#roxie hailey

[catohphm]

Weekend With The Grays 2023 Day 2 Prompt - Welcome Ball III

Once again, thanks, @endlessly-cursed for a fantastic event! Prim belongs to her. I also have mentions of Malcolm by @gaygryffindorgal and Roxie by @mjs-oc-corner, who also owns Bella, Danny's ship partner. This short piece of content reveals a brief fashion emergency the couple has before the third Welcome Ball that becomes a funny story for later.

On the day before the Welcome Ball, Danny and Bella spent the hour before the 6 PM deadline re-exploring the spacious expanse of Winbourne. They found their usual guest room in the course of that. An attendant had been there to receive Danny's broom and the couple's rucksacks when they first landed down near the gates. Their belongings were left where they'd be staying during the solstice celebrations. 

Warm laughter and mingling took place that night and the morning before the ball. Friends took the time to catch up with each other and reminisce about the passing year. One friend in particular Danny and Bella hung out with was Roxie, a fellow auror-in-training of his. It was in part due to Roxie’s camaraderie and friendship that made the intense regimen a small part easier for her and Danny. She was best friends with him and even helped foster his romantic relationship with Bella. The former Ravenclaws were like siblings and were inseparable in their bond.

However, a small rush of panic took place for Danny and Bella before the ball. The necklace for her dress was missing before Lady Primrose and Lord Malcolm were to assemble everyone together in the hall.

She realized she had forgotten her necklace. Bella felt around for it and wasn't wearing it.

“Where did my necklace go, love? I had it when I showed it to Prim a few minutes ago.”

“I mean, we can wait until after the ball to find it.” offered Danny.

Bella immediately started for the small seating area where they chatted with Prim. It was adjacent to the dance floor. “Not that, I'd rather have it now so I don't have to worry later.”

He caught up to her. “Relax.” He checked his pocket watch. “Still five minutes until the ball starts. Let's relax, not get hasty. Can you remember where we sat.”

Bella took a deep breath. Alright, okay. Prim… was in the armchair there. We were on the sofa to the left.” Danny pointed to it. “So that's where you think the necklace should be?”

“Yes.” confirmed Bella. “I know Prim couldn’t have saw it because she left right after giving it back to me.”

They approached their sofa. There was no necklace, but Danny had a hunch.

“This is silly, but I think it sunk into the sofa. We should look between the cushions.”

“It's on me, Danny. I heard the announcement for everyone to gather on the dance floor and got up right away without a second. I never thought to look. 

He sent her a reassuring smile before they started digging in the couch. “All's well once we find it.”

Within a few seconds, Danny felt the neck loop and Bella’s hand! They looked up at each other with wide eyes. Both uttered “wa-lah!” They pulled it up together. It flew out of their grip into the hair and into her cupped hands. 

She looked at her love and giggled. “Now that's a new meaning to we found it together.”

Danny grinned. “Bravo, Bella. I'm glad for two, that's us.”

She was adamant now to get back to the dance floor. “That’s enough, silly Danny.” she joked as she ran her arm through his and motioned forward with him. “We got a short window, Let’s leg it back now, love.

After the Welcome Ball commenced, the couple expressed relief at their quick save.

“I dunno,  I would've probably ransacked the chairs and sofa if you hadn't helped me, Danny. Prim wouldn't-

“Worry not.” he finished. “I'm just happy we got your necklace back. You're splendid with it.”

Bella put her hand on her partner’s shoulder and remarked “Thank you, Danny. It's a special one-of-a-kind. Honestly I wouldn't know I'd react if it was truly lost.”

“You're quite welcome. Of course, you got to think differently when the belonging can't exactly be replaced.” he replied.

“I'm glad you understand. Now enough worrying about the past. Let's see what you got this great night.”

Danny reached his hand to Bella’s shoulder, and they began their dance moves. With nothing else clouding their thoughts, they took in the sight of seeing each other's beautiful face. No matter where and how fast they twirled, the blur was at bay, and the sights between them were clear. In a grand collage of music, sweet swaying souls in the arms of the festive hearth, Danny and Bella were at peace.

[catohphm]

Weekend With The Grays 2023 Day 7 Prompt - It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Hey everyone! Hope the weekend went well. This is the conclusion for my part in the 2023 Weekend With The Grays event for Hogwarts Legacy organized by @endlessly-cursed. Her OC Prim is featured in this story, as well as Malcolm, belonging to @gaygryffindorgal, with @mjs-oc-corner's gals Bella and Roxie also involved. Tysm Noe for hosting this wonderful event! 😊 Everyone now has to say goodbye to Winbourne and the Somersets for now, but it's not truly goodbye after all<3

The young couple worked to clean up their spaces and pack their belongings.  It had been a week since the Christmas fun and festivities at Winbourne had begun, and it was now time to go home. Danny and Bella looked back fondly on the past few days as they got ready. This was not the first nor the last stay of theirs, but goodbyes weren't easy. That was just natural, and they well knew not to fret over it. All the guests had to prepare for their departures and make sure their areas were in order before they left. All the while, they traded goodbyes, season's greetings, merry Christmas, and happy holiday wishes.

Danny and Bella met up with Roxie on their way out. 

“I'm sad that this year's celebration is ending but I'm also glad to get back to our auror training together, Danny.”

He nodded and smiled at Roxie. “Me too. In a way It'll cancel out some of the regrets about leaving here after the party's over.

“That's a smart way to think about it. We can't have no regrets though, otherwise we won't miss this place and want to come back as much.”

Bella added “Then me and Danny are going back together with one broom. It's the good little things that matter.”

“It all works out on its own.” he concluded. 

Roxie grinned warmly.

“Me and Danny were talking about going back to my mum and dad's for supper later this evening. Do you want to come over, Roxie?” asked Bella.

 “Aw, that's very nice! I'll be happy to join you all. We'll be making our own way out and see you there then.”

“That sounds great, Roxie. See you soon. Merry Christmas.” said Danny. “Merry Christmas. Talk to you later.” Bella remarked in goodbye.

“Merry Christmas to you both. Be safe in your travels, alright?” The three exchanged hugs.

-

Bags and broom in hand, Danny and Bella were a couple feet away from the gates leading out of Winbourne where they encountered Lady Prim and Lord Malcolm.

“Hello, I hope you all had a wonderful time here for the holidays.” greeted Prim.

“Amazing attire you had as well last night, Danny.” commented Malcolm.

“Many thanks, my lady Prim, my lord Malcolm. The hospitality you offer together never ceases to be grand and greatly warming.”

Bella added “I'm gratified for you both as well as my dear Danny.” She ran her arm around her love's. “The week would never have been this splendid without my love and my friends.”

“Of course.” said Prim. “We do our best Winbourne a place of comfort and happy memories. I'm so glad every everyone enjoyed themselves.”

With a positive outlook, Malcolm also noted assuredly “We have it all in us to keep going no matter what. This place is strong in it's heart, soul and body.”

“That's very thoughtful.” Bella told Malcolm.

“You two are amazing for each other.” complimented Danny.

“Thank you, Danny. We've worked together to overcome a lot of challenges over the past year.”

Malcolm nodded. “I hope we can keep on going and be successful next year. We cannot worry about the coming days though. Ourselves belong in the present, here and now.”

“That's good advice. We'll also keep it in mind moving forward.” Danny said as he smiled.”

“So,” then asked Prim “What do you and Bella have planned later? Other fun gatherings, parties, anything on your minds?”

Bella looked at Danny and then back at Prim and Malcolm. “We and Roxie are going to my parent's for supper.”

“That's wonderful, I hope it also turns out fun for you all. Anything on what your mum and dad are cooking?”

“Bella told me they want to keep it a surprise.” Danny said as they chuckled.

Prim grinned. “Guess you all will have to find out then.”

“This estate isn't gonna get itself back together, so we must get back to it.” Malcolm reminded her wife.

“There are other friends we have to make sure we say goodbye to, as well as see that the grounds and halls are tidied up.” she explained. “We'll talk to you both later, okay? Safe journey home.” Danny and Bella hugged Prim and Malcolm, the pairs wishing each other “Merry Christmas.”

[catohphm]

Weekend With The Grays 2023 Day 3 Prompt - Cocktail Party

This is my third entry in the 2023 Weekend With the Grays, a Christmas - Winter Solstice event for Hogwarts Legacy organized by @endlessly-cursed. She is the creator of Prim, who is mentioned in the story. Malcolm is also mentioned, who belongs to @gaygryffindorgal. Bella belongs to @mjs-oc-corner, who also wrote Roxie, mentioned in the post. In this post, the friends share what Winbourne means to them during the cocktail party in the gazebo.

A change of pace followed the mass extravagance of the Welcome Ball. Lady Primrose and Lord Malcolm had been refurbishing the gazebo outside for a get-together. It was a cocktail party for the hosts and requests to relax after all the dancing the previous day. Part of Danny and Bella, those young souls wished they could dance forever. Yet they looked forward to the other plans their friends look after the estate had in store for everybody.

People had opportunities to chat before the cocktail party, but this gathering was going to be different in some way. The lord and lady would get to join the conversation more and breathe from their duties for a little while. Of course they had to make sure they had a chance to speak with all the guests. That was to come natural yet, since they were people that Prim and Malcolm knew and had invited. The talk around the estate was that a couple who proposed at midnight would have one of them taken literally off their feet. 

Danny and Bella were joking about the gossip while they huddled together on one of the benches of the gazebo, which was shared by Prim, Malcolm and a few other friends. “Oh, Bella, don't even make me bet on who's proposing to their beloved at midnight.” said Danny in response to one of Bella's jokes. “Don't worry,” she then went “it's not like who actually is proposing is that important to know.” Her love finished “I'm just here for the talking circle.” and they shared a laugh. The legend was acknowledged but it ended up helping to enhance the atmosphere and the air of excitement.

Then, Prim just had finished chatting with another friend when she invited Danny and Bella to come and speak with her. She smiled and motioned for them. The couple got off the bench and approached the Lady.

“Good evening, my lady.” he greeted Prim. “Good evening, Danny. I heard you and Bella lost a necklace. Got it back, hopefully.”

“Yes,” spoke up Bella. “It was mine actually. We even reached it with both of our hands and pulled it out in unison.” Prim was a little in awe, but found it humorous most of all. “Really?” 

“Definitely.” answered Bella. “I even told her it adds the new meaning of finding something together.” Prim smiled at this before continuing. “How about you two join me for a bit?” Her friends eagerly sat down with her. They had a moment before she had to check on the others.

Prim asked them “How's your stay at Winbourne been? Been getting to chat with some of our other friends?”

“For sure.” replied Bella as she sipped her drink. “We met up with Roxie. She's even in Danny’s training class for the Ministry’s new aurors.”

“That's wonderful.” the Lady remarked “Roxie has a good, kind heart. I feel that's quite warming to hear. I'm glad she's there to help you get through the course each day, Danny.”

“It wouldn't be complete without her there.” he said affirmingly. 

“Winbourne would be very different without you all here.” added Prim. “For years we've been close as friends. Even more, everyone's bonds growing is such a happy thing to witness.”

Bella, excited in her tone, asked “I guess you could say this is our Winbourne family.”

“Yes.” Prim agreed. “That's how I want people coming over here to feel. This estate, it's a special place. Not just any estate. I made it a point that I would also put the work in to look after these grounds. I inherited it, yes, but privileges you get just cause don't hold a candle to efforts you're invested in for a while. They're nice and useful, but the happiness of others beyond these walls also of value to me, not just myself, my husband and the Somersets.”

“That's well said, my lady.” Bella said. Danny reacted confidently. “I've never thought much of nobility but Winbourne shoots above all else. It's got the tender love and care most think are lacking in the high class.”

The three then shared a toast. Bella then asked Prim a question. “Do your wishes for your life as a viscountess and Winbourne help you in tending to the responsibilities of your role?” In agreement, Danny commented “no one should assume it’s like a stroll in the garden.” 

“Truly so. Remember when I was growing up, I saw the point of privilege on it's own as dull by the time we were old enough for Hogwarts. I want to make a difference in people's lives. What I have here available just helps me in the path of achieving that.”

“It’s a very fair point, Prim.” noted Bella. No matter where you are, we're always supporting you.”

“You can always count on us like we can count on you throughout our own endeavors,” said Danny.

Prim nodded. “Thank you, Danny and Bella. It's a part of the reason why you two here always have a place here at Winbourne. I must now see how the other guests, our other friends are doing. I hope you two enjoy the rest of the party.”

“Thanks again, my lady.” said Bella as the Prim got up from her seat and began to depart. “It's always anytime.” she went before leaving to catch up with the others.

“Let's get some more drinks and come back over here.” Bella then offered her love. “How about we make these two for the place Winbourne has in our hearts?” suggested Danny. “That we get onto.” she went as she motioned up with him and off to refill their glasses.

Their bonds with Roxie and Prim enjoyed a great mutual commonality. It was many years running. Since at least their first year it has been a thing, and it is well-cherished by the friends. The gradually maturing romance between Danny and Bella further reinforced the association amongst the four. Prim's efforts to make Winbourne a welcoming space to her friends made it a spot where many lifetime pairings of love started. It brought credibility and fondness back into the legend of midnight proposals.