The Summer Ball
Daisy stood in her room in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting her dress and making sure her hair was in place. It wasn't so much she was nervous. Actually that was a lie. She was nervous. It was her and Wills first public event as a couple. And then there was the fact that most of the press had her in the top rankings for MVP – despite everything that had happened that season. She kept going back and forth between thinking it was hers and thinking there was no way they'd give it to her after her abysmal start.
"Would you stop. Wills is going to love it," Lucy said, stepping up next to her. Daisy looked at her cousin and smiled. Despite the fact they had been living together over a year and were now engaged and set to marry in a couple months, Lucy had insisted on getting ready there and making Kelly come pick her up. Dominique was in the bathroom, putting the final touches on her own makeup.
"I've missed this," she said with a sigh and then turning to look at her cousins. Her white-blonde hair was pulled back into a slick, low bun while her dress fluttered around her in an array of pastel pinks and purples. It stopped at her ankles, showing off strappy silver heels.
"We've missed having you at these events," Daisy replied. Dominique beamed as she stepped out of the bathroom and did a little twirl.
"You think Paul will like it?" she asked.
"I think Paul will like anything as long as you're in it," Lucy said, adjusting her own dress. She was wearing white – which Daisy found hilarious. The dress wrapped around her torso, then draped across her shoulders and then flowed to the ground with a modest split up the side. It glittered under the lights.
"Reminding everyone that you'll soon be Mrs. Ryan Kelly?" Dominique asked with a smirk.
"You know how hard it is to find colors that don't clash with my hair," Lucy said, frowning slightly.
"Probably trying to take the spotlight from you. We all know it's Daisy Wood the press'll want to see tonight," Dominique said as she walked over to grab her purse. Daisy just shrugged and looked back at the mirror.
Louie had taken inspiration from their trip to Greece over the break and found a beautiful, light blue dress that looked as though it were made for a goddess on Mt. Olympus. There was a small cut out in the side that wrapped around into an asymmetrical back. In the front, it wrapped around one shoulder, with a bit flowing down her back.
"Don't think it's a bit obvious, do you?" Daisy asked, smiling at her cousins.
"Only to the family," Dominique replied.
"LADIES! WE'RE RUNNING LATE!" Remus shouted.
"WE'RE COMING!" Daisy shouted back. "Best get a move on."
They left the room and found the living room full. Lila and Laura were already there standing next to Remus and Jamie, while Alan was with a short, blonde witch who seemed a bit overwhelmed to be there. Daisy raised her eyebrows at him and he nodded slightly, acknowledging that he had finally convinced the medic to be his date - her name was Bridget. She really did seem to be unlike his usual sort, but Daisy was looking forward to getting to know her. Kelly and Paul stood next to him, drinks in hand as James was bouncing on the balls of his feet. He had brought Roxanne, which Daisy found sweet. She appeared to be mid-joke, looking gorgeous in her gold dress. Next to them, stood John and Christos - both sans dates. Jamie had talked their father into giving Christos a ticket, seeing as he was practically part of the family anyway.
Daisy had to admit, she wasn't sure how she felt about John being there, but supposed it was a good sign that he was falling back into his friendship with the triplets and seemed to be taking her relationship with Wills in stride. That could go a long way in terms of dealing with the press at the ball. Help ease things as there had already been an onslaught of articles. Speaking of which, she looked around the room, noticing the one face missing was that of her date and boyfriend.
"Where's Wills?" she asked, planting her hands on her hips. "So help me, if he makes us late-"
"Never fear, I am here, my dear Pixie," he boomed as he stepped into the flat. He stopped in his tracks as Daisy turned to face him, a silly grin filling his face. "You look amazing." Daisy rolled her eyes.
"You say that every ball," she said. He walked up and wrapped an arm around her and kissing her softly on the lips.
"Yes, but this time I get you all to myself the whole night," he said.
"Come on, let's get going before Casanova here makes us even later," Remus called out.
Daisy swallowed as they approached the long red carpet and line of reporters and cameras.
"Don't look so nervous, Pix," Wills said, smiling down at her. She looked up at him and then back over at the reporters.
"Can you blame me for being nervous?" she asked. "They were all speculating how long we've been together and whether you actually were the reason we broke up."
"Let them," Wills said. "Though Kingfisher doesn't look any calmer than you." Daisy glanced behind them a ways, seeing a nervous John, pulling at his suit coat.
"You don't think they'll eat him alive, do you?" she asked. Wills laughed.
"I'm sure he can take care of his own," he said casually. Daisy rolled her eyes. Of course he'd play it down.
Suddenly, they were in the midst of it, reporters shouting questions as a flurry of flashes nearly blinded them.
"How long have you two been an item?" someone shouted. Daisy glanced up at Wills.
"Told you," she sent him.
"Truthfully, not long," Wills replied. "But some could say this was a long time in the making."
"What does your father have to say about this?" another called out.
"He's happy for us," Daisy said, smiling.
"Didn't seem so happy at the match," another said. Daisy chuckled.
"Well, he's learning to be happy for us," she said.
"Does this mean Wills, playboy of the Quidditch League, is finally settling down?"
"Well… I think it's a bit soon to be talking about settling down, but I'm very, very happy being with Pixie," he said, grinning down at her.
"Dad'll have something to say about that answer," Daisy thought.
"Can't very well say that I intend to marry you someday in front of the press, can I?" he thought back.
"Never stopped you before," Daisy replied.
"What do you think your chances are at MVP this year? You've both been high in the rankings."
"I would gladly step aside to let Pix win. She deserves it," Wills replied. "Now, if you'll excuse us, I believe my future father-in-law is waiting for us inside."
Daisy groaned slightly as that just started a whole storm of questions.
"He will kill you for that one," she said as they walked into the large tent that had been set up on the pitch at Appleby. The Summer Ball was always held at the field of the winning team.
"Nah, you'll save me in time," Wills said, grinning. They walked in and accepted glasses of champagne from a passing server and made their way over to the older members of Daisy's family.
"Can't be there at practice, though," she said.
"I'm hoping Remus and Alan take pity on me," he replied. Daisy snorted slightly.
"Fat chance of that."
"I really wish they didn't make us sit with our teams. I want to be able to kiss you when you win MVP," Wills said. Daisy laughed.
"Could very well be you," she said, glancing up at him.
"My reign there is over. Well, maybe not. But this year, I'd be glad to give it up to you," he said. "Plus, we all know they choose someone from the winning team. So it'll likely be you or Kelly, to be honest."
"Daisy, that dress is amazing," her Aunt Audrey said, smiling as they walked up. Daisy smiled.
"Thanks," she said. "Lucy and Kelly should be along soon, I think. Unless they got caught in the press line. Wills riled them up a bit just before we stepped in." Oliver glared at him.
"What did you say?" he asked, glowering.
"Oliver, relax. We're here to have fun. Not murder your star chaser," Iris said soothingly. Oliver frowned down at her and then huffed. George walked up with Angelina and just grinned at the couple.
"You have no idea how happy it makes me to see you two," he said.
"Still gloating to Bill and Charlie," Angelina added, rolling her eyes.
"I will never understand your obsession with bets and wagers," Percy said sternly.
"Only because you never win," George replied. He then turned to the two. "Give me heads up when you plan to propose." Oliver choked on his drink, causing George to laugh loudly as Iris patted him on his back.
"And with that, I think I'll escort Daisy to her table," Wills said, knowing it was time to make a quick exit.
"George, do not put ideas into their heads!" they heard Oliver shout as they walked away. "She's barely 21 as it is!" Daisy laughed as they meandered through the tables, towards the one at the front with an Arrows banner hanging over it.
"Definitely waiting until you're 25," Wills said quickly, causing Daisy to laugh harder.
"He'll still find a reason to hate you for it," she said.
"There's the woman of the hour!" Campbell yelled as they approached. The rest of the team was there with Kelly, Lucy, Dominique and Paul seeming to have made it through the press line much quicker than Wills and Daisy. Granted, John was still missing. He had likely gotten stuck with the press for awhile, seeing as it was his first time to really face them alone after he came back. Daisy glanced over and saw Julia kiss Nilsson on the cheek before heading over to the Harpies' table. Wills leaned down and kissed Daisy before steeling himself and walking over to Puddlemere's table, where Oliver was already seated and glaring at him.
"Dad still not used to Wills, is it?" Blanks asked. Daisy sighed and shook her head.
"That will take some time," she said, glancing over at John, who had finally made it to the table. He nodded stiffly as he sat.
"No matter. We're all here. As it should be," Bray said smiling next to his date. Daisy sat next to Lucy and started chatting as everyone else quickly made their way to their seats. Soon dinner was served.
All too soon, the awards ceremony was starting and Daisy sat nervously wringing her hands. Lucy reached over and stopped her.
"You got this," she whispered, smiling. Daisy just shrugged and turned her attention to the podium as she reached for her glass and downed half her champagne. She couldn't help but wish she had something stronger. Without much surprise, James got Rookie of the Year, despite starting first string halfway through the first half. Daisy grinned and clapped for him. Then then they reached Beater of the Year. Daisy sat up in her chair and glanced over at her brothers. Remus and Alan were sitting at their table, pretending not to be paying attention, but she knew they were. Both kept glancing nervously towards the stage.
"Well, this seems to be a first. We have a tie this year," Angelina said. Daisy immediately started grinning. "When you think about it, it's only fitting considering how well these two work together. And no, it wasn't because it's so damn hard to tell them apart. Our Beaters of the Year are… Remus and Alan Wood!"
Daisy jumped to her feet as she clapped loudly for her brothers and whistled. Remus and Alan made their way to the podium to accept their awards, both a bit pink in the face.
"So, do we get double the time to make speeches or are you going to make us share that too?" Remus joked as soon as they got there, causing the crowd to chuckle. "And by the way, we do know it's because you lot still can't tell us apart, Aunt Angelina. But it's okay. We won't tell Uncle George." He then looked down at the award and back up at the audience.
"I am grateful to receive this award. Alan and I, well, to be honest, I don't think I could work with a better partner, and that's not just because he's my brother-"
"But it helps," Alan said, interrupting him. "We have pretty much been in sync since the womb."
"Shut it, I'm trying to thank you, you dolt," Remus replied as more laughter spread through the room. "As I was saying. I couldn't ask for a better partner out there on the pitch. We've worked hard and I'm honored that if I'm going to share an award, that at least it's with Alan and not Jamie." He grinned down at his brother at the Puddlemere table who just shook his head, smiling.
"Speak for yourself, I'd rather share it with Pix," Alan retorted. Remus rolled his eyes and stepped aside, motioning for Alan to speak.
"This is a bit nerve-wracking. I am the quiet one after all," he said, looking down at the award.
"No, that's Jamie," Remus interjected.
"Oh, right. Anyway. I'm honored to receive this award. And as Remus said, I couldn't have a better guy out there working with me on the pitch. Or sharing an award, though next year you may have to fight me for it... Thank you, everyone," he said. Both embraced and then walked back to their table.
The awards continued on with a shocked Bray taking home Keeper of the Year. Daisy glanced over at Jamie, who was clapping hard. They came to chaser of the year and Daisy sat up, glancing over at Wills.
"And for this year's Chaser of the Year…" Angelina paused as she read the envelope and shook her head. "How many does this make now? Get up here Wills." Wills shot up out of his chair, beaming as he made his way through the crowd.
"You know what this means – MVP is yours!" Lucy whispered excitedly. Daisy just laughed and shook her head, turning her attention to the front of the room where Wills was hugging and kissing Angelina on the cheek. He turned to the audience, finding Daisy's eyes in the crowd. She grinned and raised an eyebrow at him.
"Could be Kelly," she whispered back.
"Nah, it'll be you," Kelly whispered passed Lucy.
"Well, to say I'm surprised would not be true," he started, garnering a few chuckles. "I've been up here several times before, so I'll keep this short. Thanks to my family – both those current and future." Daisy glanced over at her dad, who was scowling at the chaser. "And to my coach – who despite the fact he probably wants to kill me right now, has been a large part of the reason I'm standing here. No one gets me working as hard as Oliver Wood. And no one brings the best out of me. Except for maybe his daughter. Who gets a special thanks for putting up with me all these years. Pix, you've been a great friend – and you make me happier than anything in the world… thank you." He nodded and stepped off stage as everyone looked to Daisy, who was blushing furiously.
"And now for seeker of the year…" Angelina started. Daisy watched as Ashley won again, her heart dropping slightly as she thought if she didn't get MVP, she at least had a shot at that. Despite the fact that Lucy and the rest of the table were now grinning madly at her, she still wasn't sure.
"And now, probably a moment most of you had been waiting for… Most Valuable Player," Angelina said. She paused for a moment and looked down at the paper and then back up. "We take many things into account when deciding on this award. We look for someone who exhibits not only excellent skills on the pitch, but teamwork. And drive. Someone who not only wants to be the best player themselves but brings out the best of their teammates on the pitch. Our winner this year, has shown exactly that – despites some bumps on the way there. I am proud to announce that the 2023/24 season Most Valuable Player… none other than Daisy 'Pixie' Wood!"
Daisy sat still as stone for a few moments. She wanted this. So bad. But still part of her thought that she hadn't done enough this season to get it. It took Kelly practically dragging her out of her chair for her to come to and start making her way up to the front.
She accepted the award from her aunt, not quite registering the tears streaming down her cheeks. She stood staring at the award a moment before looking out to the crowd. She caught Remus' eyes first, who was grinning at her. Next to him Alan was whistling. Over at Puddlemere, her mother was wiping tears away while her father beamed at her in pride. Jamie grinned from next to him as Wills just smiled and nodded.
"Told you," he thought.
"Well, considering how the season started out, this is a bit of a shock," she finally said. She looked down at the award and then up at the crowd again. At that moment Remus and Alan looked at each and then cupped their hands around their mouths.
"WE LOVE YOU PIXIE!" they shouted. Daisy laughed and wiped tears from her cheeks.
"I love you too. And Jamie. The quiet one," she said, the crowd laughing. "A huge amount of thanks goes to my family, for supporting me and pushing me. Especially Dad. Even though I wanted to kill him a few times." Laughter went through the crowd. "My team and my coach. It was a group effort this season, really, and I'd be lost without you blokes. But… there are two people in particular that I really owe this to… John Kingfisher and Bryan Wills." A hush went through the crowd. "Earlier in the season I was going through a rough patch and… without their encouragement and words of support, I'm not sure I would have made the turnaround that I did. So, this is largely in thanks to them. Thank you." She then nodded and made her way back to the table, the applause starting up again. The rest of the team was grinning at her, despite the confused looks elsewhere.
"That was nice of you," Lucy whispered. Daisy shrugged as she looked over, meeting John's eyes.
"It's the truth," she said. She then turned back to the front of the room, focusing as Angelina started in on her speech about Coach of the Year. To no one's surprise, except for perhaps Nilsson, he won. He made his way to the front and then stood a moment, a bit overwhelmed.
"I would like to thank the organizers of the League. But really, I work with a great team. They have shown year after year that they work well together and I'm honestly proud to be their coach. Thank you," he said before quickly making his exit.
"Guess some things don't change," Daisy whispered to Lucy.
"And with that, this concludes the awards for tonight. Another huge congratulations for our League Cup winners – the Appleby Arrows. Thank you all for coming and enjoy the rest of your night," Angelina said. As soon as she finished, music started up. Immediately Wills was at the Arrows table, pulling Daisy up.
"I knew you'd get it," he said before kissing her. Daisy pushed him away, laughing and blushing.
"Let me guess, you intend to make sure no one else dances with me tonight?" she asked, an eyebrow raised.
"I may make some concessions, but I get the first dance," he said, starting to lead her off.
"No, Wills! Pictures first!" Iris shouted. He rolled his eyes and Daisy laughed and returned to the table to grab her award. "Be sure to bring the whole team!"
"You heard her," Daisy said, smiling.
A bit later, Wills finally got Daisy on the dance floor and the two were swooping around.
"So, how does it feel to finally have me as your date?" Daisy asked, raising an eyebrow. Wills laughed loudly.
"Perfect. Though, you danced with me enough at all the other balls that you might as well have been my date," he said.
"Much to the chagrin of many witches," Daisy replied.
"Ah, none of them compare to you, Pix," he said. "By the way, think I'm going to ask your mum for some of those photos. Start to fill up my walls and all." Daisy grinned up at him.
"Already preparing for me to move in, are you?" she asked. Wills shrugged.
"Might as well. We both know it's going to happen sooner or later," he said. Daisy glanced over, seeing her father scowling at the two. Percy was at his side, laughing as her mother swatted him on the arm.
"Might go for later from the looks of my father's face," she said, turning back to him.
"Tomorrow. Next year or five years from now, it doesn't matter to me," Wills said. "I've waited this long for you, Daisy Wood. I can stand to wait a bit longer." Daisy laughed and glanced over at her hand and then back up at Wills, grinning.
"By the way… I found something the other day," she said. She held her hand up to him, a lone daisy wrapped around her slender finger. Wills stopped moving and took her hand, looking at it closely.
"Is that…"
"I found it when I was looking through my desk for something the other day. Had to charm it a bit to fit, but yea, it's the daisy you gave me," she said. Wills laughed softly and bent down to kiss her.
"You are something, Pix," he said, grinning. A throat cleared to their side and both looked over, seeing Oliver Wood.
"May I dance with my daughter, Wills?" he asked. Wills smiled and nodded, stepping back.
"Of course, Dad," he said. Oliver rolled his eyes.
"Not tonight, Wills," he warned as he took Daisy's hand and started dancing with her. Wills walked off to go talk to Iris, no doubt asking about the photos.
"Do you really have to be so hard on him, Dad?" Daisy asked, rolling her eyes. "He'd probably go out and try to fight this war on his own just to prove himself to you."
"Still not happy with this," Oliver replied. "But your mother told me I had to be nice tonight, so I will." Daisy chuckled softly.
"Still afraid of Mum, are we?" she said, leaning in close. Oliver glanced over at Iris, who was watching him closely.
"Red can be scary when she wants to be," he said. He then looked down at Daisy. "I just wanted to say that I'm proud of you Pix. With everything that's gone on this year… you pulled through with an amazing performance." Daisy blushed slightly and smiled.
"Thanks Dad," she said.
"Honestly, I was a bit dubious about Nilsson in the beginning, but I see he knows what he's doing with you lot," he continued. "And… even though it's gonna take some getting used to… you deserve to be happy, Pix." Daisy grinned and kissed her father on his cheek.
"He's really not so bad, Dad," she said earnestly. Oliver rolled his eyes.
"Just get him to stop calling me dad, and we'll be good," he said. Daisy nodded. She then looked around the dance floor, seeing her various cousins, friends and teammates all around, happily dancing. She then caught John's eye. He nodded at her and held a glass up. Daisy smiled tensely and turned back to her father.
"How's that going?" he asked, motioning over to John.
"About as well as it can," she said. "I mean, I'm grateful that he's been so… understanding. But, it's going to take some time."
"The boys say they've been hanging out with him again," Oliver said. Daisy nodded.
"Still hasn't spent much time around Wills and I, but we thought it best to ease into it," she said.
"Probably for the best. Was probably a nasty shock to come back and find you two together," he said. Daisy sighed.
"You've no idea," she muttered.
"Chin up, Pix. It'll all work out how it's supposed to," her father said. Daisy looked up at him and smiled.
"I'm sure it will."
Daisy fell into her chair after telling her team she needed a break. After her dad, most of Puddlemere and all the Arrows insisted on a turn around the floor. Wills was about to pull her back out, but she sent him off for more drinks.
"Odd, kind of seems as though some things haven't changed, and yet… everything has," John said. Daisy looked over at him as he walked over and sat next to her at the empty table. She nodded slowly and looked back around the ball.
"Still wrapping my head around it, to be honest," she admitted. "Everything with who we are and such. And then with Wills…"
"Yea, Toby said you had a tough month or two after the connection," John said. Daisy raised her eyebrows as she looked over at him.
"He did, did he?" she asked. John nodded slowly.
"We, ah, had a bit of a chat at the party," he said. Daisy watched him, seeing a few different emotions running across his face.
"John, I really am-"
He put his hand up to stop her, smiling slightly.
"It's okay, Pix," he said. "I know it's going to be awkward for a bit, but you don't have to keep apologizing. In fact, I probably owe you one." Daisy's eyebrows flew up.
"Whatever for?" she asked, confused. "You did nothing wrong."
"There were times when I wasn't the best… when we were together," he said.
"But you were! Why do you think I thanked you when I got my award. Really, I wouldn't have done it without you. And... really, you were very supportive," she insisted. He chuckled slightly.
"That was all you. I just… cheered you up a bit," he said. Daisy shook her head slightly.
"Really, it was you," she said. "We were… we were good together, more than we were bad."
"Yea, I guess we just weren't… right," he said, glancing at her. She nodded. John was looking out across the room, watching as Wills walked back to them, three drinks in hand. He must have seen John come over while he was away. "You guys… the more I watch you together, the more I think that you are right for each other."
Daisy chuckled slightly, turning to watch as her Uncle George stopped him.
"And here I was sure I'd end up killing him at some point," she joked. John chuckled.
"We all knew you were bluffing, Pix," he replied. "Though it seems your dad would like to."
"Aye, he would sometimes. He never did like Wills' cheek," she said. Wills started walking back towards them, smiling. Daisy looked over at John. "We'll be okay, won't me? You and me?" John sighed and looked down at the table a moment before looking back up at her.
"Yea… I think we will," he said. Daisy smiled at him.
"Good to see you survived the gauntlet," Wills said, approaching the table. He placed the drinks down and held one out to him before grabbing his own.
"The triplets said it got pretty bad while I was gone," he replied before taking a drink. Wills looked down at Daisy.
"Came home one night to Pix here destroying every publication she could get her hands on," he said. John looked over at Daisy.
"We had a bonfire that night," she added. John laughed slightly. He held his glass out to the two.
"Well, here's do another great season done," he said. "And hopefully to another great season next year." Daisy glanced at Wills and then back at John before holding her glass out as well.
"Here, here," Wills said, joining them. The three clinked glasses and took a drink. Daisy watched as Wills and John settled into conversation about what John would do as assistant coach. She took a deep breath and smiled.
Maybe it would all be okay.
And here we are getting down to the last few chapters... things get pretty dramatic after this, so figured it best to end on a happier note for the time being.
Replies:
AleenaBean - To be honest, I started that whole going back and forth between the stands and the players for quidditch just because it is so hard to write an entire chapter of non-stop action, especially from the players' points of view (since I, myself, am not any sort of sports player, though I did play soccer and softball as a kid - nowadays I'm just a spectator - baseball and basketball mostly). And then realized that I had another avenue to move plot forward by including those conversations in the box and such. And well, it's honestly a lot of how my friends and I watch games. We go back and forth between commentating the game and joking around (and yes, there is usually a lot of beer involved).
Quidditch as a sport makes no sense whatsoever, so it was a bit interesting to work with, but in the end, there is room for A LOT of interpretation. I ended up studying aerobatic maneuvers for planes to get ideas for Daisy's tricks and flying style (and how to describe it in writing). And incorporated a bit of other sports with plays, rules and so on. And completely changed the uniforms because it seemed super ridiculous and extra dangerous to have them wear robes while flying (I described them as something similar to what a goalie would wear in soccer/football but with pants instead of shorts). And in terms of the Arrows' playing style, again, never understood why you wouldn't utilize the seeker in defensive plays and just let them fly around doing whatever during most of the game. I read up on the canon rules for quidditch to see if there was anything against this and there wasn't, so just went with it. I think as long as she doesn't touch the quaffle or interfere in the scoring area it's within rules.
Daisy's style was especially challenging, but I think that's why whenever I write scenes when she plays it's always a little bit different. I had her described early on as being fast, always pulling off stunts and unpredictable, which meant I was constantly trying to come up with something new for her to do. That's the main reason the last two books hadn't had as many quidditch chapters because I was starting to run out of ideas. But, I watched a lot of snowboarding this winter, so if there are more in the next book, I may start drawing some inspiration from that in terms of tricks.
And yea, I felt it was something that he would do. There are lot of layers there with both John and Daisy. She still feels a bit guilty over what happened, but wants to keep him safe. There are still some feelings there on her part, but overall, she knows she's meant to be with Wills which has made it a bit easier for her to let go of John and move forward with Wills. For John, I think after finding out everything and then knowing how patient Wills has always been with Daisy, part of it is a bit of trying to make up for all the fights they had before, but at the same time, he is heartbroken because he's still in love with her. But then, he kind of knows as well that Daisy and Wills are one of those meant-to-be things.
I wasn't expecting that either, but as I was writing that scene with Toby and John, it made sense in a way. He and Molly have been working very closely since Book 6, so I could see him start to get a crush on her even though I didn't spend a lot of time writing their interactions. I'm not completely sure if that will go anywhere, though. I really REALLY want Toby to end up with someone perfect for him, since he is such a nice guy, but I don't really know who. There was a time when Toby and Molly together made sense, but that was before I changed everything, so I don't know. I keep trying to put Molly with someone to make up for the lack of attention to her character compared to everyone else, but yea, maybe it's just not one of the characters I already have… Same with Toby. Though I'm considering a short or series of one-shots to show a bit more of their sides of the story from this book.
cjconner326 - I know! Toby is such a sweetheart and I'm so glad I created him back in Surviving Hogwarts. He's always been a constant in Daisy's life and it felt like he would be the best character to have that little heart-to-heart with John.
As always, thanks for reading, following and reviewing!
