roaring

“You know, that’s exactly what I should be telling people. Nothing like a little emotional blackmail to liven up a baby shower.”

.

“If you can’t emotionally manipulate all your friends without guilt while pregnant, when can you, really?” 

Alice dragged Emmeline to her couch, a wide grin placed permanently onto her face. “I went to his flat a few weeks ago. It was late at night, and I couldn’t really sleep. I told Andie that I’d tell Frank how I felt before the end of summer, and I knew that I was running out of time, so I just—left.”

“So I’m there, he opens the door, sort of confused, and I’m acting all strange because now that I’m there I’ve forgotten everything that I wanted to say. But finally, I just blurt it out. And I swear, Emmeline. I have never seen so many expressions on Frank Longbottom’s face at once.”

.

“Good emotions, it sounds like. What did he say? Are you sure he was even fully awake?” 

Andromeda laughed. “I bet he won’t even play. There’s a solid split, if you’ve noticed — the people having too much fun with the game—” she nodded at Doc “—and the people who’ve ruled themselves out from the start.”

“Disappointing. You should force everyone to play just for the experience of it. If you have to carry around a baby for 9 months, the least they can do is try the stuff.” 

“Yeah, I don’t think I’ll be participating in any of those games.” He paused. “Doesn’t make me look bad, does it?”

.

“Well, you are half the reason we’re here. I won’t tell anyone though.”

“Right, was gonna ask if these types of weird games are normal, but I reckon you wouldn’t know. Trying to guess the baby food. Makes sense babies throw up so much, though.”

.

“No, they are pretty normal, from what I remember. Sometimes there’s a game where you can’t say the word baby or you lose points or something. I don’t think I had to participate in the... baby food eating part of the whole thing. I know things have to be mushy for them, but it just seems like there should be a better way.”

“None yet. Who do you think is most likely?”

“Hm... Unfortunately, I think you invited a fairly polite bunch, so none of them are very likely to make a big deal out of it. My vote is for Gawain’s face turning the same color of the baby food after he tries it though.”

“Boyfriend,” Alice repeated, her voice climbing. “I figured you wouldn’t be completely surprised, but I want a bigger reaction than that, Emmeline.”

.

“Well, I don’t know what you expect when you just throw it out there like that.” Emmeline grinned, waving her hands in the air. “Give me details. When, where, how, was clothing and/or food involved.” 

“Well, yeah, it’s my first baby shower. Don’t exactly know loads of other people who’ve had babies before. I’m the first one I know that’s having a baby.”

“Do you go to these kinds of things often?”

“Not since I was a kid. Not for my mates either. Andie’s also the first one of my friends that’s having a baby.” 

“But is it a double bluff? Peas seems really obvious.”

Emmeline frowned, taking another careful sniff. “I don’t think so, but I’m not confident enough to try it. Have any of the boys dramatically spit something out? Because that’s the real sign.” 

“Baby shower really is a different kind of party, isn’t it? Although, the food is excellent, if I do say so myself.”

“Is this your first baby shower? I imagine it’s a little different when you’re the center of attention.”

when: the baby shower, friday, september 25th, 1979 where: the shafiqs’ who: OPEN

“So.” Andromeda squinted at the baby food, relieved that she did not have to participate in this game. “What d’you reckon that one is?”

Emmeline raised the jar to her nose and sniffed it suspiciously. “Peas maybe? Why is it so... green?”

“Speaking of Frank.”

“Did he do a kiss and lasagna?” 

Alice’s smile continued to creep up on her face. “I love it. It’s exactly what I thought it was going to be, which is to say, it’s difficult and challenging and I know I made the right decision.”

“That’s great! I mean, I knew you would be brilliant at it, but now everyone else knows too. I imagine it helps having Frank around to give you an idea of what to expect too.” 

“See? I think people just like to make places like this seem scary to keep up with some sort of stereotype. In reality, besides the stolen mattress, I haven’t had a single issue.”

.

“Well, the stolen mattress is a little concerning, to be honest. I imagine getting a good night’s rest is important when with Auror training and everything. How is that going?”

“Oh, him? That’s Zeke. He’s harmless. Best not to offer him any gum, though. He doesn’t take that well.”

.

“Well, I wouldn’t want to risk the few I had left if I were him either. I saw surprisingly few terrifying people considering the complex’s reputation. Surprisingly lack of terrible smells too, to be honest.” 

WHEN: 3 September 1979 WHERE: A Brewed Awakening, Puddlemere WHO: @emmelionvance​

Of course she’d caved, and in only two days no less. D.W. sat at a table in the Puddlemere coffee shop between classes, having run out that afternoon to begrudgingly buy an iFlown. Her table was surrounded in packaging scraps and she wore a deep scowl. “How do the fuck do you turn this thing on?” she complained loudly to anyone who would listen. 

Emmeline looked up from her own new iFlown towards the familiar voice. “You have to hold the button down for a few seconds. It’s the one on the top. It took me a few tries too.” 

“I think one of your neighbors either just offered me a cup of tea or a cup of drugs, and I’m not entirely sure which. He only had three teeth, so he was a little hard to understand.”