Roslyn's Home

[Theodore Nott]

With a clenched jaw, Theodore breathed deeply and slowly through his nose. The wailing from the tea kettle threw his headache into high gear, and it was all he could do to not scream out in agony. What seemed to be a pleasant time was headed for disaster quickly. If only... No. Blaming Roslyn wouldn't do. What was done was done. Now, he had to get through it.

It wasn't likely asking Roslyn to summon Silvery, a witch with amazing healing skills, was appropriate, so he would have to make do. At least that infernal whistling stopped, Roslyn had removed the kettle from the stove top finally. Peppermint added to his tea would do the trick. Hopefully. "Peppermint...in the tea..." Through his teeth Theo spoke as he all but dragged himself into the nearest chair.

He pressed his head against his hands and concentrated on breathing evenly, though Roslyn's mutterings broke through. "The tea should...should help." Theo said from behind his hands rather shakily. "If not...you've permission to lob off my head." Wow. A joke. Guess all this night might not be lost after all.

[Roslyn Levere]

Roslyn was no healer, that was for sure. The spells she knew to cure minor scrapes were only physical; if Theo had tripped and scraped up his palms like she had a few days ago, she could fix ti in a jiffy. However that obviously wasn't the case, and apparently Roslyn unable to figure out a thing for herself, as Theo informed her he'd meant peppermint in the tea. Of course. Like an idiot she'd only planned to hand him two sprigs.

"I'm so sorry." Shaking her head at herself, she fixed up the peppermint into the tea, holding his cup out for him. Honestly the poor bloke seemed like he'd explode any minute, his hands shaking so badly Roslyn feared he'd burn himself, placing a cooling spell on the piping hot tea as a last minute thing. Frowning deeply as she tried to think of something, before a light bulb went off in her head, eyes brightening with her idea. Well... her attempt at one anyhow.

"Perhaps there isn't a need to do you bodily harm, Theo. Now I'm no healer but-" But she like any other person had suffered headaches, and discovered a handy spell to use when pulling all nighters back in her Hogwarts days. Placing her wand to Theo's temple, Roslyn bit her lip. "No worries it's just a spell that should help.." Merlin knew she didn't need him freaking out with a wand this close to his face. Murmuring a spell, Roslyn took a step back, hoping it'd work. "It should at least ease the pain. Combined with the tea it should do the trick.." Hovering, she couldn't bring herself to sit just yet, wanting to be sure he was at least okay before hand.

[Theodore Nott]

"Thank you." Theodore said ever so quietly as he reached blindly for the cup. Even though the lighting was dim, he kept his eyes closed knowing any light at all would increase his discomfort. At least his frustration with Roslyn was ebbing. Only because he was now growing angry with himself. Never should Theo have allowed himself to be so bothered. How weak he must appear.

Theo took great care when lifting his cup to his lips, and while doing so, he couldn't help but think about how awful being blind would be. If his sense of sight ever failed, Theo knew he'd be a goner. There was no way he would be able to function. Death was definitely preferred. Oh! The tea wasn't scalding hot. Roslyn must have done something else besides fixing the cup for him. Bless her little heart.

One sip. Two sip. Three sip. Four. Soon my headache will be no more. A stupid little poem started in his head when suddenly he felt something against his temple. "What the-" Theodore flinched. Because he had yet to open his eyes, he had no idea as to what Roslyn was doing, and the sudden coolness from the tip of her wand on his temple kinda freaked him out. Only for a moment though as Roslyn was quick to speak an incantation.

"Ahh..." He sighed shakily with relief. Whatever the witch was doing it was helping, and Theo's stiffened form began to visibly relax as his pain had started to ease.

[Roslyn Levere]

As Theo's body slowly sank into the chair from its stiffened position, Roslyn let out a breath she hadn't been aware she was holding. At least she hadn't botched the spell up, and luck seemed to be deciding to give them a break. Keeping her eyes locked onto Theo, Roslyn took another step back, sitting on the edge of the sofa, as she watched his every movement. For a moment Roslyn didn't say a thing, still feeling extremely guilty and horrible; after awhile she took a shallow breath, before speaking. "I hadn't any clue what would come about, with me asking what I did." Whispering the words, Roslyn shook her head. She wouldn't dare mention the subject of his mother again, at least not in that moment. Picking at a string in the couch, she couldn't help thinking certainly Theo would hate her forever now. She'd never seen the wizard like this.

"My purpose for bringing you here was just...to show you there are simple pleasures in life. It wasn't just for you to make tea, and end up like this...I didn't expect anything, Theo. I don't want anything from you." Tracing her fingertips along the fabric of her sofa, Roslyn continued, her tone still barely a whisper. "When coming to the Leaky, the most I ever expected was to get halfway through work bills. Then you jump started everything by paying for my water.." Laughing a bit, Roslyn shook her head. "When talking to you, I only wanted answers..." She frowned. "Only now. I'm more confused than ever."

Allowing that to linger a moment, Roslyn turned her gaze back to Theo. "You said in the Leaky you couldn't depend on anyone else. Noone ever sticks around, or keeps their word. I'm only trying to show you, there is still good in the world. Still good people. In spite of...this mess I've made, I am a good person. And I do care, Theo. I care about you." Roslyn thought Theo would've laughed at her, if he'd been in his proper state. Her words tended to bounce right off the bloke. His armor of distrust and suspicion was hard to break through. But Roslyn had made a promise to try. She couldn't expect things to go smoothly every time. Or some huge break through when they'd only just run into each other after all this time.

"I'm not going anywhere, you know? Even if you were to flee into the night. We'd run into each other again, and again Id try to show you the proper ways of friendship. Everyone deserves it, Theo. Everyone needs someone, whether you'd admit it or not." Standing, she sighed making her way back into the kitchen, to give him his space.

[Theodore Nott]

The peppermint in the tea was tastey. Theodore repeatedly took in little sips as Roslyn went on about people being there for each other, and other such nonsense. His head was feeling loads better, that little spell mixed with the herbal tea really fixed things up in a flash. Though, it was the spell that really had the major effect. Nonetheless, Theo was still shaky, so he sat quietly. Not really trying to think to hard on much of anything, because he was more worried about eradicating the headache and all of its side effects.

Sip by sip things began to sharpen. Roslyn had left the room, but her statement still hung behind, looming over Theodore. Demanding his attention.

She cared for him... Those were her words, not his, and they lingered in his ears as though she was whispering them at that moment. Theodore looked to where Roslyn made her exit, his head tilting with wonder. How deep does this affection she feels run? There was only one way to find out.

Carefully, Theo lifted himself from his seat, and allowed a moment for the rush of dizziness to pass before he followed Roslyn back into the kitchen. He was more pale than ever, which was greatly noticed due to his dark clothing. But, that too, would pass soon enough for once he caught sight of the witch, his cheeks took on a slight flush. Roslyn really was an attractive woman. However, now, with the way the she appeared in this domestic environment something primal rose within. "Hey...", he greeted softly as he leaned himself against the entryway and grinned. Theo still didn't feel all that well, but he needed to know the degree of Roslyn's feelings, and his for that matter, so he was going to push past his weakness and get answers.

[Roslyn Levere]

Roslyn's departure from the living room was indeed to allow Theo room to think...partially. But at the same time it was her way of escaping. She knew it was only a matter of time before Theo was back to hisself, and frankly she didn't wish for another argument over disagreements. But nor did she want an awkward silence, as she opened up to an impassive wizard. Change took time. She knew this, and had reminded herself that seemingly every time she spoke to Theo these days, however it wasn't exactly the best feeling. Going out on a limb to extend a branch of friendship to company she normally didn't keep. Roslyn was a loner at heart herself, preferring her own company most days, though as she'd gone over earlier it did feel nice to have someone around sometimes. So for her to go out of her way to invite someone into her otherwise private life, was quite a big deal for her. Rejection felt as if salt had been thrown into an open wound... though to be honest, Theo hadn't exactly stated any sort of rejection. If anything a lack of belief, and sort of mocking... but it wasn't bad for him.

Beginning to grind up the fresh herbs for the vegetables, Roslyn went over the things said in the living room. She was sincere in what she said, but then Roslyn always tried to be honest whether her feelings were good or bad. The most she felt she could offer was friendship, but for someone like Theo who usually slept with random witches anyway, maybe that was what he needed most. Just an honest friend. Just as she went to find something to marinate the vegetables for awhile, Roslyn wiped off her hands, and turned only to step back in surprise. There Theo was, standing right in the entryway. Funny how his steps were still silent, even in his previously ill state.

Speaking of. He still looked under the weather, and Roslyn rose a questioning brow, as she leaned her hip against the counter at his grin. "You live." In reply to his greeting, Roslyn allowed a small smile to pull at her lips. Well he was standing. That was a significant improvement.

"I assume you feel a bit better, since you're here.." Gesturing to him, Roslyn narrowed her eyes playfully, still a bit concerned. "Though I doubt you should be standing quite so soon, Theo." Turning to pull her hair up off her neck, she stuck her wand in as a pin to keep it in place, whilst she cooked. Walking around her kitchen collecting pans and what not. She truly was famished. Vegetables cooked in herbs, and steak sounded lovely. "Hope you've not lost your appetite." Bending to place the seasoned vegetables in the oven, Roslyn smiled up at Theo.

[Theodore Nott]

"Was that spell meant to finish me off? If it was, you sure made a mess of it.", Theo kidded lightly. Second by second he felt more himself, though the knowledge of Roslyn caring for him didn't diminish any. "I'll be right as rain in no time." He waved off her worry, which felt good to have been given. Strange, yes. But good. Really good.

Perhaps he could do this, be friends with Roslyn. It couldn't hurt any, right? Of course, Theo's acceptance of this all will only go so far as he's been guarding himself for so long. "No... No, I don't believe I have." He shook his head gingerly, making sure not to induce a relapse. "What are you fixing?" As he asked his eyes traveled the length of her slender neck. Again, something deep within stirred at the sight of Roslyn being so like a...homemaker. But, Theodore quickly shunted the feelings aside, as this night was about starting a friendship and nothing more.

"I don't suppose I could help any? I mean, I'm useless of course, but I'm willing and able. I think..." Theo shrugged, not feeling comfortable at all. Well, at least he took the first step toward being all chummy, even if he did feel like an alien in his own skin. "I could...I could, ahh... I could set the table?" Yep. Definitely an alien standing there dressed like a wizard.

[Roslyn Levere]

It took Roslyn a moment to catch Theo's joke, as she wasn't at all used to him being... funny? All the same, she laughed, looking up at him again. "Well you know... unless my heart just won out in the end. T'was quite tempting. Luckily you're much more useful alive." It wasn't much of a joke, but Roslyn knew Theo had to know she was kidding on her part, a playful glint back in her eyes. Even if the two had been enemies she would never take such a cowardly approach as to get the man when he was ill. "You needn't worry, Theo. I'll wait till you're at your best before I decide whether to get you or not."

It was easy to fall into playful banter with Theo. But then that could be quite dangerous. Theo knew he could play the charming part quite well, even without trying- Roslyn shushed her thoughts before they traveled too far. They were both working on this trust thing. Only Roslyn was certain she was the only one having trouble dispelling certain feelings deeper than friendship. Merlin, what was wrong with her?

Standing from her bent position, Roslyn concentrated on what Theo was saying. She was glad to hear he wasn't concerned about his health. That meant things would be okay, though Roslyn couldn't help fussing over him a bit, turning to look him over. Just to make sure all was well... Merlin Theo was quite a fit man. Enough of this! Rose she chided herself, clearing her throat. "Well if you're certain...anyhow dinner will be done soon." Feeling her cheeks flush, as warmth spread from her neck to her face, Roslyn fanned her face delicately.

"Getting a bit warm here, yes?" Blinking as she was certain he'd asked something, Roslyn grinned, eyes brightening. "Oh! Vegetables with herbs, and steaks. Hope it's to your liking." It wasn't as if they'd gone over things they both enjoyed eating, so Roslyn had only thrown together something already in her kitchen. What came next caused her to turn towards Theo, watching him carefully. Surely he was joking? I mean. Of course her plans had been to have him help with dinner, and just chat... but he was. Actually asking?

Realizing she'd paused for too long, Roslyn shook her head, snapping from her daze. "Yes of course, you could... you could set the table. If you want." She wouldn't force him to do anything, half worried his health wasn't up to par just yet. But Roslyn couldn't help feeling odd as a new Theo emerged. This was very unlike him. "Is there anything in particular you like with your meals? I've some pumpkin juice... gilly water. Elderwine..." She was rambling.

[Theodore Nott]

Theodore took a few lazy steps into the kitchen, the headache all but gone, and his grin grew some. "I do hope you would. I'd be greatly disappointed if you didn't receive my very best.", he replied with a wink. Giving his all was something Theo did. There were high places he planned on going in life, doing something sloppy wasn't going to be effective. Like now, with this newfound friendship thingy he was going to give a go with Roslyn, he was going to put forth a good effort. No reason not to when perhaps this relationship could be a useful key in his future.

As Roslyn moved, Theo watched, and he realized this was a sight unseen to him. What with House Elves at home for this sort of work, he had never had the opportunity. Not even his mother took to the kitchen to fix him meals before she died. The sight was certainly a novelty, but also a very fine one for the view bending before the oven. "Looks scrumptious.", he said, the innuendo clear, and irretrievable. Oops. Old habits die hard...

Well now. It seemed as though Roslyn's train of thought was parallel to Theodore's. That is, if her blush was read correctly. And the fanning. Women, he noticed, tended to do just that whenever their minds travelled to a place that was less then pure. He didn't mind, but if he acted on these possible signals, everything would be thrown out the window.

Someone needed to stop him. Witches were likely to be his downfall.

"Mmhmm..." Theo purred unconsciously. Warm. That could be one word for it. He was definitely headache-free now, his concentration was totally centered on Roslyn, and all he envisioned doing to h-

Wait. What?

He wasn't supposed to be thinking like this. Not at all. If Roslyn was to be his friend, sleeping with her wasn't an option. For the shame of it all...

Taking a deep, cleansing breath, Theo reminded himself what he was doing here, at Roslyn's. There were going to have dinner, and a lovely time in each others company, not arms... Really, it was just as well. Roslyn wasn't exactly the kind of witch Theodore could take home to Dad. Julian Nott, if home at the time, would sniff out the Muggle sympathizer the moment she had a foot on the property. "Surprise me.", he answered with distraction. Choice of beverage was the last thing on his mind. He had to maintain control of himself, and not fall back into habits.

While magic would have been working smarter, Theo chose to set the table for dinner manually so he could take his time to sort himself out away from prying eyes. This situation was going to be more difficult than he thought. Self indulgence is in his nature, turning his back on it could very well kill him.

[Roslyn Levere]

Blast it all. Theo certainly wasn't making things any easier. Roslyn knew it was in his nature to indulge in witches, and just as usual he would pick up on any signals. She honestly wasn't trying to turn this evening into a less than innocent one. Roslyn's intentions were good. However she wasn't blind, nor anything less than human. Good intentions didn't always lead to the best of places; and one things was for certain. Giving into her deeper desires for Theo wouldn't lead to anywhere good. It wasn't just that Theo was a man who enjoyed the chase, then was well on his way after receiving his prize, but Roslyn had traveled this route before or something similar to it. At one point she had thought she'd seen a romantic interest in Theo, and look where they ended up. Besides. She'd had her fun. On her own terms, and so Roslyn wasn't left with unwanted feelings. She wanted to keep it that way.

"Well I'm glad it's looks to your taste," Ignoring the obvious double meaning, Roslyn let out a breathe. "I'll just go grab something then?" In reply to his statement, Roslyn dashed off to grab a beverage. Truly the faster she was out of such a...tense environment, the better. Roslyn tried not to think too much on the fact that this was the second time she'd ran in regards to Theo. Her earlier words to the wizard were biting her in the rear end. Eagle and snake. Indeed she was responding with flight. So cowardly, she chided herself. This was her house after all. Curse Nott and his ability to make her feel awkward in her own home. This had to stop!

She'd been in such a hurry to escape, when Roslyn traveled back into the kitchen from her cellar, she paused at the scene. Theo was setting the table. Theodore Nott. Was setting the table in muggle fashion. No magic at all. Surely the universe was spinning out of whack tonight... though it was very endearing. "For someone who's never done this before, you're a very quick learner, Theo. But then I'm certain you can do anything you put your mind to."

It didn't hurt to compliment the man right? Besides if she encouraged him, Theo wouldn't be so quick to dismiss these things. Roslyn may not have had extravagant things that could compare to the lifestyle he was used to, but she still considered the things she knew priceless. After all you couldn't take money, and jewels with you when you died. But the things instilled in your heart. Having chosen pumpkin juice, though Elderwine would've gone lovely with the steaks, Roslyn placed a chilling spill on the beverage to keep it cool. Pouring fresh tea into tea cups, in case he desired something warm with his meal.

"It's very kind of you to indulge in my wishes, Theo." Quiet, Roslyn gave him a grateful smile, to show she truly did appreciate that he was trying. That was all she could ask.

[Theodore Nott]

Setting the table wasn't difficult, Theo had seen enough dinner tables to know where most everything went. It was just strange to not have so many pieces of silverwear and dishes laid out. One fork, a knife, and matching spoon, easy enough. He added wine glasses, just in case it would be Roslyn's choice of beverage, and also gave a half hearted attempt at rolling the napkin up all fancy like. Needless to say, Theo ended up folding them under the cutlery instead. However, it still seemed as though something was missing.

Theo stared at his handiwork for a good moment, and tried to place what he was forgetting. Before he could get anywhere, though, he heard Roslyn returning from the cellar, and he looked up just in time to be complimented? Is that what she was trying to do? He wasn't sure, so he merely shrugged and looked back to the table to figure out what he has overlooked. It was no use, though. Roslyn's voice broke through his concentration.

"Isn't that what friends are for?" He asked, turning away from the table. Theo was going to go through with it he'd decided. No more innuendos. No more crafty seduction attempts. He and Roslyn were going to be friends. Only. "Pumpkin juice. Lovely." Theo smiled, nodding to the bottle. "This is going to be a real treat. Thanks so much for going out of your way."

[Roslyn Levere]

Isn't that what friends are for? It was still so strange to hear Theo refer to them as friends.To know that she was actually getting what she wanted. Roslyn supposed it would only take some getting used to... This friendship thing. In a way she felt just as new at this as Theo; she'd never even attempted friendship with someone like him. Roslyn smiled warmly, nodding slightly. "Yes...I suppose friends do these kind of things all the time.."

Watching for a few moments as he set the table, Roslyn glanced up as he spoke; unknowingly wondering what was missing from the table herself. "Oh...it's no trouble, Theo." Offering a small grin, truly happy for perhaps the first time that night... Or in awhile actually, Roslyn looked over the table, concentrating. What on earth was it that was mi- oh but of course. Eyes brightening with her discovery, Roslyn dashed off to grab a vase, and trim a few flowers curtsy of her wand, from the rose bush outside. Thankfully it was shielded from the rain.

"I hope you don't mind. Roses add quite a lovely touch in my opinion, may I?" Filling the vase with water, Roslyn placed the flowers in, arranging them on the center of the table. It was only a handful. Five or so... But they were lovely. As the aroma of freshly cooked vegetables filled the room, Roslyn again went off to the kitchen to finish off dinner. So perfectly cooked steaks, and vegetables awaited them. Walking out of the kitchen, with a plate of steaks in hand; Roslyn made a show of curtsying. "Your dinner is served monsieur, Nott." Putting on a comically air of importance.

She carefully set them on the table, deciding to save the trouble and waving her wand. In seconds the steaming plate of vegetables came drifting through the air, having made their own gravy, settling on the table quietly. With another swish of her wand, the fire which had been dying out roared to life. Classical music played softly in the background.

"And finished. " Tucking her wand away, Roslyn moved to take a seat, gestureing at Theo. "Guests first." She would wait for him to fill his plate first before getting to hers.

[Theodore Nott]

Of course. Flowers... Now he felt like a dolt for missing something so simple.

The roses Roslyn brought back from her garden were wonderful specimen. Theo was, for the second time that evening, reminded of his mother. Only this time, it was in a good way. "Not at all. You've done a fine job with them. My mother would be impressed." He spoke truthfully. The roses back home in his mother's garden were equal to the five beautiful buds arranged in the vase in the center of the cozy table set for two.

"Merlin Rose, the aroma... My mouth is watering." He called as Roslyn dashed into the kitchen again. The food smelled delicious, Theo couldn't wait to eat, and was thankful there wasn't a long wait ahead.

The witch returned in a flash, hands laden with steaks that looked heavenly. Theo chuckled, returning Roslyn's curtsy with a regal sort of bow, and sat himself at the table. "This looks amazing.", he complimented, digging in.

[Roslyn Levere]

Theo's mention of his mother was of course something Roslyn wasn't going to touch at all. The memory of the incident earlier that night hadn't been forgotten, only pushed to the back of her mind as Theo appeared to be well; and their evening wasn't ruined yet. In fact, Roslyn would say the evening was picking up quite a bit, in spite of the earlier tension of things she thought left best buried. The whole atmosphere was quite warm, and light.

Taking the compliment however, Roslyn felt a bit flattered. At the very least Theo always referred to his mother in a positive light; it wasn't the first time the young witch had received compliment in regards to her. And it wasn't something she took lightly; Roslyn felt approval from a woman she'd never even met, meant more perhaps than the opinion of her own parents. She knew it didn't make sense... however the thoughts in her head were of little importance.

As Theo returned her curtsy with a bow, Roslyn couldn't help thinking this was how things should be. Warm, and humorous between mates. Perhaps she only hadn't realized how much she was missing in her solitude, compared to being surrounded by the few people she could honestly call friends. Really, Theo actually seemed happy, which was a very good thing.

Happy that the food was appealing, Roslyn smiled beginning to cut her steak into pieces. "I learned to cook from my grandfather. He cooked for my grandmother everyday, in all the years they were together. Not that she couldn't manage...I suppose he only did it because he loved her." Roslyn didn't talk about her grandparents that much, as their deaths were still quite painful to relieve, and so she tended to stay away from mentioning them at all. But she figured there was no sense in burying good memories.

Really their story touched her, from the moment her gran had told her the story of how they met, when she was nine; her head upon her knee as she sewed a button onto Roslyn's blouse. If there was ever a love that was true, it was theirs. And Roslyn was certain noone loved their grandparents as much as she loved them. Falling into a comfortable silence, Roslyn ate quietly; a small smile upon her face as her head filled with fond memories.

[Theodore Nott]

Everything was so nice, very comfortable. While Theodore may often appear at ease wherever he finds himself, the truth is, he was always looking over his shoulder. Being the kind of person he was, enemies tend to out number allies, and it was always wise to be on ones toes, ready for anything. At Roslyn's, however, he truly felt relaxed. What with the uneasiness from earlier vanished and all. And it showed as he enjoyed the home cooked meal before him.

"I suppose he only did it because he loved her." That's right. People actually married for love. Theodore hadn't really thought about that seeing as his own parents weren't in love, and to hear it surprised him slightly. He chewed thoughtfully on that.

Love in a marriage would be ideal, Theo conceded. But really, it wasn't necessary. When it came to keeping the blood lines pure, falling in love with a partner was the last thing thought about. "I don't expect I'll find myself as lucky as them. My father has other plans..." As it was with most Pureblood families, marriages were arranged between two agreeable families. Theodore's father was one of those Purebloods, and had started mentioning things of such a sort not too long ago. Whenever that happened, Theodore vanished from sight as fast as possible. He definitely did not want to get married now. There were so many things he had yet to accomplish first.

"Do you think you will marry for love, Rose?" Theo's head tilted with curiosity. He was used he knew the answer, but Roslyn had been know to surprise once or twice.