The past week was nothing but practice for Jake and normally that was not an issue. The team had been running late with the new coach and they had mandatory breakfasts with his family. He would not mind as much but Maggie had been sick most of the week and she was at his parents’ house during the day. She had come down with a cold and for Jacob, his daughter being sick was more important than winning the championship. She was sleeping in his old room so he figured it was time to make a short trip to Hogsmeade.

More importantly: Honeydukes.

It had been a while since he had been to the town. He went with Liam a while back. He did not really remember much of that night save a big headache in the morning. The boys had since decided that they would not go out without appropriate supervision (aka Aiden). He had been hoping that Jamiel would be open for company but he had a new lady-friend. Jake knew better than to ask and left before he heard any unneeded details.

Though living in his house was never dull, he had to admit- there were too many males in one small area. Three floors, three males a six-year-old girl and a full-grown woman who acts like his six year old is not a healthy mix. It was a nice cocktail for a headache but he knew that eventually it would calm down. Jacob was sure that a nice, few hour break would be a nice break from the chaos.

The man walked through the streets, making sure to miss the student rush that would be coming in a few hours. Eight was a nice time for a walk, especially with a clear day. His phone was off- not that it would work in Hogsmeade- and he was ready for some peace… and some chocolate.

Jacob walked into the store, ducking below the bell that chimed, announcing his entrance. It seemed like the store never changed. The only difference between now and his first trip was the view he had over the isles. He saw the famous slabs of chocolate, noting to pick up a few for Tamora. Sure, she was a pain in his neck, but it may shut her whining up… if just for an hour. Jake picked up a basket and began looking over the isles, picking up a few of his own favorites. He paused for a moment, debating on the Bertie Botts. Shrugging, a few boxes were tossed into basket.

The walk up High Street was like a picture book of memories for Hugh. Outwardly, little had changed in the quaint magical village; or perhaps it looked a little smaller than it had seemed when he'd been at the Castle. Either way, it was a quiet morning when the Express had pulled in, and Hugh had walked from the station to the corner of the portage way and High Street for two very specific purposes. He could have apparated to Hogsmeade, but he'd needed time to think, and the train always provided ample time to do that in the quiet type of solitude Hugh preferred when it came to big things.

His long legs carried his quickly from the top of the steps to the row of little shops with their painted sign work and crowded display windows. He spied the first one he wanted, and the striped awning was folded out: Good, he wasn't too early.

Styles by Jacqueline

He checked his watch, and stepped up onto the raised sidewalk. As he was walking towards the little storefront, he noticed a tall figure just entering Honeydukes. A flash of recognition crossed his face, and he hurried past Jacqueline's and entered the store behind a couple of others. The smell of the various confections hit him like a wave, and he looked at the little table in the corner where he'd shared more than a few sticky treats with friends.

The displays were different, and there were some new offerings:

Mummy Wrappings Gum in six foot rolls of greyish pasty-looking material.
Polynesian Cannibal Crunch from Tahiti, in Volcanic, Hot, Medium or Mild grades.

He caught up with the tall figure just as the man dropped something into a shopping bag.

"Hello, Jake," he announced simply.

The voice startled Jacob just enough for him to jump. Being addressed by his first name- better a shortened version- was a good sign. The voice registered as he turned and found Hugh at his side. A dimpled smile crossed the Quidditch player’s face as he turned to face his friend fully.

“Jesus, Hugh, trying to give me a heart attack, eh?” he asked. “What are you doing here?”

The answer to the question seemed a little obvious once asked. It was a town of stores, most likely he was shopping. Not that it really mattered. Jake adjusted his basket slightly. He tried to remember when the last time he had seen Hugh was. It had been more than a month. Unfortunately, he had a less pleasant use for his time recently. It got better lately and would be interesting to bring up. That or Hugh would hit him. Either way it was something to talk about.

“How have you been, how’s things with Auri?” He asked.

Hugh and Auri often seemed like one thing in conversation, especially with Liam. Usually news about one came with the other. And Jake had done a very good job at staying out of the hospital for a few months. As much as seeing Auri was enjoyable, doing so with a broken arm dampened the visit.

"Heart attack, nothing. You're far too tough," quipped Hugh in reply. "And things with Aurelia are splendid, thanks for asking."

He smiled, and did the old Badger high sign for Jake.

"I'm here making sure that you aren't getting into trouble," said Hugh, continuing to answer Jake's questions. "You must have a guilty conscience being so jumpy. Wait a minute, you're buying candy...hmmm...either Marguerite has a birthday coming up, or you're seeing someone that likes sweets."

He gave a sidelong glance at the stuff already in Jake's shopping basket.

"But it's okay, I can keep a secret."

Jake smirked at Hugh’s comment, too tough...? Hugh has seen plenty of things that made the older man jump in school. Of course, most of that was due to bad planning on his part. He had figured all was well with Auri. There was an unlikely chance he would go a month without seeing Hugh and something be wrong. The smile faded when he mentioned seeing someone who liked sweets. Yes, he had been seeing the woman, a very long time ago. Now he would like to see it as putting her through very strict etiquette school.

"Well, some is for Maggie, some for Liam... you know that kid needs his sweets, too." Jacob replied with a shrug. "As for seeing someone, I would not exactly say that. It may look like that but dating is pleasant and involves enjoying spending time with the person."

Jacob thought of how to word it. Than rethought his choice words and decided that sounded really unfair to Tamora. She was not dreadful anymore. She gave up on looking for her street corner clothes that he hid in under the toys Maggie no longer plays with. She stopped smoking in the house and swearing in front of his daughter and ate meals with the household. She was almost human...

"Remember Tamora Grey," Jake began and realized that was going somewhere bad. "We are not dating, Christo I'm not going to make that mistake again. I am... guiding her kind of forcefully from how she has been. Taggart did a tune on her, I feel bad and she is now living in my house."

And three... two... one... Jake thought as he waited for the news to impact Hugh fully.

"Oh, Grey," said Hugh. "yes, she applied for a job at the Ministry, but she never followed up on it. I presumed she wasn't interested. So, no I don't know a thing about her these days. How's she doing? I really wasn't sure how you two were connected."

It wasn't in Hugh's nature to pry into people's private business. He recalled vaguely that Phillip Taggart, and old school rival, had dated Tamora Grey for a time, but he was sure that had died long ago. In fact, the last time he'd seen taggart, it was with his Runes researcher, Janessa Mohr, who was attached to the IMMF field teams now.

"Well, tell her I said hello if you're in close touch with her. Sorry to hear she's had a rough time. I'm glad you're lending some help there. People helped me out when I needed support - including you -- so I can speak to the value of that. "Yes, smart woman, quite aside from beautiful."

Hugh picked up a pack of Raven Wings for the redhead while he was talking.

"How's the team?"

Hugh had taken it a lot better than he thought. It actually was more shocking than a scolding. It took a moment for that to process. There was no real way to explain how they were connected. It had been a freak thing, really. Jacob had seen Taggart with Tamora one day and with the giantess-ditz, Janessa. He figured that Tammy knew and he went to her house. Sure enough, she was pissy, drinking, and smoking. It took more than he really wanted to convince her to move in.

“It’s a long story that I someday may be able to understand. The issue with having this babysitting job is that she is living in my house. I told her she needs to get a job and living off of the pay of three Quidditch players is not going to work.”

Jake knew Hugh had a good heart, but even the genuine sound in his voice threw the Quidditch player for a loop. He nodded and smiled. Maybe dropping the topic would keep today nice and peaceful until he goes back to the house. The Man smiled at the team being brought up. The team was known for decent, if not impressive offensive playing in the papers, but few knew how they were at practice. Mainly because practices were off limits for reporters for a reason: the team was crazy.

“They are… the Wasps?” Jake said with a laugh. “Rogers is somehow running the team still at his ancient age, Simmons is a great new captain, but we are still horsing around at my place every Friday after practice. You know how that goes.”

Jake nodded in the direction he was planning to move just as a precaution. He was sure Hugh knew better than to think he would be walking away from the conversation. His hands grabbed a few Chocolate Frogs for Maggie and Jamiel as he went.

“How about your group, everything functioning smoothly?”

Hugh listened as his old friend struggled to explain the situation with Tamora grey. Hugh knew from experience that the lady had a way of complicating situations, although he'd never had any run-ins with her, and his experience was generally positive. he'd even managed to help her with some tough NEWT-level Transfiguration work a few times.

"My group is great. We're been nonstop since they gave us the charter, and I've had to bring on more people, and contract work from, um, a certain redhead Healer when it gets rough. In fact we recently did three trips together: One to Japan and one to Constantinople, and the last one was in Egypt, doing some artifact recovery and study. It was easy though, I just got to admire the scenery in between diggings and explorations, and watch Auri swim a lot."

He cracked a warm grin at the recollection.

"Are you about done here? I'd like to chat, but I'm on a tight schedule. I have two other shops to visit."

Jacob nodded slowly, gazing back and forth between the shelves and Hugh. The items of importance were grouped together save the stand of Honeyduke’s Famous Chocolate Bars and he almost wished his head would not be bitten off and digested for not picking any up. However, he did need to get over to it eventually. Women. When Hugh asked, he dropped the chewing gum and nodded.

“Yeah, Tam asked for some of the bars specifically.” He explained with a shrug. “Besides that, I’m good.”

Jake briskly walked over to the stand, eyes jumping from the big bars to the Why-are-they-this-large bars. Judging how he enjoyed not having a headache, he opted for the latter of the choices and dropped them in the basket. Turning to face Hugh, the Quidditch player gave his friend a thumbs-up and dug the bag of money out of his pocket.

Paying went quickly, one thing the Hogsmeade clerks had over Diagon Alley workers. Also why he went to the small town more than the busy walkway filled with gossiping old ladies and 11-year-old kids running around to get school items. Less was more, to him.

“Where do you need to go,” Jake asked after he and Hugh were finished checking out.

The blue eyes scanned the rows of treats that had once tempted Hugh on those precious Hogsmeade days. At the moment, he wasn't hungry as it was still early, nor would he have time for lunch. Nevertheless he waited politely with Jake as his friend bought some pretty fancy candies for
Tams; at which Hugh was inclined to smile a little. He'd never heard the dark-haired girl referred to in that way, but he made no comment.

"Two quick stops; Jacqueline's Designs; and Marchbanks Properties," said Hugh. He paid for his own Raven Wings, and waited until Jake was ready to leave. Then he headed out the door again, and back a couple of shops to Jacqueline's Designs.

The shop was small, but well kept; with little glass display cases displaying a variety of very expensive-looking jewelry, rings, watches, and the like. Hugh was recognized by an older woman with an eye loupe and a peculiar set of tools that hung around her neck.

Jake realized he used his patronizing name for Tamora outside of the house. Since his comment recieved only a smirk, he let it go. Had it been anyone else, the slip probably would have been blown out of purportion. It was times like this that he was glad freelance reporters stayed away from the town. too many children, too many ways to get into insane amounts of trouble.

Hearing where Hugh had to go, he raised his eyebrows but made no comment. He figured it was one of those trips. He never went to stores like that, he trusted the muggle shops a little more- the people were not as strange in them. Regardless, Jake followed Hugh out the door and to the next stop at Jacqueline's Designs. This was possibly the only store he never went in as a student. All the others he atleast poked a look in.

The lady seemed to know Hugh which made the brazilian cock his head slightly. The jewelry case she was behind gave him a slight eye-ache. It was really bright and relatively over-lit. Out of bad habit, Jake's hand migrated to the back of his head for a quick scratch. He was not uncomfortable, just confused. Very.

"Not to pry, but what are you picking up?"
His mind almost thought the estreme since a good portion of the glass case was dedicated to rings. He would like to pretend that he could not see Hugh going completely official, but then he would be lying. Jake moved the bag of candy from one hand to the other, looking around awkwardly.

Hugh conversed with the jeweler for a few moments, and she vanished behind a curtain into teh back of the shop, while another clerk sat behind the counter, polishing rings and other pieces of jewelry.

"It's an errand long delayed, my friend."

When the woman returned, she had a small box, a piece of velvet, and an eye loupe that she handed to Hugh. Then the woman took a ring out of the box that had a very sparkling stone set in a simple gold band. She laid it on the velvet and Hugh bent forward to look at it. The woman watched him, looked at Jake, smiled, and looked back at the ring.

"It's a very beautiful, and very curious stone, Mr. Kenrick, very unusual. There aren't any of the usual jewelry house registry marks on it. I had to consult with DeLuca's on it. It's not the usual kind of diamond you find in circulation these days. May I ask where you got it?"

"Egypt. A long time ago. I didn't even know it was valuable until I brought it to you. I assumed it was a fake such as they sold in the marketplaces there."

No, certainly not a fake. It was cut in a very ancient facet style. It has some minor flaws, but it might have been part of a larger piece of jewelry, I detected some shaping that indicated that it might have been.

Hugh picked it up and examined it again.

"No magic about it?"

"Not that I or DeLuca's could determine. It's quite safe to wear. I kept the setting simple as you requested. Do I know the young lady?"

"You might, we both went to school here. Aurelia Murdir."

The woman nodded and smiled. Hugh held out the ring for Jake to examine.

"What do you think, Jake?"

Once more, Jake was proven incorrect… and he was literally stunned. In a way, he was not surprised, though. It was Hugh and Auri, not… He could not think of a good comparison now. While he was busy trying to let his brain accept everything, Hugh went on talking with the lady behind the counter. She was going on about something but Jacob was not paying attention to that.

He did not snap to until Hugh showed him the ring in question. He looked at the ring, brain understanding the information slower than normal. The Brazilian glanced over at then to Hugh’s face. It was a nice ring from what he could tell. Alan was the lady’s man that bought the jewelry for his girlfriend. Jacob usually did corny things that ended up costing more than Alan spent. Most likely because his cousin went to pawn shops but…


“It’s nice,” he said, nodding. “She’ll love it,” he told her.

Finally his brain processed fully and the shocked face faded and was replaced with a large smile.

“Hugh, I… wow.”

All he could do was give a small laugh and clap his friend on the back.

"She doesn't know quite yet, of course, that's why I'm on a tight schedule. We're meeting people for dinner in Paris and I had to pick up this little number. I had it put into a setting, it was just a loose stone I bought years ago."

Hugh smiled, this was classic Jake, always the last one to know.

"And, it's as opportune time as any to ask if you would serve as Best Man. I hope and expect that she will accept, but there's a chance she might want to put things off for a while. You know the ladies. Anyway, obviously first things first. Think about it, and when we have a date, time and place, you'll certainly be one of the first to know."

Hugh beamed at his friend. So many things to think about -- so much to do.

"Next stop, Marchbanks' at the end of the row over there," said Hugh.

He finished out the account with Madame Jacqueline, thanked her, and packaged up the ring and stowed it away safely, and led Jake to the door.

"Unless of course, you want to look at shiny things."

Hugh’s comment proved Jacob wrong. It momentarily blew his mind away. It made sense and Jake should have seen it coming. However, the shock was short lived since he the comment following held more importance to him. Before he could respond, Hugh said Auri might say no. That got a slight glare from the Quidditch player. Why would Auri say no? Apparently, Hugh over looked the fact that they went together and Aurelia was going to be thrilled. It was over due.

“First thing, you’re an idiot for thinking she will say no,” Jake told him in a joking tone. “Secondly, yes. Tell when, where and what I will be wearing.”

The fact that Hugh asked him to be the Best Man made Jake feel oddly happy. There was no explanation for that, and he knew it. His mind had a lot to process and his movement slowed subconsciously. It was not until Hugh commented that Jacob even realized he was moving slow. The man quickened his pace and came up along side of his friend.

“Is there anymore things to shock me with,” he asked teasing, still. “Tattoos, strange piercings...? Oh speaking of, Liam said Aiden and them are back in the studio.”

Jake put his hands in his pocket and slowed his pace slightly. He forgot that walking in public was between walking with Maggie pace and walking with the team pace.

Hugh laughed at his friend's (mild) admonishment, and slapped him on the back. It would be good to have his old friend there. The question was, where would that be? There were a couple of options, but he'd discuss them more thoroughly with his bride-to-be.

"I have a couple of ideas where we could have it, but naturally, that will come later. Don't worry about what to wear, it will be something we all look good in, in other words, probably tuxedos."

"And, no, I have nothing more to shock you with today, although I'm thinking that this next shop might be interesting to you, to say the least."

Hugh led the way into Marchbanks Magical Properties, which was a small, neatly kept office with pictures of houses in the windows: All sorts, from tiny cottages to large manors, and something that looked like a house on wheels, and another that was clearly a houseboat.

A bell tinkled as they entered, and the shutters of the houses in the pictures started flapping excitedly when they noticed the two young men enter.

"Aurelia will want to keep her house in London, it's convenient. But we might want something larger, and in the country somewhere, that we can also use as a base when we're not traveling all over on missions. Three Chimneys is great, but its so huge, I'll let my parents and my little sister worry about it until Aurelia and I have about -- oh, ten kids." He winked. "Well, we practice a lot, anyway."

Mr. Marchbanks was an elderly wizard with a neat pencil moustache and a finely pressed set of robes. He came forward to greet Hugh and Jake with a hearty handshake.

"I got your owl, Mr. Kenrick," said Marchbanks. "I put together a portfoilio for you to take with you. No hurry on any of the properties. You have some very important business to attend to first, I know. But when you're ready to look seriously, just send me another owl."

"I'll do that Mr. Marchbanks," said Hugh. "This is my friend Jake Darney."

"Yes, hello, very pleased to meet you. I follow the Wasps you know!" The man pointed to a calendar with the Wasps players on it.

Oh, one more thing, Mr. Kenrick, um, there's a certain property that might be coming on the market in the next couple of months. You might be interested. It's, an old Kenrick property,"

Heading to a property shop made more sense now that Jake was given the news. He figured that Hugh would not have anything over the top like what he mentioned. Luckily, there was nothing else either; Jake’s brain was having a hard enough time keeping up. He spent too long out of the loop in Surrey. However, why going to this shop would be interesting was a good question. He had no need to leave his home in Surrey despite the fact that the other people living there were driving him to the brinks of insanity.

Upon entering, his attention was pulled to each of the pictures on the wall. First, it was all of the houses then to a calendar and some of the color drained. He recognized the picture, especially since he spotted Randleman, the other Wasps beater, bride- carrying their coach in a group picture.

When the elderly man and Hugh began to talk, it became obvious that Hugh officially knew everyone. And being introduced to everyone was a thing he was used to, even when they were fans. Jake smiled warmly at this comment and looked at the calendar as if seeing it for the first time. He had to admit, it did show the personality of the team as a whole… appropriately.

The news of a Kenrick house coming up on the market was interesting. He had thought The Three Chimneys was the big estate that had been in the family for years. It was older than his great-gran Fatima, who was old enough to have taught Aramaic to Jesus. Jake looked at Hugh, wondering where this place was.

Hugh nodded at Marchbanks; who turned around and picked up another book of properties. The big, leather-bound book had big gold letters on the front of it: Premier Properties

Hugh explained to Jake that he was looking at other possible houses; nothing short term. If he and Aurelia needed a country place to get away to, it might make a nice wedding present.

"I've got a lot of money stowed away; in fact I really have spent anything much except on Aurelia and travel in the past few years. Now, with the winery doing well, and my job..."

The house in question was an old Kenrick property that had been sold about 150 years ago to a family that had once worked for the Kenricks. It had been a necessary sale as Hugh's family had been quite desperate for money. The place in question was a modest house used for summer retreats on Loch Lomond, one of the prettiest lakes in Scotland.

"I don't know, Mr. Marchbanks. This is something I'd have to think about."

"Of course, good sir, of course. Keep it in mind, though. The Fanshawes would have no objection to selling it back to your family."

Hugh nodded, smiled, and shook the man's hand, and thanked him for the courtesy.

"She might not go for the idea, so maybe I'm just dreaming." said Hugh, when he and Jake were alone again just outside the shop. He brightened up again and looked at the sky.

"Looks to be a decent day at Hogwarts. Have you got anything else you need to do? I need to go and pack, but I have a little time. We can get a bite to eat here, if you want."

Jake listened carefully as Hugh explained. There seemed to be little that he over looked in his personal history, but then again, Jake should have known that. They spent a rather long time more or less fighting his family history. He looked back over at the man they had been talking to. The family seemed to be willing to get rid of a home that the Kenricks had? That did not seem to fit, but Jake kept quiet. He had no place to ask why. His eyes only glanced to Hugh briefly before they turned and left.

Once they were outside, Hugh’s nerves seemed to peak again. Again, Jake rolled his eyes, only less dramatically. He knew there was nothing to worry about but his friend did not seem to think so. He had seen plenty of their relationship over the years. He did not comment this time but arched his eyebrows before Hugh’s tone of voice changed.

“I have some time, if Maggie wants some company Tamora is home. They have been getting a long quite well lately. A little weird.” Jake responded with a shrug. “where to?”

(will try to flesh out)

The morning air was bracing to Hugh, and he took some deep breaths. In doing so, he caught Jake's expression.

"As you well know, my friend, the ladies determine most decision made for a household. But they do like having cozy homes. That place the fellow mentioned would be perfect as a vacation spot, away from London. As good a wedding present as I can think of, save myself of course."

Hugh explained about the pretty house, and how the ownership had changed. The current generation of Fanshawes were all elderly witches and wizards, and what few young members of the family there were lived elsewhere. They didn't need it, and for some reason were very particular about whom they wanted to live in the house.

On the topic of food, Hugh marked off the choices on his fingers: There was a favorite old hangout at the Copenhagen Bakery & Restaurant that was good, or there was the Falls House, a short walk away in the little village of Fenton Falls.

"Full breakfast for Falls House, or just a quick nosh at Copenhagen?"

The choice between a big meal and a small one seemed a little odd. He was so used to making meals for a large group or having Damian make them that making a choice was unheard of. Not that he was complaining, either. It would be nice to get out of the kitchen and not have to clean up after the meal. Lord knew no one else cleaned afterwards. Besides, it was an excuse to be around Hugh longer, even if it was a surprise meeting at the candy store. Finally, the Brazilian made up his mind and turned to his friend with a grin.

“I’m hungry, let’s get a big meal on me.” Jake responded, head nodding in the direction of Falls House.

It had been a while since the man had any kind of meal at that specific restaurant. He went quite a bit during the Hogsmeade weekends because most of the other students wanted to spend their money on foolish things. He and his friends enjoyed their trips with good meals and lots of laughter. That was the way he liked it to this day.

The slight “man-date” as Liam would call it, was a direct reflection of days where Hugh would be thinking of some way to get the students out of the trouble they had found. Not the simple-minded issues that the prefects could easily handle. No, Hogwarts always attracted big events that few people saw.

“I miss the days when I could walk into this place and not have to duck,” Jakie said lightly after opening the door.

The inside was welcoming and reflected the small town feel of where it was located Little of the town looked like the big city Jake had grown up in. Luckily for him, he never had to deal with the hustle and bustle of the London streets now. He simply appeared and disappeared from his parents house with whatever they ask for him to bring.

“Have you been here recently?” he asked. Since he had not been back in a while, the breakfast menu might have changed over the past five years. In a way, he was almost surprised the shop was still open, never mind run by the same people as before.

It was soon agreed to head to the neighboring village. The walk to Fenton Falls and the Falls House was just under a mile, although the two tall men took it in easy stride. The Restaurant also had the attached Inn, a place that Hugh recalled for one very special visit long ago, after graduation. But he hadn't seen the place since as life caught up with his own schedule, and he was whisked off the places far from home. However, it looked the same, and it was still the well-kept, cheerful looking place that had a nice view of Fenton Falls, where the students occasionally would picnic.

"No I haven't been here since graduation, although the big party was over in Hogsmeade, not here."

The host was a little greyer than before, but had the same professional host quality that made anyone feel welcome: Whether they were travelers, students, or visitors to the school staying the night. It was quiet in the dining room, but there were a few people there already. The host gave them a table with a nice view of the falls a few hundred yards away. Menu in hand, Hugh looked over the selections.

"So many changes, Jake. So many changes," reflected Hugh. "Has traveling the world for Quidditch affected you yet?"

Jake smiled briefly at the mention of the post-graduation parties. His year had a pretty big one at the Three Broomsticks. The waitresses got huge tips and it seemed like it was Firewhiskey and Butterbeer for all. Not that anyone was complaining. A good percent got trashed. Others disappeared to the rooms upstairs that they had paid for. No one was dumb enough to not understand what was going on up there. The thought of doing something like that at the time had made Jakie blush. Now it barely phased him.

“Those were the days,” he responded with a laugh.

The traveling, there was not a lot compared to what people thought of when sports teams are concerned. The pitch was in a nice hidden location, as were all of them. Usually they met up at the Quidditch Legion in London or just aparated to the specified location. Bringing Maggie at first was a nightmare because she loved to squirm. Normally he would take her once she fell asleep for a nap. Now, the girl was so used to traveling that way she simply asks where they are off to.

“Actually no. I mean, besides different places for games the only time I travel is to go back to Brazil or to see my parents. I feel bad for people who are always traveling because they miss out on a lot.”

Jake shrugged. The waiter came by and he ordered nothing more than a small meal and some orange juice.

“How about you, traveling all over tiring you out yet? I think I see a gray or two…” Jake teased with a grin.

"Gray? Hope not! Though I do miss seeing people sometimes. But I'm not traveling as much now, or if I do, I take the redhead along," he said. "It's much easier now with the commercial routes for the skyships. Not as much floo travel or short apparation hops. You can take more of a wardrobe with you and don't have to pack everything in one bag.

As he ordered his food, and sipped some tea, Hugh caught Jake up on the more recent travels, but he gave him more of the sights and sounds of the places they'd seen in the eastern mediterranean, rather than what they had been doing. Magical Archaeology was 9/10ths exploration and 1/10th discovery. It was the exploration part that had been fun, and seeing the many places and sampling the local cuisine, and meeting witches and wizards of other cultures. It afforded ample time with Aurelia to discuss plans as well. However, as he'd already revealed to Jake, there was a surprise plan for her in Paris.

"I really liked Rhodes," said Hugh. "Has a very unique feeling to it. Warm, but not oppressively hot like Egypt can get. It's got a very ancient wizarding culture there. Small community, but very friendly.I've got a team stuck out there now on their way to Alexandria. Stuck because of red tape, you see, but we'll get cleared that up, so I don't have to go, fortunately. Rhodes has been thinking about joining the International Quidditch League. They used to play a form of Quidditch in the Ottoman period." He halted on that thought.

"What do you think the Wasps chances are this year? If you're going to play Best Man, I'll need you around. Not that I hope you lose," he chuckled.

Jake gave a small grin to his friend and calmly took a sip of his tea. Hugh had a point, the old fashion ways of traveling were painstaking. Unfortunately for him, that was usually the only way that won’t scare his daughter. He loved her but hated accomedating everything for her. Sacrifices, he supposed. Not that it mattered anyway. He rarely did anything outside of Quidditch. He had no personal life… or a life in general. He did not have time for it.

They caught up, mostly Hugh explianing places he had been. It was interesting for Jake who grew uo bouncing between two cultures. He always wanted to go to other countries since to him, Brazil does not count. It was as good as home to him. He liked to believe that he was actually from there and not London at times. His daughter was from there, at least. That made the females in his family from there, anyway.

“I heard about that team,” Jake commented, waving his mug at Hugh. “They sent Adrian some crap for someone to help out. Offering a real load for it, too. I don’t know why they didn’t ask the Tornadoes. Hell, they are going three straight and looking at a fourth win in a row.”

As much as he’d like to pretend, Jake was no fool. He knew his team was not the greatest in the league. They worked hard under Adrian and Sisson’s guidence but sometimes it was just not enough. The Tornadoes were incredible and had been for a while.

“Our chances look better than last year at least. Liam should be getting more play time since Adrian is retiring to the position of coach at the end of the season. I won’t say we will take it all the way, but even if we do, Adrian will understand for the whole wedding thing. He is a sap, that’s why Maggie is allowed at any practice or game in the team area.”

He was relieved that Jake would be available for the wedding, as he really didn't have a backup, except maybe his friend Cabot. Continuing on in the conversation. Hugh was intrigued by Jake's intimation that the Rhodian team had been soliciting trainers for their Quidditch team from the UK. Hugh had been to Rhodes recently, and had seen the brand new Quidditch field and stands that had been constructed there. It was huge, much larger than Hugh would have thought a small Wizarding community might support. He mentioned that to Jake.

"For curiosity's sake Aurelia and I took a look at it when we were there, since we're old Quidditch hacks ourselves. It was a very deluxe, nicely made field. There's only 500 wizards on the whole island, but they could fit ten-thousand in that stadium. I'm sure they didn't strike a deal with the Tornadoes because the Tornadoes would ask for more money than you guys. I think you're woefully underpaid for the risks you take."

He shook his head, and then commented on Liam's succession as Seeker for the Wasps, and how easy it was for Jake to have Maggie with him.

"That's great for him, and Adrian's got a good head for strategy, so that's a perfect series of events. The next time I'm out at Rhodes I'll look into it for you. In fact, my team is stuck out there trying to get to Egypt for an underwater exploration. While thy're not doing anything, I'll let Haeph - er, Haephestus know."