The Last Station

I had the best, craziest time yesterday! Not, like, the way you would think I mean when I say that. I got the news on Sunday that my younger brother, Eric, would be spending last night in London on his way to Barcelona. Between his inevitable jet lag and the fact that we haven't seen each other in at least five years, I expected it would be awkward as hell to see him again, but it was brilliant! You can only squeeze so much into a 17-hour stopover, especially when he needed to spend part of that time sleeping, but we made a pretty thorough go of it. I guess he's on his flight to Spain now, and who knows when I'll see him again, but at least I have pictures!

( This is my favourite one. )

(Fliers appear all around Bertie Bott's stadium, charmed to appear differently to different people. To all the Hydras' players and staff [except for Marcus Flint], the following appears:)

Help Us Celebrate the Birth of Our Captain, Marcus Flint, With A Surprise Birthday Party!

When: Wednesday, after practice (the day after his actual birthday).
Where: On the Bertie Bott's Quiddich pitch!
Who: For Marcus, obviously! But everyone in the Hydras' organization and their families are welcome to attend! Feel free to extend the invitation to Marcus's close friends! Just keep it quiet, as we are discouraging any paparazzi from sneaking in.

* Snacks, cake, soft drinks and beer will be provided. Bring only yourself, your birthday wishes, and any embarrassing photos and stories you have of our fearless leader! Any questions, contact Ginny Weasley! *

(What Marcus Flint sees when he views the flyer:)

Oy! Marcus Flint, you old bugger! You're getting a belated birthday party on the pitch on Wednesday, after practice. Pretend to be surprised! We love you, Captain!

Merlin, I miss quidditch sometimes. The game was fun to watch, as they generally are, but it's sometimes easy to forget all of the intricacies of the game even if you do attend games quite frequently. I recently found my favourite Quidditch history book (stuffed behind my bedpost of all places) and I'd nearly forgotten all of the mental moves and passes and things that happened over the years. I'm, still not sure what's my favourite but the killer forest is certainly up there! Mind, I don't think I'd have appreciated it at the time.

In other news, I think we should be meeting for Book Club next month. Got a list of 5 books so far, mostly wizarding books, though I thought we might adjust as needed based on everyone's tastes.

WHO | Members of the Foxglove Flitterbies.
WHEN | 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25.
WHERE | The Hogwarts pitch.
WHAT | The Flitterbies' off-broom workout.
RATING | To be determined. Presumably low?
STATUS | Ongoing.

For all Draco demanded adherence to a strict Quidditch regimen, he was far from an unfeeling or unreasonable captain. The off-pitch drills he selected were intended to increase flexibility, stamina, and strength-- not to injure or punish. And when practice concluded at 6:00 a.m., he was the individual most exhausted and most drenched in sweat.

Hey! Today is waffle day!

Oh, the weird things you learn.

What's new?

The owl brings with it a fitted athletic jacket in Hydras colours, with "CAPTAIN" embroidered over the left front.

Marcus,

Happy birthday, mate, and many returns.

Caleb

Who: Everyone who received an invitation and their plus-ones, plus anyone who might be in the Three Broomsticks or around in the village.
Where: Fromage, the Three Broomsticks, & Hogsmeade Village
When: Forward-dated to Friday, March 28, evening
What: Birthday shenanigans!
Rating: TBD
Status: Ongoing

--

Cormac's birthday was Thursday and James' birthday was Saturday, so it was a given that their birthday party would be held on the day in the middle, After choosing a three piece suit, it was time to make his way over to the restaurant and get ready for the big night!

The owl carries two chocolate cupcakes with fondant Quidditch decorations and champagne buttercream.

Marc:

I'm awfully sorry I didn't Owl you earlier, love, but happy birthday!

Isabel

(The owl carries a package, which contains a bottle of Bordeaux from the year Marcus was born and a pug-sized dog tuxedo.)

Marcus,

Happy Birthday, mate! Many happy returns.

- Adrian