#dear Trent last night was great at the pub we should do it again some time oh thanks for telling me Jack Macrae's secrets

[fazcinatingblog]

Aw man, I went too early writing today's fanfic

[spaz8550]

Stay

Ch 14

Severus rested his head in his hands, he was in his office and had about 20 minutes before his next class was to arrive. It had been 2 months since Sinead had returned to Boston just 2 short days after she had kissed him on New Years Eve. They didn't even get to spend anytime time together before she left. If her great uncle was in such bad shape he must surely be dead already. What if she had changed her mind about everything? He hadn't heard from her in weeks and now felt that she must not feel as strongly as she had said on New Years. Severus was pulled from his thoughts by Albus walking into his office with a large smile on his face and a letter in his hand.

"Severus, you will be happy to hear Sinead will be rejoining us next week. Here is a note for you that was attached to mine." Severus took the note and placed it on his table not wanting to read it in front of Albus. "Are you not curious to what it says?"

"No doubt she changed her mind about me." Severus mumbled.

"You should not think that way Severus. Both of you deserve happiness." Albus perched on the edge of a seat as Severus reluctantly opened the letter.

Dear Severus, I want to apologize for my lack of communication while I take care of things back home. Last time I wrote my uncle was making progress. He came home from the hospital to show me his basement which was filled with my great-grandmother’s books. He explained what he knew and this has taken the majority of my time. He returned to the hospital after another fall and passed away. Frank left me his house in his will so I had to see to that before I came home. His loss has been hard because he was like a second grandfather to me since he had no children of his own. I know you most likely have been thinking the worse; but my feelings have not changed. I am still in love with you and I want to make every effort for us to be together. I will be returning to London next week after I take my godson on a promised trip to Disney World. See you in a week. Love, Sinead.

Severus put down the letter as Albus stood.

"Things are as they should?" Albus asked. Severus nodded. "I can give you the night off from patrols and the following weekend free so you may see Sinead."

"Thank you, Albus." Severus said watching the elderly wizard leave the office.

That week seemed to creep by slowly. Severus had been in an extra fowl mood since New Years but those days following the letter he he was extra moody and the students were loosing points left and right. Sinead stood in her apartment looking at Bill who was glaring at her.

"Nice to let me know that you’re coming back." He gritted.

"I sent an owl."

"A week ago." Sinead shrugged and went to out her things away.

"I'm going to Diagon Alley." Sinead grabbed some floo powder and was gone a moment later. She went straight to send an owl to Severus and Albus then went to purchase an owl of her own. She bought a few items at the apothecary and then flooed home. Bill was gone so Sinead put her things away and checked on what food she would need to buy at the store. 

When Sinead arrived home the owl sent to Dumbledore had just arrived. It was a short note telling her he would check in with her sometime the next week. Sinead started on dinner as the second owl arrived. Sinead took the message as the owl took off.

Sinead, I'm glad to hear you are back in London. I have the night off patrolling if you would like to meet for a drink at the Leaky Cauldron. I can be there at 7, send an owl back if you can't make it.

Severus

Sinead grinned and stopped cooking she would just make something for herself. It was 3 pm so Sinead left the food with a warming spell and went to take a bath. After she felt better she stared at her closet. She wanted to wear something that was nice but not too over done since it was the Leaky Cauldron. Sinead put on a pair of pjs and went to eat her dinner. Bill arrived and ignored Sinead.

"If you’re going to be a jerk you can move out." Sinead said walking to the kitchen to get some water. 

An hour later Bill knocked on Sinead's door.

"I'm sorry just not used to the idea of you being with Snape." He said looking at his feet.

"How do you know?" Sinead asked.

"He was in a fowl mood at the Order meetings since you left and I figured it out from there. I just don't think he deserves you." Sinead frowned.

"I think there is a lot more to Severus." Bill nodded.

"Your going to see him then?" Sinead nodded. "I started looking for a place for Jim and I. So far I've looked at 5 different apartments but nothing caught my eye yet."

"You still have a few weeks before he's arriving."

"So are you letting anyone else move in?" Sinead shrugged.

"I need to see who is heading over here. A few people are still up in the air. Trent and Sophia will be arriving soon." Sinead still hadn't settled on a dress and it was well past 6. It was the winter so she finally settled on a grey top and a long black skirt. Sinead put on tights than her shoes and double checked herself in the mirror.

It was 6:45 when Sinead left the flat to apparate to the Leaky Cauldron. She didn't want to floo even though a simple spell would rid her of soot. Sinead apparated to all alley around the corner from the pub and took a deep breath as she walked down the street and entered a few minutes before 7. Sinead spotted Severus right away he looked out of place standing by the bar looking around at the empty pub. He spotted her coming through the door and made his way over.

"Hello Severus." Sinead said with a small smile.

"Hello Sinead, care to go for a walk?" Sinead nodded and followed him out the door. He was still dressed in his typical back but without the billowing robes. They walked down the street a bit in silence. "I didn't want to stay there. Tom is far to nosey and people are always listening to your conversations." Severus said as Sinead nodded. They came to a small wine bar a few blocks away and Severus led the way inside. The place was almost empty and Sinead watched as Severus scanned the one occupied table before they were seated.

"How was your trip?" He asked after the hostess sat them in the far corner.

"A bit stressful but at least it ended well. I promised Caleb a trip to Disney World when he turned 5 and it worked out we were there for his birthday."

"He's your godchild?"

"Yes, his mom is one of my best friends. I took him on my own since she's not a fan of amusement parks we had a good time."

"I'm sorry about your uncle."

"He lived a full life, he was 87 and they gave him one year five years ago so he was on borrowed time. Frank was great, a second grandfather to me. I was glad I got to see him again and he gave me so many cases of books and journals from my great grandmother. My mom wasn't too happy I came back but this is where I want to be. More people will be coming from Salem in the spring."

"I'm sure Albus will appreciate the help."

"How have you been?" Severus tensed he was happy listening to her but talking about himself was something else.

"Busy." He said as the waitress came to take their orders. When she left the table Sinead picked up on Severus's uncomfortable feelings and began to talk about the books.

"I haven't really had a chance to go through most of the books but I'm excited to see what I have."

"I am free this weekend if you'd like help." Sinead grinned.

"That would be great. It'll be nice to have some help. Bill is looking for a new apartment since his son is coming over. Bill wants me to take Jim on as an apprentice but I don't think he's ready. Jim is a young version of Bill."

"Now there will be two of them, lovely." Severus rolled his eyes as Sinead laughed.

"I feel the same that's why I suggested he move out. First there isn't enough room for three and second I would loose my mind."

Severus and Sinead fell into comfortable conversation. Sinead was surprised how quickly the night went soon the place was closing down and they were on the verge of being asked to leave. Severus walked Sinead back to her flat she was walking close to him and he surprised her when he took her hand in his.

"I had a great night." Sinead said softly they reached her building.

"Me too, it's not often I can have a stimulating conversation with someone."

"What time should I expect you on Saturday?"

"How about 10? I have a few things to take care of at the castle."

"Perfect, I'll make breakfast." Severus looked at Sinead for a moment and she took the lead and kissed him. "Goodnight, Severus. See you Saturday."

He watched her go into the building then glanced around to check no one was watching then apparated to just outside the Hogwarts gate. He made his way inside the castle and when he reached the dungeons Albus was pacing.

"I take it you two had a nice night?"

"Yes." Severus said with a small smile.

"Good." Severus entered his bedroom and closed the door. He sat in a chair and mentally went over the events of the night.

[grapsandclaps]

GRAPS AND CLAPS DOES PROGRESS

Hello everyone and welcome to the story of Show 66 of the #100showyear which took me on a monster 4 hour journey via Leeds to Progress Wrestling in jolly old Camden Town for their last show before the big one of the year at Ally Pally. So this was a case of putting the final pieces into the jigsaw before the hype train leaves the station, lets see what went down.

One thing to point out using Virgin East Coast trains is the big difference from its West Coast rivals is that they have put plug sockets next to each set of seats, which for anyone knows who dont have a table seat can be an arse to charge your phone which is soon dwindling down to 5%. Also posher seats with more padding for my ever expanding arse - all this travelling and sitting down does nothing for my svelt figure - Hey Fatty Bum Bum!!

Arriving in London, it was straight to the usual Premier Inn at Euston at a cost of £82 for the night, you know what you are getting with a Premier Inn - if its good enough for Lenny Henry its good enough for me. One downfall though was the lack of bedding on the sofa bed, which meant our Geoff was to take up his usual 3/4s of the bed and me clinging on for dear life staring into the abyss of the carpeted floor. As stated by a few wrestlers on twitter - Why do hotels never stick plug sockets on your bedside table to charge your mobile? Never got it myself why this is the case ����

All checked in, it was straight to the ballroom as the first bout of the afternoon was at 330pm. Getting in i have noticed that Progress have stopped putting wristbands on the seats, not sure why but im sure someone will know? It felt a quieter crowd than usual due to the transport issues getting into the capital but soon filled up once the action began.

Pre show action began with Never Say Die vs The debuting Aussie Open in a really good opener and could have easily been on the main card. The Aussies who have become instant favourites since arriving to the UK took most of the action on NSD, impressing with flying cutters, piledrivers and other high octane offence - sadly no Awful Waffle from Mark Davies to finish the match as they were soon overhauled by NSD who picked the win up in around 10 minutes. Good stuff and would like to see Aussie Open again in Progress as they could be a great addition to a growing division.

First main match was Strangler Davis fresh from disposing of long time partner - Rob Lynch vs Connor Mills in an ok opener mainly to get over the noose wielding Strangler as a force to be reckoned with. Davis is very much submission based showing off shades of 1980s World of Sport arm whips and headscissors, Mills tried his best but succoumbed to the strangle for the tapout in about 7 minutes. 1-2 NOOSE!!!! Your Winner James Davis 👍 🖒.

Interview time with Flash Morgan Webster and Progress Odd Couple - Jimmy Havoc and Mark Haskins with added Townsend The Tree bought by Progress Management for Flash (Daylight Shrubbery if you ask me). Very funny segment this which set up a tag match at the end of the night with Travis Banks and Resident Scowler - Pete Dunne interjecting themselves. So it was made Haskins & Havoc vs Dunne & Banks in a Dysfunctional Tag Team Match HOLLA HOLLA MY FRIENDS!

Womens No.1 Contendership match up next with Jinny vs Dahlia Black for the right to face Toni Storm at Ally Pally. Very physical match here with Jinny taking the early advantage on her slightly taller opponent but as time wore on Dahlia gained the advantage and picked up the win on Jinny to face Toni Storm in a New Zealand vs Australia battle, but as we shall see later on Dahlia picked up an injury suffered at the hands of Pete Dunne in the main event. This writer likes both Storm and Black, but ive been a long time Toni Storm fan so would like to see her come out as champion at Ally Pally.

Next 2 matches were to decide the stipulations for the tag title match at Ally Pally between CCK and British Strong Style. 1st up was Kid Lykos vs Tyler Bate in a very good match more playing up to the junior heavyweight style of wrestling - a cry of “Small Lads Wrestling” was heard from the Progress which riled a visibly pissed off Tyler. I know Tyler is supposed to be apart of the main heel faction in Progress but i cant help but feel he looks very reluctant to be as dastardly as his bearded cohort Trent Seven and Pete Dunne, i smell Tyler going out on his own sometime here 😤.

Finish of the match came when Trent Seven came to interfere using the old distraction finish to put Lykos off his game enough for Tyler Bate to pick up the win. Stipulation time and after much humour about a possible Punjabi Prison Match and a trip for Jim, Jon and Glen to the nearest B & Q, it was settled on a normal tag match as BSS’s stipulation to piss off the Progress throng to a chorus of boos my mate Shauna would be proud of.

Chris Brookes vs Trent Seven then took place to decide the next stipulation in another good match but with Trent getting a taste of his own medicine with Lykos this time helping his mate Brookes to perform a Sick Fucking Tag Move to get the win and the choice of stipulation was you ask - A Ladder Match which should be a fantastic spectacle to see, but hopefully better ladders have been hired unlike the last time during SDS Vs The Riots.

Break done it was time for FSU vs The Grizzled Young Vets (sounds like a 6 part drama on ITV Sunday Night at 8pm, think Heartbeat but with a Scouser and a Wet Dog), that said Drake and Gibson are a welcome addition to the tag leagues and provide a great threat to the face teams out there (if CCK win at Ally Pally i can see a match up between the 2 teams) FSU are in a state of flux where they are not diminished if they lose as they are popular enough to overcome it, plus as well Eddie Dennis and Mark Andrews are accomplished singles wrestlers in their own right.

But with that said they couldnt put away the GYV’s who picked up the win with the elevated lung blower in a really good tag match and a great way to start the second half.

Next up was a clash of technical styles which was maybe my only downpoint as it featured seasoned British star Doug Williams vs my beating stick - Timothy Thatcher. Now i know i get plenty of stick for my non love of Thatcher from close wrestling friends of mine, but it is an opinion i will stick with - that is even though he is a good technical wrestler, he can suck the atmosphere out of an audience just like that - ive seen him 5 times now live and even though i have given him a chance u just dont think i will see the fascination with him.

The match was ok but i saw a far superior Doug Williams match the other week vs PCWs Philip Michael in Blackpool. Thatcher picked up the submission win over a valiant Doug and moves onto the 3 way at Ally Pally vs Matt Riddle and Walter which should be as hard hitting as they come as long as they turn it into a slugfest it will be magical.

Main event time with Haskins and Havoc vs Banks and Dunne but was mainly played up as a 2 on 1 with Dunne refusing to co-operate with Travis Banks and instead taking a spot on the announcing booth proceeding to boot Progress Flag Waver - Callum Leslie in the balls. Haskins and Havoc took advantage of the numbers game early on and worked well as a unit and not showing much dissent but it would soon end as a mix up between the two cost them dearly and Travis Banks hit the Slice of Heaven but before he could go for the pin Dunne ran to the ring and smashed Banks to leave Haskins prone for the 1-2-3.

Whilst Banks was down injured, BSS took advantage and beat down Banks and the incoming CCK, Dunne also proceeded to drag Dahlia Black onto the stage and hit her with a Sledgehammer to a chorus of boooooooooosssss to make the heel squad look strong going into Ally Pally in 2 weeks.

Beer prices - £4.90 for Camden Pale as ever it was passable.

Graps done it was time to hit the bright lights of Camden, but first it was Maccy D’s for a £1.99 big mac and fries whilst witnessing some 5 ft 5 roidhead planning to smack a nerd (your typical night in London i guess). But if this was a one on one match, imagine being done over like my mate Ben who faced Five Guys and got shafted for £19.90 all for a Burger, Fries and a Shake - Tory Britain strikes again 😮.

Pubs visited included Brewdog Camden for a £2.75 half pint of Orange Ale which was alright but i wouldnt pay for a full pint of it.

The Black Heart for a pint of £5.80 Fruity Cream Ale from Weird Beard, a discussion about what 6 matches i would stick on a promotion if i ran one in Rochdale Town Hall came out with a decent card in our dreams. As long as their is a hot buffet and a raffle im sure punters will be happy enough 😍.

The Worlds End produced shouty shouty RAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHH music and a £5.50 pint of Lowenbrau pffft. It was then off to more cheaper climbs of The Ice Wharf Wetherspoons which was packed to the rafters with people getting down to the sounds of despacito. A pint of IPA was had here and was very nice at a cost of around £4, i recommend the Peanut Butter Stout Can our Geoff had which was lovely and sweet for £2.99.

Last call was to The Prince Arthur pub for a £5 pint of cask ale (daylight robbery especially for Cask ale) - Decentish pub but very pricey for my Northern liking. A cheeky whisky and coke in the hotel bar for £4.10 was had to send me off to bed for a what was a great nights kip 😴😴😴😴😴😴.

Overall a good setup show for Ally Pally, nothing outstanding but nothing bad. Would i say it was worth the 4 hour trip and the cost of it - probably not but still good times were had. I am just hoping now at Ally Pally that Travis Banks and CCK win their respective matches as it is the natural finish to the storyline with them but we just have to wait and see.

Next review will be Lucha Forever from tomorrow night in Manchester, till then its a goodbye from me but make sure you spread the word of #grapsandclaps amongst the Twitter Universe. As i guess you all seem to enjoy these tales of British Wrestling Travelling.