Homes, Houses and Places To Stay

[G. Novella]

Once again Veronica heard those words of love. She felt a frown on her lips as her eyes began to shut. It wasn't real, right? This was just a moment for friends. There was no love involved.

"Too," she said sleepily, unsure what emotion her agreement signified.

[kumainpink]

(( General Perspective ))

The next morning, the maids found themselves a bit of a surprise when they arrived for their daily duties. In the kitchen, it looked as though a party of sorts had taken place. Several glass vases had been knocked over, and empty bottles and shot glasses, (some of them still full) had been left sitting out. That itself was surprising, but seeing Miss Yaxley and Miss Dubrov cuddled together on the couch was the talk of the day. They worked quietly, so as not to disturb the two, while whispering in hushed tones as to what it meant.

[kumainpink]

Octavius awoke the next morning, having enjoyed a restful sleep. While not exactly chipper, he was feeling good enough to actually get out of bed on time. Humming a little tune to himself, went into the private bathroom - there was one next to each room - and proceeded to get ready for the day.

Once he was showered and dressed, he walked out into the hallway and headed toward the living room. The sight he saw there was beyond belief. Cassalina and Veronica were snuggling on the couch! His mood brightened for the day, Octavius ran to each of the rooms in obvious glee, yelling at everyone to get up.

"Marigold! Marigold, wake up! You have to see this!" Marigold groaned sleepily and covered her ears with a pillow. "Come on! Get up! Get up!"

"Go away!" she snapped.

"No! Get up! You have to see this!"

Marigold groaned again. "Fine! Now get out of my room!"

"Maxwell! Maxwell! Get your arse up!" Octavius bellowed excitedly.

"I'm already up, Octavius." Maxwell said, surprised by his friend's attitude. Since when did Octavius do anything other than moan and groan in the morning?

"Good! Hurry! You have to come see!"

Octavius left after that, causing Maxwell to become rather confused. Just what was all this about?

Octavius then went to Alice's room and barged in. "Alice! Alice! You have to wake up! Come quick! You need to see this!"

[G. Novella]

Alice was startled at the sudden bang as the door to her room flew open. She jumped slightly to see an excited Octavius yelling for her to wake up. Sleepily, she climbed out of bed, unaware she was wearing the mildly revealing night-gown Veronica bought her still, and followed Octavius out as she tried to gather her bearings.

"What's going on?" she asked an excited Octavius, now fully awake. "Is something wrong?"

[kumainpink]

"No, nothing wrong! It's freaking hilarious! Just come see!" And with that he darted back off to the living room. Grinning like a fox, he summoned Maxwell's camera and took a picture of the sleeping women.


Maxwell walked out of his room, accompanied by Marigold, who had also been woken up by Octavius.

"I wonder what's got him so damn happy?" Marigold said, stifling a yawn.

"No idea." Maxwell replied, grateful that he had woken up an hour ago. "Why don't we go take a look?"

"Yes, let's." Marigold agreed, smiling at him. They walked into the living room, and came across Octavius taking pictures of Veronica and Cassalina sleeping on the couch together.

"Well, now I've seen everything." he stated quite calmly, as Marigold's mouth dropped open in shock. He wasn't surprised at all - Cassalina's feelings for the woman were obvious.

[G. Novella]

Alice watched the two women sleep as a blush rose on her cheeks. It wasn'tright to intrude on such a private moment for the two! She had been curious last night if the two were a couple when they danced, but judging from their positions today, it seemed like they were. Alice felt envious as she watched them sleep. She had never slept with another person before, and they seemed so content and happy together. She wondered what it was like to have someone hold you at night. To not feel alone.

She walked further into the room, behind Maxwell and another friend of his. She recognized the woman but couldn't remember her name. Then she remembered her resolve from last night.

"Good morning Mr. Rosebane," she said with false cheer, "It looks like Ms. Cassie and Ms. Veronica had a nice night. I had no idea they were dating!"

---

Veronica heard a flash going off some where. She felt someone sleeping on top of her. An odd warmth filled her, but the annoying flash and sounds of conversation filled the air. She frowned, and her eyes flickered open. She recognized Octavius as the camera-man, and saw the rest crowded around. She remembered drinking, and briefly wondered is she'd stripped for everyone.

"What's going on?" she asked sleepily, then turning to find Cassie sleeping on top of her! "What the bloody Merlin?!?"

[kumainpink]

Maxwell smiled as he saw that Alice had woken up as well. He went to greet her, but she beat him to it. The fact that she called him "Mr. Rosebane" bothered him. Did I do something to upset her?

"Good morning, Miss Boot." he said formally, his automatic response to being addressed by his last name. "They're not officially dating." he whispered to her, so that nobody could hear. "It's a...complicated situation." He ignored the hollow feeling that arose in him. If Alice - no, Miss Boot - wanted to keep him at arm's length, he would go with it. Maybe his head would straighten out of he did.

Marigold was not amused. In spite of the formal address they gave each other, she noticed the slight, confused gleam in his eyes, before it faded to cold formality. The words "Miss Boot" sounded frigid and awkward - a sign that they had been closer until just now. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion of the girl, as she made her way in between them.

"They should just get together already." she added, clinging to Maxwell's arm in a show of affection. "It would save everyone a lot of time."

Cassalina didn't want to move. She felt warm, lazy and completely peaceful. She ignored the sounds of conversation, and the click of a camera, but Veronica's startled cry woke her up. At once, she came to her senses, and was mortified to discover that she was sleeping on top of Veronica.
"I'm so sorry!" she cried, moving at once. She landed on the floor with a loud thud, and scooted away from the couch. "I - I don't know what came over me last night!" She buried her face, and could already feel her cheeks warm up.

Octavius laughed at their reactions. They're so cute that it's sickening! he thought, taking a picture of Veronica's bewildered face. Oh, I think I'm going to enjoy this!

[G. Novella]

Alice found herself slightly upset at the formal address. She couldn't understand why since she had convinced herself that it was best to treat Maxwell-no Mr. Rosebane- as am employer and colleague rather than a friend. Yet when he returned the favor, she felt oddly incomplete. Then his acquaintance grabbed his arm and all Alice could think of was the number twelve. She felt her smile falter, and tried her best to smile even brighter.

"I-Is that so?" said Alice politely as she turned her head abruptly, not wanting to look at the sight that made her even more hollow. "They do look lovely together. Ah, I don't believe we've met, ma'am. I'm Alice Boot.

She politely extended a hand, keeping her eyes trained solidly on the floor, uncertain if her happy face was enough.

---

Veronica sat up immediately as she stared at Cassie in horror. The details of last night were hazy and she stared at her best friend in shock. What the hell went on last night? And then she felt the headache.

"Holy Merlin's balls, how much did we drink last night?" she asked with a moan, "Are you okay? I wh-what happened? All I remember is the shots and then-"

Abruptly her face paled as she hazily remembered hugging Cassie on the floor, her head snuggled close to Cassie's shoulder. She turned a bright red, and buried her face in her hands, trying to figure out what happened next.

[kumainpink]

Marigold gave Alice her sweetest smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. She grabbed Alice's hand, willing herself not to squeeze until she winced. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Alice. My name is Marigold Jones." She then glued herself to Maxwell's side, acting as a barrier against her. I found him first, bitch!

Maxwell sighed inwardly. He hated it whenever Marigold got clingy like this, but years of dealing with her taught him it was best to let things be. If he pushed her away, Marigold would become even more obsessive. Instead, he let her cling to his arm, knowing very well what this must look like to Ali- Miss Boot.

Maxwell looked away from them and watched the drama that was unfolding in the living room.

At once, small memories came to mind. Veronica playing with her hair, laying in Veronica's lap, and most damningly, cuddling up to Veronica on the couch and saying "Love you." to her. Oh Merlin! What have I done? she thought miserably, unable to look at anyone. All she could do was murmur apologies over and over again, hoping that she wouldn't hate her.

Seeing his sister's obvious upset, Octavius's expression softened. He set the camera down and kneeled beside her. "Hey, there's nothing to be sorry for. We've been through a lot, and the two of you just got a little drunk." he hugged her to him. "It only makes sense that things would get out of hand."

"He's right." Maxwell agreed, yanking his arm out of Marigold's vice-like grip. "Ladies, there is no reason to be ashamed for your drunken reactions." He glanced over at Alice for a moment. "All of us get carried away when we have too much. Some, more than others. Besides, the two of you are very adorable together." he said the last line teasingly, trying to lighten up the mood.

[G. Novella]

Alice couldn't help but feel her face fall as Marigold squeezed tighter to Max-Mr. Rosebane- and smiled at her. She let go quickly of Marigold's hand and turned away to face Cassie and Veronica, trying to smile and ignore the gnawing feeling. She couldn't understand why Marigold upset her. Mr. Rosebane was just her employer.

Employer's don't invite you to their homes, or save you, reminded a voice in her head.

She watched Maxw-Mr. Rosebane- approach Cassie and Veronica. When he mentioned drunken moments, she couldn't help but think of the night before, and a small blush crept up her face. She scolded herself mentally, and put on a big smile. She moved away from Marigold, banishing her unhappy thoughts.

"Mr. Rosebane''s right you know, it's very sweet. Besides, everyone deserves to find someone special," she said sweetly, unable to avoid glancing at Maxwell as she remembered their conversation the night in Soleil Cafe, and then yesterday.

---

Veronica felt immediately horrified. Special person? Love? Look good together? What the hell happened?! She remembered Cassie's love you, and her entire mind seemed to stop as she turned an even brighter red. She couldn't look at her friend. How could Cassie, sweet Cassie, want someone as bitter and miserable as her?

"I'm not upset," she mumbled to Cassie, who was still muttering apologies, "Just extremely confused. I mean, why me? You could get better."

[kumainpink]

Cassalina pushed away from Octavius and stared at the ground. Her face was so warm that she could have fried an egg on it. This was it, it was all coming out! After years of hiding it and lying, everyone was going to know her secret! While it wasn't awful in and of itself, the potential to turn Veronica away from her was too great. Feeling as though she were condemning herself with every word, she explained herself.

"I didn't like you the first day we met, Veronica." she answered honestly. "I thought you were rude, crass and generally annoying. I was worried that you would ruin everything Maxwell was working toward. But all of that changed as we started to get to know each other."

A memory of their wild night in Hogsmede came to mind. Several months after Veronica joined their group, the two of them had needed to spy on one of Maxwell's political enemies at the time - Kenton Grieves. It had been a long, boring mission, and they hadn't gained anything from it.

After they had finished, they'd gone to the Three Broomsticks and gotten to talking. It was that night that their friendship formed. Tentative, at first.

Cassalina gulped. "I - I found myself admiring you sometimes. I noticed things - like how your hair catches the sunlight, the way you carry yourself, or how you laugh when you find something really funny. Little things. I just...found more and more of you to l-love." Merlin! Why did this have to be so hard? "We're different, but... I love that about you. You're brave, strong, and incredibly beautiful." She dared to look up and meet Veronica's gaze, feeling as though she was going to cry at any moment. "I've loved your for almost five years now, but I knew you wouldn't think of me the same way. That's why I didn't tell you."

[G. Novella]

Veronica stared at Cassie, knowing her face and neck must be red. Ahe could feel slight tears enter her eyes. Nobody had ever confessed their love to her, and while the situation left a lot to be desired, she couldn't help but feel her heart beat faster. Five years she'd been with Cassie and she'd never even noticed, hadn't she? Veronica couldn't help but remember the lingering hugs, the fierce protectiveness over her friend, and the little momwnts of joy Cassie expressed that made her smile. Cassie could have so much better than her!

"Five years, for me?" she asked weakly, her heart thumping wildly. "Why? I'm a slut, let's not lie. I'm bitter and angry. I have a horrible reputation, and I've done things that'll make anyone's skin crawl. Why me?"

She couldn't help but slide to the ground, forgetting everyone around them. All that mattered was Cassie at the moment. She took Cassie's hands in her own, as a tear slipped from her eye. She didn't deserve Cassie. Not someone as lovely as her.

"I don't deserve your love. I don't deserve you. You're a beautiful, kind, wonderful, intelligent woman, with the prettiest smile," and now she started to feel the tears really pour. It wasn't fair that Cassie loved her. Cassie was amazing, beautiful, and brilliant. She deserved so much better, yet she didn't want to let her hand go.

"You can make potions out of thin air, you love helping people, your fiercely protective, and sweet. Anybody else would suit you," she said, "You deserve someone better than me. I can't be good enough for you. Cassie, you deserve the world, and I'm not it. Do you really want someone like me?"

[kumainpink]

"Don't say things like that about yourself! You are not a slut! " Cassalina cried. Each time Veronica insulted herself, it sent a dagger through her heart. "Veronica, I know that you're bitter and angry, but you have every right to be! Life has been incredibly unfair to you!" she gripped Veronica's tight. "I love how you're able to do what needs to be done, even if it isn't pleasant. I love your bravery, your courage, your ability to be open and free! I don't care about the things you've done - or will do! Nobody is perfect, don't you know that?"

She took a deep, shuddering breath. "You ask how if I want someone like you, and my answer is yes. It has always been yes! But could you want someone like me? I'm timid, I'm fearful and unsure. I'm afraid of intimacy, afraid of romance - my own experiences haven't been pleasant, either. Would you want to be held up by someone like that?"

[G. Novella]

Veronica couldn't help but feel her heart swell at Cassie's words. She felt herself becoming light-headed and she couldn't stop the crazy thumping in her heart. And then Cassie began listing her faults, faults Veronica couldn't agree with. Faults that only aerved to make Cassie cuter. There was a silence hanging in the air when Cassie was done. Veronica struggled to find the right words. To say the right thing.

"Yes," she breathed, so softly she wasn't even sure if Cassie heard her.

Then louder, Veronica took Cassie's gaze and said, "I can't ask for anyone better. You are this-this wonderful timid and pretty woman. I don't even deserve you, but I really want you. I can't promise you anything, not even my fidelity, because I know that tomorrow if-if I need to, I-I'd spend nights with another person, but I still w-want you. I w-want to be w-with you. Can I?"

[kumainpink]

Cassalina's breath hitched. Was this really happening? Veronica actually wanted her, of all people? She started shaking and tearing up, as a great feeling welled up inside her. It was both terrifying and sweet to see the object of her desires looking at her with those wary, fearful eyes. In that moment, Cassalina knew that she could break the Russian woman if she were to take it all back.

But that would never happen. Cassalina hadn't spent years admiring her, only to ruin any chance they had together. She kissed Veronica on the cheek. "If you can be patient with me, then I can accept that you might need to be with others. Just as long as you come back to me."


Maxwell watched on in awe, as Cassalina's years of hiding were finally over. He couldn't help but feel a sense of longing, as the two confessed their feelings. Yes, this is what he wanted for himself. Though it was something he knew he would never have.



Marigold felt tears come to her eyes, and looked over to Maxwell. This is what she wanted for them - real, honest love. She knew that he didn't return her feelings yet, but that didn't mean she would give up. One day, she'd make him the happiest man alive.

Octavius couldn't stop himself from grinning. He had known that the two shared feelings for each other - all they needed to do was realize it! And now here they were, finally seeing each other clearly. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

[G. Novella]

Veronica couldn't help but feel her heart spark at those words. The fact that Cassie was willing to keep her, to love her, despite all her ugliness made her cry harder. Then when Cassie kissed her cheek, she felt complete.

"Always, to you," she said through her sobs. "I can wait for you."

Then she surprised herself as she threw herself in Cassie's arms to hug the other woman. She couldn't believe she had finally found love.



Alice watched the scene unfold with envy and embarassment. She couldn't help but feel embarassed watching this private moment unfold between the two. She so desperately wished there was someone like Veronica to hug her, or Cassie to assure her that she wasn't alone. Would anyone ever love her like those two loved each other? Was there no one she could love like that too?

[kumainpink]

Cassalina embraced Veronica back, smiling and crying at the same time. "I love you." she whispered. This was a dream come true, and she wouldn't let go. No matter how hard things got.

Cassalina was so caught up in the moment, that she didn't notice that Maxwell had started to head for the dining room, and motioned for everyone else to follow hm.

[G. Novella]

Alice followed Ma-Mr. Rosebane- out of the room, a small smile on her face as she took a last glimpse of the women. They looked so happy that you couldn't help but be infect by it.

---

Veronica caught Maxwell leading everyone out, and mouthed a thank you, as she hugged Cassie back at kept murmuring "I love you too"

[kumainpink]

(( General Perspective))

The rest of the week was spent in the splendor of Ivory House - the most company it had seen in quite some time. Cassalina and Veronica began to explore the beginnings of a working relationship, while Marigold spent her free time in Maxwell's presence - and spying on Alice when Maxwell wasn't available.

Maxwell spared no expense at making the funeral arrangements, making sure that Brayden would be honored - it was the least he could do, after all. Cassalina, Veronica and Octavius gave him plenty of assistance and took care of the details he didn't want to deal with.

Alice seemed to do her own thing for the most part, most likely opting to keep her distance from Maxwell.

As the dreaded day loomed closer, Ivory House's atmosphere became more and more tense.

At last, the day finally came.

At ten in the morning, everyone gathered in the living room, dressed in their best funeral attire.

[kumainpink]

((General Perspective))

As soon as they got back to Ivory House, Maxwell headed to his room without so much as a farewell and passed out on his bed. Graciously, the fates decided to allow him to sleep without dreams or nightmares.

Octavius and Marigold remained behind, not sure what to do now.

[kumainpink]

((General Perspective))

The next few weeks, life went back to normal - or as normal as it could be, all things considering. Maxwell went back to spending nights in Ivory House by himself, save for the company of his hired help. Of course, the daily boredom would be broken by Marigold's visits - as always. Cassalina and Alice went back to Cassalina's house, where Veronica quickly became a frequent visitor.

Having come out of the wake of Brayden's death intact, the Purists went back to their primary goal: to rid the world of Magical Creatures.

[kumainpink]

Deep in the darkness of her potions cellar, Cassalina was hard at work, as per usual. The cellar looked a bit like a dungeon, with its cold, stone floors and walls. Shelves of various ingredients, all ordered and labeled to specific requirements. At the moment, all the lights were off, as too much of it would ruin her current potion's outcome.

First step, add twelve measures of crushed Angel's Trumpet to the cauldron, with three parts Belladonna-infused milk.

She added the white powder to the mix, along with a steady drizzle of her home-made Belladonna milk, which was rather toxic by itself.

Next, add ten sprigs of Dittany. Then six half-inch cubes of Mandrake Root, and one pound of Healer's Belladite, in order to diffuse the deadly aspects of the Belladonna milk and Angel's Trumpet

With a steady hand, she put in the ingredients, a gleam of something dark in her eyes. It had taken weeks to get the order of Healer's Belladite in - and considering the fact that it's only given to hospitals in use of extreme emergencies, she was lucky they had it at all. The liquid inside the potion had gone from a pure white to an ugly brown. With a simple addition of her magic, it became smoother, creamier, almost like chocolate in appearance.

She smiled. Step one, complete.

[G. Novella]

Veronica climbed out of Cassie's bed, feeling disappointed that she couldn't wake up to her girlfriend's sleeping face. She and Cassie hadn't gotten all that intimate yet, but these sleepovers had become a common occurence. She spent at least three nights a week with Cassie. It was amazing how quickly she'd picked up the routines of Cassie's life. The little things about her relationship with the woman continuously surprised her.

As she slipped out of the bed, she didn't bother to pull on a shirt over her bra and pajama bottoms. Instead, she simply headed to Cassie's lab. It wasn't like anyone would care what she was wearing. Alice still blushed when she saw Veronica like this, but for the most part, had gotten used to it.

Alice. Another issue Veronica was having trouble with. Cassie was too obvious of her growing fondness for the girl. The other day she'd even moved to suggesting Alice was the sister she's always wanted! Veronica had dismissed Alice's motives, but couldn't dismiss her naivety and closeness to Maxwell as a threat. She still had no clue what Alice's job for Maxwell even was!

As she entered the lab, she saw Cassie smiling happily at a rather dark looking potion. Curious, Veronica slipped behind Cassie, and wrapped her arms around her girlfriend's waist.

"What are you doing sweetheart?" she asked amusedly into Cassie's ear.

[kumainpink]

"Eeep! Veronica, how many times have I told you not to do that while I'm working on a potion?" she scolded, though it held no anger or respite. Her mere touch sent pleasurable shivers down her spine. "I'm working a brand new creation." she added brightly. "I'm calling it Magic-Leeching Serum."

[G. Novella]

Veronica smiled brightly at Cassie, her eye-brow quirking upwards.

"Magic-Leeching Serum? Sounds deliciously evil," said Veronica, "Tell me who it's for. Am I rubbing of on you? My perfect little angel has such a dark side."

[kumainpink]

Cassalina's expression went dark. "Why it's for dear old Olivia, of course. I meant what I said in the cemetery. She won't get away with what she did." The potion hissed and bubbled in a soothing fashion. "It'll slowly leech at her magical core, eventually killing her."

She then took Veronica's hand in her own, and kissed it. "How are you today, dear? Did you sleep well last night?"

[G. Novella]

"Anybody else would freak out at your words," said Veronica, a slow smile spreading across her face as she imagined Olivia's slow death. "I want to snog your brains out."

As she said that, she took Cassalina's hand that held hers, and brought it to Cassie's cheek. Veronica caressed Cassie's hand against Cassie's cheek with her own hand. She smiled a warm smile at Cassie.

"I'm fine darling," she said softly, "And I missed waking to your face this morning. Honestly though, I don't sleep better than when I'm in your bed. In your arms."

[kumainpink]

Cassalina felt her cheeks warm, admiring Veronica's sinful smile. "I aim to please, love." she replied, smiling warmly. As always, a thrill of delight went through her when Veronica touched her hand. Even now, she couldn't believe that her years of pining hadn't been in vain. She brushed her fingers along Veronica's cheek, admiring how good her skin felt.

"I don't think I've slept better in my entire life than in these past few weeks." she admitted in her impression of a low, seductive tone. The potion started glowing a bright bronze, bathing the room in its metallic light. It didn't bother her at the least - the potion needed to brew until it shifted to gold. She kissed Veronica on the lips. Short, sweet and softly. Nothing could be better than this.

[G. Novella]

Veronica returned Cassie's kiss with equal passion and warmth. Their lips moved together, savoring the sweet moment. It still took Veronica by surprise each time Cassie kissed her. She felt somewhere that it was all a dram, something to good to be true. She'd never done anything in her life right, and now to get a chance with this wonderful woman, it thrilled her. As the kiss ended, Veronica sighed and pressed her forehead to Cassie's.

"Cassalina Yaxley," she growled seductively, "If you keep saying things like that, I'll never leave for work. Then what will we do?"

[kumainpink]

"Stay home and cuddle?" she asked with an air of faux innocence. "Or maybe I should come with you and be your secretary for the day?"