Victoria couldn’t help notice him smile and shake his head. Had she said something amusing? Though she didn’t mind seeing his smile it was very nice. Her smile matching his as they walked.

“Oh no I don’t mind at all.” She really didn’t mind it was her birth name after all, plus she like the way he pronounced it. As they made their way towards their table she let go of his arm and took her seat. He was holding out her chair, what a gentlemen he was. “Thank you”
As she watched him take his seat she glanced at the menu, though she had been here a few times. Her mind drifted to the last time she had entered this place of business. Taking a sip of water she certainly forced that thought out of her mind. She wanted to have fun this evening and thinking about past things was not going to help.

“How has your summer been so far?” She hoped it was going well. He deserved it for as hard as he probably worked through the school year. Her smile playful she chuckled a bit, “busy with all your new found stardom from that article?” Maybe he had been on a few dates. It was his business not hers, but she could still joke about it. At least she hoped she could.

"You're welcome," Cosgrach said softly as he swiftly moved to sit across her. He grabbed the menu too, though he knew what he was going to eat: steak.

Oh, she was done with checking the menu? He looked up at her and smiled, which turned into a soft laughter with her next comment.

"It's alright. I'll visit a few friends abroad," he said, "not really. No one's owled me." He shrugged casually. Of course, there were Nessa and Cassie, but they hadn't really owled him anyway. 'sides, Cassie wanted Javy, and Nessa was... such a sweetheart, actually... hmm...

Being a Slytherin, it was easy for him to shun unwanted ideas, so he forgot all about Nessa for the time being and focused on the woman in front of him.

"How is yours?" He signalled to the waiter to come as they'd both selected what they were going to eat.

“Oh you said about going abroad when you were at the house. That sounds like it will be fun.” She wondered exactly where he would go, but figured it wasn’t her business to ask. Bart had talked her into a little trip once he was back from his dad’s, but she’d have to fully see.

She couldn’t help the mixed feelings inside. She felt bad that no one had owled him, because he was a very handsome and sweet man. He deserved many owls of interest, but at the same time she couldn’t help but be kind of glad he didn’t get any either. If he did he may not be sitting across from her at this moment. “Well I’m sure there has to be interest, maybe they are just too shy to make that move.” She knew she’d be one of them. Not really one to make first moves in anything.

Taking a sip of the water on the table she smiled, “It’s going alright. Bart’s now at his father’s and step mothers. So it’s quiet around the house most days.” She didn’t want to bore him with family things though, but she really wasn’t that interesting now was she. “The ministry is a bit crazy with all their issues, but I’ve been busy with all the new rosters and team things.” She loved her job and could talk about it for hours.

It was nice to get away from home and do something frivolous once in a while. With the kids shipped off to his parent's home in Brixton for the evening, Freddie thought it would make a nice change to visit London for the evening, and suggested to his wife that they meet here after work for dinner.

A native of the city himself, and despite how busy and bustling it was here in London, Fred always felt an odd sense of calm when he came back here. He seemed relaxed as he walked along the street to the restaurant near the Ministry of Magic.

He opened the door and headed inside, knowing he was early and that Trixie probably hadn't yet arrived. He spoke to one of the waiting staff, who showed him to a table where he ordered a drink for while he waited.

Having got changed out of her uniform due to the fact she was likely to get a few strange looks walking through muggle London wearing the traditional Healers garments and also because she had arranged to meet her husband in a restaurant, the blonde woman crossed the street to push open the door. She was tired, she had to admit but she was looking forward to a well deserved dinner. Alone. Without four children requiring their attention.

She would've approached the waiter had she not spotted the familiar unfortunately cropped hair sat alone at a table for two. She leaned over to kiss his cheek before placing her handbag safely under the table. She had never been comfortable in muggle areas and despite Freddie being there she was still wary.

"Hello handsome" she smiled fondly across the table. "Have you been waiting long?" she asked glancing briefly down at her watch noting she was perfectly on time as per usual. She assumed the children had gone to his parents despite that the twins played up often. She could only hope that they didn't have her nephews too, she was sure the twins were plotting something against them. "Did the twins go without a fuss?" she asked chewing the corner of her lips.

Freddie sat and looked out the window, watching the snow falling softly and people dashing to their destinations to get out of it as quickly as possible. He was glad to be inside in the warmth. He heard the familiar voice of his wife and looked up, offering her a soft smile. “You're cold.” he commented after kissing her cheek. “Not too long.” He replied to her question. Just long enough to order a drink without receiving accusing looks from his wife.

He picked up his drink and took a sip, nodding to Trixie's question. “They were fine actually. But I promised to take them to the cinema at the weekend if they behaved.”

“How was work?”

You're cold. It was a typical response from her husband and the twenty-seven year old shook her head with a smile. "Actually I'm quite toasty in this coat" she giggled slipping it off and placing it over the back of her chair. "I think you'll find its you that's cold" she planted one more kiss on his forehead before sitting down in her chair. It was mostly due to the fact he had absolutely no meat on him at all. He was getting worriedly thin and the blonde couldn't help but feel concerned for her husbands wellbeing. "Perhaps if you ate more you'd have some padding under your skin" she sighed.

Her attention was quickly drawn to the drink he had ordered and being in a public place and not wanting to spoil the evening, Trixie managed to keep her mouth shout. She wrinkled her nose however and ordered a glass of wine as the waiter came round to take their first orders. "To see what?" she asked flicking through the menu to find the vegetarian options. She was glad the twins had behaved for their father however, they could be an awful handful.

"Nothing out of the ordinary" she commented looking up from her menu. "In fact, it was rather quiet for the time of year." She was glad however, as satisfying as it was to heal patients there were times in which the former head girl was so exhausted when she came in from work that she just collapsed on the sofa and had no time to socialise with her family.

Freddie watched his wife. She looked so pretty after being out in the cold. Cheeks flushed and glowing. “Your skin feels cold to the touch.” Although Freddie certainly felt the cold more than most people, he was comfortably warm in the restaurant. He shook his head, glancing at the menu and choosing to ignore that last comment.

“There's a new animation out. The boys actually sit and watch movies on the big screen instead of paying attention to each other.” Or so Fred had found last time he took them all to the flicks. They were younger then, and less demanding.. Fred eyed the menu, his eyes settling on the burger meals. He looked up at Trix and back at the menu again, deciding against it. She'd never go for it.. But they looked really good.

“That must've been a nice change.” He said softly, picking up his drink and taking a sip. “Everyone's avoiding the snow” He mused quietly. “A bit of white stuff and London comes to a stand still.” He cast his eyes over the fish dishes as he spoke. So much choice. He was finding it difficult to make a decision.

Belle decided to go to the restaurant after looking at the ministry for a bit. She hoped to work there one day. But she just graduated from the wizards university so now she was looking for jobs. She didn't know what she could do with potions. Her dad was livid. He was saying she needs to go to an american university now. Belle couldn't live being a disappointment and needed to get away. She always needed to be perfect in his eyes. She was the prefect for two terms. She graduated valedictorian in her college class. But finding jobs were hard in the wizarding world.

She got her own seat in the restaurant and got a glass of root beer. She needed a comfort drink right now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Expecto-Penguin

Belle decided to go to the restaurant after looking at the ministry for a bit. She hoped to work there one day. But she just graduated from the wizards university so now she was looking for jobs. She didn't know what she could do with potions. Her dad was livid. He was saying she needs to go to an american university now. Belle couldn't live being a disappointment and needed to get away. She always needed to be perfect in his eyes. She was the prefect for two terms. She graduated valedictorian in her college class. But finding jobs were hard in the wizarding world.

She got her own seat in the restaurant and got a glass of root beer. She needed a comfort drink right now.

Kyle couldn’t believe how rude the guy had been. Her first time using a dating service and the guy had enough brains to show his true colors in the first five minutes. It would have been a miracle if she ever wrote to the guy again in her life.

Still, she needed food, comfort food….and someone to talk to. As she walked into the restaurant she couldn’t help but sigh. She didn’t see any of the few select friends that she really had kept in contact with.

Sure she did look around to see if anyone looked remotely less muggle in the restaurant. She did of course try to look more muggle whenever she went into town to the restaurant. Right now though she was glad the ministry wasn’t open quite yet.

She didn’t want to be testing out brooms when all she wanted to do was take a big gulp of some warm beverage and talk failed relationships with a girl remotely her age. First thing she needed to do was to make friend with girls her age. As she glanced around the shop she couldn’t help but notice a slightly familiar looking girl. Hadn’t she gone to Hogwarts with her?

Walking up to the table she smiled, “Hi, um…you well, this is going to sound odd but did I go to school with you a while back? A school with odd house names and house mascots like gryffins, snakes…honey badgers…and eagles even though it should have been ravens?” She asked trying to be as discrete as possible.

It wasn't everyday that you sent your former professor, who thought you were worthless, a lengthy letter persuading them to meet you for business. Louisa never thought she'd be writing professor Scabior any time in her ENTIRE life post-Hogwarts, but there she was. Four years after graduation, sitting at a restaurant in her best diplomat smart suit and shimmering gold top all grown-up like waiting for the man to show up.

Or not.

She ran all the scenarios in her head this morning,there was nothing-- nothing at all, Dash Scabior could do that would surprise or shock her today. Not showing up was on top of her list.

Part of him felt as though this meeting would be a joke, and would end up waisting his time. Another part of him actually hoped it was because Louisa Carter was one of the few students who he had always wanted to transfigured into a toad. And now that he wasn't her Professor?

Well, toad proceedings were probably less likely to be frowned upon.

Donning Muggle attire consisting of a suit jacket and trousers, Everett Scabior walked into the restaurant. Taking only a few seconds to scan the room, he quickly spotted the person he was suppose to be meeting."Miss Carter."A nod, as he sat down across from her.

Louisa was staring at the entrance with a bored expression on her face and her crossed legs swinging form side to side. He was not coming... it was obvious... she had to go stalk him to-- Oh. He came. She straightened up, ignoring the knot forming in her stomach, and nodded at him as he sat down. "Prof-- Mister Scabior." eeep It felt kinda good to call him Mister, they were almost on the same level now. No one had authority over the other. She liked that.

"I am pleased you decided to take some time off your schedule." Though what DID he do now that he wasn't teaching? Run that publishing firm? "I heard you and professor Schirmer are now partners, I have to say this is very unexpected. My belated blessings." She was kind of trolling him there, giving her blessings, heh heh.

ANYWAY. Ahem. On to business.

..... "Would you like a cup of coffee and some bagels?"

He was staring at her, Carter, as he leaned back slightly in his chair. Surprisingly she was dressed in a business attire and this whole meeting did not appear- at least upon first glance - to be a joke.

But then she opened her mouth.

A single eyebrow rose. Unexpected and...was the girl really giving him her blessings?"Interesting how you refer to my wife as Professor yet for me, nothing." Favouritism maybe? Hm? Had she not adored him as a Professor?

"Just tea please. And perhaps a cup for yourself as well." Yeah, go ahead, have one. He allowed it.

Louisa couldn't help but smirk widely at Dash's she was calling him that in her head okay? okay statement. Jealous, was he? Bahaha. "Professor Althea is one of the people I look up to, even now. She was encouraging, and didn't think I was worthless." Like some History professors, not naming names or anything.

Anyway. Tea. Okaaaay, British much? She nodded, ignored his 'allowing' her one too and went to fetch them a cup of tea, a cup of coffee and a plate of doughnuts. Dash Scabior was dry enough, some fatty chocolate pastries gotta balance things out for her. It didn't take long, thankfully, and soon Louisa was back with the waiter, who looked sour-faced, touchy staff she didn't mean to 'badger' anyone geez. "Thank you." Now off you go.

"Ahem." She took a sip of her coffee, trying to find the appropriate way to start. "I think it's mandatory that you know I've studied Diplomacy and Wizarding Relations in the WU in Wellington." So she wasn't practically bragging... except her tone was awfully proud. "I graduated a few months ago, and my graduation thesis rose to the expectations of my professors there. I worked really hard for four years, and I'm happy to learn they think it's worth publishing." Her fingers were nervously tapping her coffee cup. "Then, uhh, I want to work on it a little more. Well, not a little, a lot. I am working on changing it from just a thesis to a book. For everyone to read."

...

... catching her drift?

Dash drummed his hand against his thigh, more amused than annoyed by the smirk that Carter had plastered on her face. "That's nice." Althea? Encouraging? He would have laughed at the idea but he already knew how she was with certain children so, it wasn't far fetched at all. Plus, he had sat in a few of her classes, and alright...fine. It was true. "I would not let students I thought were worthless take my OWL and NEWT classes." And that was all he was going to say about that.

Annoying, yes. Worthless, no.

She got up and left it didn't take long for to her return with the necessary items to keep them both sane during this meeting. Nodding at the waiter, the ex-Professor took a sip of his tea an proceeded to listen. As she spoke about her education and schooling he didn't say a WORD. Lousia Carter. Diplomacy and Wizarding Relations. It made absolute sense. It was field that called for loud obnoxious people who could talk their way out of paper bags. Annnd then she was trailing off. Dash took a few more sips of his tea before placing it on the table and leaning forward. "Right off the bat, two things; if you think you still need to work on it and they believe it's already worth publishing their judgement can't be sound at all." That was the first thing he had to say. The second? "Show me it. Your thesis." If she was so very proud of it and all.

When someone like professor Dash said something like that, Louisa took it to heart. He didn't think she was worthless even though her younger self deeply believed so. She tried not to cave into the tingly sensation that was pride and happiness and worthiness. And people said she overreacted, pffft, this was not true.

The subtle nervous moves of her hands and fingers, though, suggested that it mattered to her whether Dash found her thesis worth making into a book too or not. This implied feeling, somehow, made her annoyed. "Yeah, no, my thesis is finished, I did graduate. I just meant I need to work on it so I can make it into a book for the public, not just for those into my field of study." So she had to rewrite certain chapters and simplify certain words and concepts, it was't as easy as she thought it would be. "Uh yes, sure. I brought a copy with me, it's quite wordy, I don't expect you to read all of it." She wanted him to, but she did't expect it. "I was just... wondering about the whole publishing business. I've never... written a book before." Louisa opened her bag and fished out the two-hundred-page thesis titled, 'Blood Status Study: What To Change & What to Keep in The Wizarding System'.

She did slip pass the fact that she thought it was her honor good fortune to have him help her with this; There were plenty of writers and publishing places in this country. Big country. Many other places to go. Yeah. She wasn't pointing out anything to Dash. No. This doughnut was pretty good, though!

He did notice the twitches of her fingers and hands and it wasn't as if the man actually cared. He had meetings with new authors all the time, sometimes some so nervous they began sweating through every pore on their body. Dash simply overlooked it. But seeing as how Louisa was one of his former students, he did do his best to not look like he had better places to be. "So in essence you're coming to me with unfinished work." The words came out as lightly as he could make them but, a meeting like this was normally set up when the work was at a stage where the author believed it could not longer be improved.

And this wasn't something you got a second chance in.

Quite wordy. Did not expect him to read it all.

Carter did not know him at all.

"I plan to read every single word of it." Picking up the stack of papers his eyes lit up just slightly at the title on the top page. Thumbing through it a bit, Dash nodded. "It's fairly simple. You send in your manuscript or set up a meeting like this one of your completed work. I or someone else employed by me, reads it decides if it's worth publishing or not. If not then you get a letter saying sorry but not sorry, your work is crap and we don't want it." He paused, already scanning the first page of the thesis. "But if the former we set up another meeting. Discuss issues like contracts where of course the talk of editing, money, sales come into play and then hopefully we'll have your book up on the shelves within a year." Give or take of course.

"I can already tell you however that your topic is one that has been brushed aside in recent years and so that does give you a higher chance of getting published." Placing the thesis back on the table Dash took another sip of his tea. "Also, it is something that I myself am interesting in." She could take that how she wanted as well. He titled his head just slightly. "Does that clear some things up for you?"

Louisa's shoulders dropped a little at Dash's comment. Yes, she came to him with unfinished work-- well, her thesis was finished but the book that was supposed to be published was not. It was harder than she thought to simplify a scientific paper and make it interesting enough for people in general. She needed help, but she wouldn't just ask for it.

At least he wanted to read every single word of it! She tried not to look too happy by that, keeping a cool demeanor was one of her newly acquired specialties. "Okay. I understand. So I must send you the finished version of my book... draft. I don't have an editor, or a designer for a book cover, I will have to change the title as well. Are those details and others provided by you?" IF they agreed to publish her work.

But he said he was interested in the subject of the book, personally interested, that raised her hopes up marginally. Still trying to keep a cool, poker-face look, though. "I'm glad. May I ask why do you find it particularly interesting, sir?" Did he have anyone Squib in his family? Hmm?

"But yes, that does help me a lot, thank you." For explaining things and for giving her some of his time. And not making fun of her education or thesis.

Once Cossy had to leave, Victoria did what any normal person would do. She got all giddy, freaked out a bit, and then owled her best friend. The freaking out part was still in her with knowing how quick this was going to be. They were going to plan something like this in just over a week. Though it would be small, so it shouldn't be that bad. Just something simple, that was perfect for her.

Relieved a bit that Mariel was able to meet for lunch today, she wanted to tell her in person about all of her news. Knowing it was just over a week away, she knew the possibility of her being able to be there was probably slim. Everyone had their own plans for Christmas, but she'd ask her anyway and then drag her dress shopping, plus maybe some baby shopping if Mariel needed to.

Walking into the restaurant she followed the hostess to a seat in the corner and waited on her friend.

Mariel supposed it wasn't too unusual to receive an owl from Victoria to meet for lunch. They typically got together a few times over the Ministry break for social visits anyway. But there was a sense of urgency in the letter she had gotten, something she couldn't quite put her finger on, but she figured she'd soon find out anyway.

The brunette wanted to do a little shopping today as well.. she still needed to furnish the nursery and, while she did want to have Jorge's opinion on most things for the room, she was sure he wouldn't mind her getting a few things on her own especially since they had decided on a theme. Feeling a bit distracted as she let a few names tumble through her head, Mariel crossed the street to head into the restaurant. Once inside, she spoke briefly to the hostess before spotting Vic herself and she headed that way.

"Hello," she smiled, pulling out the chair across from her friend before taking a seat. "So.. how are things.. what's new?" It hadn't been long since she had seen or spoken to her last, but it would still be nice to chat a bit.

Victoria had ordered waters, she assumed with the pregnancy Mariel might just like that with lunch, so she sat sipping on hers while she waited. Tapping the table not impatiently just fidgety with the news that she had. She was in full freak out mode. How were they going to get everything planned, people actually coming with such short noticed, everything bought, it was just all going through her head. She had already felt like she knew the colors, because it was Christmas so why not have Holiday colors. Yes that would be perfect, but the rest. Nope it was all going to be a disaster if she didn't calm down.

Brown eyes lifting she spotted Mariel coming in and stood up, "Look at you." She couldn't help but put a hand on the belly, best friends were allowed to do that okay! "I know it hasn't been but maybe a week since I've seen you, but she's grown." Victoria beamed from the sight, Mariel was just beautiful pregnant. Sitting back down she grabbed a menu, possibly so her hand was facing towards her best friend. "Is she moving alot? How are things going with getting ready? Any names yet?" Yes, yes many baby questions. "Oh I've been packing away all our baby things since the girls are just getting too old for those type of things, you are welcome to anything. I have a ton of clothes." Someone might use them, she wouldn't be.

Mariel couldn't help but smile widely as Victoria reached for her belly. Normally she wasn't the touchy feely type, but she was very happy with her baby bump and she was more than happy to show it off right now. Not that a stranger could just put her hands on her belly though. "Oh, yes, I think she has," she agreed, looking at her belly and putting her own hands around her swollen middle as Victoria sat back down. "I really feel like I sort of popped out all of a sudden in the last week or so." She did like her cute bump now, but she wasn't sure how great it would be in her last month with as huge as she knew pregnant women could get.

Rather hungry all of the sudden, Mariel reached for the menu, green eyes scanning the selections, unsure of what she was really in the mood to eat. "She's moving quite a bit. Jorge can feel her sometimes too.. I think he really likes that." She lifted her eyes from the menu and smiled at the thought. "Still trying to work out a name.. but we've decided on a theme for the nursery. I think his sister might help with the decor." She just wasn't such an artist to do it herself and she did want it perfect for their baby.

The brunette smiled a bit wider as Vic mentioned baby clothes. Of course she loved to go shopping for baby clothes but she certainly wouldn't say no to gently used clothes as well, especially given her friend's taste in style. And it did help that she had twins so there was double the choice. "Oh that's so sweet, thank you.. of course I'd love--" She stopped suddenly as her green eyes caught the sparkle on Vic's ring finger and she just stared at it a moment, letting her mind process this information. "New jewelry?"Her eyes lifted to Victoria's face in an expectant look. Appeared that she did have something pretty important to say after all.

Laughing bit as she scanned the menu, Victoria remembered feeling like that. Though with twins she felt like she was popped out way to early. "I think you're right, but you look so cute with a belly. Pregnancy really looks good on you." She seemed so happy, which was the key thing. One thing Vic felt like she didn't have with the girls. There was too much drama around it. "Just be happy you won't be the size of a house like I was with the girls." With one she probably wouldn't be too much bigger.

"Oh is she? That's such a fun and comforting feeling." Those were things she missed and felt a little unsettled by lately knowing she'd never have that again. *sigh* she wasn't going to let herself think about that choice she made after the girls. No she did it for good reason, at least at the time. "That's exciting that he has felt her. How is he handling all the dad to be stuff." She would even admit that Jorge had come a long way, but this was still her best friend and Vic was still a bit on the I'm still watching you side of things. "You have plenty of time yet for a name. It will come. Oh? What's the theme?" She loved themes. "That will be very sweet of her and how wonderful to have a family member decorate." Such a wonderful thing.

Finally deciding what she wanted to eat Vic was about to set down the menu when Mariel caught sight of the ring. She grinned widely as she lifted it for her friend to see better. "Yes I guess I do. Cossy took me to a quidditch pitch last time and started talking about how we first met at a quidditch pitch and how he wanted to pledge his life on a quidditch pitch and then well he asked me to marry him!" She was bouncing just a bit with excitement. "Though that isn't all." She bit her lip and looked at her friend. "We decided on a small wedding in Scotland on December 22. I know it's just a little over a week, but it's going to be small and I think it will be doable. I just need to know if you would be the matron of honor, please!!!" She couldn't help but look at her friend in terrified anticipation on her answer. "I was hoping maybe after lunch we could go do a little shopping since I have all kinds of things to buy." You know no big deal just a wedding dress and figure out bridesmaid dresses.

Mariel smiled again, glancing down as she ran a hand over a belly. "Thank you." Of course, she thought this stage of pregnancy rather suited her too, but she was glad others thought so too. Her eyes did snap up and widen a bit at Vic's next words. She was aware of how big women could get later in pregnancy but she'd rather not think of that just yet. "Well, to be fair, you did have two.. and I'm sure I'll get plenty big besides." She chuckled a bit. "Let's just hope I don't resemble a beached whale." So far she was pretty lucky with her shape and she hoped it would continue that way.

She did really love to feel her baby move. It was a bit to odd to think about a growing person kicking inside her belly, she supposed, but it was miraculous and amazing at the same time. And somehow made her feel like everything was going to be alright with the baby. As Vic asked about Jorge, Mariel smiled a bit wider thinking about how sweet he was with everything. "Oh he's wonderful, really.. I can tell he's excited for the baby, maybe a little nervous too, but that's normal. I'm nervous about things too.. He calls her our princess.. and takes really good care of us." She could admit to herself that she wasn't completely sure how he'd be as her pregnancy developed, even though she knew he wanted them to have a baby when they were planning for one. And maybe he'd still freak out a bit once the baby was here. But he really was so wonderful about everything and she could see that he was really happy which just made it all that much better.

Mariel completely lost her train of thought about baby names and nursery themes, especially when there was a shiny rock in her face that hadn't been there before. She grabbed Vic's hand as she held it out to examine what was clearly an engagement ring. That was certainly something she hadn't expected nor the words that soon followed. She lifted her eyes to her friend's face, smiling a bit as she recounted the story. It did sound awfully romantic.. "Next week?" Mariel blinked as she took a moment to process. "That's so sudden.." In fact, she didn't realize the two of them were that serious to contemplate marriage. But she soon smiled widely and got up to hug Victoria. "What I mean to say is, that's wonderful news.. just caught me by surprise, is all. And congratulations! Of course I'll be your matron of honor."

Sitting back down, she was still smiling as she looked across the table to Victoria. "Alright.. small is doable. We'll do some shopping today, maybe dresses first? Then what else will you need help with?" Maybe this was the perfect time to do it since they were off work and had time to spare to prepare things.