Twelve
"It's just a ride,
it's just a ride.
Don't be scared,
don't hide your eyes.
It may feel so real
inside.
But don't forget:
it's just a ride."
Jem, "Just a ride"
Lavinia:
You know, good thing today is a holiday, at least in the Wizarding World. Because, last week was… strenuous. To me, because I'd had to endure Coach's extra training sessions, and to Orion because obviously Bryony had decided to get back for the article about him and Linda. In public. Okay, and maybe, because I couldn't really shake off thoughts of my nice little admission on the evening he came back from that ridiculous fight with Lynx.
I mean… what did I expect? I knew that if the grown-up Orion had been only remotely like the teenager Orion, then there wouldn't be any reaction at all. He'd just treat me as if nothing happened, either because it had been too embarrassing to him to hear something like that from me or he didn't know how to react. Still… I did feel hurt. I mean… Merlin be damned, but I gave him shelter when he had practically nowhere to turn to and patched him up after that fight and… couldn't he just… fake it? If he doesn't like me, I mean.
Or… okay, maybe this time I'm really being unfair. When he came back that evening, he looked a little haunted. A little prodding had revealed the cause: There had been other yellow press articles involving him. Or rather, his wife. Obviously Mrs Maycroft-Yaxley had felt the need for a little revenge and had lamented about her terrible marriage – or rather washed some, according to Orion non-existent, dirty linen in public – to Miss Lucinda Carrow. They'd given him hell for that at work.
Yawning I finally sit up and stop brooding. This is, after all Wizarding D-Day, where we celebrate the end of the Wizarding War and remember those who've fallen. To be honest: I don't feel like remembering today. The anniversary of Tony's death is just too fresh, and the feelings of guilt for just standing by and providing entertainment while others fought are still too prominent to let any other memories bubble to the surface. Today, all I want to do is either lounge around and do nothing or do some celebrating.
Yawning and stretching, I enter the kitchen, where Orion – eternal early bird – is already sitting at the table, a cup of coffee in front of him and a Prophet in his hands. When he becomes aware of my presence, he looks up from his paper and gives me a usual half-smile and a "Good morning."
I smirk back, greet him and, taking the seat opposite from him, say: "How come you're still here? On a day like this… I thought you'd have like thousands of appointments, what with all the big wigs giving speeches and everything." He says nothing, just takes the paper to the side for a moment and gives me a look that says very clearly "Don't ask." I roll my eyes and start to butter a toast. I'd really like to beat the reason out of him, but it's very clear that he's resolved not to tell me anything. "You want me to beat them up for you?"
From behind the paper suddenly comes a choked cough that sounds a lot like someone tried to cover up a laugh he didn't want to be heard. I have to grin myself. Nice I can at least cheer him up a little. Oh, wait. Now there's a thought. I continue with putting some lemon curd on my toast and say: "You know… why don't you just enjoy the day off? I'd planned to do some shopping in Muggle London, and we could as well do that together."
Without taking down the Prophet, he says a little sceptically: "Muggle London? Do you seriously think this is a good idea?" I roll my eyes again. Seems I'm doing this a lot around Orion.
"Of course! I bet you've never even been anywhere out of Diagon Alley, and not even saw the Tower or Buckingham Palace. 'Sides… who's gonna know you there? And… could you just take away that stupid paper? I really hate talking against a wall. Plus it's just plain impolite." Merlin, I just hope I got him at least with pointing out that he's behaving very improper with this whole paper act.
With a huff he throws the paper on the table. Ah, so you really get him with appealing at his sense of chivalry and politeness. Must make note for future reference. Then he says: "What do you think would Miss Carrow do if she saw me there?"
I take a bite from my toast and say between chewing: "You really think she's gonna run around Muggle London on a day like this? Come on, it'll be fun. And London is just big. Chances are near zero she or anyone else from the Wizarding community will see us. Just for once, Orion, do something that hasn't to do anything with being a proper Pureblood or work. It'll do you good." And it will. 10 galleons his boss didn't let him work because of the whole scandal Bryony caused. A day away from the Wizarding community might make him see there's more to the world than just his little Pureblood-community.
He frowns. "I haven't even got proper Muggle clothes, how would it look?" Ah, Mr Yaxley, the arguments are slowly leaving you. Don't think I haven't seen this. I know a way out of this. I just hope I can go through with it without losing it again.
"Well, you know, I still have some of Tony's Muggle things in one of my drawers…" Here I go, losing it. One more word, and I'll start crying. Just take the hint, Orion, just take it. And pretend you didn't see me losing contenance.
After a few more moments, where I'm almost dying of shame, I might add, he sighs and says – in a very formal and clipped tone: "Okay, I suppose you got me. - I'll accompany you today."
I'm a little taken aback, then I just grab the opportunity to escape the road to self-pity he offers – not sure, if willingly or not, by the way – and answer with: "Oooh, great. I knew you'd say yes." I even manage to beam at him, hoping he doesn't see behind it. And instead of answering, he just folds the paper together and gets up, giving me a raised eyebrow that very clearly says "Are you coming or what?"
Orion:
Why did I let her talk me into it? I still can't believe she actually managed to put me into Muggle clothes. The trousers look a bit ridiculous on me. Her husband hadn't been as tall as I am, but I suppose it's better than trying to go into Muggle-London with normal wizards robes.
To be completely honest… I haven't just agreed to accompany her because she wouldn't have given in anyways. I am a little curious. Not that I would have told anyone… but in all my life I've never really been to Muggle-London. I've been there, of course, once in a while, for an article or to meet people incognito. But I've never visited it just for the visit's sake. Going on uncharted territory can be thrilling.
When we reach the street I look at her expectantly. "If you would lead the way?" I ask grinning slightly, because I know she hates me being too formal. And she likes it. She wouldn't admit it, but she does.
First, she suggests we could visit the British Museum. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I don't know the concept of a "museum" at all. I'm interested despite myself when she tells me it exposes objects of value of Muggle history. I've always liked History of Magic, it was my second favourite subject at school actually. I know more about Chinese wizarding history than about the Muggle one of our own country. Of course I pretend it is all boring and annoying while she's showing me the section about British History in the Museum. You have to keep up appearance. In reality and despite my own conviction I regret not knowing more about the objects that are represented here. It seems to be a lot more complex than I presumed.
I suppose she could still figure out I've enjoyed it, the way she's smiling knowingly when we leave again towards lunchtime.
Now she's insisting on using a thing called "London Underground" or even more suspiciously "Tube". I don't understand why we can't just apparate near the pizzeria she has chosen for lunch – but she argues that if we're spending this day the Muggle way we have to use their transportation system as well. So be it. It's not my fault if this goes wrong.
"Underground" and "Tube" turn out to be pretty accurate descriptions of this train-like institution. Despite myself I have to muster all my self-control not to get enthusiastic about those staircases that move totally without magic and bring passengers to the platforms under ground. I hope nobody – Lavinia least of all – notices me staring at those, well, marvels. I should definitely find out more about Muggles… I don't like this thought at all. Since I've met Lavinia again a few weeks ago, everything in my clear, well ordered world seems to turn upside down.
I'm still pondering about the meaning of all this when the train arrives with a clattering sound. I'm too stunned to react quickly and Lavinia has to practically drag me inside. I didn't expect it to close and leave so fast. The Hogwarts Express had always taken a long time to leave.
"Wow, that was neat! You could have warned me, you know?" I say breathing heavily while I collapse into the seat next to her.
"And where would have been the fun in that?" she answers, grinning broadly. Why do her eyes glint like that? I don't like that look on her face at all.
I do a mock curtsey. "I'm glad to be of entertainment." Today has so far been more fun than I had had in years, I can't help thinking while I grin back at her. I start to believe that this trip has been a good idea.
"Oh, what do you think convinced me to let you stay in my place?"I'm still looking at her. She's smirking at me, raising her eyebrows.
I blush. Why the heck do I blush? I never blush! "I had no idea", I answer trying to smirk back in the same nonchalant way – but I think I failed miserably. Is she thinking what I am thinking?
"I don't know what you were thinking, but I just had singing and dancing in mind", she's rolling her eyes in a theatrical way.
"Believe me, you wouldn't want to hear my singing", I snap back, unfortunately blushing even more.
She's laughing heartedly at that. I grin; she looks relaxed like I've hardly seen here these days. It suits her well. "You know what? You should laugh more often…" I say. It's out before I can think about it. When did I start talking before thinking? Turning my world upside down indeed… I silently shake my head. I'm still smiling absentmindedly.
And at first she winks back at me, smiling almost shyly – then she suddenly jumps to her feet and turns on her heels: "Uh... that's our station. We... gotta get out here."
At first, she winks at me, smiling almost shyly – then she suddenly jumps to her feet and turns on her heels: "Uh... that's our station. We... gotta get out here."
"Wait! How do you know?" I jump after her, but the doors of the tube are already closing. With my last effort I manage to get out of the vehicle before it continues its journey. I'm breathing heavily as in shock.
"I tell you something: Never will I ever use this dangerous thing again! Did you just see that? The doors nearly crushed me!" I have started wandering up and down on the platform in excitement about the abrupt end of our trip. What are those things? How can Muggles survive here?
And what is she doing?! She's nearly falling off the edge of the platform in a laughing fit. I've already calmed down and watch her annoyed when she finally gets a grip again.
"What's so funny about that?" I snap, folding my arms in front of my chest. If I had something to say in Muggle society I would forbid those things right away.
"You looked just like a country bumpkin on his first day in London. Oh," she starts laughing again, "Well... basically... you are one..."
"My patience isn't endless, you know. Would you mind leaving this dreadful place and proceed to the Pizzeria you have chosen for dinner?" I pretend to be pouting. Well, actually, I feel a bit hurt.
"Aw, don't be like that... come on, I'll pay for the antipasti", she's still grinning at me and waves to lead the way.
Soon, we arrive in a small side street I would never have found on my own. But Lavinia seems to know exactly where she's going. When we enter the restaurant it becomes apparent that it's not the first time she's eating here.
The owner comes towards her as soon as he recognizes her. "Lavinia, cara mia! Haven't seen you in ages! A table for one person as usual?" he says, hugs her a little too tightly for my taste and kisses both her cheeks. Why hasn't she talked to me about him? I eye him suspiciously and clear my throat.
"It would be two persons – if you would be so kind – and I'd prefer a private corner, thank you very much", I say, as formal as I can. How come she's so close with that man? Is there something I should know?
All Lavinia does is rolling her eyes. "Marco... you have to forgive my friend for being so... formal. He's new to London. Orion, this is Marco, owner of the best pizzeria in all London. Marco, this is Orion, a friend from Ho... School."
"It's a pleasure to meet you", I reply automatically, even though I don't see the pleasure in it. Is this guy a Muggle? I make a mental note to ask Lavinia about him as soon as we've taken seats. Can't you expect to know things like that when you move in together? And Lavinia of all people, who always insists on me being open with her.
A/N: Um... yeah, so we took our time. But there were a lot of changes in both our lives, and we had to come to terms with them (eh, well, we still have to, but... nevermind). But it's december, and it was Christmas (for me it still is, but... anway) which is always a good time for writing. So... a belated "Happy Holidays" to all of you and a belated Christmas gift :)
