06.15 @ 5:26pm
The June activity check has been completed; for reactivations, please post in Maintenence. If your international quidditch player was deactivated, you must post here with a profile link to re-reserve the position. You do not need to repost your stats.
06.13 @ 10:25am
A couple of reminders: If you haven't taken the survey yet, you should and the activity check is in two days. That is all. ;3
06.09 @ 6:16
Happy third birthday to Charming! Birthday stamps are now up for grabs, and the FAQ has had a bit of a makeover.
05.31 @ 9:46am
Classes at Hogwarts have finished and students are now on their summer holiday. The Coming Out Ball forum is up. The summer skin will be up sometime within the next 24 hours, and the first match of Britain vs. Egypt will begin tomorrow at 5:30pm CST! Be there or be square!
05.30 @ 9:53am
Starting in June, there will be no more Sunday edition of the Daily Prophet IC. Check the calendar when sending in articles, because any that are set to come out IC Sunday will be pushed to the next day!
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Joined: 19-February 12
Luka had received his incredible sum as a reward for participating in the Ministry's Hogsmeade expansion expedition and knew that it would eventually lead to his own personal plot of land, something he was looking forward to. The first thing he did after he spoke with the Ministry, received his reward, signed whatever necessary documents for the Ministry and finally went home was immediately headed to Twilfit's and got himself a good suit. After that, he got himself a haircut, a maintained shave to give him some refined beard and a bouquet of calluna heather.
Wrapping the callunas up in an appropriate package, he went back to Twilfit's to get Julie a gorgeous dress for what he had planned. After which, he organized a proper carriage and time at the most humble, beautiful restaurant in Hogsmeade for the evening. Not the most expensive restaurant because he preferred true art in cuisine rather than just whatever costs the most. Expensive doesn't always mean better. After the appointment, he asked the driver of the carriage to head to Wellingtonshire and simply park in front of the house he knew was where Julie was living.
When he got to her address, the driver stopped the carriage in front of the home. A servant came outside to ask the driver who it was and he told her it was a message for Julie. After the servant got the message, she ran back into the home to get it to Julie.
There, he waited in the carriage till the lovely woman came out. Here, he would make his stand to take her for his own, no matter what. Julie Harper would be his, even if it killed him.
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When somebody loved me, everything was beautiful
Every hour we spent together, lives within my heart
And when he was sad, I was there to dry his tears
And when he was happy, so was I, when he loved me.
Julie Harper had considered herself an unlucky woman before meeting Mr Dolohov. Her life was far different from what she imagined it will be at the age of 29. She was approaching the serious age of 30 fast and her life was far from what it should have been. Most of her former friends were already married and most of them had children. Yes, children. Plural. Julie at the same time was divorced, miscarried and thought that she lost any chance of finding a man who loves her. The woman felt defeated, like nothing cared about her anymore and the world lost its purpose.
Then, a strange thing happened. Julie had a terribly bad day. She was on the verge of breaking down when she met this kind man who introduced himself to her as Luka Dolohov. That one day, those few hours turned her world upside down. She felt that someone wants her. She felt that she is still attractive. It was a very important discovery for her. One she just couldn't let go of. So she continued meeting him and soon discovered she likes the man more and more. When he got drafted, she eagerly awaited every letter, every word about the expeditions. It made Julie felt like she never felt when her husband was away. Then it got to her it wasn't just friendship anymore.
When a servant brought her a package with the message that Mr Dolohov is waiting for her downstairs. She quickly put on a hat and gloves, grabbed a fan and literally ran downstairs, forgetting about the box. Luka! She exclaimed the moment she saw him. Oh, how glad she was this young man made it home safely.
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Luka had everything planned for that day and he would do everything he could to show Julie how much he loved her. Julie meant so much to him as she showed him what love in the face of adversity and hardship could be like. Everything about her was perfection, even her flaws. When he heard her voice coming outside, he stepped out of the carriage and immediately pulled her close, pressing his lips deeply upon hers for a good 7 seconds before he let go to cause a smirk of happiness, excitement and pride come across his face.
He handed her the flowers, "Lady Julie Harper...I have come today to finally make my public declaration. You have stolen my heart and today, I ask for your hand in marriage. Julie...I love you more than anything or anyone in this world. Nothing would make me happier than to be with you for the rest of my life, but don't answer me right now...come, we have a busy evening and I'd like to show you exactly how much I am willing to do to make you happy."
He didn't know exactly how she would respond, but it didn't matter. She would be his and he would be hers. He couldn't imagine ever being above her. She was his equal and the perfect woman in his eyes. He stepped up to the carriage, putting out his hand to help her into it, unless she decided to do something different.
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When somebody loved me, everything was beautiful
Every hour we spent together, lives within my heart
And when he was sad, I was there to dry his tears
And when he was happy, so was I, when he loved me.
Julie did not remember feeling so happy before in her life. The moment she had heard that only Luca is back home safe and sound, but also decided to pay her a visit was perhaps the most joyful moment that she had ever experienced. Comparing to that experience, everything faded away and stopped to matter. It was only Luca and nothing else. The woman knew the feeling of being in love before, but had no idea it could bring so many good things. Perhaps, because never before she felt like her feelings actually stand a chance in the world. Up until then.
Hearing his name, she didn't really think. It was just so good to know he was back. Safe. What more, he came back to her. When they met a couple of months ago, she would never have expected their relationship to progress like that, but she soon found that being in his company brought her to life and world again. Her cousin and sister-in-law have seen changes in her behaviour, positive changes and were all very curious about what caused them. Julie kept it a secret, not sure of their reaction, especially that Mr Dolohov was a man younger than her. If it wasn't for the fact that the former Mrs Harper was, shameflly, divorced she would now be called an old maiden, seeing as she was nearing her thirtieth birthday.
Luca got everything spot on. The way he arrived, the way he spoke, even the flowers. She could not believe he remembered her favourite flowers! And he had to get through a lot of trouble to get them. Calluna heather was not usually the flower that the florists made bouqettes of, but for Julie it reminded her of the childhood spent in Yorkshire, looking at the moors from her window. Ever since going to Hogwarts, she did not feel as ecstatic as the moment she felt Luca's lips on hers. The kiss was deep, but sweet. Her husband never kissed her like that. Julie knew it's improper, but she did not care. She wanted to be Luka's. She was his. Her mind and even her body. His proposition was perhaps the most wonderful thing she had ever heard.
"I would be a fool to refuse you, Luka. I have almost gone out of my mind when you were out on the trail. I missed you. I want to be yours and only yours." She replied and this time it was her who kissed him on the lips. "Go? Where? Am I dressed appropriately? I don't want to bring a shame on you... This is only a summer dress, for a walk in the garden. Are you sure you want to be seen with me like that?" She asked, taking his warm hand into hers, gloved, but still cold.
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The kiss was like a blissful walk through heaven that somehow manifested on this lowly Earth. It only furthered his desire and love for her forever. As he heard those words spoken by her, he felt his entire soul soar into the heavens like an angel, but he wanted to finish the evening before he felt the true ecstasy of it all. He laughed gently when she asked about her attire and nodded, "'Tis alright, my darling. Your lady-in-waiting brought you the dress I had purchased for you with the incredible money I've made on that adventurous expedition. There was a box she gave you besides the note, unless she was naughty." He laughed once more, givng her a mischievous grin and a cute wink.
Taking a moment, he realized how excited and surprised she'd be and watched her race back into the house. When she did that, he asked the driver to wait a few minutes for them. The man just smirked and nodded, "Aye, my lord. I'll be waitin' here for ya!" Luka nodded in appreciation and stepped through the threshold of her lover's home. One of her servants held the door and he smiled graciously to her. Once upon entry, it was like stepping into a totally different dimension. Everything seemed new, fresh and beautiful. An idyllic painting of the late Italian Renaissance which made it all the more splendor.
The paintings were hand-made and looked faded, but still fresh. They seemed to be slightly alive and a few were indeed. Filigree seemed to be common along many of the pieces of furniture, yet tastefully done to not overpower the overall essence of each piece. The walls were a gentle lavender with subtle shadowed accents of French embroidery design. The banisters and edging was made of a fine metal, but they were bronze or maybe a dark silver instead of gold, which gave off a warming, yet light feeling. It was clear to him that she enjoyed living this life, but he knew better. Julie wasn't someone who desired money, she desired peace and happiness and love. None of these trivial possessions that did not matter.
The young maid who had opened the door for him asked him a couple times if he needed anything before he finally responded, "My apologies, ma'am. No, I am fine. I hope to take Julie out for dinner tonight, so save the food and feed yourselves, hmm? I'm sure that would make Julie happy as much as yourselves." He nodded, not really knowing who owned the house, but he figured to be kind anyways. He was always generous, even when he shouldn't or couldn't be.
He awaited his beloved in the foyer, admiring all the pieces of art as he waited....
Group: Inactive
Posts: 53
Member No.: 679
Joined: 15-November 11
When somebody loved me, everything was beautiful
Every hour we spent together, lives within my heart
And when he was sad, I was there to dry his tears
And when he was happy, so was I, when he loved me.
Julie felt like she's going to melt the second Luka kissed her. Nobody kissed her like that before. She just wanted to spent eternity in his arms and not worry about anything else. He was the most amazing thing that had ever happened to her. No man could be compared to him. However, deep inside her was a fear he'll find himself someone younger, closer to his age. Julie was almost thirty and Luca was much younger than her, so he had a whole life before him. She was a divorcee with a lot of bad experience. Luka made her happy, though, and at the moment it was all that really mattered.
"What did I ever do to deserve a man like you?" She said, stroking his face gently and kissing him again. "You're a treasure. I'm so lucky you chose me. I like to surprise the person who surprised me, so be careful." The woman gave him a wink and a kiss on the cheek. "She did, I was just so rejoiced to see you that the box did not matter to me that much. I'll go put it on now."
With those words she ran upstairs all excited. When she opened the box, what she found inside simply amazed her. Not only did Luca bought her favourite flowers, but he also guessed what colour is her favourite. Truly, could he be any more perfect? Julie rushed her servants, as she did not want her beloved to wait. Oh, how happy she was. It was something she did not know how to describe. She knew how to show it to him, though and if everything went the way she wanted it to, by the end of the night he'll know exactly how much she loved him. Julie couldn't help, but giggle like a teenager at that thought.
When her servants were finally done, she gracefully went downstairs, showing herself to Luka.
"Thank you so much. It's beautiful" She said taking him under his arm. "So where are you taking me, sir?"
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Luka just waited patiently in her lovely home for that beautiful lady that would become his. He took her arm and escorted from the mansion. He helped her gently enter the carriage and told the driver where to go in a whisper, "Dragon's Fire Bistro." The driver nodded and smiled, "Aye, Sir. Let's go ladies, you heard the man!" He slapped down the reins of his horses and they took off out of the entryway, not very rough though. The driver decided to make the trip quick though to make the energy stay in place.
Luka looked over to his beloved and smiled, "I really hope you enjoy it. It took me a few to figure out what would be appropriate for our personalities, if you allow me, of course. To be honest, I was worried that no matter where I chose might be too less of you." He held her closely, resting his face gently upon her head, letting his hands caress her own. The gentle touch of skin and silk made him calm and at peace.
They arrived within around 10 minutes and the carriage stopped a little abruptly, causing Luka to worry for a moment and then he gazed outside to see they were where they were supposed to be. He stood up and stepped out of the carriage, once again, assisting Julie from it. He held her arm again and stepped up to the lovely French-style doors. He opened the door to reveal a lovely little restaurant designed of a mixture of European styles, all collectively soothing into each other. Each element seeming to compliment the other. Everything was open air and there was a sense of atmosphere to each room.
The maitre'd smiled at Luka, "Welcome Sir and Madam. Mr. Dolohov, your table is waiting." He bowed respectfully to the couple and a waitress came over to take them to their table. He took her to what would be considered the Eastern European area and pulled the lovely iron wrought and cloth upholstered chair out for her, before scooting her in. They had a lovely, large round table that was intimate enough for two, yet spacious enough for their food and themselves. There was a garden behind them filled with a variety of exotic and beautiful common European flowers.
The waitress placed their napkins upon their laps and immediately pulled out her pad of paper with her pencil, gently licking the tip to get it more smooth, "Alright, what will ye have today?" he let his hand gesture towards Julie and then he would order in particular.
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Julie did not believe in her luck, she just couldn't. It felt like she was dreaming a beautiful dream. One she did not want to wake up from at any cost. In this dream, she had a man who loved and cared about her, who bought her marvellous things and asked for dinner. Only when a servant tightened her corset, Julie with a happy sigh had to admit this was definitely not a dream. If it was, she wouldn't feel that her corset was so damn tight. Well, what doesn't a woman do to look good for her beloved? Julie was willing to sacrifice anything for Luka to be happy.
"Thank you, Luka. It's beautiful. I love everything about it. Especially the colour. I love all shades of purple or lilac. It reminds me of Yorkshire, where I was raised. She was obviously opening up more than usual, mostly because the happiness and excitement were getting the better of her and she forgot her manners. Her beloved did not seem to mind that, though, which made her glad.
The restaurant was simply beautiful. Luka was outdoing himself. When asked for an order, Julie thought for a little while, before answering. I'd like Roast Turkey with Dressing, if I may and for both of us please bring some good wine. I feel like celebrating. Julie said with a smile.
Group: Inactive
Posts: 36
Member No.: 950
Joined: 19-February 12
Luka was more than pleased to see Julie happy. All he wanted was her happiness for whatever reason that could bring forth a sweet smile and lovely laugh. Luka believed she deserved the world and the universe and everything. Tonight, though, was the time when it would all be settled. He would give her the offer of marriage after they enjoyed a lovely dinner. He wanted her to just feel enraptured and so blissful so that when the choice came, she would know what it would be if she were married to him.
AFter she ordered, he spoke to the lovely young woman from South London, "I'll have a salad with fresh tomatoes, parmesan and croutons. For my main dish, I'll have some glazed ham with raspberry sauce and rosemary sweet potatoes. Some wine does sound fantastic, please order your best...white wine for our dishes. Thank you, dear." The waitress blinked in a bit of confusion, but just nodded and smiled, "Right, I'll be right back with your dishes, lovelies. Enjoy." She took the menus and stepped away, disappearing from the room to attend to other customers. The restaurant was relatively quiet and empty, despite its size.
He smiled and looked into Julie's bright, happy eyes, taking her hands into his own to caress them gently, "Tonight is about you, my sweet Julie."
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Member No.: 679
Joined: 15-November 11
Julie was very happy around Luka. She could only hope that this will not change. A part of her thought that it's too good to be true. That it's just unbelievable, a dream. Nobody had been so kind to her before. Certainly not her husband. He couldn't care less about how she felt, unlike Luka. The woman wanted to show him how grateful she is, how much she loves him. He brought the purpose back to her life. Before him, she found it empty and nothing could fill it. The cold nights she spent either alone or with her cousin, but it just was not the same as if she spent them with someone.
When Luka ordered, the waiter had disappeared, leaving them in a practically empty restaurant. That's really nice of you, Luka. We need to finally have a night all about you, though. She said seriously, hoping he'd get the hint.
Group: Inactive
Posts: 36
Member No.: 950
Joined: 19-February 12
Luka did not really a day for himself, but if she wanted to indulge upon him, she was welcome to. As they sat and just enjoyed each other company, Luka indulged in all her questions, allowing her to learn as much as she wanted about him, but at the same time, he asked plenty of questions of her, intending on learning all her secrets. He didn't want her to feel like he'd ever keep anything from her, even if he wanted to. He wanted to show that he could be trusted and supported and loved, not that she really needed much of a reminder.
In about 15 minutes, their lovely food arrived in a hot and delicious looking manner. They shared another couple glasses of wine, engaged in sweet and slightly romantic, but goofy conversation. They teased and played on each other's emotions and quirks. After the initial dinner, he ordered a large chocolate cake with liquid chocolate drizzled on it and sugar powder coating. They were each given a fork and allowed to take bites out of it.
He smirked and took a single piece reaching over the table to see if she'd eat the piece, hoping to indulge his own ego a little bit. His next step was about to happen and he was quite ready for it. Regardless of her answer, he knew that he had done this all correctly. He just hoped that whatever she decided, it would be done together. He couldn't imagine his future without Julie. His mind wondered to the various things that would happen if she accepted and it would make for a beautiful, perfect evening.
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Whatever Luka had planned, Julie was sure it would be splendid. That night was truly magical already, even though nothing had really happened. They just had a wonderful dinner. Julie did not remember the last time she was out with her husband. She hoped that if the relationship with Luca continues, this would become a more regular thing. She adored when people surprised her. It was perhaps the best thing in this world, when something you do not expect happens. During that dinner, Julie laughed cheerfully, shared food with him and felt like a teenager. Her eyes sparkled with happiness and all the sadness that took it's toll on her face dissapeared.
For the first time in years, she felt good. All of that felt right. She knew that it's the right place and the right person for her. The woman could not have imagined it being any better. There simply was no way. Luka took care of every single detail. Has anyone ever told you how amazing you are? Julie said, with a warm smile.
Group: Inactive
Posts: 36
Member No.: 950
Joined: 19-February 12
Luka wasn't one to ever believe himself above anyone else. He believed that everyone was equal, no matter what. People deserved equality, support, love and understanding. He had remembered everything Julie ever told her about herself because he wanted to never mess it up. He remembered her birthday, the day and moment they met. He remembered everything. He never had felt so devoted to a single person in his life. He took her hands in his own once they were done with their dessert.
He smiled and stood up, taking her hand and gently rising her up to her feet, "Come, let's sit by the flowers." They walked over to the small area and sat down on the small stone bench surrounded by hundreds of wild and exotic flowers. He pulled out the small velvet box after a few minutes and leaned closely, moving it around in his hands. He stared at her for a few seconds, "From the moment I met you Julie, I was in love. I was...enraptured...entranced. You have me in your web of loveliness."
He took a moment to laugh and looked over at one of the flowers, possibly confusing her, "I never thought I'd be doing this one day. I mean...I knew that I would do this, but, not this soon." He sighed and let a smile cross his lips, engaging his eyes deeply into her eyes, as though he were hypnotizing her, he opened the box, turning it to her, "Will you marry me, Julie Harper and make me the happiest man on Earth?"
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