Roslyn's Home

[Neville Longbottom]

*Sips the hot chocolate, already warmed beforehand. The silence doesn't bother him.*

So-

*Looks over to her, honestly wondering what ideas are running through her mind.*

-if you didn't work at Flourish and Blott's, where would you be?

[Roslyn Levere]

*Surprised at the question, Roslyn turned towards Neville.* It was a question she'd often thought about, but never lingered on too much. "I'd probably be playing Quidditch, or become a Professor at Hogwarts."

*Shrugging, she turned away. A ghost of a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth* "I honestly don't really know, at this point in my life Nev. Which is sad, but..." *Again she shrugged, unable to help her lack of interest*

[Neville Longbottom]

*Blinks, smiling softly.*

You'd play Quidditch? I didn't even know you liked flying!

*Purses his lips, remembering a certain incident that happened his first year at Hogwarts.*

_{Blasted Draco bloody Malfoy...}

I-I, well...you can tell why I don't play, right? I'd fall off my broom before the match even starts!

*Nods, whether or not the witch can see it. He glances down at his shoes, shuffling his feet against the carpet sheepishly.*

No, it's not sad, Rose. Just means it might be time to move on and do something you really want to do-

*Blinks owlishly at his shoes, before looking back up at the witch. Her words finally sink in, and he asks.*

-by the by, what did you mean when you said you'd be a Professor at Hogwarts? D'you know what you'd teach?

*Is obviously curious because he's been thinking of taking Roslyn's advice and owling Headmaster Snape about being the Herbology Professor. Maybe, if she works there as well, he'd be able to see even more of her! He smiles at the thought, cheeks growing pink as he wonders what her reaction would be if she knew what he was thinking.*

[Roslyn Levere]

The corner of her lips pulled up into a smile, a small giggle even escaping Roslyn as she remembered back to first year. Of course she knew why Neville never played Quidditch, everyone knew. He was clumsy on foot let alone a broomstick! "Well if you enjoy the sport Nev, you should try out anyway... or we could even play together sometimes.." Roslyn didn't believe in letting fear hold anyone back, and she enjoyed spending time with Neville. He made everything so easy and simple. The ache in her heart didn't feel as if it would knock her down with it's force, with him around. It also didn't hurt that he was simply charming, and could always get a smile out of her.

"But I think you're right.... I do need to take the time to figure out what I really want." *A frown worked it's way onto Roslyn's face at the confession.* She knew she was lost, and really needed to put her feet firmly on the ground. Bur saying it out loud, just made so... heavy. Neville pulled her from her thoughts, and Roslyn looked up at him. What would she teach?

"Hmmm.. well in school I had loads of classes I really enjoyed, it's pretty hard to pick." *Laughing lightly, Roslyn shrugged* "I think I'd teach Defence Against The Dark Arts..."Suddenly the laughter faded, as she remembered that strange night in the hospital wing. Waking up with those burn marks on her arm, and all sorts of bruises. Roslyn wasn't stupid, and she knew Death eaters had something to do with it. She promised herself it would never happen again.

[Roslyn Levere]

Things had become strange, and unfamiliar after the events at the Leaky Cauldron. Not their banter of course, it was typical Theo to behave as his did. Typical of her to end up at odds with the darker man; however what wasn't typical was the fact that neither had tried to escape. Theo was rather known for leaving women confused, and in the dark when he became bored. It wouldn't have been the first time Roslyn chose to leave rather than continue what seemed impossible. Even stranger was the things she'd learned about Theodore, and where they were currently headed now. Her home. Before now Roslyn had never thought Theodore Nott would ever set foot on her doorstep again. Funny how things worked.

Briefly taken by the last memory of Theo in her home, Roslyn could say that things hadn't gone well at all. He'd stormed out, after callous words shared between the two. Truly they had quite a lot of memories to share in all the places she frequented. Hogsemeade. Her job. Even here. In spite of most of those memories being bitter, Roslyn chose to look at the bright side of things. Now they were given the chance to start over in a way, and perhaps come up with better results.

When she'd offered her friendship to Theodore, she'd half expected him to laugh in her face. Though quite capable of surprises it would seem, in spite of his lack of seriousness, Theo had agreed to at least see what she meant. Roslyn knew even as she took his hand to apparate outside her house, that he very much doubted there was much she could show him. However time would only tell. And honestly Roslyn didn't have any fancy tricks to pull, intending to only show him that sometimes you could find beautiful things in simplicity.

Glancing up briefly at the thick rain clouds that coated the evening, Roslyn looked to Theo, offering a warm smile. Storms had never scared her. And what she planned of their evening would go quite nicely with the weather. Walking up her steps, she reached to place her hand on the door, a useful ward against intruders, speaking her mothers maiden name in french before being allowed in. It was chilly inside, however still very much warm in spirit as plants lay around. A fireplace waiting to be lit, the colors of her home warm and neutral. Roslyn had made sure when moving in that her home represented her. She never wanted it to feel cold and empty.

"So, here is where I live. Nothing too fancy, but quite enough for me. Can I offer you anything, Theo? Tea perhaps to take the chill off? " Roslyn herself was starving, going to the pub right after work. "I'm actually starving, so I was going to put on dinner. Perhaps you could help if you like, as it's for you as well." Offering to take his cloak to hang up, Roslyn pointed her wand at the stack of logs next to the fireplace, which floated in the air for a second; before landing in their intended target, a fire soon starting. She preferred the natural light in comparison to running up the electricity.

[Theodore Nott]

What a delightfully unexpected turn of events. When all had seemed to be turning out for the worse, here he was in Hogsmeade standing in front of Roslyn's quaint home. Of course, this house was nothing next to Theodore's lavish estate, but he knew he would feel perfectly at ease here. Especially so once the storm hanging overhead really kicked up as it threatened. Theodore returned the witch's smile, the amusement he'd been feeling still shining in his eyes. He had no idea what Roslyn was up to. Hopefully, before the night was out, answers would be had.

Following Roslyn through the door, he remembered his last visit, and instantly banished it. Things were heated then, now would not be a good time to rekindle those feelings. Theodore had a puzzle to solve, a clear, calm mind was what he needed. "Tea would be fine, thanks.", he answered, peering about while unclasping his traveling cloak, and handing it to Roslyn. The fire she lit warmed the room quickly, Theodore was very tempted to settle himself on a nearby chair and watch as the grey storm clouds rolled along in the sky. However, it seemed Roslyn had other ideas.

"Help? Shall I fetch my Elf? That way we have nothing to think about. We can just sit, relax." The kitchen was foreign land to Theodore. The only reason he need enter one was to find his House-Elf, and that was a rare treat for everyone involved when that had to happen. Besides, the chair and fire are really inviting. With a cup of tea, it would almost feel like home.

[Roslyn Levere]

Quickly walking to hang up both their slightly damp cloaks, Roslyn had to pause, unable to help the small bout of laughter from escaping. Of course. It was of no surprise at all Theo had suggested calling a house elf, as he was certainly used to them tending on him hand and foot. Roslyn knew he'd probably never fixed his own meals, simply because there was no need; and while she was no Hermione Granger when it came to the elves, Roslyn found no need for them here either. Why have them running about doing things she was perfectly capable of doing herself?

"Have you ever actually tried cooking?" Again she was certain she knew the answer to that, but Roslyn wasn't trying to assume anything this time. Genuinely curious, watching Theo bright eyed with amusement. He too seemed jovial for whatever reason, no doubt questioning her every move. "It actually can be quite relaxing...I've always desired a man who could cook personally.." Saying the latter in an offhanded way, Roslyn continued. "Though it is intimidating to those new. There are no house elves here, Theo because they aren't needed, and you needn't call yours from whatever duties it's already doing. Unless... you're frightened of failing."

The air had shifted, as Roslyn teased him good naturedly. If there was anything about Theo she thought she might be familiar with, it was pride. Beaming with mirth, Roslyn stared, a challenge clear in her eyes. This wasn't Nott's lovely estate. He was indeed going to walk into a whole other world if he stuck around with her long enough. Leaving him time to decide, Roslyn shrugged, turning to head into her kitchen. She knew exactly what she was in the mood for, pulling out fresh vegetable and herbs to mix up, biding her time. "You can start with putting on the tea, if you like. There's fresh tea leaves in the top shelf."

[Theodore Nott]

Theodore followed Roslyn to the kitchen, shaking his head slightly. She knew he didn't cook, Roslyn wasn't daft. So what was this all about? Did she mean to make him look foolish in there with all those unknown gadgets? Whatever it was, it stopped being his focus, because now she confronted him with a challenge.

"I'm not frightened of anything. Is it wrong to prefer relaxation with such perfect company while our meal was happily cooked by someone else?" He glanced around, trying to quickly acclimate himself with the objects in the room. Thankfully, Theodore wasn't dim, and he knew water and a kettle was required for tea. A frown pulled the corners of his mouth down. He didn't spot a tea kettle. "Umm... Where might you keep the..." Theo turned this way and that, hoping he overlooked the missing pot, because the tea leaves were right where Roslyn said. "Tea pot? I don't see one?"

See. This is why House-Elves were kept. People like Theodore shouldn't even have to bother with this sort of thing.

[Roslyn Levere]

In spite of Theo's words, it was quite clear the moment he stepped into the kitchen, that he was in new territory. Though he wasn't trembling, his usual confidence had dimmed slightly seeing so many unknown things. And honestly it wasn't something Roslyn fed off of. She didn't intend to mock Theo for not knowing the same things she did, her whole point being to teach him something new. Like the rewards of doing things yourself. It was the little thing that counted. "No it isn't wrong. However, I also don't think going through the steps and learning them yourself will hurt either, Theo." Replying simply to his words, Roslyn sat the vegetables down she'd began to wash and peel in a small bowl in the sink, drying her hands before walking over to the cabinet near herself to pull out the tea pot.

"Ah, I'm sorry about that." Handing the pot over to Theo, Roslyn pointed to the fridge. "Fresh cream should be on the first shelf in there, honey is right by the tea leaves if you prefer that over sugar, which are all next to each other. Cups over there." Pointing where everything was, Roslyn smiled. It was odd sharing her kitchen with Theodore. However lovely as well. It wasn't often she allowed people back to her home, therefore she lived a lonely life. It was nice having someone else along at the moment.

Falling into rhythm of peeling and washing carrots, Roslyn was quite content to stay in silence. However to make the time pass faster, she thought on questions to ask, settling on one fairly personal. "If you don't mind me asking Theo... how old were you when your mother passed? And why did she.... you know." Glancing over at him from over her shoulder, Roslyn wait on baited breathe. It was quite a random topic, and unbelievably heavy. But she did wish to know more about the one person Theo trusted most. She wished to know more about the man himself, however she only hoped he wouldn't clam up.

[Theodore Nott]

"Thanks.", Theodore replied, taking the tea pot, and nodding as Roslyn pointed out all the accoutrements for the tea. As ridiculous as he thought this whole idea was, he quietly went along setting everything. Well...quiet for the most part. "Tea isn't new. I'm not learning anything with this..." He muttered to himself as he came face-to-face with the stove.

If Theo wasn't a wizard, the process of making tea would've been far worse than it was. Just all the extra steps a Muggle would have to take for such a simple procedure would have done him in. As it was, he didn't have to worry about all that fuss, and his wand prodded the top of the stove before taking aim at the teacups to match them up with their saucers now settling with a rattle on the counter. He filled the kettle with water while the stove warmed up, and gave a flick of his wand in the direction of the sweeteners, sending them off to join the cups.

At first Theodore didn't quite notice how quiet the kitchen was until Roslyn spoke again. Her question came as he set the kettle on the stove to boil, and took him by surprise. The subject of his mother wasn't all that cheery, so for a moment it hung heavy in the air before Theodore turned to face Roslyn with a less than welcome expression. "I was about four or so..." He didn't offer any more with his answer, Theodore wasn't about to start confiding in someone now after all these years of keeping it all within.

"Accio." Theo spoke in barely a whisper as he turned away from Roslyn, and focused on summoning the container of tea leaves. Well now. That certainly sucked out any fun in the air.

[Roslyn Levere]

"I was even younger, when losing mine." Roslyn decided not to press that he didn't answer her whole question, content with as little information he would actually give. "I know it was..." Taking a silent breath, Roslyn shook her head. "It's not something you ever get over. To be so young must've been quite hard on you. Still Theo... I envy you in a way." Laughing at how ridiculous that sounded, Roslyn turned back to her task. She hadn't missed the look on Theo's face. She knew this was a subject he was less than fond of, and though it changed things significantly, she felt it was important. Weren't they supposed to be getting to know one another? That's what friends did right?

"Nevermind.. it wasn't the best subject to bring up." Shaking her head, she fell silent again, washing the vegetables needlessly. She meant to leave the subject as it was, but couldn't help adding to it. "I just... I mean you did have some years with yours. At least you know that.. bringing you into this world couldn't have had anything to do with her departure. For years, I regretted even being born. Had I not... there might be one person left in the world who loved me beyond my faults. It's a selfish reason I know.. but when you have a father who would rather love a stranger than his own flesh. Makes you feel kind of worthless. And one thing I believe in spite of not knowing my mother, is she had to love me if she was willing to keep me. I'd give anything, Theo.. anything to have someone left."

Spilling more than she'd intended, Roslyn decided it didn't matter. She couldn't exactly be a hypocrite. If she wanted to inspire trust in Theo, she would have to show. Listening for a moment of the sounds of the tea brewing, she took another breath. "I just thought that was something we could find common ground in, is all."

[Theodore Nott]

Roslyn and Theodore had found another commonality between them. Sure, there were small differences in their stories, but the endings are the same. Both are motherless, and for all intents and purposes, fatherless as well. As Roslyn spoke, Theo set the container of tea on the counter without a sound before he slowly turned to face her again as she spoke. The story was a sad one. To hear all of it would likely bring tears to most listeners. Theo, though, he remained impassive.

He couldn't find any sympathy for Roslyn. The memories of his mother's death were too busy assaulting him mentally for any sort of feelings, other than anger and despair, to be conjured.

"It's always with me...sort of haunting me. I suppose that would be because I happened to be present when my mother...died. Imagine that. Three, maybe four years old and your mother drops dead. Right...right in front of you." Theodore grinned darkly. "Sure those few years before were grand. We were a happy little family... More damage was likely done upon witnessing my mother's death at such an age, but as long as I had a few years..." His voice was hollow as he spoke.

Roslyn wasn't at fault. She was merely trying to be friendly. It didn't matter though. Theodore was silently blaming her for drudging up such awful memories. And, as much he wanted too flee, he remained rooted to the spot as a slow burn began to build at the base of his skull which threatened one of his debilitating headaches.

[Roslyn Levere]

As Theo spoke, revealing more intimate details of his story, Roslyn turned to give her full attention. What came next caused an unexpected wave of guilt to creep through her veins, turning her blood to ice. A heavy weight weighed in her stomach, as Roslyn hung on to every word Theodore said. He was right, again. Truly being there to witness a loved ones death had to be far worse. Roslyn could hear the hollowness in his voice as he spoke, bordering on anger. She knew at that moment more than ever these waters were dangerous, and impossibly deep. And the feeling that this was partially her fault wouldn't go away.

"I didn't mean-" Feeling as if someone were tugging at the strings of her heart, Roslyn shook her head. Regret heavily coating her words. She hadn't meant to be cruel. Shed only meant Theo had something good of his mother to hold on to. Roslyn hadn't meant for a lot of things to happen; and yet they had. "I'm sorry, Theo.."

Truly she was sorry in more ways than one. For bringing up the darkest subject of their existence she knew. For the irreversible affect losing their mothers had on both of them. Roslyn knew there wasn't anything she could do to lighten Theo's burden, however that didn't mean she wouldn't try, as she took his hand in hers. She wasn't even aware of when shed walked the short distance towards the darker haired man; however it didn't matter.

Taking a moment to examine the back of his hand, brushing her thumb across the soft skin, Roslyn looked up at Theo. She wasn't sure what else to say, other than sorry. So she leaned up on the edges of her toes, to press a small kiss upon the corners of his lips. Hoping that the small action would express more words than she could find. She was there as a friend if he needed her.

[Theodore Nott]

The heat that warned of a headache the equivalent of a Muggle migraine started to pulsate at Theo's temples. Stress brought on by the subject of mothers was the trigger. Theodore could only try to calm himself to keep the promising agony at bay, but Roslyn's actions weren't all that helpful.

He stared silently at the witch, tugged his hand away from hers, and took a step backward, bumping into the stove. Theo was not at all accustomed to being handled with such care during a moment as intense as this. Roslyn sounded and looked truly remorseful, but he didn't trust it. After years of being the only person to care for himself, Theodore couldn't trust Roslyn. He had no idea how to. Leaving was probably the best plan.

Of course, leaving was not the only option left to Theo. He could stay, see where all of this was headed. But first, his head needed attention. Theodore will be utterly useless if he doesn't try to sort out his pain. "Have you any vervain...feverfew? Or even a sprig or two of peppermint?", he asked in a raspy voice just as the tea kettle blasted out the whistle indicating the water was ready.

[Roslyn Levere]

Watching Theo carefully, Roslyn's brow furrowed. He seemed to be in physical pain.. though she wasn't quite sure why. She supposed upon further thought she could've figured it out. Emotional trauma could just as easily affect ones physical form; However in that moment, she was honestly just torn. Both concerned for Theo, and still dealing with her own heavy feelings. One thing was for certain. She knew Theo was a complicated man, however if she had had the foresight to know walking into the Leaky Cauldron on this night, would end up in this much confusion and angst... Roslyn wasn't sure if she would've chosen to go or not. On one hand this was progress, but on the other she felt as if she were failing Theo some how.

"Are you.. is there anything I can do?" Catching herself before she asked a stupidly obvious question, Roslyn's hand lingered in the air as Theo pulled away. The urge to help burning strong. "Theo..." Just as she made to take another step closer, where he had taken a step back, Roslyn paused at Theo's request, flinching at the same time at the loud whistle of the tea kettle.

Peppermint? Without a doubt she had at least that hanging around somewhere. Nodding as she moved to take the kettle off the stove, Roslyn turned in the same second. "Yes, of course. I'll get it for you, Theo. Why don't you sit down, I could.. bring you your tea." All original plans of having him help along with dinner and everything had long since flown out the window. It wouldn't be the first time Roslyn had to put a guests needs before all else. But for a reason she couldn't place, it was different with Theo. Roslyn felt she owed him some sort of relief, since this was her fault.

"Way to ruin things, Rose. Now you've made the man ill." Murmuring to herself, as she walked in quick strides to give Theo what he'd requested, Roslyn turned to prepare the tea; giving a glance back to make sure he didn't fall over at least. "Bloody brilliant you are, Levere." Continuing to scold herself, she tried to still her hands which shook slightly, balancing the cups of tea as she bent to set them on the table. Using her wand to summon the sweeteners, and cream.