Andrew Vance
10 Feb 2019, 09:31
An Unexpected Letter
Sunday: April 1, 2018 | 6:00 pm
It was Easter break for Andrew and his siblings, and this evening for them was filled with anticipation. All five members of the Vance family had spent the day cleaning, cooking, and preparing their house for dinner. They were expecting guests – the Hills family – to arrive any minute.
Currently, the kitchen was bustling with last-minute food preparations, with Andrew’s mother keeping an eye out for the Hills’ arrival, through the kitchen window that faced the street. The eldest child, 13-year old Stacy, would be there to rush over and open the front door, even before the Hills reached the front steps. Behind Stacy would be 11-year old Andrew and 8-year old Kyle, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Vance, ready to welcome and invite their guests in.
Dinner would take place in short time, as soon as the Hills settled in and were ready to eat. Andrew’s mother had spread a buffet-style of dishes on the kitchen counter, for everyone to grab a ceramic plate and utensils and help themselves: Trays of baked salmon with lemon dill, roasted asparagus and Brussels sprouts (the Vance siblings loved their veggies!), and garlic bread, pulled out from the heated oven. A bowl of mashed red potatoes, another with pasta salad, and a crock-pot of minestrone soup. Mrs. Vance always provided extra to ensure that there would be leftovers for the Hills to take home. For dessert, there was homemade chocolate chip zucchini bread and fresh-baked oatmeal raisin cookies… Plus a store-bought chocolate cream pie that Andrew really liked.
The dining table seated eight - the perfect number for both families to eat together. After the meal, the children were free to have the run of the house while the adults continued their own conversation, either at the dining table or at the couches in the living area, where the gas fireplace had been lit. Upstairs were Andrew’s and Stacy’s bedrooms, as well as the master bedroom (off limits). Another tight stairwell led up to the attic that had been converted into a bedroom for Kyle.
Aside from the human residents, there were the Vance family pets. In the front entrance hallway was a 50-gallon aquarium that housed three fantail goldfish - Sparky, Ruby, and Dixie. The other two were cats, Duchess and Princess. While Duchess was the more sociable one that didn’t mind nuzzling up to strangers, Princess was warier and often hid up in the loft, underneath Kyle’s bed.
It had been several months since the Vances had their last get-together with the Hills, whom they had met a few years back, during a summer cruise vacation, where their friendship connection started. Since then, the Vances had kept in mellow yet steady contact with the Hills. Visits were usually once or twice a year, often due to busy schedules.
Andrew’s eleventh birthday had passed, nearly a month ago. While the Hills were unable to make it to his birthday celebration, Easter break just so happened to be a convenient time for Mrs. Vance to invite the Hills over for a “post-birthday” celebratory dinner, although she insisted that there was no need to bring any late-birthday presents or extra food. The Vance family enjoyed the Hills’ company and looked forward to an evening of catching up with friends that they seldom had occasion to meet up with.
Last edited by Andrew Vance on 9 Jul 2022, 11:59, edited 41 times in total.
11 Feb 2019, 04:35
An Unexpected Letter
To this day, Emma still kept the letter close to her. Her parents weren't touching the letter, though they knew about it. They were perfectly fine with Emma holding on to the letter. Her father had already fireproofed, waterproofed, and even made the paper a bit tougher to rip, though it was still possible. Her writing on the letter had smudged a bit, and a few letters had blended into the base on the envelope, but she hoped that Andrew could read it. She was far too excited to reprint her wish to him.Flashback
3 March 2018
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Emma absolutely couldn't wait to eat breakfast. Bacon, orange juice, scones, and of course, waffles. The possibilities were endless.. although she hoped for her that eggs weren't going to be served. After skipping yesterday's dinner to finish up an essay for Astronomy, she had practically written herself to sleep. At least she had gotten it done, that was all that mattered. With the load of work, it was needless to say she was looking forward to the upcoming spring break.
The aroma of freshly prepared food overwhelmed her as she slid into the Ravenclaw table, her textbooks inside of her backpack that she carried on her bag. It wasn't rare when she skipped breakfast to sleep indoors or catch up on her latest book checked out from the library, but every so often it became hard to skip the most important meal of the day. Besides, who could say no to waffles and oatmeal?
Tapping her fingers against the wooden tables, her eyes looked around at the other houses. There was the reason she didn't go to breakfast; her awkwardness always got the best of her when it came to talking to strangers. Sure, she knew everyone in her house, but most of them had alway had the pleasure of making friends. To busy her mind, she picked up her toast, without bothering to use a silver utensil, and took a huge bite. Its crunchy texture reminded her of chips (or crisps), but its taste was nothing of the sort. In fact, its warm and buttery sensation stayed inside of her though she had already swallowed her bite.
Her head flickered up to see the rush of owls flooding through the Grand Hall with eagle like precision. Some dropped small packages, most were letters, and she even thought she had saw a red envelope falling down to the Gryffindor table.. poor student. She took a drink of water, a few droplets leaking down the side of her chin as she watched another package being dropped at the Hufflepuff table. Watching as a snowy owl flew over her table, she set down her glass, it colliding with the table with a loud thud though it was barely audible with the chatter of all the students. She had.. gotten mail? Flipping to the front of the envelope, she read the recipient of the letter before tearing it open. Owls could have made mistakes too.
Andrew? Oh, my God. The Ravenclaw smiled a bit as she got up to leave the table, taking a final bite of her toast. Trying her best not to break into a jog, she walked at an increased pace back to the common room to write another letter to her father before jotting down a small note on the acceptance letter. Happy birthday, Andy.
Wearing a white skirt and deep blue long sleeved shirt, she sat in the backseat of her mothers deep grey car, her father watching her hands anxiously to absorb any information that he could. Her hair had been flattened straight to the best of magic's abilities, but even a few hairs managed to poke out. She absolutely hated it. "Out of all the items, you choose a skirt. I wouldn't even have minded a dress at this point. It's not fair. Why do I even have to dress up, they're our friends not the Minister of Magic. Can we go back home so I can get something comfortable to dress out of? I cannot stand this -"
"- Emma, stop," her father warned, his gaze on her. It immediately put a stop to her talking. She huffed, put her arms around a small gift box and looked out the window at the passing buildings that seemed to pass as fast as a blur. Emma's mom was extremely excited. Mrs. Hill's eyes remained locked on to the street, stopping at every red light and accelerating rapidly with every green light causing Emma to sink back into her seat, her eyes widened.
She couldn't blame her mother, after all, she was extremely happy to see Andrew and his family again. Looking down at the letter she had received last month seemed to raise her anticipation towards the event.
Tapping silently against the bow-tied gift box, she couldn't help but to smile. Sure, the Vances had told them not to worry about gifts, but it was the least she could do, even if her parents didn't think that way. Besides, it was unlike someone to turn down a present. Inside laid a toy car, well, a wizarding toy car. The car was bewitched to fly once it had been thrown like an airplane except this car had eyes, metaphorically. It rolled from side to side, colliding with the box as if it were a regular toy car. Imagining his face only widened her smile and soon, she forgot all about her outfit. And the skirt.
Her leg shaking in the seat of the car, she glanced out the window, the sun slowly falling behind the horizon. It was hard to contain her excitement as the familiar city of London past by. There was the local supermarket and the park where she watched a few kids a bit younger than her scamper around. She let our an inaudible sigh, smiling. Perhaps she could see her former house, dispite the distance. Only she could hope.
The brunette sat up in her seat as a few familiar buildings past her vision, the car thudding against the box. She wasn't the tallest, but still, her eyes managed to peek over the frame below the window. Her mother slowed down a bit. That was a good sign. With a click, her seat belt retracted into its compartment and before her parents had the opportunity to interject, she had already shut the car door. A small gust of wind blew at her arms and legs as she turned to the car with a stern look. It was her parent's fault she had to endure the tight elastic that now threatened to cut off her blood flow. At least most dresses didn't have the capability of doing that.
"C'mon!" She said to her dad as they got out of the car, the letter in her hand. Her mother was already standing next to Emma, her arms crossed as she looked down at her daughter wearing a baby blue dress that had been magically tinted by her husband. The three walked over to knock on the door, but before Emma's foot hit the front steps the door was wide open as she stepped into a wave of fragrance that made her melt.
"Thank you, Stacy," spoke Emma's mother as Emma gave her a small wave and a genuine smile as her family entered their home. The box and letter were still poorly hidden in her hands, but without a worry in her mind she bent down the dark grey colored cat (with her right hand, the items still in her left), the more sociable cat before waving to everyone. Mr. and Mrs. Vance were first, then the two brothers, Andrew and Kyle. "It is an honor to be here, everything looks, and smells, absolutely delectable. We're truly sorry we couldn't attend your birthday Andrew. Perhaps when the evening is over everything will be resolved?"
~ Emmaline Louise Milanes ~
Stamina » 9 || Evasion » 9 || Strength » 10 || Wisdom » 7 || Arc Power » 2 || Accuracy » 14
Poison Resistance || Binding Mark || Prodigal Transfig. Learner || The Muggle Condition
Stamina » 9 || Evasion » 9 || Strength » 10 || Wisdom » 7 || Arc Power » 2 || Accuracy » 14
Poison Resistance || Binding Mark || Prodigal Transfig. Learner || The Muggle Condition
Andrew Vance
13 Feb 2019, 11:50
An Unexpected Letter
Flicking her gaze toward the kitchen window, Mrs. Vance noticed movement and headlights as a car pulled up to the curb, in front of the house, and recognized it to be the Hills.
“They’re here!” Carroll trilled, raising the announcement to the rest of the household. Stacy – helping her mother in the kitchen – dashed into position by the front door, while Andrew and Kyle emerged from their bedrooms.
“Dad, they’re here!” Andrew called out to the closed door of the master bedroom, where Mr. Vance kept his office, working from home as a computer software developer. Growing up, Andrew and his siblings were primarily raised by their father, who was able to supervise them at home, while their mother worked most days at a nearby hospital.
“Come on, Duchess.” Andrew picked up the fluffy gray cat and carried her downstairs with him, Kyle tagging at his heels. Plopping Duchess down in the hallway (so she could see and greet everyone as well), the two brothers made it to the front door just as Stacy opened it to invite the Hills in.
“Hello!” A chorus of greeting rang out from the three siblings, followed promptly behind by Mrs. Vance (who finished drying her hands after scrambling to put away the last washed dishes from the sink). Mr. Vance would appear in a shortly, joining his family for a round of hugs to be given to the Hills, once they entered.
Andrew’s mother, Carroll, was a natural hostess – always in a cheerful mood to serve and socialize with everyone. No matter how many long hours and graveyard shifts she worked at the lab, she always came home with a smile on her face, an upbeat attitude, and never seemed to run out of energy. Her husband, Michael, often worried about her health, if he thought she didn’t rest up properly.
“Welcome!” Mrs. Vance greeted the Hills, squeezing them with hugs. “So glad to see you again. Oh, you don’t have to worry about your shoes – keep them on.” She waved off the issue of guests wanting to leave their shoes by the front door. Whatever they were comfortable with; she didn’t mind them wearing shoes inside. That was one of the benefits to having wood floors – they were much easier to clean.
“Hi, Emma!” Andrew piped, along with the rest of his siblings as they greeted the Hills. His eyes landed on Emma’s outfit and how polished her hair was. “Wow, you look nice,” he commented, acting as if he were taken aback. “You didn’t have to get all fancy,” he said, slightly teasing, though he had also taken the time to add some gel to his own hair, which produced a well-kempt shine.
“Yeah, I’m wearing pajamas,” Kyle chirped, pointing to the maroon-and-navy blue plaid set of pajamas he was wearing.
“'Cause you’re gonna fall asleep in, like, thirty minutes,” Stacy poked fun at her little brother. It was in Kyle’s pattern to be an early sleeper by 7 pm.
“No, I’m staying up late,” Kyle said defiantly. He then ran into the kitchen to swipe another oatmeal raisin cookie off the tray, coming back with the evidence in his hands as he indulged himself in front of the others, putting on a face of pretend-guilt while showing off what was awaiting the Hills for dessert. “Stacy made these,” he explained to them. “They’re so good!”
It was intended to be a casual dinner, although the Vances had put some extra effort into grooming themselves for the occasion (an exception being Kyle, since he was the youngest and would likely pass out soon enough): Stacy wore a knee-length denim dress, with her wavy hair down. Andrew – blue jeans and a gray, long-sleeved T-shirt. Mrs. Vance – black leggings and a loose, light bronze tunic top that had a pink-and-sepia floral pattern, as well as a pair of taupe gray ankle boots which added a few inches to her short height; her hair also down. And for Mr. Vance – jeans and a charcoal black T-shirt, including a pair of reading glasses (for his near-sightedness) that complemented his job, staring in front of a computer monitor all day.
Duchess purred from the attention she received, brushing up against the legs of the three strangers that had entered the house (leaving a few shed hairs on clothing in the process). The cat could smell the aroma of salmon too, which enticed her to follow the humans into the living area. Although the Vances wouldn’t allow Duchess to trespass into the kitchen and dining area and possibly spread fur all over the food, the cat would curl up on her mattress bed by the fireplace, waiting patiently as she dozed. She would gladly accept any tidbits of salmon offered to her.
“It's all right, Mrs. Hill.” Andrew smiled bashfully at Emma’s mother. He wasn’t expecting an apology.
Around the same time, Andrew noticed the gift box and envelope that Emma was holding. “What’s that?” He asked curiously. It looked like a present, certainly bow-wrapped like one. His hunch told him that it was a make-up gift for him, but Andrew didn’t want to assume incorrectly.
“They’re here!” Carroll trilled, raising the announcement to the rest of the household. Stacy – helping her mother in the kitchen – dashed into position by the front door, while Andrew and Kyle emerged from their bedrooms.
“Dad, they’re here!” Andrew called out to the closed door of the master bedroom, where Mr. Vance kept his office, working from home as a computer software developer. Growing up, Andrew and his siblings were primarily raised by their father, who was able to supervise them at home, while their mother worked most days at a nearby hospital.
“Come on, Duchess.” Andrew picked up the fluffy gray cat and carried her downstairs with him, Kyle tagging at his heels. Plopping Duchess down in the hallway (so she could see and greet everyone as well), the two brothers made it to the front door just as Stacy opened it to invite the Hills in.
“Hello!” A chorus of greeting rang out from the three siblings, followed promptly behind by Mrs. Vance (who finished drying her hands after scrambling to put away the last washed dishes from the sink). Mr. Vance would appear in a shortly, joining his family for a round of hugs to be given to the Hills, once they entered.
Andrew’s mother, Carroll, was a natural hostess – always in a cheerful mood to serve and socialize with everyone. No matter how many long hours and graveyard shifts she worked at the lab, she always came home with a smile on her face, an upbeat attitude, and never seemed to run out of energy. Her husband, Michael, often worried about her health, if he thought she didn’t rest up properly.
“Welcome!” Mrs. Vance greeted the Hills, squeezing them with hugs. “So glad to see you again. Oh, you don’t have to worry about your shoes – keep them on.” She waved off the issue of guests wanting to leave their shoes by the front door. Whatever they were comfortable with; she didn’t mind them wearing shoes inside. That was one of the benefits to having wood floors – they were much easier to clean.
“Hi, Emma!” Andrew piped, along with the rest of his siblings as they greeted the Hills. His eyes landed on Emma’s outfit and how polished her hair was. “Wow, you look nice,” he commented, acting as if he were taken aback. “You didn’t have to get all fancy,” he said, slightly teasing, though he had also taken the time to add some gel to his own hair, which produced a well-kempt shine.
“Yeah, I’m wearing pajamas,” Kyle chirped, pointing to the maroon-and-navy blue plaid set of pajamas he was wearing.
“'Cause you’re gonna fall asleep in, like, thirty minutes,” Stacy poked fun at her little brother. It was in Kyle’s pattern to be an early sleeper by 7 pm.
“No, I’m staying up late,” Kyle said defiantly. He then ran into the kitchen to swipe another oatmeal raisin cookie off the tray, coming back with the evidence in his hands as he indulged himself in front of the others, putting on a face of pretend-guilt while showing off what was awaiting the Hills for dessert. “Stacy made these,” he explained to them. “They’re so good!”
It was intended to be a casual dinner, although the Vances had put some extra effort into grooming themselves for the occasion (an exception being Kyle, since he was the youngest and would likely pass out soon enough): Stacy wore a knee-length denim dress, with her wavy hair down. Andrew – blue jeans and a gray, long-sleeved T-shirt. Mrs. Vance – black leggings and a loose, light bronze tunic top that had a pink-and-sepia floral pattern, as well as a pair of taupe gray ankle boots which added a few inches to her short height; her hair also down. And for Mr. Vance – jeans and a charcoal black T-shirt, including a pair of reading glasses (for his near-sightedness) that complemented his job, staring in front of a computer monitor all day.
Duchess purred from the attention she received, brushing up against the legs of the three strangers that had entered the house (leaving a few shed hairs on clothing in the process). The cat could smell the aroma of salmon too, which enticed her to follow the humans into the living area. Although the Vances wouldn’t allow Duchess to trespass into the kitchen and dining area and possibly spread fur all over the food, the cat would curl up on her mattress bed by the fireplace, waiting patiently as she dozed. She would gladly accept any tidbits of salmon offered to her.
“It's all right, Mrs. Hill.” Andrew smiled bashfully at Emma’s mother. He wasn’t expecting an apology.
Around the same time, Andrew noticed the gift box and envelope that Emma was holding. “What’s that?” He asked curiously. It looked like a present, certainly bow-wrapped like one. His hunch told him that it was a make-up gift for him, but Andrew didn’t want to assume incorrectly.
Last edited by Andrew Vance on 7 Jun 2022, 12:31, edited 1 time in total.
14 Feb 2019, 03:58
An Unexpected Letter
Bearing a contagious smile, Emma stood up to receive a hug from Mrs. Vance, trying her best not to lose balance with both the box and letter inside of her grasp. It was rather hard to manage a proper hug without risking a paper cut from the envelope, or showing the front of the letter engraved with Andrew's name and address. As requested, she kept her shoes on. Theses she could handle, but that didn't mean she didn't want to kick off her shoes. At least for now, she stayed put.
With the aroma of food circling around the house, her stomach felt empty and empty was an understatement. Maybe it was her imagination... or the fact that she had skipped lunch to prepare herself physically and mentally - that is to tell herself that dinner was merely hours away. Only mini snacks had satisfied her cravings until now, this was literally a feast. Perhaps better than the one back in Hogwarts, besides at least the food here had been prepared by Muggles, just like her mother. Anything but house elf food, though she could barely tell the difference, was practically a home-cooked meal. Despite all the friends she had made in her first year, she wasn't looking forward to going back to Hogwarts. There was no fast food in the middle of nowhere. After being released from Mrs. Vance's hug, she turned to Andrew, her arms crossed but a smile still on her face.
"I didn't plan on it, but I blame them," she pointed up at her parents and then at her dad who's shirt covered the burns surrounding his arms - dealing with dragons wasn't exactly a hobby more than a job, but he enjoyed it and that was all that mattered. She was a bit surprised he had made the time to take off of breeding dragons to avoid more burns. He was almost never around, especially not during the summer for whatever reason (which had something to do with wands) he had to hide from his family.
"He did my hair and picked out the outfit, but you're one to talk. Is your hair actually sparkling?" She shot back at him, a small grin forming as she looked up at his hair that gleamed in the light. She then, let out a dramatic gasp to her utter astonishment. "You even picked out your own clothes?"
She didn't care about the teasing, but it wasn't going to go unheard. That was for certain.
Twisting her hips, she watched as the skirt beneath her waist swirled in a rhythmic pattern around her. The white fabric creasing satisfyingly beneath her waist. Maybe it wasn't that bad. It did have one perk, followed by many negatives. Like a proper lady, she had to use a napkin instead of wiping them on her regular, day-to-day jeans. It would be a miracle to escape the house without staining the bright white skirt, well without using magic at least.
The eleven-year-old was a bit jealous she had caught Kyle running loose in his pajamas at this time, to be honest, but it wasn't enough to overwhelm the happiness that swelled. It was no where near eight o'clock. Though she couldn't blame him, fully. Before Hogwarts, spring break had completely devoured a fifth of the fridge, or maybe it was just being home alone that gave her a sense of freedom - with her parents working, and her grandfather peacefully staying inside his room. Still, as she blamed her parents for their unneeded formality, she let her hand fall down to her side. It was usually proper to save dessert for last, but Emma had never used the manners she had been taught. Hopefully, today was different. As long as the cookie didn't touch her plate, there was no reason to eat dessert, right?
"I need to learn how to cook.. or bake something, or both even before my birthday. Are they homemade?" The soon to be twelve-year-old asked the eldest sibling, her eyes peering into the kitchen for any signs of leftover cookie dough, that is if Kyle and Andrew hadn't already managed to devour it all.
At the mention of the gift box, she put both of the objects behind her back quickly. This only made her more suspicious, though it was only to prevent him from reading the recipient of the letter. Her instincts had made the move, not herself, and of course, they were wrong, but somehow they happened to give her a slight advantage. She just couldn't resist the chance of making herself seem a bit mysterious - though she was none of the sorts, and perhaps odd. She was a pre-teen trying to hide a secret. Why she just didn't tell them now and get it over with? It simply just didn't seem like the right time. After hesitating for a while, avoiding the gaze of her parents, she replied to him, her voice stammering as she spoke.
"It's.. a surprise, nosy. You'll see after dinner.. well, nevermind." It seemed rather rude to interrupt dinner over something an unbelievable as this, but she really didn't have a choice. Changing the topic was the only thing that came to her mind, though it was very difficult to switch topics from daily life to magic, at least in her opinion. The more she thought about it, the worst the idea became. How would she break the news without seeming ludicrous, or even muster up the thoughts to explain Andrew's "condition". Practically, it was the same one she was though his was rare.
"During dinner," her father spoke up. "It will be much easier to speak to everyone. Besides, the letter is much more important than the gift she brought."
Way to blow the cover, stick to being a wizard. Emma facepalmed at his words and shrugged off her actions. "Let's eat!" The Ravenclaw rushed over to the table and sat down at the table, sitting both the envelope and the gift box beneath her chair until the prefect time came. This was going to be a fun dinner, she could only picture their faces and hope for the best result. Pushing out every negative situation she could think of, she tried her best to focus on the positives of telling his family about his abilities to do magic. His siblings could get jealous, the night could turn into chaos and disbelief, the house could burn down demonstrating Andrew's potential talent that was waiting to do something useful. Something magical. It would come as a shock, but the effect wouldn't last long. At least she hoped so.
This is going to be one heck of a night, the brunette thought to herself awaiting the others to join her.
~ Emmaline Louise Milanes ~
Stamina » 9 || Evasion » 9 || Strength » 10 || Wisdom » 7 || Arc Power » 2 || Accuracy » 14
Poison Resistance || Binding Mark || Prodigal Transfig. Learner || The Muggle Condition
Stamina » 9 || Evasion » 9 || Strength » 10 || Wisdom » 7 || Arc Power » 2 || Accuracy » 14
Poison Resistance || Binding Mark || Prodigal Transfig. Learner || The Muggle Condition
Andrew Vance
15 Feb 2019, 01:48
An Unexpected Letter
“Yep.” Stacy beamed at Emma. “Made ‘em myself. They’re still warm,” she hinted with a sly tone. Unfortunately, no cookie dough remained for Emma to taste. All of it had been scooped onto trays and baked in the oven 15 minutes ago and were currently resting on top of the stove. Fresh and homemade. Andrew didn’t care for oatmeal raisin though (raisins – bleh!). Zucchini bread was a “meh”. He was, however, a big chocolate lover, which was the reason why Andrew had saved the pie.
“Stacy can teach you,” Andrew spoke up, addressing Emma's cooking comment. “If only we had a sleepover,” he mused. The possibility of Emma spending the night hadn’t been discussed, but if she did, it would certainly allow some time for Stacy to squeeze in a cooking session with her.
“I’m more of a baking person, but, uh…” Stacy thought of the most basic lesson she could think of. “Do you know how to fry eggs?”
The topic was cut short when Andrew asked about the gift box and envelope that Emma was holding, which she then hid behind her back. Of course, Andrew’s curiosity only intensified, wondering what was so “secret” that Emma couldn’t tell him right away.
“Ooo… Important letter?” Mrs. Vance’s interest was hooked.
“Well, let’s hear it then.” Mr. Vance directed the Hills towards the dining area, where the table had been set. “Grab a plate and dig in.”
After heaping food onto their plates at the buffet counter, Andrew and his family joined the Hills at the dining table, exchanging small talk and the latest newsworthy events that were occurring in their lives. Carroll had been promoted as the head clinical microbiologist in her department, raising various episodes of drama amongst her envious co-workers. Michael had little to report concerning his work (he never revealed much about the latest program he was working on – fearing someone would steal his ideas), although he did mention the “cat castle” (a wooden pergola-like structure with stairs and a condo space for the cats to climb up and nest in) he was constructing in the backyard. Stacy was ecstatic that she had been enrolled in riding lessons and had already fallen off several horses (which meant that she was a good rider – obviously – because she had been told that every “good” rider has had to have fallen off a horse at least once). Andrew had gotten spiked in the face with a volleyball during PE and suffered a few days of slight concussion (he hated sports). Kyle had won a gift card to a local ice cream parlor, after getting a perfect math score on a major test (as well as earning the attention of several fangirling classmates that were all vying to be Kyle’s girlfriend, which he claimed to have rejected them all).
“We can play Wii later!” Kyle piped up, suggesting Emma what they could do after dinner. “‘Just Dance’!”
“We’ve got the hot tub, too,” Andrew added.
“You could use one of my swimsuits,” Stacy offered Emma, realizing that they hadn’t mentioned the possibility of taking a dip in the water. “I think mine will fit.”
“Drinks, anyone?” Mr. Vance came around, taking beverage orders from the Hills. “Water, Sierra Mist, cranberry juice?... Would you like a smoothie? We’ve got frozen strawberries, blueberries, bananas… What about a protein shake?”
“Dad,” Andrew groaned, reminding his father that he was being “overly catering” with the drinks again.
Indeed, the Vances acted none differently than a normal Muggle family – especially Andrew, who knew nothing about the “special gift” he had within him. One might doubt as to whether the name of the letter’s recipient had been correct, judging from Andrew’s lack of exhibiting any magical signs prior.
“Stacy can teach you,” Andrew spoke up, addressing Emma's cooking comment. “If only we had a sleepover,” he mused. The possibility of Emma spending the night hadn’t been discussed, but if she did, it would certainly allow some time for Stacy to squeeze in a cooking session with her.
“I’m more of a baking person, but, uh…” Stacy thought of the most basic lesson she could think of. “Do you know how to fry eggs?”
The topic was cut short when Andrew asked about the gift box and envelope that Emma was holding, which she then hid behind her back. Of course, Andrew’s curiosity only intensified, wondering what was so “secret” that Emma couldn’t tell him right away.
“Ooo… Important letter?” Mrs. Vance’s interest was hooked.
“Well, let’s hear it then.” Mr. Vance directed the Hills towards the dining area, where the table had been set. “Grab a plate and dig in.”
After heaping food onto their plates at the buffet counter, Andrew and his family joined the Hills at the dining table, exchanging small talk and the latest newsworthy events that were occurring in their lives. Carroll had been promoted as the head clinical microbiologist in her department, raising various episodes of drama amongst her envious co-workers. Michael had little to report concerning his work (he never revealed much about the latest program he was working on – fearing someone would steal his ideas), although he did mention the “cat castle” (a wooden pergola-like structure with stairs and a condo space for the cats to climb up and nest in) he was constructing in the backyard. Stacy was ecstatic that she had been enrolled in riding lessons and had already fallen off several horses (which meant that she was a good rider – obviously – because she had been told that every “good” rider has had to have fallen off a horse at least once). Andrew had gotten spiked in the face with a volleyball during PE and suffered a few days of slight concussion (he hated sports). Kyle had won a gift card to a local ice cream parlor, after getting a perfect math score on a major test (as well as earning the attention of several fangirling classmates that were all vying to be Kyle’s girlfriend, which he claimed to have rejected them all).
“We can play Wii later!” Kyle piped up, suggesting Emma what they could do after dinner. “‘Just Dance’!”
“We’ve got the hot tub, too,” Andrew added.
“You could use one of my swimsuits,” Stacy offered Emma, realizing that they hadn’t mentioned the possibility of taking a dip in the water. “I think mine will fit.”
“Drinks, anyone?” Mr. Vance came around, taking beverage orders from the Hills. “Water, Sierra Mist, cranberry juice?... Would you like a smoothie? We’ve got frozen strawberries, blueberries, bananas… What about a protein shake?”
“Dad,” Andrew groaned, reminding his father that he was being “overly catering” with the drinks again.
Indeed, the Vances acted none differently than a normal Muggle family – especially Andrew, who knew nothing about the “special gift” he had within him. One might doubt as to whether the name of the letter’s recipient had been correct, judging from Andrew’s lack of exhibiting any magical signs prior.
15 Feb 2019, 08:30
An Unexpected Letter
With a few moments of hesitation, Emma quickly grabbed her plate to make up for the time, her parents leading the way in front of her. She racked her brain, thinking of a proper method to tell the Vances without seeming blunt or artificial, and like before, absolutely nothing came to mind and candidly, it was frustrating. Whatever Mrs. Vance portrayed as a surprise, it wasn't exact. No where near, and she didn't need her instincts to know. Perhaps she was paranoid, or apprehensive just like the feeling she got before taking a significant exam... finals were unmistakably stressful for her; it was expected for a developing 11-year old.
"Oooh! Can I spend the night, please?" She had turned in the direction of her parents, though her eyes had locked with her mother's. Her father was much more strict than her mother, that showed in both his speech and the way he simply dressed. Instead, Mrs. Hill turned to the table before giving an agile nod only to be followed by a prompt, joyful round of applause from Emma.
The brunette enjoyed small talk, especially with the Vances. It was delightful to know what they had been up to during the school year, even if they couldn't talk about it, but like her father, Emma was a great liar. Of course, the authority prevented them from addressing the truth. She didn't know what the consequences consisted of, but she didn't want to break them to find out. They had been told Emma was attending a private school not even she had applied for located in Scotland. Their words were somewhat true, but not all the information had been supplied into the best of their abilities. Soon, the truth would be revealed and the guilt she had gathered up would at least be partially released. That is if things went correctly, and that was going to take a phenomenon not even she could imagine.
"Lemonade, thanks!" She piped, letting out a petite laugh as Mr. Vance came around for drinks, Andrew groaning in the process. Her mother requested water, and as for her father a Sierra Mist. It was exactly like dining out, but with the comforting scenery of the Vances' home and the tranquil silence. She didn't have to listen for the waitresses come around, clapping their hands for Andrew's birthday. Feasting with them was much better.
Munching on her final bite of salmon and drinking down a quarter of her beverage, she reached underneath her seat, disappearing underneath the table. Her hands fumbled around, looking for the thin envelope that was easily differentiated compared to the box. Finally, she extracted the envelope from off the ground and placed it into her lap, her heart picking up its pace a little. She was prepared, that was all she could tell herself as she tried to keep the identical smile that lingered on her face, even as she took a bite of her food.
"Umm, so about the letter you asked about." She explained to the entire family and flipped it over for Andrew to read, his name and address lettered in black cursive ink. This was no work of a pen, that was for sure. Finally, it was time to stop the constant lie she retained along with her parents. It was killing her, emotionally and rationally. He wasn't the first Muggle friend she had acquired, but probably the most meaningful. Not even her parents knew about her Muggle friends from her former primary school, in fact, she was rather sure that neither of her parents knew the friends she had made this year in Hogwarts. She could only wish that it would be the same for Andrew. That is, as long as he accepted the letter. "It's for you, and I got it on your birthday I really should have told you guys sooner. You should read it. It was kind of.. well, delivered in the morning, through owls. Pretty weird, right?"
Rather anxiously, she passed the letter across the table to him, her eyes on his with a faint smile that faded by the second as she looked at her father, her eyes narrowed. He had done something wrong, but she didn't know. It was a mere gut feeling and it was all her father's fault. As to get the attention off of her, she looked down into her lap as she sat on her hands. The room remained silent, only the exception of Duchess's performance of purrs and scratches as she walked around. She cleared her throat, and forced another sip of lemonade down, her hands shaking faintly as she set the glass down with a thump against the table.
"Andrew," Arden began. "You're a wizard, and though it may seem rather bizarre, you're capable of the things you've witnessed on television. And yes, how corny and sentimental it may sound, you're special. Open the letter, it will explain more."
"I wish it were a joke, but it's true. It's your choice to decide if you'd like to believe it or not. I know, It's a lot to take in, but I assure you; it's not some sick joke. He's not much of a jokester.."
It was unlike anything she had felt before. Happy, worried, and scared. She wasn't usually an optimistic person, but pessimistic was the only word that seemed to come to mind with the letter she had given up. Without moving her head, her eyes looked up at Andrew and she decided to speak once more, in an attempt to lighten the mood before anything had the chance to begin.
"If it makes you feel better, that's the school I have been attending in Scotland. It's called Hogwarts, it's a school for wizards and witches. Besides, you'll get used to the name eventually." The brunette added, throwing in a small, yet nervous laugh. Her eyes returned down to her lap, fidgeting with her thumbs underneath the table, though it was a bit obvious with her nosy bracelet on her arm. It was much easier to focus on the little things now that her worries had resurfaced. The white skirt that remained on her waist continued to squeeze the blood from her face as a rosy pink color in her cheeks began to form slowly. She felt her face heat up, not because of love or even embarrassment, due to pure anxiety.
"Umm, this may not be a good time to ask, do you still want the gift..?" She asked in a high-pitch tone. It was the voice she did whenever things got awkward, at least for her anyway.
~ Emmaline Louise Milanes ~
Stamina » 9 || Evasion » 9 || Strength » 10 || Wisdom » 7 || Arc Power » 2 || Accuracy » 14
Poison Resistance || Binding Mark || Prodigal Transfig. Learner || The Muggle Condition
Stamina » 9 || Evasion » 9 || Strength » 10 || Wisdom » 7 || Arc Power » 2 || Accuracy » 14
Poison Resistance || Binding Mark || Prodigal Transfig. Learner || The Muggle Condition
Andrew Vance
15 Feb 2019, 17:29
An Unexpected Letter
With the consent of both parties, the sleepover was arranged. Dinner proceeded and Mr. Vance fulfilled the drink orders. Andrew nearly forgot all about the gift box and letter as idle chatter carried on. It was during a break in conversation that Emma brought up the subject of the letter again. Seeing the letter in her hands, Andrew was excited to read it, but from the way Emma and her parents were acting, a bit strangely… He could feel a change in the room’s atmosphere, a tension that made him nervous and wary.
“Okay…” He said slowly, as Emma passed the letter towards him. Owls? Whatever that meant.
He took the envelope in his hands, examining its face side. Oddly, there was no sender name or address, just his own, written clearly in black cursive ink. He then flipped it over to the back side. What struck his interest first was the red wax seal that fastened the envelope shut, ensuring that its contents were untouched. The use of sealing wax was unique to him – Andrew didn’t think such a method existed anymore in modern times. Above the seal, stamped in black ink, was the shape of a crest divided into four quadrants – the silhouettes of a snake, a lion, a bird, and a badger in each corner – and a big “H” in the center of it. Above the crest, a banner with the bold word “Hogwarts”. Again, whatever that meant, Andrew had no clue.
Below the seal, at the base of the envelope, his eyes landed on the message “Happy Birthday Andy”, slightly smudged and water-stained, written in another hand, different from the font style on the front. The corners of Andrew’s mouth upturned in a small smile, but with his mind transfixed upon the mysterious letter, it quickly faded into an uneasy glance.
“Who’s it from?” Andrew asked the Hills, hesitating to open the letter.
When Mr. Hill spoke, the looks on Andrew’s face as well as the rest of the Vances became more perplexed. “Wizard?” They echoed when they heard the word.
At Mr. Hill’s request, Andrew cracked open the seal and took out the contents of the envelope. Chairs scuffed against the wood floor as Andrew’s parents stood up, and his siblings crowded beside him, gathering around Andrew as he unfolded the letter. Five pairs of eyes peered onto the paper, scanning and rescanning the contents, while reading parts of the letter aloud. “We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…”
“Witchcraft?” Mrs. Vance raised a note of apprehension.
“Is this like a summer camp or something? A club? Where’d you get this? Who sent it?” Mr. Vance prodded the Hills with speculative curiosity about the validity of the letter and where it came from.
“This isn’t like an ‘April Fools’ thing, right?” Andrew lowered his tone skeptically, remembering that today was April 1st. Quite a conventional time for pulling pranks if there was one.
When Mrs. Hill responded, saying otherwise, it began to dawn on the Vances that the Hills were being serious. Hearing from Emma that Hogwarts was the name of the school she went to, Andrew’s parents were startled by the revelation.
“So you’re all… practicing witchcraft?” Mr. Vance ventured to ask, as if he were treading on the subject of religion. He and Mrs. Vance returned to their seats at the table. “Well, this is new,” he chirped cordially while masking his discomfort, trying to brush the whole letter and Hogwarts issue aside. “Glad we learned something about each other.” He then focused on his plate of food again.
“Thank you for the offer,” Mrs. Vance said, chuckling nervously before calmly explaining to the Hills, “But we are not interested in letting our children join any witchcraft-magic schools.” She intended to drop the matter at that.
The Vance siblings had mostly sat in silence, letting their parents do the “adult” talking while they exchanged awkward glances with one another. Hoping to resume a normal dinner, Stacy and Kyle also turned back to their plates, utensils softly clacking.
With the letter still in his hands, Andrew skimmed his eyes over it again, before quietly folding the letter back into its envelope. He cast another glance at the birthday message written on the back, and then set the envelope aside to his left, placing it face-up. As Andrew continued to eat the rest of his food, his eyes found themselves drifting multiple times over to envelope, where his name and address stared at him. Troubled by the amount of disturbance it had caused so far, Andrew then covered the envelope with his napkin, leaving a small corner visible so that he wouldn’t entirely forget the letter’s existence when it came time to clean up the dinner table.
All he wanted at that moment was a slice of chocolate cream pie for dessert, to calm his nerves down and perhaps ease the tension he felt in the room. His emotions were a whirlwind of confusion. Were the Hills total strangers to them after all?
When Emma mentioned the gift box, Andrew let out an exhale. Whatever gift was inside, he hoped it wasn’t anything as troublesome as the letter. Turning to both of his parents, who didn’t protest otherwise about him receiving the gift, Andrew mustered a small smile in Emma’s direction. “Sure.”
“Okay…” He said slowly, as Emma passed the letter towards him. Owls? Whatever that meant.
He took the envelope in his hands, examining its face side. Oddly, there was no sender name or address, just his own, written clearly in black cursive ink. He then flipped it over to the back side. What struck his interest first was the red wax seal that fastened the envelope shut, ensuring that its contents were untouched. The use of sealing wax was unique to him – Andrew didn’t think such a method existed anymore in modern times. Above the seal, stamped in black ink, was the shape of a crest divided into four quadrants – the silhouettes of a snake, a lion, a bird, and a badger in each corner – and a big “H” in the center of it. Above the crest, a banner with the bold word “Hogwarts”. Again, whatever that meant, Andrew had no clue.
Below the seal, at the base of the envelope, his eyes landed on the message “Happy Birthday Andy”, slightly smudged and water-stained, written in another hand, different from the font style on the front. The corners of Andrew’s mouth upturned in a small smile, but with his mind transfixed upon the mysterious letter, it quickly faded into an uneasy glance.
“Who’s it from?” Andrew asked the Hills, hesitating to open the letter.
When Mr. Hill spoke, the looks on Andrew’s face as well as the rest of the Vances became more perplexed. “Wizard?” They echoed when they heard the word.
At Mr. Hill’s request, Andrew cracked open the seal and took out the contents of the envelope. Chairs scuffed against the wood floor as Andrew’s parents stood up, and his siblings crowded beside him, gathering around Andrew as he unfolded the letter. Five pairs of eyes peered onto the paper, scanning and rescanning the contents, while reading parts of the letter aloud. “We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…”
“Witchcraft?” Mrs. Vance raised a note of apprehension.
“Is this like a summer camp or something? A club? Where’d you get this? Who sent it?” Mr. Vance prodded the Hills with speculative curiosity about the validity of the letter and where it came from.
“This isn’t like an ‘April Fools’ thing, right?” Andrew lowered his tone skeptically, remembering that today was April 1st. Quite a conventional time for pulling pranks if there was one.
When Mrs. Hill responded, saying otherwise, it began to dawn on the Vances that the Hills were being serious. Hearing from Emma that Hogwarts was the name of the school she went to, Andrew’s parents were startled by the revelation.
“So you’re all… practicing witchcraft?” Mr. Vance ventured to ask, as if he were treading on the subject of religion. He and Mrs. Vance returned to their seats at the table. “Well, this is new,” he chirped cordially while masking his discomfort, trying to brush the whole letter and Hogwarts issue aside. “Glad we learned something about each other.” He then focused on his plate of food again.
“Thank you for the offer,” Mrs. Vance said, chuckling nervously before calmly explaining to the Hills, “But we are not interested in letting our children join any witchcraft-magic schools.” She intended to drop the matter at that.
The Vance siblings had mostly sat in silence, letting their parents do the “adult” talking while they exchanged awkward glances with one another. Hoping to resume a normal dinner, Stacy and Kyle also turned back to their plates, utensils softly clacking.
With the letter still in his hands, Andrew skimmed his eyes over it again, before quietly folding the letter back into its envelope. He cast another glance at the birthday message written on the back, and then set the envelope aside to his left, placing it face-up. As Andrew continued to eat the rest of his food, his eyes found themselves drifting multiple times over to envelope, where his name and address stared at him. Troubled by the amount of disturbance it had caused so far, Andrew then covered the envelope with his napkin, leaving a small corner visible so that he wouldn’t entirely forget the letter’s existence when it came time to clean up the dinner table.
All he wanted at that moment was a slice of chocolate cream pie for dessert, to calm his nerves down and perhaps ease the tension he felt in the room. His emotions were a whirlwind of confusion. Were the Hills total strangers to them after all?
When Emma mentioned the gift box, Andrew let out an exhale. Whatever gift was inside, he hoped it wasn’t anything as troublesome as the letter. Turning to both of his parents, who didn’t protest otherwise about him receiving the gift, Andrew mustered a small smile in Emma’s direction. “Sure.”
16 Feb 2019, 05:49
An Unexpected Letter
Her absolute worst nightmare had become an actuality as the Vances began to ask questions. Of course, it was rather simple to leave. Apparition had been discovered for a reason, but not even magically teleporting away from her problems could help her. At least then some evidence of magic could have been discovered.
Mentally answering each question they had thrown at them, she looked across the table to examine Andrew's facial expressions and even she smiled a bit. Like his, that didn't long and her eyes quickly glanced over to her food, letting out a sigh that clashed semi-harmonically with the clanks of cutlery. She found her mind flashing back to her eleventh birthday that had only occurred just only last year. It seemed so long ago, surely a few years at the most but that was not the case. She was still a first year in Hogwarts, but the months she spent in the school seemed ceaseless. She had remembered and cherished every single word of her acceptance letter - they were even engraved in the back of her memory.
With her lip parted imperceptibly, she secretly mouthed the information inside the letter as he read along, and looked up immediately as he had stopped. She still had the letter kept hidden inside of her room, stashed inside of a drawer. It had been concealed beneath loads of both Muggle and wizarding confectioneries of every flavor. It still reminded her of the good and bad she had inherited from her elementary school. The Spanish-speaking instructors, nap time, and of course the only subject she could understand, math. Then, something finally hit her as she stopped her daydreaming; it was completely silent. Andrew had concluded his reading and not even her father had spoken up. That wasn't a good sign. Instead of waiting, her eyes flickered over to Mrs. Vance then to her husband.
"No, sir! It's not... excuse my tone," she apologized quickly to him. Her volume immediately tranquilizing as she planned her words moments before they emerged from her mouth as a safety precaution. "It's a genuine school. I got it during breakfast at school - Hogwarts. It was sent by the... vice headmaster. I don't think you'd want an owl shattering a window as you eat dinner to deliver that letter.. so I guess they sent it to me instead."
"It's not a prank," she began somewhat firmly, becoming a bit troubled as she took her father's temper. The date had not even occurred to her before Andrew brought it up. It was one of the worst nights to break out important news. Her mother had a phone, why couldn't the news be broken over an uncomplicated call or even a text message? The similarities between Emma and her father weren't hard to detect. With the same jawline (with the exception of his being in a masculine form), she spoke up again, counting off a list on her fingers. "Pranks can get much worse than a letter. There are enchanted snowballs, dungballs, and trick wands, but it doesn't matter right now."
The brunette sat back in her chair and looked at Mr. and Mrs. Vance followed by Stacy and Kyle. Maybe she had gotten a little bit carried away. It was a response that controlled her body movement, perhaps even her words. She couldn't remember sitting up, raising her hands to the table, or even the words she had previously said. Whatever they were, they weren't instincts speaking.
"It's not a religion, think of it as a sport. Though you can study its history and techniques, it is not a religion. Witchcraft.. wizardry, it's all the same thing for that matter. Magic isn't as bad as what they make it seem in the movies." Mr. Hill finished, completely unphased by their reactions (he hadn't anticipated a positive answer), though he continued to wait for their prompt response. The Hills turned to Mrs. Vance as she began to spoke and to Emma's certainty, they had turned down the offer, but she didn't dare frown or debate with them. After all, she had purchased the gift for a reason not even her parents had acknowledged. That gave her a positive outlook on the next answer, she just hoped that the table's emotions wouldn't turn into anger or dismay, though it was the vision she expected.
Returning to food, she took a spoonful from her mashed potatoes. Matched to the atmosphere of the table, the food was incomparable, but this time she didn't rush. She didn't need Legilimency to read the minds of the Vances. The pressure had even somehow migrated over to her and she wasn't the one making the decision - then again, neither was Andrew. She hadn't heard him speak his opinion ever since skeptically distrusting their words, but it didn't matter.
She managed to force a smile on to her face as she handed over the gift, hoping that it would resolve both the tension and questions that still lingered at the table. Her parents looked at the box, though her father's eyes were narrowed rather uneasily about the object that rested inside. At the moment she could no longer feel the gift on the tips of her fingers, she extracted her arm from the center of the table. Taking another sip of her lemonade, she tried her best not to make a sound. The liquid was soothing and cooling, almost perfect to calm her nerves. She had to endure the certainty that Andrew wasn't coming to Hogwarts this forthcoming fall for his first year, but not even she could cope with that answer. He was going to attending Hogwarts, but using force was unquestionably not the solution.
"It's a flying car. You throw it like an airplane and it flies around before returning a few seconds later. Don't worry about aiming; it flies by itself. Andrew, it's not a prank, really." Emma said calmly as if she were used to the term 'flying'. Her hands were folded in her lap as she fidgeting with her thumbs. This had to work.
~ Emmaline Louise Milanes ~
Stamina » 9 || Evasion » 9 || Strength » 10 || Wisdom » 7 || Arc Power » 2 || Accuracy » 14
Poison Resistance || Binding Mark || Prodigal Transfig. Learner || The Muggle Condition
Stamina » 9 || Evasion » 9 || Strength » 10 || Wisdom » 7 || Arc Power » 2 || Accuracy » 14
Poison Resistance || Binding Mark || Prodigal Transfig. Learner || The Muggle Condition
Andrew Vance
21 Feb 2019, 01:18
An Unexpected Letter
“Sport, hobby, cult. Whatever it is, these children will not be exposed to it,” Mr. Vance said in a firm tone, clearly referring across the table to Andrew and his siblings. “I won’t tell you what to do with your lives,” he continued, trying to keep his tone cordial with the Hills as he expressed his doubts, “But personally, I think all this magic-witchcraft-voodoo is full of devils and satanic rituals. It’s all supernatural. It’s unhealthy. I’d rather my children stay away from it.” He didn’t intend to be rude or offensive towards his friends and dinner guests, but his opinions were strong, in concurrence with his wife’s. Thus far, they were not impressed. If magic was a “sport” that anyone could play, then they certainly didn’t want their children getting mixed up with it.
At the other end of the table, Andrew took the gift box in his hands. It was lightweight and small. Rather than shake the box next to his ear as the traditional method of deciphering what could be inside, he instead went straight into untying the bow and lifted the lid. Lying at the bottom of the box was a vintage-style toy car, painted blue – his favorite color.
Before he did anything else, Andrew beamed a quick smile at Emma. “Thank you,” he said, showing his appreciation for the gift.
“What is it?” Kyle asked eagerly, leaning over for a peek.
Andrew plucked the toy car out of the box, which sat in the length of his hand, and showed it to his siblings. “I got a car,” he said cheerfully, loud enough for his parents to hear.
“A car? How thoughtful,” Andrew’s mother replied with a genuine sweet grin. “Thank you, Emma.”
“That’s very nice of you, Emma. Thank you.” Andrew’s father smiled.
Hearing Emma’s details about what the car supposedly could do, Andrew hesitated at her instructions. After all, if he threw any other ordinary toy car from this distance, it would bounce and hit the floor, which might scuff or dent the wood, and that would really displease his parents.
Mr. Vance raised an amused eyebrow at Emma’s words. “Go on Andrew, let’s see it fly.” There was a side note of ridicule that only his family could tell apart.
Andrew let out a sigh, nervous with anticipation in performing the experiment. “If you say so,” he shrugged in Emma's direction. He hoped the Emma was telling the truth, in one way or another. On one hand, the thought of a flying car excited him. On the other hand, if a car actually could fly, it would challenge everything Andrew knew about the world that he had grown up to believe in.
Holding the car in his right hand, he aimed to throw it to the right side of Emma’s head, towards the living area (he wasn’t going to risk it otherwise and end up whacking someone in the face). He tossed the car gently, calculating its trajectory. From here, it should only be a short stone’s throw from the table, according to physics.
His fingers barely released their grip on the car when it lifted off and ascended into the air, riding up and down on invisible slopes as it steered itself around the room.
Andrew’s and his siblings’ eyes glued onto the car, following it as it made a lap around the dining area.
“Whoa,” Andrew gasped in amazement.
“Is it really flying?” Stacy piped.
“Cool! Can I try? I wanna try!” Kyle bounced up from his chair.
Watching the novelty car as it circled around the dining table, Andrew’s parents were taken by surprise.
“Is there a signal?” Mr. Vance guarded his suspicion as he turned to the Hills. “There’s a remote to it, right?”
After a several seconds of flight, the car returned and glided smoothly onto the table, landing in front of Andrew’s plate. Before Andrew had the chance to react, Kyle hastily reached over and swiped the toy car in his hands with glee.
“Fly!” Kyle exclaimed, tossing the toy car in the air with a little more force.
This time, the car did a few accelerated upside-down loops and dives along its path before returning to Kyle, landing in the boy’s outstretched hands.
“It’s like it knows me,” Kyle giggled.
At the other end of the table, Andrew took the gift box in his hands. It was lightweight and small. Rather than shake the box next to his ear as the traditional method of deciphering what could be inside, he instead went straight into untying the bow and lifted the lid. Lying at the bottom of the box was a vintage-style toy car, painted blue – his favorite color.
Before he did anything else, Andrew beamed a quick smile at Emma. “Thank you,” he said, showing his appreciation for the gift.
“What is it?” Kyle asked eagerly, leaning over for a peek.
Andrew plucked the toy car out of the box, which sat in the length of his hand, and showed it to his siblings. “I got a car,” he said cheerfully, loud enough for his parents to hear.
“A car? How thoughtful,” Andrew’s mother replied with a genuine sweet grin. “Thank you, Emma.”
“That’s very nice of you, Emma. Thank you.” Andrew’s father smiled.
Hearing Emma’s details about what the car supposedly could do, Andrew hesitated at her instructions. After all, if he threw any other ordinary toy car from this distance, it would bounce and hit the floor, which might scuff or dent the wood, and that would really displease his parents.
Mr. Vance raised an amused eyebrow at Emma’s words. “Go on Andrew, let’s see it fly.” There was a side note of ridicule that only his family could tell apart.
Andrew let out a sigh, nervous with anticipation in performing the experiment. “If you say so,” he shrugged in Emma's direction. He hoped the Emma was telling the truth, in one way or another. On one hand, the thought of a flying car excited him. On the other hand, if a car actually could fly, it would challenge everything Andrew knew about the world that he had grown up to believe in.
Holding the car in his right hand, he aimed to throw it to the right side of Emma’s head, towards the living area (he wasn’t going to risk it otherwise and end up whacking someone in the face). He tossed the car gently, calculating its trajectory. From here, it should only be a short stone’s throw from the table, according to physics.
His fingers barely released their grip on the car when it lifted off and ascended into the air, riding up and down on invisible slopes as it steered itself around the room.
Andrew’s and his siblings’ eyes glued onto the car, following it as it made a lap around the dining area.
“Whoa,” Andrew gasped in amazement.
“Is it really flying?” Stacy piped.
“Cool! Can I try? I wanna try!” Kyle bounced up from his chair.
Watching the novelty car as it circled around the dining table, Andrew’s parents were taken by surprise.
“Is there a signal?” Mr. Vance guarded his suspicion as he turned to the Hills. “There’s a remote to it, right?”
After a several seconds of flight, the car returned and glided smoothly onto the table, landing in front of Andrew’s plate. Before Andrew had the chance to react, Kyle hastily reached over and swiped the toy car in his hands with glee.
“Fly!” Kyle exclaimed, tossing the toy car in the air with a little more force.
This time, the car did a few accelerated upside-down loops and dives along its path before returning to Kyle, landing in the boy’s outstretched hands.
“It’s like it knows me,” Kyle giggled.
Last edited by Andrew Vance on 7 Jun 2022, 14:50, edited 1 time in total.
24 Feb 2019, 07:16
An Unexpected Letter
Sensations she hadn't expected to emerge from herself at Mr. Vance commentary had become present. The Hills had pictured reactions not too off from the ones on the Vances. She wasn't enraged, but happy was an overstatement; neither a grimace nor a smile appeared on her face as she listened to him express his opinion. Her head tilted somewhat at the mention of voodoo. Emma didn't remember much about it, but she had watched the Disney film The Princess and the Frog and from what she'd seen, voodoo wasn't a good thing. She did, however, recognize the word devil. It would have been a lie to say she hadn't been partially shocked and even a bit hurt by his selection of words.
A temporal, but lightened, scowl had taken over Mr. Hill's facial expression, as Emma relinquished the gift to Andrew. Impatience was beginning to run throughout his veins. Shaking his leg inaudibly, the voice of Mr. Vance reverberated in his subconscious. To be frank, it didn't disturb him that there was the chance of Andrew returning to a Muggle establishment. It was the fact that neither of the adults could see the magic that he possessed.
"No problem." A miniature smile developed on her face promptly before turning into a wide grin that only increased at Mrs. Vance's kind words. This time, it was here to stay for the night. At least she hoped so.
The brunette's hands remained in her lap as Andrew aimed in her direction, she didn't protest or even acknowledge the automobile in front of her. She had already had the chance to experiment with the small gadget before depositing it into the box and binding it together with a bow, after all, there was no way to damage the car; it flew by itself. What was giving up a brand-new toy if you didn't have the chance to play with it yourself? The worst the magical car could do was land in a puddle of sticky substance, say tar or glue, but even that was amendable with a flick of her father's wand. Blinking a bit as the car flew out of his hand, the Hills' heads turned in their seats to witness the flight of the vintage vehicle, though Emma's was the most dramatic of the three. Her body had shifted, and her legs were on the side of the chair rather than the front. With her back turned to the table, she grinned, a few teeth showing. No matter how many times she observed the vehicle fly, it would never get old. Magic had no boundaries... well, sort of.
"It's not a remote controlled car, no. Do you hear an engine?" Mrs. Hill asked the Vances with a fairly sarcastic tone as she listened to the children's exclaims over the soaring toy car with a smile. Alejandra was the first one to turn around in her seat as the car sailed around the house before she had spoken. With a humble and innocent smile, she held her hands up as if surrendering, demonstrating the hollowness of her hands. It was mere magic.
Over Emma's laughter towards Kyle, Mrs. Hill took another bite of her food now that the atmosphere of the table had been resolved. At least she hoped so; they all did. Perhaps all the conflict had been resolved, maybe not. She really hoped that Andrew had his parent's acquiescence to attend Hogwarts. Meaning Emma would have a friend, there was one less thing she had to worry about. It was rather obvious her mother wasn't the most familiar with the ways of the wizarding world. She had only been with her husband for fourteen years and still, the number continued to rise, but magic was a vast subject not even she could learn in a century. It was like a new language waiting to be deciphered.
Soon, Mr. Hill raised his hands after taking his gaze off the bewitched car. The ascent of the blue vintage vehicle didn't phase him, but the shape; like the Muggle world, it was exotic to him. If it hadn't been for the wheels and the headlights, mistaking the car for something else seemed much easier.
Moving her body with every loop and dive that the automobile made, Emma's body soon found its way facing the table, looking at Kyle with a simper. She was way too fascinated by the car to be the one controlling it, that is if there even was a controller. Still, it didn't take her long before she found herself asking another question, putting a long emphasis on her last word to justify her point. Her fingers were intertwined with each other, almost pleading with them. "Can Andrew go to Hogwarts, please? Magic can be used for good.. like Alex Russo! It's not all bad."
So she was a wizard? That didn't mean she never had the opportunity to watch television with her mother, even if the show did display a lousy example of wizardry (It was one of her favorite shows, and nothing could change that). Besides, her red wand was something unheard of. She wondered if she could use a spell to change the color of her own wand, what was the worse thing that could happen?
~ Emmaline Louise Milanes ~
Stamina » 9 || Evasion » 9 || Strength » 10 || Wisdom » 7 || Arc Power » 2 || Accuracy » 14
Poison Resistance || Binding Mark || Prodigal Transfig. Learner || The Muggle Condition
Stamina » 9 || Evasion » 9 || Strength » 10 || Wisdom » 7 || Arc Power » 2 || Accuracy » 14
Poison Resistance || Binding Mark || Prodigal Transfig. Learner || The Muggle Condition