Absit Omen RPG

Duncan McBoid



Directly following the Second War Duncan moved in with his older brother, Angus, who had very recently become a single father to a five year old daughter. He owned a large section of land in the lowlands with livestock that needed to be tended and cared for. Because his brother had lost his wife, Duncan worried about Angus and his life. Rightly so, it turned out. Angus had done the best he could considering the circumstances but the house was in a poor state, the horses were not as well fed as they should have been, and young Moira entertained herself quietly and watched her dad with eyes older than she.

Duncan moved what little he still owned, having sold most of it at the start of the war (all the personal things were in storage at his parents), into the spare bedroom of the cottage. He cleaned up the house, reset Moira's schedule, took care of the farm, and gave his brother time to grieve.

Angus let him have full control over everything. Most days he could be found sitting by Genie's grave. The two of them, like many others, had gone to school together and fell in love. Their partnership had begun long before their wedding day and rare were the times they could be found apart. While she had been alive, watching the them together even during school was almost sickeningly sweet.

Keeping Moira busy was the easy part, she loved helping Duncan take care of the animals; feeding, grooming, even cleaning up after them. She also loved helping him in the kitchen and learning how to cook. Getting her to talk was much more difficult. Occasionally he could coax a few words out of her. The Scotsman's most successful area in that regard was what she wanted for supper.

A couple weeks passed by with no sign of change or improvement in Angus' behavior or mood. He was falling in that black, bottomless pit putting in no effort to try and pull himself out. When Moira wasn't around, Duncan began pushing at him and picking fights. He had no training as a healer beyond practicing healing spells during the war. That practice proved beneficial. Their fights were often bloody and mindless. Angus, victorious or not, was always a sobbing mess afterwards. Sometimes, despite his best efforts, he saw Moira pull back out of sight after a few of those fights had ended.

Progress was made, however. Slowly Angus began to return to the living world and the other many things he loved. He joined them every evening for supper, sometimes in the morning. He began telling Moira stories before she fell asleep. Once, Duncan heard him talking to the horses. He apologized for his neglect.

More time would be required for his heart to be mended, though the scars would remain, but Angus was back on his feet. Duncan considered leaving only to find he had grown to love the land and life as his brother did. He also wanted to continue helping Moira and to keep an eye on his brother in case of a relapse. Then he still needed to teach his niece many other things about life, like how to swim. No, he decided. The best thing he could do would be to stay on as part of this small family.

Angus watched the somewhat eager witch with some amusement. She seemed a friendly enough sort and she probably could manage herself in a party just fine. Rhiona, he caught her name from her tag, chatted on about their menu and what she thought was good though stopped in such a way that stated the boss was watching.

With a chuckle he grinned at her, "Aye lass, you're quite right. Ah don't get out as often as Ah'd like and the reviews spoke highly of the place. Of course, Ah'm not picky when it comes to food." Normally so long as the food wasn't over or under cooked to the point of being inedible Angus could eat it and wouldn't mind the taste at the very least.

Sitting back, still smiling, he made up his mind. "Ah'll go with that cider as well as the bangers and mash since ye like 'em so well. If there's anything else about the order that needs clarifying just surprise me."

The past few months had been horribly long. Being cooped up inside a small cottage with one's brother was not the best of times, more so when both brothers were ill with a mild case of Dragon Pox. Both of them had just received the all clear and since Duncan was more proficient at healing/cleansing spells Angus left him to it, going to restock any supplies they were low on.

Now that all the shopping was done and the supplies had been sent home... Angus was still feeling a little restless at the idea of returning. Aside from shopping, which was more than amply covered, there was only one thing left to do really. Grab a drink or two.

Rover's Fancy wasn't a pub he had visited before so while that had some affect on his choice really it just happened to be in the area where he was anyway. All the reviews he'd seen had spoken highly of the place. Maybe he'd get a bite to eat as well. His appetite was returning and if he had to eat one more of Duncan's meals - not that he was a bad cook - he'd probably do something rash.

Walking into the facility Angus glanced around the place. The decorations and design weren't low-par at the very least and for a Friday it wasn't very busy yet. Someone was ushering him to a chair almost immediately. Obligingly he followed them and accepted the menu with thanks.

Moira,

Dearest I know how much you look forward to the school holidays when you can come home for a little while, but this time you will have to stay at hogwarts or maybe stay with a friend. Duncan and I have both managed to contract dragon pox somehow.

Don't be alarmed, it can be deadly for serious cases but this is not a serious case. We are showing very mild signs and should be back to full health in the next month or so. I promise I will keep you up to date.

The animals will be taken care of. Knox is going to send some of their people to make sure they're fed and healthy when we are unable to. We're going to go visit them this summer.

Lots of love,
Dad

Angus chuckled, following after Camille. It would be a contest indeed to see who could out-drink the other if it came around to it. He drank at least a glass every night, usually when going over finances and other paperwork, and he was not afraid to use his weight in his favor.

Of course it wasn't long before Camille found someone else she recognized, though they apparently weren't a regular of the Spectre estates either. The poor thing looked highly uncomfortable, and upon introduction Angus thought she looked rather bewildered on seeing him. Really he couldn't say he blamed her any.

While Camille called out to the other phoenix he had seen before he offered the other witch a hand. "It's a pleasure, lass." His grip, as always, was firm however it did not crush another's hand as one might expect.

Angus offered Blair a smile before turning to face the others they were joining. They weren't the only ones grouping up, of course. Throughout the area witches and wizards were doing the same while others mingled about everywhere in no shape or form. Samhain was wonderful.

Camille's appreciation of his costume didn't go unnoticed and Angus grinned in appreciation. Angus was also impressed with her profession. Not everyone could be a teacher, though many tried, even if her teaching subject wasn't one everyone would take. He certainly wouldn't want to be stuck teaching a bunch of hormonal children, rather having spirited and stubborn horses any day.

Watching both of their reactions closely he gave a bit of a nod. From what he knew of Balfour and the faint blush gracing the young man's cheeks he was fairly certain he knew just how they were acquainted. Clearly it wasn't something he was quite comfortable talking about and so Angus didn't push the issue.

At that time a welcome and familiar figure arrived and Angus beamed, wrapping his arms around her in return. "Knox," he greeted fondly. It was always a welcome pleasure to see her and the others of the clan. Some of them could be more difficult than others but that was how people, and families, were and he wouldn't have changed them for anything.

When the masked stranger approached and complimented Camille she did so in Gaelic. Though it seemed Camille was unfamiliar with the language. He was aware, though, that this stranger did not have much practice, and Knox agreed responding in the same tongue keeping her identity a secret. With a smile the Scot spoke to Camille, "She thinks your costume is lovely."

Grinning again at Knox' skilled role of hostess he downed the contents of his glass and held it up with a wink, "I could handle some Firewhiskey. You're probably right and I should get something to eat, though. So much excitement I had near forgotten." Which wasn't really true, Angus wasn't one to miss a meal. It was required energy to get all the work down back at home.

At the newly acquainted Camille's question and statement he had to grin, "Aye, every time they throw a party if I can help it. Only chance I get to socialize with someone other than me brother, not including days I'm at the market." Holding up his cup as though to make a cheer he continued, "Let me be among the first to welcome you then, you won't regret being here unless you're too sober."

As he took another swallow her son mentioned his name being familiar and he nodded at his question. "Aye, lad. I raise winged horses as well as board other magical equines. We've even got a unicorn on the land if you're of a mind to visit. My daughter has the thing spoiled when she's home. Though I reckon that's all the animals, really."

It was a bit later than their introductions, though when did conversations ever go in a normal way, but he asked anyway, "I suppose you wouldn't be related to that Ignan Storm fellow, would you? Not that it matters of course as it's not related or relevant to you or all this. It's just that I've noticed Moira's grades improving lately and she merely grunts when I ask about it. Ah, Moira's me daughter by the way." Angus had a little tendency to forget himself at times. Not everyone was caught up on his familial matters.

Turning his head hearing someone holler his conversation partner's name he noticed another woman also dressed as a phoenix at the table. With a smile and a wave of his hand he invited her over to join them if she so desired.

Looking back to Johann he glanced him over. "You say also in the business of, but ye don't look to be the kind to raise animals beggin' yer pardon."

As always, the Spectres made a grand entrance with their costumes and Hippogriffs. A wonderful display, though he much preferred flying horses to flying... horse birds. Nothing wrong with the beasts, except their pride. Of course that might be considered hypocritical of the Scotsman. He had more than his share of pride, especially in his work and his daughter. Ah, yes. That was a portion, a very small one, of why he was here tonight. He needed to speak to Balfour about getting her out and about in the world a bit. That of course could wait, it was a party!

Naturally while they were doing their entrance Angus was at the table getting himself a drink, none of the fruity options either. Taking his first sip for the night his eyes scanned the crowd of those who were here and those still arriving. They all looked like a fun lot. A phoenix head topper caught his eye though and he decided that would be where he started his night. He was always looking forward to meeting new people after all. The woman and her son, or so he assumed it was impossible to tell sometimes, seemed a wonderful place to start.

Making his way over his bear hide cloak trailed behind him a bit. He wasn't exactly creative with costumes, though it was no matter. The padding and claws overlaying his hands and fingers were recognizable enough, along with the ears magicked to his head.

With a hearty grin he greeted the two merrily, the thought that they might have difficulty with his rather heavy accent never crossed his mind. "Hello! Angus McBoid. Pleasure to meet you. This is quite a great turnout, aye? I'd say the Spectres had outdone themselves but they don't do anything half-arsed."

Looking up as the fireplace activated it, Moira had made him promise to stay put while they were gone, Angus gave a welcoming grin and stood to his full six feet and six inches to greet the boy. "Good morning! Though tis almost lunch time tis is not? Ah'm Angus, Moira's father, she said ye were arriving today." To clear up any confusion he explained, "Moira's at town with me brother, Duncan. They should be returning here shortly though, so have a seat!"

Once Ambrose had sat down he resumed his own seat. Angus had been rather surprised when Moira had told him they'd be having a guest for a few days. Naturally he grilled her and found it was a boy in her year, and a gryffindor to boot. How he had come to be invited was hazy, though, and all he had been able to gather was one way or another this Ambrose Pepper was going to be visiting for a few days. That was alright with him, it gave him someone new to talk to.

"So, Ah understand yer family's known for making time-turners. That's fascinating. Never really wanted ta use one meself of course, tricky magic at the best of times." Shaking his head Angus looked to Ambrose again. "How's school going fer ya?"

Angus grinned as their small living room quickly filled up. Taking the eldest girl's hand in both of his in greeting he nodded with another smile. "It's me pleasure, lass. Ah hope ye'll all have a grand time during yer visit." It was wonderful having visitors, but he knew they would likely need space within the next few minutes.

With a nod of acknowledgement to the professor he addressed the crowd. "Alright, Ah'm sure ye're all feeling crowded and warm what with all those clothes on. The door outside is through that hallway there, and Ah'll send Moira out to show ye around."

He could all but hear Moira's silent groan of protest, but she didn't argue. However, before leaving the room she said in a voice that wasn't loud but a tone that demanded attention, "Da. If ye let the food burn, ye'll be the one ta eat it." And with that she went outside.

Shuddering a little he shook his head and looked to Tapendra. "Moira's a mighty good cook, but if it burns... it ought ta be a torture method. Have a seat, they'll be fine with Moira, unless you wish to take the tour with them of course."

Angus listened and nodded to the Professor, "I don't mind. After all, if anything happens I can just make my younger brother Duncan clean up the mess." Ah, the joys of being the older sibling. When Sasha asked if he could invite his sister Angus smiled at him. "Of course."

Wrapping an arm around Moira's shoulders, for support as to the doubts about this plan of his that she was definitely having, he responded to Sasha's earlier statement about him caring for the unicorn. "She's been around our place for several years now, and Moira's spoiled her far too much." Giving Moira a mock glare he continued. "She demands to be brushed and combed at least twice a day, and when Moira's not around she doesn't have much choice. Besides, she was bred in captivity. So she's not quite as... normal, as most unicorns."

"Floo Powder transportation wouldn't be a problem, of course." Angus nodded to the younger man. "And yes, we do have a unicorn on the premises. Moira takes care of her when she's home, and I do when Moira's away at school. So anyone who wants ta see a unicorn is more than welcome."

Moira might not be too keen on the idea of so many people at the place right away but she'd come around quick enough he bet. She was always more comfortable at home. That girl knew more hiding places there than he did, and he was the one who started the ranch in the first place. "Don't worry about Moira. She's normal when she's at home, so she'll come around."

In fact, by the time Moira got back from purchasing the needed feed, she seemed to have calmed down again. At the very least she wasn't as red as a raspberry anymore.

To give his daughter a bit of a reprieve he handed her the small leather purse with money in it and nudged her along to finish the shopping. Hearing her muttering darkly in Scottish-Gaelic had his lips twitching upwards again. He rarely got to pick on her about such things do to her antisocial behavior, though he hadn't helped much in that aspect, so he made do with what he had.

At the professor's question he had to grin. "Only as far as a fireplace can take us. We're located in the highlands of Scotland. Easiest way anywhere is apparition or flying." Along with some invisibility charms, just in case. One could never know when muggles might be wandering where they ought not to be and if they looked up to see someone riding a flying horse... well. That wouldn't end well at all.

Then, out of nowhere, Angus got an idea. "Say... if the two of you aren't busy later would you like to visit and see it? You can bring others along if you like, of course." They hardly ever got visitors. Paying customers, sure, they got some of them. But people actually visiting and looking around? It had been far too long for that.

Naturally when the boy offered his hand, Angus shook it without hesitation. He didn't care for gossip columns, true or not, as they didn't affect his life or his work. The only thing he read was market value papers, which was highly important for any kind of businessmen. Sell high, buy low. Not that everyone could afford to wait, but then others had enough money buying at an inflated rate didn't hurt them any.

Grinning when Sasha mentioned his class status he leaned down close to Moira's ear, how she ended up being shorter than her departed mother he didn't know, and whispered so only she could hear, "I didn't know you liked older boys." Seeing her reaction made it well worth it.

Laughing he shook his head and looked to the Professor as Moira continued to glare and likely plan on poisoning his dinner that night. "So what brings you to Diagon Alley? We're running low on feed and other things at the ranch so we're here to pick some up while the weather holds. Never know when it can turn nasty again."

While Angus might have been stubborn, he was also very patient. Patient to wait people out anyway, and this was another of those times. Grudgingly he would admit his daughter had a point about the feed, and he'd have to try something else, but the rest of it... she'd pick it up alright. After all, look at how she lectured her dear old father about how he was shopping the 'wrong' way.

Moira seemed insistent on not stopping until a couple people walked in just to say hello it seemed. Lightly placing a hand on his daughter's shoulder he looked the two of them over. They seemed nice enough and he nodded when Moira introduced them, but she was still smiling at the two. Naturally his gaze focused on the younger of the two and narrowed just a fraction, "Is he now?"

Of course, that didn't go unnoticed by her as she was hitting and glaring at him again. Clearing his throat he reached a hand out towards Tapendra. "Pleasure to meet you." While his daughter's accent was notable, his accent was more pronounced and unquestionably Scottish.