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original: adela milani

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HOGSMEADE!

It's that time of year~ In preparation for the yearly Masquerade Ball on the 31st, Hogsmeade is officially open! All characters may go, regardless of their year or permission slips, but ONLY for the week prior to the ball. First and second years either have to be accompanied by a teacher or an older student willing to be responsible for them. After the ball those first and second years are back to being banned from the village until their third year. Sorry, kids. It's just the rules.

It is very encouraged that these trips be in groups, but that is not explicitly mandatory.

The Three Broomsticks
Run by Madame Rosmerta, The Three Broomsticks is the perfect place to warm up on a cold day. It's a pleasant little bar known for it's Butterbeer.

Honeyduke's Sweet Shop
A favorite of Hogwarts students, Honeydukes is a purveyor of a wide variety of sweets including it's world-famous chocolate, Fizzing Whizzbees, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, Chocolate Frogs, Acid Pops and so much more. Might want to watch out for the Cockroach Cluster though.

Zonko's Joke Shop
Another favorite for the Hogwarts crowd, Zonko's is the best place to buy all your magical jokes and pranks. A perfect place to pick up dungbombs, Dr. Filibusters wet-start no heat fireworks, and if you're in the right mood, skiving snackboxes.

Madame Puddifoot's
Another little cafe, run by Madame Puddifoot. Typically favored by couples due to it's cozy atmosphere.

The Shrieking Shack
Rumoured to be one of the most haunted locations in Britain, so much so that the locals avoid it. While it's stood silent for years, it's still worth seeing. Due to the season being of the spookily festive sort, The Shrieking Shack is now a popular attraction and has even become a haunted house filled to the brim with ~terrifying~ decorations. There is even a walk through! But the feint of heart should not enter...

The Hog's Head
Run by Aberforth Dumbledore, The Hog's Head is another pub that has been known to attract a less than reputable clientele. However, it's something of a tourist spot as well, due to it being the starting point for Dumbledore's Army and the role the pub played in the Battle of Hogwarts, much to Aberfoth's chagrin.

The Post Office
Need to send an owl? The post office has you covered with owls of all shapes and sizes to send anywhere in the world.

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[ Shinpachi doesn't move from his spot, nor does he stop smiling. He knows very well this is Sano's temper and coming to grips with his sudden appearance. Out of the blue. Seemingly from nowhere. Sano hadn't known he was in the country, let alone that very soon they'd end up both teaching in the same school. Maybe it was an asshole move on his part, but he'd actually requested no one tell Sano who was filling the position of Apparition teacher this year.

Instead, each new 'you' that came out of his best friend's mouth only seemed to make him look more sheepish. By the time Sano was hugging him, he returned it just as tightly and a relieved laugh forced it's way past his rib cage. ]

What, and ruin the surprise? This was so much better!

[ He pat Sano's back until the second stayed there, fingers tightening in his robes. They'd kept in touch all these years later, but it was still miles better actually being in the same room as Sano. ]

Aren't you gonna ask me why I'm even here, or are you just gonna keep telling me I'm a shitty friend?

[What that statement earns Shinpachi, is a fist to his head, for Sano's trouble.]

You are impossible!

[But he's still grinning from ear to ear, arms still around Shinpachi, surveying his best friend for the first time in years, trying to pick out the minor details where Shinpachi's changed. They are tiny, his friend still the same, wonderful self, that Sano bonded with so easily, years ago.]

That depends on whether you'll join me for a drink.

[He says with a wink and reoccupies his seat at the bar, gesturing Rosmerta for one refil and one more glass.]

Just don't put it on my tab! I have no interest in going bankrupt!

[THat said he turns back to Shinpachi, broad smile splitting his face.]

So. Care to explain why you're here and not across the world?

[ The thunk to the head is the first thing that rips his grin off his face, replaced momentarily by pain and the clicking sound of his tongue. ]

The hell was that for?!

[ Excuse him while he rubs his head, a light pout on his features. It's gone in the next moment as another bout of laughter bursts from his mouth. ]

Fine. Don't treat your best friend to a drink after years of not seeing him. I see how you are. And you called me the bad one!

[ He takes up the seat next to Sano but keeps his body so he's facing his best friend. ]

Maybe I missed you.

[ Shinpachi jabs Sano with his elbow, grin impossibly big. Damn near a blazing sun, really. ]

Don't play innocent!

[Sano declares with a grin.]

I still remember the bleak emptiness of my wallet, when we were still drinking regularly. I learned from my mistakes!

[He holds up his glass, an invitation to a toast.]

But, just so you know what a good friend I am, first drink's on me.

[As he eyes Shinpachi with a long look, taking in the familiar features, still in mild disbelief that this is happening, he has to admit, that having it back is like coming home. And he is proud to find out, today he has more strength to admit that kind of thing, than years ago.]

I missed you too.

[He says, smile absolutely genuine and he holds his glass out toward Shinpachi.]

To reunions.

Oi, that's not a reason to hit me!

[ Shinpachi raises the glass Rosmerta set down in front of him, a smile and a muttering of 'thanks' before she walks away again. While probably still watching the two of them to make sure nothing weird would happen. ]

Heh. I figured you'd learn the lesson eventually. Couldn't get my booze for free forever! I'm not as bad with my money as I used to be though.

[ Most of the time.

Okay at least some of it.

He clinks his glass against the side of Sano's and just before he puts it to his lips, decides to announce something. ]

To reunions... and the poor saps I'll be teaching this year! Drink up!

[ With a grin, he tips the contents of fire whiskey into his mouth. ]

No, but almost giving me a heart attack is.

[He gives Shinpachi a disbelieving, sceptical look, when his friend says he's gotten better with money, not believing a single word of it.]

Yeah, right. Like you could ever hold a galleon for more than 5 seconds.

[His tone is sardonic, but the grin on his face betrays his amusement and joy over being with his friend after such a long time, so unexpectedly. He raises his glass to his lips, to take a good swig of the whiskey. Only to snort it out through his nose a second later, choking and coughing against the burning feeling in his nostrils. But that is insignificant in the face of Shinpachi's 'announcement'.]

What in the blazes?! Who died and made YOU teacher?!

[ Well. He hadn't meant for that to happen! His face twists into a grimace on Sano's behalf because he can't imagine (okay maybe he could) how painful shooting liquor out of your nose must be. He reaches over to clap his hand over Sano's back, only to hear the disbelief in his best friend's voice.

Instead, his hand drops and he looks both sheepish and like a kicked puppy. ]

You don't think I can do it? Sano...

[ It was only half an act, really. Shinpachi wasn't entirely sure he had the temperament for it himself, but as a representative for the Ministry he kind of had to since he was given the job. ]

You're probably right about the money though. [ He chuckles. ] Y'know. If I don't actually try to save it.

[ He takes a sip of his whiskey and turns around to look at the rest of the patrons. None of them looked like the woman Sano had described in his letters. Then again, he'd stopped saying anything about her months ago. ]

So when do I get to meet this woman of your dreams, anyway? I'll only be around for a few months. Until Apparition class is done. Then again, if she's half as great as you said she was I don't want her falling for me instead. I'm not that kinda guy.

Edited (to make it better) 2016-10-30 15:29 (UTC)

[It's not about what Sano thinks, it's about how anyone sane could believe someone this boisterous, loud and larger than life, still half of a kid would make a good educator. But then again, it might be those things exactly. Sano smiles, the pull of his facial muscles making his nose and eyes burn, but he ignores it, rubbing the bridge of his nose, to ease the burn. Then he straightens again and twirls his glass, before deciding to admit it.]

No. I think you'll make a great teacher.

[He thinks, that given the energetic nature, Shinpachi will also be a little more hard on the kids, than Sano, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Clearing his throat, he decides it's good enough, and motions for a refill.]

Apparition?

[It makes Sano's eyebrows rise, becase usually, someone from the ministry comes in and teaches that. Which could mean, that Shinpachi has a job at the MoM...? Come to think of it, how long has his friend even been back, and how long is he staying?]

Now, how by Merlin's shriveled balls do you get to a job like that?

[He doesn't sound disbelieving, but more like intrigued and curious. This ought to be good.

However, the next moment he's reminded rather painfully of the fact how long it has been since he saw his friend and talked to him. When Shinpachi mentions Ran, Sano's eyes widen a fraction of an inch, and for a split second, his expression is completely open and raw. He forgot, that he hasn't mentioned anything about Ran to Shinpachi. It's not that he didn't want to, but each time he tried, his hand started trembling and the gaping hole in his chest turned into an entire galaxy of ache, and he could barely breath. It has gotten better over the last few weeks, but he still hadn't come around to actually opening up abot it, to anyone.

When Shinpachi starts giving him a funny look, Sano averts his gaze to the brown liquid, that's been his only comfort for these past weeks, trying to think of a way how to relay the news. Or maybe he's just musterig up the strength to actually say those words.]

We broke up.

[But when he says them, he feels himself bleeding out all over again. It's like those stitches, that he carefully and slowly been surturing the deep gash on his heart with, have been ripped open and all the pain and hurt is bleeding out of him again. Without thinking he downs the whiskey in one gulp, letting it burn away some of that dull ache.]

[ Shinpachi's grin is broad and bright, happy to hear that Sano thinks he'd make a great teacher. Even if it's in contrast to being so shocked before. He's about to say something silly about 'how do you think I got it' when he notices the look on Sano's face. ]

Ah.

[ Is all he can say for a moment, not... Really sure how to react to the obvious heartbreak. He'd never seen Sano like this. Not in all their years of friendship. Neither of them had ever been in a serious relationship, so he'd been happy that Sano found someone to give his heart to. But his best friend looks like he's trying to hold himself together and he suddenly feels incredibly guilty for bringing her up.

Without warning, after Sano's downed his drink he turns to sling his arm around his best friend and pulls him into a brutish hug. ]

Nevermind. Your tab's on me tonight, so drink up. You're not alone to wallow in misery.

[Sano smiles half in gratitude, half in amusement, when Shinpachi hugs him, wondering if he looks jst as miserable as he feels, but he doesn't move to detach his friend's arm from his shoulder.]

I'm fine.

[He says, twirling his glass again, hoping he isn't telling a lie.]

It still hurts, but I'm getting better.

[He turns to Shinpachi again, corners of his lips tilted up, his voice cheerful again, as he speaks, forcing himself not to think about Ran. He discovers, to little surprise, that it's easier with Shinpachi there.]

You were about to tell me how you got to teach apparition.

It's probably not much of a consolation but I'm here now, so you've got another distraction.

[ Shinpachi tugs Sano a bit closer, his muscles absolutely no smaller than they had been the last time they'd been in the same room together. Being so close to Sano again reminded him of some of the best parts of their youth. Quidditch, drinking, and some entirely unwholesome fun. And he still smelled the same except with a hint of fire whiskey on his breath, he noted with a little guilt.

That feeling was drowned out by his smile turning a little dim. Ah, now it was his confession time. ]

I've been in the country a couple months working for the Ministry of Magic.

[ To this, he finally pulls away and reaches up to rub the back of his head. He knows he probably should have told Sano. Maybe visited before the school year started (which makes him feel more guilty now because of his best friend's relationship troubles and how he wasn't there to help) or popped by Hogsmeade afterward. ]

The normal guy declined this year and since I already taught a couple years in Mahoutokoro, I got the job.

[Having Shinpachi is actually a big consolation, but he doesn't say it out loud. Maybe it doesn't make the hurt any better, but it does make Sano feel more cheerful, so it's very welcome as a distraction. It's a good surprise, Sano decides. A less good surprise is when Shinpachi admits how long he'd been in the country.]

Months?

[He can only stare, feeling more stung than he's comfortable admitting.]

Well, I suppose I should consider myself lucky, you told me.

[He kicks himself mentally, when he realizes how defensicve and bitter he had sounded just now, but he can't help feeling a little hurt, that his friend didn't apparently even think of dropping him a single line.

... He should probably stop drinking. Alcohol always makes him too emotional and he should be better than this. He's been better than this. He can get shitfaced in his room, when he passes out, he can pass out in his bed.

He turns over his glass and pushes it away, before turning back to Shinpachi, asking the first thing that comes to him, hoping he sounds light and easy enough. The last thing he needs is to offend hhis best friend in his inebriated, alcohol clouded state.]

Have you got my package? Sent you something, but I apparently don't have the right address anymore?

[ The guilt is strong and it stabs him in the heart like a sharp knife. He wanted to say something! But-- ]

I didn't wanna cramp your style and make you look bad in front of your girl!

[ Shinpachi grins, broad and teasing because it was a joke as much as the truth. Well, the part about interfering when he thought Sano would be with his girlfriend. Because he was bound to tell her stories about their fun time as young bachelors on a top ranking Quidditch team. Probably try to monopolize him because he hadn't seen Sano in a long while. That was no good impression to make!

At least not where he couldn't disappear if she didn't like him. ]

I had my mail forwarded though... Did you mean this thing? What is it, anyway?

[ He pulls the phone out of his pocket and holds it up to Sano. He'd read the note but wouldn't you know. The instructions got caught in the wind and blew away. He didn't know what to do with it so he just... didn't bother with it. ]

Oh come on! Like you hold that power over woman.

[Sano snorts. He's still a little hurt, but he won't let that cloud their reunion, especially not, when he knows it's his intoxication talking.

When Shinpachi pulls out the device though, he grins. This will be fun, he decides.]

That, mo chara, is a phone. Or it was one, before it got modified into a magical communication device. It's more comfortable than floo powder and you can do a lot more stuff with it.

I'd hold that power over your woman!

[ His grin is wicked, saying that he wouldn't be flirting with her, but telling Sano's dirty stories. ]

You know at some point someone you date will expect me to talk about your dirty youth!

[ But then he's looking down at the phone and reaches up to scratch his head. ]

How's this more comfortable than floo powder? It's so small... I can't fit my hand through the screen much less the rest of me!

In your dreams, maybe!

[Sano barks a laugh.]

Feel free to. I keep no secrets from the one I love.

[Loved. He needs to get used to using the past tense, even if it's not entirely accurate. Not yet. But when Shinpachi pulls out the device, staring at it like... well, like he had no idea where to start, Sano just sighs.]

That's why it's a communication device, not a damned portkey. For the love of the Aos Sí, why is every pureblood this clueless?

[He reaches for phe phone and turns it on, having figured out how to use his a while ago. With a little help from his brother. Just a little, okay?]

Here. You call, which means we talk, you send messages, here you make a video call. That's when I can see you as well as hear you. Read the rest.

I had a manual made extra for you.

[ Yeah. He heard that present tense there, Sano. You can't escape that. But Shinpachi won't say anything, thinking it's not his place to.

So instead he focuses his energy on listening to Sano's instruction. Of something he's never even seen before he got it in the mail, let alone had the opportunity to figure out how to power it on and use. ]

It blew away before I got a chance to read it.

[ There's no shortage of sheepishness in his voice. ]

So... What's this thing supposed to do then? Replace owls or something?

[Sano sighs, when Shinpachi admit he lost the manual. Seriously, Shinpachi was far from clumsy, so how did his friend always end up in these situations?]

I'll make you a copy of mine.

[And thank Merlin's wits for asking for two.]

Basically? I doubt it can completely replace owl post at this point, but it's definitely faster, and easier, and more versatile. You can not only write with it, but also talk. And talking over great distances only worked until now, if you had good knees and a fire place at your disposal. It's supposed to make communication over great distances easier and faster.

[ Fate? Fluke? Momentary airheadedness? There's any number of reasons that dumb shit happens to him.

Shinpachi's hand finds his chin as he looks down at the thing in his hands. He humms softly, thinking that this was a good thing... Now he just had to learn how to use it. ]

Where did you even get this? I've never seen anything like it before.

[Sano almost smirks. Almost. Because this ought to blow Shinpachi off the stool on onto his ass, but there's nothing about a cool delivery that wouldn't amplify the effect.

So he just shrugs and smiles, like it's the most common thing, when he says.]

Oh, there's this genius student here, who figured out a spell for how to make muggle tech work here. Cool, huh?

This is something muggle?!

[ Mind. Blown. KAPOW!

He looks from the phone in his hand to Sano and he just knows his best friend is smug. ]

Damn. I didn't know Hogwarts turned out kids that smart!

Yup~

[It's a monosyllabic answer, but Sano drags it out, lets it roll on his tongue and pops the 'p' delightfully, enjoying every single millisecond of the affirmation. He loves getting a surprise out of SHinachi like that, he doesn't even deny it.]

Why? Because Mahoutokoro only takes idiots and tortures them with quidditch?

[he asks with a teasing smirk.]

Pfft. You say torture but we both know Mohoutokoro churns out pretty damn fine players.

[ Speaking from experience there, thank you very much. SO SORRY FOR NOT LETTING THAT GET UNDER HIS SKIN. Except not because he has his pride. ]

You just don't see that kind of genius that often. Who is this kid?

Not saying it doesn't. It's just from what I remember, you used to swing at the bludger like your entire life depended on it. It's kinda amusing.

[Sano teases with a grin. Amusing... But amazing as well. Sano has always had an admiration for a beater's stance and physique, the broad shoulders and the strength, and all that harnessed power... Maybe that's why his male lovers were usually beaters. That, or dancers.]

He's a Ravenclaw, as you'd expect.

It usually did!

[ Which was true. Training at Mahoutokoro... It was intense to say the least. Shinpachi chuckles and slugs some of his own firewhiskey down, as if remembering some of those training days was cause enough to do it.

He soon rubs his chin, thinking about the Ravenclaw house. They were known for their out of the box thinkers, so it doesn't really come as much of a surprise that the one who made the device Sano sent him was from that house. What was the most surprising was definitely that someone figured it out. ]

I might have to thank this kid in person sometime then.

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