Ten
"Nonnegotiable Expectations"

There was a small crowd outside of the Magical Museum of Art in Hertfordshire. The museum is in the middle of nowhere in an old dilapidated manor, or so it would appear. Those gifted with magical sight could see the place for what it is. A well-maintained beautiful historic house with manicured lawns. Sculptures, unusual flora, and a maze full of animated topiary filled the grounds.

This is a big deal, the royal family is here. The art world would have shown up regardless. But anyone in wizard British society who thought themselves important was there.

Hundreds of years ago when witches and wizards went into hiding, two royal brothers split the family. One was a wizard and the other not. One went on to rule the wizarding world and the other stayed among the muggles. They loaned half the illuminated manuscripts that are on view.

As Liam made his way into the building he already heard the grumblings.

"Did you see who's here? That fool Campbell, he can't tell a brush stroke from an actual stroke!"

"My god, they're letting anybody in!"

He flashed his invitation to the man with the list and continued into the decadent entrance hall. There was a larger-than-life portrait of a 17th-century woman hanging over the admissions desk. She was peering around at all the people in their fine robes as if she thought they weren't worthy to be in the museum.

There seemed to be several hundred photographers roaming about. And several hundred people trying to look natural yet pose in case they got caught by a camera. This event was being covered by every art section in the world. No one wanted to be in the papers looking terrible.

As a tray floated past Liam grabbed a glass of champagne. He picked up the exhibition brochure and jumped right into the viewing. The exhibit is on view in the Shafiq wing which is usually home to Middle Eastern and Asian Art.

There was less of a crowd in the gallery. Most of the people were here because of all the attention surrounding the event. Not one cared that there was a 17th-century scroll detailing the split of the Jordanian Royal family. Or about the sacrifice and the sadness that followed. Or the sapphire encrusted book that was the first rule of laws among the witches and wizards of Jordan. The capture of their best angle for worldwide publication was the only care. It was all right with Liam. He sipped his champagne in peace and had an unobstructed view to read the information cards.

"They're illuminated."

Liam looked up at Justin, "It's cool. I've never seen anything like it." He's seen muggle ones, they use foil but the magic ones use light. The gallery's completely dark, the only light coming from the manuscripts. "When did you get here?"

"Now," he sighed, "I have to be on my best behavior tonight, my father's here."

"Sorry man, I'm surprised mine's not." This was usually something his parents would attend. His mother had a conflict and he had no idea what his father was up to.

"Here you go," Theodore Nott joined them handing Justin a brochure. Mr. Nott was an alluring man because he was so quiet. You could never guess what he was feeling. He is a master of the straight face. He has a piercing gaze, a coiffure that never seemed out of place, and he's built for suits. "I expect you to learn something tonight. How are you, Liam?"

"Great Mr. Nott," they shook hands, "how are you?"

"I'm well, excited to see…" he trailed off as something over their heads caught his attention.

Liam and Justin turned around to watch the blur moving through all the people. "Here-you-all-are," said Tommy, "I'm-so-glad-you've-come-would-you-like-to-meet-the-Prince-before-he-gets-overwhelmed-and-I-go-back-to-work?"

"No," Liam and Justin said at the same time.

"I would."

Tommy and Mr. Nott hurried away as Justin rolled his eyes, "of course, he would. He'll try to secure a building contract in Jordan while he's at it."

When a tray floated past, Liam swapped his empty glass for a full one, and Justin took a bottle of sparkling water. He mumbled something about his father having eyes everywhere. They continued through the exhibit together.

"I should get the Nott family history illuminated."

"The ink is real gold and encrusted with priceless jewels." Liam looked at Justin gazing down into the case, the way the light hit him made him look pale and haunting.

"One cost more than my house, my father would kill me. Even more so when he finds out I've called the book a History of Nott Family Atrocities."

Liam laughed, "It won't be as thick as the Malfoy edition."

"That's true, your families older."

The connecting gallery was set up as a reception space. Among the twelve-foot high stain glass windows and the suits of armor, there were tall bistro tables. The canapés were extravagant and the champagne flowed freely. They chose a secluded table, away from the eavesdropping armor. Near a stained glass window that only depicted flowers. They settled in to watch the blue bloods mingle.

"So," Justin kept his voice low as he looked about the room. "It's been lovely getting to meet Elianna… Have you prepared her?"

Liam didn't need to ask him what he was talking about. He was talking about things like this. The fact that his parents have made it clear he's going to have to start making moves.

"It's only a matter of time before she realizes you're not nouveau riche."

Liam rolled his eyes, "she doesn't think that."

"But does she know?"

He shook his head. He didn't want her to know. He trusts her, he doesn't think it will change anything but she said she wasn't ready to have her life invaded. Sure he wasn't a rock star or anything but prominence equals invasion in one form or another.

How does he explain his parents paid for the restoration of one of the cottages on this property? It now houses the contemporary art collection. Or the fact that they funded the lycanthropy research program at St. Mungos? There is also the upcoming acquisition.

He knows he's not to talk about money or business dealings. But he was going to have to say something, especially when the invasion started. People will ask Elianna about things she's never heard of and she may become suspicious, pissed, or both.

"It's a lot of pressure. Evie's been in a state, she was in my floo for hours last night."

Liam could have sworn there was a flicker of joy in that statement.

"They're on her again about the whole writer thing. They have a point, that won't exactly protect a dynasty and she's got it from both sides. I'm grateful I don't come from a powerful family like yours and hers. Yet I do have the pressure to build an empire. My father increased the family wealth but he expects me to quadruple it. So corporate law will earn me enough to have disposal income—"

"So you're going to law school?"

"Yup, tuition paid, course selection opens in a couple of weeks. With my disposal income, I'll find an investment… Evie's been talking about luxury getaways. Going into business together has come up…"

"I'm going to art school," he declared with a chuckle. Being the child of wealthy parents was not always as great as it seems. Sure the word no was infrequent but you could in no way, shape, or form let the side down. The stakes are higher because the fall is higher.

"Well, a known artist can make a pretty penny. So if I were you I would use your name and connections and then—"

"Find something to invest in."

"Exactly"

(***)

Herman didn't come when Ginny got off the lift. "Herman where are you, my love?" He came out of the guest room and pranced down the hall to her. "What were you doing in there sweetie."

"Sorry," Elianna came out of the room, "I distracted him."

"It's all right. I thought you guys would have left for the exhibition by now."

"Liam went on his own," she was nervous to tell Ginny this, "I'm going to go return to my book and leave you to it."

"I was going to change and take Herman out. I'm going to get takeaway if you'd like to join me?"

"Yes," She's been waiting for a moment like this to happen. She and Ginny haven't had any time alone together. She assumed she would want to find some time to find out her intentions.

(***)

Elianna watched as Ginny bent down and attached Herman's leash to his collar. She seemed flawless in her turned-up jeans and loafers. When she stood up straight, her manicure shined in her bright red hair as she pushed it back out of her face.

"Liam is so happy that you're here," Ginny said as they began down the street.

"I'm happy to be here too, it's been nice getting to meet everyone," she said.

"I bet it's been nice having this time with Li as well."

"It's unfortunate how weird it feels to see him every day but it's been wonderful."

"How have you two been doing this?"

"Phone calls, video chats, and a two-way mirror," she shrugged. They stopped when Herman took interest in a lamp post. "The time difference is harsh but you get used to being sleepy."

"How are you two planning to work it out going forward?"

"We haven't talked about that but most likely the same. With the impending workload, we should set a schedule to make sure we have time to chat."

"Makes sense, what are you going to be studying?"

"I'm doing a double major in Biology and Chemistry. I want to be a doctor and doing it this way allows for more options in postgraduate study. Whether I want entry into graduate study here or back home or go to medical school in the US or something." She said it as if it was something she's been mulling over for quite some time. "It covers all the bases. It's academically, and professionally a bit more impressive... Or go completely mental, become a scientist instead or something else."

Ginny laughed, "I assume you were a very good student." Elianna nodded, she was solemn, "what, most people don't assume you're a good student?"

"Um… well, out in this world," she gestured to all the muggles out and about enjoying their evening, "No. I'm black... But in the wizarding world, people don't assume too much of anything. They sort of stare at me as if I'm a curiosity… there has been some confusion over the years about my parents. People think their pride in me is an act."

Ginny shook her head, "people can be vile. I hope you don't let that get to you because your parents think you're precious."

"I try but…The bad stuff has a way of slipping in." It does, no matter how much her parents tell her it doesn't matter, that she's special and capable. Every time someone questions her abilities it feels like a slap in the face. "So did you study after Hogwarts," she asked to get away from the squib business.

"No, I went to an open trial for the Quidditch league and ended up on the Holyhead Harpies."

"I didn't know you played Quidditch. I only knew of you as a journalist, how did you make the transition?"

"I began writing about sports. Quidditch can be very insular. It's amazing how most people don't even realize how it's perceived outside of the mainstream. There are so many variations and more inclusive sports played around the world. I began covering them, which turned into questions of community, and global awareness." She smiled, "no one thought I had any academic achievements either. Not because of race but because—"

"Of the Quidditch..."

"Exactly, no one has ever asked me how many NEWTS I got," she sighed. "I was the girl who chased a ball around on a broom and arm candy. I will admit it was Draco who broadened my horizons. People seemed surprised that I could cohesively articulate my thoughts. There were questions about whether I had written my first piece. Because it was more than reporting what happened at the weekend Quidditch match."

"Did Mr. Malfoy ever ask about your scores?"

"No, but he thinks I don't notice how proud he is when my journalism gets awarded." He thinks he's being indifferent but Ginny has known him long enough to tell.

"How many NEWTS did you get?"

"I got seven, one in every subject I took… we're turning here," they went down a brick alley. The place was bustling with small shops and eateries. They approached a cigar shop and as they got near a glowing sign that read Punjabi Wu's appear. The muggles didn't even notice, through the window the restaurant boasted full tables. Ginny pointed out the menu hanging outside the door. Elianna picked what she wanted, and Ginny went inside to order.

(***)

"Thank you for hiding back here," Tommy joined Liam and Justin in their secluded spot. "The curator is using me as her personal assistant."

"Isn't that what you are," asked Justin.

Tommy narrowed his eyes at him, "no I'm not… anyway, what did you guys think?"

"It's very posh," Justin drawled.

"I liked it. The atmosphere and presentation are impeccable. I love that the light is coming from the objects themselves. I find it quite fascinating that there is so much care put into historical records. Their history books are art," Liam gushed.

"Ever the swot."

"You know, someone being able to appreciate and absorb culture—"

"It was a compliment," Justin cut off Tommy before he could begin his tirade.

"No it wasn't," Tommy shook his head, "but anyway, I'm glad you liked it. I must admit I'm a bit worried about this exhibition. It was a headache to put together but people have been trying to get on the list for months. They wanted to meet the royal family. I'm concerned that the public won't care about anything but the photos of the royals."

"People could surprise you," shrugged Liam. "In its simplicity it's beautiful and maybe people will want to see jewels."

"Perhaps…by the way where's your jewel?"

"She wasn't feeling up to it," Liam lied.

"I'm touched you left her for the evening to come hang with me," teased Tommy.

Liam smiled, "she was insistent that I do."

"You're not surprised Evie hasn't shown," Liam's eyes darted over to Justin as he asked this. Ever since Elianna has suggested that he likes her, he's been looking for signs but he was crap at boy-girl relations.

"No, she told me she couldn't make it yesterday. Oh, and by the way, this Monaco trip, I'm not going."

"Come on it'll be fun," insisted Justin.

"I'm not one of you rich kids. I cannot fly off to some exclusive country where the only things more lavish than the cars are the carriages. Plus I have a job and this exhibit has programming for the full duration of its run."

"Tommy sometimes you can be such a bore."

"And sometimes you need to stick your foot into reality," Tommy shot back.

"If you don't come, I'll be stuck there with a couple of couples!"

Tommy shrugged, "get a date… but not that girl from bowling."

"I haven't known anyone long enough to take away for the weekend," Justin mused. "Perhaps I can ask Dominique… think she'll go?"

Liam rolled his eyes he had a better chance of going with a dragon. "No I don't and if you suggest it, her father will kill you."

"I'll keep thinking," He drummed his fingers on the table, "Tommy would you—"

"No," Tommy knew exactly what Justin was going to ask, he wasn't going to be his date either.

"My treat"

"No," Tommy repeated. "So," he looked around and lowered his voice, "your jewel. We've had a chance to size each other up. As for reviews—"

"I don't want to hear your reviews," Liam gulped his champagne. It doesn't matter his friends weren't going to get a say in his relationship.

"Well," Tommy went on, "I assume she's something special. She got you off the market… the last girl that tried got shipped to France."

That's one of the reasons he was so diligent in keeping this one all to himself, "Where are you going with this?"

"Does she know?"

Justin snorted, "Great minds think alike."

"I'm sure ours don't," Tommy snapped.

"I already asked him this," Justin defended, "and she doesn't."

"I assume you were asking about wealth," Tommy carried on, "but I meant about… heritage."

It seemed like everything was a problem. His family mounted the heads of house-elves. They passed legislation to keep certain people from gaining access to education, jobs, and social programs. Lord Voldemort was not the first lunatic to win the hearts and minds of his family members. That big blunder paled in comparison to other involvements of his family.

"She knows I have a despicable lineage," this was true up until a certain point. There's no need to tell her what his family was up in 1250. He didn't even want to know but his deluded grandfather thought it was important information. One summer he took him through what seemed like the entire family archive. He thought it was cool they documented the entire family history, most of it anyway. They blacked out the undesirables. The marriages to wealthy aristocrat muggles were documented without the mention of muggleness. To confuse future generations into assuming they were witches and wizards. The Malfoy's were willing to look the other way for money and prestige.

"But does she—"

"No," he cut him off. "She doesn't know that I can be disowned, that she and I may end up cursed or worse beheaded."

"Your family beheaded people?" Justin looked horrified. He too didn't need to know what the Malfoy family was up to in 1250.

"No," his answer wasn't convincing anyone. "She knows everything that she needs to for the point we're at in our relationship. As far as her reviews on you two, she likes you guys. She thinks you're brilliant," he looked at Tommy, "and you're a loveable laugh," he looked over to Justin. "I don't want to hear anything unkind about her."

"She must be gifted in bed."

Justin snorted, "He doesn't talk about that."

"Somebody's in love," Tommy sang, "… oh look he's going red." Liam turned to leave, "come back I'm teasing," he grabbed him and pulled him back. "I don't have a bad review. I don't care about the magic thing. I'm a half-blood I'd be a hypocrite and my muggle nan would hit me with her handbag for not being proud of my lineage."

Liam knew Tommy wouldn't care about her blood status, he did think he'd have something to say if she was a ditz.

(***)

"He likes you," Ginny said returning from the restaurant. Elianna had taken a seat on the bench across the alley with Herman. "When did you first meet him?"

"When Liam came to Australia on a fishing trip," she kept rubbing him behind the ear, "he's very friendly. You have such a great relationship with him."

"It's easy when you feed him."

"I think it's more than that. How long have you had him?"

"It is more than that. I've had him a long time. Draco gave him to me for my 20th birthday when he was only a few weeks old." Herman moved to the other side of the bench and put his head in Ginny's lap. She leaned down and kissed him. "So why didn't you go with Liam tonight? Not that Herman and I don't love your company."

Elianna sighed, she had no idea whether it was better to lie or make an honest confession. Or perhaps she should have gone to the London eye and avoided the flat altogether. If she said the wrong thing Ginny would ask her to leave her home. If she said the right thing all would be well. "I didn't want us to be photographed together. Its-not-that-I-don't-want-to-be-seen-with-him," she added.

"I get it… I assumed it was something like that."

"I don't want you… or him, to think that I don't want this."

Ginny took the moment to ask, "What do you like about my son?" There were several things about Liam that would deem him a catch. They're things that are also shallow and can reveal if someone is with him for self-serving reasons. This was the perfect segue to find out what Elianna Peterson is all about. She didn't give Ginny the impression that she was in this for anything other than Liam. But people can surprise you.

Elianna looked up at her, "lots of things but for the most part his humility and curiosity. It's so hard to get people to try something new or consider another point of view but he always wants to know. He's accomplished in a lot of things but he keeps it to himself, there doesn't seem to be a boastful bone in his body. Among us selfie-obsessed akukho umlingos it's refreshing." She sighed, "It's also nice to be able to be open with the no magic and magic thing. He understands trig and I understand that a curse is more than words."

"Li's grateful he left Dalton before he had to take trigonometry," this girl likes her son. "A couple of years ago I noticed a change in Liam. If it's possible he got quieter. Many scenarios went through my mind. Everything from drugs to dark magic, but I would have never guessed it was a girl."

Elianna was so happy her brown skin hid blushes, "I was surprised he didn't have a girlfriend. In the beginning, when we were talking it became clear why. I didn't think he was ever going to ask me out."

"I'm sure it hasn't been said, I understand how uncomfortable that can be, let me say that I'm happy he asked you out. I know we're still getting to know each other but you seem like a very clever, sensible, playful girl. I saw you laugh it off when Lucy tackled you in the garden."

Elianna laughed, "well she was a very formidable it."

"I'm going to share something with you… When I began playing Quidditch I wanted to be a star. I did anything I could think of to get it. Unfortunately, that decision came back to bite me… I made Draco famous. Sure he comes from this well-to-do family that got themselves known for a whole bunch of mess. But there is a difference between society and star.

Then we had our family… No one knew who Liam was until he was 11. They knew he existed but they only saw his legs as a baby. A kid behind a cap and face-covering at Quidditch matches. We pretty much kept him out of the wizarding world. People always thought we were mental, Liam thought we were mental. Then he started Hogwarts, identity revealed, privacy out the window, and Liam understood. It's my fault we had to go through all that, but Draco and I wanted to preserve as much of his privacy as possible.

Now that I no longer play Quidditch I would love to have my privacy back. I would love for people to stop thinking my laid-back son is newsworthy. Being with him has special circumstances." She looked Elianna in the eye, "but no matter how wonderful I think my son is; always put your peace of mind first. So be mindful of what you share because when you care you'll do anything for someone."

"Weasley," the waiter called out the door. Ginny got up and went back into the restaurant.

(***)

Liam's head was spinning a bit as he stepped off the lift into his flat. It was almost midnight and the place was dark except for the light coming from beneath the guest room door. After the reception Justin wanted to go for a drink, finally being able to ditch his father. He picked up a girl in the pub and left with her. Liam and Tommy called it a night.

Liam went down the hall and knocked on the door. "It's me," he kept his voice low hoping she would hear him and not wake his mother.

A few moments later Elianna opened the door and let him in. He took a moment to place a silencing charm then turned to his pajama-clad girlfriend. She looked adorable with her curls gathered at the top of her head cradled in a colorful scarf.

"Are you drunk," she asked as she climbed back onto the bed.

He shook his head, "buzzed," she waved him over. He took off his shoes and sat on the bed facing her. "What did you get up to tonight?"

She picked up the open book from the bed next to her, "made great headway in my book and I had dinner with your mother."

"Really"

"Yeah, we went for a walk and got takeaway," she shrugged, "from Punjabi Wu's, she got your usual it's in the icebox."

"Yay, my mom's good like that."

"How was it?"

"Oh, you don't want to talk about dinner with my mom?"

"There's not much to say, we had a very nice chat."

"I'm glad to hear it. The exhibit was glowing… You'd like it... We should definitely go see it before you leave or if not when you come back in the fall. It closes before Christmas."

"Well that's something to talk about, isn't it," she placed the bookmark in her book and put it on the nightstand, "the fall." Liam nodded, "We should make a schedule to see each other, even if I have to fly to New York every month…"

"You've spoiled me this trip… I don't want to be away from you for a long stretch anymore… I don't know if I can." He placed his hands on her legs and pulled her close to him. "Since we won't be under our parent's thumbs, as much, it can be pretty much like how this trip happened. If we want to see each other we will."

"Ok, but what are you doing?"

"Isn't it obvious? I'm trying to kiss you," he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers.

"So that's what you came in here for?" She made no moves to get away from him.

"Well, of course, you shouldn't have been awake," he laughed as he pulled her onto his lap.

"I'm usually awake now."

"Oh, I wouldn't know, I'm usually asleep," he pulled down the strap on her nightdress and kissed her shoulder.

"I'm still on Sydney time. I'm sure I'll kick the habit as soon as it's time for me to leave." She said as he pushed her back onto the bed and climbed on top of her. "Are you sure this is ok? Your mother is right next door."

"It's fine," he assured her. He pulled his wand from his pocket and flicked it at the door, the lock clicked. He dropped his wand off the side of the bed and returned his focus to Elianna.

He leaned down and kissed her. He wanted her but given what he had recently told her he thought he should keep those thoughts to himself. Although other parts of his body were sure to rat him out.

Liam had no idea how long they were like this, it could have been minutes. It could have been hours. They had pulled clothing away and hands were wandering. All he knew was he was getting to the point where he needed to stop, "Let's take a minute."

"Are you ok," she whispered.

"I'm amazing…" she didn't seem too concerned with anything he was saying as she moved her kisses to his neck. "Love, I just ah—"

He stopped as Elianna's hand reached down and began to caress him. She needed to stop or they were going to have a mess. She moved her hand to his belt buckle and got it open with one hand.

"Love," when he made a feeble attempt to protest, she moved her kisses back to his lips. Her hand slipped beneath his pants and into his boxers. She began to stroke him. He pulled away from her and stared at her as she continued to move her hand. He knew how startled he looked. He couldn't believe what was happening. He was enjoying it and her eyes never left his.

He moaned and she kissed him. She then kissed his chin, under his chin, and began to move her kisses down his neck to his bare torso. Liam got a distinct impression that she was going to keep going. He could feel himself getting excited. When she got down to his pants, she pulled on them, and he lifted his hips so she could get them down. She got down between his legs and took him whole. He gasped as she placed her warm mouth around him.

Liam sighed long and deep letting the sensation run over him. "Oh my god," this was a weird night. It began with all the things Elianna should or shouldn't know. He came home to find out his girlfriend and his mother had a chat and now inhibitions were being thrown to the wind.

When he was ten his father gave him the sex talk… sort of. He said you always pay and always go down on a woman. Ginny immediately hit Draco. Then explained where babies come from, about feelings, and being respectful.

His body was quivering, his girlfriend is going to make him cum. She has before but she wasn't present for his fantasies. After this he was going to taste her, he was going to enjoy every bit of— "fuck!"

"Nonnegotiable Expectations"