15 July '78: You're The Apple Of My Pie: Bennett

[Greta Catchlove]

Hogsmeade in summer really was something else, and Greta couldn't believe she'd missed out on it until this year. So different to be here as a Hogwarts graduate, no students around, just other adults who lived in the village or families who were visiting. Less of a hustle-and-bustle than she was accustomed to, more time for genuine conversation, the night taking its sweet time arriving...she could see the appeal. The housewarming party here after graduation had opened her eyes to the village in a whole new way. And to its new residents. Well, one of them. She'd always known Bennett was a laugh, and a handsome bloke, and for one of the sweetest people she'd ever met, was a killer Beater - why hadn't she gone for him last year when she was single? Preoccupied with someone that was never going to like you back. About time you're over him, hmm? As someone who tended to go for what she wanted without much thought, Greta hadn't needed much encouragement to return. Today she was back, basket full of ingredients in hand, intent on continuing to test the waters. A little flirting at the party, a little letter exchange to make today's baking plan, hair fixed after she landed - and Greta was ready.

If nothing else, today would give her the material she needed for her next week's column. Weaving stories together of family recipes or restaurants, life, and whatever else struck her fancy while writing - the only thing more thrilling than the opportunity was including her family, friends, and flirtations in the experience with her. Taking her little sister to Fortescue's, inviting Helena out for a dinner date, asking her mẹ to tell the stories of her mother, her grandmother, while she re-learned how to make dishes...It was priceless, all of it, and while Greta knew there was more important journalism going on - if she could expand a few horizons, or bring some joy into an otherwise dreary day, it would be worth it.

She marched up to the house with the cherry-red door, rapping a pattern on it and near to bouncing on the balls of her feet. 

[Bennett Applebee]

Bennett had changed clothes, not once, or twice, or even three times, he had changed clothes more times than he would admit to anyone out loud. His rejects were strewn around his side of the room and he was finally outfitted in something he felt good in. Typically it wasn’t so hard, finding something he liked in his wardrobe, after all, he thought he looked good in everything he owned. It was all just his style. But today, seemed…important, and he wanted to look and feel his best. It was a monochromatic kind of day and he smiled at his reflection at last. Just in time to startle at the cheery, rhythmic knock on the door. He bounded down the double flight of stairs before any of his housemates could beat him to it. Not that they didn’t all know what he had planned for the day, the kitchen was all set up for baking, and a fresh batch of wildflowers sat in a vase on the counter with Greta's name all but written on them. Besides, he hadn’t been able to talk of much else since the date was set. Actually, he hadn’t been able to speak of anything more than Greta since the housewarming. He had read her article a ridiculous number of times, even fishing up old papers to read past writing, hoping to know her better

He flung the door open, an exuberant smile splitting his face as he took her in. All round face and flowing hair, looking like sunshine and smelling like sweets. Ben slipped his arms around her in a quick hug, taking the basket from her hand in the same motion. “Come in.” he offered, stepping aside to let her pass. His heart jumped into overdrive as he followed her to the kitchen, anticipation pounding through him. “Thanks for coming. I promise to try my best, but no promises about the coming mess, or the way it turns out.” It was no secret that he struggled in his cooking skills. However, Ben believed that with as much love as he had for it, and with the right teacher, he would be a master one day. Greta seemed like the ideal person to help him achieve that goal. "So, what's on the menu today?" Other than you of course, food for my eyes.

[Greta Catchlove]

Greta would have felt silly for her wide, excited grin if it hadn't been reflected exactly on Ben's face. She eagerly accepted the offered hug, snuggling into him for just a few moments, and felt like her face was going to split in two as her grin stretched. Who would've thought that just a few weeks out of Hogwarts she'd reconnect with Bennett Applebee, and just seeing him - rocking head-to-toe teal like it was no big deal - would give her butterflies something to flutter about? "Thank you for letting me back! Thought I might've scared you off, talking your ear off about my all time favorite kitchen utensils all night. How've you been?" Her mouth could run away with her - and did, more often than not - especially when she was excited. Or nervous. Or chatting up someone she was attracted to. Or when she got going on something she was excited about while nervous because she was chatting up someone she was attracted to. As Ben had caught her eye, he'd been treated to the whole shebang, and was such a good sport...

You know what would help stop you from babbling? If you just kissed him. Then you'd know!

    We aren't there yet! Well - we're seeing if he is, okay? Shh!

"All I can ask is that you try! It'll be fun, I promise. One of my favorite things to do is bake with people. Baking with people who love food as much as I do? Can't be beat." She grinned back at him, keeping her ears open for the telltale sound of any of his housemates, and slid off her jacket as they entered the kitchen. Greta neatly folded it over the back of a chair, taking in their workspace - eclectic as its occupants, wildflowers on the counter - before going to wash up. "Not to toot my own horn, but trust me - we do this a few times, you'll be promoted to head candymaker, and then you're teaching me. We're making apple tarts, because, I mean - I was thinking of you, and then I couldn't get apple out of my head, and I remembered making this with my grandmother once upon a time, and here we are," she laughed, drying her hands. "But there's a twist! They look like roses when we're through, totally gorgeous. Will be enough for the house if we don't eat them all ourselves. Sound good?"