Homes, Houses and Places To Stay

[G. Novella]

Alice heard the call to enter, and she slowly opened the door and made her way inside. The hut was marvelous and expensive looking. The benches made of fine wood, the shelves stocked with colorful ingredients, the cauldrons of different sizes and materials. It looked like something a real Potions Mistress would use. While Alice liked potions, she'd never been a real excellor at the subject, much preferring to use the ready-made potions and study how to administer them.

"Good morning," she told Cassalina cheerfully, "How are you doing? What were you making in here?"

[kumainpink]

"Ah,good morning, Alice!" Cassalina greeted warmly. "Please, come have a seat! I'm just working on the base for an alternate version of Hair Restorative Potion - and I think I've finally figured it out!"

[G. Novella]

"Oh, congratulations," said Alice, wondering why an alternative was needed, but decidingnot to question the oddities of Potions Masters and Mistresses. It wasn't her place, after all.

"So what are your plans for today? Is there anything I can help with?"

[kumainpink]

"Well, there isn't much that I have to do today." she said slowly, thinking over her mental list. "I do need to test my new potion later, but there really isn't anything else..." then an idea struck her. "Oh yes, I almost forgot! We're going clothes shopping today! You can't be expected to wander around in that nightgown all the time." She put a Self-Monitoring Charm on her potion to keep it from getting too hot. "And we're going to have a day out on the town, I think. It would do us both some good."

She got yet another idea. "Actually, it might be good for all of us...I think Maxwell could do with a few new robes, too..."

[G. Novella]

"Ah, there's no need to shop for me, I recieved my salary already! We can go though, Maxwell's still asleep. Should we wake him? I'll just change back into my other dress," said Alice quickly.

[kumainpink]

"Nonsense!" Cassalina said brightly. "Now that you're working with us, you need to indulge in what Octavius call the 'Cassalina Treatment'! That means I get to dress you up." She frowned "Besides, you have enough that you need to buy - from what I hear, you need to start over." She shook her head. "As for Maxwell, we'll let him sleep for a half-hour, and then we'll be off."

[G. Novella]

"Alright," said Alice, "I think he'll need a hangover potion, he drank quite a bit last night. I'll shower and meet you by the front door. By the way, what do I do with this gown? I already tore Veronica's bathrobe slightly, so I'll need to pay her back."

[kumainpink]

Cassalina frowned at the mention of Maxwell's drinking - it wasn't often that he hit the bottle, but when he did it, he did it hard. "Not a problem," she told Alice. "I'll have my tailor fix it tomorrow. And I think we've got a game plan for today!" She cheered herself up at the prospect. "It's just too bad Veronica couldn't come...but she has work today."

[G. Novella]

"Alright, see you in a bit!" said Alice cheerfully. And she hurried out to get dressed.

[kumainpink]

Cassalina quickly finished her tea and used a Summoning Charm, and a bottle of bright red potion flew into her open hand. The bottle was half-full and it's color indicated that it was still fresh - she had made it last week for Brayden, after he'd done a little too much partying in Muggle Liverpool. He had begged her not to mention it to Maxwell, and she had agreed. She could almost hear him now...

"Please, Aunt Cass? You know you're my favorite!"

Cassalina blinked back tears. Oh Brayden...

[G. Novella]

After showering and getting dressed, Alice brushed her hair. To her horror, the maids had tried to help her do her hair, get dressed, and even put her shoes on! After profusely thanking them and rejecting their offers, Alice made her way to the entrance hall. She'd been pleasantly surprised when the maids had cleant her dress for her. She waited patiently at the door, wondering what surprises the day had in store for her.

[kumainpink]

(( I know this is long, but I wanted to write a look into Maxwell's subconscious. I thought it might be an interesting read. Greta and Hugo are Mr. and Mrs. Yaxley. I know the wedding sequence isn't accurate, but this is a dream, and I figured it didn't need to be.))

Maxwell was dreaming again. But this time, it was pleasant.

He dreamed of a perfect world - one where no wars, violence or bloodshed was had. Children didn't need to die needlessly, and magical creatures no longer existed. His parents were there too, having gotten to live at a ripe, old age. Everyone had come to Ivory House; Veronica, Octavius, Greta, Hugo, Cassalina, Henry, Chris, and even Garrison had showed up. Along with Maxwell's mother and father, both of whom looked no older than the day they died - though there was no curse to ruin their health and good looks.

"This is absolutely perfect!" Hugo spoke cheerfully. "You've really outdone yourself this time, ladies!"

"It was mostly Cassalina's work." Greta said, beaming pridefully at her. "She really has a knack for these sorts of things."

"But, I didn't -"

"Oh come now, Cassie-dear." Veronica interrupted, slinging her arm around the blushing Potions Master. "None of that. Just smile your pretty little smile and say thank you."

"Th-thank you." Cassalina murmured, going even redder.

"Stop embarrassing the poor girl!" Octavius said, in mock-annoyance. "Honestly, Veronica! Can't you go one day without causing trouble?"

Veronica stood up straight, smirking teasingly at him. "You're just jealous, choco-bunny!"

Octavius' face went a shade of red. "Shut up about that!" he sputtered. "It was only one night!"

This caused everyone to laugh, Maxwell included.

The music started and everyone sat down. To his surprise, Maxwell found himself beside a beautiful, red-headed woman. She looked at him with those lovely blue eyes that he'd always admired. "Olivia?" he murmured in disbelief. "What are you doing here?"

For a moment, the dream nearly shattered.

"Because our son is getting married. I'm so proud of him, he's becoming a real chip off the old block." Olivia said, smiling.

The dream fixed itself.

Maxwell laughed a little, though he didn't know why that phrasing bothered him. "I wouldn't say that... he's a much harder worker than I am." Olivia chuckled in response, and laid her head upon his shoulder. He stroked her hair, and a feeling of rightness filled him.

Everyone became quiet as the wedding procession started. Brayden walked down the isle, grinning broadly and waving at everyone. Next came an unknown woman in a stunningly beautiful white gown. The woman seemed to almost glow a sense of purity that couldn't possibly exist.

"This is all thanks to you, Maxwell." Veronica told him, her eyes shimmering with pride. "Your idea to pair her with Brayden went better than expected."

"With who?"

"With Alice, of course! She's perfect for him."

The dream nearly shattered a second time, but restored itself once more.

Maxwell grinned, though it wasn't as sincere as he thought it would be. "Yes, well, it was necessary for our plans, after all. The fact that they love each other means that it was meant to be."

"I'm so proud of you, dear." Olivia said gently. "You've made the world a much better place, and now our son is going to be perfectly happy. I couldn't wish for anything more." She kissed him lightly on the cheek.

This time, the dream shattered completely. and Maxwell awoke in his bed. For a moment, he was trapped in the haze of his dream, and wondered why he wasn't at the wedding. But then reality kicked in, and all the joy he'd felt while sleeping died instantly.

"Hey there, sleepy head." Cassalina said gently. "I heard you went on a bit of a bender last night."

"Yeah, I guess I did." he replied sheepishly.

"Well here, take this and get up. We're going to have a fun day out - no work, no stress, just an easy day of food and shopping. Think you can handle that?"

Maxwell smiled - though it felt forced. "Of course. Sounds fun."

"Good!" Cassalina set the bottle on his nightstand. "Alice and I will be waiting for you in the living room!" And with that, she exited the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

[G. Novella]

Alice found herself moving to the living room when a maid came by and told her Cassie would be waiting there. She was currently looking at a photo of a young Brayden and Maxwell, at what looked like a birthday party. She smiled fondly at the picture. Then she heard someone come in.

"Oh, good morning!" she said, spinning around with a smile on her face.

[kumainpink]

"We've already said our good mornings." Cassalina said, an amused smile spreading across her face. "Maxwell will be down soon. He just needs a few moments to recover." She noticed the picture of Maxwell and Brayden had been moved slightly.

"Ah yes, Brayden was six in that picture, I believe." she walked over to get a closer look. "Yes, I was right. He was such an ornery little kid. Used to always call me 'Aunt Cass'." She felt a pang of bittersweetness come over her. "I never liked it when anyone called me Cass, but he was always hard to say no to." She put down the picture and frowned, reminded of unpleasant things. It was difficult, but she forced herself to smile. "So tell me, what colors do you like best?"

[G. Novella]

Alice considered offering some form of condolence, but seeing Cassalina's mood, she followed the conversation.

"I like reds, and purples, but I prefer any color really," said Alice cheerfully. "Why, what are you considering?"

[kumainpink]

"That's for me to know, and for you to find out." she teased. "Can't spoil all the fun now, can I?"

"What fun,?" Maxwell asked, as he came into the living room. Today he was wearing the navy blue dress robes that she had picked out for him last month. They had silver trim, and looked very tasteful in the traditional sense.

"The best kind, of course!" she replied brightly. "The two of you need new robes, and I'm going to make sure that you both look your best."

Maxwell raised his brow, but there was a slightly amused glimmer in his eyes. "Another one of your projects, Cassalina?"

"You'll see." she replied mysteriously. "Now come along! First stop, Rhywing's Finest Robes!" She then grabbed a pinch of floo powder and left for the location she just named. Today, she vowed that they would have a good time. Even if it killed them...

[G. Novella]

"Ah, isn't that store expensive?" questioned Alice worriedly, as they walked out the front door and appareted to Diagon.

[kumainpink]

"Don't worry about money." Maxwell told her kindly. "Cassalina doesn't look it, but she's almost as wealthy as I am. Just pick out clothes that you like."

[G. Novella]

"Are you sure? I don't want to inconvenience anyone," she explained as they walked towards the robe store. It was a massive lookking store, and the robes looked expensive.

[kumainpink]

"Trust me. Besides, if it really bothers you, I'll dock your pay for a week." Maxwell told her, realizing that Alice seemed a bit uncomfortable. "I'd rather not do that, though."

[G. Novella]

"That's fine," said Alice with a nod as they entered. She stared awkwardly at the clothes. She'd never been much of a shopper. Uncertainly, she glanced at Cassalina for guidance.

[kumainpink]

"Shopping for robes is an art." Cassalina said proudly, as she glanced the various racks. There were robes of all different colors, sizes and shapes, all of them made with the finest synthetic and non-magical creature materials. They were the kind of robes fit for royalty. "When you buy robes, you first have to think about how they make you look in public. Looks are everything in pure-blood society, or at least a good part of it." She paused thoughtfully, looking around for a good place to start. "Ah! There we go! Let's start way in the back, shall we? Those are where the best ones usually are."

Maxwell gave Alice an apologetic glance. Normally, Cassalina was timid and polite, but all that tends to go out the window when it comes time for clothes or interior design. Merlin! He'd never understand women...

[G. Novella]

"Er, I trust your judgement, I'll wear whatever you decide," said Alice timidly to Cassalina, before turning to Maxwell, "Was that the right thing to say to her?"

[kumainpink]

At once, Cassalina made her way toward the back, looking as though Christmas had come early.

Maxwell laughed in spite of himself. "It wasn't just the right thing to say, it was the only thing. You can't reason with her and clothes. We're better off letting her pick them out for us! Last time, she made us wait for hours, just because she couldn't find the right outfit for Octavius."

[G. Novella]

"Oh good," said Alice relieved. She began flipping through the nearest rack of robes. She had absolutely no idea what would look good on her. "Do you and Ms. Cassie shop a lot?"

She was interrupted by a rather pushy sales-lady however.

"Blue would look lovely on you, why don't wou try on these blue and white robes? They're based on a sailor theme! It's very in style right now! I insist you try them!" said the sales-lady, "Your uncle can enter the fitting are as well!"

Alice was shocked as the lady half-pushed her to the fitting area with the robes, insisting they would suit her.

[kumainpink]

Maxwell watched in amusement. Cassalina must have sent her. he thought, sitting on a bench and watching. Alice won't even know what hit her by the time this is done.

[G. Novella]

Alice stared at her image in the mirror. The white robe hugged all around her, with capped sleeves. A bright blue ribbon wrapped around her waist. Bright blue striped embroidery went around the ends. To her immense displeasure, the zipper at the back of the robe didn't go up all the way.

She peaked her head behind the curtain, and could only see Maxwell in the room.

"Er, do you know where Ms. Cassie is?" she asked.

[kumainpink]

"She's in the back, looking at more clothes for you." she said, chuckling. "And then she'll be starting on Mr. Rosebane soon enough."

[G. Novella]

"Ah, alright, could you help me with the zipper please, I can't get it up properly," she explained.

[kumainpink]

"Sure thing, sweetie!" she said, as another saleslady came in, with four sparkling robes - one gold, one silver, one emerald green and one a deep, ruby red.

"This just in from Ms. Yaxley. She insists that they're perfect for her!" the lady ran out once more.