J.A.I.L.B.A.I.T. Teaparty ::Semi-Screened for Female Chars Under 30::

[ginevram.livejournal.com]

Madam Rosmerta has cleared away most of the usual tables and booths. There are still a few small tables scattered around the large room, and a cheery fire is crackling in the fireplace. Along one wall are long tables loaded with tea sandwiches, scones, petit fours, candies, biscuits and other rich treats. On the opposite wall there is tea with all the accoutrements, a fountain type punchbowl, and coffee for those who prefer it to tea. Butterbeer is also available on request.

The tables hold bouquets of early spring flowers -- snowdrops, narcissus, and crocus in pink, yellow and white. There are soft yellow, pink, and white ribbons on the candle sconces, as well.

In a back room, the models from Gladrags are bustling around, changing into the various cloaks and robes they will be showing the attendees. They can't be seen, but it is possible to hear their indistinct chatter.

After checking the arrangements with Madam Rosemerta, Ginny stands near the door, nervously waiting for Emma to show up, and worried about whether the party will come off well, and very excited about her friends meeting each other. She's dressed in an aqua green Muggle dress with small yellow flowers, and wearing the new silver snitch necklace Harry gave her.



((While screened for female characters under the age of 30, the Three Broomsticks is a public facility, so it is possible for other characters to crash the party. It'll be a lot easier if they're disguised as a female under thirty, though. *wink*))

Comments

[ewoodhouse.livejournal.com]

"Hello, dear Ginny. Hello." Emma Woodhouse steps inside, wearing a 19th century dress with a sunday hat. "My, do you not look elegant today?" She smiled, and looks around. "Yes, this will be quite acceptable."

She is carrying with her various papers filled with notes. She sets them down at a nearby table and looks back towards Ginny. "I am certain our companions for the day will arrive shortly." She then casts a casual look at the doorway, but her mouth is set in a manner that takes away from her nonchalant glance.

[ginevram.livejournal.com]

Hullo, Emma! *Ginny is tremendously relieved that her friend is here and approves of the decor and refreshments* I'm so glad you're here! You look lovely, as usual! What a pretty hat! It suits your face so well. *really does think the hat is adorable, even though she'd probably never wear one, other than a wool hat against the cold, herself*

I've just checked with Madam Rosmerta and had a look at the food and everything seems to be all right.

*watches Emma place her notes on a table with much curiousity, but stops short of trying to read them, for now* Oh, I do hope you're right. Perhaps I should have put reminders up during the week. I started to, then I thought that it might look a little, well, desperateannoying.

Would you like some tea? Madam Rosmerta's Elves brew a very nice cup.

[ewoodhouse.livejournal.com]

"Why thank you, sweet Ginny. It has been a shame that we have not spoken for such a time. We must share our lives with each other while we wait."

She gracefully sits down at the center table, removing her hat. "I would prefer to abstain from food and drink until there are enough friends to enjoy such with me. But you may try for yourself."

[ginevram.livejournal.com]

Yes, I've missed you bunches! I'm afraid I've been neglecting my friends. I got a little worked up over that puppet, and then my real brother showed up and threatened to kill Harry, among other things and, well, it's awfully nice to be able to sit and relax with friends, you know?

*joins Emma at the table, not nearly so gracefully, but with the confident posture of an athlete* Oh, you're right, of course. We should wait for our guests. Mum would have words with me for noshing before everyone'd arrived.

Oh, good, River's here! Have you met River Tam, Emma?

[ewoodhouse.livejournal.com]

Sounds like quite the trial, Gin- A puppet? Do you have a fear of such creatures? I was never fond of them. The Punch and Judy show has always been juvenile at best, detestable at worst.

I know her from the Ravenclaw common room, but unfortunately we have not made ourselves known to each other.

[ginevram.livejournal.com]

I ... I'm not very fond of puppets, no. *remembers the one Fred and George enchanted, and shudders* But this one wasn't just any old puppet. He claimed he was my brother, and pulled my hair and called me a ... a very rude name!

Oh, I'm so glad you'll get to know each other, finally. River's a wonderful girl and really interesting. She's your House's Seeker, too.

[ewoodhouse.livejournal.com]

An enchanted puppet, you say? Or perhaps possessed? Well, I certainly hope you burn the vile thing.

I do not pay much attention to Quidditch, unfortunately. I still find it an adjustment that women play such things. What if they get hurt? Or scarred in some hideous manner?

[ginevram.livejournal.com]

I think it's possessed, myself. I'd like to burn it, eventually, but Harry's got it locked up in his trunk. I think he may have some interesting plans for it. *grins*

Oh, Quidditch is loads of fun. Have you done any flying since you've been here? My dad swears it's a lot like Muggles horseback riding. I've been hurt a few times. Took a bludger to my right arm once, and another to my left knee. But Madam Pomfrey always fixed me right up, and I'm sure Granny Weatherwax can do the same. I'll ask Harry if you can come flying with us sometime. You really should try it!

[ewoodhouse.livejournal.com]

If it's a creature of Evil, Ginny, it is best to get rid of it. Or else it will get a hold of you.

I believe it is unseemly to fly around in a broom. Women in America are burned at the stake for less. Oh, Ginny, never go there. I know there are many wonderful Americans within Hogwarts, but why do you think they're here? They're fleeing their country, but are just too patriotic to admit it.

*She gasps* Oh, Ginny! It concerns me to hear of you being hurt so. Are there no other hobbies that hold your attention like this painful sport?

[ginevram.livejournal.com]

Yes, you're quite right. I'm certain it's a creature of Evil. But Harry's amazing when it comes to dealing with those! He'll keep me safe from it. I'm a little worried about my brother, though. He seems to have some sort of odd fascination with it. I hope it doesn't hurt him, the way it pulled my hair!

Unseemly? But that's the way we get around here, Emma. You really must try it. If you'd like, I'll owl Professor Butlertron and see if he can give you a private flying lesson. Or maybe Oliver Wood can give you one. Or even Harry.

Is America as bad as Australia, then? I hadn't heard about people being burned there. They did that here, too, but that was back in the dark ages, when Hogwarts was founded. *suddenly remembers that Emma's from the "dark ages" herself* Oh! I see what you mean now. We're more careful about flying than we used to be. The Muggles usually don't see us, and if they do, someone from the Ministry of Magic just obliviates their memory. It's all right, really!

There's nothing to worry about, I promise, Emma! I'm quite fine, really. I don't mind a bump or bruise or two, and Quidditch is so much fun. I guess my knitting's a hobby, though. And I think Harry's starting his, errr, club up again, and of course I'll be doing that, too.

You've never told me what your hobbies are, Emma!

[ewoodhouse.livejournal.com]

Well, I am certain it is better for the gentleman to deal with a possessed puppet than for a lady such as yourself. *She sighs. This will be yet another thing she shall abstain from including in her letter to Hartfield*

I would rather not. Thank you, Ginny; but if the need for travel arises, I shall either walk or take a carriage. I am sure there are fine people within Hogwarts feel the same as I do.

American isn't as filled with criminals as Australia is, but it certainly is more uppity.

I see. *She frowns* Well, I suppose since you have already found your intended, and he has no objections to your hobby, there's little I can do to convince you otherwise. But Ginny, I do believe knitting is a much more respectable way to spend your hours.

My hobbies? Why, what we are doing now is my favorite hobby, Ginny. Socializing with dear friends such as yourself. I also enjoy reading, both prose and poetry. In fact, lately I have taken to reading to my geranium romantic poetry ten minutes a day. I write letters, as well, to my family. And often I go on nice walks. There certainly are some fascinating sights at Hogwarts.

[ginevram.livejournal.com]

The school does have carriages you can use. They're pulled by thestrals, and hopefully you won't be able to see them. *has no idea if Emma's ever seen anyone die, and hope she hasn't had that particular misfortune*

Harry likes me playing Quidditch with him. It's great to be able to do it together. *grins* Oliver's formed an intramural league, so it looks like we'll get to play some this year, despite being in Slytherin. *realizes she's probably boring Emma to death with Quidditch talk* The knitting's fun, too. I mostly do it for Professor Cthulhu, or when I'm saying my evening chantsHarry's of doing some boy thing.

*smiles brightly at Emma's mention of socializing, because it's one of her favorite things, too* Get togethers are the best, aren't they? Does your geranium read back to you? Mum has a plant that writes its own romantic stories and reads them to her, and when I was little it would tell me nursery rhymes, as well.

Walks are great! Especially around here. We should walk down by the lake again, soon.

[ewoodhouse.livejournal.com]

Why ever do you say that? Are those creatures particularly ugly? Well, it would be impractical to expect white horses to draw ones carriage at all times.

Yes, knitting helps one think, I suppose. Working with ones hands eases the mind.

No, it is an experiment for Professor Crowley. Unfortunately, my geranium exhibits poor taste. It's demanding Wordsworth, but I will not hear of it. And romantic poetry isn't romantic in the sense of courtship, Ginny. It's a type of poetry that is accessible, personal, and often focuses on the natural.

Oh, we simply must, Ginny. Truly.

[ginevram.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure if they're ugly. I haven't seen them myself. It's just, well, you can't see them unless you've seen someone, um, pass away. I don't think they're white though. Harry can see them, and he says they're black and more than a little bit scary.

*nods* It does help me to knit while I'm chanting to my Master meditating.

*has no idea what a Wordsworth is* Is that Muggle poetry? Goodness! You're so clever, Emma! I hope you'll teach me about these things. Especially the Muggle things. My dad will be so happy I'm learning about them.

*nods, a little excited* We'll go for a walk again next week, then. I can show you some more transfiguration and we can compare notes on our chats with the other girls here. *winks* I think I've spotted a few girls who might like to meet some of the boys we know.

[ewoodhouse.livejournal.com]

I do not know why they do not just use horses. This school...

Of course, Ginny. Why, I was about to read some Muggle poetry just later in our meeting. Would you like to attend my daily recitation to my flower, then?

Let us find out of their income, their reputations, their manners... and then their preferences, of course.

[ginevram.livejournal.com]

No idea, really. Well, except that thestrals are faster because they fly and they know how to get places without being told.

What a wonderful idea! I'm sure everyone will enjoy your poetry reading very much! Yes, I'd like to attend some of your poetry reading to your flower, as well. I'm sure it's quite interesting.

Their income? *blanches a little* Well, if we must. Their manners and reputation we can discover without asking, but income's a bit of a delicate subject, don't you think?

[ewoodhouse.livejournal.com]

I suppose so. But if a woman has poor income, we must work with her to improve on her manners and reputation, so that she can have a good match despite her inconvenience. We need to know who we are to focus on.

[ginevram.livejournal.com]

Perhaps there are more discreet ways to get that information?

*wholeheartedly agrees that a girl without much money ought to be able to "improve herself" so she can be with a rich boy; after all, she's a poor girl with a rich boyfriend, herself*

Do you have anyone in mind, already?

[ewoodhouse.livejournal.com]

Oh, I miss Highbury. There we all would know so much about one another. None of this guessing business.

*She tilts her head, considering*

Well, little Anne of Green Gables just had a terrible experience. I believe we should find her a nice, old-fashioned boy. One who would court her, romance her, but would not go far beyond that. She's still quite young, but a pleasant little distraction may ease her spirits.

[ginevram.livejournal.com]

*smiles a little forelornely* I miss The Burrow, and Ottery St. Catchpole. Everyone knew each other there, as well. But, on the bright side, at least gatherings like this will help us get to know the other girls, and their circumstances, as well.

*thinks back to Anne's distraction during their conversation* Yes, I could tell something was wrong when I chatted with her. Has some boy treated her badly? *is indignant on Anne's behalf* That won't do! She's such a sweet girl. *nods* A nice, old fashioned boy would be just right for her! And I've got just the one in mind. He's completely frigid, probably won't even try to kiss her. I'm sure we can come up with someone to take her mind off whatever awful thing's happened to her. And maybe even avenge whatever slight's been done to her, as well.

[ewoodhouse.livejournal.com]

Indeed, a lad has stolen her first kiss by pretending that he was in love with her, and now he will not see her. Can you imagine? But I promised Anne not to sully the boy's name... as if it is not deserved. Do not fear, I shall write a strongly worded letter, forthwith.

Is the boy romantic? Because I believe Anne is the girl who enjoys little things such as letters and flowers...

[ginevram.livejournal.com]

Oh! That's ... that's just cruel! It didn't happen on Valentine's Day, did it? That might explain things. Not that I have any sympathy for this awful boy. I can certainly understand your wanting to keep your promise to Anne but if it's deserved he could probably use more than one strongly worded letter. After all, it is up to the female population to ensure that men don't behave like cads, especially toward sweet, innocent girls like Anne! Some solidarity in our opinion of this horrible boy would let him know just how wrong his behavior was. I do hope you're sending him a Howler. Those can't be ignored, you know, they explode if you don't open them.

Romantic? Well, in a manner of speaking, yes, I think he is. He could be coached in that direction, I'm sure. I believe he'd be much happier writing letters and sending flowers than, um, snogging her.

[ewoodhouse.livejournal.com]

Yes, I have heard of that invention, and I plan to use just the thing. Perhaps you can help me write the letter, Ginny, although I prefer you not to know the individual. Just know that he is in your house and he is in a position where he should be an example to others. Really, he should have known better!

Well, I certainly hope so, since this 'snogging' activity sounds almost painful.

[ginevram.livejournal.com]

Good, because a boy who does something like that deserves to get a Howler! I'd be glad to help you write the letter, Emma. No need to tell me who it is. *picks up on Emma's clues* He's not a Professor, is he? Because that would require a bit more than a Howler! I'm afraid we'd need to go to the Headmistress if a Professor's abused his or her power to that degree!

*laughs, merrily* Oh, snogging doesn't hurt at all! It's quite nice, really! Snogging means kissing!

[ewoodhouse.livejournal.com]

Oh, what a terrible thought! But no, he is not a professor. He is close to Anne's tender age.

A strange word for it, I believe.