An active, character-driven Hogwarts experience set in the early 2000s. Unique items, plots, and features. Non-canon; this isn't Harry Potter's story, it's ours.
Amber hadn’t forgotten her pledge to Kamari Sagemore to introduce her to Joshua. Right after the ending of the Flying Refresher, she had quickly sought her out to reschedule the meet-up to after lunch at the Entrance Hall, while remaining as vague as possible to not reveal anything to her little sister as promised.
That way, all participants would be able to properly warm up and get in a hot meal after flying in this bloody cold for so long. At least Amber had felt that way.
She only had told both of her Hufflepuff friends where and when to meet up, though not why.
Amber wanted to surprise Joshua – and definitely not that he freaked himself out over lunch the whole time.
Now, she waited for both business parties to arrive. While doing so, she started to play with one of her ear studs, a wide grin on her face, her eyes glistening. The whole thing was rather exciting after all!
Post by Joshua Twiggs on Nov 1, 2023 6:06:48 GMT 10
Limbs warmed up, belly full and face lit up with a happy smile, Joshua made his way out from lunch to meet his friend. He was still soaring inwardly about his lucky hat draw. Upgrade his broom for free?
Today really was his lucky day.
He had thanked the officials profusely as he accepted the coupon, almost in a trance. Kody Ashworth had suggested a Moonclaw, Joshua would have to ask him why he thought that was the superior broom to the Ironbark.
Sadly he had been too preoccupied to look for Tobias in that moment, so he didn't know his baby brother's reaction. Had probably eaten a broom that it had not been his name that had been drawn.
Joshua could not wait to tell his parents that he had also won a raffle. Luck was coming up Twiggs this year!
"Amber!" He waved at her as he spotted her standing there. A big grin on his face. as he pulled his House beanie back onto his head. They'd be going out, right? Caine had promised butterbeer.
Post by Kamari Sagemore on Nov 1, 2023 11:22:43 GMT 10
Finally warmed from the fires in her common room and a lunch, Kamari was... content.
She'd seen something amazing today and, thanks to the word of a very nice Ravenclaw girl, she'd gotten a meeting with the maker of some fine jewelry that she'd not seen before. Kamari really liked to see the crafts that others came up with. She thought they were super cool and wished, sometimes, that she could make something like that.
Ideas were one thing, yes, but execution... that was another completely. But still, Amber Lloyd had made sure to tell her when to meet the maker and she'd taken care that it was discrete which, to her, was more than appreciated. She didn't know how to thank her. Well, she did. But she didn't know how it would be taken.
Finishing lunch she made her way to the Entrance Hall as told.
She found herself looking at the back of a red head and Amber's face nearby. She smiled, standing straight, a delicate smile etched on her features.
"I apologize for my lateness, Miss Lloyd. I lost track of time." she stepped beside the red head and gave him a smile. Well, she knew the hair, at least, and from the last Quidditch game, she knew that it was Joshua Twiggs.
"And congratulations, Mr. Twiggs. I am aware of both your father's winnings and now your own! How exciting!" She tried to show she was genuine and warm. Glad to meet the both of them.
She'd thank Amber again later but, for now, she was far more interested in the business she'd asked for.
Post by Amber Lloyd on Nov 1, 2023 14:51:59 GMT 10
Joshua arrived first. Amber immediately turned around to face him, jumping one step towards him and grabbed one of his hands with both of hers. She was just too excited for him!
“Josh, today really is your lucky day!” Amber puffed out her chest proudly, with a bright grin matching his.
“I’ve actually found someone who is interested in buying jewellery from you! Seems wearing the ear studs all the time finally paid off, right?”
Well, not that she actually had worn them only as advertisement. In truth, Amber had almost forgotten to do the advertisement properly. Although, to be fair, there hadn’t been that much opportunities since then for her regarding that…
Nevertheless, she wore them because she simply loved them because the Carnelian ones were beautiful and reminded her of Joshua. Amber refused now to wear any other ones (sadly for her other ear rings stowed away in a box).
Before she could tell Joshua more, Amber's gaze spotted Kamari behind him. She straightened herself, but smiled warmly in her direction, giving her a short wave to come nearer, resulting in only one hand letting go of Joshua’s.
Amber couldn’t help but be impressed about Kamari’s aura. Alone from her posture one just simply knew that she had a higher standing, and Amber automatically tried to match her own posture with hers. But she had no fear in talking to the girl, even if she was of higher social standing. They were just persons after all, like herself, right? Though of course Amber would never be rude in any way! So, she tried to mirrow the manner of speaking from the Gryffindor girl.
“Greetings! You are actually just in time!” Amber smiled at her genuinely.
She glanced shortly between her friend and Kamari as the latter one congratulated Joshua. Well, at least she knew already who he was. Still, introductions were in order. She took both her hands to her again, clapping one time with them in pure excitement.
“Well, shall we get on with proper introductions then?”
Amber looked at Joshua, grinning, and first gave a dynamic wave with her hands in the direction of Kamari.
“Make the acquaintance of Kamari Sagemore, you’re new customer!”
She turned to Kamari and made the same wave now directed at Joshua.
“Allow me to present to you Joshua Twiggs, one of my best friends and personal Jewellerymaker!”
That might have been a bit of an exaggeration, but in business talk that was allowed, right? And it also contained a grain of truth: Amber would never buy jewellery somewhere else anymore. Why should she when one of her best friends did such an excellent job?
Amber beamed at both of them, while her own heart pounded faster. One could believe she would get something out of this, but she simply was so excited for her friend that this was actually happening! Joshua clearly deserved that!
Last Edit: Nov 1, 2023 15:11:25 GMT 10 by Amber Lloyd
Post by Joshua Twiggs on Nov 1, 2023 15:15:48 GMT 10
Hm?
Joshua looked down at his hand that was now held by both of hers. He loved the energy she gave him, matching his own excitement.
"Really?! Who?", he asked with a glance at the orange earstuds that were now as much part of Amber's appearance as her pigtails.
Before he got an answer however, she waved someone over, one hand remaining on his. As he turned around, he gripped his friend's hand more tightly, recognising the girl almost immediately.
He felt rather put on the spot and remembered to close his mouth just in time before he'd greet Kamari with an open-mouthed o-shape.
Kamari Sagemore knew his name? Not just that, knew who he was between him and his twin?
He was baffled. Flabbergasted.
Thankfully Amber took the lead in introducing them properly and Joshua straightened up when she called him the Jewlerymaker.
Ah. Yes. Business. As though he had done that before apart from practicing in the mirror.
He snapped out of his innitial shock and let go of Amber's hand to offer Sagemore a handshake.
"Pleasure meeting you. And thank you."
He flashed her a smile. She appeared genuine and warm. Joshua felt himself ease at that.
His fluttering heart was now more from the prospect of having someone interested in his work, rather than the shock of meeting (another) Sagemore.
"What kind of jewlery were you looking for? Earrings like Amber's? Or rather a necklace, bracelet or ankle bracelet? All locally sourced stone and material."
That was a fancy way to say 'pebbles and stuff I found outside', right?
Post by Kamari Sagemore on Nov 1, 2023 16:13:18 GMT 10
Amber was wonderful, really. She stood straight and tall, and, while the Ravenclaw girl matched her, she didn't try to seem... copying. Was that a thing? Did people copy the way Kamari held herself in company? Back straight, shoulders back, head held high?
She had watched people seem to stiffen when she was around but... did she imagine it? No, she didn't think so. But Amber didn't seem to copy her.
Properly introduced, Kamari offered a nod in greeting. Joshua Twiggs. She'd remember that. Especially considering he held his hand out to shake first. She responded in kind, reaching out to take his hand into hers and offer a shake in return.
Amber was kind to introduce him and, from what she could tell, they were friends. And good ones. Part of her yerned for a friendship like that - something where she could hold a hand with ease and offer playful banter. That would be the dream, wouldn't it?
He asked about what she was looking for and, for just a moment, she considered just saying earrings. That was simple enough but, in reality, she didn't really know what she was looking for. Which was a problem in itself.
"I plan to purchase something for my Mama, my sister, my aunt and, perhaps, myself." she told him honestly, if not a little sheepishly.
"I would love to see whatever you have made if that would be ok. All of them." She'd buy it all if she had to. She'd saved enough.
She lifted her finger to her lips, running the tip along her bottom lip as she thought, eyes closed for a moment.
"I think your stuff is lovely, Mr. Twiggs and I am exceedingly grateful to Miss Lloyd for introducing you to me." She really was. And he was! And they were older than her, too. Locally sourced stones? She didn't much know what that meant but she could imagine.
"Do the stones come from Hogwarts grounds or other places, too?" It was curiosity, really. She didn't mind either way they were just nice!
And even if they were stones from Hogwarts... then Mama may love them all the more as an alumni. Add to that Joshua was a Hufflepuff. So that would mean something, too.
Post by Joshua Twiggs on Nov 2, 2023 7:51:33 GMT 10
"Ah. As for Christmas? What a nice idea."
Joshua felt rather proud of himself for keeping it together, considering just how much he was actually freaking out that his first real customer might be a Sagemore. And that not just one, but four Sagemores might wear his jewlery.
If he made that deal, Amber woukd get a nice souvenir from Japan. The nicest. For being such a great advertisor.
All of it.
She wanted to see it all. Joshua was about ready to do a mad lad dash to his dorm to get it.
Though there was probably an easier idea. That bought them more time.
"Some of them are from Hogwarts grounds. There is a very good spot for finding beautiful stones at the lake, not far from the boathouse."
He smiled at Sagemore, having a new idea all of a sudden.
"I could take you there for stone searching, once the weather is nice again. For a more personal touch in future jewlery, should you still be interested."
Perhaps it was a bit daring to suggest a completely new form of business before even closing the first one. But she had praised his work, and in Amber's words: today was his lucky day.
"But first, of course, I shall show you the pieces I have made already."
Joshua could barely contain his excited happiness as he tried to match the jewlery he had to Alora and Kamari. He wasn’t sure what their mother and aunt looked like, so that was harder to picture.
"I take it you're going home for Christmas? I will pack my jewlery and can meet you on the train, if you can get away from your sister for a while? I could ask my younger brother Tobias to keep her company in the meantime. They are in the same year and house."
Bringing in his baby brother was kind of a wild card. But he was funny, even Joshua had to admit it, and Alora seemed the type to be able to handle that kibd of company, from the little interaction he had had with the girl.
Post by Kamari Sagemore on Nov 2, 2023 15:07:16 GMT 10
"Yes, that was the plan." she said with a nod. Christmas. She didn't get the chance to go to Hogsmeade and, if she were being honest, she felt like something like what Mr. Twiggs made would have been far better. It was unique and beautiful. She liked the idea of them a lot better than anything else, really. Which meant that she was more than happy that Amber had introduced them.
And he had made some from the Hogwarts grounds! She clapped her hands together lightly once with a beaming smile.
"Those would be amazing! My Mama went to Hogwarts. I think she'd love something from the grounds themselves." He invited her to go when it warmed to go stone searching and, for a moment she hesitated. Should she? Wound it be bad if she did? She didn't think so! Kamari liked stuff like that.
"I would like that very much," she admitted, "When the weather warms and the snow melts I will seek you out. You're on the Hufflepuff team, aren't you?" She really hoped she had the right one. If not she'd apologize and hope to remedy the situation.
"Yes, I am going home. I can slip away from Alora but not for too long." All she could think was that Papa had told her to stay with her sister but this was important too. He could trust Alora on the train. She would be safe. And if Mr. Twiggs sent his brother to entertain her, well then. She had seen a second year Twiggs in the common room so assumed that was who he spoke of.
It made sense.
"I can meet you a few minutes after we leave for London." Away from the body guards. Safely tucked away on the train and in motion. With all of that said and a plan formulated she glanced toward the door that would lead her to the event that she was running a bit late for.
She really had to work harder on that time management as she'd told Papa she would. It would all work out if she hurried and she wasn't overly late.
"I thank you for your time, Mr. Twiggs, Miss Lloyd. I will see you tomorrow. Thank you again." she made a slight bow of her head before she backed up a bit, "I have to go to the obstacle course now. I hope you both have a great rest of your day."
Probably going to Hogsmeade. Ugh. She wanted nothing more than to go but she understood. With one final wave she slipped from them and out the door where she walked as evenly as she could until she figured the other two were out of sight and took off at a run toward the obstacle course.
Post by Amber Lloyd on Nov 2, 2023 15:34:31 GMT 10
Amber had squeezed Joshua's hand in turn to give him some reassurance. He got this!
And she was right.
Locally sourced stone? That was brilliant! Amber had to bite on her lip to refrain from chuckling.
Though as Kamari mentioned for who she wanted to order the jewellery, Amber herself was flabbergasted. The Sagemore girl had told her she wanted something for her sister, not her whole family! That was way bigger than Amber had imagined... Damn lucky Josh!
In general, she was quite impressed how fast he had coped with the sudden confrontation of a Sagemore customer. And the way he was holding himself and made conversation, even coming up with a new business idea so fast... Stone searching? Nice idea!
While Joshua was doing his business talk, providing Kamari with information, Amber just listened attentively. It was Joshua’s job after all, and she didn’t dare to butt in.
But as the talk went on, it started to get difficult for her to stay calm. The excitement of today’s events was piling on top of each other, and now the whole business talk, letting Amber brim with excitement, providing the need to let it out somehow. But she couldn’t during such an important talk. And leaving was definitely not in question as well.
…Was that how Caine felt all the time?
The excitement in her had just reached its pinnacle as the talk ended and Kamari decided to leave.
“Have a nice day, Miss Sagemore!” Amber waved her goodbye with a cheerful smile.
However, as soon as Kamari was out if sight and earshot, Amber flung her arms around Joshua's neck with a squeal, the excitement getting the better of her. And the hug might actually calm her down, so she reached out for one out of instinct.
"You did it! I'm so happy for you!"
She lingered a bit for the hug there, her heart jumping in excitement, overflowing with warmth and happiness.
Joshua had just secured himself an enormous deal! And he had done it in a brilliant way, remaining calm, being thoughtful. Kinda like an actual merchant! He had been fantastic! She was proud and had to tell him that.
Amber leaned back a bit to get a good look at his face, though her arms were still wrapped around his neck. She gave him a radiant smile.
"I have to say, you were great! You kinda were..."
Mature? Cool? Awesome? No, that didn't quite fit... While searching for the right word, her eyes met his blue ones, and she got lost in them.
"Charming", she then ended up saying, still caught in his eyes.
It took her moment to realise what she had just blurted out. And another one to notice her staring, her arms around his neck, the close proximity of their faces.
Amber quickly detached herself from him, turning her face away, pulling on one of her pigtails in embarrassment as a sudden yet familiar heat rose up in her face, her heart racing. Just like her mind.
What the hell had just happened? Why had she said that, done that?!
She now felt a sudden awkward tension between her and Joshua as she could not quite pinpoint everything that happened. Her stomach was turning, but she tried to ignore it.
While she was busy hiding her face from Joshua, she was also desperately trying to think about something to distract him and herself from the situation that just happened.
Just in time, the bells of the Clocktower rang, pulling Amber out of her thoughts, letting her remember something more important, perhaps giving her a slight panic even. The talk had taken way longer than anticipated!
“Damn, we’re late! Caine is waiting for us! With a ton of Butterbeer to celebrate!”
Amber finally turned back to Joshua with a grin, though still had some flushed cheeks. And the excitement came back, the effect of the hug didn't last long.
“Let’s go!”
She pulled her house beanie over her head, burried her face in the Hufflepuff scarf around her neck, hiding herself from the cold which embraced her as soon as she stepped out of the Entrance Hall, walking in the direction of Hogsmeade, though making sure Joshua was indeed following her.
The stroll through the snow would definitely get some excitement out of her system...
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