Order of the Phoenix

Can't Retract an Invite Now

Stories taking place between July '95 to June '96


Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Xanthy Hinterbottom » Sun Jun 10, 2012 4:09 pm

The last few months had gone by so quickly that several times Xanthy wasn’t quite sure where she was, what day it was or what she was meant to be doing. This was actually a bit of a blessing in disguise.

For one thing it meant she didn’t dwell on the fact that her time at Hogwarts had come to an end, for most of the last year she had been a bit glum about this fact, but moment had been and gone, perhaps it hadn’t sunk in for her yet. Either way she didn’t miss it. And secondly there was the fact she had a very messy break up, could she call it that she wasn’t sure, but her friendship or whatever it was (sore subject) with Cris had ended or perhaps had hit the locker rooms for lack of appropriate term. All she knew was that by not being in school she didn’t have to see his face, ignoring the fact she lived in the same village.

Most of the reason for why the last few months had passed by so quickly was down to the time she had spent at the Quidditch draft in Australia, now that was some gig that she managed to get involved in. She didn’t yet know if she had been selected for a team, sure that was worrying her a little but at the same time she had to remind herself if she wasn’t then she could at least say that she had tired. Well maybe, or mores the case that she would just pretend it didn’t happen.

When that draft had ended they were shipped back to Hogwarts, returning back into the middle of the bizarre moments in the history of the school (or least top five). It was like the school had flipped its lid, or rather two of the students had and thus created the knock on affect. She did wonder if she was suffering the effects of jet lag still. The headmistress was soon ousted though no one really knew how centaurs came to be involved in that one, well unless you were the part of the potter trio.

Dumbledore was soon reinstated as headmaster, but someone else had returned. Someone no one in the Wizarding community ever wanted to know was alive, let alone back. He-who-must-not-be-named had also returned. Life as everyone knew had changed.

Graduating was somewhat of a mixed affair, and one that thankfully Xanthy couldn’t remember. A bit like she didn’t remember the time when ‘V’ was last in power, she was too tiny but she only had to look at her parents these days to know that everything that had ever been written on the subject was true. The haunted look was enough to make anyone nervous.

After a few days back in the old homestead, itchy feet overcome Xanthy, she couldn’t just sit round waiting for the news from the Quidditch select board, and she also didn’t want to get involved in the brewery. So before her parents could wangle her into doing some book keeping or errand running she announced she was heading to France to see a friend. News to her parents she had one. Took some talking to see them round to the idea, and a letter from the person’s parents to say it was okay. Perhaps her parents had noted that Xanthy had avoided going out with the triplets on her return, and in fact hadn’t mentioned going round to the Arundels at all. Though word would soon reach their ears that Xanthy and Cris had fallen out, a little quarrel that was bound to run its course soon enough.

Though not if Xant had anything to do with it.

Her parents’ couldn’t really stop Xanthy from going, after all by Wizarding terms she was a fully fledged adult, Xanthy was just being nice by asking them first (also because she wasn’t quite ready to be kicked out of the house).

Soon enough, Xanthy was whizzing over the channel via the aid of a portkey to France. Now she only hoped that she landed in the right place. Wouldn’t do to land in the middle of nowhere, it wasn’t if she knew the language or had a map to his place.

A rush of air, then a sudden stop she landed slightly less than lady like in the middle of a garden, or was it a field? At that moment she only really could gauge that she had landed on grass, her face was in it that was why.

Image

User avatar
Xanthy Hinterbottom
*ERA: Golden Era
QUIDDITCH: Holyhead Harpies
[QUIDDITCH POSITION] Beater

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 22
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: L
Hub Username: Master Pegg


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Macaire Ackland » Tue Jun 12, 2012 10:00 pm

It was the strangest summer evening when Macaire returned home and found his mother waiting with a letter owled all the way from England. Apparently a friend of Macaire's was looking to visit their part of the world and wanted to see if it was okay to stay with them. It was a bit of a surprise to Macaire's mother that he had a friend from England. It was a bigger surprise for Macaire. Xanthy Hinterbottom really wanted to come to France and see him? Macaire's eyebrow was almost frozen jerked up in surprise when he looked at the letter himself.

His mother of course took extra delight in learning that not only did Macaire have a friend in England, but that it happened to be a girl. Immediately she began pestering him with questions like how exactly he knew Xanthy, what was she like, was she pretty? Mac answered this barrage of questions with a shrug of his shoulders. He certainly didn't need his mother to get the wrong idea here. Especially since it's not as if he expected this whole visit to actually happen, except then his mother informed him that she had already written Mr. and Mrs. Hinterbottom to insist that the Ackland family would be 'delighted' to host Xanthy.

It would seem Macaire's hands were tied. Not that he was dreading seeing Xanthy. He had no real reason not to want to see her, but then he was a bit perplexed as to why she really wanted to see him? And stay for an extended holiday no less. Mac was fairly certain they hadn't been that close, but then Xanthy was an odd girl. What did he really know of English customs? The only real annoying part was having to skirt around his parents and siblings, who no doubt would be nosy about this English girl coming to see him. Macaire couldn't trust them not to utterly embarrass him. Actually he could be sure they would.

With a heavy sigh he went and waited out in the back garden where the portkey was set to drop her off. While he waited, Mac wondered if maybe she wasn't actually coming. That this was all some sort of weird English ruse. But then Xanthy Hinterbottom didn't disappoint as she suddenly appeared out of nowhere and face-planted right into the lawn. Macaire's eyes opened wide in shock/concern, though his gut reaction kicked in and he let out a guffaw. Who didn't fight an urge to laugh when someone fell? Mac had been through Beauxbatons etiquette classes, however, and he immediately tried to cover up the laugh with a cough as he moved forward, speaking in a chipper tone, "Bonjour, Xanthy. You know how to make an entrance.."

Macaire Coen Ackland

See I'm stuck in a city when I belong in a field.

User avatar
Macaire Ackland
*ERA: Golden Era
GENERAL: Wizard

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 9
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: Macaire Ackland
Hub Username: The Eagle


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Xanthy Hinterbottom » Wed Jun 13, 2012 2:07 pm

It took another moment or two before Xanthy realised what she had done, and what her face was buried in. A groan escaped her lips no sooner after she heard Mac. Well at least she had arrived in the right place even if the landing was a lot to be desired. Port Key's were not her favourite method of transport, she would have travelled by broom if it wasn't for her parents objections.

She did a quick check to make sure her limbs were all in tact before pushing herself up and scrambled up onto her feet, she turned to look a Mac with a grin, "well you know, like to be memorable."

"Anyway, just glad it didn't cut out over the channel, so watcha Mac."

Image

User avatar
Xanthy Hinterbottom
*ERA: Golden Era
QUIDDITCH: Holyhead Harpies
[QUIDDITCH POSITION] Beater

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 22
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: L
Hub Username: Master Pegg


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Macaire Ackland » Wed Jun 13, 2012 6:50 pm

"Uh huh," Macaire replied as he looked Xanthy up and down. Her expression 'watcha' threw the Frenchman and he looked confused, though the confusion also spread to why Xanthy was even there in the first place. "Huh?"

Macaire Coen Ackland

See I'm stuck in a city when I belong in a field.

User avatar
Macaire Ackland
*ERA: Golden Era
GENERAL: Wizard

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 9
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: Macaire Ackland
Hub Username: The Eagle


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Xanthy Hinterbottom » Thu Jun 14, 2012 3:22 pm

Xanthy's eyebrow rose at Macaire's glancing up and down and then the 'huh', for a moment she looked confused. She shook her head, "well certainly as I expected, a nice big, warm welcome," a wide slow grin appearing on her face, removing her somewhat confused look.

Image

User avatar
Xanthy Hinterbottom
*ERA: Golden Era
QUIDDITCH: Holyhead Harpies
[QUIDDITCH POSITION] Beater

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 22
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: L
Hub Username: Master Pegg


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Macaire Ackland » Thu Jun 14, 2012 10:32 pm

"Sorry," Macaire replied rather awkward as he reached up and scratched the back of his neck. He spoke more candidly, "Just sort of surprised you're here, that's all."

Again, he hadn't exactly thought he and Xanthy were all that close to begin with. Certainly not the sort of friendship where he'd whisk away to England to crash with her family for a week. Then again they owned a brewery. Maybe that wasn't such a bad idea after all.

Macaire Coen Ackland

See I'm stuck in a city when I belong in a field.

User avatar
Macaire Ackland
*ERA: Golden Era
GENERAL: Wizard

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 9
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: Macaire Ackland
Hub Username: The Eagle


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Xanthy Hinterbottom » Fri Jun 15, 2012 2:08 pm

"Oh...yeah I know, bit out of the blue like but well it seemed like a good idea at the time.." she said sounding a little unsure as she said it. Perhaps she hadn't given it as much thought, or as much as she should have done. Xanthy managed a small smile.

Image

User avatar
Xanthy Hinterbottom
*ERA: Golden Era
QUIDDITCH: Holyhead Harpies
[QUIDDITCH POSITION] Beater

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 22
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: L
Hub Username: Master Pegg


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Macaire Ackland » Fri Jun 15, 2012 6:34 pm

"A bit out of the blue?" Macaire responded with an emphasis on the 'bit' part. Clearly he considered it wildly out of the blue. Still he shrugged, "I mean, hadn't heard from you all year and then your folks are writing my mum about a visit?"

Not that he was upset per se, he just found the whole thing to be weird. And he was a little wary of his mother and sister being insufferable.

Macaire Coen Ackland

See I'm stuck in a city when I belong in a field.

User avatar
Macaire Ackland
*ERA: Golden Era
GENERAL: Wizard

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 9
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: Macaire Ackland
Hub Username: The Eagle


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Xanthy Hinterbottom » Sun Jun 17, 2012 8:28 am

Xanthy chewed her lip for a minute, then her shoulders sagged, "okay, I admit it, I just wanted a break and well you were a viable option." There she had said it, Mac was just convenient but it didn't make it sound any nicer saying it out loud. Xant looked at him slightly apologetically, and then promptly dropped her bag back down onto the ground and started to open it, it was one of those that looked small but was deceptive in its capability for storing items.

"I did bring a thank you gift?" her hand extracting from the depths a bottle, "different types too, for your parents mainly but you know I am sure they'd never know."

Image

User avatar
Xanthy Hinterbottom
*ERA: Golden Era
QUIDDITCH: Holyhead Harpies
[QUIDDITCH POSITION] Beater

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 22
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: L
Hub Username: Master Pegg


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Macaire Ackland » Sun Jun 17, 2012 12:16 pm

"Ah ha, I see how it is," Macaire replied in a knowing manner, perhaps with a touch of indignation, though that was purely for show. In a way it was almost a relief to hear that this was just a random plan B for Xanthy.

He eyed the bottle and took it from her as he insisted, "And fine. I mean, least you can do since you've just admitted you're using me."

Macaire Coen Ackland

See I'm stuck in a city when I belong in a field.

User avatar
Macaire Ackland
*ERA: Golden Era
GENERAL: Wizard

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 9
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: Macaire Ackland
Hub Username: The Eagle


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Xanthy Hinterbottom » Sun Jun 17, 2012 12:59 pm

Xanthy continued to watch Mac closely, as if to work out if he was pissed off at the sudden invasion, "yeah, I thought best not to invade empty handed," she glanced down into her bag, "there is at least twelve bottles in here. Sort of just grabbed a random selection, then my mum gave me some, then so did my dad. Just as well this is a charmed bag, otherwise I wouldn't have any room for clothes."

Image

User avatar
Xanthy Hinterbottom
*ERA: Golden Era
QUIDDITCH: Holyhead Harpies
[QUIDDITCH POSITION] Beater

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 22
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: L
Hub Username: Master Pegg


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Macaire Ackland » Sun Jun 17, 2012 1:10 pm

"Good. A bit of alcohol may be the only way I'll be able to tolerate my mother and sister this week. You know they already completely have the wrong idea about you visiting me?"

He shook his head, "So that's your forewarning."

Not that Macaire himself had any, but at least now he had free beer.

Macaire Coen Ackland

See I'm stuck in a city when I belong in a field.

User avatar
Macaire Ackland
*ERA: Golden Era
GENERAL: Wizard

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 9
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: Macaire Ackland
Hub Username: The Eagle


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Xanthy Hinterbottom » Sun Jun 17, 2012 1:17 pm

Xanthy's eyebrow rose, then she pulled a bit of a face as Mac's words sank in, "ah, right, slightly awkward but okay, I'll consider myself forewarned."

Image

User avatar
Xanthy Hinterbottom
*ERA: Golden Era
QUIDDITCH: Holyhead Harpies
[QUIDDITCH POSITION] Beater

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 22
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: L
Hub Username: Master Pegg


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Macaire Ackland » Sun Jun 17, 2012 1:29 pm

"Believe me," Macaire insisted. "I told 'em it was the completely wrong idea and that you were just some really weird English girl I met during the TriWizard Tournament, nothing more. Granted they didn't quite buy it since you were coming all the to France to see me, but now we know that's not even the case. Though they still may not buy it."

Mainly because the women in Macaire's family could be insufferable like that. He reached down and grabbed up her bag, "Anyway, come on. I'll show you your room."

Macaire Coen Ackland

See I'm stuck in a city when I belong in a field.

User avatar
Macaire Ackland
*ERA: Golden Era
GENERAL: Wizard

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 9
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: Macaire Ackland
Hub Username: The Eagle


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Xanthy Hinterbottom » Sun Jun 17, 2012 1:41 pm

Xanthy soon found herself snorting a little with laughter, as she got to her feet again, “yeah, heaven forbid you get a girlfriend and least of all one that is British...” she was sniggering, her arm nudged him in the side.

“Awesome, I get a room and not a stable.”

Image

User avatar
Xanthy Hinterbottom
*ERA: Golden Era
QUIDDITCH: Holyhead Harpies
[QUIDDITCH POSITION] Beater

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 22
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: L
Hub Username: Master Pegg


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Macaire Ackland » Sun Jun 17, 2012 1:47 pm

Macaire rolled his eyes as he responded dryly, "That could still be arranged, you know.."

He led Xanthy up the garden path towards the Ackland family home, which was a rather nice country pile. Nothing too extravagant, but well taken care of. He opened the backdoor and gestured for Xanthy to step in first.

"Come on, let's be quick."

Macaire Coen Ackland

See I'm stuck in a city when I belong in a field.

User avatar
Macaire Ackland
*ERA: Golden Era
GENERAL: Wizard

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 9
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: Macaire Ackland
Hub Username: The Eagle


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Xanthy Hinterbottom » Sun Jun 17, 2012 2:05 pm

"Such hospitality.." she commented.

Xanthy stopped teasing Macaire, for the moment at least, in order to take in the surroundings. Though she wasn't one to be that bothered about the state of someone's house, size or situation she had to admit that Macaire's pad was certainly nice to look at.

Before she had a chance to say such, Mac was ushering her through the back door, "you know at some point they are going know I am here, and rushing me in the backdoor might raise suspicions."

Image

User avatar
Xanthy Hinterbottom
*ERA: Golden Era
QUIDDITCH: Holyhead Harpies
[QUIDDITCH POSITION] Beater

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 22
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: L
Hub Username: Master Pegg


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Macaire Ackland » Sun Jun 17, 2012 2:12 pm

The inside, even the kitchen, reflected the same sort of homey-with-a-touch-of-elegance feel that the outside had. Not that he bothered stopping in the kitchen. He led the way right to the back stairwell and began heading up as he said, "But just maybe we can get lucky."

Then he amended, "Not that I've ever really had a day of luck in my life."

Macaire Coen Ackland

See I'm stuck in a city when I belong in a field.

User avatar
Macaire Ackland
*ERA: Golden Era
GENERAL: Wizard

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 9
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: Macaire Ackland
Hub Username: The Eagle


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Xanthy Hinterbottom » Sun Jun 17, 2012 2:17 pm

Xanthy let out an inaudible whistle, the kitchen was well immaculate, there wasn't anything on the stove bubbling away, no disarray or scenes of carnage that preceded a meal in her household.

"Well, perhaps I'll be your lucky charm" she doubted it somehow, but with a shrug of her shoulders she followed after him.

Image

User avatar
Xanthy Hinterbottom
*ERA: Golden Era
QUIDDITCH: Holyhead Harpies
[QUIDDITCH POSITION] Beater

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 22
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: L
Hub Username: Master Pegg


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Macaire Ackland » Sun Jun 17, 2012 2:23 pm

Macaire only let a snort of a laugh serve as his response to that comment from Xanthy. At the top of the landing he went right and to the end of the hallway where the guest bedroom door was left open. The room itself looked like something straight out of a quaint bed and breakfast, with a bed that looked particularly comfortable and a large picture window overlooking the back garden where Xanthy had met Macaire in just minutes ago.

"Here you go," he said as he stepped just inside the door and dropped (gently) her bag to the floor.

Macaire Coen Ackland

See I'm stuck in a city when I belong in a field.

User avatar
Macaire Ackland
*ERA: Golden Era
GENERAL: Wizard

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 9
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: Macaire Ackland
Hub Username: The Eagle


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Xanthy Hinterbottom » Sun Jun 17, 2012 2:41 pm

Xanthy stuck her head round the door first, as if peering into the unknown, "just checking it wasn't a stable..." she turned her head towards him and then finally peeled herself away from the door frame to enter properly, "never been in such a tidy bedroom..." she said with a nod of approval.

Image

User avatar
Xanthy Hinterbottom
*ERA: Golden Era
QUIDDITCH: Holyhead Harpies
[QUIDDITCH POSITION] Beater

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 22
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: L
Hub Username: Master Pegg


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Macaire Ackland » Sun Jun 17, 2012 2:51 pm

"Yes, yes...because of course Macaire would live in a barn..." Mac replied with a touch of annoyance.

"Anyway, it's the spare room. No one really comes in here ever, except my grandparents when they come to stay. And you get your own bathroom, which is good. No one else should have to share my siblings."

Macaire Coen Ackland

See I'm stuck in a city when I belong in a field.

User avatar
Macaire Ackland
*ERA: Golden Era
GENERAL: Wizard

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 9
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: Macaire Ackland
Hub Username: The Eagle


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Xanthy Hinterbottom » Sun Jun 17, 2012 3:00 pm

"If you didn't I would be most disappointed" said with a grin, of course.

"Awesome, I was always pleased the day I was given the attic to be my bedroom, cause they also had another bathroom put in. Mum said it was unfare to be subjected to Victor's mess."

Xanthy not in the mood to unpack turned around fully to look at Macaire, "so going to give me the grand tour?"

Image

User avatar
Xanthy Hinterbottom
*ERA: Golden Era
QUIDDITCH: Holyhead Harpies
[QUIDDITCH POSITION] Beater

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 22
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: L
Hub Username: Master Pegg


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Macaire Ackland » Sun Jun 17, 2012 3:13 pm

"If only my parents felt the same about subjecting my to my brothers' mess," Mac quipped.

He then looked almost bewildered by her demand and he shrugged, "You've already seen the two most important rooms. Where you stay and the kitchen."

Macaire Coen Ackland

See I'm stuck in a city when I belong in a field.

User avatar
Macaire Ackland
*ERA: Golden Era
GENERAL: Wizard

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 9
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: Macaire Ackland
Hub Username: The Eagle


Curently Offline

Re: Can't Retract an Invite Now

Postby Xanthy Hinterbottom » Sun Jun 17, 2012 3:16 pm

"I'll admit they are the two most important rooms, but surely there is more to see? Look if not indoors, what about outdoors?" she asked, "might stop your family harrassing you? For at least a little longer?"

Image

User avatar
Xanthy Hinterbottom
*ERA: Golden Era
QUIDDITCH: Holyhead Harpies
[QUIDDITCH POSITION] Beater

Character Information
Graduation Year: 0

Accomplishments
Completed Stories 22
Achievements 0

Player Profile
Name: L
Hub Username: Master Pegg


Curently Offline

Next

Return to Order of the Phoenix

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Heise IT-Markt [Crawler] and 0 guests