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Post by G. Novella on Aug 14, 2012 15:37:56 GMT -5
Alice hadn't slept all night. She had dozed off for a few hours when she got home, but her dreams were plagued with nightmares. She would dream of phoenixes attacking Maxwell, his curse causing him to die, just as she told him I love you. She dreamt they were dancing, and then just before they kissed, he was gone. She dreamt a little of Cassalina dying, of Octavius dying, even of Veronica dying. Unable to stand her dreams any longer, she'd woken up, and begun packing.
She packed a spare change of clothes she'd use for the cold weather of the South Pole. She added her wand, and a few potions to cover it. Unable to stand the silence, she went over everything she knew of Dementors. Tonight she'd finally prove herself to everyone, she did belong here. Maxwell would be impressed, and everyone would come home safe. Maybe they'd dance afterwards, and Maxwell and she would really kiss this time. She knew deep down it was wishful thinking, but she didn't know what else to think.
Finally, when the clock chimed quarter to three, she headed to the Floo. The minutes seemed to taunt her as she waited. She didn't know what she'd tell Maxwell before he left. She had to say something however, anything. Should she tell him how she felt? She didn't know. What was a girl supposed to say?
Finally, at exactly three thirty, she Flooed to Ivory House. Upon arriving, ahe duated herself off, and turned to stare at the drawing room, now turned into a battle preparation site.
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 14, 2012 15:53:44 GMT -5
Maxwell spent the rest of the day sleeping and relaxing, in order to ready his body for the upcoming battle. The lives of everyone involved were riding on him, and how long it would take to kill each dementor. Mere seconds could mean the difference between life and death, one stray moment a chance to lose someone close to him. Octavius, Cassalina and Veronica were ready to lay their lives down not just for the cause, but for his own life as well.
According to great-grandfather Rothsford's notes, the only possible cure for this curse would be the chill of a dementor. The curse hadn't affected him too much, after all. But, as Octavius constantly told him, these are deep and dangerous magics. One mistake, one iota of an error and it was all over. He no longer felt the ring on his pinky, though it did look strange fused. The success of this ring depended on weather or not he would live.
That night, he found himself thinking more and more about Alice. About her voice, her smile and their moments together. Looking at it objectively, and without the cover of occlusion, It was quite obvious where his feelings lie. To his amazement, Maxwell realized that he had somehow fallen for the innocent beauty. Even more surprisingly, her feelings were obvious to him now, and it scared him. For what would someone as innocent and sweet want with someone as dark as him?
And yet, he had gone to further lengths to keep her safe, than anyone else. He'd willingly kill for her, torture for her, and even sacrifice his very life, if he had to. All so that she could continue to brighten the world with her smile and loving heart. And that almost-kiss! Merlin, he'd never felt so alive before! What he wouldn't give to actually taste those sweet, full lips of hers...
But no, he couldn't allow that. Not until he knew if the curse was broken or not. He wouldn't risk her life.
Upon his neck, red and gold lines glowed faintly, though there was no pain. Luckily, his white and gray cloak covered the area. But even so, he could feel them. The curse was activating, slowly dwindling down his lifespan.
I have to be strong. he told himself, as Alice came through the floo. Today is the day. And if it all goes well, then I can allow myself to accept her.
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 14, 2012 16:22:17 GMT -5
Alice turned to see Maxwell, and relief coursed through her. Seeing him alive, well, and whole made her feel oddly content. How much longer wuld he be like this? taunted her treacherous mind. He was dressed in an impressive white and gray cloak, and looked the picture of a leader. She swallowed heavily, and met his eyes.
"Good morning," she squeaked, feeling her stomach fluttering and her nerves tingling. She looked him over again for a minute, before rummaging through her purse, as though she had something to find. In truth, she had no idea what to say. What she wukd say if she didn't think. What she could say before this battle.
"The place looks well-prepared," she said feebly, "I see you've been busy. Are you ready to go then?"
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 14, 2012 16:27:16 GMT -5
"Good morning, Alice." Maxwell greeted, a well of unfamiliar emotion inside him. She looked absolutely stunning, without even trying to. He knew he would have to start occluding soon, in order to keep focused on the battle. However, if he didn't let them out every so often, he feared he might lose the ability to feel altogether. But the feelings he had now were very hindering. Part of him just wanted to forget the battle and spend the day with her.
But, he knew better than that. "Well, I've had a lot to think about. Rest assured that I am feeling a lot better now. How are you today?"
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 14, 2012 16:36:45 GMT -5
"I'm fine," she said nervously, moving closer to him. "I've been thinking quite a bit too. It's good that your feeling better. I'm just scared now, for everything."
The last bit she'd thrown out there, unsure of what to say, but needing to express something. She wished she'd been able to talk to Ms. Cassie before, but she'd been with Veronica. Her feelings were so new, and she felt so unsure of them. She looked up to Maxwell, needing to say something reassuring.
"But it's fine," she swallowed, "How are you feeling? Today is after all important for you."
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 14, 2012 16:44:55 GMT -5
Maxwell smiled bemusedly at her. Now that he wasn't fogging his mind with occlusion, he could read her so easily. Her eyes, so sweet and innocent, had a twinge of longing in them. The way she acted around him was how other women had acted in the past. But unlike them, she had a deep sincerity to her. And that, more than anything else, was what he loved most about her.
"I am as ready as I'll ever be, but this day isn't just about me." he said, his smile dropping. "The Purist Movement has been around for almost twenty years now, and this is the first major sign of progress we've had in a long time. This day also belongs to Cassalina, Veronica, Octavius and even Marigold, to an extent. I'm just glad that you're out of harms way."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 14, 2012 16:51:06 GMT -5
Alice felt a twinge of regret and guilt at his words. That wasn't true at all. She wondered if she should tell him she knew it was all a trick, that he was expecting her to come, but his words suggested otherwise. For the first time, she wondered if Marigold had told her the truth. But why would she lie? Perhaps Maxwell wasn't aware, perhaps it was the others.
"I'm not," she said honestly, considering what it wold be like to stay behind, and shuddering to herself. "I have no idea what I'd do, just staying here all day. I think I'll go mad. No minute would be soon enough for you to come home."
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 14, 2012 16:56:39 GMT -5
"And I would go mad if anything happened to you." he admitted, meeting her gaze. He could just imagine her body, lifeless and cold. Those brown eyes without warmth, without their lively luster. It was too painful to bear. "So I suppose we're even, are we not?" He grasped her hand in his own. "This battle is going to be ugly and brutal. And all of it depends on my timing. If I'm off, even for a second, I could lose you. I couldn't live with myself if that happened."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 14, 2012 17:05:04 GMT -5
Alice grasped his hand back, meeting his eyes with her own. His words, his actions, everything seemed to confuse her. On hand, he hadn't been fazed in almost kissing her, on the other, he seemed determined to keep her safe out of everyone. Just what was he thinking?
"I won't be able to live if something happens to you," confessed Alice. Say it now! Tell him while you still can. She ignored those voices, "Come home soon?"
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 14, 2012 17:13:24 GMT -5
"I will do my best." he promised her. "Because I have something worth coming home to." He smiled at her. There was so much he wanted to say, so many things he should tell her now. How beautiful she looked in this light, how sweet her voice sounded...and how he wanted nothing more than to keep her by his side. Forever. But the words wouldn't come.
And then, he lost his chance. The floo activated, and Cassalina came through, sporting a cardboard box, and wearing a lime-green and silver winter cloak. "Morning, everyone." she said pleasantly, setting the box down.
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 14, 2012 17:18:13 GMT -5
Alice instinticely let go of Maxwell's hand. She had felt a thrill move through her at his words, but then Cassalina had arrived. The moment gone, her heart still fluttered, as though it hadn't realized the moment ended.
"Good morning Ms. Cassie," said Alice cheerfully, or, as cheerfully as one can be on a day like this, "What's that you have?"
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 14, 2012 17:23:02 GMT -5
"Good morning, Alice!" Cassalina said, her smile slightly strained. She was proud to go to battle, but she'd been having nightmares all night long. Something told her this wasn't going to end well. "I've got a few standard things here. Necklaces with my special heal-all potion in them - it works only once, though - portkeys, Sweedish Flash Powder and a few other trinkets that should help distract the dementors a little."
"How are the two of you?"
"I'm alright." Maxwell said evenly. And in truth, he did look better. Though there was a tinge of sickness to him that didn't bode well.
"I'm well." Cassalina said mildly. "Veronica will be coming soon enough. She didn't feel like getting up yet."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 14, 2012 17:25:58 GMT -5
"I'm guessing Octavius chose to lie in as well," said Alice with a strained smile. "Here, I'll help you with those!" Alice moved towards the box, suddenly struck that she had a moment to really speak with Cassalina now!
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 14, 2012 17:29:34 GMT -5
Cassalina smiled at her. Alice was always such a happy, sweet girl. It was good to know that she'd be left behind - dementors were nasty creatures, if rumors were true. "If you say so. We're headed out to the Entrance Hall - that is where we'll be leaving from." She looked to Maxwell. "We'll be back soon."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 14, 2012 17:36:08 GMT -5
Alice smiled back to Maxwell, before grabbing the other end of the box for Cassalina. "Let's go then! I think people will be coming in from there anyways." With that, she began moving towards the door.
---
Veronica Flooed to Ivory House after showering. She had slept well, unfazed by the following battle. The truth was she'd taken a Dreamless Sleeping Potion. Best to come rested then to panic all night. A good fighter was an alert fighter. When she arrived, she noticed Cassalina and Alice headed out the door with the box of supplies.
Maxwell was sitting down. He looked ill, and Veronica could sympathize. She knew today was an important day for him, after all. It was the first time he'd openly support his cause.
"How are you, Maxwell?" she asked, settling down beside him.
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 14, 2012 17:39:51 GMT -5
Maxwell smiled wanly at her. "As well as I can be." he replied. He felt a bit of dread at what he was about to say - Veronica wouldn't take his keeping this from her very well. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized she needed to know. Just in case... "Please, come sit with me for a bit. Alice is helping Cassalina - I suppose she wants to feel as though she's doing something. Not that I blame her."
---
Cassalina followed Alice, admiring the girl for her energy at this time. "Good idea, Alice." she said brightly.
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 14, 2012 17:48:03 GMT -5
Veronica could sense something off in Maxwell's mood, but she did as she was told. Sitting beside him, she leaned back, feeling comfortable. "Don't we all want to feel like we're doing something? It's why I joined this, to do something."
--
Alice glanced up nervously at Cassalina as they jostled the box. They were out in the halls now, and she felt herself getting nervous. She needed advice, but how was she to phrase things? She feebly began, "Are you nervous about today? About dying, or losing someone?"
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 14, 2012 17:53:21 GMT -5
Maxwell nodded. He closed his eyes for a moment, as the curse warmed his neck a bit. He could hear the faint screech of a bird in the back of his mind - phase one. It didn't hurt yet, but the sensation was uncomfortable. "Too true, Veronica. That's why I started this group. It's been a long time coming, but we're starting to get somewhere."
He wiped sweat off his brow. It was so damn hot in here! "Which is why I know it will continue to flourish, even if I were to pass away."
---
"I think we all are." Cassalina said sympathetically. "We have a lot riding on this - lives and dreams. I couldn't sleep that well, knowing that I could lose some of the few people I have left."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 14, 2012 18:04:39 GMT -5
Veronica stiffened at Maxwell's words, but didn't move, she carefully considered them, he wasn't lying, or hiding, or trying to tell her everything would be okay. No, he was sharing an intimate detail, and she owed it to him to listen to the end. He'd have done the same for her. "It will flourish better if you live through the day," she said softly, "But yes, our goals won't change if things happen."
---
Alice nodded at Cassalina's words. She understood her feelings better than anyone else. Cassalina would be able to tell her what to do. Alice continued to say, "I think we all feel that way. I didn't sleep much either. Do you know what you'll tell everyone before the battle? What needs to be said?"
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 14, 2012 18:08:41 GMT -5
He paused, not sure how to continue. "I told Alice about the curse." he said, finally. "And she actually wants to stay with me until the end. Imagine that!" He tried to make himself appear strong, but something in his voice broke.
---
"I've already said what I've needed to say to everyone." Cassalina said thoughtfully. "Well, everyone but Maxwell. I have many things I wish I could say, but now isn't the time."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 14, 2012 18:17:40 GMT -5
"Imagine that?" asked Veronica, surprised at Maxwell's confiding in her. The fact that he'd told Alice about the curse was both impressive and startling. She wondered if he was moving too fast, but then, war made people desperate. Maybe it was time for him to feel desperacy at it's finest.
"Imagine what? That the girl who's been pining for you offered you her loyalty?" asked Veronica, and then added more sensitively, "I thought she was the one you were pining for as well."
----
"Oh, of course," said Alice, miserable. She had[/ missed her chance, hadn't she? Or was there more to it? "What about Veronica? Will you say anything more to her?"
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 14, 2012 18:24:37 GMT -5
Cassalina looked away sadly. "There is nothing to say. We spent half the night talking, speaking about all the 'what ifs' and the future things we want to do. For now, we have to be strong. Our lives depend on it. But, when it is over, I am going to give her my mother's ring." She allowed for a small smile at the image of Veronica's beautiful finger wearing the ring. "Not as an engagement ring, but just something as a symbol of my feelings for her."
She looked to Alice. "What about you? Are you going to tell Maxwell how you feel?"
---
Maxwell smiled a tragic smile. "So, you noticed before I bothered to." he stated, wishing he hadn't been so blind. "I've been occluding for so long that I never took the time to realize exactly how she felt about me...or how I felt in turn. Not that anything can be done about it now." Maxwell sighed. "I won't risk her winding up like my mother did."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 14, 2012 18:41:37 GMT -5
Alice turned bright red. Had everyone known already, but her? Had her feelings been so transparent? She settled the box on the ground, and sat down beside it. She didn't know what to say, so she started from the beginning. She poured out how she'd told Octavius her feelings, then how she's spent the day with Maxwell, how he told her of the curse, and then the almost-kiss, leading to the ignorance of Maxwell, and then his wanting to protect her tonight.
"What am I supposed to do? Do I tell him that I love him tonight, or do I wait? What if he doesn't love me? How am I even supposed to tell him in the first place?" asked Alice miserably. Why was this so hard?
---
"Is that something for you to decide, or for Alice?" asked Veronica pointedly, "Your mother made her own decisions, and so can Alice, you know. Just because you occluded those thoughts doesn't mean she has. She's probably been thinking and feeling for you for a long time. Besides, the future isn't guaranteed Maxwell, I'm living proof. I went from rich princess, to single mom, to career woman, and now in a loving relationship. You think your curse is the biggest factor at play, but is it? We're in a war. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. We may go off into battle, and Alice could step out and be attacked by a rampaging hippogriff. Then what? Everyday is a risk, and she made her decision to risk things by being near you. You occluding her doesn't change things. And you letting these moments pass is a waste. Love now, or regret forever."
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 14, 2012 18:50:09 GMT -5
Maxwell closed his eyes. He wanted to give in and tell Alice how he felt, but if this failed, he was a marked man. What Veronica said made a lot of sense, but at the same time, he couldn't bear the thought of seeing her writhe like his parents had. She didn't deserve such a cruel fate. Besides... "You may be right, Veronica, but that point may be moot if today fails." He showed her his neck, which hadn't gotten any better so far. "It started glowing last night, and the minor symptoms happened shortly after the Fire Acceptance Ritual."
---
Cassalina sat beside Alice and sighed. Poor, misunderstanding Alice. "You should know that Maxwell occludes constantly, and because of it, he rarely expresses what he truly feels. For all his good traits, he's proud and afraid to show emotions. With that said, he's been the most sincere around you." She gave Alice a significant look. "Veronica, Octavius and I have seen the signs. He does love you."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 14, 2012 18:58:03 GMT -5
Veronica resisted the urge to hiss when she saw the marks. Her heart went out to him. How he dealt with these kind of things, she'd never understand. Instead, she calmed herself, and continued logically, "Well, then we go through today. I really think you are disservicing yourself. Just telling her how you feel won't mark her, and isn't that what lovers do? As for those marks, well, today is about buying time, about fixing things. You're getting out of this alive, Maxwell. All of this. Just focus on today, and if it succeeds, then allow yourself to celebrate. Firewhiskey and wine makes for a great way to open up."
----
Alice felt herself yearning to believe Cassaline, and a blush crossing her cheeks. "So, I should tell him, then? Does he really love me?"
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 14, 2012 19:06:30 GMT -5
Maxwell gave another one of his wan smiles. "You solve everything by getting pissed." he said teasingly. "But, you do have a point. I know how she feels, and how I feel... it should be simple, right? But at the same time, all these what-ifs come to mind, and I'm suddenly acting like a fool." he chuckled in a self-depreciating fashion. "Thank you for being my voice of reason."
---
"Wait until after the battle, and then tell him how you feel." Cassalina said kindly. "When he's not bogged down by a million other thoughts, he can be quite willing to express himself."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 14, 2012 19:14:03 GMT -5
"Anytime," said Veronica with a smile, "And you'd be surprised how easy getting pissed can solve things, look at Cassalina and I for example. Just go with what feels right, now, let's find our ladies, and get ready for battle!"
---
"I can do that," said Alice with a nod, "I can wait. Thank you, for hearing me out, Ms. Cassie."
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 15, 2012 3:32:35 GMT -5
Maxwell chuckled at Veronica's words, and the warmth of the curse subsided for now. He could still feel it around his neck, but at least he didn't feel as if he were in a sauna anymore. "Very well." He got up and put on his best "regal leader face" and joined Veronica on a walk to the Entrance Hall.
---
"Shit! Fuck! Shit!" Octavius screamed, as he ran around his house, trying to gather everything he needed. He had chosen to drink and party with some of the guys and girls from Chris's department - many of whom were still laying on the floor, passed out. The room smelled like a brewery.
Somehow, his underwear had wound up in the kitchen, his socks in the living room, his cloak in the bathroom and so on. It took twenty minutes for him to locate each article of clothing, and another five to remember where he put his lucky shirt. He came across a sleeping Marigold on the ground and kicked her awake. "Hey bimbo, bloody wake up!" Octavius yelled.
Marigold responded by kicking him in the shin. "Arsehole." she muttered sleepily, cuddling the comforter on the floor. And damn it, she was drooling all over it, too!
"Ow, ow, ow! Fucking skank!" Octavius cursed, hopping up and down on his good foot. This resulted in him tripping over one of the random guys and a rough landing on the ground. Octavius got himself up - sporting a major headache, to boot - and fired a Stinging Hex at Marigold's arse. "I said wake up! We have to leave, NOW!"
---
Marigold slowly stirred in a haze of sleepy warmth. "Damn it, Octavius, why'd you wake me up?" she murmured tiredly, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. Octavius glowered at her.
"We have somewhere we need to be, remember?" he snapped. Octavius's face went an impressive shade of puce. Marigold's eyes widened. Shit... And with that, Marigold was up tripping and bumbling around, making a huge spectacle of herself. Once they were both ready, she then proceeded to wake the other men and women up.
It took another thirty minutes to clear the house out. When at last, they were ready to leave, Octavius and Marigold did their best Grooming Charms and left through the floo. "Ivory House Entrance Hall!"
---
"You're welcome, Alice." Cassalina said warmly. "Please, you don't have to call me Ms. We're practically family."
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Post by G. Novella on Aug 15, 2012 3:43:22 GMT -5
"Alright, Cassie," said Alice with a small smile. She was thrilled that Cassalina thought of her as family, and in turn, felt Cassalina was like an older sister to her. Impulsively, she hugged Cassalina as a thank you, trying to convey her feelings of thanks to the older woman.
"See? I can't leave her for a minute until she finds some new sexy thing to play with," came Veronica's drawling voice, sounding amused. "I'm starting to think she doesn't love me at all."
Alice moved from Cassalina, and couldn't help but smile, as she mouthed another thank you to Cassalina. Before anyone could say anything, however, two new guests arrived. Marigold and Octavius were here. They looked tired.
----
Veronica narrowed her eyes at Marigold and Octavius. She could smell the shame, and they looked oddly tired. She glared at them, before moving to Cassalina.
"I think brother dearest has been busy tonight," said Veronica into her ear, before amirking at Octavius, raising an eyebrow for an explanation.
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Post by kumainpink on Aug 15, 2012 3:56:49 GMT -5
Cassalina laughed. Veronica knew that she had no interest in Alice at all, so she didn't feel embarrassed this time. Maxwell chimed in as well, looking a bit better than he had before.
"I think someone spent a little too much time hitting the bottle." Cassalina agreed, snickering. Octavius glowered at them.
"We were just having a little fun." he grumbled. "We got here so bugger off."
At once, Marigold predictably ran over to Maxwell and hugged him. "Good morning, Maxwell!" she said, chipper. Maxwell made an annoyed face and lightly pushed her back.
"I'm alright." he said mildly. "Though are you? You smell like a brewery. Maybe I should have you stay home?" Marigold pouted.
"Oh come on, you don't mean that, do you? I'm always ready for a battle."
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