Scribblings of an Eccentric Writer

( Application for BILIUS WEASLEY )

Does your character know Bilius? Bill's intro post

( Family Ward )

( Friends Ward )

( Drinking Buddies )

( People who know he's gay )

( Pets )

I learned to milk a goat today. Quite the experience and I might have to work it into a novel sometime. You don't expect them to nibble so darned much but I've been assured that it's not a threatening nibble. Goat's milk makes for delightful cocoa, which is nice to enjoy as the sun sets over the alps.

Also, mountain lakes make for very cold swimming. But incredibly refreshing. I could definitely get used to this view though.
( wave your wands )


[Warded to Friends and Family]

Even though our cottage is in the middle of nowhere in the alps, I may try to head into one of the towns this weekend. Anybody want anything from Switzerland? Chocolate? Whatever else they make here?

[Warded to Friends and Family]

I'll be out of the country from tomorrow until Sunday night. I'll have my journal if you need me.

Don't have too much fun while I'm gone.

Happy Beltaine / May Day Everyone! Come by Hogsmeade if you can - the May Pole is decorated, there are flowers galore and plenty of frolicking to go about. I'll be helping pour pints for those of legal age. And I might be in a themed costume, but you'll have to show up to see that.

But, the most important part of today - THE MAY QUEEN!

Allow me to present this year's May Queen - Her Highness the Lovely Rosmerta Diggory!
( wave your wands )


I would be remiss if I didn't include the words to the song that I've been humming all day: ( It's May! The Lusty Month of May! )


( Private )

Well, yesterday was certainly interesting.

Spent last night at Queen Maeve's Playground in Dublin - I highly recommend the "Maeve's Tear" drink there by the by - and heard the most interesting song by Darren Stalks. The refrain, which was sadly absent from Miss Skeeter's article, went something like "Bagnold's all right but in the dark of the night, the Order's got my back."

Interesting, for certain. But apparently it's not alright to sing something like that as there were law enforcement officials on the scene.

Speaking of, my dear Rita Skeeter, I felt offended that you didn't ask another fellow writer and witness for a comment on last night's events. Surely you couldn't have missed my dashing good looks or my flaming ginger hair. I had an excellent vantage point from my spot at the bar. Surely you must rectify this tragedy somehow.

There's been all this talk of animals going about and well, I'm proud to announce that One of my dogs will be having puppies in a few weeks. I'm kind of at capacity for dogs in my house, so I'll be looking for good homes for the puppies. They're half Old English Sheepdog and half Newfoundland.
( Wave your wand for photos of their parents )

It'll be a few weeks before the puppies are born and then a few weeks after that before they can go home with folks, but just thought I'd see who's interested.


[Warded to Ced, Eloise, Arthur & Molly]

Maybe this is too soon and maybe this too much, but what would you guys say to a dinner - the four of you, me, and Abe. I know it might be a bit odd, but well, I thought it couldn't hurt to ask.

In separate news, I'll be away the first weekend in May

Best way to start off the week? Ice Cream from Florean's along with a Welsh Green in London. Brilliant Celebration for Saint George's if you ask me.

[Warded to Nic Mason]

Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. I was intrigued by your portfolio and I'd love to sit down and meet with you about the project. Or I could just send you the manuscript if you'd prefer.

[Warded to Friends & Family]

Marriage Equality. I'd never heard the phrase before yesterday. It's apparently the sentiment that anyone can marry anyone, with both parties being able and willing to do so, while being of legal age, regardless of blood, race, or sex. I'm not sure if this is just a few crazy idealistic kids or if it's an actual movement. I'm not crazy for thinking that "Marriage Equality" is as feasible as Merlin walking into the Ministry and overthrowing the Wizengamot, right?

Apart from all that, we're in the middle of a fucking war. This is the way it has always been. Men and women get married and have families if they wish. Women who love women are outside the law, but men who love men?

In the muggle world, it was only in 1967 that private acts of 'buggery and indecency between men' were decriminalised in England and Wales. Do you know what that means? It means that men who kiss or shag in public or in a hotel could still be imprisoned. Or in a house when a third person is present. Do you know what was said when that law was passed:

Homosexuals must continue to remember that while there may be nothing bad in being a homosexual, there is certainly nothing good. Lest the opponents of the Bill think that a new freedom, a new privileged class, has been created, let me remind them that no amount of legislation will prevent homosexuals from being the subject of dislike and derision, or at best of pity. We shall always, I fear, resent the odd man out. That is their burden for all time, and they must shoulder it like men—for men they are. - Lord Arran

How can one even conceive of so-called marriage equality with that still being the prevailing sentiment?

In Scotland, it's only this year that homosexual activities between adults have ceased to be illegal. I know the wizarding world doesn't have the same laws as the muggle world, but we are not completely separate and many of our lives take us into both world.

Yes, I've always wanted to have a family of my own, but I've come to the understanding that it's not in the cards for me. I love weddings, more than the average person, but that's the Weasley romantic. But in finally sharing my perversion orientation with people, well, that's another thing that went out the window.

This is all rather pointless blathering, because there are much more important things at stake - innocent people being killed for no reason at all. I've no desire to detract from the war effort in any way.

[Abe]

Which works better for you to take some time off work for a surprise holiday trip - April 27-29 or May 4-6?

( Private )

[Nicole Mason]

Are you still interested in being considered for the illustrator job for my upcoming children's book?

[Abe]

Should we-
We need to-
I think we-
Are we going to keep avoiding the elephants in the room? My mindhealer claims talking things out is the only way to move past them and heal so I can get back to normal. And I want to get back to normal.

[Eva]

How are you doing? Recovered from your hangover? How goes your reading?

I've barely written a word the past two weeks. So I ask for your help, loyal readers. Ask me (or any of my characters) a question, or give me a colour and a noun and I'll write you a scene. I need to jump start the creative juices lest they stagnate.

I believe twelve year old boys are on the cusp of circus age. We had a grand old time with them at the circus yesterday, but I think they might not enjoy it as much on their next trip home from Hogwarts. I would have loved the chance to take them to a quidditch game, but alas, we're still a few players short of a full Weasley on Weasley game. And Ron is probably too young to playing quidditch. Yet. Give him another year or two.


Warded Private

It's been a week since I've had anything to drink. I feel I should want it, but every time I look at the bottle I just see last week and then Arthur dropping the bottle on the floor. And just seeing Colin instead of Abe. What was I thinking?

I still haven't told Miriam everything - how can I? Yes, it's not illegal, but it's not exactly encouraged. Not to mention I'd rather not out Abe without his permission. I'm sure he'd understand because it's a healer. This would be much easier if I could just drink and not think, but what if something happens. I can't risk that right now.

Aberforth

I checked in downstairs. Everything's quiet. Are you going to behave / be all right when I head to the mindhealer tomorrow? I could postpone it if you need me around.

Need anything from downstairs?

Private

Fuck. Aberforth. He came home all bloody. I had thought he was downstairs at the bar and the next thing I know, he's stumbling in and there's blood everywhere. I saw something like that last weekend. Aberforth covered in blood. But then I was the one who did it. I had thought it was Colin at forth, but it's easy enough to tell the two apart, even in my dreams. There was no blood when Colin died. Tonight though - I admit that for a brief moment, I wanted to run. To not get hurt again. But in the same moment, I couldn't. I didn't want to, I just wanted to stay. To make sure he'd be all right. Thank Merlin it was nothing too serious. I think Cedric would have come if I'd had to call him but I'm glad I didn't. It's funny, taking care of someone like that, I- I'm glad I was here. I can't bear the thought of him being alone like this.

He won't tell me what happened. But he comes home injured, bloodied, when The Prophet publishes an article about a Death Eater-Order battle. I asked him when I moved in if he was a Death Eater and he said no I believed him. I still believe him. He may be many things, but I don't think he's a Death Eater. Which really leaves only one option. It only bothers me because it makes me worry. I want him to tell me. But I'll stay regardless. I know all about keeping secrets. We all have our reasons. I don't like the thought of him putting himself in harms way, but he's a stubborn old git. He's my stubborn git.

When I saw the paper - Ottery St. Catchpole - my heart jumped into my throat. Thank Merlin that nothing happened to Arthur, Molly or the boys. The burrow can be rebuilt, but family can't. Not in the same way.

Considering everything that's happened in the past week, Abe and I probably need to talk. Although if we've survived the past week, I think we'll be okay. How much more shite can the universe throw at us? Never mind. I shouldn't tempt the fates that way.

[Warded to Fiona Rookwood]

I still owe you a drink - when might you be available? Also, I have a question which I hope won't be too offensive.

[Private - Abe can Read]

Survived mindhealing today. Can I just say I despise that? I come out of feeling like my brains have been turned to jelly and want to do nothing but bury my face in Nana's fur. Maybe I should ask if I can bring the dogs to the next session.

I haven't wanted a drink since Mungo's. It's strange. Looking at whiskey makes my stomach turn. The follow up report from the staff at Mungo's said that the curse wasn't all that serious - that my mind was just extra susceptible to it and made it a lot worse. I'm not sure if it makes me feel better or worse. I suppose I should be grateful it didn't last longer than it did. I- I'm shaking. Every time I think about what I did, what I said, what I saw. I'm a bloody coward. I couldn't land a hex back then.

I just want to forget this ever happened.

[Miriam]

Could I bring my dogs to our next session? Having them there might help me talk about things.

Apologies for the last few days. I haven't been myself.

[Warded to Friends and Family]

sorry for the past few days. I'm- they say it was a curse but I'm better now. Should go home from Mungo's today.

Happy Easter. Cherish what you have.

Rosencrantz: I don't believe in it anyway.
Guildenstern: What?
Rosencrantz: England.
Guildenstern: Just a conspiracy of cartographers, then?

I'm thinking of acquiring a kelpie for the bathtub. Maybe a miniature one. After all, they have miniature poodles and miniature horses so why can't there be miniature kelpies?

Also, I'd like to take this moment to extol the virtues (and lovely figure) of one Ms. Celestina Warbeck. Beautiful witch with a beautiful voice.

You know what's good? Coffee with Irish Cream. You know what's better? Irish Cream and whiskey with coffee.

Two quotes today for two cups of coffee from Tom Stoppard:

Rosencrantz: Do you think Death could possibly be a boat?
Guildenstern: No, no, no... Death is "not." Death isn't. Take my meaning? Death is the ultimate negative. Not-being. You can't not be on a boat.
Rosencrantz: I've frequently not been on boats.
Guildenstern: No, no... What you've been is not on boats.

No, no, no... you've got it all wrong... you can't act death. The fact of it is nothing to do with seeing it happen — it's not gasps and blood and falling about — that isn't what makes it death. It's just a man failing to reappear, that's all — now you see him, now you don't, that's the only thing that's real: here one minute and gone the next and never coming back — an exit, unobtrusive and unannounced, a disappearance gathering weight as it goes on, until, finally, it is heavy with death.

( Private )
End Private

A bit of Shakespeare for your reading pleasure:
Done to death by slanderous tongues
Was the Hero that here lies:
Death, in guerdon of her wrongs,
Gives her fame which never dies.
So the life that died with shame
Lives in death with glorious fame.
Hang thou there upon the tomb,
Praising her when I am dumb.
Now, music, sound, and sing your solemn hymn.

Pardon, goddess of the night,
Those that slew thy virgin knight;
For the which, with songs of woe,
Round about her tomb they go.
Midnight, assist our moan;
Help us to sigh and groan,
Heavily, heavily:
Graves, yawn and yield your dead,
Till death be uttered,
Heavily, heavily.
-Much Ado About Nothing, Act 5, Scene iii

Warded to Mighty Quills

Since I haven't read about anyone's romantic adventures today, I'm assuming things are back to rights. I know it's short notice, but I suggest a Mighty Quills meeting this Tuesday at 7 o'clock so that it doesn't interfere with those who have children coming home for the extended Easter hols.

Well, yesterday was entertaining. Luckily, the patrons at the Hog's head pub weren't too upset that I switched a few of the liquors around. Sadly, the art is no longer on display in Hogsmeade - I would have liked it to be a permanent fixture.

Need to finish my next short story for Witch Weekly but I recently got some excellent inspiration for that so I've already finished my notes and outline. First draft of the children's book has been sent to my editor.

Happy April Fools! Sadly, the climate precludes any pranks on a grand scale, but the spirit is still there. I may have done a little prank at a pub.

Also, much praise to whoever is responsible for the lovely artwork in Hogsmeade today. Saw it when I went out for brunch supplies. Really beautiful and we need more of that sort of thing. Keep up the good work!

Oh, Amsterdam, my love. You are such a tease, but it's always joyous to spend a weekend in you exploring your various charms - and sharing them with the uninitiated. Boys weekend out in Amsterdam = excellent way to recover from the Inferi attack.



[Warded to Family and Friends]

I've taken up lodgings in Hogsmeade for the time being, so owls will probably find me faster if they come addressed to me at the Hogs Head. This also means it is much more convenient to meet people for drinks and not have to worry about apparating home. Still keeping the cottage in Wales as an office and for when we want to get away.

Added: I fancy men. I've been seeing Aberforth Dumbledore for a bit and we're moving in together.

Things I do not like when running errands - pouring rain. You know what makes the rain worse? FUCKING INFERI SWARMING THE STREETS!

Nasty unpleasant buggers.


To the witch or wizard I may have accidentally hit with a fire spell, I sincerely apologise. I was just trying to help out the effort and be a responsible citizen. Hopefully I didn't singe you too bad I hope to merlin I didn't actually hurt you. I owe you a drink or two or three. I promise to deliver.

I think of my late parents often, but it seems that on holidays like yesterday, you always feel it a bit more. While I certainly had a drink in my mother's honour, I think it's more fitting and appropriate to share her message with the world - Always purse the truth and do what is right.

Warded to Cedric and Arthur

I think mum and dad would be proud of both of you. It's worth repeating from time to time. Yesterday made me a bit nostalgic.

I probably should have mentioned this earlier, but I didn't know what was going on, but it's been a few weeks now so it seems worth sharing - I'm seeing Aberforth Dumbledore.

I know it seems a bit odd and all, but it just sort of happened by accident and we get on pretty well and the sex is fantastic and he understands my idiotic tendencies and where I'm coming from. So, er, just, well, wanted to share.

Warded to Anne, Ros, Jack

I'm sort of seeing Aberforth Dumbledore. Seems weird, I know, but it works and we're happy.

Warded to Aberforth

Cat's out of the bag.

Also, we should do that lunch and a film thing again some time. You don't mind me leaving stuff at your place, do you?

( Private )