Giddy Brew

Chapter 26: A Londoner in Wonderland (aka The Birds, The Bees, and The Super Short Minis)

A/N: OMFG, only four chapters left after this. Wow. Anyway, I've been thinking--- this is not a Mary Sueish fic in any way shape or form. I let my friends create their own characters, but their personalities and everything were up to me. So I was wondering which one was most like me- and no, it's not Prue. I think if I'm reborn, I'll come back as a very happy, very gay (I'm a slasher at heart) Casey Hargrove. Anyway, just a thought. Oh, and you might notice I've changed the names of Casey's family slightly from those that appeared in chapter…three, perhaps? Not all of them, just a few. Also, Haterii is now Casey's real aunt.

Four weeks had passed, and Jasminder Shah remained MIA. The coming weekend, Casey and Prue would leave for his auntie's wedding. Prue and Bobby had taken advantage of this time to make out in every part of the castle, inducing nausea in most of the student body.

With the absence of their friend, the other two Saints were taking her lead and spending all the time they could with their boyfriends. In fact, it seemed that spring had finally reached Hogwarts. Love was in the air, blah, blah, blah. Sylvester and Casey, the only two single members of their group found the atmosphere entirely depressing.

"This bites," Sylvester sighed, looking at his friend mournfully.

"You bloody bet," Casey replied, wishing he had band practice or somewhat to occupy his time. Unfortunately, Cherridy and Matilda seemed to have been bitten by the love bug, and Cerulean was nowhere to be found, oddly enough. Stupid git.

"You know, we could study," Sylvester suggested, glancing at his books with a hopeful expression. He seemed to be expecting them to jump up and sing a song, or perhaps grant him all the knowledge he'd need for exams.

"We should," Casey agreed, "We'll be seventh years soon."

The redhead was staring absently out the window. Sylvester considered spelling him in some way, but he wasn't really creative enough to think of anything, nor did he feel like moving.

Neither made any attempt to study. An hour later found them still sitting idly by the fire, arguing over whether swim witch wear model Circe Teeworthy had bigger breasts than Playwizard model Hazel Moraney.

It was about that moment in time that Serendipity, Elanore, and Prue walked in.

Correction, it was precisely at the moment Casey was saying, "Mate, I've seen Circe in person. Sweet girl, and her boobs are the size of your head."

Serendipity raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Elanore brushed imaginary lint off her blood colored skirt and pretended she didn't hear anything. Prue pulled the brim of her cap down over her eyes with a half amused frown. Casey had frozen, staring straight at Prue's cap. It was a rather nice cap, really; a black baseball one with a growling tiger's head spray painted graffiti style across the front.

Only Sylvester seemed to find his voice, laughing hysterically right up until Elanore marched up to him and planted a black ballet slipper directly into his stomach. Oddly enough, he didn't mind. The lifted foot gave him a perfect view of her red lacy panties.

"Wow," Serendipity finally found her voice, "You guys are perverts."

Prue was trembling with what looked like anger. Standing, Casey wandered over and lifted the brim of her cap whilst saying, "Uh, don't be mad Prue."

Unfortunately for him, she wasn't having quite the reaction he'd initially thought. In reality, Prue was silently giggling, "Oh god," she gasped, "I can't stop."

"It wasn't that funny, Prudence," Elanore said icily.

That sobered her right up, "Bint."

"You adore me," Elanore shot right back.

"So where's Bobby?" Casey recovered from his shock and the insult to his dignity.

"Real smooth," Sylvester interjected.

"Shut it."

Casually, Prue said, "Ah, he left today. For his grandfather's birthday."

"They had this adorable goodbye snog session," Serendipity started.

"Couldn't keep their hands off each other," Elanore added.

"It was more of a grope session, really."

"I concur," Elanore grinned.

"I hate you both, so, so much," Prue retorted.

"Now she's just being nasty."

"Really, we shouldn't have to take this. She's missing lover boy already. Come on Serendipity, lets go where we're wanted."

Suggested the redhead, "Boys locker room?"

"Ah, but Quidditch seasons over," Elanore said miserably, "It will have to be Dark Symphony practice."

"Righteous," Serendipity cheered.

Both girls swiftly turned tail and practically ran out the portal.

"Well, I've no idea what that was about," Prue mumbled, "They're awful weird today."

"Perhaps they tried some of those funny mushrooms at breakfast," Casey replied.

"I say, did you think they were funny too?"

"I say? The second world war is over, Sylvester," Prue drawled, "Who talks like that anymore?"

"The second world war?" Casey asked blankly, "There was a first one?"

"Never mind. Muggle thing, I guess," Prue frowned.

"I know why they ran off. You're nasty today," Sylvester pouted. He pushed off the couch and said, "I think I'll go find someone who appreciates me a little more."

Casey smiled, and Prue thought that he had one of those smiles that looked naturally so mischievous, and so natural to him. She liked how he got all squinty eyed and how his teeth all looked so straight and perfect. Unlike hers, which she was pretty sure were a bit crooked on the bottom and definitely not nearly so white.

"Good luck," Casey called after Sylvester, "I doubt you'll find anyone."

"So tell me about your family. I should know what to expect for next weekend," she said causally, perching herself on the arm of his chair.

"Oh, they're boring," Casey said dismissively.

"Still, I'd like to know," she cajoled.

"Fine. You're good at whining, Prudence."

"Don't call me that."

"My mother probably will. She likes to call people by their full name. She's great. I don't know how she puts up with all of us. My stepdad's really straight laced. He doesn't like things out of place, and he's not big on the fun. He's not a bad guy though."

Prue nodded to show that she was listening, and Casey continued, "My oldest brother, Cayan…he's really…suave, maybe is the word? He makes you want to be around him. And he's always laughing. I think Cerulean really looked up to him when we were growing up, Cherridy too. I kind of take after my dad. My real dad, I mean. He was wild. Mom could never get him to calm down."

"How old were you when he died?"

"Nine. Ah, he…got involved in something. Dark wizards…"

"Oh."

"It's okay. I mean, it's really okay. They caught them and everything," Casey forced a grin, "Anyway, you know us three- me, Cerulean, and Cherridy. I have five little brothers. Chauncey and Conrad, they're twins. They absolutely love Cerulean. They think he's the moon and the stars. I guess it's cause I'm kind of the loner of the family. None of my little brothers think that kind of stuff about me."

Ruefully, he continued, "Actually, I did teach Corbett how to play guitar. He's two years older than the twins. He'll be in Hogwarts next year!"

"Wicked," Prue cheered encouragingly.

"Then there's Cattigan and Chestral. They're my half brothers, really, but they look just like the rest of us. Except Cattigan's like my step dad. He's super serious, always reading and stuff. Chestral's just cute. He smiles a lot. He's only two."

"Pretty big family," Prue commented.

"Yeah. I have three step sisters, but they're all really…girly."

"What about your aunt?"

"My aunt?"

"The one that's getting married?"

"Oh, auntie Haterii. She's cool. She and mom are super close. I haven't met the guy yet though."

"Do…do you think your family will like me?"

"Of course. My mom's wanted to meet you since way back when!"

"She what? Surely not," Prue laughed.

"And you made fun of Sylvester? Surely not?"

"You can take your wand and stick it, Casey Hargrove. Now tell me why your mother's wanted to meet me."

Casey turned a little bit red, and ducked his head, "Er…I may have written about you a little bit."

"A little bit?"

"Well, maybe a lot, back in first and second year. And maybe third. And a little fourth. Not so much fifth. Hardly at all now," he assured her.

"Momma's boy," Prue said bitingly, "What did you write?"

"All kinds of stuff," Casey said vaguely.

It was around that moment that Cerulean walked in.

"Do you know what he's written about me to your mother?" Prue demanded.

"Of course. He only wrote that he'd found her future daughter in law," Cerulean said brightly.

Casey turned bright red, and Prue's cheeks started to tinge pink.

"Oh, but that was first year. Second year he wrote that you were his soul mate, even though you squirted bubotuber pus in his eyes," Cerulean's eyes were twinkling.

"I was ten years old," Casey protested, "Okay, eleven. I was stupid."

"You were stupid for liking me?" Prue asked angrily.

"Ah, no, no! I mean, I didn't know what I was talking about. Um, I wasn't thinking," Casey said frantically.

"Actually, it sounds like you were thinking quite a lot," Cerulean observed.

Prue's face broke into a smile, "Relax, Casey. You're so red!"

"Kind of the color of his hair."

"No, that's more of an orangey hue."

"True."

"Would you both stop trying to embarrass me?"

Serendipity and Elanore were perfectly content. Serendipity was cuddled up in her boyfriend's arms, watching the sun reflect off the great lake. Elanore and Joshua were playing a very long game of wizard's chess. It was long because they kept having to take snog breaks.

Right between a potential check move and a snog session, Elanore turned to Serendipity and said, "You know, I almost feel guilty."

Drawled Serendipity, "Why ever would you?"

"We kind of just ditched Prue. I'm sure she's feeling all fragile what with Bobby leaving and all."

Serendipity giggled, "I seriously doubt that. Anyway, it's not like we could tell her we'd planned a double date and hadn't invited her."

Elanore pouted her lips, "I suppose you're right. Casey will entertain her."

"When did you grow a conscious?" Serendipity inquired.

"Probably since Prue said she'd lend me her super expensive pumps from Gladrags couture," Elanore said thoughtfully.

It was about then they decided the discussion was over and went back to cuddling with their boyfriends.

An hour or so later, the girls had grown bored. Sure, the springtime sun beating down and the lulling sound of lake waves was all well and good, but both Saints were of the active type.

"Entertain me," Serendipity told Polaris petulantly, and the word 'bitched' flew into Joshua's head. He was glad his girlfriend was of the low maintenance sort.

"This is boring. Why don't we ever do anything exciting Joshie?" Too bad Joshua didn't realize that Elanore manipulated him in a much more subtle way than Serendipity did to her boyfriend. The words underhanded sneaky bint came to mind.

Both boys were slightly flustered. They'd enjoyed the relaxing time, away from exams and school politics.

"We could play Quidditch?" Polaris suggested lamely.

"Boo," jeered Elanore.

"Gobstones?" Joshua asked.

"Not a chance in hell-o," Serendipity shot down the idea.

"Brutal," Polaris shook his head.

"Completely harsh," Joshua agreed.

"Why don't you girls think up an idea then?" Polaris grinned.

"Don't try to avoid your sacred duty as a boyfriend," Serendipity admonished.

Elanore pursed her lips, "Yeah, don't think we don't know what you're doing."

"Hard to please, that's what you are."

"I guess we'll have to think of something ourselves, Ellie," Serendipity said tragically.

"While I'm all for playing the stalling game again," Elanore said, "Sorry, but fresh out of ideas."

"The stalling game?" Joshua inquired mildly.

"You know, when I suggest something that I know she'll shoot down. That way I have time to think of something better and don't have to deal with the awkward silence of wood burning in Serendipity's head. Kind of like what you boys were doing a minute ago," Elanore replied perkily, kissing her boyfriend on the nose before he could object.

"I have an idea," Serendipity beamed, "Why don't we take a walk in the forest?"

"The forest? Why in the world would we- Oh! The forest. Good idea," Elanore finished.

"I'm missing something, aren't I?" Polaris asked.

"You're not the only one," Joshua informed him.

"Okay boys, you are sworn to secrecy for the rest of your lives, if we tell you this," Serendipity started.

"The thing is," Elanore began.

"There's a secret passage, in the Ravenclaw fireplace."

Elanore glared at Serendipity for cutting her off, "It takes you to the middle of the forbidden forest."

"Wicked. Why haven't we made use of this earlier?" Joshua demanded lewdly.

"Quant and Fortune are, usually."

"What? But they're both Gryffindors."

"What's wrong with Gryffindors?" Polaris asked.

"They're…morons."

"Well Slytherins are slimy berks who couldn't tell a grindylow from a broomstick."

"They have complete access to our common room," Serendipity rolled her eyes and Elanore patted her boyfriend's head, soothing his bruised ego.

"Anyway, one night Quant and Fortune met this strange guy. We think it was him who took Jasminder Shah."

"And we want to try and meet him," Serendipity finished.

Bluntly, Joshua asked, "Why?"

Both girls looked startled, "Isn't that obvious?"

"No," Polaris put in, hating to agree with Joshua.

"It would be good fun," the girls chorused.

Not for the first time, Joshua and Polaris wondered at their choice in women.

The weekend came too quickly. Serendipity, Elanore, Joshua, and Polaris had visited the forest twice since their first double date, but Puck was nowhere to be found. When the time came for Prue and Casey to leave, they were all in Potions class. Professor Esquiline seriously considered holding them when a prefect came to escort them to the fireplace in the headmistress's office.

The floo powder stuck to their clothes and smelled vaguely of moss, but Prue immediately forgot that when she arrived at the house. Casey grabbed her hand (he'd gone first, Cerulean and Cherridy having left the period before them) and helped her dust off the soot as she stepped out of the fireplace. Stepped because the fireplace was so tall that she didn't have to crawl out.

"Oh Casey, she's lovely," a strong, sweet voice breathed. Prue gasped. She'd never seen such a gorgeous mother. Arcadia Hargrove was a slight woman, with the kind of hip bones that jut out and a perfectly flat tummy. You never would have guessed she'd popped out nine kids. Her long, beautiful fire colored hair was piled high atop her head, and she had kind brown eyes. Her complexion was perfect. Prue felt completely inadequate next to her.

"Isn't she lovely," Arcadia asked Cherridy and Cerulean, who were standing next to her.

"Of course, mum," Cerulean grinned.

"I guess so," Cherridy looked a bit put off, and made a face "She's a real brute at Quidditch though…"

"That's no way to speak of our guest, Cherridy," a soft voice interjected. Prue assumed it was Arcadia's sister Haterii. This woman had long, slender fingers and a bright smile. She hadn't aged nearly so well as Arcadia, but the soft age lines of her face made her look oddly more beautiful. Her skin was a dark brown, and her eyes were the same blue as Casey's. A long veil of black hair fell down to her waist, and her fiancée, a quiet man with kind eyes was stroking it gently.

Casey made quick introductions so that Prue could identify the rest of the family. All were staring at her expectantly. She felt a bit like an animal in a zoo must.

Chrystan Harcourt (who had fallen in love with Arcadia back when they first met solely on the basis of their similar last names and her extraordinary beauty) had straw colored hair and a grim mouth. He didn't seem to enjoy smiling, but Prue was assured that he was a very caring man, and was just stressed because of the wedding.

Florence, Marigold, and Ruthie had blonde hair. Florence's was long, Marigold's was bobbed prettily, and Ruthie wore hers in a pixy cut. They all had blue eyes and slender figures. They all wore sundresses in blue, yellow, and red respectively. There was something about them that gave Prue a major Stepford wives vibe.

Prue's favorite family members were the twins, Chauncey and Conrad, both seven years old and both miniature versions of Cerulean. Then there was Corbett, who ran around playing a tiny guitar. He was nine years old and Prue could already see that he would be a little terror. Cattigan was quiet and introspective, like his dad and aunt. Prue had never before seen such a serious five year old. Chestral was only two, and the most adorable thing in the world. He and Cattigan were Casey's half brothers.

Last but not least was Casey's older brother Cayan and his Nana and Nonny. The old bats were out of town, according to Cherridy, but Cayan was even more charming than Cerulean. He swept in and out of the rooms of the mansion, enchanting the hired help and laughing all the while. He had a brilliant smile, like his mother's. When Prue asked what he did, she was surprised to find out he owned a book shop.

"He's got a girlfriend, but he won't let us meet her," Casey murmured, smiling and giving Cayan the finger.

Cayan just grinned and continued his conversation with Cerulean, who was suddenly very interested in the business of books.

It was all a lot to take in. On top of all the family members, the room they were in was beyond elegant. All the walls were pure snow white, lined with deep mahogany trim. Every piece of furniture in the room, and as Prue was later to find, the house was made of the same deep mahogany. All cushions were a metallic wine red, and the draperies were silks and satins of cream. The room she was in alone had five floor to ceiling windows, a grand piano, and three long, luxurious couches.

"Casey, you never told me how beautiful this place was!" Prue exclaimed.

Casey blushed, "Oh it's…it's not that beautiful."

"Don't be hasty little brother. Our house is very beautiful. Don't want to insult all of mother's work," Cayan interrupted with a smile.

Casey glared at his older brother, "Don't you have somewhere else to be? Out in town charming the muggle girls, perhaps?"

"Pish posh. I would never consort with muggle girls," Cayan said smoothly, and suddenly Prue didn't find him so charming. She could feel Casey stiffen beside her.

"Not on an empty stomach, anyway," Cayan continued, oblivious, "They don't seem to like it when your breath smells for lack of nutrition."

She automatically relaxed and giggled, "Oh, well most girls don't like that."

When Cerulean cut in and lead Cayan away, saying that Casey should get Prue settled, the redhead turned to her, "About that. I'm pretty sure none of my family will care. That you're muggle born, I mean. I don't know about my sisters, actually, but my brothers and my mom are all okay. It's just…I don't know who's coming to this wedding Prue. Some of them might say stupid things."

"Stupid things?"

"We're a pureblood family. Well, you know, as pureblood as you can get in this day and age. Most of the guests are going to be purebloods. I guess auntie Haterii's fiancée's family is very traditional."

"Are you saying I shouldn't advertise my background? Casey Hargrove, are you ashamed of me?" Prue gasped.

"No! No!" Casey laughed, "You're mistaking my words for something else. I'm saying, if you want, I can tell the others not to. It might be easier for you. But only if you want."

Prue studied him for a minute, "You're a git, you know that? Well, you'd better show me this big fancy room I get to stay in. It is big and fancy, right?"

"Big, check. Fancy, check," Casey affirmed, then added shyly, "Hey, you wouldn't be interested in you know. Seeing my room?"

"That's not a come on, is it?"

"Of course not? On my best friend's girlfriend? I wouldn't dream of it," Casey chuckled.

"I'm your friend too," Prue told him, "and yes, I would like to see your room."

"Cheers," Casey chirped in a very unmasculine way. He looked pretty excited.

Unfortunately for him, something akin to a tiny bundle of energy came bounding down the hallway, crying, "Casey!"

It was a woman, with a face that was proud and a tall stature. Her hair was shoulder length and curly, and strawberry blonde. She had very familiar blue eyes.

"I didn't know you were here," Casey said happily, gathering the small woman up in his arms.

"Ah, gave Arcadia a bit of a fright," the woman replied unabashedly, "Who's the girl?"

"I've told you about her. That's Prue," Casey emphasized her name. Prue wondered if his entire family knew about her.

"Prue, Prue, doesn't ring a bell," the woman said with a twinkle in her eye.

Casey whispered something in her ear, and she snapped her fingers, "Oh, that Prue. Nice to meet you."

Prue took the woman's extended hand, "Uh, nice to meet you too…"

"Oh, Shailly. Shailly Hargrove. I'm Casey's aunt. On his dad's side."

"His stepdad?"

"No, his real dad. Karsh," Shailly smiled kindly, "I guess he hasn't told you much about him. Casey, how about you take her bags up? I'll walk her there. We have to do, you know, girl talk."

Casey obediently took Prue's suitcase on up the hall, leaving the blonde staring after him, "Um."

"Don't worry. I've only got a few questions," Shailly said brightly. She looked so young. Thinking back, Prue realized that Arcadia couldn't have been that old either, as far as parents went.

Prue blushed, "Cerulean's told me…a little bit. About your brother."

Shailly shook her head, "Just between you and me, Cerulean and Cayan are nothing like their dad. They're much more of their mother's sons. Casey's my favorite. He acts just like Karsh."

Prue laughed at Shailly's wrinkled nose, and then blushed as she told her, "I think you're a nice girl."

"I hope so," Prue quickly sobered, "I really want to make a good impression."

"Well, you certainly have on my nephew. That's good enough for me," Shailly winked.

"Thank you," Prue exclaimed feeling a little more than overwhelmed. Everyone here had been so sweet, and she'd only arrived an hour ago.

"But," Shailly intoned, "If you ever hurt him I'll be making use of several unforgivables."

Prue gulped, "Understood."

Shailly giggled, "You're not supposed to agree. Are you two even dating?"

"No, but you just looked so scary," Prue trailed off, realizing the older woman was making fun of her.

"Relax, relax!" Shailly said, "You have nothing to prove here. You're a guest. Make yourself comfy."

Prue assured Shailly she would as they approached the room she would be staying in. Shailly left her with a fond farewell. An hour or so later, Prue had settled into a room with green suede bedding, lush curtains the color of Swiss coffee, and light wooden furnishings. It was nice, but felt unused. She wasn't sure what she would do if she lived in a house with so many rooms. Even if she had as many family members as Casey, the big house felt empty away from their laughter. Still, the room was beautiful. Her stuffy apartment in London paled in comparison. Her room would fit in the closet.

"Knock knock," Casey said from the door, "I thought you'd like to see my room now."

"I thought you were leaving me to rot," Prue accused him lightly.

"I would never. Shailly and I were catching up."

"You call her Shailly?"

Casey shrugged, "She won't let me call her auntie."

Prue smiled, "Everyone in your family is so nice."

Making a face, Casey said, "You don't have to live with them."

His room was right down the hall from hers. It was twice the size of the guest bedroom she'd been given, and had extremely high white ceilings. The walls had been painted a deep royal blue, except for the one without windows, which was black and had a star motif. He had a walk-in closet about the size of her room back home, and a large bed with black, blue, and orange canopies hanging from long black wooden pillars. The backboard had a planetary diorama carved into it.

Casey gestured for her to take a seat next to him. The bed was soft; it must have had a feather mattress. She lay back on it, thinking that this was the most normal she'd felt since she'd arrived. The entire room smelled like Casey; nice.

"So?" Casey demanded.

"So?" Prue wondered, examining the posters that littered his wall. A lot of them weren't posters at all, but flyers for bands that had played in Brigand, the most famous wizarding club in London. She spied a Maniac Charm flyer in blazing neon pink out of the corner of her eye, half buried under flyers for other more popular bands whose shows sold for fifty galleons a pop. He also had posters of such famous wizarding punk bands such as Pirates Not Ninjas, Massacre in Hogsmeade, and the Centurions. Two non-moving muggle posters of Jimi Hendrix and The Doors were hanging near his bed. Everything in his room screamed music. The only visible exceptions were a couple of framed photos on his bed stand. One was of him, Frank, Sylvester, Quant, and Bobby hanging out in front of the shrieking shack in Hogsmeade in third year. Another was of him and Bobby at Bobby's house in the Caribbean. There was one of Prue, Serendipity, and Elanore in second year attempting to brew a potion that wasn't working out well, from the looks of the black smoke billowing out of their cauldron. Then there was one of Casey and Prue, both grinning from ear to ear, taken right before OWLs last year. The little photographic Casey kept glancing at Prue when she wasn't looking, and she was doing the same to him and blushing a little.

"What do you want to do? The wedding's in two days. We have some time to kill," Casey encouraged her.

"What is there to do around here?" Prue had looked out the window earlier. All she saw was rolling countryside and a glistening lake.

"Not much. We don't really have a town," Casey looked slightly embarrassed, "And Mum says we're not to gallivant around anywhere else."

"Hmm," Prue acknowledged.

Casey saw that she was still looking at the picture of the two of them, "That was fun, right?"

It was right before Reese O'Malley had stuck her nosey camera into their business, before Prue had started avoiding him at the end of the year.

"Yeah."

Casey flopped back on the bed beside her, and she turned to face him, her knees touching his.

"You know, we don't really have to go out," he said bravely, leaning in close.

Prue's heart sped up.

"We could stay in," she agreed.

He moved even closer, his nose touching hers, and she thought maybe he was moving a little fast. Then she remembered there could be no moving at all, because she was dating Bobby. Hell's Bells, she rather enjoyed dating him.

"Casey," she protested.

He moved away, "Too fast."

"Not at all. We can't," she reminded him.

"Oh," he didn't look very convinced, and not for the first time, Prue wondered if it had been such a good idea to come here. Bobby trusted her.

Still, she'd been dating Bobby for almost three months, and there was something Casey made her feel…a quickening heartbeat, perhaps…It was just different.

Against her better judgment, she started to bridge the gap between them, her eyelids fluttering closed. Casey grinned, and their lips brushed.

"I know somewhere you can go," a new voice interrupted. Prue jumped half a foot off the bed and Casey grumbled something about getting locks on the doors.

"Cayan, you're boring," Casey said bluntly, "I seriously doubt you've ever done anything that's very bloody fun."

"That's rot," Cayan looked surprised, "I'll have you know, I was quite the little party animal when I was your age."

If Prue recalled correctly, Cayan was barely twenty three. She hoped she didn't say things like 'when I was your age' in five years.

"What about the Ravine," Cayan continued.

Casey blinked, "Isn't that a bar?"

"Goodness, no."

"Goodness no," Casey mimicked.

"Casey, don't be such a wanker," Cayan then effortlessly changed his tone and said, "It's a club."

"It's a gay club," Casey enunciated, disgusted.

"With dancing?" Prue questioned, "Say, that sounds rather fun."

Immediately, Casey changed his tone, "To the Ravine it is."

"I'd wait until after dinner," Cayan suggested, "Mum seems to have something rather delicious cooked up."

"The chef, he means," Casey grumbled, but agreed to wait until they had eaten due to the rather loud noises his stomach was making.

After they had eaten what proved to be some delectable fare, which Arcadia Hargrove had in fact cooked on her own ("It's a Webster family tradition!" she'd chirped. Webster was Arcadia's and Haterii's maiden name.) Prue realized she had absolutely nothing nice to wear except what she'd brought for the wedding. Everything else was just jeans and shirts.

After they had eaten what proved to be some delectable fare, which Arcadia Hargrove had in fact cooked on her own ("It's a Webster family tradition!" she'd chirped. Webster was 's and Haterii's maiden name.) Prue realized she had absolutely nothing nice to wear except what she'd brought for the wedding. Everything else was just jeans and shirts.

"You can wear jeans," Shailly told her, pursing her lips. Casey had pulled her aside as Arcadia cleared the dishes and asked her opinion.

"But what about the shirt?" Prue asked. It was like she didn't mind wearing what she'd brought, but when she'd shown Casey and Cayan they'd both made dismissive gestures.

"Here," Shailly conjured up a rather festive white silk number with red, orange, and yellow patterns.

"I can't wear a bra with this," Prue objected, eyeing the low cut front and back lines.

"I know," Shailly winked.

"What's the big deal? Everyone there is going to be gay."

Prue looked pointedly at Casey, who quickly rescinded his comment.

She ended up wearing it, managing to look only slightly uncomfortable that her small breasts might pop out at any moment.

Cayan, Cerulean, and Shailly accompanied them to the club, assuring them they wouldn't intrude. True to their word, they managed to make themselves scarce. Prue thought she even saw Cerulean meet up with a suspiciously familiar white haired boy for drinks.

Shailly, trussed up in a black baby doll dress embroidered with black and gold brocade at the neckline and under her voluminous, envy worthy bosom immediately found company with two transsexual wizards in short mini skirts.

"Hey, hot stuff," a skinny man with full moon spectacles slithered up to Casey, "Why don't you ditch the bimbo and I'll show you a good time."

Casey, surprisingly turned around and purred, "I'm not with the 'bimbo', and if I was, hell if I'd go off with a tramp like you."

The man turned red, pock marks in his face gaining a more purplish tinge, "Well. No need to be rude."

"I'm not being rude," Casey pointed out, "You were being rude by insulting my friend here."

Prue was flustered, "No, that's okay. Really."

Normally she would have karate chopped someone for calling her something like bimbo, but she felt bad for the tiny red faced man. Plus, being around Casey's family was making her feel unusually timid. "Hussy," the red faced man taunted her, recovering from Casey's insult.

The Ravine was a muggle club, and technically Shailly had told her not to use magic within the premises, but Prue suddenly didn't feel so timid. She'd hidden her wand in the leg of her calf length boots, and when the man turned his back on them, she pulled it and tried out one of the wordless incantations she knew. He abruptly grew a bad case of the nasties in areas he probably wouldn't want to mention to others. With an odd look on his face, the man rushed out of his club. She had her wand tucked away before Casey and Cayan were any wiser.

After that the club was much nicer. A group of rather friendly girls drew Prue into conversation. They were a little too eager with their hands, but, after learning that Prue's backside was off limits came to dance with her anyway. Casey had taken up a drinking game with the most adorable couple Prue had ever seen. Casey was even a little enchanted by them, and managed to quell his repulsion when the two boys kissed.

All in all, it turned out to be a rather good night.

End- I know all of you are wondering why I'm introducing new characters and stuff- in this story they're just kind of 2D, but I was considering doing yet ANOTHER side story. I swear, it's all because I like the last name Hargrove. No, I was actually considering restarting an original story, Jinx Proof Cursive. But I wanted to redo all the characters, thus Shailly Hargrove was born. And Circe's name was changed to Arcadia. Anyway, for the curious…

End- I know all of you are wondering why I'm introducing new characters and stuff- in this story they're just kind of 2D, but I was considering doing yet ANOTHER side story. I swear, it's all because I like the last name Hargrove. No, I was actually considering restarting an original story, Jinx Proof Cursive. But I wanted to redo all the characters, thus Shailly Hargrove was born. And Circe's name was changed to . Anyway, for the curious…

Casey's Parents: Karsh Hargrove and Arcadia Webster. Upon Karsh's death, Arcadia marries Chrystan Harcourt, a childhood friend.

Casey's Brothers: Cayan- owns a bookshop, which in Poison Fairytales, he lets Cerulean take over so that he can pursue his 'dream'. Cerulean and Cherridy- the singer and drummer of the Dark Orbit. Corbett- not enough info, vaguely resembles Casey. Chauncey and Conrad- twins, who in Poison Fairytales end up at Willowcrest to train as aurors. Cattigan- half brother of Casey. Chestral- half brother of Casey and the rest.

Casey's Sisters: Ruthie, Florence, and Marigold- really nothing to say.

Casey's Aunts: Haterii Webster- her proper name is Ileana, there's a story behind the Haterii…I think. Shailly is Karsh's 'little sister'. She, Arcadia, and Maeve Bixby, the main character of Jinx Proof Cursive were best friends when they were young. Uh, there's something a little mysterious about Shailly and Karsh's relationship…

Casey's Grandparents: Nana and Nonny- they're Arcadia's parents. Horace and Solaria.

The Hargrove family tree as far back as we know (currently) is widespread and rather complicated. We'll do this all in relation to Casey, since he's the main Hargrove we care about as far as Giddy Brew goes. His grandfather's name is Saxon Hargrove. His grandmother's name is Quinn.

Anyway, I'm way too invested in my characters.

Also, I apologize…I feel like the Casey Prue kiss thing was a little rushed…um…but I've suddenly realized how many chapters I have left to work with and what shall happen in the next…

Oh, and absolutely refused to let me post the whole thing when I uploaded it. That's why the font at the end is smaller than the beginning- I had to copy and paste, and I always write in ten point font.