The Leaky Cauldron

[Lucretia Black]

*Lu grins.*

"Yes, women have certain advantages in life, we are allowed to read trashy novels, but men have to hide the centerfolds in their lockers. That's life! And I didn't call you a pervert."

*wraps a cauldroncake in a paper napkin and puts it in her pocket, grabs her bags, leaves the booth and stands around at the table, waiting.*

"Come on. Nobody will think we're in love! I will not take your hand or hang at your arm, I will only stealthily steer you with my wand in the right direction."

Even if I did hang on his arm, people would only think 'oh, Boozy Bern needs help again?'

[Bernard Blotts]

*Mutters*

Yes, yes, "certain advantages". I take that to mean that apart from the right to bear trashy romances, you lot cann also use your wiles to get your own way!

*Downs the last dregs of his syrupy coffee and sighs contentedly*

I feel somewhat more human now. Cheers, I guess.

*Stuffs another six slices of bacon into his mouth and chews vigorously*

Alrigh'!

*Gets up and says through a stuffed mouth*

Dey sho will!

[Lucretia Black]

"Sho waff?" she mimicks him.

*is just short from rolling on the floor with laughter*

"Yes, you're absolutely right, we always get our way. See, when you're halfway sober you gain even philosophical insights! Isn't it a good feeling?"

*waiting patiently until he has gulped down his bacon, she takes out her wand and levitates him just an inch from the ground and steers him towards the door, giggling openly*

"Bye, Tom! Bye everyone!"

[Noelle Cheever]

-Noelle climbed through the familiar doors of a place she used to haunt well in her late teens and slowly approached the bar, hoping for something to warm her chilled bones.-

Butter beer, if you will.

-she smiled at the bartender, who nodded politely and brought her one within a few minutes. Her emerald eyes scanned the room, hoping to find a familiar face, or atleast one that seemed interesting-

[Theodore Nott]

A neatly folded copy of the Daily Prophet lay aside as Theodore thoughtfully nursed a glass of whiskey. Harry Potter was Dead! Go figure... Looked like Voldemort's lackeys finally got ahold of their man. Ginny Weasley, too, from what the article read. Seemed both had met their end at the Weasley family hovel. How sad. Or whatever. Theo wasn't fussed in the slightest. Not much in the future would be changing in his life. In fact, it would seem the Pureblood pumping through Theodore's veins would be a golden ticket. This thought created a smile.

What did this mean? There were all sorts of turns and avenues. Under The Dark Lord's reign anything was possible. For all Theo knew the powerful wizard could be hammering out new laws right at that moment. Perhaps there would be an annual Muggle Hunt. Borgin and Burkes would be sure to sponsor... Hell, there was already a Muggleborn Registration Committee. Definitely progress there. Merlin! His mind was travelling a mile a minute as possible scenarios played out on an endless reel, and his whiskey glass remained full.

[Roslyn Levere]

The smell of summer rain was far more exciteing than actually being stuck in it. In an effort to escape before her books were ruined, Roslyn had found the perfect shelter in the Leaky Cauldron, as her throat was a bit parched anyhow.

*Quickly entering through the old wooden door, she pulled back the hood of her traveling cloak, hardly paying any mind to her surroundings as she walked briskly towards the counter. Choosing the first stool her eyes landed on, Roslyn let out a small sigh, reaching to unclasp her cloak; no longer needing it in the warm pub*

"May I have a glass of water, please?" *Smiling kindly at the bartender, she gave a brief glance around the pub, before reaching into her book bag; inspecting her items*

[Theodore Nott]

Theo's elbow was propped on the table, and his thumb rhythmically stroked his lower lip. He was clearly lost in thought. The idea of Harry Potter no longer existing was almost unfathomable, Theodore had to admit he was surprised when he read the news.

When the air about him stirred as someone passed his table, Theodore was brought out of his reverie. He glanced sideways, and caught sight of a witch taking a spot at the counter.

Aha!

Theo recognized Roslyn the moment she shed her damp cloak. Must've still been raining, he thought offhandedly while watching the witch peek into her bag. And without thinkning at all, he addressed Tom, the Innkeeper.

"Put whatever she's having on my tab, please."

Dragon droppings...

Theo's sights flicked onto Roslyn the second his words left his mouth, and realization of what he had done set in.

[Roslyn Levere]

Relieved that her items weren't ruined from the rain, Roslyn reminded herself to cast a water repelling spell before she left the pub. Her mind was elsewhere, straying from books, to her job at the Shop naturally. She swore she would never be able to think of another book without somehow referring to the shop, having been there for quite some time.

Unable to get too far into her thoughts with the slight buzzing sound of chatter in the pub, Roslyn's ears picked up the sound of a familiar voice. She couldn't quite make out what he'd said, though in honesty she wasn't trying to listen too hard, intent on minding her own business. Easier said than done; especially feeling the weight of someone staring.

As her water was set in front of her, Roslyn gave the Innkeeper a grateful smile, reaching for her purse to pay planning on making a swift exit after. However, when her hand was politely pushed away, the coins remaining; Roslyn could say she was confused. At the news someone had already paid, Roslyn turned her gaze flickering over the bar, settling on the face she knew would match that voice.

Theodore Nott.

But of course. Though the pieces weren't put together completely, such as why he would chose to pay for her drink, it didn't take a genius to figure out it was him. In truth whatever his reason was, was of little importance in this day. Looking at the familiar man, Roslyn could remember a time when she would have more than likely shot a curse at him, or an even further time when her heart would have leapt. But now. She was quite neutral, giving the barest nod of thanks. She'd long ago forgiven Theodore, but certainly not forgotten.

[Theodore Nott]

Theo's earlier thoughts must have muddled his mind, that could only be why he offered to pay for Roslyn's beverage. These two were not friends. Not in the slightest. But they weren't enemies either...

He politely returned the witch's nod, though he remained seated. Theodore wasn't interested in creating a scene, which was why he didn't approach Roslyn. He wasn't certain where exactly he stood with her, and experience has taught him to leave well enough alone when dealing with witches one had something of a "past" with. That and the fact he didn't deal with dramatics well. Theodore didn't know Roslyn well enough to know if she would throw a tantrum if he had risen to greet her.

Instead, he drew his gaze away, took a sip of his whiskey to have something to do, and watched one of Tom's employees direct a broom about the room. There was no reason to feel uncomfortable. None at all.

[Roslyn Levere]

It was an odd day, or at least that's the excuse Roslyn would use to justify her behavior. And perhaps there was some truth to that, because any other day she would've just continued on her way. However, seeing as Theodore wasn't rushing to insult her, and it was proven that they could at least be in one anothers company; Roslyn stood, deciding to put her decision to let go of the past to the test. He had bought her drink at least, as well.

Standing tall, her eyes on Theodore, Roslyn allowed a pleasant smile to pull at her lips naturally. Slowing as she approached his table, before stopping.

"Hello, Theodore." Watching him carefully, hoping he didn't try to turn things around and say something sarcastic, Roslyn tried to relax figuring she had a good enough reason to come. "May I join you? Unless you're expecting someone, perfectly understandable.." She didn't wish to force her company, if only hoping to at least clear the air.

[Theodore Nott]

The barkeep had made quick work of sweeping up, and soon he ducked into a backroom, leaving Theodore to with not much else to watch. A couple of wizards chatting was about it. Oh. Yes. And Roslyn. He hadn't forgotten her presence.

Roslyn's movements caught Theo's eye. He turned, fixed his eyes on the witch, and was pleasantly surprised to see a smile on her lips when she reached the side of his table. Looked like things weren't as bad between them as he may have thought. At least, Roslyn wasn't outwardly hostile, Theo would have to wait and see what her true intentions might be.

He'll play nice. For now... Theodore rose smoothly from his chair, gestured to the unoccupied seat, and nodded lightly. "Roslyn... It would be my pleasure, of course." He stepped out from the table to pull aside the lady's awaiting chair. "Can I offer you something to drink?", he asked, noticing she left her glass behind on the counter. His mother had taught him to behave in a gentlemanly fashion, only it would be up to Roslyn on how long it will last.

[Roslyn Levere]

Letting out a slight sigh of relief at his pleasant tone, Roslyn allowed herself to relax further. Step two accomplished, which was being able to hold a conversation. Though Roslyn supposed, they hadn't yet actually had a conversation, still it was progress. She also had to remind herself that Theo had always been the type- as far as she knew, to act according to how he was treated. Well she hadn't come looking for a fight anyhow. Those days were behind her, and would stay that way hopefully.

Watching as he rose to pull out a chair, Roslyn allowed a light laugh to slip from her lips. "I do believe you've already paid for a drink of mine? Though it's quite generous of you, I think I'm fine for now." Taking a seat, she crossed her legs at the ankles, placing her hands in her lap; watching him quietly.

"Always the gentleman. That hasn't changed, Theo...I'm glad." Her tone soft, and genuine, Roslyn offered a small smile, a bit of fondness warming her eyes. "How have you been, by the way? Truely."

[Theodore Nott]

Once Roslyn settled herself at the table, Theodore returned to his seat across from her, gave Tom a little wave to bring over the glass of water, and finally set his jet eyes upon his newfound guest. "If it isn't broken...", he teased as a crooked grin worked its way onto his lips. "I've been quite well, thanks. More than I can say for some." As he answered his eyes touched on the copy of the Prophet he pushed aside. The Headline, while the paoer was folded in half, was still easy to read. After all, Harry Potter's tale was legendary.

"Now," Theodore leaned back in his seat as he returned pleasantries, "how about you? How has life been treating you? You appear the poster-child of health, as ever." He waved a hand in her direction, gesturing to the fact she still looked as fresh as the day she left Hogwarts. "Are you still employed by Messrs. Flourish and Blotts?" There. That was a subject they could connect on.

Theodore remembered now that Roslyn held a passion for books. No, he didn't feel quite the same way as she, but he did enjoy reading. He thought back, to the time when these two were more familiar with each other, and recalled the expression on her face when he introduced her to the library in his home.

[Roslyn Levere]

Roslyn was almost taken back at how easy it actually could be to talk to Theodore, the crooked grin upon his lips briefly reminding her how inviting they had been, as her eyes nearly flickered to them for a moment. His charming side was truly one of his fondest sides, though Roslyn's Favourite would always be when they were alone in his cellar. Or speaking privately at his home, sharing memories of their parents. That was the Theodore she still remembered, and perhaps the main reason she could never bring herself to hate him. In spite of everything. However she knew better than to allow such memories to pull her in.

Reaching to sip her water, eyes still locked on the unpredictable man in front of her, Roslyn took a small drink of the cool beverage; before allowing her gaze to travel where his did, at the mention of being more fortunate than others. Harry Potter. Yes Roslyn had of course heard the tragic news, certain she and Theodore shared quite different views on it. Harry hadn't been a close friend, but a friend none the less. It was tragic. Though Roslyn didn't wish to get too deep into the subject.

Humming in agreement, Roslyn's eyes traveled to Theodore once again, face impassive. Giving no hint to what she was thinking, as she thought on how to answer his question. Roslyn decided to go with honesty, pleased at his words but having to say. "Life has been... significantly better these last few days. Being within anothers company keeps the darkness at bay. However temporarily." Thinking back on the events with Roger, a fresh smile came to Roslyn's face. He'd been so kind. However just a temporary companion.

Her eyes brightened at the mention of the bookshop, surprised he even remembered. "Yes, I do still work there. I think I might at least until I'm able to apply as a professor at Hogwarts." Unknowingly recalling the same memory, Roslyn's expression softened slightly. "Honestly thought you would have forgotten, Theo..." Quiet, she traced the rim of her glass with her finger.

[Theodore Nott]

Once memory of Roslyn and the library came forward, other memories of spending time with the witch came unbidden. He recalled the endless hours the pair had spent chatting away. Sometimes the subject was serious, like their families. Or other times the two were playful, and teased each other relentlessly. Also, there were occasions when the conversation had died, though things were quite cozy. Theodore's gaze moved from Roslyn's eyes to her lips as she lifted her glass to meet them. He knew how warm and sweet they were, that memory had faded least of all.

A smile appeared when Roslyn returned her glass to the table. Theo wondered if her thoughts were similar to his as a self-satisfied grin of his own crept up. He was certainly confident Roslyn thoroughly enjoyed their past time together, and had no trouble with believing she couldn't be speaking of someone else. Why would she? Perfection sat across from Roslyn, she couldn't possibly have her mind occupied with anything but Theodore. That's how he saw things anyway.

"How right you are..." Not long ago, Theodore had spent a significant amount of time at home. A month or two went by without him even setting a toe off the family estate. Then suddenly one night he had the irresistible urge to seek fulfillment outside of the wrought iron fence enclosing Nott Manor. He found himself in Hogsmeade, The Three Broomsticks to be exact, and in the company of someone he always enjoys. Perhaps he should send Astoria an owl. He was long overdue for a fix.

His grin widened some with pleasure, and as it did, it lost the smugness. "Steel trap...", Theo answered, tapping his finger at his temple and winking. "Applying for a position at Hogwarts?" This news genuinely shocked him. How could anyone want to teach a horde of snot-nosed, filthy little creatures? "Really, now? I couldn't imagine..." Theo's head shook in disbelief while he took a drink of his whiskey.