Happy 20years of Harry Potter (109)

[Straw Buckett]

Naked! Half naked... well mostly naked ... a thin pair of tightie-not-so-whites being the only difference between full nakedness and …well not. His blonde hair, now overly too long, was slick back over his head with way too much water and gel. In his hand was his wand and blaring over the speakers in his small apartment was the classic tunes of Whitney Houston. The cute thing was Straw only sang Whitney when he was thinking of Queety, for some reason or another she reminded him of her now.

Singing out of tune and holding his wand up like a microphone, Straw belted out at the top of his lungs “I GET SO EMOTIONAL BABEH! EVERY TIME I THINK OF YOOOOUUUUOOOOOOO!” and turns to face the fridge and points to a family photo pinned up of the two of them cuddling at the beach. He was home alone, in the kitchen, baking… yes that’s right, Straw was baking and not just any kind of baking; he was attempting a cake…a strawberries and cream cake to be precise. Flour patches littered the kitchen bench, the sugar packet had fallen over without notice which had created a nice paddle of sugar in the corner. The sink was full of bowls and utensils while the cake of sorts was in the oven and baking away. Straw was now attempting to whip the cream with a pair of electric muggle beaters. “Ain’t it shocking what love can do… hmm hmmmm hmm,” he half sung and hummed whilst shaking his buttock in time with the beat.

“I gotta watch you walk in the room….baby! I gotta watch you walk out, ooo ooo” he continued as turned the beaters around the bowl in time with the song. “I like the animal way you move, and when you talk I just watch your mouth,” sung Straw over pronouncing every word as he swayed his shoulders from side to side in an attempt to dance. Straw was no entranced with his baking that he was most unaware that someone had entered his apartment and was watching him.

[Queety White]

There was a reason she fell in love with him. Perhaps it was his bravery to face tasks that she would not dare imagine herself in. Perhaps it was his carefree attitude, not caring if anyone thought him immature. Perhaps it was because he was such a wonderful father to his children and was doing an amazing job raising them into wonderful people. Or perhaps it was moments like these, when all he had to do was be himself and made her smile. She covered her mouth, trying hard not to laugh. She did not want him to notice she was standing there so she could continue to appreciate the show. 

She had gone out earlier that morning with the triplets to drop them off at each of their prospective friends houses. Now that it was summer holiday, she was doing everything she could to keep them out of the house. They had each made their own little group of friends and while it was great that they were expressing her individuality, she could not keep track of which friend belonged to which kid. So she would just nod her head when she heard the babble of the kids talking on and on about how "Michael got a new puppy" and "Isaiah was made fun of at school today" and "Alyssa wants me to come over so we can do each other's hair." (Believe it or not, Spaiden was the one who made that last remark. He had been wanting to grow out his hair recently so he could look like a dashing prince from the books that were read to him. Now it lead him to be very popular with the girls in his class who wanted to do his hair). After she had dropped them off, she had gone to the bookstore to work for a few hours. Thankfully she had only a short shift so she could spend the afternoon with her boyfriend kid-free. 

However, the show she was getting, a nearly naked Straw dancing around a messy kitchen, singing Whitney Houston, was worth all the traveling throughout town and working during the mid day rush at the store. It was nice to be able to come down to some normalcy. Even if what she was watching was not what other people would call normal. 

For Queety, this was home. 

[Straw Buckett]

It did take the man a few moments of bottom shaking and awful singing for him to notice Queety standing behind him. Normally, without loosing a beat he’d have danced his way over to her side and reached out. He’d probably have laced his fingers with hers, pulled her close and continued to sing to her while dancing with her around the kitchen. With Queety, Straw could usually be himself. He had always felt that there was nothing he could possibly do to ever embarrass or shamed himself in front of her. The ability to confidently be himself with her was everything to him but recently something had changed inside Straw and he found himself reassessing their relationship.

The song quickly changed causing Straw to turn around and spied Queety watching him. He flinched, concealing a tiny yelp of surprise.“Oh you’re home.” he exclaimed feeling a little caught off guard by her sudden appearance. Instead of greeting Queety with her usual hello kiss, Straw turned his back to her and rushed out of the kitchen to find himself something more appropriate to wear. He returned moments later wearing jeans and t-shirt. “I thought you weren’t coming home till later?!” and said, his eyes quickly glanced over her shoulder toward the front door as if he was expecting someone else to walk in.

Straw leaned awkwardly on the kitchen bench and avoided Queety’s eyes. Recently Straw had felt a change inside him and his feelings towards Queety. Something unexpected and which had bothered him a lot. Despite his baking antics, there was an uncomfortableness about Straw in this moment. There was something he wanted to talk to her about and despite scripting his feelings he suddenly found himself lost for words. Seeing Queety, in person brought a new panic to the man as he fumbled and found himself lost for words. He’d rehearsed what he wanted to say so many times however the repercussions of this next conversation haunted him and he was scared to speak the words.

It was becoming awkward, the silence between was louder then Straw could handle. He swallowed hard and tried to find Queety’s eyes knowing it was now or never. This conversation couldn’t wait and if he didn’t say something now, he knew he would burst. “I need to tell you something… and I don't know where to start…” Straw said this a little too seriously before pausing a beat. He turned his back to her and walked a few steps towards a kitchen draw. Still not facing Queety and with a mono tone voice Straw continued to speak, “I know we’ve always said we need to be honest and there’s something I think you need to know… I don’t know where to start really but I’ve been thinking, about us and … well, whatever we’re doing, it’s not enough… I ..” Straw swallowed hard, “I can’t pretend anymore Queets but something has changed… ” and Straw turned back to look at her again, meeting her eyes for a moment “I’ve changed,” His face held a stoic expression as he cleared his throat.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you this for a while but I just couldn’t find the right time. To be honest … us… whatever we’re doing… It’s not enough. I want to believe that is it…but it’s not for me anymore…”

Straw walked slowly towards her, avoiding her gaze “So that’s why I think it’s time that we’re honest with ourselves, like truely honest… I can’t be your boyfriend anymore… ”

Then without skipping a beat, Straw got down on one knee and produced a small red box. “because I want to be your husband… Queety White… I don't know what took me so long but it’s time we made this offical. I love you to the moon and back again. So I’m wondering…will you marry me?”

[Queety White]

Queety didn't answer right away. She just stared at Straw, still on one knee, the ring out in front of her. Her face was expressionless. She was not caught off guard by the proposal or surprised by it at all. In fact, she knew about it for a while.

It had begun a few weeks ago when she was getting ready for some event when she could not find a certain ring she wanted to wear with her outfit. She had pulled out her wand and muttered "accio ring" However, instead of the jade ring she had anticipated to appear from somewhere in her drawer of haphazardly scattered jewelry, her attention was turned to the rustling of the side table drawer on Straw's side of the bed. The drawer opened and a small red box flew from it and directly into Queety's hand. Frowning at it, Queety opened the box to reveal the ring that was inside. She gasped, nearly dropping the box. Suddenly she was unable to breathe. 

She had not told Straw that she knew he was planning to propose. She figured she would just let him do it when he was ready. It also gave her time to think about what she wanted as well. She loved the life that she and Straw had built together over the past few years, the family they had made with the triplets. It was everything she ever dreamed of and more. This was the man she had been in love with since they were kids. And now he was promising her forever. 

But while the most recent years had been amazing, she still knew what she had to struggle with to get to where they were. Her heart had been broken many times by him before he realized his feelings. Their friendship had been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the years until they both grew up and learned there were more important things in life than being petty over misunderstandings. She had yelled at him so many times. He had refused to talk to her so many times. They liked each other and then they hated each other before they loved each other. She had to remember that. She had to remember where they came from. And that was why she remained quiet about what she had found since that day. She wanted to think if this was what she really wanted.

But now he was standing in front of her. She was more surprised that he had chosen this moment above all. Literally five minutes ago, he was dancing around in his underwear, being the fool he was, and now he was being serious and asking her if she wanted to make the ultimate commitment. She suddenly felt ill prepared to answer him. It should have been an easy answer but now faced with it, she realized she could not answer. She could not get the words out. 

"I...uh..."

She dropped down to her knees so she was face to face with him at his level. She then reached out, running her fingers through his hair. She stared into his eyes, her cheeks growing pink.

"Ain’t it shocking what love can do?" she sang softly, tears springing to her own eyes. "I don't even know what to say, Straw... I..." 

[Straw Buckett]

''This was not how it was supposed to go ,’ Thought Straw as he knelt, paused in time watching Queety and waiting for her now not-so-obvious answer. It was a little awkward for Straw as he’s truely imagined an instant answer with Queety throwing herself around him. The fantasy of it was all really not playing out as he had anticipated which was a rather embarrassing and distracting thought. It was very confusing for him as he listened to her tell him that she didn't know what to say. Straw now wondered if she was expecting the proposal or perhaps was actually honestly not sure and was trying to save his feelings before telling him no.

"Ain't shocking what love can do..." was that resonated with him as his eyes searched her watery ones. Straw began to feel a little scared now, was Queety about to say no? Would that be it for them? What had he done? It dawned suddenly on Straw that perhaps this was not enough for her, maybe she had imagined more from him in a proposal. After all, he had changed his house in the Gryffindor common for Kat's proposal. Perhaps he should have been more romantic and better planned instead of tricking her into thinking he wasn’t keen anymore… not his smartest idea. Queety was early and maybe Straw should have waited longer to put his plan into gear but seeing her changed his mind and he was caught off guard. Flying by the seat of his pants, as he usually did, Straw jumped the gun and asked earlier then planned and perhaps it may have seemed unprepared to her and unthought out which in all regard was a fair reason to hesitate.

In all honesty Straw was feeling a little disheartened and embarrassed about the whole thing. Taken back by her reaction Straw didn't move from his spot. He just looked into her eyes trying to think of what to say next.

Smiling at Queety, Straw took her hands in his and smiled softy. “It’s simple….” he began realising he couldn’t take this back and start again. He would just have to continue along with it and make it up to her a different way. “You just say yes” and with an all mighty BANG magical explosion of confetti and colourful streamers fell from the ceiling. Balloons of all colours fell and loud music began to play throughout the apartment. A banner reading “CONGRATULATIONS” in bold red writing was flown in by transfigured doves. Bottles of champaign popped loudly and glasses appeared on the dinning table. Straw had forgotten he’d magically enchanted the room to explode into celebration on the word ‘yes’ believing it would be Queety to speak the words and not himself.

Straw could barely hear himself speak as the tunes of Celebration by Kool & Gang blared through out the apartment.

^{‘CELLLLLLEBRATE GOOD TIMES COME ON!!’}

“I’m ……. ……. I should …. …… this differently. I ….. …… Queety. .. … to sp….. …. rest … … life … … . I … … been … … but … … far….. You’re … … the kids, … … love. …..everything about…” Straw yelled but the music was so loud it was impossible to say anything.

^{‘EVERYONE ONE AROUND THE WORLD COME ON!!’}

Then suddenly, on cue, a tiny branch of mistletoe dropped from the ceiling and hung dedicating over the top of the two. This magical enchantment froze the pair and would not allow them to leave without a kiss. They were now trapped in a very awkward romantic bubble.


<sup>‘ITS A CELEBRATION!! ’

‘CELLLLLLEBRATE GOOD TIMES COME ON!!’</sup>

Straw looked up at the mistletoe and back down awkwardly at Queety.

^{‘CELLLLLLEBRATE GOOD TIMES COME ON!!’}[/font]

"WE CAN .....' VE. " he tried to say but again the music was too loud to say anything. "WE HAVE .... KISS! ... WONT LE.... GO"

[Queety White]

Queety screamed when the confetti and streamers appeared with a large bang. She immediately reached into her pocket for her wand, ready to fight off whatever enemy had ruined this already embarassingly awkward moment. She jumped up trying to figure out what was going on, the music already blaring and the doves filling the room. She ducked as they flew around, covering her head. She had known Straw long enough to know that he would be unpredictable but this was definitely an extreme, even for him. She realized that he was saying something to her but she could not hear it over the music and her own heart beating practically in her ears. 

She tried to back away so she could collect herself but she felt like there was a wall behind her. She reached back and felt the wall. But when she turned around, she realized there was nothing behind her. Even more panicked, Queety turned and began banging on the invisible wall. Straw was continuing to shout something at her. Some part of her knew that he was probably trying to explain everything that was going on but that part was being pushed to the side by the one that was in panic mode. She pointed her wand toward the wall, sending off a simple blasting spell with hopes of making a dent. Of course, it did nothing to break her from the bubble and only succeeded in her flying backwards and onto Straw. As she flew back wards, she looked up above them and saw the mistletoe hanging there but she did not get to think of it as she made impact with Straw. 

She sat up and turned to him. "What...ck...go...on?" she shouted back at him.

But as she looked up at the congratulations sign and actually took a moment to listen to what the song was, she realized exactly what was going on. Straw must have triggered this whole set up once she had said yes.... if she had said yes. No, she was going to say yes. Queety was not sure why she hesitated. She already knew her answer from the moment she had found that ring weeks ago.


Why was it so hard to say now? 

She looked at the box that was still in his hand. And amidst all the chaos around them she grabbed the box from him. She didn't need to use words to express her answer. She took the ring out and put it on her finger. As she looked at it shining there in the light, she felt the tears falling down her cheeks. 

"Bu...me?...ow?" she asked, forgetting that Straw could not hear her or understand a word she was saying.

[Straw Buckett]

Straw wasn’t sure to laugh or concerned as Queety blasted the bubble and fell back upon him. He caught her and watched as her eyes as she came to realise what all the music and banging was about. Queety’s realisation face was a kind of cute thought Straw as she looked back at him and tried to speak. Similar to a club dance floor, it was incredibly hard to hear what she was saying and assumed she had not heard his explanation.

Straw was taken by surprise as Queety reached forward and took the little red box from him. He watched in slow motion as she put the ring on her finger and looked at him with tears running down her cheek. Straw’s heart skipped as he felt a very awkward heaviness lift from his chest and excitement take over. Straw stood to his feet, shakily as he had been kneeling for a while, and took Queety’s face in his hands. Using his thumb he wiped the tear stream on her face and smiled softy at her. “I … you” he said, unsure if she’d really heard him and pulled her forward for a kiss.

As soon as his lips touched hers, the bubble dedicatedly popped and they were released from their love prison. Straw now had the ability to turn down the music and speak to Queety. “So it that a … ?” and he nodded his head as he feared saying yes once more incase the room exploded again. Straw knew it was a yes but he wanted to hear her say it. They had been together for 4 years, the best of friends for 10. He known for a while that he wanted to make this more between them however there was an internal fear of loosing her and divorcing again. What they had was perfect, Straw couldn’t fault it. The difficult and internal conflict was why would he change it? Why disturb the peaceful waters and risk his and his families happiness? But looking at her, right now, Straw was thankful he had although he knew there would be some mention about his execution.