Sunday, April 19 – 1:10 pm
Malcolm gave an odd glance at his sisters and went to answer the door. Roarke rubbed uselessly at the greasy spot on her blouse, decided that she didn't have time to run up the stairs and change, and ended up just holding her breath in anticipation. Annie quietly hummed in a faintly teasing fashion beside her.
"Hallo!" Malcolm said, opening the door and extending a hand to the man on the other side. "You must be Liam. I'm Malcolm Lupin."
"Hi," Liam said with a smile, shaking Malcolm's hand. Liam was very nicely dressed and had brought a bottle of wine with him. He took a determined step into the house when Malcolm welcomed him in, but avoided Roarke's eyes.
"Ah, Liam. Glad that you could join us," Remus said, coming off the hall into the foyer, Sirius following behind him.
"Thank you, Mr. Lupin. Good afternoon, Mr. Black. It's good to see you as well. Mr. Lupin, I brought this for you and your family." He handed the bottle to Remus who took it with a smile.
"Thank you. We'll have this with dinner." Remus set the gift down and began the necessary introductions. "This is my son, Malcolm."
"Yes, we just met."
"And you remember Sirius' son, Griffin."
They exchanged hellos.
"This is my youngest daughter Annie."
"Nice to meet you, Liam."
Roarke cringed, wishing she hadn't said anything to he sister.
"And this is my older daughter, Roarke."
Liam made eye contact at last. Roarke inhaled sharply as he took her hand and murmured, "Hello." She could only hope her face didn't look as hot as it felt.
"Actually," Liam said, letting go of her hand but holding her eye purposefully, "I do believe we've met."
Roarke's heart skipped a beat. NO! Don't say anything! Just pretend this one time. PLEASE!
"You two know each other?" Remus asked.
"Yes," Liam admitted. Roarke took hold of a chair to keep herself steady. Liam turned from her with a silent look that held no apologies and met Remus' face. "Roarke and I met at a meeting a while ago – one of those werewolf rights things."
There was stillness to the air. Liam had what he wanted. Roarke hoped it would make him happy. It wasn't a secret anymore. Well…not everything was out in the open, but at least they wouldn't have to act as if they had never met.
"Mr. Zetter!" Katie said, entering the room with Liz. "I'm so glad you decided to come."
Remus placed his hands on Katie's shoulders. "Liam, this is my wife, Katie."
Katie smiled welcomingly "So glad you could join us, Liam."
"And Sirius' wife, Liz Black." Remus looked around for Liz but she seemed to have vanished as quickly as she'd come in. Sirius shrugged.
Liam cast an awkward glance at Roarke and then turned to Katie. "Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. Lupin."
"Don't think anything of it."
"No really. I've been looking forward to meeting you – all of you." He smiled and quickly looked at Roarke again.
She swallowed – hard. This was certainly going to be an interesting day.
2:00 pm
All things considered, the meal was going quite well. That is, for everyone but Roarke. She had found it difficult to eat anything, as Liam had ended up sitting directly across from her' making her more and more nervous as the meal went on. Their eyes met so many times that she was certain someone, other than Annie who was watching them closely but betraying nothing, would notice.
"So, Liam, what kind of work do you do?" Malcolm asked.
"I've trained to become an architect and was going to start a new job back in January. But er…life sent me on a bit of a detour."
"What type of an architect?" Katie asked. "Building homes? Offices? Stores?"
"My first job was actually going to be on a team working to design a new school in the Blue Mountains outside of Sydney. Karákul is just too small. When I was there, I had to share a dormitory with seven other blokes. Several families have even resorted to tutoring their students at home on their own, claming that the school's facilities aren't good enough. Our Ministry of Magic decided a few years ago to build a new school not far from the original. They've been scouting locations as well as taking bids and ideas from architects for some time now."
"And this was going to be your first job?" asked Sirius, sounding impressed.
Liam leaned forward. "I developed a charm that allows you to shrink a room when it's not in use. That way, the surrounding rooms can fill the missing space and become larger. Nice trick when you want to cut down on your budget."
"Very nice, indeed," Remus agreed.
Roarke was pleased everyone was impressed by Liam's accomplishments. "That sounds like quite an endeavor," she said softly.
Liam met her eyes. They had managed to get through the meal without really speaking to each other, but she had to take the opportunity to publicly praise his work.
"Thanks," was all he said in reply.
"Where did you two meet again?" Malcolm asked, eyeing them with interest.
Roarke shifted, trying to hide her nervousness. "It was a meeting discussing the two children that were bitten a few years ago – whether they should be allowed to attend Hogwarts or not."
"Is that what they were talking about?" Liam chuckled. "All I remember was a lot of yelling."
That surprised Roarke. "You didn't even pay attention?" she asked, rather more sharply than she'd intended.
Liam's smile fell. "I was trying to…but people just kept interrupting me."
Roarke clenched her napkin under the table in frustration.
"Besides," Liam said, looking away from her, "I remember hearing the word vampire more times than werewolf."
Remus sat forward suddenly. "They were talking about vampires?"
"I would describe it as yelling."
Roarke exhaled slowly, knowing she would soon receive a reprimand from her father. The growing hostility between vampires and werewolves was reaching a breaking point. Werewolves always protested their status as beasts, but when vampires were granted status as beings, things really started to get out of hand. There had even been talk between many werewolves in recent years of actually taking action against the Ministry and vampires unless something was done.
Remus looked directly at Roarke. "You went to a meeting where they discussed vampires?"
"That wasn't what they were supposed to talk about. And I left before things got out of hand."
"Roarke, you know how I feel about this."
"Yes, I know," she bit out.
"Working to overcome some of the prejudices wizards have about werewolves is one thing, but openly debating the rights given to vampires yet withheld from us is something I don't think you should be involved with."
"And I wasn't!"
"But you know that's what the agenda boils down to, constantly, and that is why I disapprove of your attending those meetings! Your ideas and your dedication are wasted there, and worse they put you in danger!"
"Can we please not talk about it here?"
The table was quiet for a moment. It wasn't common for Roarke and Remus to quarrel. She could feel everyone's eyes on her, especially Liam's. Why did he have to bring that up? Was it impossible for him to keep his mouth shut?
"How about some dessert?" Katie said breaking the tension. "I have apple tarts and some pumpkin pasties. If we all help clear the table, we can then retire into the living room…have some tea…" She nudged Annie's arm to get her to stand up. Liz did the same to Griffin and soon everyone was getting up from the table.
Roarke fixed her eyes on Liam as she stood. There was something there she couldn't place. Was he sorry for mentioning the vampires? Was he surprised her father reacted the way he did? Did he regret coming over here? Roarke only hoped that she might be able to talk to him before he left. Maybe then she could put to rest some of her unanswered questions.
3:00 pm
Liam stood alone in the living room looking at the pictures that covered the mantel. Most of them were of Mr. Lupin and his family. There were a few of Mr. Black and his family, as well as several faces Liam didn't immediately recognize. He thought that one might actually be of Harry Potter, but he wasn't certain. But he wasn't really too interested in the nameless faces, though. He was focused on the five photographs of Roarke, all from various stages of her life.
She was always pretty.
Someone came into the room behind him and just stood. He didn't need to turn around to look who it was. He just knew.
"I was just looking at the photos," he said without glancing at her. "Is this the Harry Potter?" Hopefully Roarke would follow his lead and keep the conversation on neutral ground. Liam really didn't feel like getting into a deep conversation with her in the middle of her father's living room.
"Yes; he's a very dear friend of our family. Sirius is godfather to both him and Malcolm. It is…a very long story."
Liam nodded, trying not to look overly impressed or curious. He remembered reading about the English battle with the dark wizard named Voldemort. He knew that Harry Potter was pretty famous over here. Hell, he was pretty famous everywhere. And now he saw that Remus Lupin and Sirius Black were in the middle of all of that. Falling for with a 'Lupin Girl' seemed almost tabloid at the moment, but he tried not to linger on that.
"So where is everyone?" he asked, moving over to a comfortable armchair without making eye contact.
"Malcolm pulled Dad and Sirius into the office to talk about something he has going on at work."
"Isn't he an Auror?" He fiddled with a trinket on the table next to him.
"Yes, he is."
Liam chuckled to himself.
"What's so funny?"
"I just find that ironic."
"Why?"
"Well, don't Aurors kill werewolves?" He looked up to see her face go pale.
"Sometimes – if they have to."
They were silent for a few seconds before Liam leaned back in his seat. "What about the rest of your family? Your mum and er…Mrs. Black? Sorry – I forgot her given name."
"Liz. They're in the kitchen talking." Roarke sat down on the couch.
"Is she all right?"
"Who, mum?"
"No, Liz. She doesn't look well – and I don't think she liked dinner too much."
Roarke shrugged. "Oh, I dunno. Maybe she's not felling well."
"I don't think she likes me either."
"What makes you say that?"
"Well, she looked at me rather oddly…when we first met, and she didn't even say hello."
"I wouldn't take it personally. She could just be tired from work. I know her schedule has been busy lately."
Liam nodded again. That's right. Let's just keep up the small talk. "And the other two younger ones – where did they run off to?"
"Annie and Griff have disappeared, as they have been known to do since they could walk. Who knows what they are up to? They're always pulling pranks on the lot of us; bit of a family tradition. I'd be horrified if they let a holiday go by without causing some kind of trouble."
"How long have they been…you know…together?"
"Together? They grew up together, is that what you mean?"
"No, I mean – they're a couple, aren't they?"
Roarke smiled, and Liam relaxed a bit at the sight of it. He'd had a momentary panic that he was treading on unknown ground. "What makes you say that?"
"Well…" Liam thought about how to word this without sounding a bit loopy. "Ever since I was accused of not being able to pick up on certain scents, I've been er…paying attention. Now I can't seem to shut it off." It was an attempt at a joke - a small tease to break the tension between them - but Roarke pulled her eyes away from his when she realized he was talking about her.
"What does that have to do with Annie and Griffin?"
"They smell like each other." He knew it was blunt to say it like that, but it was the truth.
"Oh," she said, licking her lips. "They do spend a lot of time together. But I wouldn't exactly call them a couple."
"Why not?"
"Well, nothing's ever been made official between them. They certainly like each other – and yes, there is chemistry – but it's complicated. I think they're both too afraid to budge from where they are. No one wants to make the first move."
"Kind of like us." That caught her attention and he noticed the color rise in her cheeks.
"Is that why you came here today?" She sat very tall and kept her hands in her lap, looking very proper and controlled.
"Sort of. I wanted to see…the possibilities."
"Possibilities…" she took a deep breath. "…with me?"
"Yes and no." They were silent for a while as Liam worked out if he really should tell her what he was thinking, or just let it go. It might scare her off – but then, hadn't he already brushed her out of his life?
"I won't lie and say that I wasn't at all curious about how things could have been. I've lain awake all night imagining how differently the evening would have played out had I ignored the door…and gone ahead and kissed you as I wanted to."
He noticed Roarke bite her bottom lip and glance nervously over her shoulder towards the open door to the hall. "But you aren't the only reason I'm here," he said softly, assuring her he understood her concerns and would keep his voice down.
Roarke played with a spot on her sleeve in annoyance. "Then why else did you come?"
"Like I said, I wanted to see the possibilities. Your father and I may have our differences, but I would be a drongo not to realize he's done well…all things considered."
Roarke looked puzzled. "What does that mean?"
Liam sat forward, ready to explain. "Have you ever met the Crowdens?"
"No."
"The Ministry set me up with them after I was bitten. They're a married couple – both of them werewolves. They live in the middle of nowhere in a run down house completely void of any and all Muggle influence. It's like stepping into the dark ages. And they don't live normally either. They take their lycanthropy very seriously – almost to the point of it being obsessive. They don't do anything without first considering the Wolf…as they call it."
He paused and waited for Roarke to comment. She still looked a bit puzzled.
"I thought that that's the sort of life I would be forced to live. That backwards and socially inept were the common ways of the werewolf. But then I met your father…and I went to that meeting…and I know I was…"
"Rude?"
Liam felt the corner of his mouth twitch, resisting a smile. "Yeah. I was confused and angry…but I saw that life didn't have to be abnormal. I came here tonight to see just how real life could be. I mean, your dad is really …well it's amazing what he's done. He has a wife and he's a father. And everyone is right as ruddy rain, no worries. It's proof that things can be simple and common again." He looked at Roarke purposefully, but she didn't shy from the stare. "It's nice to know at least one of us has made a decent life."
Roarke smiled softly and looked happily at the photos on the mantle before making eye contact again. Her look was not so guarded now, but seemed to have a nod in it. "So then…what do you think? Did things meet your expectations?"
"Well," he placed a hand on his chin as he glanced around the room. "The house could use a little work."
Roarke stared at him, her mouth open.
"I'm teasing you."
"I know."
"Well good."
Katie and Liz entered the room with tea and dessert.
"Because," Liam continued casually, "as an architect I certainly wouldn't have had the living room so close to the kitchen! You taunt your guests with delicious smells while they're left looking at the fireplace."
Katie laughed and Roarke tried to hide her blush as her mother patted Liam on the shoulder before becoming all business again. "I am very glad somebody wants dessert and will properly appreciate it. I haven't seen hide nor hair of anyone for a while now. I was beginning to think no one was interested in eating this!" She poured a cup of tea and handed it to Liam.
"Do you want me to go get everyone?" Roarke offered.
"Yes, Firecracker. That would be helpful."
Liam snorted. Firecracker?
"Are you all right?" Liz asked.
"I'm fine." He couldn't help but notice Roarke's heated look at him before she left the room.
"Mrs. Lupin?" he asked when he was positive Roarke couldn't hear him.
"Yes, Liam?"
"This may be right forward of me, but how did your elder daughter earn a nickname such as 'Firecracker'?'
Katie and Liz both laughed as Liam smiled expectantly at them. Liz again looked a little ill as she settled, but continued to chuckle through Katie's tea offerings.
"Well, you see…my eldest daughter has the distinction in this house of being focused yet volatile. At a very young age her father and I found that she would explode over the smallest of things – just like a…"
"Firecracker," Liam said with a grin."
"At the age of 2," Katie continued, "she would become furious with us if we
mispronounced a name in a book. She had
this expression that made both her father and I cringe as well as laugh. When we saw it, we knew we were in trouble. My baby is a passionate thing – something
that has carried over to this day. You saw a bit of that at lunch I believe. And despite what Remus may claim, she gets
it from him and I will never let the
man claim otherwise. Although her passions are more serious now."
Oh yes, she certainly is passionate!
4:00pm
Everyone was now gathered around the living room, chatting and enjoying his or her dessert. Griffin and Annie sat at opposite ends of the room. Liam noticed a few signals between the two of them, as if they were waiting for something to happen. From the way Roarke described things, it was sure to be a prank of some kind.
But before they could execute whatever wicked plan they had devised, Mrs. Black sat forward and rubbed her temple. Her husband patted her shoulder. "Is something wrong?"
"I'm sorry. I'm just not…feeling well today. I don't think I got enough sleep last night."
"You're over worked," her husband sighed.
"Katie – Remus – I'm so sorry to end the party short, but I think I should be going home. I know I'm not good company."
"NO!" Griffin said jumping up. "We can't go yet!" He looked disappointed and a bit angry.
"You can stay if you like, young Mr. Black, but your mother and I are going home," Black said, standing up.
Liam resisted the urge to laugh as both Annie and Griffin sighed in frustration. Whatever they had planned would have to wait for another time.
Then Liam realized that he should probably take the opportunity and leave as the Blacks did. "I should be going as well," he announced. The objections were few and mostly from Mrs. Lupin. Roarke didn't say a word.
At the door, he shook Mr. and Mrs. Lupin's hands and thanked them once again for sharing their holiday with him. Behind Mr. Lupin stood Roarke, staring at him intensely. He desperately wished he could have a moment alone with her to say good-bye, but he couldn't think of a believable and reasonable excuse to get her to come outside with him. He settled on a nod in her direction. Hopefully she would understand and realized he wanted more.
For he did indeed want more.
