RP: Poker Night

[shh_caradoc]

Date: 15 September 2005
Characters: Caradoc Dearborn [Cai], Alicia Spinnet, Arabella Figg, Cedric Diggory, Katie Bell, Michael Corner, Oliver Wood, Remus Lupin, Rita Skeeter, Wayne Hopkins, Zacharias Smith
Location: The Warren [No.4 H Circle]
Status: Semi-Private
Summary: Caradoc hosts a poker game.
Completion: Incomplete

Comments

[shh_wayne]

Wayne didn't know much about poker, hadn't played in ages, but the owl from Caradoc had been a pleasant surprise, so he'd decided to go to the game, even if he wouldn't play. When Zach mentioned that he was going, too, it just made sense for them to go together.

It was going to be a nice break in a rather busy week. While he loved the centre and was excited that there were some people already booking rooms for classes or planning to send their children to the primary school classes, he was working more than he had ever had for his father.

Fortunately, he loved the work and didn't mind spending most his time doing something productive with his life. He didn't see Zach as much, but Mandy was around to enjoy the extra Zach time, so it all worked out okay, he figured. They arrived at Caradoc's house and he grinned at Zach.

"Too bad it won't be strip poker. Could be fun getting everyone naked and in touch with their inner nudist," he said with a cheeky smile before he knocked on the door.

[shh_zach]

Professor Dearborn had invited all the professors to the poker game. Zach was a shit poker player, but it sounded like fun. Even more so when he found out Wayne was going as well. He'd been swamped with the Community Centre and Zach missed him. He saw him whenever he could and wished for more but was so happy for Wayne.

He deserved this. Deserved for the Centre to do well. And Zach knew it would.

Sliding a bit closer to Wayne, he smiled back. "If you'd suggested that, we could have stayed home. Cause honestly, I'd much rather see you naked than the rest of these blokes." He curled a finger into Wayne's belt loop and tugged as the door opened, then reluctantly let go as he turned to smile at their host.

"We on time? If we're not, it's his fault. Always late, this one," he teased, grinning.

[shh_caradoc]

Caradoc opened the door to see Zach and Wayne a bit close together and he wondered briefly if his friend, Wayne had found himself a partner. If so, he'd be very happy for them both. "You're actually among the first. Come on in."

Caradoc led them through the combined dining room and kitchen space, to show them where the drinks and snacks were set up, through the back archway to the family room, and pointed out the powder room.

"Zach, if you remind me before you leave tonight, I have the books I promised to loan you in my study." He had offered the young teacher a couple of books on teaching adolescents and coaching that he thought might provide helpful techniques. "How have you both been?"

[shh_wayne]

"Oh, I dunno. Caradoc's right fit for someone his age," Wayne said thoughtfully. The door opened and he grinned. "Speak of the devil."

He entered the house and looked around. "Place looks good, mate. Glad you've got settled in." They followed Caradoc to the area where he'd set up the game, and he smiled. "Don't think I'll be playing tonight, but I'll enjoy watching others play. See who's a bad loser and all that."

"I've been good. Working on the centre, which takes up most my time. You like your classes? Lots of attentive students, I hope."

[shh_rita]

Rita had been delighted to receive the invitation to poker from Caradoc. It wasn't quite the dinner he'd been talking about, but it certainly sounded like a fun evening.

She'd dressed in black and white - what else, when one was going to play cards? A dress, white with black buttons, fishnets. Lovely.

She was looking forward to seeing Caradoc again - perhaps telling him about the ridiculous rumour he'd probably unknowingly played a part in - and seeing that dear snake of his, as well.

With a smile, she knocked on the door.

[shh_caradoc]

"Missy Rita! You is lookings beautiful. Master is hoping you is coming." Cai straightened her green satin skirt Rita gave her and adjusted the hot pink satin blouse she paired with it.

"Hello, Rita." Caradoc entered from the family room archway closest to his study and dropped a kiss on her cheek. "You look magnificent. If I didn't know that you always look delicious, I'd probably accuse you of dressing to distract us poor men." He eyed her with the appreciative warmth of a friend with no particular designs, aside from admiration. "Irma and I saw you dancing at Hammerside last Saturday, but you appeared... busy. We didn't want to interrupt."

He lead her into the family room, "Wayne Hopkins, he's involved with the new Community Center and Zacharias Smith, who teaches flying. He also works for Roger Davies, so perhaps you've met already."

[shh_rita]

Rita smiled at Cai. "Of course I came, darling. Wouldn't miss it for the world. the skirt looks fabulous on you, by the way." She might have to have a few words with the elf about colour co-ordnation, one day, but she did seem happiest when wearing every colour she could possibly find, so perhaps bursting that bubble would be cruel

[shh_wayne]

Wayne found something to drink after Caradoc went off to answer the door. Soon enough, he returned with Rita Skeeter in tow. He grinned and let out a whistle as he looked her over deliberately. "Bestill my heart. You look smashing this evening, Miss Rita," he said, covering his heart as he fluttered his eyelashes.

"Well, I figured most the folks here would rather me wear denims and s shirt," he confided. "Funny thing about not liking naked blokes walking about with their bits getting in the way of the cards, I guess."

[shh_katie]

Katie fully admitted she had invited her own way into the poker game to an extent. When Caradoc had approached Cedric at the dance she had been unable to resist expressing her urge to play. It had been much too long since she'd had the chance to get a proper game. Poker was always a great social activity, a way to bond, and a way to strip people of their money. She didn't much care if she ended up being one of only a few females at Caradoc's that evening - most games she'd been a part of had tended towards being of the male persuasion anyway. She was there to play, hoping there was no misconception she was here as arm candy for Cedric.

The low cut top she'd considered before settling on something more her pulled on to go along with her jeans had been for her benefit. But, instead, her card play would be standing on it's own. A decision in part due to the fact she didn't have that much to flash even if she was to lean suggestively forward. Katie hoped the cards fell her way that night - she had a great poker face, but it lost

[shh_caradoc]

"Bring it on, little girl." He quipped back as he held open the door. "Thanks, you didn't need to bring anything, but I appreciate it." Caradoc let Cai take the bottle.

"Come on in, we're waiting for some others to show up before we get started. Would you like the sickle tour first?"

[shh_katie]

"I figured at least one or two people might get their minds a bit too....fuzzy," Katie smiled, "if I brought something besides the weak butterbeer. Besides, what can I say, I'm a stickler for etiquette. Though that might have called for me to bring flowers for the host instead. This is a much better option."

At his comment she was glad at least that she wasn't too late, though it was annoying to be much too early. Smiling, she added the bottle of firewhiskey off to the house elf who appeared at Caradoc's side, and nodded, "Why not? Lean on."

[shh_caradoc]

"What? I could've had daisies instead?" He dramatically placed his hand over his heart and feigned hurt, before laughing

[shh_michael]

Michael wasn't quite sure how he was going to manage poker without smoking. He wondered if a cigar might be an acceptable compromise, but a memory of his grandfathers shrunken frame and nearly blue skin made him think better of it.

Instead, he picked up a bottle of scotch for his on consumption and some bourbon for his host. It was a great chance to get to know his fellow professors, and once again, a chance to break out of his shell a bit and become part of the community.

When he knocked on the door, he could hear that there was already a nice group of people in there, and if he wasn't mistaken, a female voice or two.

Even better, he thought, and was grinning when the door opened.

[shh_caradoc]

"Michael, nice to see you. Come in. Zach's here. I'm not sure who else you might know, but we're a pretty diverse group." He held the door open while his colleague entered.

He dropped his voice, "I'll tell that Minerva warned me that Mrs. Figg, the older lady there in the kitchen, shouldn't be taken for granted. I've never played cards with her, but I do know her well, so I'd keep Minerva's advice in mind." Returning to normal tones, he added, "Come and meet everyone."

[shh_michael]

"Thanks for the advice," Michael said conspiratorially. He held out the bottle of bourbon, saying, "And thanks for inviting me, too. I brought my own bottle to drink, but this is for you."

He looked around the house as they walked through. This is just what I needed, he thought.

[shh_alicia]

When Caradoc had invited Alicia and Oliver to a night of poker, Alicia had accepted the invitation right away. She knew how to play, though she was by far no shark at it, however, being dressed up in an evening gown like she had been at the dance, and being invited to an evening of being dressed rather casually as well as drinking beer and generally being non-posh… well, there was no way she was going to turn that down.

“Fleur not a gambler?” she asked Oliver as they were walking up to the door of Caradoc’s house?

[shh_oliver]

"Nah, Fleur's staying home. I wanted to use her as a distraction, so I could have my evil way with the cards." Oliver grumbled and tamped down the fact he was going to miss Fleur tonight before he took Alicia's hand and put it in the crook of his elbow. "It would have been nice to have two lovely blonds flanking me. I'd look like one of those hi rollers." He nudged her shoulder with his own. "But one lovely blond may be able to fill the needs of my wicked plan

[shh_alicia]

“Boddington’s?” Alicia grinned up at him, “I think I love you, Wood. So, game plan is for you to get them snookered and I’ll keep their attention. Jeans’ fit enough?” she asked glancing over her shoulder, before adjusting the low cut neckline of her white fitted tee shirt. Simple, casual, and revealing, yeah, that’s what she was going for. Now, if only she could get hold of a cigar, she might even be able to bluff her way through this.

[shh_oliver]

"Not bad." Oliver smirked as he nodded his approval. "Although I might need to teach you how to walk properly. You move like a bloke getting off a unicorn some times." Reaching into his pocket, he took out the shrunken case of Boddington's and handed it to Alicia. "Here you go, love. All yours since I'll be needing your money too."

He moved to stand next to her while he smiled. "I didn't think it was that cold outside." Oliver wrapped his arm around her. "Actually, you look beautiful, love. You've always done sinful things to a tee shirt."