Sophia Tuttle

"How is Alara doing?" She had not seen the witch around a lot, which made since given her betrothal. That match did not make sense to her, but it was none of her business.

"You're right, it is rare that we see times like these. People are worried, and most of us simply don't have the time either."

"Alara is good" Sophia confirmed "Busy, so I haven't really been able to see her outside the bakery. Those weddings she did have really pumped up sales."

"Well, if that's the case. I'll gladly welcome your drink. It'll be my first of the decade." Peter pointed out, with a raised eyebrow.

"How have you enjoyed the party?"

"Well, that makes two of us then. I may have had drinks tonight, but this is my first in this decade." With that she passed him the drink she had conjured up in front of him. "Cheers to the new decade" she smiled, taking a good sip of her drink."

"I have, thank you. I would ask the same, but I am going to jump to the conclusion that up until you was off the clock, the night was pretty stressful?" Sophia assumed raising her brow.

"I can agree with that. We still get to look good and be comfortable." She let out a small chuckle.

Aurora tried to make it out to functions like this, being around a community of those that shared the same values and wished nothing but happiness. It allowed her a night to not worry about the war. "I am glad you are out this year. Have you ran into anyone?"

"Only a couple." she answered "I feel it maybe difficult to run into everyone tonight, I've never seen the street so busy. I must say I wasn't not expecting this amount of people."

"I'm just glad Alara decided to close the bakery tomorrow, I don't imagine many will want to work with a hangover."

Stepping onto the street, he couldn't help but laugh as kids seemed to play on the street with toys they received for Christmas. Taking a few spoonfuls of his ice-cream as he waited.

Beginning to walk when Sophia rejoined him, Anthony shrugged. "I love Christmas but I tend to need a bit of a break, and air. What about you? Did you have a nice Christmas?"

"It doesn't seem like she has much Christmas Spirit" she commented, looking back to the shop over her shoulder. "I get it must suck working today, but my god it doesn't take a lot to simply be nice and smile. Least the ice cream is good"

As they walked she listened, taking small bites of her ice cream. She shrugged a little "Yeah, I mean it is always a bit of strange time for me. I get out though, see which friends I can but I also understand they, themselves are spending much needed time with family. For me it's either sit a home alone, or get out and enjoy some ice-cream" she explained.

Her friends had always invited Sophia to spend the holidays with them, never had they made her feel unwelcome or as if she was over staying her welcome, but she always chose never to stay too long. Understanding the time with their family would be precious, and she simply did not want to ever intrude on that.

Glad that she could always count on Alara and Sophia to save the day, the witch excused herself as the latter brought out the options they had left. "I'm sorry, it's just I never forget these kind of things, I'm actually always on top of things." She explained, pursing her lips as if the thought bothered her. "This is all new to me, coming by at the last minute. So thank you for help, Soph. Maybe we should go with the pumpkin spice, some holiday decoration to please my mother?"

She prepared the box to place the cake it, adding some extra holiday decoration to the pumpkin spice cake that Agatha had selected. Once the cake as decorated and boxed up she placed it on the counter, confirming the cost to Agatha.

She smiled, knowing that Agatha wasn't going to be leaving the bakery empty handed. "Now, you can relax, the cake is sorted. Your mother is going to more than satisfied, and if not, tell me and I may have to throw a jinx her way. You know, teach her about good taste" she laughed.

She let's out a small chuckle. "I came in flats. Means I'm a lot shorter than Remus, but I can manage to stand on a chair to kiss him a midnight." Aurora teases. "I think there has been a great turnout this year." She prayed that nothing would go wrong.

"I often feel way too short to wear flats, heals are often my statement piece. I just need to remember to ensure their comfy, magic always come in handy for that" she admitted.

Sophia nodded her head in agreement, Aurora was right the turn out this year really had been good, but Sophia didn't really have many years to compare it too. "Honestly, I've not really gone to any of the previous ones. I am glad I came this year, it certainly is something to experience."

who: open to anyone

Peter Pettigrew didn't mind working parties, they were often fun nights with plenty of people lining up to get their photo taken for the Daily Prophet. Occasionally, you stumbled across people who sought that you would be their personal photographer for the evening. To that, Peter couldn't help but pat their shoulder and bid them adieu. However, he did tend to turn a blind eye when they were his own friends. His camera around his neck, Peter felt a tap on the shoulder around ten minutes after the countdown. Just when he had the first pint of the evening in his hand.

"Oi, not now. It's a new fucking decade, and I clocked off in the 70s." Not bothering to look turn around to see who was behind him.

The clocks had struck and everyone was in full celebration mode, many like Sophia, had enjoyed several beveages.

For most the night she had seen Peter working, someone she know off through mutual friends. She figured , that she'd take some time to be social.

"Well, actually. I was coming to offer you a drink. Considering, you are now officially off the clock."

She carried on walking with her friends, feeling absolutely delighted with the news. "You are so perfect for one another."

As they made their way through the crowds, Sophia continued to ignore the witches and wizards that seemed amazed by Lily. She listened carefully as the red head spoke of her loss and parents, a feeling the both knew all too well - yet in different ways.

"You guys really have become like family to me. Same with Georgie, I'd be lost with you all. I have found my own family, and for that I can't even begin to explain what it means. It's just" a pause.

"I just wish I had known them, or there was a a way I could just get to know more about them. I know my dad lost his parents before I was born, the home told me when I asked questions about family. My mother though, when she died she had living family. All i ever got told was that she had no relationship with them. I just don't know why." she sighed.

Aurora had kisses Remus' cheek and went to see who else had shown up to the party. It was nice to get out with their friends and have fun. Christmas with both families had been amazing and now, they were going to be able to start the new year together.

The witch had spotted Sophia, making her way over, her own drink in hand. "Is that sit taken?" A smile on her lips and she sits down when invited. "You look stunning tonight. Who are you trying to take home?" Aurora teases.

So far, she enjoyed the night. It was the first year she had truly taken the time to come out and enjoy it, a promise she made to herself months ago.

She spent the night mingling with those she cared from, taking time to speak to a few new people also. She had drank, danced and now she simply needed to rest her feet.

A took a seat, drink in hand. It was long before she heard a voice, wanting to join. Looking up she knew right away it was Aurora, a witch she was pleased to see.

"Of course it is" she smiled, patting the space besides her. She couldn't help but laugh at her friends compliment. "Thank you" she blushed "But there is no plan on taking anyone home tonight, at least no pre-planned." she joked. "How about you though? You look simply beautiful."

"Next time though, I need to charm these shoes into being more comfortable."

where: florean fortescues

December 26th was supposed to be a day of relaxation, and treating yourself. At least that was Anthony Abbott’s opinion, utilising leftovers was the mission and sweet treats were required. So much so that he found himself venturing from his apartment to Florean Fortescues. Sure, it was miserable and cold outside, but that did not mean that ice-cream was off the cards.

The bell of the ice-cream shop chimed as Anthony stepped through the door to the otherwise empty ice cream parlour. Raspberry Ripple was his favourite flavour and alongside sugar quills, was tied for top spot of his favourite snacks. As the staff member glared at him, clearly dismayed to be in work over the festive season, Anthony felt slightly guilty. He was about to make his way out of the premises when the door chimed once more, a sigh of relief washed over him. “Thank goodness, I’m not the only one who still enjoys ice-cream in December.”

Christmas has been quite and simple, just like most of her previous years. She loved the holidays, but at times they did get lonely, which is why every year for the past four she had always headed over to Florean Fortesxues for an icecream - that and right now, she really craved something sweet.

The place was often quiet, not many would venture out the day after Christmas. It had surpassed her to see Anthony about too.

"Oh Hey. Yes, I am definitely a ice-cream in the winter type of person. So much less hassle than the summer. It doesn't melt so quickly." she laughed. "Plus, I like to have a walk on Boxing day, and this is the one place I know for sure will be open. Kind of become my own little tradition." she told him.

She looked over the counted, she knew the person working today was one of the less friendlier ones, the one who simply didn't like to talk and gave the impression they simply did not want to be there.

"Give me a few minutes. I'll grab my order and walk with you." she said, making her way in.

Placing her order, she walked away with a chocolate fudge ice-cream and re-joined Anthony outside.

"So, what brings you out today then? Christmas getting a bit too much already?" she laughed.

"I'm glad you're not to be set up with a marriage. Find someone for yourself. I'm positive you'll find someone wonderful. And if you don't then I'll have to cause hell because there's no way anyone unworthy is going to be with my best friend," she took a stern sip of her hot chocolate as if to emphasize the statement.

Georgette couldn't help but laugh. "Well, if you have any ideas about who I should be with speak now or forever hold your peace. I'm a handful and a right bitch." She paused for a moment. "So, any ideas?"

She was correct though, was really was love? Even Sophia, wasn't so sure on that one. "I guess you're right, there does seem to be a lot of looking after. However, if that was ever the case for me, they'd be shown the door." she paused for a moment, finishing off the last of her cake and hot chocolate.

"I spent way too much of my childhood caring for others, I mean most where just kids themselves too but there is no way I am going to go back to that. Whoever I end up with, if i do. Then they'll need to be able to care for themselves."

"That you are" she agreed, jokingly. "But I wouldn't change you for the world, I adore you just the way you are. If anyone tried to change that, I'd be their ass" she laughed. "Look, whoever you end up with, when that happens, it'll be the right person. The one and only that can handle the bitch within."

She'd been doing some last minute shopping, realizing she'd forgotten one very important detail, she hadn't picked up dessert just yet. Hurrying over to her friend's shop, she walked in to find Sophia by the counter. "Soph, I totally forgot to order in advance and Alara would definitely scold me, but I need you to save me. I'll take anything that could please my mother's desire for something sweet for dinner tonight."

"Agatha, calm down. We have a few cakes left. Alara and I where a little extra prepared this year. I think we have one Pumpkin spiced flavour left, will serve about six people or we have few of the Chocolate and Vanilla cakes left. They will do from four people, up to around ten."

"They're out back, let me just grab a couple of different sizes. That way you'll get a better idea of what size you'd like."

Sophia quickly went in the back, moments later she was followed by four floating cakes. The last of the pumpkin spice, and a small, medium and large sized chocolate and vanilla cake."

She waited for them to carefully sit on the counter "and don't worry, they're plain at the moment but I can magic some decor to them. Once you know what you need."

"Who knows, maybe we'll have groupies one day."

"I swear only a handful of you have truly heard me sing, but I promised myself I'd take more chances." she left out a nervous sigh, and it wasn't even their opening night.

"We've got this though."

"I can handle groupies, at least I think I can. Just as long as we don't attract anyone or anything to crazy."

Even though many would not expect it from Fabian, he was late again with ordering the items he needed for Christmas. So that was why he was now rushing into Little Tart, trying to find the perfect cake he was supposed to bring for Christmas with the family. He only had one job for it - since cooking was definitely not his strong suit - and he was about to fail that. “Please tell me you still have a cake left that is nice?” He asked the woman behind the counter, an embarrassed expression on his face as he spoke.

Not that could would truly complain, sure she was tired but she loved the thrill of it all. Never less, she was pleased their closing period was coming up and she'd finally get some much needed rest.

Over the years it had never surprised her when people came in, hoping for that last minute cake. A couple years ago they would have not been prepared, overtime they had learned to always have more than you think you'd need. Many ordered a head, more than most did not.

She couldn't help but laugh at his expression, clearly he had fucked up somewhere when it came to his cake shopping.

"Firstly, I guarantee all the cakes are nice. Secondly, we have you covered, there are plenty of cakes left. How many are you looking to feed with it? We do have a variety of sizes still left. " Sophia confirmed.

"The only catch is, they are all the same flavour. Much easier to batch cook them that way, we have chocolate cakes with vanilla icing."

"I do appreciate that. With everything you have told me, it seems like you would be a great candidate for the position. We would just need a couple days to come to a decision. We will give enough time for you to give ample notice at the bakery." Alara had done a great job with their wedding cake. "I think that is everything for now." Pansy moved over to Sophia, ready to show her out.

Sophia was more than happy to hear that she had sounded like a good candidate, though the women would have simply said it to be polite. Still, she followed Pansy, and had a good feeling overall on how her meeting had gone.

As she made way out the Manor she thanked the house elf.

"I do think you have provided sufficient information." Both her hands rest on her belly. "I also do believe you would treat both homes with respect. This would be the one the potential nanny would live in and there is a floo powder connection to the twin's nursery." A small pause. "If we were to hire you, we would like you a little before the babies are born to get a feel for the property."

"I would treat your home, and every aspect of it with respect. Same for you and your husband, especially when it comes to your wishes with the children." she hoped she had reassured the brunette, for Sophia it was most important that she cared for the children in every way their parents would wish.

"Of course. I understand. I do currently work at the Bakery, but I would be able to hand the appropriate notice and come when you where ready for me. Once again, thank you for your time. "