Absit Omen RPG

---

"And the reason is clear,
it's because you are here --"

A baby giggle and coo.
A mother's wide smile.

"You're the nearest
thing to heaven that I've seen..."

Gabrielle grinned as Amelia's fingers grasped in an upwards motion, desperate to feel her mother's face, voice as she sang. Something that the soon to be year old child felt was necessary whenever someone, regardless who it was, sang to her. Her eyes lit up with people's singing voices, but most especially when it was family. Gabrielle remembered that she had been the same way when it was a young child.

Music was a healing process and a pastime that was well worth investing one's life in, no? Gabrielle relented soon enough, leaning forward to the pram, nibbling baby fingertips gently, loving the response of infectious laughter. She followed it up with humming the continuation of the song she'd been singing, eager to have Amelia take a nap sooner than later. After all, the check up appointment was now over and Gabrielle was eager to take a rest.

Their journey continued them through Muggle London, opting to go travel around Convent Garden, eventually gaining Gabrielle's attention to Stardust. Piano music filtered through its doors, occasional open window, piquing her interest. Well, that and the chalkboard sign mentioning that there was open mic.
Curious and curiouser.

Gabrielle took the bait, entering the door, mother, daughter, pram and all, gazing at the surroundings. Had she been before? Or someone in her family? Pondering continued for a moment until eyes caught the image of Edgar Carstairs. A grin returned to her lips. She hadn't seen much of him in a few years and yet, weren't members of his own family within the Ministry's walls? Mmn. She slipped off to one of the tables with the dim light, looking to Amelia who was becoming heavy eyed but ever still curious with a few coos.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Gabrielle listened intently to those around her, likewise gauging the room's atmosphere. A jab at sizing up her office, in the past, would have made the witch bristle and likely bark. However, it wasn't the case now. She simply gave a curt nod and slight amused smirk, half imagining kicking a shin or two to retaliate for that jab.

Then again, probably best to dismiss such thoughts -- after all, didn't need people in her thought processes when she herself was all too often inside her own head when it came to raising Amelia properly. After all, Jane was wonderful, this much was true, but there were questions Gabrielle often wished she could ask her mother. A smile crept to her lips right as Johann mentioned snagging Francis up, the timing impeccably made.

Then, as oft do moments of happiness, they get interrupted by talks of business. Mm. MACUSA. The Minister. Yes, all in a day's, week's, month's worth of work, eh? Gabrielle eyed Brinley, Quill, Hester respectively.

"See, Hester? This is what I've missed: the organised chaos."

A chuckled grin as Gabrielle continued on. "Rest assured, I'm grateful for all you've done, love. More than you realise and then some. Quill, we'll get down to them before the day, week's out. As for coming 'round more often, Brinley, please do. You're sure to be better fed, literally and verbally. After all, Holmes can make it a bit stuffy for all those involved, eh?"

Gabrielle grabbed the nearest earthenware mug, pouring some tea into it and added a little sugar to it, blowing the steam gently away. "But I'll see to the Minister as well. I'm sure he's thanking the heavens that I finally returned from maternity leave." She took a drink, nodding. "Well, any other bits you lot have for me?"

So many remarks, statements, declarations, and anything, everything in between. Her eyebrows rose with the remarking of scorched desks (it wasn't anything new for the Ministry and perhaps, the raised brow was also because of personal recollection of such incident) and happenings on their level. She took note of the  Rotterweiler bit, minding to avoid a smirk, snicker even as the imagery was plainly implanted instead within the confines of her mind.

Then came the drill of asking about Amelia, the longing and the inquiries about pictures. Naturally, she had photographs and the longing was admittedly there, but she again, was no quitter. A Murray and now Pepper would never be a quitter so sudden, so abruptly. A smile came to her lips as she pulled out the small emerald hued leather picture wallet, extending it to Som.

"Here you go. Only a handful, I'm afraid," she teased with a wink before directing her attention to Hester. "I do believe I will miss her terribly, dear, but it'll make the heart fonder to come home to after a long day. Besides, I've my brother and the family in general to look after Amelia. It isn't like I've been asked to be re-stationed Stateside."

And even if I were, I'd handle it with poise and grace, she thought alone to herself, the smile still upon her features. "I appreciate the sacrifices you all have made in my absence over the past months and for it, I'm truly grateful for each of you."

Her face broke into wide smile and grin upon the arrival of Orr, Pinn, and Storm. She returned the affection warmly, kindly for each of them, disregarding (save a cheeky, knowing smirk) Johann's remark about bribery. So what if it was ever so slightly? She'd taken more than a lingering maternal leave, had she not? Ever still, take care of your family and they're sure to be on your good side once more.

"It's beyond proper words, supposing all, to see the three of you again in the professional setting once again. Thank you for holding the fort from crumbling to pieces and for also spoiling Mia aptly. I swear it seems a lifetime since she came round, but I don't think us older four wouldn't know what to do without her either."

Positively true, dirty nappies aside. Ambrose and Tim were wonderful and dutiful older brothers, Francis a wonderful doting father, Gabrielle herself a protective but warm-hearted mother. All in all, the five of them fit together in their own ways. "That said, the boss is back and that's that, right?"

"Good morning, Gabrielle, welcome back."

Gabrielle turned slightly then to see Quill, her smile only seemingly to grow in size, warmth. "Quill! I take it you heard pastries and the reports of my return as well, then? Come, come. There's plenty to go around." She motioned for Quill to join them in the break room, focusing attention to her department colleagues for a moment. "No antlers or any mischief of any kind that you all neglected to inform during my time away?"

After many whimpers and shed tears between mother, daughter at the manor and then as the sitter (many thanks to Quincey offering) made it at last, Gabrielle Pepper was headed back to the Ministry at the same time as her husband. Various baked goods from the night before along with the intention of making coffee, tea before the rest of Level Five showed up was there with her. She realised that her extended maternity leave had caused many sore spots and also more than a fair share of whispers whether or not retirement was in the works.

But now.... Gabrielle Pepper was moving herself back as department head, reestablishing her role aptly. There was plenty of time to get assimilated back into the folds, that was absolutely certain. Her eyes misted a little as husband and wife separated themselves as the lift opened for Level Five, Gabrielle stepping out and sniffling a little. Clearly motherhood was a lovely mark on her heart but also one that had to be managed most appropriately.

After all, sobbing uncontrollably would make her look like a complete fool in front of all the department.

Once at the break room, the baked goods were placed on the well worn and used wooden table, the samovars coming to life as tea and coffee would be contained within, beginning to bubble and start. Gabrielle was well aware that food and drink alone would not mend the delay in returning to the department, but surely.... it would be a start.

Both babe and mother beamed happily away with the kiss from Francis. Admittedly, Gabrielle was likewise listening to the various conversations between the adults as she quasi-nestled in her husband's hold. Eta's outburst and  Catherine's displeasure were enough to cause squints of brief frustration even as the witch understood how frustrating that all really could be. Monty and his magnificent flying machines were surely to cause the lot of them to go silver haired if he wasn't careful with his works.

"Imp?"

The devilish help appeared with a grunt and the stench of sulfur, brimstone to go with it. "Ay, mistress?" came his gravelly tone. "We're going to the sitting room, if you please. The tea and sandwiches, the lot? It can head that direction. Do you mind?" Gabrielle remarked, smiling faintly as she bounced Mia against her side. Imp gave a nonverbal grunt that no, it wouldn't be that big offence, pressing issue before disappearing off in a huff of smoke, the stench there ever still.

Mia gave a whine; Gabrielle smiled to her family. "To the sitting room, you lot."

Down fo' the Dobby!

ames membs

Gabrielle could only grin at Camille's reply followed right with Mia's bubbled raspberries response. They were a pair and a half and the witch could hardly even begin to be mad at it as it gave her a glimpse of what could have been if Mina had made it through the decades. Mmn, yes. Mina would have fawned all over her granddaughter and smothered her with the best affection a grandmother could.

These thoughts soon were abruptly halted with the all too familiar rumble of an automobile arriving to the estate. Well, this would end somehow badly or dangerously for whomever came through those doors soon enough. Gabrielle heard the voices and surveyed the situation soon enough. Francis, Monty, Tim....

A hesitation to speak and approach her husband was there as Catherine took the lead to let her husband know exactly how she felt about his recklessness. Gabrielle was reminded herself about the escapade that her, Francis and Monty personally had endured versus a nasty band of dementors a while back. Hm.

Her eyes looked to Francis, her lips curling into a gentle smile as she finally came into contact with his warm body, hugging him as though one of them had been on some major travel and this was the reunion. Mia babbled out her 'dada!' spiel, causing Gabrielle to grin in his chest.

"I can't decide who's longed for you the most, beautiful man...."

Gabrielle began to hear the hustle and bustle that came with family arrivals. Thanks to Zeta and her ever informative tone, Gabrielle now knew that one on her mother's side had arrived along with quite a few Peppers, her stepsons included. A smile was there as she began walking with Mia in tow, who herself was occupied with wanting to figure out the voices as well.

“Yes, yes! Gelukkig Kerstfeest!” Gabrielle responded brightly as her eyes fell on Camille. It had been a bit since the witches had come into each other's presence in the physical body sense. Owls were often the exchange and with it, advice, laughter and perhaps a photograph or two of the baby were sent. After all, Camille was a mother herself and Gabrielle valued her advice just as much as Catherine and Jane Pepper. Mia cooed, eyes a bit wide, her hands smacking her body frame as she laid eyes on Camille - Gabrielle gave a hearty laugh. "For someone who hasn't seen the other in months, goodness, my love, thou art loose," she teased her daughter who only began babbling away, staring at Camille with eagerness.

Once the voices of Theta and Ambrose were heard, Mia gave a pleasant squeal that carried throughout the house. Gabrielle patted her head. "I know, I know! More people! One being your older brother. I know you hear him, but I wonder...." Gabrielle moved Mia closer to Camille. "Would you like to see Camille first?"

An affirmation of bubble spit.
Gabrielle looked to Camille.

"If you'd like?"

All Peppers, Spectres, Storms, Murrays, Extended Fam Welcomed!

---

Majority of the personal holiday festivities had come and gone over the course of the past few days, gifts and geese no doubt consumed twice, thrice over. With the highest buzzes of Christmas fuzzies dwindling down, one last hurrah was being held at the Murray Estate. Gabrielle, in her ever quest to bring families together in any form seen fitting, invited the lot of them. More of an excuse to bind the family ties better, to feast perhaps one final time for good measure, and to allow her own blossomed family to enjoy company with the extended lots of them.

It would be an hors d'oeuvres hour or so followed by a simple supper, nothing too formal nor too lax either. Jumpers and pants welcomed versus formal wear. Laughter and gaiety abound. Pleasantries and hopefully no uncomfortable measures to arise. But should they, soft, stern reminders could be employed.

The hostess herself was currently finishing changing the nappy on her eight month old, who was babbling away on some matter. Gabrielle was all smiles, leaning down to kiss Mia's stomach, then cheek. "You ought to tell your father if that's how you feel about it, dearie..." she suggested, receiving a sharp cry of Dada! as the response.

"Yes, Dada. Dada should be back at any moment. Your brothers and him have been out for a few hours. Want to watch the snow until they make it back?" Gabrielle asked, picking her back up and cradling her daughter as they stared out the window of the nursery, large flakes falling.  Mia cooed some more, hands reaching out to try and grab them. Gabrielle smiled.

A lovely s/o to Cody for his stylings regarding my big three troublemakers. It'll be up on my signature soon enough, Cody! <3

and okay, more like ONE troublemaker, but poh-tay-toe, potato, potatoe, poh-tah-toe

She could hear the ending parts of the conversation between Francis, Balfour, and it made her smile wide. She too, was exceedingly glad she'd said yes and not solely due to the fact that she was in waiting with Amelia at the time. Gabrielle leaned over, kissing Johann on the cheek before breaking hands with her cousin, soon motioning for Balfour to resume dancing with his own beloved. "Hello, sweet man. I didn't mean to have you traumatised by the dance....but by the looks of it, you've survived rather well, aye?" Gabrielle spoke, ruffling Francis' hair as she often did in their past and more hopefully in the present, future.

Smiling, she took note of Ignan and Miranda's spot on the dance floor before gazing at Francis adorningly, as though she would never have opportunities to glance at him ever again. This was truly perfect in its own way. She had rode stormy waves through it all and together..... they'd united in marriage like it had been intended after all.

"I love you."

Bring it onnnnnnnn

They were a pair of dancing cousins, that was for certain. Though it seemed to be for the ill fated when coming to Francis, Gabrielle was nothing but smiles and laughter at the thought, sights before her eyes. "Godric, do you two intend to mortify him today? If so...." Her eyes glanced back to Johann, grinning wide. "Do it. It'll be a good image to remember. I imagine he'll disagree with me on thjs matter, but he isn't surely to die."

Gabrielle laughed with a few shrieks as she and Johann went round, keeping time with the music. Surely.... Francis could surely find a way to get over his concerns, apprehensions and let his wife, cousins have memories to last a lifetime. It certainly wouldn't hurt to let Mia know that her father could cut a rug.

"Don't be a square! You can do it!" she shouted briefly, refocusing on Johann. "We could ALWAYS upstage them, y'know."

Gabrielle was utterly oblivious to the drama serials unfolding from the tables nearby and she was so much better off for it. She was utterly, blissfully in love and well, dancing with her husband as other couples joined in the festivities. Much like Francis, Gabrielle would love to join him in memory recollections later on in their lives and rewatch this day unfold anew. But until those days actually came about, the newly wed Murray now Pepper would stick with in the moment festivities.

Gabrielle was in the process of leaning in and stealing another kiss as they were flanked by her cousins. Oh, this wasn't expected. Not by a mile. However, there were hardly any hurt feelings by it, eh? Bowing in a polite curtesy, Gabrielle clasped Johann's hand in return, a wide grin all but plastered on her face.

"Well, hello there, old friend. You look more than well when I left you. Bonny and blithe, as to steal my own stepbrother's words," she responded rather gaily. "Has a certain Scotsman stolen your heart and has it clasped under lock and key? If so, so much the better."

The music soon changed up again and familiar refrains of gypsy jazz[1] stirred up the dancing bodies. "Tell me you're somewhat good at swing, Storm, or I might have to show you how!"

She pulled her cousin's body a bit closer and grinned one grin that meant she would either make or break him. Perhaps both if he proved poorly....

1.	see - Django Reinhardt - Sweet Georgia Brown