Bless Your Heart

Ruby Wilkinson | 42 | Member of MACUSA Stars and Stripes Forever

[rubywilkinson]

savannah-wilkinson:

Savannah had allowed Ruby Wilkinson to guide her to an empty classroom under the promise of a special surprise and Savannah bubbled with excitement. Her mama’s surprises were the best, and she sat on one of the desks grinning. She took the gift into her lap, it was quite large and Savannah tilted her head curiously at the box. “Mama!” She breathed, “What on God’s green Earth did you do?” Savannah asked, turning the box to find a seam in the paper. She hadn’t expected a large Christmas this year, being away from home in another country, but still her parents had made it special. She couldn’t believe her mama had luged this box all the way from home for her.

“Oh, it’s just a little present, darlin’, don’t carry on so.” Ruby waved her hand, but she was very pleased with how excited Savannah seemed to be about the gift. It had been a spur of the minute decision to buy it and to bring it, but Ruby loved spoiling her children. And she knew that Savannah didn’t feel it as much - Ruby was harder on her daughter. Savannah was their oldest, and the one who would carry on the family legacy. Beau would carry on the name, but Ruby was very realistic about her son’s prospects. She wanted so much for Savannah, and she needed to be the very best to accomplish it all. “You can be messy, sweetheart, there’s no need to save the paper.”

[rubywilkinson]

momelinebones:

dadwardbones:

sawyerwilkinson:

Sawyer had been separated from Ruby, taking in the unfolding scene with absolute horror. It’d only been minutes ago that he was going into one of the flower shops, eyes set on buying his wife something to brighten up the winter weather. It was then that he heard the screams… they sounded like war. He’d burst through the doors, wand in hand. Sawyer was a skilled wizard, cursing some white cloaked henchmen set on attacking a child. Immediately he scanned the scene for his family. God, where were his kids in this mess?! Were they alright - he had to find Ruby. Sawyer ducked as a fire curse hit the building next to him, setting off towards the street. He had to find his family.

Time felt like it was passing at an abysmal pace, and the worried only grew in his mind. Was this what Hogwarts was like? He knew of the climate, the Dark Lord and Grindelwald… but he never imagined that they would have the audacity to attack students. Children, some not much older than 12. His wife’s voice broke him out of his mind, terror and relief rushing over him. “Ruby!” He shot a deflection curse, blocking a stray, haywire spell. He had to hold her, to make sure that she was real. Sawyer’s arm shot out to touch Ruby’s face. God, she wasn’t hurt. Not that he could see. He would have to thank his lucky stars. Her words brought his attention to a struggling couple, not too far ahead. “I’m fine- you? Are you alright?” His mind whirled a mile a minute and he grabbed Ruby’s hand pulling her in the direction of the couple. There was no time for introductions, not in their given situation. “What can we do?” He yelled over the screams that came from down the street. His eyes looked on the man, then to the woman. This was a nightmare.

@dadwardbones​

Bloody Acromantula venom. It had been weeks since the attack, and still Edward Bones didn’t feel back to his usual self. He tired much more quickly and even the wound on his leg was taking an eternity to heal. Hobbling through the thick of the fighting in Hogsmeade, he felt like an old man. He didn’t like that feeling one bit. Hurling curses, hexes, and protective spells, Edward Bones had a duty to not only protect his wife, but everyone else in the streets as well. It was his duty as it was for every Auror stationed at Hogwarts and those that would be making their way here as word of the attacks spread. Edward had been sure to send for backup the minute the attacks started, but so far none had showed. While Edward took his job seriously, he regretted that it meant searching for his children could not be his priority. He prayed that they were safe. 

Standing back to back with Adeline, Edward Bones had never felt safer in a duel. He trusted his wife with his life, not only due to their mutual devotion and love for one another, but because of her skill as well. It was a shame she was behind him, he quite liked to watch her duel, but in his state he could not afford such a distraction. His mind felt sluggish, along with the rest of his body, and he cursed the Acromantula that had taken a bite out of his leg. Still, he wasn’t completely incapacitated. Edward noticed the couple running to meet them, and pointed is wand away from them. He recognized them as parents visiting for the holidays. As long as he could still discern between friend and foe, he was good to go. He was grateful for the offer of assistance, being that Edward didn’t see any of his Aurors close by. “The people in white with Grindelwald’s symbol. We need to stop them and clear the village of civilians.” Edward instructed, letting the couple decide for themselves where they would like to help. Glancing off to the side, he noticed a figure clad in white aiming for Adeline, but her head was turned toward another opponent. Edward threw a stunning spell, hitting his target squarely. 

@momelinebones

Adeline had been defending whoever she assumed was a Hogwarts student, or a family member – anyone who didn’t have those bloody disgusting skulls painted on. She knew, for this attack, she would have to be fighting for two – poor Edward, she glanced behind, furtively, thinking about how her husband was in serious danger. And the kids, for Merlin’s sake, where were they? She’d spotted the attackers using Unforgivable Curses – Adeline resolved to make her way to her children, but she was interrupted by two slightly familiar faces. They had to be someone’s parents, and Adeline was not one to refuse help, not when her husband was struggling to keep up. She nodded along with Edward’s instructions – Merlin, he was always thinking on his toes, even when he was in such bad shape.

Adeline sent a hex at her opponent, when she heard a stunning spell fly past her. She quickly whisked her head around, trying to make sense of the situation, and gave her husband a smile. They were good at this, as awful as this was. “Thank you!” She shouted at the Wilkinsons, turning her attention to them. There was a little girl scurrying around with her hands covering her ears, shouting at the top of her lungs. Adeline pointed at the girl, her eyes filled with horror – “Keep the children safe!”

She wanted the chance to stop and bask in her husband’s presence - and there was an ever-so-brief moment where she just couldn’t help herself, and leaned into the touch and smiled up at him. “I’m fine, not hurt.” But she wasn’t a fool, and she didn’t let herself get lost in the moment. There would be time for that later, when they were safely back at the castle and they knew the children were safe. For now, her attention was on Edward and Adeline as they ran to join them. Her stomach twisted at his words - Grindelwald - and she shot a look of panic in her husband’s direction. It was more imperative than ever that they find the children. How the hell had she forgotten it was Grindelwald? 

With a quick nod, she ran in the direction of the girl Adeline pointed out, firing off a shield charm and then a blasting curse at the nearest Grindelwald supporters. Grabbing the girl by the arm, she pulled her out of the way and pushed her in the direction of the other adults. There were a few other stragglers, and she turned in their direction, firing off several more defensive spells as she raced toward them.

@sawyerwilkinson​

[rubywilkinson]

Who: Ruby and Sawyer Wilkinson and Edward and Adeline Bones When: January 4 Where: Hogsmeade Village

Ruby had her wand out, up in a defensive position as she moved through the unfamiliar streets of Hogsmeade; the village that had been so charming and quaint a few hours ago was now a trap for someone who had never been here before. She didn’t know what was going on, although she had appraised herself of the political situation before they came. At the moment, she couldn’t recall the difference between the groups - and it was unimportant. She needed to find her husband, her children, and a way out of this mess. After splitting up with Sawyer earlier, she wanted nothing more than to see him and the children again - and there he was.

“Sawyer!” Pulling up the hem of her dress, she ran in his direction as relief flooded through her. As long as they were together, she had absolutely no worries about their safety. Her attention wasn’t solely on him, and as she ran, she spotted a familiar couple beyond him - Edward and Adeline, she remembered meeting at least Adeline at the Christmas ball. It didn’t look like Edward was doing well, and while Adeline was more than capable, Ruby knew they couldn’t just leave the other couple. As she reached her husband’s side, she pointed behind him. “We have to help them, and then find the children. Are you hurt?”

@sawyerwilkinson

[rubywilkinson]

Who: Ruby and Savannah ( @savannah-wilkinson ) Where: Hogwarts When: January 3

Ruby had honestly planned to give Savannah the dress earlier but what with one thing and another, it just hadn’t happened and now it was well into the new year but better late than never. She and Savannah had acquired an empty room, and Ruby was quite pleased to finally hand over the package, wrapped up in her prettiest Christmas paper. “Now, darlin’, I know this might not be useful but it could, and in case you have an occasion to wear it, I want you to have it here with you.”

[rubywilkinson]

Who: Ruby Wilkinson and open Where: Main street in Hogsmeade When: Midmorning January 4

“Well, bless my buttons.” Ruby moved out of the way of a couple of Hogwarts students who were in a rush to get somewhere; she was in no such hurry, as she was still taking in the sights. One thing England did right was little villages like this. She was quite impressed with it all. But she wasn’t entirely sure where to go first - she should have asked one of her children, but she hadn’t, and she wasn’t entirely sure where Sawyer had gone off to. Spotted someone he knew, no doubt, and was doing what he did best. She took a few steps before seeing what looked like a candy store not far ahead; a lady could always do with a little more chocolate in her life.

[rubywilkinson]

momelinebones:

Adeline peered over the crowd, in search of her children and their dates – she wasn’t too sure if they brought anyone to the ball, what with the current drama that was going on in their lives. She sighed, remembering when her days were full of silly Hogwarts’ drama, and not work issues – Adeline took a swig of her drink and set it down on the table behind her. She noticed someone looking directly at her chest and did a double-take, trying to get their attention. She waved her hand, signalling that she was watching, but they continued to stare – “Hey,” Adeline exclaimed, not believing this. “My eyes are up here, understand?”

Ruby was leaving the bar with a glass in hand, when she heard the other woman speak, and looked up just in time to catch the tail end of the conversation. “He’s certainly old enough to know better,” Ruby said, stepping up beside the other woman and frowning. You ought to be ashamed of yourself, young man. That’s no way to treat a lady.”

[rubywilkinson]

gidecns:

Gideon quickly noticed he’d addressed the wrong person. Color grew on his cheeks and he stood up straight with his hands behind his back, hopefully not looking as embarrassed as he was feeling on the inside. He didn’t mean to insult her and felt a little guilty about his words. It was only then he’d recognized the American accent. Could this be Beau’s mother? Wonderful, now he’d really messed up.

“I’m very sorry ma’am.” He quickly apologized, lowering his head slightly to amplify how bad he felt about the mix-up. Still, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a younger year hastily scurrying off, and Gideon quickly figured they had been the one. “The culprit seems to have fled the scene already.” He shrugged, nodding his chin in the direction they’d gone.

“If you don’t mind me asking ma’am, are you Beau’s mother?” Gideon was curious to know if he’d have to apologize to his friend later too, for the way he’d reacted, so he might just well get it over with and just ask.

Ruby had learned to keep her expressions a bit hard over the years - it was a way to assure the other members of congress that she meant business. But it did mean that in most situations, she looked angrier than she truly was. “Oh, dear, it’s quite all right,” she said quickly, smiling to assure him she wasn’t offended. Her gaze followed his and she nodded as she caught sight of a younger student running off. “Well, hopefully they’ll be a little more careful in the future.” 

Her expression brightened at the mention of her son. Savannah hadn’t really had any information about Beau and how he was settling in at school, and the Lord knew he hadn’t seen fit to write his parents about it. “I am inded. Ruby Wilkinson. I’m afraid we didn’t hear much from Beau the last few months. I hope he’s been behavin’ himself.”

[rubywilkinson]

vikkarkaroff:

Vik turned and noted that the woman was no member of staff that she’d ever seen, naturally piecing together that she had to be a parent. Without another thought, Vik put out her cigarette and nodded her head at what the woman was saying. There was something about smoking in front of parents that made her terribly uncomfortable. Her parent’s leash still tightly wrapped around everything she was, almost hearing their voices in her ears. The visceral disappointment and how she was dragging their name through the dirt, so much so she barely deserved the surname she had. Vik didn’t feel lucky a lot of time, but they’d convinced that if she changed or if she became better she would understand how blessed she was. “Truly, nature offers an untouched reality of what beauty is.” The Gryffindor mused before offering her hand out to the woman by way of introductions. “V-Vik Karkaroff.”

Good heavens, Ruby wasn’t sure she understood quite what the child in front of her was saying. Nature offers an untouched reality of what beauty is - well, it might be accurate but it certainly wasn’t simple to understand. “I’m sure you’re right,” she murmured, taking the hand with a smile. “It’s lovely to meet you, Vik. I’m Ruby Wilkinson. I hope I’m not interruptin’ anything.” There were multiple reasons for students to be outside during the party, and Ruby knew her presence would be unappreciated for most of them. “I was honestly just lookin’ to get back to the Great Hall and I am so turned around.”

[rubywilkinson]

savannah-wilkinson:

beauwilkinson:

sawyerwilkinson:

Sawyer had been by Ruby’s side, until he’d noticed a familiar face. One of the professors had been at his government symposium back home, and like the perfect politician, he was eager to get antiquated. It was calming to know that there were people that he could trust around Hogwarts, people that would watch over his children. Nothing had broken Sawyer’s heart more than sending Savannah and Beau away. He’d always wanted them to be graduates of his alma mater, but the grave situation that dawned on him made him think better. He wouldn’t subject his children to the threats, he couldn’t dare let himself lead them to danger.

As he walked towards the great hall, he saw his wife holding onto Savannah. Sawyer almost felt his heart melt, a genuine smile pulling at his lips. Ruby was the love of his life, he’d had the privilege of calling her his wife. His daughter was a spitting image of her: courageous, intelligent, and charismatic. Savannah, from the day she was born, held Sawyer’s heart in the palm of her hands. In her, he saw the heir he’d always dreamed of… the one that Beau could never rise up to be. Taking a step towards his two girls, he embraced them. It all felt like a dream, and he hoped to god that he wouldn’t wake up. They were finally together, a family unit. The Wilkinsons. “You can’t believe how much I’ve missed you. How much we’ve missed you.”

@beauwilkinson​

Oh Lord. Beau had been stricken with anxiety since his first waking moment that morning. On one hand, he really and truly was excited to see his parents. They would be a well needed taste of home. On the other hand, he was still so angry at them. It was because of them that he’d been forced to say goodbye to his friends. It was because of them that he no longer had a Quodpot team to play on. He was still very much bitter, especially every time he remembered the disastrous fight they’d had back in the summer. Beau had cried to his parents, begging them to let him stay. He hardly ever cried, so this was a big deal. 

In the end, they had ignored his pleas, and here he was, still in England. He couldn’t bring himself to rush down to the meeting zone, apprehensive as he was. He dawdled, walking slow and taking the long way every opportunity that he could. Eventually, no matter how long he tried to prolong it, he made it down to the Great Hall. He spotted his parents through the crowd easily. For some reason, they were hard to miss. They both had their arms wrapped tightly around Savannah. Of course she had gotten here on time. Knowing her, she had arrived early. He approached them tentatively, his eyes taking in the sight of his mother and father. His chest hurt at the sight of them. He really had missed them. Finally, he was close enough for them to spot him, but he couldn’t bring himself to say anything in greeting. Instead, he sort of loitered a few feet away, looking at them hesitantly. 

As Savannah stood wrapped in her parents’ arms she couldn’t remember a time where she had felt as safe and loved as she did in this moment. She squeezed them tightly as if they would disappear from her otherwise. “I can believe it.” She laughed “I missed you both so much I could hardly stand it!” Her parents, her heroes, were two of the people in this world she held dearest to her. She wanted to be just like them. Ruby and Sawyer were strong, loving, and kind people who made a difference in the world. Her family was everything to Savannah and having them here made her feel complete. Almost. There was someone missing. 

Savannah sensed someone watching and turned her head from where it rested on her father’s shoulder. Beau. He stood away from them and she realized he seemed nervous. The Wilkinsons’ parting at King’s Cross station hadn’t been a pretty one. Beau had been upset, fighting until the bitter end against going to Hogwarts. He had spitefully ignored their parents’ letters since and Savannah understood why he might be hesitant to approach them. There was no doubt they would be hurt about that. But none of that was important now. They were together again, finally, and it was time they put the arguments behind them. Savannah untangled her arm from around her mother and held it out behind her, reaching for her little brother. 

There was nothing quite as painful as sending her children away for so long, and no matter how much Savannah missed her parents, it would never be as painful as what Ruby and Sawyer went through. But she wasn’t about to quibble over something like that when they were finally reunited. With Savannah and Sawyer there, the world was almost put back to rights. But Beau - oh, that boy had driven Ruby to tears more times than she cared to think about after they sent the children to Hogwarts. Ruby knew why he was upset and understood it, but that didn’t make dealing with the aftermath any easier. They didn’t have favorites, of course, but Beau had always been her boy in the way that Savannah was her father’s daughter. 

When Savannah shifted, Ruby glanced up as well with hope rising in her heart. Surely Beau wasn’t so angry at them that he would stay away. She disentangled herself from the family hug, holding both her arms out to Beau. She couldn’t apologize for what they did - it had been to protect the children, even if they didn’t know that - but she wanted them to at least reach an agreement. Postpone the fighting for now, they could always resume it alter, but Ruby needed her children. “Beau -”

[rubywilkinson]

vikkarkaroff:

It felt as every single person in Hogwarts had been crammed into the smallest room they could find. There had been so many beautiful and handsome people to contend with that Vik’s artist eyes had become blurred in the sea of colour and fashion. She was in need of a breath, an icy one, a chill to reinvigorate her and pull her from her haze having been subdued by the overwhelming nature of the ball. She leaned against one of the arches in the courtyard holding a cigarette between her fingertips and her eyes finding the bright night stars, watching them twinkle and pulse as if they too were at a gathering of their own. Vik thought her only company was a glass of firewhiskey sat beside her under the arch but she noticed she’d been joined by another. “It’s—” Though she’d allowed herself a breath, it was necessary to try again. “It’s like a different world out here.” Nodding as she spoke, trying to reassure herself that her polite words meant something. 

The school might be growing on her, but Ruby still couldn’t find her way out of it to save her life. She’d managed to find the ladies’ room but as she went back to the ball, she must have taken a wrong turn somewhere and ended up - outside. How peculiar. “Well, bless my buttons,” she murmured, pausing to look around herself. She didn’t recognize anything here, but she did spot another person so she walked in that direction confidently. If nothing else, she could get directions back to the Great Hall. Her nose wrinkled ever so slightly at the smell of cigarette smoke, but she kept her admonitions to herself. “It really is somethin’ else, isn’t it? Just like a fairy garden or somethin’, I declare.”

[rubywilkinson]

gidecns:

Gideon had never been a big fan of stuffing himself into a suit and attending some uptight formal event ━ he felt uncomfortable with the tie around his neck and the shoes he’d gotten shined especially for this, but he would be attending with Molly and Fabian, and that was enough to make it all worth it to him. A large grin had grown on his face as he’d entered the Great Hall with his family, the people he loved above all. He was proud of them, in a way, and liked showing off exactly who he was related to.

As much as he was enjoying their company, Gideon had been intrigued by the Spellbound girls on the stage, playing their hearts out. He’d taken a step forward to listen to them, and then another, and before he knew it, he had lost his siblings and was bobbing his head along with the music. It was a good distraction, this ball, especially with all the tragedy going on in their world right now. It felt light-hearted, pure. It was what they could all use right now.

After a while, Gideon finally realized he’d lost Molly and Fabian while listening to the music, and hastily turned around to find them again, making his way through the crowds until he nearly tripped over someone’s foot. “Oi ━” He called out, trying to straighten himself again. “Could you watch that, maybe?”

It was a very good thing Ruby had packed a nice dress after all. She’d nearly taken it back out of the suitcase but Ruby just had a gut feeling - call it intuition - that she’d need something nice, and she was right. And if the English wizarding community didn’t know how to put on a party, Ruby would eat her hat. The castle was just lovely and all of the students looked so nice - although she had to say, her own two children were the nicest-looking ones there, with Beau’s little date coming in close after them. 

After checking that her children were still enjoying themselves, Ruby had wandered a bit, eyeing the enchanted snow and trying to work out just what spells had been used - she might not be able to recreate the entire thing but she thought she could make it work back home. She did want to make sure that her parties didn’t lose any of their splendor. 

She was distracted enough that she didn’t see the young man walking by but that didn’t mean she was about to accept any responsibility for his near-stumble. “Excuse me, dear? I’m afraid you’re mixin’ me up with someone else.” She was certainly raised better than to poke her feet out and trip people up. Bless his heart.

[rubywilkinson]

Christmas 1977 | The Hogwarts Christmas Ball

[rubywilkinson]

savannah-wilkinson:

Savannah had been pacing the castle the entire morning waiting for the announcement that her parents had arrived. While other students seemed nervous about their families coming to visit, she was absolutely thrilled. She had missed her parents so much and she had been worried about them being in danger back home. To see them safe, and here in person was the only gift she wanted for Christmas. As soon as the announcement was made that family members had arrived, she raced through the castle- not running of course, that was against the rules- moving as swiftly as she could to the Great Hall with the other students who were actually eager to see their families. 

She searched the crowd of excited faces for the ones dearest to her. Savannah could spot her mama’s curls from a mile away, so it was no surprise she spotted Ruby first. This time, Savannah did run, shoving her way through the crowded room toward her mother. “Mama!” She cried, her accent thick on the word as she threw her arms around her mom and squeezed her tightly. The familiar comfort of her mother’s arms, the way she smelled like home, and the fact that she was safe brought tears to Savannah’s eyes. “I missed you so much!” She took a moment to savor the peace she felt being reunited with her mother before pulling away slightly. “Where’s daddy?” 

@rubywilkinson | @sawyerwilkinson | @beauwilkinson

As soon as they’d received the invitation to come to Hogwarts for the holidays, Ruby had been champing at the bit to see her children. They were her whole world, really - she had her career, of course, and it was important, but it would always take a backseat to Savannah and Beau. Even if Sawyer hadn’t agreed, Ruby would have made the trip by herself. The castle was large and impressive - ostentatious, really - but she didn’t care about the decor as she searched through the crowd for a glimpse of her daughter. Ruby wasn’t quite tall enough to look over the heads, and had to wait longer than she liked to spot her daughter.

But when she did, Ruby wasted no time. She didn’t quite run because she had a little more decorum than that, but her steps came very quickly until she had Savannah in her arms. Finally. “Oh, my darlin’ girl, how I missed you!” She didn’t want to let go, but she did, taking a moment to look her daughter over - and reach out to straighten her clothing and tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. “He was right behind me when I spotted you.”

@sawyerwilkinson​

[rubywilkinson]

hopefullupin:

Turning to the other woman, Hope smiled. “Yes, I think taking a few decorating tips from Hogwarts could help us all.” She shifted her coat, offering the stranger a hand. “Is this your first time at Hogwarts?”

“I ought to be able to figure out the charms they used fairly well too, I do believe. We’ll be the talk of MACUSA next year, I’m sure of it. We were quite upstaged  last year, and I’ve not yet recovered.” Ruby took the offered hand for a shake - a firm, warm shake, as she’d been taught the importance of first impressions from the time she was just a little girl. “It is our first time. My husband is - well, he’s here somewhere. We came to visit our children. They just started attendin’ this year. I’m Ruby Wilkinson. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

[rubywilkinson]

motheringmolly:

“Oh, you’re too sweet, no, I’m really okay - Charlie, stop tormenting your brother, give Percy his glasses back. Go on then. And the hippogrif - anywho, yes, dear, perfectly fine. Tell me, have you seen my brothers?”

“Oh, my stars what precious little boys!” Ruby clasped her hands together, beaming at the little redheads. “I remember when my Beau was that age - such a sweet boy he was.” He certainly outgrew that though. “Do you need any help lookin’ for your brothers? I wouldn’t know them from Adam, I’m afraid, but I’d be happy to help if I can.”

[rubywilkinson]

hopefullupin:

Hope pulled her coat off, draping it over her arm as she moved into Hogwarts. Her husband had moved ahead of her, heading to find Remus. She looked around the school, in awe. “The decorations are gorgeous.” She said, to no one in particular.  

Despite herself, Ruby was quite impressed with Hogwarts. It was older than Ilvermorney so she supposed it only made sense that the school was so grandiose. Bit overdone though. They didn’t need to boast about how old their school was. “The decorations are very lovely,” she said, turning to the other woman. “I do think I might take notes for decoratin’ our home next year.”

[needwantcaps]