Dec. 22: Sit Still, Look Pretty?: Mere, Winnie

[Lydia Avery]

The Little Bakery, 10 am, Thursday, Three Days Until Christmas

Since the weekend before, when she'd returned home for the winter holiday, Lydia had been turning a thought around in her mind. It was one of those thoughts that wouldn't leave her alone, one that she didn't think she could live without seeing through. It was a thought that would change her life, and over the past few days she'd been thinking through the details, wanting to make sure the thought was viable before she shared it, before she started to act.

And it was. It so was.

When she'd seen her older brother at the family dinner on the eve of her return, Nicky was bent on giving details about the true work he did with their father. Like the young boy in a man's body that he was, he was keen to show her his new scars, appalling their mother at his doing so at the table while Father, annoyed, demanded that he control himself. Later, when it was just the two Avery siblings, she had asked to see his scars again. It was as if Christmas had come early, how excited he was to show her, tell her of how he'd received them. And while he babbled, she taking mental note of the how's of receipt, Lydia also couldn't help but notice...how incredibly terrible her brother was at healing himself. From how he told it, he and the other Death Eaters - while very often successful in their missions - were left to their own devices in terms of healing. They obviously couldn't go to a healing facility after a battle, and if the others were anything like her Nicky - or Charlie for that matter, hopeless, the both of them - they were too proud of their scars for their own good.

But when he left her, the thought truly struck her, keeping her up later than one would expect for finally being back in one's own bed.

She was left with a number of very enticing what if's.

What if someone with their ideals learned to heal? What if their soldiers could be properly healed in safety? What if that someone learned the required skills not through private tutoring, but through a public teaching hospital? What if that someone infiltrated the hospital, becoming one with its people? Building trust and respect and repertoire, saving enough lives of the benign to put off suspicion, so when the life of someone of importance to the other side was in her hands...

Not everyone could be a fighter. But that didn't mean she needed to leave all of the good work of the Dark Lord to everyone else.

After doing some checking, Lydia saw that she was on her way to having the required credentials for applying to the St. Mungo's healer program. After some rehearsals in her room, she knew she could fly through her interview. She could shame interviewers for doubting her for her assumed alignments based on House and family, tout of what she as a Slytherin and an Avery could bring to the table, and field any questions they demanded of her. (Yes, they needed Hufflepuffs for their excellent bedside manners, but innovation would never come by eternally playing by the rules; yes, they needed Gryffindors for their never-give-up attitudes, but one needed to know when to say "when" for everyone's sakes; yes, they needed Ravenclaws for their astute diagnoses, but they were so often odd, and a healer had to be able to relate to people; and yes, they needed those of less-pure blood in order to make the public feel welcome, but did that not go for purebloods needing medical attention too? They needed her. She would be kind, but realistic. She would be driven, but calculated. She would be observant, but not isolating. She would show the world what she was capable of, and they would learn to listen.)

Besides, dealing with the sick, the wounded - Lydia couldn't imagine it would bother her. Whether she had been born with it or had firmed it up over time after so many stories about the Dark Lord's work, she had a strong stomach hidden under the endless rotation of dresses appropriate to her station.

And so, as she waited for some of her dearest friends and roommates to arrive for their pre-arranged holiday tea, Lydia was excited. While both of the blondes she was meeting today had their faults, their gut instincts could sometimes be remarkably apt to brilliance. If they thought her plan was sound, she could likely put it into action, which would be a dreadfully wonderful project. The young woman took up her tea, contenting herself with people-watching as she waited, bagged gifts (among other things, sheet music for Winnie and a book on numerology for Mere) for the others already on the small round table.

[Meredith Mulciber]

“You there, take these.” Meredith said to the young man who was going into Flourish and Blotts as she was exiting. “Chop chop.” She said, clearly annoyed at being kept waiting. The idiot looked more confused than affronted and accepted the heavy bags of her shopping excursion when she thrust them in his direction. Most of it was for herself, she had long sense acquired all the gifts she intended to dole out.

Meredith rubbed her hands together to regain some feeling in them and fend of the sudden cold, and then set off at a brisk pace to the Little Bakery where she was to meet her roommates. “Come along.” She said to the boy who now carried her things, glancing over her shoulder to make sure the rumbled lowlife was following. He was, and she quickened her steps, shoving her hands in her pockets. Meredith was eternally grateful when the quaint bakery came within distance - she made had “jogged” the last few feet- and opened the door with sigh. Subconsciously she held the door for her help as she searched for one of her roommates.

When she spotted Lydia, she smiled a little and made quick work of joining her. She sat, pulling gold coins from her wrist pouch as she did. When her bags were settled she placed them in the boys hand and them waved him away. "You look very well." she said, leaning over to give her best friend a customary peck on each cheek and then removed her coat; it was much warmer and better smelling in the bakery. “I see Bron is incapable of keeping time even after almost seven years of education.” Meredith commented lightly as she draped her coat over the back of her chair, turning a smile back to her friend.

“Oh, while I’m thinking of it.” With a deft hand Meredith reached back into her inner coat pocket and pulled forth two completely innocent looking vials. She placed them both on the table. “I finished it last month, but I wanted them to be Christmas gifts for you two.” She said, fingering the corked cap on one of the bottles, then added. “Who do I have to kill around here to get a coffee?”

[Bronwyn Nott]

This seventh year had been an interesting one so far. With much coaching from her father over the summer, she had returned to school with determination. She was going to beat Meredith, and win the apprenticeship. Even if she didn't really care for the subject - she had to show the other girl up. And with three days left until Christmas, she was beginning to doubt herself. Sure, she'd gotten decent grades so far, but Meredith was still winning. She needed to be better than her fellow blonde roommate. While they may have become friends over the years, Meredith simply could not win.

Which meant she had to be the best at everything else that Meredith would be at. She had to be the best and be accepted by the Dark Lord. She had to prove that her family name wasn't going to ever be tarnished, even if her idiot cousin still refused to listen to any sort of reason. She had to prove that there was a reason the Nott family was part of the sacred 28. No matter the cost

So her frustration only grew when she arrived to the shop, bags in hand, to see that Meredith had already arrived. Wrinkling her nose in frustration, she tossed her hair over her shoulder before opening the door and walking in, head held high. She would need a good excuse for being here last, one that would show up the girl she desperately had wanted to impress for the last few years.

"I didn't think you were capable of murder Meredith, seeing as a certain redhead is still breathing," she said with a smile as she sunk down into the other empty seat at the table. "Regardless, it's wonderful to see you both." Setting her bags on the floor, she snapped at a nearby waiter to summon him over to the table.

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[Lydia Avery]

Oh, Meredith did know the way to her heart - sincere compliments got one far when it came to Lydia Avery, and Meredith knew better than to give insincere remarks. Exchanging kisses on the cheek with her friend, Lydia smiled back easily. "And you are stunning, as always." Her blonde counterpart generally went for a monochromatic look varying from the purest white to the deepest black, which was reflected in the day's ensemble, and Lydia hoped to gently push her towards colors with this gift of hers. The scarf she'd purchased would be perfect with the other girl's coloring, and it was nothing flashy, but a lovely muted teal. The intimidating red lipstick would be color enough to stand alone in any of her outfits, and Lydia dearly hoped the girl would humor her and at least give it a try over the holiday.

She gave her friend a playful but warning smile at her comment about the absence of their third, not wanting attention to be drawn from her plan for their time together. If the other two got fighting, she'd never get their true opinions about her idea for her future! "I'm sure she's on her way," she said, eagerly leaning towards Meredith as she fished something out of her beautiful coat. Gifts from Mere were always special, and as Lydia gingerly took the small clear vial in her hand, she knew that the other had not disappointed. If she was correct in her assumption, Mere had produced Veritaserum for them. Lydia would definitely make good use of this...probably hold on to it in case there was ever a time she doubted her Charlie. "Thank you, darling - you always know just what I need!" She was about to call over a server (given her friend's impatience, the sooner the better) when Bronwyn came by. Lydia laughed - slightly forced, but hopefully neither girl would notice - and leaned over to kiss Winnie on the cheek.

"Oh come now, girls," Lydia said in her practiced placating way, placing her hands on theirs, forever an unyielding bridge between the two. "Let's not bicker today - Winnie, see what Mere made for us?" Shortly, a server arrived, and Lydia asked for a trio of scones and refill of her tea, eyeing the bags both girls had brought with them while they ordered. Last minute holiday shopping, or what?

[Meredith Mulciber]

“As always.” Meredith agreed with a playful smirk and a quick arch of her brows. She and the darker haired girl were by far the best dressed in all of Hogwarts, and the most attractive. Of course, Meredith was just that little bit more beautiful, but she wouldn’t argue that with Lydia. Meredith cut her eyes at her best and dearest friend, pursing her lips. She loved adored Lydia she was of a sound mind but also had that touch of softness the blonde had never had within herself. She could tolerate Bronwyn much better than Meredith ever could, so in turn, Meredith tried her best to tolerate their roommate much better.

Unlike Nott, somewhere along the way, the Avery girl had wheedled her way into Meredith’s heart, waxing over all her past friend issues like they were nothing. In retrospect they were nothing. And Dorcas Meadows was nothing, especially when placed next to Lydia. Meredith gave a genuine smile at her friend's excitement over her gift. For once not overly pleased with herself, she was happy because Lydia was happy. Lydia was one of the select few people Mere enjoyed pleasing; seeing her so enthused gave the girl that rare warm feeling. It was short-lived however….

”Bronwyn.” Meredith greeted her roommate with the sweetest smile she could muster. “As tactful as ever, some things never change. I guess I should appreciate the continuity.” She had a lot more to say but as ever Lydia spoke up, trying to make them play nice. It was a hard thing to do with Bronwyn sometimes. So instead she simply glared at the girl from across the table and contemplated taking her gift back. It was a gamble anyway. Who knew what Bronwyn would do with something like truth serum? That wasn’t Meredith’s style, however, taking something back was just petty. So she took a deep breath, ordered a large coffee, and then turned to Lydia. “How is your holiday going?”

[Bronwyn Nott]

It wasn't surprising that within seconds of her arrival, Lydia was already trying to force her and Meredith to play nice. Wyn put on a sweet smile, ignoring the glare and comment that came from Meredith. She wouldn't let the other girl get under her skin, not today. Things in their lives were too exciting to let a simple little snap drive her insane. But it is driving you insane because she doesn't like you. Reaching over as the two ordered their drinks, her eyes widen at the gift Meredith had brought.

"Meredith! This is amazing, you really excellent at gift giving," Bronwyn said as she turned over the vial. What she would use this for, she had no idea. But it would certainly be kept on hand in case she ever needed it. She ordered herself a tea, glad when the waiter finally left their table. She fiddled with her nails as Meredith addressed Lydia, asking her about her holiday.

"Don't leave out any details!" Wyn exclaimed, leaning forward so that she could be part of the conversation. Whatever Lydia wanted to talk to them about had to be good, as she never let them down when it came to a good story. Like the time on the train she'd been telling them about Lucius Malfoy and his secret dirty words and ideas. 

[Lydia Avery]

It’s been years, how can you still hardly manage this? Lydia thought with tired annoyance as Meredith and Bronwyn got reacquainted. Honestly, it was as if whenever they had the slightest break from each other, the two needed to relearn how to be in the same space. It was exhausting for Lydia, but thankfully the girls were willing to play nice today, it seemed. The gift given by Meredith was a peace offering of sorts, and Lydia nudged the bags of goodies she bought for her friends towards them with a smile. Unsurprisingly, Lydia had found herself with the attention of both girls. Seeing as she was so often the thing that brought them together, she was usually the one to start true conversations among the three. She took a bit of a steadying breath before smiling, leaning forward just a tad in secrecy. "Before I get to any of that, happy Christmas to both of you!"

After her friends opened their gifts, Lydia began to delve into what she truly wanted to speak with them about today. "Beyond seeing the family and Charlie, which of course I’ll fill you in about soon," the brunette promised, "I have made time to seriously think about what I want to do after Hogwarts." She let a beat fall, and then continued, "One with our ideals and station rarely has much choice, as you know." Their mothers were pureblooded socialites, and that was what was obviously expected of them. But how could young women as bright and driven as themselves just sit still and look pretty? It may have worked in generations before, but Lydia was not content to be complacent.  "However, I am thinking of…asking Charlie to postpone the wedding. So that I can pursue Healing at St. Mungo’s. Now, before you judge," she cautioned quickly, "take a moment to think of what one with our ideals and station could do with that kind of knowledge and position." While the Selwyn’s and Avery’s had been planning on the marriage of their children in the months following her graduation, she simply could not foresee having time and energy to both be a Healer-in-training and plan a lavish affair! She would do both well if she did them separately, and after being in the program for a time, surely she could manage that. Lydia’s dark eyes moved between her friends, sorely hoping for their approval. With that, she could move forward and tell Charlie, and they could spread the news to their parents…this could work, it really could…

[Meredith Mulciber]

An uncontrollable quirk of her lips, it was all the response Bronwyn would receive for her sudden change in countenance. Meredith wouldn’t have even given her that but…it was uncontrollable. Her roommate was pleased with her gift, as Lydia had been, and though Mere was not as happy as she had been for her best friend, she was still delighted by her achievement, at Bronwyn’s thrilled words and genuine compliment. Winnie, like herself, did not speak prettily for no real reason. 

Slowly she let go of the tension that always seemed to crop up when Bronwyn was around. It was always this way with them. They were so similar and yet so different; they were opposing forces on the same side, fire against fire. Often they flared up at each other, creating an inferno, but just as often they simply...were. The blonde thought that without Lydia between them they would have burned each other alive a long time ago. But Lydia was always there. After years of their brunette friend smoothing out their hard edges, well they weren’t exactly friendly, but they weren’t exactly enemies either. Enemies did not exchange Yule gifts after all. 

“Oh, Lydia. Happy Christmas indeed.” Meredith said as she pulled her gift free from the bag Lydia had handed over. “Thank you.” She added earnestly, running the pads of her fingers over the cover of the shiny new book. Surprisingly it was one she didn’t own. Or maybe not so surprisingly, Lydia did live with her for a vast majority of the time. The gift showed how well Lydia knew her. Most people would probably turn their nose up at a book for a present but Meredith found it to be such a perfect thing. Emotion welled up in her chest for her friend. She firmly stamped it down and set the book aside, taking up her coffee as Lydia launched into her real reasons for pulling them together. 

As she listened Mere took note of her friend's prowess. Lydia was a skilled speaker. Meredith found herself completely wrapped up in what her friend was saying, her nerves growing anxious at every pause, her mind racing ahead to all the possibilities. Postpone the wedding? No choices? Ideals and station… Dawning came upon Meredith. All the scattered pieces in her mind snapping together to paint the picture Lydia was creating. Spying. 

It was too dangerous for Lydia- that was Meredith’s first thought. If she was caught by the other side… But did that not apply to all who followed the Dark Lord? Was that not a risk they were all willing to take? Her hazel gaze darted to Bronwyn. They both knew that when the day came they would not be spying as Lydia intended, they would be fighting. Was that not even more perilous than training as a Healer and maybe passing some information along? Mere could not, with a clear mind, begrudge Lydia for her idea. It was a good idea. 

“I think it is a formidable plan.” She said at last, weighing her words carefully. Part of her was still rearing up, wanting to protect Lydia. Meredith paused; she had never had the feeling before, not for someone who wasn’t her blood relation. She had never felt protective. But she did now, and it was warring with her logical mind. Under it all Lydia was fierce and could take care of herself –Meredith knew this - but Meredith was so used to standing between the brunette and all their adversary’s. Sure, Lydia was always there, offering up awful antidotes for their foes; but she was always the one spitting fire, going wand to wand with whoever challenged them. What her friend was suggesting would be out of the blonde’s jurisdiction, there would be no way for Meredith to protect her if things went pear-shaped. “What is your plan for convincing your parents? And Charlie? I have a feeling he will not be too keen, being made to wait for his wife.”

[Bronwyn Nott]

Bronwyn was lost in amazement at Meredith's gift, but Lydia was pushing a bag towards her. She took it carefully, her face lighting up at the gifts. The scarf and lipstick were lovely, but the sheet music drew a smile. She looked it over, looking up to see Meredith smiling at a book. Lydia really was quite good at gifts. "Thank you Lydia, this is amazing. Happy Christmas to you both! But come and tell us your news, I can give you my gifts after."

The waiter had returned with their drinks, and she took her tea gratefully as Lydia launched into her story. Her eyebrows raised as she mentioned postponing the wedding, not something she had been suspecting. But Lydia was a sharp witch, and it was clear she had been thinking about this a while. She knew, of course, what Meredith and Bronwyn were planning to do. She was itching to be a Death Eater, prove that she was just as talented as the rest. So she could understand Lydia's desire to do something more with her life. But the table was quiet, both her and Meredith thinking over Lydia's words.

Winnie was glad when Meredith broke the silence, nodding along to her words. "You're a brilliant witch, I see no reason why you couldn't pull it off." Perhaps that wasn't true, but she didn't want to discourage her friend. Bronwyn had been around the Death Eaters for years. Spies could be useful, but would Lydia be willing to kill someone if it came to it? A death at a hospital wouldn't be considered odd, especially depending on which floor Lydia worked on.

She waved a hand in the air, brushing off Meredith's questions. "Your parents and Charlie should be pleased with you! And if he does complain about waiting, he's an idiot. You've already stayed by his side this long and he's done some foolish things. The least he could do is support you."

[Lydia Avery]

She was utterly pleased when both of her friends responded so positively to their gifts - they had not been idly chosen, after all! Gifts were such a splendid way to show how much one cared! Seeing the girls brighten up made her beam at them, inclining her head delicately at the praise. She let out a tinkling laugh, though, at Winnie's insistence of her sharing her idea. Wanting it to go over well, Lydia did her best to intrigue them as she spoke more candidly than usual...

The girls were silent as they listened to and processed her idea, and Lydia worked to keep her face neutral while they did. Within, though, the brunette was buzzing with a unique nervous excitement; she usually didn't allow herself to feel so strongly about things, or to demand the center of attention, putting her own desires on the backburner to be of service to her significant others. But she truly was ready to jump into this idea and all it would mean - with their approval. She was proud of it, saw the potential in it, felt that she could succeed, and knew that she could be useful to those she loved in her own special way. She'd never thought to branch out on her own, but the time was coming for them all to forge their own paths, and if Lydia knew one thing - it was that she wouldn't be content sitting at home waiting for Charlie to come home...

Meredith spoke first, after exchanging heavy glances with their third, and admittedly Lydia should have expected something of the sort. Mere was the one used to fighting battles on her behalf, and while the blonde admitted the sagacity of the plan, she did have fair points for Lydia to consider. And was that concern shielded within those hazel eyes? It would have been unreasonable for Lydia to expect glowing commendations off the bat! Thankfully, though, to the warming of her heart, Winnie chimed in with her full stamp of approval. Lydia turned a beaming smile to her as she continued, wanting to believe it all to be true. "Thank you, both of you," she said with a sigh of quiet relief. Now that the words were out and the possibility of this becoming reality was that much closer, Lydia was nearly overjoyed to find she was still as excited about it as she had been when it'd been her little secret.

"If I explain to them all how this will be for the benefit of our community, I can hardly see how they would deny me," she continued with confidence. "Honestly - you should have seen Nicky the other night, showing off his scars like a child." With a roll of her dark and unsympathetic eyes at the antics of her elder brother, Lydia went on, "They haven't got anyone caring for them the way I could after I learn what to do, and while they know what they're doing during their various events, they've obviously not been properly educated about what to do after." It was undeniably thrilling to discuss this so openly, and in public no less! But Lydia felt that her time to shine was coming, and it was long overdue. "Besides, Charlie needs to propose properly before I start planning a wedding! If he's put-out about it, I'll demand the ring," she said, laughing delightedly as she wiggled her manicured but otherwise undecorated left hand. "Truly, though - you do believe this could work? You don't know what your support would mean to me." Looking between her friends, her closest and most trusted in the world, Lydia felt unashamed with her present vulnerability, even if it was something far outside of their normal realm of communication. They deserved to know!

[Meredith Mulciber]

She sipped her coffee as she continued to mull things over, looking to Bronwyn and Lydia as they both spoke in turn. For all that they were, she and Wyn were usually on the same page. Meredith could tell simply by the tone of her voice that she knew too that this plan had many things to overcome before it would come to fruition. She also knew that they were both in complete support of whatever Lydia wanted to do- even if it did scare Meredith more than she would ever admit. The blonde had always imaged her friend safely in some manor house redecorating a dining room, not trying her hand at spying.  

Well, not only spying. "That is excellent thinking Lydia." she agreed when the other girl mentioned the abysmal state some of their kin came back in and her plan to remedy it. It would definitely be a comfort to her to know that the other girl would be there should she need emergency medical aid. Sure, she could do basic first aid and she knew a few spells for minor injuries, but nothing like her roommate was talking. She smiled at her best friend, proud of her for thinking this up and amused that she was wiggling her empty fingers at them, acknowledging the truth in her words. 

Meredith shook her head, trying to ignore the pull in her chest at Lydia's ardent declaration and taking the others hand on instinct. "Of course, we back you completely and I'm sure we can make it happen. I'll even fight your parents for you if you need, I've gotten quite good at it lately." She gave Lydia a warm smile, turning away and releasing her when the urge to hug the brunette was almost too much. Though she was being honest, this time last year she had gone head to head with her own parents about arranged marriages and continued education. She had won that battle, and if Lydia needed, she would secure her freedom as well.  

"Um, Wyn is right though, he should support this." 'Given what a waste he is.' Clearing her throat, she pushed on, ignoring her traitorous thoughts. "But I think we should prepare for some serious resistance. If not from him than from your parents, and if not them, possibly Charles's parents. I just think it's better to be more prepared than not." She said with a decided nod and a look at Bronwyn, they both had already spent loads of time readying themselves for what they wanted to do. "Make sure we're hitting them with all the best points and leaving them no room to say no."

[Bronwyn Nott]

She was sure that at some point, this would be a conversation between her and Meredith. If Lydia was going to be involved in such a manner, it meant that she would need someone looking out for her. And they certainly couldn’t trust Charlie to be the one looking out for her, the hot headed former Ravenclaw hardly thought of anyone but himself. She smirked as Lydia waved her ringless hand about, glad to see that she wasn’t going to let her relationship with Selwyn be her only future. And with the future approaching them fast, it would be good to have someone on their side capable of patching them up. This was a war after all, and while she had every intention of doing her part she needed to keep her looks. As much as boys seemed to love scars, she wasn’t thrilled about the idea of gaining anymore.

“You’ve given this a lot of thought,” she chimed in to Meredith’s words, reaching across the table to give Lydia’s other hand a squeeze. “Of course they are going to resist, but our parents are stuck in a different time period, when a woman couldn’t be as just as good as a man.” But they were no longer daughters aiming to be mothers, instead they were daughters aiming to be a part of something bigger than them. “You’ve already got some good points - having someone capable of healing is a must and clearly that’s something that is lacking. And while Charlie may be a Selwyn, you are an Avery. Powerful families should expect to produce powerful children.”

Going back to her tea, she took a sip as she weighed the options they had in her head. Charlie’s parents were hardly a concern, seeing as they were practically as useless as their son. And while Meredith and Lydia might feel they needed to convince the former Ravenclaw, Wyn had her doubts that he would be fully convinced regardless of what they said. Her parents would take some coaxing, but surely Nicholas would be willing to help...and if not? “We can always remind them that it could be worse - you could be waiting tables at the Leaky Cauldron like some sort of peasant.”

[Lydia Avery]

Was she not just the luckiest girl in the whole world to have friends such as these? Corry's unfortunate scheduling at that awful pub was keeping her from this conversation, but Lydia would catch her up in private as soon as she could. But Meredith and Bronwyn's assertions of both the cleverness of her plan and their willingness to fight obstacles with her, they just warmed her heart so wonderfully. She held tight to both of the girls as they took her hands, making a silent promise to them and to herself that she would learn. She would rise, cream of the crop, above the rest of the trainees. Because she, truly, had something to prove, and something to learn for. While she could've been the most beautiful next trophy wife in their society's circle, attending this charity event and that opening night on her husband's arm, a banal remark all to be expected of her - she was more than that. While she could go into this training process with half of her heart and mind out of the door, she was not going to lose her usefulness to her friends and family once they were out of school. She could ensure that none of those she loved left this idiotic war with any scars or unseemly blemishes. There would be serious times, naturally, where she was not just working on cosmetic fixes, but life-and-death ones...but I will rise to it. I must.

"We will keep planning, I appreciate it so. But Winnie, you are just too much," she crooned, touched, after they had let go of her hands, one of her own going to her heart at the other's commendation. Powerful. I quite like that. It was good to know that her friend did see her as such; often Lydia let the others take the light, show their strengths less subtly than she did. But with Meredith's successes over her family's prior expectations, and Winnie's fortitude in the face of all of hers...We're more alike than not. She nodded to Meredith's points, the very fair acknowledgement that overpreparedness was better than under. Lydia knew she was coming into this a bit late in the game, as surely some of her fellow trainees would not only have had prior experience, but would also have had their hearts set on this career path for years. For her family, this change would be coming out of the blue. But what was life without a surprise or two?

The petite brunette let out a true laugh as Bronwyn continued, although she stopped it quickly out of respect for their fourth. "With any luck it won't come to that, but you're absolutely right," Lydia acknowledged, giving their late waitress a curt nod as the girl set down their scones and fixings. "Honestly, I figured that that would be a phase she would tire of. Does anyone know if she's going to try something...classier, after graduation? Rabastan must be at his wit's end!" She chuckled and scooped a dainty dollop of clotted cream, another of lemon curd, onto her small plate. Fixing up her scone, heart so full of promise, the young woman knew that her newly chosen profession could hardly be called something with class, in the traditional sense; but still, Cordelia deserved more than tending to drunks! Especially somewhere that none of them could comfortably visit!

[Meredith Mulciber]

Meredith's eyes slide momentarily to Bronwyn at her last, displeased with the emotion the other blonde had in that statement. She had been with Nott as she spoke of powerful families and women being the equal of men and generally just agreeing with everything she said -an oddity for them, they rarely agreed on anything- and indeed she did agree that this was better than waiting tables at the Leaky...but they all knew what or rather who Winnie was speaking of. Mere pursed her lips, wanting so badly to reiterate her earlier argument on the subject of Cordelia, but this hardly seemed the time. This was about Lydia, not about their other roommate. "Yes, I'm sure they would never allow that. I would never allow it in you." she said simply, biting her tongue for all she was worth on the rest of what she had to say on the matter. 

Next, she had to suppress an intense urge to roll her eyes as her best friend bestowed her kind eyes and sweet words on Bronwyn. The was a prick in her heart that she logically knew was jealousy but refused to acknowledge. She was not jealous of someone else receiving Lydia's high esteem, she was not. But she was quickly moving past that feeling, turning her nose up at their waitress as she took up her coffee, and snorting at Lydia's question. 

"I think she is quite determined ladies." she said, a nasty tilt to her voice. Really, of all the things Goyle had done over the years, this was the worst. Any mudblood scum, anyone, could have gotten her job, it was worth nothing in their world. And for the life of her, Meredith couldn't fathom why she would want to work in a place like that. Really she couldn't believe anyone wanted to even have a profession like that, even the truly disgraceful. 

"But who care's what he thinks anyway, Rabastan who I say. Anyway, enough about that." she said, smiling again over the rim of her cup. "I'm more interested in coming up with likely arguments should your parents put up a big fight. Charlie shouldn't be too hard to pursuade, he has the brains of a mountain troll and I could outwit him in my sleep." Meredith stopped abruptly, biting at her lip and sending her best friend an apologetic look and a separate look to Winnie, crossed between fear and amusement. "Well, maybe not my sleep, I'm sure he's smarter than that."

[Bronwyn Nott]

Winnie didn’t miss the look that Meredith shot her as she spoke, but it didn’t matter. Not when Lydia was so pleased with her words. Lydia was powerful in her own way, that much was a fact. Perhaps she wasn’t one to shoot a hex at Mary MacDonald in a hallway like the rest of them would, but Lydia was a smooth talker. She had influence over people without them ever realizing it. After all, it had been the work of both Lydia and Meredith that had lead to her short term relationship with Ethan Vanderhyde. Lydia wanting to be a healer out of the blue wasn’t even that surprising, the more she thought about it. Of course her friend would want something more from her life, who wouldn’t? Winnie had no intention of ever being a trophy wife, even if she was going to be marrying into such an influential family.

She couldn’t contain the laugh as the Meredith spoke up about Corry, feeling guilty for a moment for making fun of the girl who wasn’t here. Just because things weren’t perfect between the two of them since their fight didn’t mean she should be cruel. Meredith was right though, Corry did seem determined to continue working at the Leaky. The reasons why her best friend would were still a bit lost on her, even though she’d asked her dear friend more than once. But ever since she’d told Winnie about the agreement her father had to come with the Black family, they hadn’t spoken. She’s being unfair, she has Rabastan. How can she not be happy for you? But she needed to stay out of her thoughts, and looked to Meredith as she spoke up.

Winnie did her best to hide her smirk as she went about getting a scone, wanting to laugh once more at Meredith’s words. Lydia loved Charlie, and it wasn’t nice to laugh at that sort of thing. But it was just so hard not to. Selwyn sometimes lacked the tact that his betrothed had, more often that not. “Meredith’s right,” she spoke up, looking back to Lydia. “We should work on some ideas for your parents. For example, they’re bound to just outright tell you no. What are you going to say to persuade them?”