A Rose Amongst the Thorns

Hi! I'm Flora. It's my dream to become an astronomer. I really enjoy learning about the stars and the planets. I'm a little nervous, but really excited about this project. It should be fun.

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Freedom || Anthora

[mranthonygoldstein]

"No, you’ve ruined the moment." He teased as they walked down the stairs. "Yeah, I guess you’re right. It does sound a little weird to say ‘our’ place. But, I mean, it is our place. And, well, you know, Nate’s when he gets pissed drunk and I don’t let him go home.” He chuckles as they made it down to the main floor. “That sounds perfect, actually. We don’t need to walk past the bookstore and have the owner catch him out with you.” He stopped slightly at the door when he heard her, trying to understand if he had heard her right and if that wink was on purpose. “Did you just…? Whoa, I’ve definitely changed you.” He playfully stuck his tongue out before moving out of the way to let people get into the Leaky Cauldron.

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"You've ruined me, Anthony." Flora replied dramatically. "How will I ever be married off to a suitable man now?" She giggled and all but skipped down the street. "In all honesty, though, it doesn't hurt to keep you on your toes occasionally, and I've missed you." She felt like she hadn't seen him in the longest time, especially during exam time. She'd wanted to do well to get her apprenticeship, so they barely saw each other during that time. "Should we just apparate home, then?"

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Freedom || Anthora

[mranthonygoldstein]

He shrugged slightly. “Eh, you know how he is. I’m trying to get him to open up, but it’s difficult prying open the little bugger.” Anthony chuckled softly as rubbed the back of his neck. “At least we can bond with the books.” He walked over to the bed, about to be gentlemanly and pick up the trunk, when Flora shrunk it and put it inside her purse. “You know, it’s hard for me to be a typical guy when you always do things like shrinking down suitcases so they fit in your bag.” He said jokingly as he placed his hands on her arms. He then kissed her forehead before they started walking towards the door. “Hmm… depends, what did you have in mind?”

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"I'm sorry," Flora joked. "I can resize it if you'd like and you can haul it down several flights of stairs and to your-- our place. It's our place now, I suppose... That's so weird." She grinned incrediously and looked up at him. "As for what I have in mind, I was just thinking it would be nice if you showed me around the apartment and we could just be domestic for a little while." She let him lead her down flights of stairs. "And maybe finish up the tour in our room...?" Winking cheakily, she stepped out into the street and sighed at the freshness of the summer air. "It's so good to get out of there."

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Freedom || Anthora

[mranthonygoldstein]

Life had been good for Anthony. What with a promotion coming his way at the bookstore, to Flora graduating and finally being able to come live with him. Well, I mean, she could of come and lived with him sooner, but they both had decided it was for the best that they stayed apart while she was finishing her studies. They usually never did end up studying when they got together. Unless you counted anatomy, which if you asked Anthony, he did.

As he made his way to the Leaky Cauldron, he couldn’t help but smile all the way there. He was finally going to have someone there for him when he got home from work. Trust me, it’s not as pathetic sad as it sounds. He didn’t need someone there to feel happy, it would just be nice to not sleep alone sometimes. Anyways, as he knocked on her door, he waited until she opened the door before pulling her into a hug and kissing her softly. “Take all the time you need. I have Ernest covering the store.” He said as he pulled away to let her finish packing.

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"Ernest. Oh, how is he?" Flora smiled fondly at the mention of her newest friend. "I'll have to drop in later and say hi." She finished packing and closed the lid of her trunk. She didn't have much and her trunk was barely half full when lid closed. She shrunk the trunk and placed it in her handbag. "Well, I'm ready to get out of here." She grinned, taking one last look around the room to make sure she hadn't left anything behind. "Do you need to get right back to the store or do we have a little time together before you need to get back?"

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Freedom || Anthora

She was done. Graduated. Free. Sitting in the dingy room she had been living in, in the Leaky Cauldron, Flora's hand gently held the diploma she had been given only hours before. She'd been accepted as an apprentice to a well known Astrologer and soon her boyfriend would be there to take her away. Smiling at the thought of the stubborn, self-obsessed Ravenclaw, Flora finally let the diploma go, rose from the spot she had been sitting on the lumpy bed and resumed packing her things. She began to hum as she worked, thinking about how easy things would be from now on. She had been able to stand up to her family with Anthony by her side and she was sure they wouldn't bother her again. 

She had nearly finished when there was a knock at the door and her smile only widened. "Coming." Flora said as she crossed the small room and opened the door, beaming up at the face she had grown to love. "Hey you. I'm nearly ready."

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Sister Dearest || Anthora

[mranthonygoldstein]

It took everything in him to stay calm while he was healing her. Sure, he’d done it before, but that was with Nate. He’d always been this hunky guy that could take a beating, but this was Flora. He wasn’t saying that she was weak and couldn’t take pain. He just didn’t want to be the one causing her that pain. However, he pushed through knowing that he needed to heal her. After he healed her, he dabbed her forehead a few more times before setting the bowl down on the table in front of the couch. He caressed her hand when she held it. “Did you want to take a nap in my bed, Flora? I’m sure it’d do you some good.”

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"No, well only if you come with me." She said softly, a little shyly. "I don't want to be alone. I just want to be with you. Come and lie with me?" She opened her eyes and stared into his. It wasn't sexual. She knew she wasn't ready for that yet, even if it was with him. She just needed to be held, to be comforted.

[astoriadiannagreengrass-blog]

I can believe these babies are nearly five!

[astoriadiannagreengrass-blog]

I know, right? I can tell sometimes he wishes she were more ladylike, a little sweeter. But he hides it pretty well, so I’m appreciative. Hey, they’re healthy, they’re happy, they’re gorgeous. What more can I ask for?

[flower-carrow]

Exactly.

[thenameismatty-blog]

Caught || Flora & Daniel

[thenameismatty-blog]

"Oh. Thanks…" Daniel half smiled, looking down at the mug. She seemed to be okay with it so far. I mean, she hadn’t told him to leave or anything. She’d just offered him tea, which should be a good sign. "Huh? Oh… uh…" He took a sip of the tea before nodding slowly. "It’s been a couple weeks now…" He ran his fingers along the rim of the mug. "Yeah, sorry about not telling you. It’s just been one crazy ride… I’m still not sure what we are, if we are even a thing." He sighed. "It just sucks, you know, for him. He doesn’t care what people think of him, and he’s all for making this more public. It’s just me. I’m the one that doesn’t know." He shrugs. "It’s not that I’m scared or anything, I’m just… confused. I think I like him, but again I’ve never felt like this about a guy before…" He stayed quiet for a few moments before smiling at her comments. "Don’t worry. I promise we won’t do anything without me asking you for permission. Well… starting today, that is."

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Flora laughed gently. "You don't have to ask my permission. I'm more than happy to have him around, just remember there's a very inquisitive 3 year old in the apartment and take precautions. As for what people think, who cares? This is the wizarding world, it's not a big deal here. Besides, wouldn't people have more things to do than worry about your love life?"

[thenameismatty-blog]

Caught || Flora & Daniel

[thenameismatty-blog]

"I sure hope so…" Daniel said, looking over at Wayne. He propped himself up on his elbows and kissed back, smiling as they pulled away. "Yeah, thanks. I’m sure this is going to be loads of fun." He said as he let himself fall back onto the bed, groaning slightly. Finally, he got up from the bed and pulled on a shirt. As he started walking towards the door, Elizabeth came running in and latched on to his leg. He chuckled slightly as he started walking towards the kitchen. "Come on, Lizzy. Let’s go face your mum." He said before exiting his room.

Walking through the living room to get to the kitchen, he smiled at Flora as he made it to the counter. Lifting up his daughter, he sat down on a stool across from his partner and placed the baby on his lap. “Soooo….” He said, looking over at her. “I, uh… yeah…” He didn’t exactly know what to say. Did he have to apologize, did he have to defend his case, did he have to not see Wayne again? He was confused.

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"I made tea." Flora gently pushed the mug of hot tea over towards him. "It's hot, Beth. Don't touch, have some juice." She passed a sippy cup of juice to their daughter. "So... Has this been going long?" She asked, leaning against the counter so her stomach rested against it and sipping her drink. "I have to admit I'm a little hurt you didn't tell me, especially after all I shared with you." She pouted jokingly. "Seriously though, I'm happy for you. You deserve to be happy, Daniel. Just maybe make sure to lock the door and use the right charms next time you decide to have him sleep over, especially if Liz and I are home. We don't need to hear all that." She teased with a wink. 

[astoriadiannagreengrass-blog]

I can believe these babies are nearly five!

[astoriadiannagreengrass-blog]

They’re quite lovely. Abraxas is a little quieter than we’d imagined he’d be, but he’s a sweet boy nonetheless. He’s become obsessed with learning how to read. Right now he’s still a little clueless, but he tries so hard it’s endearing. 

And Lyra… she’s a little tomboy. She gets into trouble twenty times more than her brother, and is proud of it. She’s going to be such an ordeal when she gets older. But it’ll be alright!

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Who'd have thought Draco Malfoy would have a tomboy daughter. [Flora chuckled softly.] I would have thought she'd be a little princess. They sound lovely though, Tori, you must be proud.

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Sister Dearest || Anthora

[mranthonygoldstein]

He nodded, even though she couldn’t see him. “Y-yeah, I should have some in the bathroom. I’ll get them in a little bit. Just rest up for a bit, Flora.” He bit his bottom lip. “I… I don’t want to hurt you… Are you sure about this?” He asked quietly, unsure if he wanted her to hear him being a little nervous about this.

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She sensed his nerves, but trusted him. After the heeling was done she felt much better, but still needed to rest. Flora lay there with her eyes closed tightly. "Thank-you." She said softly before taking his shaking hand once more and squeezing it tighter than she could manage earlier. "You did great."

[astoriadiannagreengrass-blog]

I can believe these babies are nearly five!

[astoriadiannagreengrass-blog]

Amazing! How is she doing? Speaking and everything? 

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She's doing fantastic. Quite the little learner. She's already writing her name and a few other words, if we help her spell them she can write anything. She's even been writing us little stories. My Lizzy has quite the imagination. [She beamed, proudly.] How are your little ones, Tori?

[thenameismatty-blog]

Caught || Wayne & Daniel (& Flora)

[thenameismatty-blog]

Daniel groaned as he let himself fall back onto his bed. How could of he been so forgetful? It wasn’t like him, especially when it came to him and Wayne. But… I guess it wasn’t so bad. Flora hadn’t gotten freaked out or called them any names or anything. And, even though, this wasn’t exactly how he wanted her to find out, it wasn’t like he was completely avoiding tell her. He was still uncertain of what this was. He liked Wayne, but he still didn’t know if he like guys or just Wayne. It was all too confusing, especially so early in the morning.

Looking over at Wayne, he sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “At least she didn’t go crazy, right?” He asked the boy, hoping he’d have something to say to calm him down or something. It’s not like he was having a panic attack, he just needed some reassurance for the moment.

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"Didn't you hear her?" Wayne asked, still a little embarrassed. "I think she's going to support us." He winked and leaned over to kiss Daniel. "I'd better leave the two of you to talk." He grinned and got up, pulling on his shirt. "I'll see you later cutie." And with that he left the room.

Flora was in the kitchen making herself and Daniel a cup of tea when Wayne left the room. "Oh Wayne," She called, leaving the kettle and  going to lean against the bench. "I'm glad you're both happy, you both deserve to be happy." She paused, a serious expression taking over her face. "However, if you hurt him. I will hunt you down and hurt you. I don't care if you're the lead singer of my favourite band." Wayne smiled and nodded. "Don't worry. If I do, I'll let you." Flora nodded and then turned to pour the tea. "You'll have to come over for dinner one night." Flora called as she heard him leave the apartment, but not before calling out that he accepted the invitation. She then waited for Daniel.

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Sister Dearest || Anthora

[mranthonygoldstein]

He calmed down slightly when he felt her hand give his a weak reassuring grip. She was conscious, even if just a little. “Crap!” Anthony said to himself, a little louder than he expected. He had seen the blood that followed the cough. It’s not like he passed out in front of blood, it was just that he was still processing what happened at the door and now this was happening too. Getting to his feet, he walked over to the kitchen and pour a glass of water for Flora. He then grabbed a dish rag and filled a bowl of water with cold water. Walking back towards her, he handed her the glass of water before wringing the rag and dabbing it at her forehead. “Everything’s okay, Flora. I’m here now. Just relax, we’ll fix this. I’ll fix this..”

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She let him dab at her forehead, welcoming the coolness. A small sigh left her lips and she closed her eyes again and let the damp cloth bathe her face. "Do you have any pain reducing potions?" She asked finally, her voice still hoarse. "I'm going to have to guide you through healing me but it will be painful, I'd rather have something to take the bite off."

[astoriadiannagreengrass-blog]

I can believe these babies are nearly five!

These aging spells are scary-effective. 

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I know! It's hard to believe Elizabeth was "born" not too long ago.

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Sister Dearest || Anthora

[mranthonygoldstein]

Anthony had spent the day at home, trying to get the twins to cooperate with him. His mother had owled him earlier in the week, and had her mind set on receiving a picture of her ‘grandsons.’ He had postponed it as long as he could, which was now a bad idea since Sally Anne would be gone all day. Not to mention, his mother had sent over clothing for the boys to wear in the said picture. Groaning, he finally got out of bed when he heard one of the boys start crying. He walked over and picked up Dominick, bouncing him up and down slightly on his hips to see if that would stop the crying.

About an hour later, he had bathed the boys, got then dressed up, and already taken about a dozen photos for his mother. He wanted to make sure that she received one that she’d like, he definitely didn’t want to do this again. The three of them being tired, he got them all into bed and they quickly fell asleep. Half an hour later, he woke up unexpectedly with a sudden jolt. He didn’t know why that had happened, or why he was sweating. Groaning, he got out of bed and carefully moved the twins back to their cribs before heading to the bathroom.

Washing his face, he looked at himself in the mirror before grabbing a towel and drying himself off. Tossing the towel onto his bed, he walked towards the small living room in his apartment and laid down on the couch, his hands moving to the back of his head. He closed his eyes for about five minutes before he heard something banging at the door. Confused, he stood up and walked over to the door and then opened it. When Flora slumped to the floor, he quickly bent down and picked her up, taking her to the couch. “Flora? What’s wrong? C-can you hear me?” He said, putting the back of his hand on her forehead and using his other hand to check her pulse. “F-flora. Please, say something..”

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Flora could faintly hear him speaking and feel herself being placed on the familiar couch, but she couldn't find the strength in her to respond. Slowly and painfully, she reached over and took his hand willing herself to give it a reassuring squeeze. Her body still hurt, why wouldn't it stop hurting. She lay there for what seemed like a decade before finally opening her eyes. The dimly lit apartment was so bright to her that it hurt her eyes. She groaned and shut them again. Turning her head, she brought her free hand up to her mouth and coughed, drawing up blood from whatever was hurting inside her. Damn it. "W-water.." She managed to croak out, her face contorted in pain. She needed to be able to speak so she could instruct him on how to heal her. She couldn't go to the hospital wing, the school would be alerted and her sister would get in trouble which would only lead to more pain on her behalf not to mention Daniel, Lizzy and probably Anthony for helping her.

[thenameismatty-blog]

Caught || Flora & Daniel (& Wayne)

"I don’t know? I think I was, like, twelve when I learned what that was. And then, I didn’t even try it until I was like fourteen." Daniel said to Wayne as they laid in his bed. He playfully slapped at the boy’s exposed chest. "Don’t laugh at me. Not all of us were experienced sex gods at eleven, Wayne." He said before moving to pin down the boy, which turned into play fighting, which later turned into a heavy make out session before it simmered down and became two boys holding each other as they looked into each others eyes. Those eyes shortly grew heavy and before they knew it, they had knocked out.

While they slept, he turned over and scooted back against the boy, snuggling up close to him. He smiled to himself as he felt the boy’s hand drape over him in his half asleep half awake state. After that, he fell back to sleep. They had knocked out, in nothing but gym shorts, unaware that in their fast-paced mission to get into his bed that they had forgotten to lock his door.

Which, as they would soon find out, would not be the best thing to have done with a 3 year old running around who had recently learned that she was now tall enough, standing on her tip-toes that is, to reach doorknobs and turn them to open doors. So… fast forward about an hour to when Flora and Elizabeth come back home and notice that daddy’s backpack is on the couch, causing the young girl to run towards her father’s room. Lizzy being the fast race car that she is, makes it impossible for her mother to catch her before she has opened the door to her father’s room and ran inside, calling out for her daddy.

Stirring in his sleep, he runs his hands over his face to waked himself up. He forgets for a split second that Wayne is behind him, his hand draped over him, but then he quickly remembers and his eyes dart open. He sees his daughter, oblivious to the situation, only wanting some attention from him. And then he looks over at the door frame, seeing a confused Flora. Not knowing what to do, he sorta nudges at Wayne to wake up, and pulls the covers up to cover himself. “I, uh…” He rubs the back of his neck. He doesn’t know what else to say at the moment, not knowing her reaction.

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Flora had taken Lizzy out Christmas shopping. The little girl had wanted to get something for her father, and Flora had seen it as the perfect opportunity to finish the rest of her shopping. She didn't have much money, but she had been saving just for this occasion and didn't have many people to buy for. She'd gotten something for her three closest friends, something for Daniel (plus paid for the gift Lizzy had chosen for Daniel), something for Anthony, and lots of little somethings for Lizzy. As she'd been walking past one store, a gift had caught her eye. It wasn't much but she had wanted to buy something for Wayne particularly because he'd given her a ticket to his show but also because he seemed to be important to Daniel which made him good in her books. 

She'd then decided to treat Lizzy to dinner and had ended up spending the night in Hogsmeade. It was Christmas after all and Lizzy had found it a great adventure. They made their way home early the next morning and the sight of her father's backpack on the couch sent her daughter into a frenzy. She rushed into Daniel's bedroom, but when she didn't hear shouts of "Daddy!" or their laughter, Flora instantly grew worried, especially since her twin sister's threats. She had yet to discuss the events with Daniel and hadn't even seen him since it had happened. She'd spent the whole time with Anthony. Paling, Flora shakily made her way into the room - expecting the worst, only to find her daughter standing several feet away from the bed and her partner in bed with Wayne Hopkins - rock god. Flora was confused but it all made sense. However she was a little miffed Daniel had forgotten to mention that one little fact. Their eyes met and Flora instantly wished she'd put on make-up to hide the slowly heeling marks from a few nights earlier.

Wayne woke and looked at Flora. "Oh... Hey Flora. I forgot to ask, did you enjoy the show." He looked at her sheepishly. Flora nodded, still a little dumbstruck and tried to hide her bruises with her hair. "Sorry, I'll just take Lizzy out while you guys get dressed." She reached forward and scooped up their three year old. "By the way, Daniel. It's about time."

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Hey Anthony,

[mranthonygoldstein]

Nonsense. If you want a new dress, we shall go buy you a new dress. There’s always time for dress shopping. Even if we are late to the ball, you shall have a new dress, Flora.

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I don't need one. Really. Besides shopping is so boring and Christmas is coming up... I have plenty of nice dresses from when I once was a pureblood darling.