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the war is finally over for florinda mcgonagall (lionhearts) wrote in neeps,
@ 2017-12-24 10:50:00

Entry tags:

! journal, florinda mcgonagall

[Also posted 23 December, about the same time as Ellie's post]
[Cav]

Just checking in to see how you're doing today. I'm much better. I've been home to the Cattery and the party was put off over things, obviously.

I've had to make it clear to a couple of people how I got this bruise, so it's not going to be a secret. I wasn't thinking straight at the time and people have pointed out that the Circe article points an untrue and unfair finger at you, so I've been very clear on what happened with everyone I've talked to privately and I'm going to talk to Gwen and Aureliana so there's a statement ready if it comes out in the press.

Merc and Gabi are leaving for Brazil straight from Christmas dinner with Mum. I have some obligations between Christmas and New Year's but we should be able to get in some flying or other fun over the next week. No dancing until the bruise clears in a few more days though.

~~Meaghan and I~~

[Doc]

I'm sorry it's taken me a couple of days to touch base with you but I do want to be sure you're all right. Probably we should talk in person soon.

I'm not going to the MacFusty celebration today but I'll be around after Merc and Gabi are off to Brazil, so perhaps sometime this upcoming week.

And I'll say it here so I don't have to say it in person, and we don't have to discuss it again: if Ellie ever strikes you, you should come to me afterwards. We don't have to make a fuss about it, but that's not acceptable, and it's particularly important for you since you make your living by quidditch to not face the possibility of injury at home. I love Ellie even if I'm upset with her right now, but you're my dear friend too, even above and beyond the fact that it's my job to take care of your health for Montrose. Even if she's angry, Ellie mustn't hit you.

I appreciate everything you did on Thursday and I'm glad we're friends.

[Aureliana]

I didn't get a chance to tell you on Thursday night how lovely Macmillan Park was and what a great time I had at the party. Thank you so much for having me.

I ended up having to leave early because of a small incident that might have PR repercussions of for Montrose, but it should keep until after the holidays. Unfortunately there was a small altercation in the garden and I took a bruise on my jaw from my cousin Ellie. All the witnesses were from either Montrose or Portree (Cav and Doc, and Merc showed up just afterward). Merc took me home and I'm fine now. We're going to sort all of this out privately as best we can, but I didn't want you to be caught with your robes over your head if someone mentioned it. Also I'm warding Gwen Miracle to make sure she knows what happened and is ready with a strategy should it come out.

The party really was fantastic, though, and I'm very glad I came. I do appreciate all the effort you put in on it. Please accept my apology for bringing you this unfortunate news, especially so close to Christmas. I hope your Christmas is just as lovely and that someone else does all the planning for you, and that there are no further interruptions to your holiday.

[Gwen Miracle]

Gwen, I'm sorry to have to disturb your holidays but there's been a small incident that might come out in the press and I wanted you to be aware of it so you weren't caught unawares on the off chance it does.

There was a small altercation in the gardens at Macmillan Park during the party on Thursday and I ended with a bruise on my face. A couple of people have asked me about it and I know after that ridiculous article in Circe that Cav is a likely suspect in the eyes of the public. Cav and I are fine and he did not hit me, and I am prepared to say so to the press. However, unfortunately, the culprit is from Portree: my cousin Elspeth. I'm hoping that nobody saw except Cav and Doc, who were present, and Merc who showed up immediately afterward. But I wanted you to be aware in case there was an article somewhere that you had to respond to. I want to be clear that I am fine and honestly am more worried about Ellie and Cav than I am about myself. Aureliana is also aware of the incident and I'll be happy to help both of you smooth things over.

I'm sorry to have dropped this in your lap at Christmas but I didn't want you to be caught unawares. Please accept my apologies and my hopes for a very happy and uninterrupted holiday for you and Trevor.

[MacFusty Christmas Clan]

Unfortunately I'm not feeling very well and I don't expect to attend Christmas tomorrow. I'll be fine in a few days but I don't want to be a wet blanket on the celebrations. Please be extra-nice to Merc; Christmas is hard on both of us this year.

I love you all and I'll see you after Christmas.

~~[Ellie]~~

~~Why~~

(Post a new comment)

Florrie

maddocked
2017-12-24 05:42 pm UTC (link)

It's alright, but I've been worried about you too. Are you alright? I would have stayed and asked obviously but you know... damage control.

We're not going either. Elsie is just... not up for people.

I'll just make this clear... this act of aggression she's been going through, it's never been turned on me. Like... no it's just not even something I'm concerned about. And I would never, ever hit her for that matter so it just won't happen. It's never going to happen. We deal with things differently.

But, thank you for the concern. You're one of my best friends Florrie. I hope we can get this figured out.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

Doc

lionhearts
2017-12-24 05:48 pm UTC (link)

I'm all right. I was shocked and I'm working through it, but I'm all right.

I believe you when you say Ellie hasn't. But I have to say that, not just as a friend, but under the circumstances, because, you know.

I know Ellie's not all right or she wouldn't be behaving like this, but [...] I don't know, I'm just really worried about her. She needs to get some help to figure out how to deal with this. I know quidditch is hard for people who have to leave; I saw that with Merc. And I don't want her to have to leave quidditch. I want to know what I can do to help her.

I'm not ready to talk to her yet but I do love Ellie and I want to do what I can to help her.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Florrie

maddocked
2017-12-24 08:41 pm UTC (link)

Good. I'm happy to hear it.

I understand. Thanks.

I'm worried about her. I mean... fuck, I've been worried about her for like five years now. And worrying too much got us separated in the first place. I'm trying to get through to her... even if it means to get her to talk to someone else.

That's fine. I'll figure out a time we can meet up just us to talk anyway. Ellie needs to figure out what she needs right now before anyone can help her really.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Doc lionhearts 2017-12-24 08:56 pm UTC (link)
	I'm here even after Merc and Gabi go to Brazil, so there will be time. We'll get this sorted together. All right? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florrie maddocked 2017-12-24 09:00 pm UTC (link)
	Alright, good to know. And I know we will. It's just getting the solution part that's hard. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Florrie perfectmother 2017-12-24 06:03 pm UTC (link)
	Thank you so much for coming, but honestly I am more concerned to learn about the altercation. Are you alright? (Reply to this) (Thread)

Aureliana

lionhearts
2017-12-24 06:12 pm UTC (link)

Thank you for asking. I'm fine, just a little shaken. Ellie hit me and I reacted reflexively: there's a defensive spell they teach us to use on violent patients, a body bind. When we released her, she went straight home with Doc, and he says he's all right too.

I'm going to try to get all this sorted out in the family, privately, but I'll be available to make a statement if you need me. I'm most concerned about Ellie right now because clearly there's something really wrong with her to make her behave in this way, and she needs help for whatever is upsetting her so. That is going to be my focus as far as this incident is concerned.

Given the timing, I think either the press would have already covered it or it will appear in next week's gossip rags and there will be time after Christmas to prepare for that. I know how busy you must be with family today and the next couple of days, so I want you to be able to focus on that and not worry about whatever ridiculous thing the press has to say.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florrie perfectmother 2017-12-24 06:27 pm UTC (link)
	I will have a statement ready outline exactly what you just said, this was a private family matter. I wish you and yours a happy Christmas. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Aureliana lionhearts 2017-12-24 06:58 pm UTC (link)
	Thank you so much. I hate to have to bother you, today of all days. And I'll let you know, but I think everything is now down to the family. I'll see you next week. Happy Christmas. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Florrie cavallero 2017-12-24 08:20 pm UTC (link)
	~~Are people really thinking that I~~ I'm glad you're all right. I'm sorry that any of that happened. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Cav lionhearts 2017-12-24 08:23 pm UTC (link)
	I'm sorry too, and relieved that she didn't hit you. And sorry that Merc was being so overprotective. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florrie cavallero 2017-12-24 08:25 pm UTC (link)
	She's hit me before. Tends to think with her fists rather than her head. I've been trying to work with her on that. I should have suspected, after the Circe bit came out, that she was upset enough. He's your brother. I wouldn't expect anything less. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Cav

lionhearts
2017-12-24 08:40 pm UTC (link)

I didn't know she'd hit you before. I'm glad you're working with her. But, with no offence to your efforts, she has got to stop doing that. It's not just a personal thing, either. If she hits family members and colleagues, she's eventually going to hit one of the players who isn't personally connected, and that won't work out well. I don't want to cause her any more trouble, but she has to get help of some kind, and more than she's getting.

The time of year makes it worse. The anniversary of our father's death has just passed; Christmas is difficult for us even without all the added stress of this year.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florrie cavallero 2017-12-24 08:41 pm UTC (link)
	I know. I need to talk to her again. ~~We knew we were taking a chance when we~~ I'm sorry. I didn't realize - (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Cav

lionhearts
2017-12-24 08:54 pm UTC (link)

I know, too. Someone had to point out to me how it was going to look to outsiders as well.

There's no reason you would. It was a long time ago, when we were still children. But it does cast a long shadow. Mostly I wanted you to understand that Merc is particularly concerned about me right now and that once he's been away and come back, he'll probably be a little more himself and less of a thundercloud in human form.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florrie cavallero 2017-12-27 12:56 am UTC (link)
	I'm still sorry. I know you're busy with family but I'd like to see you before the new year, ~~if you still want to see me~~ if you're free. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Cav lionhearts 2017-12-27 04:18 am UTC (link)
	It's going to take me a few days to get things under control here--maybe after Boxing Day? I feel terrible and awkward about everything and it's just taking me a little longer than I expected to get everything back to normal. And I'd rather be a little more put-together than that. Things are always easier after Christmas. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florrie cavallero 2017-12-27 01:54 pm UTC (link)
	Hey it's fine. No big deal. I hope you have a nice break, Florrie. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Cav lionhearts 2017-12-27 08:41 pm UTC (link)
	You too, though I suspect things are going to be rough for you for the next little while. Happy Christmas and please, stay safe. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florrie cavallero 2017-12-28 01:10 am UTC (link)
	You as well. (Reply to this) (Parent)

Florrie

gwensational
2017-12-24 08:38 pm UTC (link)

I see. Thank you for the forewarning. If I may, I have a few questions regarding this altercation. What were you fighting about? Had you ever been in a fistfight with Elspeth before? Were wands drawn on either side? Finally, is there any chance that there were witnesses aside from the people you mentioned above?

I do hope you're feeling better, and a Happy Christmas to you and your family as well.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

Gwen

lionhearts
2017-12-24 08:50 pm UTC (link)

I have no idea what it was about. Ellie did not make it clear and I haven't talked to her. She warded me this evening but I'm not ready to talk and I'm not going to be at MacFusty family celebrations on Christmas Eve to avoid inflaming things further. I'm a bit shaken but other than that and a bruise, which is going to heal up nicely, I'm fine.

I came outside with Cav and Ellie stepped up and slapped me, and I'm afraid I reacted according to my training for dealing with violent patients, which is a body-bind to prevent the patient from striking you again with a lowering charm so the patient doesn't injure themself further by landing hard after the fall. We made sure she was all right and I checked her for any medical concerns or curses that might be on her person--there were none--and then I released her and she stormed off. Doc went with her and I think he took her home.

We don't think anyone else saw the altercation but we unfortunately cannot be sure of that.

I don't think I've been in a physical altercation with Ellie since before we all went to Hogwarts. I understand that this may be part of a series of incidents and my primary concern is that my cousin get the help she needs to stop hitting people. I've told Aureiliana that I would prefer to handle this with minimum fuss and maximum discretion and that if the press inquire, it's a private family matter. (And I hope we can add that Ellie is getting help.)

Merc is off to Brazil with Gabi and the children tomorrow but I will be remaining here through the New Year and if we need to trot me out to speak with the press, I'll be available. Thank you so much, and again, and I'm sorry.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Florrie

gwensational
2017-12-26 02:10 am UTC (link)

Your team's rival coach physically assaulted you without provocation, you safely restrained her according to your excellent training and checked on her welfare instead of hexing her silly, and you're apologising to me? Are you sure you're all right?

One further question, if you would be so kind: you referred to a "series of incidents". Do you have any idea who else was involved in these incidents? I don't blame you for wanting to keep any difficulties with your cousin private, but to be honest, I'm not sure it can stay that way if this is a pattern of behaviour with her.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen lionhearts 2017-12-26 02:23 am UTC (link)
	I'm probably not entirely all right. Usually when there's an incident like this at Mungo's they send you home for a day to rest and recuperate even if you're not injured. But I'm going to be all right in a day or two and thank you for asking. ~~I don't~~ ~~I'd rather~~ [...] You should talk to Cav. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florrie gwensational 2017-12-26 02:30 am UTC (link)
	All right. Thank you for informing me of this situation. Have a nice Christmas, and please do take care of yourself. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Gwen lionhearts 2017-12-26 02:58 am UTC (link)
	You're welcome. You have a lovely Christmas too. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Florrie mr_dragon 2017-12-24 09:56 pm UTC (link)
	~~Does this have anything to do with Ellie?~~ I'm so sorry to read that you're feeling unwell, and will miss seeing you at Christmas. Fergus and Rhonna send their love and hope you feel better soon. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Owen lionhearts 2017-12-24 10:03 pm UTC (link)
	I'll come by after Merc and Gabi are gone and see the littles then. I'm sorry I'm missing the party and I'll get better soon. Promise. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florrie mr_dragon 2017-12-24 10:15 pm UTC (link)
	That would be lovely. We'll be going to my parents' place for brunch, but should be home by late afternoon. Let us know if you need anything in the meantime. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Owen lionhearts 2017-12-24 10:23 pm UTC (link)
	I will, and give Lorna my love until then. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Florrie mrs_dragon 2017-12-25 01:06 am UTC (link)
	Going to miss you there Florrie. Love you, and we'll have to meet up okay? (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Florna lionhearts 2017-12-25 01:08 am UTC (link)
	Owen and I are arranging for me to come by after Merc and Gabi portkey out on Christmas. Love you and I'll see you then, and all the littles. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florna mrs_dragon 2017-12-25 01:14 am UTC (link)
	Good, they'll be happy to see you. Do you need anything? Do you want to talk? I'm worried. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florna lionhearts 2017-12-25 01:17 am UTC (link)
	I'm all right. Everyone is taking good care of me. We'll talk about it afterwards, all right? I promise you don't need to worry about me. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florna mrs_dragon 2017-12-25 01:21 am UTC (link)
	Alright, we can talk about it later. ~~What did my sister do?~~ I'm going to worry anyway. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florna lionhearts 2017-12-25 01:23 am UTC (link)
	This is a rough time of year for me and Merc and things have been difficult the past few days. Just make sure Merc is all right for me, will you? Direct that worry toward him a little and he'll take care of me. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florna mrs_dragon 2017-12-25 02:16 am UTC (link)
	Understood. I'll check on Merc for sure. I'll give you equal share worry. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florna lionhearts 2017-12-25 03:06 am UTC (link)
	You'll see I'm all right. Love you and thank you for taking care of Merc. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Florna mrs_dragon 2017-12-25 04:03 am UTC (link)
	Love you too. Happy Christmas. (Reply to this) (Parent)