Homes, Houses and Places To Stay

[Chameleon]

Jamie followed after Henry with a small smile. It wasn't friendly. She looked at the woman in front of them curiously, and tried to remember if she was to the funeral. Honestly Jamie didn't remember much the persons from then. She noticed how Henry elegantly charmed Marigold. She had put her hood down.

[kumainpink]

Aug 8, 2012 11:34:37 GMT -5 G. Novella said:

"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.

Maxwell gaped at her, surprised. Where had that come from? He felt himself go a deep shade of red, which was something a Rosebane simply didn't do! She really was worried about him, wasn't she? He felt something in his heart swell. Knowing that someone would be waiting for his return left him feeling oddly whole.

It was a feeling he wanted to keep with him, always.

[G. Novella]

Henry arrived at the door to the drawing room where Maxwell was resting alongside Jamie. A young girl ran out, and suddenly Henry recognized her. Alice Boot! He had taught her! Well, that was an interesting development.

"Hello Maxwell, Cassalina, I fear I'm early, you've met Jamie, I believe?" he said, nodding to Jamie.

[kumainpink]

Maxwell sighed. "Hello, Henry. And yes, you are...early. I'm afraid that I had to give my help the day off, given the subject matter we are going to discuss, so if you want something, please help yourself."

[G. Novella]

"Of course," said Henry with a polite nod, "Jamie and I shall retire to the living room and await you."

He nodded to Jamie, and they slipped out to the living room. Henry found he was uncomfortable seeing Maxwell look weak. It made him consider his own weaknesses.

[kumainpink]

Maxwell used the charms Alice taught him, in order to momentarily hide the scars. He would undo it when everyone arrived, so that they could see how dedicated to this cause he was. Of course, he would get rid of anyone who show signs of backing out - the last thing he needed were liabilities. He made himself as presentable as possible, put on the old Rosbane charm, with a good measure of intimidation to match, and fixed his hair accordingly. There, now that was someone who looked ready for an important meeting.

Much slower than usual, Maxwell walked to the living room, and sat himself down on his favorite recliner.

[G. Novella]

Alice had resigned herself to opening and closing the door. At least she could prove her usefulness that way. It felt unfair still, but she felt a bit relieved not to face Maxwell at the moment. Her action still lingering in her head.

---

Henry resisted rolling his eyes when Maxwell sat down on his recliner. The man had made himself out to look like he was still so perfectly healthy. Henry and Jamie had settled into a loveseat and had been whispering about everyone who would be showing up. Now, it was nearing time. Simply just ten to six.

---

Veronica had returned from the ministry feeling pleased with herself. She hadn't waited for Octavius, he would arrive at his own pace. She took a seat on the three person couch, snd looked coolly around the room. Today was a day to lay down loyalties.

[kumainpink]

Cassalina sat herself beside Veronica, her expression grim. Marigold was nowhere to be seen. Henry and Jamie seemed to be regarding Maxwell dubiously. She couldn't blame them - Maxwell had primped himself the best he could, looking far more dignified than a man who had just endured the nearly-fatal gain of heliopath fire. She gripped Veronica's hand tightly, shaking with nerves. Why did he have to do these things? And why had they let it happen to begin with?

---

Marigold sauntered over to Alice. She would join the others later, but first, she needed to do something. "Hey, are you alright?" she asked, forcing herself to sound concerned. "I know Maxwell can be unreasonable at times."

[G. Novella]

Alice was surprised to see Marigold approaching her. She had settled herself on a bench by the front door. Marigold's concern however, made Alice feel relaxed. She had thought the other woman may not like her.

"I'm fine," she said, not sounding it at all, "Maxwell's at liberty to decide these things, I just have to help as he asks me to."

[kumainpink]

Merlin! This girl is so...disgustingly goody-goody! Marigold thought, though she tried not to show it in her voice or expression. If there was one thing Maxwell had taught her, it was how to hide one's true motives. "True, though it is strange that he'd deny you and nobody else." she said sympathetically. "I mean, you've done a lot for him, he should know that you're strong enough."

[G. Novella]

Alice couldn't help but feel the sting in those words. Marigold had touched her nerve a little. She was trying her best to stay happy, but she knew the truth. Maxwell had only denied her.

"I just don't understand why he only denied me. I mean, I even offered to go as. Healer and stay in the back, but he said no!" she confessed, "Do you know why?"

[kumainpink]

Marigold felt rather smug, and it was hard keeping it out of her voice, but she managed. She looked around, to make sure that nobody was watching her, then whispered, "Look, I wasn't going to tell you this, but you're obviously upset so..." she leaned in close. "Maxwell is testing your resolve. He wants to make sure you're dedicated to the cause, versus just him."

[G. Novella]

Alice's eyes widened at Marigold's words. So that's why Maxwell was leaving her behind! It was just a simple test! Had she failed already!? She couldn't become a liability, and she had to prove herself. Desperate, she met Marigold's eyes, gratitude pouring through her.

"He's testing me?" she breathed, "How do I pass? I am dedicated to his cause, what do I have to do?"

[kumainpink]

Marigold would have laughed, if this were the time. This was all too easy! "No, you haven't failed yet." she whispered. "So far, you're doing what he expects you to do - pretend to agree. What he, and the others, really expect you to do is work around his refusal and come anyway. That's how Brayden joined when he was fifteen."

She felt a pang of guilt for involving Maxwell's son, but all of that wasn't a lie. Maxwell allowed Brayden to join as a means of making sure he didn't do anything too dangerous, seeing that he was ready to openly defy his father. At least, that was what Cassalina had explained to her.

[G. Novella]

Alice nodded. She had always wondered how Brayden had gotten past Maxwell, especially simce yesterday when Maxwell had refused her so deliberately. Once she proved herselr, Maxwell would be proud of her. She was already picturing his warm smile as he thanked her. She so desperately wanted that approval. Now, how was she to get past his refusal?

"But I don't even know where to go," she said miserably, "Oh Marigold, can you help me? Please? I don't want to disappoint Maxwell!"

[kumainpink]

And the trap has been set. Marigold thought, smirking inwardly. "I wasn't going to tell you, but I like you, so why not?" she said conspiratorially. "We're going to the South Pole, once the plans are made and Maxwell recovers. It's going to be really cold, so make sure you wear the proper attire - or clothes that have Warming Charms on them. I'll let you know when we're going." She leaned away from Alice and smiled.

[G. Novella]

Alice beamed at Marigold. How could she have ever thought the woman didn't like her?

"Do I go as a Healer, or fighter?" she asked, before saying, "But thank you so much Marigold for this! I'll do my best to prove my dedication!"

[kumainpink]

Marigold's smile grew wider. "I'd suggest going as a fighter. We're going to need all the help we can get, keeping the dementors at bay. Maxwell can't attack them all at once, after all. And you're welcome." She held out her hand. "I know we haven't gotten along in the past, but it's time we grow up. For Maxwell, and the cause."

[G. Novella]

"Of course," said Alice, shaking Marigold's hand, "I'll do my best as a fighter. Thank you so much for this Marigold! I promise I won't disappoint you and everyone else!"

Already, Alice was smiling and considering the different ways she could go to the South Pole.

[kumainpink]

Grinning like a fox, Marigold watched her go off. Stupid cunt! she thought, as she walked into the living room, and took a seat near Maxwell. Maxwell will be mine, and you will be gone.

[Nahara46]

Lacey appeared just a bit earlier then 6 o' clock. She went straight up to the door, a sadistic smile on her face, and knocked loudly.

[G. Novella]

Alice had been absorbed with trying to make plans to go to the South Pole. When someone knocked on the door, she jumped. She had forgotten she was supposed to answer the door! Quickly she stood up and moved to the door. With an easy swing, she opened the door to see a woman.

"Hello," she said brightly. "May I help you?"

[Nahara46]

Lacey gave the girl a smile. "My name is Lacey Florence. I've received an invitation to a meeting here at 6 o' clock." Her tone was confident and self-important, as if her name should tell the girl that Lacey was a powerful woman.

[G. Novella]

"Of course, may I ask who from?" asked Alice. She couldn't let just anyone in after all! Not to mention she'd never even met this woman before. Something about the woman's self-important tone made her uncomfortable.

[Nahara46]

Quickly getting impatient, Lacey's smile faltered as her eyes grew colder. "From Octavius, now if you could direct me toward the proper room, I'd greatly appreciate it."

[G. Novella]

"Right this way," said Alice, opening the door wider and allowing Lacey into the hall. "Sorry about that, Maxwell doesn't want just anyone entering. Only the ones who garnered an invite."

[Nahara46]

Lacey merely gave the girl a nod. Of course she would have been invited! It insulted her that the girl did not know who she was, and that Maxwell would most obviously invite her.

[G. Novella]

In silence, Alice led Lacey up to the room. She felt nervous around Lacey, who didn't seem to like her much. Once Lacey was dropped to the living room, she nervously skipped back to the front door.

[Nahara46]

Lacey entered the living room and gave the occupants a smile as she sat down.

[G. Novella]

Alice sat back down at the front door, waiting for the next arrival. It was fifteen minutes to six. Whoever else was coming should be by soon.