Run away, start a riot.

[luciahornby-blog]

“Presents from fans aren’t exactly common, but they’re not unheard of. And I tested it out with all the usual charms, but there was nothing suspicious except the lack of a note. Generally people like you to know where to direct your gratitude.”

“It’s possible, definitely, but like I say, fans do like to give gifts sometimes. Hmm, it’s fun to see behind the curtain like this - I never thought about all the detective work behind your scoops.” 

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“Fair point. It’s curious, really, that nothing was tampered with, considering the lack of note. It’s kind, though. Impressive, really.”

“It’s surprising how much searching there is behind something as simple as a gossip column, isn’t it? No one ever expects there to be that much effort. It’s just gossip, after all. Everyone, anyone, can come up with good gossip.”

[luciahornby-blog]

“Now that would be a sight. I’d pay good money for front row seats if that ever happened, maybe even bring a photographer so I can relive the moment Pyxis Travers’ ego was finally crushed.”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“It’d be a brilliant moment, honestly. One of these days, perhaps I can talk a paper or a foundation to sponsor an event like that. Surely the League would get behind it as easily as they do these.”

[elenarowle-blog]

“It’s possible that it’s just a case of the knotgrass being greener on the other side of the fence, but it certainly feels like we’re falling behind there, yes. Still, I’m sure they have their own issues, and at least now we have people in the spotlight ready to talk about these sorts of things, and reporters who will portray it in a positive way.” She nodded towards Hazel, even though she was basing the comment solely off their current conversation, not ever having paid enough attention to who was writing what in their articles to have seen if Hazel was one of the better ones or not for staying away from more harmful discrimination. “That’s appreciated. People will enjoy any sort of scandal. In some ways me being on the Harpie’s main string is more reason for them to try.”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“I’m certainly no stranger to scandal -- I make my living in it, really -- but there are some things that just shouldn’t be touched, in my opinion. Speculated connections solely for a Pureblooded last name are one of those things. Especially when you consider how many different branches there are of Pureblood families, and how many of those last names are equally common in the Muggle world. I prefer my scandal to actually have a realistic base to it, rather than just easily found rumors that anyone could access if they so chose. It’s unfortunate, of course, that few other reporters seem to want that. Especially the young and new ones.”

[luciahornby-blog]

“I did get one of those, actually! Someone left a bottle of wine in my locker last week - it was absolutely divine, I have to say, they have very good taste.”

“Although, if they’re giving Bats presents too, maybe their taste is more questionable than I thought.”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“Curious... You weren’t alarmed at all, at getting a bottle of wine from someone you don’t know the identity of? It was unopened and all?”

“Whoever’s sending them seems to be an equal opportunity gift giver. It’s been happening all across the League this year. And last season, it started happening toward the last month’s games. The year before it was only in the very beginning of the season. I don’t know that it’s the same person every year, of course, but if they’re playing to your tastes as they have been to others... There’s bound to be a connection, surely?”

[luciahornby-blog]

“I know you’re obliged to say that, but it’s too kind all the same. It’d be disappointing if I wasn’t, really, and I suppose that’s one reason to keep everything anonymous - a fair few egos might be crushed once the bets came in.”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“Oh, but aren’t the crushing blows to the biggest egos the most fun things to see? It sounds harsh, but it’s always amusing for me. Consider how many Bats will never look at themselves the same, after all.”

[laurienshafiq-blog]

“You’re going to write a story about it. I already know.”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“I guarantee you, I won’t write a thing about it. A rumor spread by one of your rivals is hardly the substance I like for an article, after all. I prefer to find my own truths.”

[crispinpratt]

“Hm. I suppose. But he might start thinking he’s better than me, if I do something like that. I don’t think you understand my brother.”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“A gift relating to his team might make him think he’s better than you, how? It’s not as though you’re implying he’s going to win the season or something to that effect.”

[bevinjonesy-blog]

Owen had accepted the explanation so quickly, that Bevin couldn’t help but look down at him with a mix of pride and wonder over his child’s innocence. "That’s pretty perfect timing. I won’t have to watch so much how much I’m drinking, either, if it’s the end of the season,” Bevin commented, running with the story that usually he stuck to one or two pints out of consideration for his body and health for the game. As soon as the words were out of his mouth, though, he realised that he was getting close to committing himself to playing a final without any pain medication, just so that he could drink later on. “Of course we’ll get to the finals,” he told her, covering up his internal wince with a cocky grin.

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

Hazel did always wonder if Bevin’s injury remained as bad as she thought it was, bad enough that he would need pain management potions prior to playing games, especially the high stakes games that could go on for hours even at their shortest. He covered himself quite well, though, and though Hazel sometimes doubted the sincerity of that cockiness, she appreciated it and refrained from calling it out as well. Offering a wide grin in return, she shook her head slightly. “I don’t doubt you will,” she returned simply. “You’re a shoe in for them, just as always. A bit of added motivation in the form of a bash is helpful, though, no doubt.”

[elenarowle-blog]

“I know,” Elena sighed, at the comment about the legality of the shop keeper’s actions. “But there should be a law against it, anyway. I always felt the same. If it were because of something I had done, I could understand it, but barring me because of something some distant relatives I never even met did before I was even at Hogwarts?” She shook her head. Though she knew perfectly well that those people were in no way related to her, and also that her adoptive aunt had also been swept up in some Death Eater activity, she had grown so used to her cover story that she was speaking from her heart in expressing her sympathy for Hazel’s situation. “And here… Well, that’s discrimination and it’s a little jarring to know that is still going on while people are lauding the Ministry for putting a supposed end to discrimination, just because we have blood status equality laws.”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“There certainly should be laws against it. More intensive laws than we have for blood status equality, I would think, though even those are difficult at best to enforce. Perhaps one day, we’ll get them. It’s an unfortunate thing, that the Wizarding World always tends to fall behind the Muggle world with acceptance and whatnot. But one day, one day we’ll get there. We’re light years ahead of them with regard to the medical process of this, just not the legality side.” She shrugged a shoulder slightly, looking back toward the shop for a moment with a sigh. “Having a last name so associated with the Dark Arts has certainly done you no favors either, I’m sure. If there’s one thing I stray away from when writing, at least, it’s that kind of speculation. It’s awful to still see it happening, I don’t know how they get away with it when you’re as high up in society as you are now.”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“This is going to sound like an odd question, I’m sure, but with the bites I’ve been getting recently, I have to ask.”

“Quite a few Quidditchers have been receiving anonymous notes and gifts in their lockers this season already -- including Pyxis Travers from Ballycastle and Carmine Clark from Kenmare. Have you been receiving them as well?”

[luciahornby-blog]

“Oh, that would be brilliant! It almost makes me wish this wasn’t anonymous, although it does make the whole thing more exciting. Plus, it would be nice to know who my admirers are.”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“The anonymity is certainly brilliant fun, though a touch disappointing. I do wish they’d do an auction that wasn’t blind once a year as well as this one. Proceeds still go to charity, but it helps to determine which Quidditchers are really the favorites -- and no doubt you, my dear, would be top of that list, if that were the case.”

[laurienshafiq-blog]

“Please ignore Will Davidson. He’s a Magpie, he’s got no clue what he’s talking about.”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“I can’t say I make a habit out of talking to Will Davidson, personally, but I must ask, what is it that he’s saying you’ve done now?”

[crispinpratt]

“I’m socially obligated to buy my little brother something for his birthday, but I don’t know what to get him. What do you get someone who already has access to anything they ever wanted?”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“You’re talking about Vance, right? The new Harpies owner?”

“I would get him something relating to the team. Maybe a set of winter wear, or personalized jacket, something to that effect. A congratulations for owning the team and an almost personal gift in one.”

[battychaserfawcett-blog]

“Of course I am listening. It then went…poof?”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“Yes, that’s it. It went poof, left a bit of powder on my desk in its wake and nothing else. Bugger made me think it was a tip, and now my desk’s still stained blue from it.”

[luciahornby-blog]

“I wouldn’t miss it. Will you be placing a bid, or just reporting on the event?”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“Placing a bid, for sure. I can’t resist now that I have the funds to afford it, you know? If luck’s on my side, I’ll get someone brilliant at that. You, if I might say so, would be brilliant to get a day with.”

[ballycastlebeater-blog]

“Christ, you really have no remorse, do you?”

“I’d wish you luck, but we both know how insincere that would be. Plus, the outright lie would probably go against my position as one of the ‘morally sound’.”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“I don’t have room for remorse anymore, love. Not with what I write.”

“I’ll take that as a wish for luck nonetheless, and offer you the same. You’ll need it.”

[holyheadharpy-allora-deactivate]

“I’m better making friends of small animals than I am of people. I usually wait for friends to approach me, not the other way around. These fans usually see me flying past, a mile away and going the speed of light. I don’t think anyone can look impressive on the ground after that. I’m going from titan to dork.”

[gossiphazelortiz-blog]

“They’re not expecting the world of you, at least. Personally, I find your humility adorable -- and I’m sure the vast majority of the bidders would agree with me on that. You’ll be just fine, I’m sure. You may even get the luck of winding up with someone you already know; your Captain, perhaps, as they often have high bids.”