: So, a little introduction is in order. (If you are not aware of my other fics relating to this fandom, then skip this part and begin reading.) This has no relation to Swept Away. However there is a one shot coming that is a part of Swept Away, along with a sequel in the works. That is all. Please enjoy reading.:
A young man, no older than 18 sat at the darkened desk in his study. The windows behind him letting in rays of light from the blistering sun outdoors. Children ran around the streets, magicians and commoners alike walking to get to their designated area of the day. The birds were singing, the wind was flowing gracefully. There was peace in London, although it was uncertain a few months ago if that would ever happen again.
Not even three months ago there had been an incident regarding spirit and human hybrids, their leader Nouda bringing havoc where ever he dare took a step. Commoners died, magicians were forced to give up their bodies, it was a tragic day in London. If not for young John Mandrake, London would have ceased to be. The man had taken London's life in his hands, working alongside his most trusted Djinni to take down the treacherous monster. When the danger had been defeated, many had believed the hero to have died.
Instead he had been saved by the ancient items on his feet. He claimed he threw the staff at the demon, throwing his body to the wind and praying he would make it out alive. It was a miracle that he did such a thing. He had been found near a mountain of rubble, a woman having run forward to get him to safety. If not for the woman, he would have died due to blood lost. The hero had taken a terrible blow to the side.
In response to his efforts and bravery, a statue was erected in his honor and he was given the title of Prime Minister. He would rebuild the way magicians and commoners interacted, he would help patch the slavery demons would go through, wishing for them to be treated with respect and even worked together with other members in his council to bring back those who were sent to war.
The man laid back in his chair, taking a short breather away from his paperwork. His hair was darkened, cut into a short and messy fashion. (In response to this hairstyle, he credits the appearance to a Djinni of his, claiming it was his idea to trim it in such a way.) His outfit held nothing more than a white dress shirt, the top buttons being undone with no tie and a pair of black suit pants and polished dark shoes. His blue eyes, filled with knowledge and ambition, closed in exhaustion. He was tired from this last week's work. His eyes reopened, glancing over to the nearby couch and coffee table.
On the couch sat a young woman, around the same age as himself, and an Egyptian male. The young man narrowed his eyes at the Egyptian, usually they would look as if they were only 14, however recently they had taken care into aging their guise to be around the same age as he. The two sat close to one another, the woman writing stuff down into a book while the Egyptian oversaw her work. The woman was learning how to read and write in multiple languages, she had wanted to expand her knowledge so when she goes to travel, she would not be without a way to understand others.
The woman had darkened hair, which she had dyed a while ago due to a previous event in her life. Her eyes were tired from glancing too long at the book in front of her and her skin, although still worn and held some lines, looked fine. The young man found her very beautiful.
As the young man opened his mouth to address the two, a knock resounded at his door. The three in the study rose their eyes.
"Enter." The man called, his voice harsh and back straightened.
In stepped another young woman holding a briefcase and small package in her arms, her brown hair cut short and dark eyes looking attentive. The young man's posture slackened, now feeling relieved in knowing who it was.
"Good afternoon, Piper. I hope you had a pleasant sleep."
Ms. Piper gave a small nod with a smile. "Yes, I did. I hope you had one as well, Sir." She looked at the couch and its inhabitants. "I see Bartimaeus and Kitty are joining us today."
"Yes, if you may recall Ms. Jones wished to learn more languages so she may travel. So, I requested Bartimaeus to help teach her."
Kitty rolled her eyes at this. "I did not. You said it would do me some good to learn so I wouldn't look like a fool."
Ms. Piper let out a small laugh. "I seem to recall this, yes." She looked to her arms. "Apologies, sir. But I believe I have something you may wish to look at." She set down her briefcase and took a better hold of the small package in her arms. It was no bigger than a thick book.
"If you would open it, please?"
"Of course, sir." She began to unwrap the package, placing the wrapping next to her briefcase. It was a small wooden box with no inscription. She gently opened the box and narrowed her eyes. She reached inside and withdrew a small clear glass bottle, containing a pink liquid and a letter.
"It's nothing magical, if that makes you feel any better." Bartimaeus spoke, pointing at the bottle.
Ms. Piper placed the box down on the floor, taking care as to not drop the bottle or letter. She held the bottle up to her eye, peering at the liquid. "It's a very pretty liquid, Mr. Mand –"
The young man coughed loudly, cutting her off. He cocked an eyebrow, a small smile on his face. Ms. Piper turned a shade of pink, smiling herself.
"I apologize, Mr. Underwood."
"You know you are allowed to call me my name, correct?" The young man teased. "You are too formal at times, Piper."
"Says the one who speaks as if he's got a stick up his-"
"The commentary is unnecessary, Bartimaeus."
"Ooh, pardon me then."
Ms. Piper shook her head slightly. "Again, my apologies Nathaniel." She turned her attention back to the bottle, before walking forward and placing the item onto Nathaniel's desk. She read over the letter in her hands. "It appears to be a love potion."
"A what?" Bartimaeus stood up, nearly knocking Kitty over. The girl sent a glare the Djinni's way.
"Really now?" Nathaniel rose an intrigued eyebrow, reaching forward and taking the item in his hands. It felt cool to the touch.
"According to this," Ms. Piper continued. "It is a love potion that intensifies the romantic feelings a person already has for another."
The Egyptian boy let out a groan, throwing himself back onto the couch. "Well, that's no fun." He crossed his arms. "Love potions are usually made to force someone in love with you, not to make them fall more in love. Besides, it sounds to me as if you have to make sure they're in love with you to begin with in order to make it work."
Nathaniel gave a nod. "Quite. It's rubbish, not that it would work to begin with anyway." He placed the bottle down, picking up a piece of paper he had been reading over previously.
"Why wouldn't it work?" Kitty questioned, her interest piqued.
"Oh, come now, Kitty." Nathaniel started, lowering the paper. "You don't believe in that kind of thing do you? Love potions are nothing more than a work of fiction. They don't exist." He gestured to the bottle with his free hand. "That's probably nothing more than water and food coloring."
"That's not exactly true, Natty boy." Bartimaeus corrected. "Back in my days, visiting Sheba there were berries that could make you fall in love if you ate a certain amount of them."
"You're making that up."
"I would never." Bartimaeus sung out. "I tried the berries, they were quite tasty mind you."
"Now I know you're lying."
"How's that?"
"You can't eat anything that is not living. It'll mess with your natural essence."
"Ah. You remembered that."
"Do you take me for a fool, Bartimaeus?"
"You know the answer to that already."
Kitty rose herself from her place on the couch, walking over to the desk and taking hold of the bottle. "It seems interesting though, what if it does work?"
"There's more writing here on the letter, if you wish for me to read it Nathaniel." Ms. Piper informed him.
He rose a hand. "No need. All I wish to know is who sent this rubbish to my doorstep."
"There was no signage." Ms. Piper told him.
"Of course there wasn't."
"Look at that, Nat has a secret admirer." Bartimaeus teased. "Never thought I'd see the day. The person must be blind or mentally ill though."
"It wouldn't work anyway. I'm not in love with anyone."
"So you're saying the potion would work if you were?"
"No. Love potions don't-" Nathaniel cut off, letting out an irritated sigh, throwing down the paper. He grabbed the bottle out of Kitty's hand.
"Hey! I was looking at -" Kitty stopped short, watching as Nathaniel popped the top off the bottle. He rose it to his nose, taking a quick sniff. It smelt of roses.
"Hey now, let's think about this for once." Bartimaeus got off the couch, starting to make his way over the desk to join the others.
Nathaniel rolled his eyes. "Oh please. It won't work. Like I said before, Love potions are a work of fiction and even if it did work, it wouldn't because I'm not in love with anyone." He took a long look at Kitty, doubt filling his chest. He wasn't in love with anyone, but he knew he held strong affection for the woman. He prayed if this potion did work, that he wouldn't come off too strong.
"Nat, I really don't think-" Nathaniel ignored the voice, tilting back his head and gulping down the contents of the bottle.