Pygmy Puff Panic Support Group. Join Now.

[allard]

In times of darkness, search for the light. In moments of need, find a shoulder to lean on. In the presence of the enemy, conquer your fears. Pygmy Puff Panic Support Group. We're here to help you get over your phobia.

Allard Scarborough still cringed every time he read that sign, and this was no exception. The Pygmy Puff Support Group had been, by far, his worst idea yet. However, he had needed something to mask the real truth he was trying to hide from the curious eye, and, more importantly, the dangerous one. With dark wizards on the loose, ready to reign destruction without a sliver of regret, one had to be extremely cautious about how to meet up with and gather new members for a resistance group. What these men and women did was wrong beyond belief; yet what infuriated Allard even more so than their heinous acts was the fear and submission people yielded to this Atrox Legion. It was no wonder to him how they had gained such power. Cowards. They were surrounded by pure cowards. Yet, he knew, there were a select few that were honorable and worthy enough to stand up and fight for a better cause. People strong enough they were willing to try and change things. These were those he summoned.

He stood by the steaming coffee pot he had set up and took a sole cookie from a plate of assortments laid out upon the table. The whole thing smelled real, with the name tags and markers spread upon a cheap plastic table covered in an even cheaper once-white-now-stained table cloth. One could hardly blame him for the fact he would rather not use his budget on the pointless "support group" setup, and instead skimp on that end to put the money to good use elsewhere. Like, say, to something that could actually help their cause. Yet this farce he now played at had managed to let him avoid renting the space for an evening, seeing as the building owner had been touched by the idea of a support group, even if she had not even attempted to understand what a "Pymy Poof" was.

As he waited in patient silence, he knew it would be mere moments before people began filing in. His hope was to attract prospective members, people curious and interested in fighting against the overwhelming use of dark magic in the Wizarding World. He wanted people ready to make a change, to resist this force. He wanted to find people of noble heart and mind, and he knew that, in due time, they would come to him. It was his only hope that they would come sooner rather than later. The cookies were growing stale, and someone had to eat them. He actually cracked a hint of a smile at his silly and foolish thought, and popped the cookie he had grabbed into his mouth. It was time to see what sort of wizards and witches were really out there.



(Open to everyone, even those uninterested in joining the Tutela. If you are of the lucky few wishing to support this resistance group, make your way to Allard and introduce yourself. Be sure to include what you do, why you want to join, a few sentences on what you're like (this is important, we want to give you the title most fitting to your personality), and, of course, please include your name. It is an introduction after all. Dude's not a mind-reader. For those not interested in joining, go ahead and introduce yourself to Allard and make a fool of yourself. I assure you you will get kicked out in the most amusing of manners.

Have fun and good luck. Leader of good, out.)

[Anna Michaels]

Being in the public news business had its advantages, a fact that Anna Michaels had learned very shortly after joining the WWN. Her second day on the job one of her fellow interns had confided the existence of the newest and hippest underground music club hidden in the back alley behind a muggle shoe store, behind a foul smelling dumpster. Anna, always game to try something new, had attended with her co-worker and the following day reported the story to her boss and was rewarded with an instant promotion putting her a step above the rest of her group.

The witch originally declined the offer, refusing to reap the benefits of another's find, but when the wizard too was offered a promotion Anna gladly accepted. She knew the value of being honest and fair and not putting herself above others. The man who had helped her was a single father and the internship at the WWN was his second job, taken to support his daughter. The raise was more important to him then it was a fresh out of Hogwarts intern. She had no one to support except for herself and even then she still had her parents and her brother to fall back on.

This time her information was slightly more serious then a new club and a group of teenage witches itching to be broadcasted across the wizarding community. News had reached the witch about a new club popping up in Muggle London with a suspicious name: Pygmy Puff Panic Support Group. Her boss had come directly to her about it offering her the opportunity to be the one to see what this so called support group was all about. Not being one to sit in the sidelines while others investigated new and exciting happenings, Anna jumped at the opportunity. Adorned in her favorite outfit, the young witch left early from work to check out what the buzz was.

Arriving outside of a sad little building, Anna couldn't help but be slightly disappointed with her luck. But being the positive soul she was she remained optimistic, she was always reminded that she was no judge and her opinions made little difference to those set in stone but at the same time a single drop of water could eventually move a mountain. It was that philosophy that she kept in mind as she mounted the steps to where the support group was to meet.

Walking in the door, the witch for the thousand time thought of what a Pygmy Puff could be. Whatever it was, she reasoned, it must be in dire need of support. She stepped into the brightly lit room, eyes quickly adjusting to the changed light. Inside she saw a standard support group setting. All except for one thing: the group. Instead she observed a solitary man standing near the refreshment table. Not wanting to be rude, Anna made her way over to him.

"Hello," she started, "my name is Anna Michaels, and I was wondering what in creation a pygmy puff is. You see, I must know for me to give them my full support." She smiled at her own private joke, sticking her hand out in greeting. Observing the man across from her she found that he seemed to be rather on edge, probably about the lack of immediate interest his group was starting out with. Her mouth stretched in a reassuring smile before she added: "Although it doesn't really make a difference what it is, everyone and everything needs support."

[Cailyn Maiya Talaith]

Cailyn wandered down the street idly, a bright smile upon her sweet features. She had just finished having lunch with a dear friend of hers whom she rarely got to see. Ever since discovering she was a witch, Cailyn found it increasingly difficult to keep in touch with her childhood friends. Anytime she got the chance to hang out with one of them, she leapt at the chance. Though it was difficult not to tell them about the exciting new life she was leading. The story was that because of security reasons, her parents had decided to send her and her siblings to a private undisclosed boarding school. It made sense given the prominence of her father’s position and the kidnapping that had taken place when she was only 4 years old.

Sighing softly to herself, she flipped a strand of silky brown hair from her face. It was rare for the 16 year old to have her hair down, but it complimented the sea blue tea length dress she wore. Silver sandals were paired with a simple silver necklace with tiny diamonds and dangling silver earrings. The only item out of place was the gorgeous purple butterfly ring that hadn’t left her hand since Julian had bestowed it upon her. Glancing up at one of the nearest building, she stopped abruptly as if someone had frozen her in place. Wide mocha brown eyes stared incredulously at the sign that proclaimed: Pygmy Puff Panic Support Group. Blinking her eyes in the disbelief, Cailyn bit her lip in hesitant consideration.

Once there would have been a time when she would have dismissed it as someone’s twisted idea of a random joke, making up such bizarre things. But now, even in the muggle world, something so clearly not normal hinted at the hidden world she was now a part of. Despite the prejudices she had discovered in the fantastic world, Cailyn loved being a witch. Bouncing to the entrance, she made the quick decision to pop inside and see what the place was about. With her luck, it was probably just some drug trip created idea of a party, but on the rare chance it really did have to do with the wizarding world, she couldn’t possibly pass it up. Slipping through the doors, Cailyn found herself in the presence of an older gentleman and a young woman.

There were refreshments spread out invitingly on some tables, indicating that this was meant to a serious group rather than some drug induced rave. Padding up to the pair, she flashed them a bright smile even as she kept an eye on the door. One never knew what strangers would do and her easy trusting nature had gotten her in trouble on more than on occasion. Not that it stopped her from walking right up to them with a confident smile and interested expression. “Hi, I’m Cailyn and I was interested in your group. I absolutely love people and animals; I’d hate to think of any being in distress without some support. I assume a Pygmy Puff is a type of animal like a Puffskein right?” She asked innocently, hoping they would know what she was talking about and if not, assume she was just playing with them.

[Minister Liam McGinn]

The Minister of Magic stepped out of his black sedan onto a street in muggle London. After casting a quick but powerful Disillusionment charm he began to walk towards his destination. He pulled his wool coat slightly tighter around him as the Fall wind attacked his body like a pack of wolves would attack a lamb. He didn't want to catch to much attention using a warming charm in the middle of muggle London. 'Pathetic, The Minister of Magic unable to cast a simple warming charm'.

Liam didn't really know why he was here. One of his advisers, whom Liam was sure was an anti blood purist, had given him a card after a rather stressful meeting with a purist. He said that it would be an interesting experience and would help Liam find more people "With similar problems". At first Liam had been skeptical but after thinking it over he was sure he understood what his adviser had meant. So he had decided to check out this "Pygmy Puff support group".

He had made it to the doorway. He wasn't sure if he really wanted to do this, it could compromise his own agendas, but maybe it would be worth the risk. Humans of course did deserve a fair chance and he certainly wouldn't bow and become a puppet of some dark lord. Liam reverted to one of his nervous ticks and lit a cigarette. After taking a few drags he had made up his mind, he was going in his Auror side had made up its mind and justice was what mattered to Liam, but if he saw a better opportunity he would take it.

As he walked into the building he saw a man he had known for many years, if only in passing. He had seen him in the halls of Hogwarts, and in fact worked together when Liam was Department Head of Magical Law Enforcement. He grinned ever so slightly, taking his Disillusionment charm off and putting out his cigarette, he walked over to Allard. "Hello, it seems we have a similar issue as I to have worries about the Pygmy Puffs who seem to be running a muck around these days, and have a desire for justice for the fearful of these Pygmies. My name is Liam" he stuck out his hand.

[allard]

All prospectives before this post have as of now been contacted.

[Laif Polk]

Laif Polk was a man of intricacies and somehow was seen to be off putting sometimes, preferring to be alone and responsible only for himself in dire times. He was smart and sarcastic, able to see details but not always the “big picture”. Not like many people knew this about him, as he never stayed in the same place for long. He was wary of people because of the lupine disease he harbored, and always wracked with guilt every time his wolf form roamed the streets and killed people. Witches and wizards seemed to think that by having the disease it made one as savage as the beast itself. In fact, Laif was quite laid-back and somewhat lazy.

Because of the curse, he made it a goal to be a vigilante of sorts. He’d hoped to become an Auror but had dropped out of school his third year due to the murder of his sister, so that might not ever be a possibility for him. So he busied himself with tracking down suspicious people from the so-called Atrox Legion, the name which he had heard uttered from the lips of criminals and maniacs in his travels.

He was a Pureblood but believed in equality for all people, as he had seen discrimination his whole life for being a werewolf. He cared about people, but knew all too well what atrocities they were capable of. It was his job to protect them, even if it meant protecting them from themselves. He grew to not be afraid of anything, believing the same of himself; he was his own worst enemy.

As such, Laif strolled down the street with determined intent, his long brown trench coat drawn tightly over his body. His hand was dug deeply into his pocket, his palm cradling his wand, rolling it around absently. His mind was hooked on a man he had seen a few days ago who had seemed suspicious, hanging around this area of town. He’d been looking at a small building with interest, standing on the sidewalk by himself.

Today he walked over to the building and noted a small sign reading: Pygmy Puff Panic Support Group. The building was the very same one he’d seen the man at. Looking at the weird sign, he slowly entered the building, wondering what the heck a pygmy was and if they were endangered.
Inside, a few people gathered around.

The man standing next to a plate of cookies looked up with a smile.

“Hey, it’s you!” Laif blurted. He felt stupid for saying so, but the man from the other day didn’t seem to be from a dark collection of thieves, liars, murderers and scoundrels. His eyes looked like they had another, deeper agenda.

“I mean…. uh… what about those pygmies? Gotta love those pygmies…”

[allard]

Prospective contacted.

[Laif Polk]

A toast to the Pygmy Puff Support Group:

“The Pygmy Puff support Group has done wonders for my outlook on life. A couple of years ago, I thought our world was doomed, that I was the only one to have courage to stand up for the cause. But now I see that there are others like me, those who have seen the truth and dare to expose it. I hope that the Pygmy supporters will continue to grow and become an unstoppable force of truth, justice, and honor. The Pygmies are in good hands with this support group, and I hope to make it so one day they will not fear being themselves and will be able to roam in peace, free from predators. As a member, I will fight the war against the abuse and segregation of the little pygmies, because they deserve just as much as any wizard or witch. Our little furry friends are defenseless, and it is cruel to go after them with malice. Is it not crueler still to leave them alone, watch idly while the predators pick them off one by one? I say yes!** I say that the pygmy-haters should pick on someone their own size! Therefore, in order to help in the war against Pygmy hatred, I will be a purveyor of equality, a crusader for the beaten, and a supporter of all things just in this world. With this toast, I thank Allard Scarborough for setting up such a worthy group for a worthy cause!”

[Cailyn Maiya Talaith]

Stepping over to the drink table, Cailyn helped herself to a glass of punch. Sniffing it carefully, just incase it contained any alcohol; she lifted it toward the others gathered there. “To the Pygmy-Puff Panic Support Group, to each of us gathered here today, and to those unable to be present.” She hesitated for a moment, an innocent expression of nervous anticipation on her sweet features. A flood of courage surged through her as she organized her thoughts.

“This group means more to me than most could possibly understand. Supporting each other in difficult times is what has kept me and my family going through every struggle that came our way. Having others at your back, allows you to step forward into a frightening new world with courage and dignity. I believe that every living thing has a right to live in freedom, peace, and safety.” A few tears prickled in her eyes, blinking rapidly to try and dispel the liquid.

“Terror and fear are debilitating to those who suffer from it. It is the innocent who fall under attack from those who think they are more important. But how can one life be worth more than another? Even a small fluffy ball has feelings and thoughts that mirror our own. All my life, I have tried to be a friend to those in need. I have been like a second mother to my siblings, though I am sure at times they wish I wasn’t.” Cailyn giggled lightly, growing more confident with each passing second.

“I want to show the world through my actions and my words that love can conquer anything that might come our way. I want the chance to do something to help those in need beyond my small circle of influence. I may be young, but my heart is strong. I want nothing more than to see the world co-exist in peace, for all panicking pygmy-puffs to be cherished as unique and important creatures. Unity is what holds the fabric of the universe together. From the smallest plant, to the large animal, we are all connected. The suffering of one, affects us all whether we realize it or not. By joining together to aid those in trouble, we can help change the world. So here is to the Pygmy-Puff Panic Support Group. To aiding those in need. To being a light in a dark world. To friendship, love, and hope. To each of us, and to everyone else.”

She lowered her glass, feeling a bit foolish but hoping that her words had been understood. A slight flush tinged her cheeks, but happiness danced in her eyes.

[Minister Liam McGinn]

Liam listened in the corner to the words of the others. Running his hands through his hair and scratching his chin for a moment he stood up off the wall. Putting his cigarette out with his palm he pulled a flask out from within his coat pocket. Taking a quick swig he felt the liquid run down his throat and warm his chest, and felt the warmth spread and engulf his whole body. He smiled slightly and then stepped forward to the table.

Liam looked around, and locked eyes with each of the people standing in the small room. He began "It seems to be a trend, toasting the little group of ours. I suppose now it's my turn to offer my two cents." He paused. "The days in which we are living, are ones plagued by fear. Their are so many of us, to afraid to admit our problems, for they tell us we must be strong in the face of adversity. We forget that there are others about us, who struggle just like us."

He locked eyes with Allard and continued "We are not alone. That is what this support group stands for. That when others fall, we are there to pick them up! and no matter how long, or how hard as long as their is someone willing to hope!" he paused "That mission can never die." "No matter the fear, no matter the challenge, no matter if god himself condemns us and death threatens to claim us. We stand together, not as many" another pause "But as one, We must be the embodiment of hope. So I congratulate each of you, for choosing to stand together, to help us break away fear, I for one would be nothing had I not stood on the shoulders of great men and women such as yourselves."

"I know rather long, and at times I must admit I ramble and become overzealous so I will end this drawn-out toast of mine with this." pause "Dare to reach your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light. Remember others will follow where we lead and being lost is so close to being found" pause "Thank you, and Long live the Pygmy-Puff Support group!" he raised his flask to them and then took a nice long swig from it before pulling out a chair and sitting down at the table. His eyes moving across the coffee stained cloth to view the faces of his compatriots.

[Joshua Turner]

Joshua was standing in the corner of the building and saw the Minister of Magic toasting in the distance, making a mental note to make no sound. He was then afraid, "Why did I even come in here?" he asked himself, cursing his natural curiosity. He then nonverbally pondered how he got there.

It had started out like any other day, waking up, seemingly without sleep and after dragging himself out of bed going to a café in muggle London and wandering around obliviously. After a long trip to Diagon Alley, where he was seemed unusually out of place. He then journeyed over to muggle London to go to his suburban home and saw people filing into a building, one after another.

He questioned why this amount of wizards were going into a meeting to help a strange creature, the elusive Pygmy Puff. After a few minutes he stepped inside and was intrigued as they toasted and hinted about fighting for a cause other than the poor Pygmy Puffs. As the Minister of Magic finished his toast Joshua stepped out of the darkness and said nervously, “So what do I do I have to do to help those Pygmy Puffs?”