<![CDATA[Knockturn Bound - Blackwood & Son's]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/ Mon, 05 Oct 2026 07:25:45 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Keeping them close :: Rose]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=1131 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 03:28:32 +0000 Gideon Blackwood]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=1131 06 April 1923
Friday, 11am


Walking through the fireplace, leaving London and arriving at the Hogsmeade branch of Blackwood & Son’s, Gideon was all business. Hand holding tight to his very pregnant wife, he had a lot of ground to cover in a short amount of time.

Rose was getting more and more pregnant by the day. Her bump was growing, making it clear that a baby was on the horizon. Thankfully, the baby was due at the beginning of the summer, so they would bring the little bundle home to their London Townhome, but they would need another residence sooner rather than later.

Once the new school term started, Gideon wanted his wife and children close. Sure, magic made it easy to get from one location to another, but having them near the castle just seemed right.

”We’re meeting David in twenty minutes. From what he said, we will be looking at four, maybe five places. If you get too tired, just let me know. We can always come back another day.”

There weren’t many homes for rent in Hogsmeade. The small village holding more shops and restaurants than residences. Many of the workers lived above their shops or arrived via Floo powder, choosing to live in more populated areas. While Gideon made good money working at Hogwarts, and still getting a paycheck for owning shares of Blackwood & Sons, he thought renting might be the best option.

”Have you thought about what you might like? I was thinking something quaint, maybe a cottage. Three bedrooms, maybe a garden. I really want you to love it. I told him we were interested in renting, but if you’d like, we can buy. I’m just glad you and the kids will be close.”

Gideon turned to look at Rose, leaning in to kiss her, but stopped when he saw the look on her face. She looked… Confused? Maybe even concerned?]]> 06 April 1923
Friday, 11am


Walking through the fireplace, leaving London and arriving at the Hogsmeade branch of Blackwood & Son’s, Gideon was all business. Hand holding tight to his very pregnant wife, he had a lot of ground to cover in a short amount of time.

Rose was getting more and more pregnant by the day. Her bump was growing, making it clear that a baby was on the horizon. Thankfully, the baby was due at the beginning of the summer, so they would bring the little bundle home to their London Townhome, but they would need another residence sooner rather than later.

Once the new school term started, Gideon wanted his wife and children close. Sure, magic made it easy to get from one location to another, but having them near the castle just seemed right.

”We’re meeting David in twenty minutes. From what he said, we will be looking at four, maybe five places. If you get too tired, just let me know. We can always come back another day.”

There weren’t many homes for rent in Hogsmeade. The small village holding more shops and restaurants than residences. Many of the workers lived above their shops or arrived via Floo powder, choosing to live in more populated areas. While Gideon made good money working at Hogwarts, and still getting a paycheck for owning shares of Blackwood & Sons, he thought renting might be the best option.

”Have you thought about what you might like? I was thinking something quaint, maybe a cottage. Three bedrooms, maybe a garden. I really want you to love it. I told him we were interested in renting, but if you’d like, we can buy. I’m just glad you and the kids will be close.”

Gideon turned to look at Rose, leaning in to kiss her, but stopped when he saw the look on her face. She looked… Confused? Maybe even concerned?]]> <![CDATA[The Price of Freedom:: The Duke]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=923 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 04:15:27 +0000 Gideon Blackwood]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=923 25 Feb 1922
Blackwood & Son’s Speakeasy
7:00 pm


The door to the private parlor clicked shut, sealing out the music and chatter of the speakeasy just down the hall. The air in the private room was thick with the smell of leather, expensive tobacco, rich woods and aged whisky. It was a space designed for privacy, no windows and just one door made the room dark, only lit from the floating lumos orbs and the roaring fire in the fireplace. The walls were brick, lined with bookcases. Filled with old, cracked, leatherbound books that no one had read for generations.

In the center of the room sat two overstuffed leather sofas, gleaming in the firelight. Between them stood a low table of polished mahogany, currently holding a crystal decanter of amber liquid and a humidor lined in emerald fabric.

Gideon sat on the sofa facing the door, waiting for his guest to arrive. A cigar in one hand, the burning tip glowing in the room. His other hand held a glass of the most expensive whisky in the bar. Only the good stuff tonight.

As the door opened, Gideon was not surprised to see James Laurence, The Duke of Norfolk, Earl of Arundel, enter the room. Too many words in one man’s name, it was ridiculous really. And soon, if all went as planned, the Duke would add another title to his already long moniker.

In this room Gideon was not ‘Deputy Headmaster’ or ‘Professor.’ There was a different air about him. This Gideon would break up bar fights on Saturday nights. Toss out cheaters there for a night of poker. If a patron got a little handsy with the female staff, he would have no trouble sending a message (physically) that it wasn’t allowed. The Gideon that walked around the halls of Hogwarts was a different man entirely. Love will do that to you.

Gideon eyed the man entering the room. In a low gruff voice, with a hint of sarcasm, he said, “Your Grace.” Bringing the glass to his lips to hide his smirk. “Nice of you to join me. Please, help yourself to a drink or smoke. Take a seat, we have much to discuss.” ]]> 25 Feb 1922
Blackwood & Son’s Speakeasy
7:00 pm


The door to the private parlor clicked shut, sealing out the music and chatter of the speakeasy just down the hall. The air in the private room was thick with the smell of leather, expensive tobacco, rich woods and aged whisky. It was a space designed for privacy, no windows and just one door made the room dark, only lit from the floating lumos orbs and the roaring fire in the fireplace. The walls were brick, lined with bookcases. Filled with old, cracked, leatherbound books that no one had read for generations.

In the center of the room sat two overstuffed leather sofas, gleaming in the firelight. Between them stood a low table of polished mahogany, currently holding a crystal decanter of amber liquid and a humidor lined in emerald fabric.

Gideon sat on the sofa facing the door, waiting for his guest to arrive. A cigar in one hand, the burning tip glowing in the room. His other hand held a glass of the most expensive whisky in the bar. Only the good stuff tonight.

As the door opened, Gideon was not surprised to see James Laurence, The Duke of Norfolk, Earl of Arundel, enter the room. Too many words in one man’s name, it was ridiculous really. And soon, if all went as planned, the Duke would add another title to his already long moniker.

In this room Gideon was not ‘Deputy Headmaster’ or ‘Professor.’ There was a different air about him. This Gideon would break up bar fights on Saturday nights. Toss out cheaters there for a night of poker. If a patron got a little handsy with the female staff, he would have no trouble sending a message (physically) that it wasn’t allowed. The Gideon that walked around the halls of Hogwarts was a different man entirely. Love will do that to you.

Gideon eyed the man entering the room. In a low gruff voice, with a hint of sarcasm, he said, “Your Grace.” Bringing the glass to his lips to hide his smirk. “Nice of you to join me. Please, help yourself to a drink or smoke. Take a seat, we have much to discuss.” ]]> <![CDATA[In With the New - Gid & Vin]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=913 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 07:26:25 +0000 Arthur Langley]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=913
Saturday, 7th of January, 1922
Hogsmeade Streets
10:30 PM


If there was one thing Oliver was good for, it was finding a place to get smashed. Arthur needn't feel guilty for that assessment however. Oliver himself had said so on many occasions. It was because of this that he was one of the first old "friends" Arthur contacted once he was back in the area. In other circumstances lying low would've been the preference, but with Arthur soon to be turning over a new leaf in his life, he needed on last hurrah. And so, here he was, trudging through the light rain in Hogsmeade with Oliver at his side. Arthur rubbed his hands together absentmindedly, occasionally flicking the rim of his hat as water gathered and dripped to his nose.

"Y'know, ya came back at a good time Arthur. Plenty o' people around the pubs and taverns nowadays. Most even wouldn't sniff at an ol' Langley coming back to town." Oliver chuckled, causing him to cough and sniff afterwards.

Arthur's brow twitched. "Artie. Call me Artie. Or Art. Whatever works, except Arthur. And definitely not Langley." He wouldn't say it aloud, but it felt... strange to hear Oliver call him Arthur. Maybe at one time Oliver would've been considered a close friend, but now...

"Alright Artie, whatever you want. Just don't get pissy if I forget while down a couple pints." Oliver let out another chuckle after throwing Arthur a half-cocked grin.Arthur didn't respond, training his eyes back on the cobbled street to avoid any puddles. The silence between the two was filled with the pattering of rain on their hats and shoulders. For a while, he thought the silence would last until they made it to wherever Oliver was routing to. This of course was incorrect.

"Any interesting tales to tell of your time away? Gill told me he remembered you were heading off to start makin' spells or something or other. You ever get around to that?"

The question was innocent enough, but it caused a flurry of less than pleasant memories to resurface in Arthur's head. Memories of an ambitious fool that didn't see failure as an option. Memories of sleeping in a freezing hostel, clutching his last few possessions close to make them impossible to steal. Oliver couldn't know what he went through. Either that, or he was being very polite, which he wasn't known to be. Arthur had already heard word from a few past acquaintances that learned he was back. He much preferred Oliver's obliviousness to the ridicule disguised as concern he received from the rest.

"Are we any closer to this 'secret' spot you were jawing about?" Arthur asked, ignoring the question asked while silently praying that Oliver left it be. Thankfully, Oliver nodded.

"Right here actually. Can finally get out this pissin' rain."

He lead Arthur to the front of a clothing shop, Blackwood & Sons. Something about the name scratched the inside of his brain, but Arthur let it pass. He just cast a dubious glance towards Oliver, who was grinning stupidly all the while.

"Trust me Artie, ya gotta trust me. Oh, also..." Oliver leaned closer, the smell of drink already on his breath wafting past Arthur. "Keep this as a secret if you will. We'd both get our hides skinned if everybody started talkin' about this here." Arthur simply responded with a nod. Whatever Oliver was about to show him, he had no interest in talking about it. As long as it led to him getting his fix. At the nod, Oliver proceeded to lead him through to the shop, waving his wand as he did so. Occasional taps on the door preceded their entry, ending up with them standing in front of a nondescript closet in the dim interior of the closed store. A final few taps from Oliver's wand with one more stupid grin thrown Arthur's way, and the door was opened.

To Oliver's credit, Arthur was blown away. The juxtaposition of the cold and dark from outside set against the sudden warmth and light from the very much lively club downstairs caused his eyes to widen. As they made their way down the stairs, they were greeted by the welcoming interior of a club and bar, complete with booths, stools, a lounge, and plenty of clientele enjoying a variety of drinks and cigars. The place was not packed, but it seemed busy enough. Some larger groups were deciding to stand with their drinks to avoid the claustrophobic booths, their chatter blending in with the soft music playing in the background. It was then that Oliver brushed past Arthur, waving and exclaiming at a group sitting in a corner table.

Now's my chance.

He wove his way through a couple of small crowds, intentionally ducking his head as he did so to avoid Oliver's confused searching gaze. As lovely as they are sure to be, Arthur was in no interest to meet Oliver's group of friends. And as nice and beautiful the interior of the club was, there was one destination that was set for him. Approaching the bar, Arthur took off his hat and smoothed down his hair, looking across as he did so.

"Whatever's your most cost effective, if you please."]]>
Saturday, 7th of January, 1922
Hogsmeade Streets
10:30 PM


If there was one thing Oliver was good for, it was finding a place to get smashed. Arthur needn't feel guilty for that assessment however. Oliver himself had said so on many occasions. It was because of this that he was one of the first old "friends" Arthur contacted once he was back in the area. In other circumstances lying low would've been the preference, but with Arthur soon to be turning over a new leaf in his life, he needed on last hurrah. And so, here he was, trudging through the light rain in Hogsmeade with Oliver at his side. Arthur rubbed his hands together absentmindedly, occasionally flicking the rim of his hat as water gathered and dripped to his nose.

"Y'know, ya came back at a good time Arthur. Plenty o' people around the pubs and taverns nowadays. Most even wouldn't sniff at an ol' Langley coming back to town." Oliver chuckled, causing him to cough and sniff afterwards.

Arthur's brow twitched. "Artie. Call me Artie. Or Art. Whatever works, except Arthur. And definitely not Langley." He wouldn't say it aloud, but it felt... strange to hear Oliver call him Arthur. Maybe at one time Oliver would've been considered a close friend, but now...

"Alright Artie, whatever you want. Just don't get pissy if I forget while down a couple pints." Oliver let out another chuckle after throwing Arthur a half-cocked grin.Arthur didn't respond, training his eyes back on the cobbled street to avoid any puddles. The silence between the two was filled with the pattering of rain on their hats and shoulders. For a while, he thought the silence would last until they made it to wherever Oliver was routing to. This of course was incorrect.

"Any interesting tales to tell of your time away? Gill told me he remembered you were heading off to start makin' spells or something or other. You ever get around to that?"

The question was innocent enough, but it caused a flurry of less than pleasant memories to resurface in Arthur's head. Memories of an ambitious fool that didn't see failure as an option. Memories of sleeping in a freezing hostel, clutching his last few possessions close to make them impossible to steal. Oliver couldn't know what he went through. Either that, or he was being very polite, which he wasn't known to be. Arthur had already heard word from a few past acquaintances that learned he was back. He much preferred Oliver's obliviousness to the ridicule disguised as concern he received from the rest.

"Are we any closer to this 'secret' spot you were jawing about?" Arthur asked, ignoring the question asked while silently praying that Oliver left it be. Thankfully, Oliver nodded.

"Right here actually. Can finally get out this pissin' rain."

He lead Arthur to the front of a clothing shop, Blackwood & Sons. Something about the name scratched the inside of his brain, but Arthur let it pass. He just cast a dubious glance towards Oliver, who was grinning stupidly all the while.

"Trust me Artie, ya gotta trust me. Oh, also..." Oliver leaned closer, the smell of drink already on his breath wafting past Arthur. "Keep this as a secret if you will. We'd both get our hides skinned if everybody started talkin' about this here." Arthur simply responded with a nod. Whatever Oliver was about to show him, he had no interest in talking about it. As long as it led to him getting his fix. At the nod, Oliver proceeded to lead him through to the shop, waving his wand as he did so. Occasional taps on the door preceded their entry, ending up with them standing in front of a nondescript closet in the dim interior of the closed store. A final few taps from Oliver's wand with one more stupid grin thrown Arthur's way, and the door was opened.

To Oliver's credit, Arthur was blown away. The juxtaposition of the cold and dark from outside set against the sudden warmth and light from the very much lively club downstairs caused his eyes to widen. As they made their way down the stairs, they were greeted by the welcoming interior of a club and bar, complete with booths, stools, a lounge, and plenty of clientele enjoying a variety of drinks and cigars. The place was not packed, but it seemed busy enough. Some larger groups were deciding to stand with their drinks to avoid the claustrophobic booths, their chatter blending in with the soft music playing in the background. It was then that Oliver brushed past Arthur, waving and exclaiming at a group sitting in a corner table.

Now's my chance.

He wove his way through a couple of small crowds, intentionally ducking his head as he did so to avoid Oliver's confused searching gaze. As lovely as they are sure to be, Arthur was in no interest to meet Oliver's group of friends. And as nice and beautiful the interior of the club was, there was one destination that was set for him. Approaching the bar, Arthur took off his hat and smoothed down his hair, looking across as he did so.

"Whatever's your most cost effective, if you please."]]> <![CDATA[Just Us at Last :: BlackByrne]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=705 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:03:11 +0000 Gideon Blackwood]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=705
Hogsmead
After classes
Friday 06 May 1921




They had gotten approval from Ruby, a miracle in itself, but then they got a sitter for Fiona, adding to the rarity of this occasion. Rose’s birthday had just passed a few days prior, but they agreed to celebrate on the weekend. So Friday afternoon, after all the classes had let out, Gideon and Rose made their way to the castle gates, then apperated to the small apartment above the Hogsmeade location of Blackwood & Son’s.

Opening the door to the small one bedroom apartment, Gideon couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. “It’s small. We usually only use the apartments when we have a long night and have to be up early the next morning. Inventory, meetings, large orders to fill. It makes it easier to just pop upstairs.”

Shutting the door behind them, Gideon held Rose’s hand tight, fingers intertwined. The apartment was simple, not taking long to give her a tour. A small living room with an attached galley kitchen. The “dining room” was a small bistro table with two chairs. There was a fireplace, two arm chairs and a sofa in the living space, one small bathroom with a bath/shower combo, sink and toilet. No frills. The bedroom had a small closet with a few suit jackets left over from one of his brother’s, a random shoe missing its mate and some towels. The bed, a queen size metal bed frame, had dark navy blue linens with pillows in emerald green. And that was it.

“I know it’s not much, but I figured we could stay here,” He got close to Rose, tucking her hair behind her ears, his signature move. His nose skimmed across her cheek as his lips followed the same path. “I’ll make you dinner.” He said, nibbling on the skin of her neck, god he had missed this. Not being allowed to touch her in the castle had been torture.

“And maybe,” he whispered, burying his hands in her hair. “If you're lucky,” his lips hovered over hers, with a whisper of a kiss. “I might let you sleep.” Pulling her to his lips, the kiss was fast and rough, filled with the frustration he had felt over the last few weeks of no intimacy. “But probably not.”

His hands were already fast at work undoing the buttons on her shirt, wasting no time at all. “You, my love, are wearing entirely too many clothes.” ]]>
Hogsmead
After classes
Friday 06 May 1921




They had gotten approval from Ruby, a miracle in itself, but then they got a sitter for Fiona, adding to the rarity of this occasion. Rose’s birthday had just passed a few days prior, but they agreed to celebrate on the weekend. So Friday afternoon, after all the classes had let out, Gideon and Rose made their way to the castle gates, then apperated to the small apartment above the Hogsmeade location of Blackwood & Son’s.

Opening the door to the small one bedroom apartment, Gideon couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. “It’s small. We usually only use the apartments when we have a long night and have to be up early the next morning. Inventory, meetings, large orders to fill. It makes it easier to just pop upstairs.”

Shutting the door behind them, Gideon held Rose’s hand tight, fingers intertwined. The apartment was simple, not taking long to give her a tour. A small living room with an attached galley kitchen. The “dining room” was a small bistro table with two chairs. There was a fireplace, two arm chairs and a sofa in the living space, one small bathroom with a bath/shower combo, sink and toilet. No frills. The bedroom had a small closet with a few suit jackets left over from one of his brother’s, a random shoe missing its mate and some towels. The bed, a queen size metal bed frame, had dark navy blue linens with pillows in emerald green. And that was it.

“I know it’s not much, but I figured we could stay here,” He got close to Rose, tucking her hair behind her ears, his signature move. His nose skimmed across her cheek as his lips followed the same path. “I’ll make you dinner.” He said, nibbling on the skin of her neck, god he had missed this. Not being allowed to touch her in the castle had been torture.

“And maybe,” he whispered, burying his hands in her hair. “If you're lucky,” his lips hovered over hers, with a whisper of a kiss. “I might let you sleep.” Pulling her to his lips, the kiss was fast and rough, filled with the frustration he had felt over the last few weeks of no intimacy. “But probably not.”

His hands were already fast at work undoing the buttons on her shirt, wasting no time at all. “You, my love, are wearing entirely too many clothes.” ]]> <![CDATA[Tonight is On The House :: Hogwarts Staff]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=451 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 02:14:51 +0000 Gideon Blackwood]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=451 Sept 1st
11:45 pm
Hogsmeade



Night one in the books was a complete failure. Low attendance numbers, the kitchen's magic snafu and the near mutiny of the students was not a great way to start the 1920’s school term. That being said, it could have been worse.

No death, no dismemberment…

When Maddox mentioned heading to Hogsmeade for a drink and some food, Gideon knew just the spot. He hadn’t planned on outing the speakeasy built into his family's clothing shop, but the few members of the staff that were coming, he felt like he could trust. He always trusted his gut.

Legally speaking, the speakeasy was completely above board. It was the betting ring that might get them into a spot of trouble. THAT part of the business would stay under lock and key.

Walking with the staff to the gate, waving his wand to unlock the wards just at that point in the perimeter, exiting and then rearming the wards, was a fairly straight forward process. “Blackwood & Son’s if you don’t mind.” He didn't explain himself, or why they were headed to a clothing shop and not a tavern. With a POP he apparated to just outside the store’s front door. At this late hour, the clothing business was closed, but there were other parts of the family business that stayed open far past traditional Last Call.

Wand in hand, a series of well placed taps and the door opened. Once inside, he silently lead them to the backroom of the shop, the staff crowding in, making the space smaller than comfortable. With a quick look at the assembled crowd, Gideon placed his hand on the door to the broom closet. With a quick 1, 2, 3 taps, he gave them a quiet smirk and simply said, “Welcome to Blackwood & Son’s.”

When the door opened, a waft of cigar smoke poured out, bringing with it the quiet chatter and music of a swanky jazz club. Leading the way down the stairs, Gideon motioned towards the bar. There were a few people sitting in booths, but it was a rather quiet night, which suited him just fine. Nodding towards the bartender, telling him silently that he had this bunch, Gideon went behind the bar standing before the staff. “What’ll it be? Once we have drinks, we can go sit in the lounge. I’ll have the chef bring out food shortly.”]]> Sept 1st
11:45 pm
Hogsmeade



Night one in the books was a complete failure. Low attendance numbers, the kitchen's magic snafu and the near mutiny of the students was not a great way to start the 1920’s school term. That being said, it could have been worse.

No death, no dismemberment…

When Maddox mentioned heading to Hogsmeade for a drink and some food, Gideon knew just the spot. He hadn’t planned on outing the speakeasy built into his family's clothing shop, but the few members of the staff that were coming, he felt like he could trust. He always trusted his gut.

Legally speaking, the speakeasy was completely above board. It was the betting ring that might get them into a spot of trouble. THAT part of the business would stay under lock and key.

Walking with the staff to the gate, waving his wand to unlock the wards just at that point in the perimeter, exiting and then rearming the wards, was a fairly straight forward process. “Blackwood & Son’s if you don’t mind.” He didn't explain himself, or why they were headed to a clothing shop and not a tavern. With a POP he apparated to just outside the store’s front door. At this late hour, the clothing business was closed, but there were other parts of the family business that stayed open far past traditional Last Call.

Wand in hand, a series of well placed taps and the door opened. Once inside, he silently lead them to the backroom of the shop, the staff crowding in, making the space smaller than comfortable. With a quick look at the assembled crowd, Gideon placed his hand on the door to the broom closet. With a quick 1, 2, 3 taps, he gave them a quiet smirk and simply said, “Welcome to Blackwood & Son’s.”

When the door opened, a waft of cigar smoke poured out, bringing with it the quiet chatter and music of a swanky jazz club. Leading the way down the stairs, Gideon motioned towards the bar. There were a few people sitting in booths, but it was a rather quiet night, which suited him just fine. Nodding towards the bartender, telling him silently that he had this bunch, Gideon went behind the bar standing before the staff. “What’ll it be? Once we have drinks, we can go sit in the lounge. I’ll have the chef bring out food shortly.”]]>