmaman had strong-armed her very... weak-willed husband into allowing her to keep it, but she was quite certain that Adrian would fight her on the decision.
Post by ADRIAN ANDERSON on Nov 27, 2019 12:56:02 GMT
The Hufflepuff let the compliments wash over him. It was nice to know that in public Vinda would praise him if her brother counted as the public that was, and not make small dig and commands at every moment. He felt himself relax a little as Vinda ranted about how unfashionable most of the men were nowadays. Adrian had never had a deep interest in clothing, but his parents had taught him to dress well. There was no reason to look shoddy or unfashionable; it displayed a lack of care and dignity that the Anderson’s would never have. Adrian had been dressing in fancy robes and suits since he was very young, there were almost more familiar to him than jeans and a t-shirt. He gave a small chuckle as Vinda scathingly commented on boxers.
Adrian tried not to focus on the smile that curled the corner of Pierre’s lips, instead of glancing towards his betrothed who picked at her food. He held back a sigh and turned his eyes back to Pierre, who expounded about his day at St Mungos. The Hufflepuff shook his head, about to interject that toddlers shouldn’t be allowed in greenhouses at all when the word caught in his throat as Pierre continued. He took a few moments to process those words, ones about being gay. They were said so freely. Of course, Adrian had been told by his father about it. He’d been surprised that Wolfgang had decided to overlook that blip on their reputation, but he didn’t understand what went on in the older man’s head. In any case, Adrian found himself a little off-kilter. He thought it would be something Pierre would be ashamed of or at least try to keep quiet in the company of a guest.
He tried to shake himself out of it, agreeing to go shopping with the man. “Sounds lovely.” …and he’d be able to get a suitable present with the help of a family member. Adrian gave a nod as the older Selwyn asked him about being bicultural. He’d always had a foot in both worlds, a blessing and a curse he supposed. He shrugged, leaning forward as if to share a secret to Pierre, although his voice stayed the same volume. “There’s nothing at Durmstrang that can’t be taught by tutors, but Hogwarts has far more legal electives. Allowing me to go to Durmstrang would allow too much far too much freedom anyway, or at least that’s my theory. My father doesn’t often share his reasons.” As much as Adrian knew he shouldn’t, as it was quite rude, his eyes darted towards Vinda, and he sat back.
Pierre sure knew the right questions to get Adrian talking. “Yes, I will. Have it my father’s way, and I’ll be going straight from school into work. I’ve been prepared for it my whole life. My hope is that while my father remains CEO, I’ll be able to pursue a career at the ministry. Don’t laugh, I knew it’s plebeian, but I think I’d enjoy working in the Department of International Cooperation. I once thought I wanted to be an Unspeakable, but I don’t quite have the right skills.” Meaning that Adrian wasn’t good enough at experiment charms and potions.
He gave a shrug, apathetic to the question and even Vinda’s indignance. “To be honest, I hadn’t truly thought about it. I will not be taking the Selwyn name- my apologies. I’d like Vinda to at least hyphenate her name; it’s unseemly to be married and not share a last name.”
When Whomever or Whatever you believe in - be it the fates, the gods, the one god or some cosmic coincidence - was handing out gifts, Pierre took the lion’s share (in his humblest of opinions... 
