Chapter 12: May I Have This Dance?
"I hope you don't mind Mrs. Oldham, Russ," Rose began. "She and her husband have scouted every class every week these past three months to fix me up with an eligible bachelor. They are so happily married, they feel everyone else could and should be, as well. If what they would have me believe is true, they have an enviable record as matchmakers. But I have an unenviable record in marriage mistakes, and no desire to repeat them, or to find new ones. If you would rather not dance, please don't feel obliged. I have managed fine so far on my own."
"I will be delighted to dance with you, Rose, for the sake of my given word, and let all notions of deeper involvements be banished from our minds. I believe the class is beginning." Severus led her to the starting point indicated by the instructor. "Besides, I would not qualify as an eligible bachelor."
Rose was very silent as the class proceeded. Her powers of concentration were formidable, and her sense of rhythm and timing impeccable. Severus found that he was actually enjoying dancing for the first time in his life. He made a mental note to return next week in the Intermediate class. At intermission he fetched Rose a cold drink and wiped his brow with a napkin from the refreshment table. "I have a confession to make," Severus began. "I wanted to give this class a try, and if I found it unsatisfying, I planned to drop it and try something else. But I have had such skilled partners tonight that I plan to continue. I wonder if you would oblige me by partnering with me next week?"
"Well, sir, you haven't once stepped on my foot, either. I am not sure you need any more lessons on the waltz. It is a good class, though. Next week is the foxtrot, I believe." Rose was glowing with exertion, as well, and the scent of roses surrounded her. "I have never tried that dance before."
"Neither have I," replied Severus. "Does the dance change every week, then?"
"The instructor leads where his fancy takes him, and at a speed that the class can handle. The last class in every month is a review of all the preceding lessons, as if one were at a real dance. This group has only just started, so in four weeks we have a Halloween dance in costume, no less. Next month we start Latin dances. I'm especially looking forward to those." Rose blotted her brow. "Do you wish to change partners at intermission?"
"If you have a previous commitment, I will not keep you from it." Severus was puzzled. What had he done wrong that she would be pushing him away at every opportunity? Not that he desperately wanted to stay, but he did not particularly want to leave, either. Albus had said he should make friends. To go now would most likely scotch any friendship he might cultivate with Rose and the Oldhams. "But if you could from the kindness of your heart continue with me, I am sure both your progress and mine would be assured. You are not too tired, I trust?"
Rose stared into her empty glass. "I agree that we are well matched on the dance floor. I am not too tired to continue, and I do not have any commitments to other partners. So I will be glad to follow your lead tonight and next week." She raised her eyes to stare at him, with a rather defiant look on her face.
"Thank you, Rose," Severus replied. "I came in hopes of making friends. I am newly arrived in London, and just learning my way around."
"I've been here three years now. If you need a guide, I know where all the tourist sights are to be found." Rose chuckled. "Although I have yet to actually visit any of them."
"And why is that?" Severus was amazed at himself. Here he is, chatting up a girl as if it were the most natural thing in the world to do!
"I have been working extra hours to build up my business. It is finally starting to develop momentum and so I am able to take a class or see a film now and then."
"What line of work are you in?"
"I design and build self-sufficient houses," Rose made a moue. "I don't suppose you know what that means?"
"Perhaps you would explain it to me," Severus felt a prickle, as if a True Seeing were taking place before him.
"Most houses are built any old way, and as a result they are very inefficient. They require supplemental heating, cooling, and lighting nearly all the time and waste a lot of water, too. My self-sufficient houses are designed so that any energy that touches them is utilized, any water is collected and stored and used wisely, so that comfort is built into the building, not piped in from outside. As a result, the homeowners find that their costs are much lower than in a standard dwelling, and the maintenance and housekeeping efforts are also greatly reduced. The need for furniture is also minimized with lots of built in storage, and I often include moveable walls so that the floor plan can be altered, as the family's needs change. My houses are also quiet, highly burglar-proof, fire- proof, and sited to prevent the possibility of flooding, so insurance costs are reduced." Rose was suddenly quite straight and proud, more confident, more commanding. The transformation was astounding.
"This is quite a revolutionary idea, Rose. How did you come by it?"
"When I was at University in America, it was the time of the Oil Embargo. Suddenly everyone was worrying about energy efficiency and funding research. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Of course as soon as the crisis was declared over, the funding for energy- saving devices and designs dried up. But there are enough true believers to keep the knowledge alive and the design and applications going. It isn't easy. That's why I came to England."
"So you are American! I wondered at your accent. There's just the faintest trace of something." Severus could not believe his luck. Here was another immigrant who would likely overlook any slips he might make in his undercover role.
"Nowadays my family accuses me of going native, they say I've lost my midwestern twang entirely." Rose laughed. "I always had an ear for languages, probably the musical training."
"If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you show me one of these self-sufficient buildings someday?" Severus asked. "I find the whole concept fascinating."
"If you like. I see that intermission is over. May I have this dance?" And Rose let him lead her back to the dance floor. As they practiced turns, she suddenly said, "All right now, it is your turn, Russ. Tell me of your work. What do you do for a living?" She looked him straight in the eye, and Severus found her gaze so challenging that he automatically engaged in Occlumency just as he had when lying to Voldemort in his spying days.
"I teach Chemistry at a small private school in the north, and conduct research as well. I recently inherited a flat in London, so I have been coming down on weekends to explore the big city."
"What is your field of research?"
"I work in pharmaceuticals, but nothing that would lead to a Nobel. I look for cures for various obscure, orphan diseases, and the royalties and credit goes to the school."
"Have you any familiarity with autism?"
"No, I'm afraid not. Is this something that interests you?"
"Yes." Rose was again quite silent, and Severus decided to do some
research on this topic which was completely new to him, and not
question her further. She was obviously upset.
With the end of the class, both again wiped their faces. The room had
grown quite warm with all the couples whirling about. Severus
retrieved his topcoat and draped it like his wizard's robes over his
shoulders. "I am hungry. Have you had dinner, Rose? Do you know of any
good restaurants nearby?"
"There's a pub just a short walk from here. The food is good, and the
beer is excellent. I could eat, too, now that you mention it." Rose
had collected her coat and put it on. "Do you mind walking? I'd like
the chance to cool down a bit."
After hot and crunchy fish and chips and cool, smooth lager were
set before them, Severus and Rose tried to chat, but it was hard
going. Severus was woefully ignorant of Muggle culture, arts, and
history, whether American or British. So he retold some tales of his
classroom experiences, severely edited for non-Magical ears. Exploding
cauldrons were transformed into small fires and exploding beakers. He
described the House system, although the nature of the Sorting Test
was omitted, so that Rose assumed some sort of paper and pencil
psychological assessment was used, instead of Gryffindor's old
bewitched hat. She was able to respond with her memories of Muggle
classrooms from her youth. This led to a discussion of the ordering of
society on both sides of the Atlantic, and of American politics and
current events, on which Rose had many strong opinions, so Severus
could sit back and listen and make a list of all the topics he would
later need to research. To Severus' amazement, after dinner Rose
attempted to pay for her food.
"This was my idea, Rose, and you are very kind to keep me
company. I feel rather like a stranger in my own country at times.
Allow me." Severus felt that he was the host, and obliged to fulfill
the duties of hospitality. Was this an American custom, that people
hold each other at arms length? He decided this was something he would
have to ask Hermione about. He was feeling more than a bit of culture
shock, what with all the novelty of the evening.
"Very well, but next time you shall be my guest, Russ." Rose
seemed a bit embarrassed, uncomfortable. Where had this man been all
his life? Had Feminism bypassed the North Country? Had she given
offense? And what came next? How does one say "goodnight" to an
ineligible, maybe bachelor?
"I'm taking a taxi back to London. Did you drive yourself here?"
Severus was proud to be able to formulate the thought, and to probe to
see if this woman had a car and knew how to operate it.
"I came by cab, too. I get too tired from dancing to drive, and
it gets so dark." Rose thought to suggest sharing a cab, then thought
that perhaps they had had enough of each other. Besides, she was not
sure she wished to reveal her address. If there was one thing she had
learned in the past 40 years, it was caution regarding men. Any
chemist was probably perfectly capable of whipping up some date rape
drug blindfold.
"Well then, I propose that we share a cab. If you like, you can pay the fare, and cover your portion of the costs of the evening that way."
Well, that would work, thought Rose. I can find out where he lives, uphold principles and preserve my privacy. She acquiesced, and they set out for London. Rose frantically rummaged through her stockpile of conversation, seeking something sufficiently stimulating, not personal or probing, to occupy the trip back to London.
"Have you seen any good movies lately, Russ?"
"I hope you don't mind Mrs. Oldham, Russ," Rose began. "She and her husband have scouted every class every week these past three months to fix me up with an eligible bachelor. They are so happily married, they feel everyone else could and should be, as well. If what they would have me believe is true, they have an enviable record as matchmakers. But I have an unenviable record in marriage mistakes, and no desire to repeat them, or to find new ones. If you would rather not dance, please don't feel obliged. I have managed fine so far on my own."
"I will be delighted to dance with you, Rose, for the sake of my given word, and let all notions of deeper involvements be banished from our minds. I believe the class is beginning." Severus led her to the starting point indicated by the instructor. "Besides, I would not qualify as an eligible bachelor."
Rose was very silent as the class proceeded. Her powers of concentration were formidable, and her sense of rhythm and timing impeccable. Severus found that he was actually enjoying dancing for the first time in his life. He made a mental note to return next week in the Intermediate class. At intermission he fetched Rose a cold drink and wiped his brow with a napkin from the refreshment table. "I have a confession to make," Severus began. "I wanted to give this class a try, and if I found it unsatisfying, I planned to drop it and try something else. But I have had such skilled partners tonight that I plan to continue. I wonder if you would oblige me by partnering with me next week?"
"Well, sir, you haven't once stepped on my foot, either. I am not sure you need any more lessons on the waltz. It is a good class, though. Next week is the foxtrot, I believe." Rose was glowing with exertion, as well, and the scent of roses surrounded her. "I have never tried that dance before."
"Neither have I," replied Severus. "Does the dance change every week, then?"
"The instructor leads where his fancy takes him, and at a speed that the class can handle. The last class in every month is a review of all the preceding lessons, as if one were at a real dance. This group has only just started, so in four weeks we have a Halloween dance in costume, no less. Next month we start Latin dances. I'm especially looking forward to those." Rose blotted her brow. "Do you wish to change partners at intermission?"
"If you have a previous commitment, I will not keep you from it." Severus was puzzled. What had he done wrong that she would be pushing him away at every opportunity? Not that he desperately wanted to stay, but he did not particularly want to leave, either. Albus had said he should make friends. To go now would most likely scotch any friendship he might cultivate with Rose and the Oldhams. "But if you could from the kindness of your heart continue with me, I am sure both your progress and mine would be assured. You are not too tired, I trust?"
Rose stared into her empty glass. "I agree that we are well matched on the dance floor. I am not too tired to continue, and I do not have any commitments to other partners. So I will be glad to follow your lead tonight and next week." She raised her eyes to stare at him, with a rather defiant look on her face.
"Thank you, Rose," Severus replied. "I came in hopes of making friends. I am newly arrived in London, and just learning my way around."
"I've been here three years now. If you need a guide, I know where all the tourist sights are to be found." Rose chuckled. "Although I have yet to actually visit any of them."
"And why is that?" Severus was amazed at himself. Here he is, chatting up a girl as if it were the most natural thing in the world to do!
"I have been working extra hours to build up my business. It is finally starting to develop momentum and so I am able to take a class or see a film now and then."
"What line of work are you in?"
"I design and build self-sufficient houses," Rose made a moue. "I don't suppose you know what that means?"
"Perhaps you would explain it to me," Severus felt a prickle, as if a True Seeing were taking place before him.
"Most houses are built any old way, and as a result they are very inefficient. They require supplemental heating, cooling, and lighting nearly all the time and waste a lot of water, too. My self-sufficient houses are designed so that any energy that touches them is utilized, any water is collected and stored and used wisely, so that comfort is built into the building, not piped in from outside. As a result, the homeowners find that their costs are much lower than in a standard dwelling, and the maintenance and housekeeping efforts are also greatly reduced. The need for furniture is also minimized with lots of built in storage, and I often include moveable walls so that the floor plan can be altered, as the family's needs change. My houses are also quiet, highly burglar-proof, fire- proof, and sited to prevent the possibility of flooding, so insurance costs are reduced." Rose was suddenly quite straight and proud, more confident, more commanding. The transformation was astounding.
"This is quite a revolutionary idea, Rose. How did you come by it?"
"When I was at University in America, it was the time of the Oil Embargo. Suddenly everyone was worrying about energy efficiency and funding research. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Of course as soon as the crisis was declared over, the funding for energy- saving devices and designs dried up. But there are enough true believers to keep the knowledge alive and the design and applications going. It isn't easy. That's why I came to England."
"So you are American! I wondered at your accent. There's just the faintest trace of something." Severus could not believe his luck. Here was another immigrant who would likely overlook any slips he might make in his undercover role.
"Nowadays my family accuses me of going native, they say I've lost my midwestern twang entirely." Rose laughed. "I always had an ear for languages, probably the musical training."
"If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you show me one of these self-sufficient buildings someday?" Severus asked. "I find the whole concept fascinating."
"If you like. I see that intermission is over. May I have this dance?" And Rose let him lead her back to the dance floor. As they practiced turns, she suddenly said, "All right now, it is your turn, Russ. Tell me of your work. What do you do for a living?" She looked him straight in the eye, and Severus found her gaze so challenging that he automatically engaged in Occlumency just as he had when lying to Voldemort in his spying days.
"I teach Chemistry at a small private school in the north, and conduct research as well. I recently inherited a flat in London, so I have been coming down on weekends to explore the big city."
"What is your field of research?"
"I work in pharmaceuticals, but nothing that would lead to a Nobel. I look for cures for various obscure, orphan diseases, and the royalties and credit goes to the school."
"Have you any familiarity with autism?"
"No, I'm afraid not. Is this something that interests you?"
"Yes." Rose was again quite silent, and Severus decided to do some
research on this topic which was completely new to him, and not
question her further. She was obviously upset.
With the end of the class, both again wiped their faces. The room had
grown quite warm with all the couples whirling about. Severus
retrieved his topcoat and draped it like his wizard's robes over his
shoulders. "I am hungry. Have you had dinner, Rose? Do you know of any
good restaurants nearby?"
"There's a pub just a short walk from here. The food is good, and the
beer is excellent. I could eat, too, now that you mention it." Rose
had collected her coat and put it on. "Do you mind walking? I'd like
the chance to cool down a bit."
After hot and crunchy fish and chips and cool, smooth lager were
set before them, Severus and Rose tried to chat, but it was hard
going. Severus was woefully ignorant of Muggle culture, arts, and
history, whether American or British. So he retold some tales of his
classroom experiences, severely edited for non-Magical ears. Exploding
cauldrons were transformed into small fires and exploding beakers. He
described the House system, although the nature of the Sorting Test
was omitted, so that Rose assumed some sort of paper and pencil
psychological assessment was used, instead of Gryffindor's old
bewitched hat. She was able to respond with her memories of Muggle
classrooms from her youth. This led to a discussion of the ordering of
society on both sides of the Atlantic, and of American politics and
current events, on which Rose had many strong opinions, so Severus
could sit back and listen and make a list of all the topics he would
later need to research. To Severus' amazement, after dinner Rose
attempted to pay for her food.
"This was my idea, Rose, and you are very kind to keep me
company. I feel rather like a stranger in my own country at times.
Allow me." Severus felt that he was the host, and obliged to fulfill
the duties of hospitality. Was this an American custom, that people
hold each other at arms length? He decided this was something he would
have to ask Hermione about. He was feeling more than a bit of culture
shock, what with all the novelty of the evening.
"Very well, but next time you shall be my guest, Russ." Rose
seemed a bit embarrassed, uncomfortable. Where had this man been all
his life? Had Feminism bypassed the North Country? Had she given
offense? And what came next? How does one say "goodnight" to an
ineligible, maybe bachelor?
"I'm taking a taxi back to London. Did you drive yourself here?"
Severus was proud to be able to formulate the thought, and to probe to
see if this woman had a car and knew how to operate it.
"I came by cab, too. I get too tired from dancing to drive, and
it gets so dark." Rose thought to suggest sharing a cab, then thought
that perhaps they had had enough of each other. Besides, she was not
sure she wished to reveal her address. If there was one thing she had
learned in the past 40 years, it was caution regarding men. Any
chemist was probably perfectly capable of whipping up some date rape
drug blindfold.
"Well then, I propose that we share a cab. If you like, you can pay the fare, and cover your portion of the costs of the evening that way."
Well, that would work, thought Rose. I can find out where he lives, uphold principles and preserve my privacy. She acquiesced, and they set out for London. Rose frantically rummaged through her stockpile of conversation, seeking something sufficiently stimulating, not personal or probing, to occupy the trip back to London.
"Have you seen any good movies lately, Russ?"