The Past is a Different World

Blazing, stifling sunshine spread over the bright blue skies that stretched over the tops of the tents that covered the sprawling Wiltshire farm fields. Dozens of tepees and more traditional camping structures littered the lush, verdant grass. It was in between them that Alice Rousseau erected her own little structure, a wizard’s tent that was TARDIS-like in its dazzlingly large interior, and settled in, unpacking her things for the week ahead that she’d spend at the Renaissance fair. With a spring in her step she hurriedly got changed, doing up her hair with a few pretty clips and a daisy wreath crown and then, taking her bag, she headed outside.

Away from the main encampment area, all of the renaissance attractions could be found and, with them, the re-enacting enthusiasts who were trooping around, some carrying barrels of frothing beer, in heavy, hot woollen garments. She passed by a man dressed as a monk, preaching about the Black Death to a small crowd that had gathered around him and smiled briefly in the direction of the apothecary who also was offering remedies – in particular for Dragon Pox and Smallpox, the Muggle relative of the former that Wizarding folk were also subject to.

With her map under her nose, Alice passed the jousting lists and a blacksmith’s, winding around past the King and Court’s tents before moving around towards the medieval pub which was, naturally, teeming with people. She readjusted her bag on her shoulder and pushed the map into it before heading inside, ordering for herself a glass of cool cider before moving back out into the bright sunshine, finding a seat for herself on the grass, setting down her glass.

Then, Alice took her time to look around properly and she drank in the atmosphere, highly glad that she’d elected to go to the fair. She’d never been particularly fond of camping, of course, but she certainly didn’t mind the idea of camping here very much. With night watchmen keeping an eye out for everyone sleeping there, she felt very safe indeed and, even better than that, she was excited to attend the fair in its full capacity – all of the events, especially the jousting, included.

Taking a long gulp of her cider, she couldn’t wait.

With a heavy rucksack on her back she slowly get through the mass of people who were moving over the field. She always loved camping and was very excited about this, but her excitement slowly turned in discomfort. There were too many unknown people around her.

She tucked her hair behind her ear and scanned the sea of tents looking for an empty spot.

Tent closest to her has been coated by a thin cloth that is almost transparent, revealing its luxurious interior at least three times greater than the external appearance. On the black silk flag pinned on the roof of the tent flew the family coat of arms, a unicorn above which were four stars. She could have sworn that she have already seen this emblem somewhere, on a house she  passed on her way to the Ministry, but  she couldn't remember the name of family. Surely some rich,  she concluded by recalling the golden unicorn who was eating grass in the garden Gothic structure over whose door was etched the same coat of arms.

She shook her head, dispelling thoughts and focusing on the current task - to find a place for a tent. In theory it's not supposed to be complicated, but when you're surrounded by people at least one feet bigger than you, it turns into a real job.

Once, it seemed, at least one hour of walking in the distance she saw the empty spot, quite a bit, but she will be able to set up the tent. She moved aside from the main road and started walking well-trodden path between the tents.
She couldn't  wait to get to the spot, to finally put the bag down on the floor and take off her shoes that have become uncomfortable after only ten minute of walking.

When she finally found the spot she was sure that there was no happier woman than her on the lawn. She threw her backpack on the ground and sat on the wet grass for a moment, closing his eyes and enjoying the murmur of the people around her.
She sighed and pulled out an old tent which her family owned ever since she could remember. Perhaps, if she use magic she will be done faster ... No, she decided. She will do it the old-fashioned, Muggle way, as her grandfather taught her.

The Renaissance fair had an element of freedom about it which Alice enjoyed immensely. As such, she didn’t have to stay confined to the pub area whilst she had her drink so, grabbing the bottle and her bag once more she slid off of the bench and made her way to the lists where the jousting was just beginning. After watching the equivalent of the Duke of Norfolk being thrown off of his horse she hurried away, back towards her tent where she’d left her camera.

In making her way up towards the tent area, Alice did not figure into her plan the idea that she might run into someone she knew. Soon enough, however, she tripped over a pair of legs, managed to regain her step and turned to find an old Beauxbatons friend pitching up a tent herself. Alice gaped, her hand falling down to her side in disbelief before her mouth curved up into a bright smile.

“Hey Nym,” she greeted the other girl, plopping down onto the grass beside her. “How’re you? It’s been forever, hasn’t it?”

And it had been, Alice hadn’t seen the other girl since she’d graduated from the French school. Now she wanted to catch up – all thoughts of the camera were to be abandoned. She smiled brightly, pulling up some daisies from the grass, her hands beginning to curl the stems into each other to make little chains like she used to when she was little. It seemed as though it was apt. And old friend – old habits had to follow, surely.

"I'm sorry, it's my fault." Nym turned her head to met a person who tripped over her legs. "Alice?" she looked at her in surprise. She never thought she will bump into someone from her old school here in England. Especially not someone she will recognize. She wasn't popular so her circle of friends wasn't excessively large and with a change the place of residence probability to encounter someone who is known is reduced. "Yes, at least it's feels like it's been forever." Nym smiled happy to see the other girl. She was glad to see her. Until now could not even figure out how much she missed her school friends.

She left the tent on the floor, deciding that she will have plenty of time to pick it up later, if not the old-fashioned way, she can always use magic. "I'm good, I miss France, a little.", she laughed a bit "What about you? I didn't know you're here, I thought you're still there, working." Nym took a box of cookies from her bag, took one cookie and offer a biscuit box to Alice "Want some? It's the only dish that I know how to cook." Nym took a bite, happy that she wasn't accidentally replaced salt with sugar this time, so it tasted quite fine.

John walked with his head looking down at the floor he didn't really want to be at this fair but since every one else was he felt he had no choice. His hands were firmly fixed in his pockets as he glanced every now and again. He gave a sigh and looked for a place to sit this out until he could go back to the school.

As he moved he saw two girls talking to each other and he knew he had to pass them by. This made him uncomfortable and he pulled his hoody around him tighter. He was unsure if they saw him. He smirked as he saw one trip but the other then take the blame. his reaction was to go help but she looked okay as she now stood talking to her. Seeing a stand next to them he walked over to it and bought some drink and a burger or so he hoped it was. Now he stood listening if for the lack of anything else to do. His lack if friends didn't help ether, he was pretty much a loner.