https://staging.knockturnbound.net/ Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:18:35 +0000 MyBB https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=1123 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:01:34 +0000 Matilda Nordstrom]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=1123 13 February 1923
11:30 am


The gala had been a… well, not a total success, but she wouldn’t call it a failure either. She had kept her cool, played the part, didn’t speak out of turn, refrained from all swear words and overall felt like she passed the test. Unfortunately, if you asked the elder Zdravkova’s she wasn’t sure they would give the same report.

Oleg, Nadežda and Lev were mysteries. If she were being honest, they never appeared happy or satisfied. Matilda could be crowned the queen of England, but they would probably still have the same impassive look on their faces.

It was disconcerting.

Eira… or Liliya was another story. She did a much better job of playing the part assigned to them, but she had years on Matilda. Thankfully, they knew each other, which helped sooth her nerves as they set up a date to meet in Hogsmeade. If she was going to survive this new life, she needed a life line. Someone that would be honest. Someone who would help her succeed in this new family.

It had been a passing comment at the gala, we should meet, reconnect. Matilda hadn’t waited a week before sending an owl with the next Hogsmeade weekend date. An owl back accepting her invitation filled her with relief.

When the day finally came, getting ready was harder than she thought it would be. Initially, Matilda reached for a simple skirt and blouse. Something she would have worn BEFORE. Lose fitting, well worn, slightly disheveled. On the off chance that Liliya would report back, Matilda thought it best to make an effort.

Picking a day dress was more difficult than it should have been, but ultimately she ended up with a tea length navy blue lace dress with a modest v-neck, lace flutter sleeves and a pretty scalloped hem. Her emerald necklace was in place, as it always was, with a simple pair of emerald stud earrings.

Her hair was in a typical Tilly up-do, pinned in place with braids and curls. It was a marvel of gravity, hiding dozens of hair pins.

Grabbing her heavy wool cloak and leather crossbody satchel, Matilda set out for the village with plenty of time to spare.

---

Matilda found a small two person table near the back where they would be able to talk. She was nervous, her leg bouncing under the table. Eira had never been a friend, but they shared a lot of friends in common. After all this time, she hoped that the older girl, Drago’s cousin, could help her navigate this new and rather daunting future.]]> 13 February 1923
11:30 am


The gala had been a… well, not a total success, but she wouldn’t call it a failure either. She had kept her cool, played the part, didn’t speak out of turn, refrained from all swear words and overall felt like she passed the test. Unfortunately, if you asked the elder Zdravkova’s she wasn’t sure they would give the same report.

Oleg, Nadežda and Lev were mysteries. If she were being honest, they never appeared happy or satisfied. Matilda could be crowned the queen of England, but they would probably still have the same impassive look on their faces.

It was disconcerting.

Eira… or Liliya was another story. She did a much better job of playing the part assigned to them, but she had years on Matilda. Thankfully, they knew each other, which helped sooth her nerves as they set up a date to meet in Hogsmeade. If she was going to survive this new life, she needed a life line. Someone that would be honest. Someone who would help her succeed in this new family.

It had been a passing comment at the gala, we should meet, reconnect. Matilda hadn’t waited a week before sending an owl with the next Hogsmeade weekend date. An owl back accepting her invitation filled her with relief.

When the day finally came, getting ready was harder than she thought it would be. Initially, Matilda reached for a simple skirt and blouse. Something she would have worn BEFORE. Lose fitting, well worn, slightly disheveled. On the off chance that Liliya would report back, Matilda thought it best to make an effort.

Picking a day dress was more difficult than it should have been, but ultimately she ended up with a tea length navy blue lace dress with a modest v-neck, lace flutter sleeves and a pretty scalloped hem. Her emerald necklace was in place, as it always was, with a simple pair of emerald stud earrings.

Her hair was in a typical Tilly up-do, pinned in place with braids and curls. It was a marvel of gravity, hiding dozens of hair pins.

Grabbing her heavy wool cloak and leather crossbody satchel, Matilda set out for the village with plenty of time to spare.

---

Matilda found a small two person table near the back where they would be able to talk. She was nervous, her leg bouncing under the table. Eira had never been a friend, but they shared a lot of friends in common. After all this time, she hoped that the older girl, Drago’s cousin, could help her navigate this new and rather daunting future.]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=1097 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 02:37:00 +0000 Thatcher Ravenstone]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=1097 2 December
Noon


Hogsmeade.

The very fact that Thatcher Ravenstone found himself standing in the middle of a crowded village on a school weekend was infuriating.

Students wandered past laughing and carrying shopping bags. Parents mingled outside storefronts. The air smelled of sweets, butterbeer, woodsmoke and teenagers. It was all beneath him.

Had circumstances been different, Alice would have come when summoned. A letter would have been enough. A second letter at most. Instead, months of correspondence had gone unanswered.

His letters. Margery's letters. Birthday gifts returned unopened. Not even the courtesy of a response.

The Ministry had completed its investigation. No charges had been filed. The accusations had been dismissed. The matter was settled.

Yet somehow his daughter continued behaving as though she were still a victim and he were still standing trial. The entire situation had become ridiculous. Thatcher checked his pocket watch for what felt like the tenth time.

Late. Or avoiding him. Neither possibility improved his mood. His teeth grinding with anger.

With an annoyed sigh, he adjusted the cuff of his robes and cast a glance down the busy street. Heads turned as they often did. Recognition was nothing new. Ravenstone Flightworks had made him a wealthy man and a recognizable one.

Normally he enjoyed that. Today it merely served as a reminder that half the wizarding world had spent the better part of a year whispering about his family. Because of her. This was Alice’s fault, to that he was sure. He had gone through great lengths to make sure Everleigh would never tell a soul what she knew. No, this had Alice written all over it.

His jaw tightened. Enough was enough. Alice would return home for the holidays. Whether she liked it or not, she was still his daughter and she would learn to listen.]]> 2 December
Noon


Hogsmeade.

The very fact that Thatcher Ravenstone found himself standing in the middle of a crowded village on a school weekend was infuriating.

Students wandered past laughing and carrying shopping bags. Parents mingled outside storefronts. The air smelled of sweets, butterbeer, woodsmoke and teenagers. It was all beneath him.

Had circumstances been different, Alice would have come when summoned. A letter would have been enough. A second letter at most. Instead, months of correspondence had gone unanswered.

His letters. Margery's letters. Birthday gifts returned unopened. Not even the courtesy of a response.

The Ministry had completed its investigation. No charges had been filed. The accusations had been dismissed. The matter was settled.

Yet somehow his daughter continued behaving as though she were still a victim and he were still standing trial. The entire situation had become ridiculous. Thatcher checked his pocket watch for what felt like the tenth time.

Late. Or avoiding him. Neither possibility improved his mood. His teeth grinding with anger.

With an annoyed sigh, he adjusted the cuff of his robes and cast a glance down the busy street. Heads turned as they often did. Recognition was nothing new. Ravenstone Flightworks had made him a wealthy man and a recognizable one.

Normally he enjoyed that. Today it merely served as a reminder that half the wizarding world had spent the better part of a year whispering about his family. Because of her. This was Alice’s fault, to that he was sure. He had gone through great lengths to make sure Everleigh would never tell a soul what she knew. No, this had Alice written all over it.

His jaw tightened. Enough was enough. Alice would return home for the holidays. Whether she liked it or not, she was still his daughter and she would learn to listen.]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=873 Sat, 31 Jan 2026 01:03:15 +0000 Matilda Nordstrom]]> https://staging.knockturnbound.net/showthread.php?tid=873 Saturday
3rd December
11:00am



Hogsmeade weekends were one of Matilda’s favorite times. Running around the town, buying treats, relaxing away from the pressure of school and on occasion, meeting with her Grandfather. Bertram had been busy with the trials of her Headmistress and Deputy, one had come out unscathed, one was currently living in Azkaban.

Thankfully, he had this weekend off, so they were meeting for afternoon tea. When he wasn’t busy, they would meet once a month, so Tilly was excited to see Bram. Alice came along, as she normally did, but Ever stayed back at the castle. She was too sensitive to come out at this point. Tilly was hoping to talk with Bram about what they could do to help. “Do you see him yet? Maybe he’s running late.” Matilda and Alice were running late, but it appeared that he was running even later.

When the click clack of heels sounded on the stone floor the hair on the back of Tilly's neck stood on end. She knew that sound, the cadence of the steps was burned into her brain. It could only be one person, but there was no way Bram would bring her here. Turning around to look over her shoulder, Matilda saw Allegra, her grandmother, dressed in a smart tweed dress, high collar and five inch stiletto heels. An emerald green velvet robe draped over her shoulders, her red hair secured in a tight chignon. Her signature hairstyle.

It had been over a year since she had laid eyes on the red-haired woman. It still stung that they shared the bright red hair and blue eyes. A rare trait that few in the family possessed. Matilda stood up, shoulders back, eyes locked with hers ready for a fight. She wasn’t a 12 year old little girl anymore, she wouldn’t tolerate her grandmother's abuse anymore.

“What are you doing here?" she asked in a rushed angry nervous tone. The side of Allegra's mouth tipped up in a smirk that never meant anything good. “It's nice to see that your grandfather is still so predictable. I’m sure he will be here later, but is currently detained. Oh well.”

Matilda's stomach dropped, the sour feeling that only came from dealing with Allegra Nordstrom settled in. Matilda stood quickly, looking at Alice for backup. “I'm leaving. I will not sit here and listen to you after everything you've done to me. You don't get my time.”

As Tilly took a step to leave hoping that Alice would follow, Allegra grabbed her by the wrist stopping her movement. “You will sit your ass down and you will listen to what I have to say.” Allegra said in a bitter, angry voice. Low and cold so that only Tilly and Alice could hear. The skin of her wrist burned with the touch. It wouldn’t bruise, but she would feel her touch for hours.

Tilly's hands shook with anger and fear. She hated this woman more than she could ever describe. The feeling of the slap on her face, the memory of being terribly hungry locked away in her room. The training sessions to make her the perfect pure blood princess. It was all too much. As if on autopilot Tilly sat down, lips set in a firm line, arms crossed over herself as if it would protect her. She sat, staring at her grandmother, hoping that Bram would come in to save the day like he did years ago. Saving her from the abuse.

Allegra brought her bag to her lap and started rifling through the contents. Pulling out a long thin cigarette, she lit it by magic. Allegra took a few puffs, causing Tilly to screw her face up in disgust. The smell of her cigarettes almost made her stomach roll, a smell she would only ever associate to her evil grandmother. Tilly looked at Alice worry in her eyes silently pleading for them to get up and leave.

Allegra took out a folder from her bag and set it in front of Tilly, a simple manilla folder with nothing written on the front to alert Tilly to what the contents might be. ”You will be happy to know,” Allegra said, taking another puff. ”I have started the process of securing you a proper husband.”

Tilly's eyes went wide, her arms fell to her side speechless from the words her grandmother just spoke.

”I am 16 years old. I am too young to marry. What the hell do you mean, securing me a husband?” Tilly said, voice shaking with shock and fear. The look on Allegra's face spoke volumes; she didn't like Tilly talking back.

”You are in Nordstrom! You will not be allowed to find just anyone to marry. There are standards. Did you think that we would let you marry for love?” Allegra said with a cackle. Oh naive little girl. There are a few families I’m in discussions with. One prospect that seems very excited, is a lovely man from Greece. Paolo, he just turned 30 and has a very high profile career in the restaurant industry. He owns five around Europe and is opening more in Asia.”

Tilly sat there slack-jawed, eyes wide, unable to comprehend the words coming out of her grandmother's mouth. “30? Did you say he was 30? There is no way in hell that I am going to marry a 30 year old man just because he meets your stupid criteria.”

Leaning forward Allegra's cold, unfeeling eyes stared daggers into Tilly.

“You will do what I say, you ungrateful little brat. You have zero control over this situation. I am your guardian. I will tell you who to marry and you have no say in the matter. Do you understand me?”]]> Saturday
3rd December
11:00am



Hogsmeade weekends were one of Matilda’s favorite times. Running around the town, buying treats, relaxing away from the pressure of school and on occasion, meeting with her Grandfather. Bertram had been busy with the trials of her Headmistress and Deputy, one had come out unscathed, one was currently living in Azkaban.

Thankfully, he had this weekend off, so they were meeting for afternoon tea. When he wasn’t busy, they would meet once a month, so Tilly was excited to see Bram. Alice came along, as she normally did, but Ever stayed back at the castle. She was too sensitive to come out at this point. Tilly was hoping to talk with Bram about what they could do to help. “Do you see him yet? Maybe he’s running late.” Matilda and Alice were running late, but it appeared that he was running even later.

When the click clack of heels sounded on the stone floor the hair on the back of Tilly's neck stood on end. She knew that sound, the cadence of the steps was burned into her brain. It could only be one person, but there was no way Bram would bring her here. Turning around to look over her shoulder, Matilda saw Allegra, her grandmother, dressed in a smart tweed dress, high collar and five inch stiletto heels. An emerald green velvet robe draped over her shoulders, her red hair secured in a tight chignon. Her signature hairstyle.

It had been over a year since she had laid eyes on the red-haired woman. It still stung that they shared the bright red hair and blue eyes. A rare trait that few in the family possessed. Matilda stood up, shoulders back, eyes locked with hers ready for a fight. She wasn’t a 12 year old little girl anymore, she wouldn’t tolerate her grandmother's abuse anymore.

“What are you doing here?" she asked in a rushed angry nervous tone. The side of Allegra's mouth tipped up in a smirk that never meant anything good. “It's nice to see that your grandfather is still so predictable. I’m sure he will be here later, but is currently detained. Oh well.”

Matilda's stomach dropped, the sour feeling that only came from dealing with Allegra Nordstrom settled in. Matilda stood quickly, looking at Alice for backup. “I'm leaving. I will not sit here and listen to you after everything you've done to me. You don't get my time.”

As Tilly took a step to leave hoping that Alice would follow, Allegra grabbed her by the wrist stopping her movement. “You will sit your ass down and you will listen to what I have to say.” Allegra said in a bitter, angry voice. Low and cold so that only Tilly and Alice could hear. The skin of her wrist burned with the touch. It wouldn’t bruise, but she would feel her touch for hours.

Tilly's hands shook with anger and fear. She hated this woman more than she could ever describe. The feeling of the slap on her face, the memory of being terribly hungry locked away in her room. The training sessions to make her the perfect pure blood princess. It was all too much. As if on autopilot Tilly sat down, lips set in a firm line, arms crossed over herself as if it would protect her. She sat, staring at her grandmother, hoping that Bram would come in to save the day like he did years ago. Saving her from the abuse.

Allegra brought her bag to her lap and started rifling through the contents. Pulling out a long thin cigarette, she lit it by magic. Allegra took a few puffs, causing Tilly to screw her face up in disgust. The smell of her cigarettes almost made her stomach roll, a smell she would only ever associate to her evil grandmother. Tilly looked at Alice worry in her eyes silently pleading for them to get up and leave.

Allegra took out a folder from her bag and set it in front of Tilly, a simple manilla folder with nothing written on the front to alert Tilly to what the contents might be. ”You will be happy to know,” Allegra said, taking another puff. ”I have started the process of securing you a proper husband.”

Tilly's eyes went wide, her arms fell to her side speechless from the words her grandmother just spoke.

”I am 16 years old. I am too young to marry. What the hell do you mean, securing me a husband?” Tilly said, voice shaking with shock and fear. The look on Allegra's face spoke volumes; she didn't like Tilly talking back.

”You are in Nordstrom! You will not be allowed to find just anyone to marry. There are standards. Did you think that we would let you marry for love?” Allegra said with a cackle. Oh naive little girl. There are a few families I’m in discussions with. One prospect that seems very excited, is a lovely man from Greece. Paolo, he just turned 30 and has a very high profile career in the restaurant industry. He owns five around Europe and is opening more in Asia.”

Tilly sat there slack-jawed, eyes wide, unable to comprehend the words coming out of her grandmother's mouth. “30? Did you say he was 30? There is no way in hell that I am going to marry a 30 year old man just because he meets your stupid criteria.”

Leaning forward Allegra's cold, unfeeling eyes stared daggers into Tilly.

“You will do what I say, you ungrateful little brat. You have zero control over this situation. I am your guardian. I will tell you who to marry and you have no say in the matter. Do you understand me?”]]>