Homes, Houses and Places To Stay

[G. Novella]

Alice glanced nervously at Octavius. She felt guilty for ratting him out to Veronica after last night, and after a few thoughtful moments, she turned back to Maxwell.

"I think you'd get out of buying her a Christmas present," she agreed, "As long as you remember Ms. Cassie would barge in here as well, and she'd head straight for you, should I call them?"

[kumainpink]

Maxwell paled. "On second thought, never mind. Let's just let him sleep." Last time, Cassalina had gotten carried away and proceeded to hug him mercilessly. No...he'd avoid that for as long as possible. "We've all had a hard night, so why don't we take it easy? The following days to come are going to be very busy."

[G. Novella]

"Speaking of which, I heard Ms. Cassie and Ms. Veronica say there was going to be a battle," said Alice, conjuring a blanket for Octavius.

"Is that true?" she asked as she wrapped Octavius in the blanket.

[kumainpink]

"Yes, there will be, though we're not sure when it is yet." he told her seriously. "As it turns out, the Ministry has been keeping a colony of dementors alive in a top-secret location." Maxwell sneered at the thought. Garrison would have a lot to answer for, even if it did fit in with his plans. "Because they're by far the most dangerous creatures in existence - second only to heliopaths - I want them gone. They're horrid, nasty beasts, who view humans as food."

"Henry and Octavius are currently looking for allies to rally for our cause, and have gained a few willing fighters. Most of them are among the others we work with, while some come from the Ministry itself."

[G. Novella]

Alice nodded, and she felt nervous as she faced Maxwell. The burn paste was now in her hands, and she began rubbing it slowly on Maxwell's body.

"I want to fight as well," she stated, "I swore I'd help you and your cause, and I want to help in the fight too. I don't want to kill or hurt anything, but I don't want to stay behind and worry that someone won't return."

[kumainpink]

Maxwell occluded back the delightful feel of Alice's hands on him, or how it might affect his nether regions. No, he wouldn't think about that! "You must stay behind." he told her coolly. "This battle will not be easy to endure. Dementors, as I'm sure you know, are nasty, horrible creatures. I will not let you run the risk of having your soul sucked out." He inwardly cringed at the image that presented. Sweet, kind Alice, as a soulless husk, staring blankly at him. Her light, forever gone.

[G. Novella]

"But I can cast a Patronus," argued Alice, "And I know plenty on Dementors. I've read my parents journals! I wouldn't mind harming them! I can't stay behind and worry about you, or everyone else! I'll go mad! And you're in just as much danger as I am."

She couldn't even think about what might happen to Maxwell, and her hands shook slightly as she moved them up to his shoulders, her eyes meeting his with a silent plea to understand.

[kumainpink]

"I can't allow you to come, Alice. This isn't your fight." he said this as politely as possible, occluding any hint of anger from his tone. She only wanted to help, after all. "You are not ready for what is going to take place."

[G. Novella]

Alice bit back her anger. He was hurt after all, and he was only trying to protect her.

"Fine," she said, hurt pouring into her voice, when an idea entered her mind. "What if I came and stayed in the back? I could be on hand to heal anyone. Like an emergency Healer?"/color]

[kumainpink]

"No." he told her simply. I will not let you go out there. Even if you know the Patronus Charm, it may not be enough. Everyone who is going is required to know it. We have to play this as cautiously as possible." I don't want to lose you, damn it! Came a stray, angry thought, before Maxwell occluded it.

[G. Novella]

Alice bit her lower lip. It had been a good idea! He was being unfair. She looked away, as she capped the paste. Her own hurt at his rejection made her want to cry. Why couldn't he understand that she needed to be there, to look after him?

"Fine," she said unhappily, "Fine. I'll stay put, and be safe. It's not like I have anything important to lose, just the people I care most for. It's fine, really."

She put on a fake smile, and gathered her potions up, knowing she wanted to go cry somewhere. It wasn't fair. He'd never have said no to anyone else, why was she different?

"I'm going to head home, you seem alright enough without me," she said, leaving in hurt.

[kumainpink]

Maxwell felt a pang of lonliness, as he watched Alice leave. He knew that she was upset, but in the end, her being alive was what mattered. Octavius and the others had been facing these sorts of threats for years. Alice...Alice had no idea of what could happen. He didn't want to see someone like her go the way Brayden did - or worse.

He huffed in annoyance and tried to go back to sleep. He had to get bette as soon as possible.

[kumainpink]

(( Hours Later ))

Marigold sauntered up to Ivory House, very pleased with herself. After nearly seven months, she had finally managed to gather the information! Who knew that the Dementors were hidden in the South Pole, of all places? Tch, figures! Oh, Maxwell was going to be so proud of her!

This chance had required her to be absent for a few days, meaning that she couldn't fulfill her role of stalking that Boot woman. But, it didn't matter! Maxwell was going to praise her! Beaming, she knocked on the door. She waited five minutes. Nothing.

She knocked again.

A bleary-eyed, groggy Octavius answered the door, looking messy and very sleepy. "I've got the information we need!" she said proudly.

Octavius gave her a wary glance, and let her in.

[G. Novella]

Veronica had brought Cassalina and Alice with her back to Ivory House. Alice had arrived early in the morning, on the verge of tears, and retired to her room. Veronica threw nervous glances at the upset looking Alice. The last thing she needed was Miss Virgin to throw a tantrum. She exchanged a look with Cassalina.

"Do you know what's got little Miss Virgin upset?" asked Vefonica quietly.

They were headed to go see Maxwell. Alice needed to administer a few more potions, and Cassalina didn't want to stay away.

[kumainpink]

"I heard her mutter about not being allowed to join the fight that's coming up." Cassalina whispered, slightly annoyed. As much as she loved Alice, she also wanted to smack some sense into head! How could Maxwell possibly focus his hardest, if he had to worry about her getting injured? She should be grateful that she didn't have to get involved yet!

[G. Novella]

"Idiot," scoffed Veronica, as they reached Maxwell's room.

She could hear voices inside Maxwell's room. She threw a glance to Alice. If she was going to sulk, she had better leave immediately. Without a second thought, she opened the door for the two.

[kumainpink]

Maxwell sat up in his bed, tired and sore. Today he wore what he liked to call his "easy robe" - a loose fitting, green robe that was just enough to make him presentable. This was one hell of a place to have a gathering.

Octavius and Marigold sat in chairs around his bed, their expressions of deepest concern. Marigold arrived in the room, proud and smug, but one look at him made her back down.

"Good morning, ladies." Maxwell said kindly, flashing them his best smile.

[G. Novella]

"Good morning honey," said Veronica, as she moved to kiss both his cheeks. "You look terrible, almost as bad as Octavius on a regular morning until he's washed his hair."

Alice smiled a strained smile at Maxwell as Veronica said this. She was still upset with him, furious in fact, but seeing him looking so weak made her heart melt. He still had an air of regality around him, but Alice liked to think it was just Maxwell's personality. She Aighed as she moved to check his vitals.

"Good morning," she said softly as she began checking his vitals with her wand, "How are you feeling?"

[kumainpink]

"I'm alright." he said placidly. "All I feel is soreness and stiffness. And weakness. Thank you for asking."

Marigold rolled her eyes in what appeared to be annoyance.

Maxwell sighed. "We're having a meeting today. Octavius, I need you to contact anyone at the Ministry and bring them here before six. Cassalina, I need you to send Henry a message, telling him the same thing."

"As you wish, Maxwell." Octavius said coolly. "But we're having it in the living room, and you will be taking it easy. You need to rest." Cassalina's eyes glinted dangerously. She obviously agreed with him.

"Alright, I can do that." Maxwell conceded. He looked to Alice. When the time for the meeting came, he'd have to make her leave.

[G. Novella]

"Octavius, dear, I'll come help you with the ministry, no need in your vain little head confusing the names for your own," teased Veronica, grabbing his hand and leading him outside.

She looked over her shoulder at the three left behind. Marigold, Cassalina, Alice and Maxwell. Damn, now she was starting to wish she'd stayed. Oh well, Cassalina would tell her the gossip later on.

---

"That's good, no pain then?" inquired Alice as she removed a few pain-killers and relaxants. "Your arm please, I'm going to give you a few injections to help ease the stiffness. Have you reconsidered my earlier offer?"

She knew there was no way he'd have changed his mind, but her own hopes made her brave enough to ask.

[kumainpink]

"In that case, let's get going." Octavius said, yawning. "I have invitations to give to our prospects." And with that, he walked out of the room, performing a Grooming Charm along the way. He regretted not being around to watch the fall out. Then again, he was sure that Veronica would like to hear the latest development.

---

Maxwell sighed. He knew that she was going to ask that. "I'm sorry, Alice, but I can't let you go there. The South Pole is no place for you, not with those dementors gliding about. This battle is going to be far too dangerous."

Marigold smirked mockingly at Alice, which didn't go unnoticed. Maxwell refrained from cursing, though he desperately wanted to.

[G. Novella]

"So, my compadre, what on Earth did I miss last night?" asked Veronica as they reached the room with the Floo Fireplaces.

---

Henry wanted to pout when they arrived. Cassalina's patronus had arrived just as they left. Now they'd be on time. No theatrics for him today.

"This way Jamie," he said, leading her to the front door. He knocked twice, and they waited.

---

Alice sighed. She wanted to scream, to point at his weak state, but instead she met his eyes. She had no options left but to agree. Besides, Octavius had said to be there for Maxwell, and if this was how to support him, she had no other choice. She noticed Marigold's smirk, and it hurt. However, she kept her gaze trained on Maxwell as she administered the injection.

"Promise me you'll come back safe," said Alice quietly, trying to maintain a light atmosphere, "I don't want to lose my favorite patient."

[Chameleon]

Jamie looked at him and rolled her eyes. Honestly ... It was a pretty house, which was the first thing she noticed.

[kumainpink]

"I will." Maxwell promised, feeling slightly relieved. At least Alice would be safe. "I wouldn't want to lose my favorite healer, now would I?" he teased lightly, smiling at her.

---

Cassalina smiled at them, glad that Alice had calmed down. It wouldn't feel right to have her out on the battlefield and risk her getting hurt.

---

Marigold glowered hatefully. This was supposed to be HER day, not Boot's! Maxwell was supposed to regard HER with warmth and kindness, not Boot. Scowling, she stalked off, feeling as though she had been cheated somehow.

[G. Novella]

Alice smiled lightly in response, but it didn't meet her eyes.

"You wouldn't last a day without me," she teased, "I suppose I have to leave now, or am I allowed in the meeting?"

[kumainpink]

"Oh, I have someone else who needs to join us!" Cassalina exclaimed, nearly jumping out of her seat.

Maxwell regarded her, brow raised. "And who are you going to write to at this time?" he asked her.

"Odin." she said mildly, gauging Maxwell's mood. "I know that he's a werewolf, but we're going to need all the extra help we can get." In truth, she wanted nothing to do with the foul man, but she had no choice. Too many risks were involved with this, and she'd rather have the werewolf die than someone she cared about.

Maxwell frowned at her. "Very well. I don't like it, but you do raise a good point. Be sure to let him know that I will not appreciate any untoward behavior."

Cassalina nodded. She wanted to tell Maxwell that it wasn't possible, thanks to the Unbreakable Vow, but something told her that wouldn't work well. He did tend to become irrational about magical creatures, after all. She sent her mongoose patronus to Odin with a message to come to Ivory House at six.

[G. Novella]

"I'll be on my way then," she said reluctantly, as Marigold left to get the door.

Then, she suddenly felt her throat tighten as she looked at Maxwell. He seemed entirely too weak for battle, and she felt traitorous not fighting by his side. Or even standing behind her wand ready to fix him. Cassalina was busy sending her Patronus or so Alice thought, and Octavius's voice was urging her to push the boundary a little for love.

Do it now, anything could happen, and you'll regret it if you don't do something, urged a tiny voice in her head. Without a second thought, she threw her arms around his neck, and hugged him.

"Come back soon, with everyone else," she said, before releasing him all too soon, and almost running out the door.

[kumainpink]

"Marigold, if I know Henry, he's going to be at the door. Would you go get it?" Maxwell asked, tiredly. "I'm going to make my way out into the living room in a while."

"Alright, Maxwell." Marigold said, frowning. She didn't like having to leave Maxwell's side, but he seemed so...frail. She left without any disagreement, though she did scowl at Alice for good measure before leaving. She walked out into the living room, opened the door, and sure enough, there was Henry.

[G. Novella]

"Marigold," he said warmly, taking her hand between his, "It's been too long. May I congratulate you on tonight's success? I heard great things from Maxwell about your prowess."

He nodded to Jamie to follow him inside.

[kumainpink]

Marigold smiled. Henry always knew what to say. "Why thank you, Henry!" she said brightly. "Please, come in! Maxwell isn't ready yet, and you've seem to come early."