Ivory House

[G. Novella]

Alice felt the familiar sting of jealousy when Marigold hugged Maxwell, but it was replaced with her own determination. Today, she went into battle, tomorrow, she would tell him everything.

"Do you need something for a hangover?" she provided.

---

Veronica was rolling her eyes at Marigold, and gave Cassalina an uneasy look. How would Marigold react if Alice and Maxwell did end up together? Ignoring those unpleasant thoughts, she rolled her eyes at Alice's suggestion.

"Don't you dare give them anything," she said, leaning against Cassalina, "Either of you, Cassie or Alice. Those two idiots need some discipline, and as my dearest daddy used to say, idiots get what they deserve. Really Octavius, couldn't hold back one night? Worse, couldn't invite me?!"

[kumainpink]

Maxwell laughed again. "Well, she's got you by the bollucks, doesn't she?" he teased Octavius, who flipped him off. "Oh yes, real mature, brother dear! I'm stunned by your ability to handle a situation."

"But then we wouldn't have gotten the night alone." Cassalina mock-whined, clinging to Veronica and giving her a flirty wink. "And I had so much fun." She blushed, but her voice had a light, sensual quality to it. Ocavius's face turned a slight shade of green.

[G. Novella]

Veronica gave a sexy smile to Cassalina, knowing just what her girlfriend was up to. Ahe moved her arm around Cassalina's waist, and put on her best sexy voice.

"That's true darling," she said with a smirk, "We did have our own fun night, didn't we? I guess Octavius truly did get paid back, he had a fun night without me, and I had a fun night with his baby sister. All's fair in love and partying!"

In her laughter and excitement, she didn't notice Alice slip towards the kitchens.

[kumainpink]

"Ah! Girls! That's disgusting!" Octavius grossed, as unwanted images came to mind. Maxwell, Cassalina and Marigold laughed at him "Every freaking time!"

"You're the one with the dirty mind, Octavius." Cassalina teased. "I wasn't even talking about that!"

[G. Novella]

"I was," said Veronica with a vicious smirk. "So, what did you two lazy bums get into tonight?"

---

Alice slid towards the kitchens. She felt terrible standing with everyone, as her worry gnawed at her, and she realized how deeply she didn't want to lose any of them. When she arrived in the kitchen, she began looking for the tea. She'd make everyone some breakfast, and just take her mind off of today.

[kumainpink]

"It's no big deal." Octavius, sounding annoyed. "We just decided to go drinking with the people from the office."

"Well you shouldn't have had so much." Cassalina scolded, no longer smiling. "We're going into battle soon! You have to be at your best!"

Marigold noticed that Alice had slipped off somewhere, and was starting to become a bit concerned. Where had she gone? Was she chickening out? Determined not to let that happen, she went to find her.

"Point me, Alice." Marigold whispered, after taking out her wand. It led her to the kitchen, where Alice seemed to be making tea. "Hey there. Are you alright?"

[G. Novella]

Alice turned to see a concerned looking Marigold, and suddenly needed to vent. Marigold would tell her if she was doing the right thing, right?

"Am I doing the right thing? Maxwell really seems like he doesn't want me there," said Alice nervously. "What if me being there is only a hindrance?"

---

"Well, Octavius was never one for a battle," teased Veronica, "He's much more of a desk man."

[kumainpink]

"You are, and he does." Marigold assured her seriously. "Maxwell is only acting this way because he wants you to be absolutely sure. This isn't an easy lifestyle to get into, after all." Well, part of that was the truth. Not that the next part would be. She gave her a bit of a wink. "You know, he says that you show a lot of promise, and that he wants you with us. But he also thinks he's 'dragging you down with him'." She rolled her eyes. At least that sounded exactly like something he'd say.

[G. Novella]

"He's not dragging me anywhere! I'm following him willingly," said Alice, a pleased blush crossing her cheeks. "Alright, I'll go. I want to prove that I'm ready to stay by his side. I promised him that after all."

[kumainpink]

Marigold grinned. "I'm glad to hear that. I just want him to be happy in the end, you know? And something tells me that it is with you." Dead, that is. He's mine, bitch! You can't have him, and now, you never will!

[Chameleon]

Jamie was standing hesitantly in the front of the Ivory House. She had snuck out of Hogwarts, and was wearing the same robes, as she had, when she and Henry had taken off to the same house. She hadn't returned the robes to him. She knocked then on the door, and put a cool face. No need to let the people in the house to see that she was a bit nervous.

[G. Novella]

Alice beamed to Marigold as she poured the tea into several cups. "Do you really thik so?" asked Alice, thrilled. Then, she decided since Marigold was being so supportive, she should confess her plans. "I plan to tell him I love him after the battle. Cassie thinks it's a good idea."

---

Henry apparated outside of Ivory House after Jamie, wearing the hooded cloak. He had brought his owl, Fawkes, named after Dumbledore's own phoenix, with him. Today was finally the day. He turned to Jamie as they approached the front door.

"Ready for battle then, my dear?" he asked, his thoughts turning.

He hadn't spent much time with Jamie lately as she eased into teaching, and he began considering how best to use Olivia and Maxwell and where he'd end up.

[kumainpink]

It took everything within her not to curse Boot right there and then. But no, that wouldn't work. Instead, she kept her smile plastered, though a small vein in the back of her forehead throbbed in agitation. "That's a great idea." she replied. "I think he'll be very happy to hear that." She looked to Boot. "I'll help you bring in the tea if you want."

[Chameleon]

"Yes," she hissed quietly, as she looked at him apprehensive. He looked good as usual, although she still couldn't see his face. She wondered what he planned to use the owl for, as they waited for the door to open.

"Why've you taken a owl with? What good will it do?" she asked suspiciously, as she glanced toward the owl.

[G. Novella]

"Thank you!" said Alice brightly. Marigold was really so kind to her, she regretted thinking Marigold didn't like her. "I'm just going to grab some snacks, since no one's had breakfast."

With that, she moved to the pantry, and pulled out a few muffins, and arranged them on a plate.

---

"This is Fawkes," said Henry, as they waited for someone to answer the door. "And he'll do quite a bit of good. Selwyn needs to hear from us, after all. Besides, my dear, don't worry too much about what I'm planning."

He grinned at her from under his hood, and gave her shoulder a friendly squeeze. He was surprised how much he'd missed her companionship the last few days.
---
Veronica heard the door-bell ring, interrupting their friendly banter. She glanced up, annoyed. If it was Wolf-Boy, she'd leave him outside.

"I'll get it," she said, "Coming, anyone?"

[Chameleon]

She raised her eyebrow. Fawkes... What a interesting name. "Of course you would chose the name Fawkes," she said amused. "And I don't worry to much. I've got complete trust into your ... plans," she added delicately.

She shook her head. Henry was a good companion, but she hadn't seen to much to him lately. Not that she minded ...

[kumainpink]

Stupid bint. Marigold thought, smiling. "Sounds good to me! We don't need to worry about being hungry while fighting, after all."

---

Cassalina and Octavius followed her. They gave each other wary glances. Now that others were coming, the time for friendly fighting was over.

[G. Novella]

"Exactly, you need your energy," said Alice, picking up the tray for the tea, "I'll take the tea tray, and you can gather the muffins. Thank you for being so helpful, Marigold!"

---

Henry chuckled at her words, when the door swung open. Veronica, Octavius, and Cassalina stood before him.

"Lovely day, isn't it?" he said, as Veronica said "Come in!"

"How are the two of you?" asked Veronica, holding the door wide.

"Fine, where's Maxwell? I need to speak with him," said Henry absently.

[Chameleon]

Jamie looked when three persons opened the door. Hmm ... Seemed to be a bit to much for just one door, she thought as she stepped inside the door. The house was still very intimating. She kept her awe over the house locked inside, and just smiled.

"Hi," was all she said.

[kumainpink]

Maxwell heard his name and walked over. "Ah, Henry. There you are! How are you this morning?"

[G. Novella]

"I'm fine, Maxwell," said Henry with a smile, as he lowered his hood. "Can we have a private word?"

----

Veronica eyed Jamie. She was Henry's pick, and while she trusted Henry, he'd never explained much about Jamie. While she had the opportunity, maybe it was time to learn more about this new girl.

"Jamie, isn't it?" she said, shutting the door, "Let's go settle inside, I'm sure you don't want to bother Henry and Maxwell, coming Cassie?"

----

Alice carried the tray, humming a soft, happy tune. Marigold followed behind her. Everything seemed so perfect, now if only this battle ended soon...

[Chameleon]

Jamie rolled with her eyes inwardly, at Veronica, she supposed it was from the last meeting. She just smiled tightly, "Yeah. You're Veronica."

There was no question or anything in it. She wouldn't have bothered Henry and Maxwell, but didn't bother to say that loud. It would sound childish. She looked at the other two... Siblings, she mused. It was probably the Yaxley siblings.

[kumainpink]

"Coming!" Cassalina said brightly. This was a good opportunity to meet Henry's illustrious friend.

---

"Very well, Henry." Maxwell said, curious. Octavius left as well, most likely to find a Hangover Potion. "What is on your mind?"

[G. Novella]

"So, Jamie," said Veronica, once they were a good few ways from Henry and Maxwell, "What is it you do again?"

----
"I have the most interesting new developments to go over with you," said Henry with a smile, as the infamous Alice entered the room with Marigold. "Things that we should consider. Part of it involves a red-headed vixen I believe you know well."

[Chameleon]

"I've travelled around the world, but now I'm in a stable job as professor at Hogwarts," Jamie said. "Henry got me that job," she said and rolled with her eyes. She wondered what Veronica wanted to talk about. This woman didn't seem like the type to small-talk.

[kumainpink]

Maxwell's eyes narrowed. Olivia, huh? "Why would I be interested in what she's doing?" he asked coolly. "That woman has nothing to do with me anymore."

Marigold entered the room with Alice. "Hello, Henry." she said placidly.

[G. Novella]

"Henry does a lot for you, then?" asked Veronica suspiciously. "I heard rumors you and Henry were seeing each other, but he's never struck me as the type to date just anyone he meets."

---

"Patience," said Henry, as Alice came to offer them some tea.

"Hello Marigold," he said with a smile, before turning his attention to the real prize.

"Professor Moor?" she said in surprise, recognizing him.

"Hello, Miss Boot, it's been a while, hasn't it?" said Henry with a smile.

"I didn't know you knew Maxwell!" she said looking between the two of them in shock.

"We're old friends, I'm surprised to find you involved with this, you never struck me as a fighter," said Henry with false concern.

"I'm staying behind," explained Alice, "Would you two like a cup of tea?"

"That would be lovely, my dear," he said, taking the tea with a smile.

[Chameleon]

"Yeah," she shrugged. She didn't know if she should let it slip that they didn't actually see each other. Henry seemed so wary with everyone, including those people, he was on the same side with, but he had acted like they were seeing each other to Brayden's funeral.

"It just started with a talk," she said and evaded out of the question. It was true in it's own way. It had started with a talk. "It looks really interesting, this," she said brightly.

[kumainpink]

Maxwell's temper flared at the thought of Olivia, but he agreed that it wouldn't bode well to speak about her in front of Alice and Marigold. Why the two were suddenly good friends bothered him a bit, though, and he'd be sure to look into it.

[G. Novella]

"Everything always starts with a talk," said Veronica pleasantly, though she was suspicious, "And yes, the battle will be interesting. So, what persuaded you to join our cause, love?"

---

Henry smiled down at Alice like she was his favorite student. Tomorrow if she turned up dead, he'd be the last person suspected of being involved with that.

"Why don't you offer the tea around? It's rather lovely, we can talk later, hopefully with another cup of your tea," he suggested pleasantly.

"Thank you, Professor," she said brightly, taking the tray, "Yes, we can talk later. Enjoy the tea. Oh, right, here you are Maxwell."

She handed him the cup. Henry noted her shy, openness, and how she seemed to meet his eyes with her own adoring ones. So, she has a crush, he mused.

"Are you coming as well, Marigold, or will you take your tea with Maxwell and Professor Moor?" asked Alice politely.