[1]

At 6 o'clock on Tuesday evening, Calaveras was transfigured into one of the classiest restaurants in Diagon, the place to be and be seen, and hopefully not get mauled by a Werewolf while you were there (many seemed quick to recall).  It was the eve before the Full Moon tonight, but if history was any indicator, the Werewolves would wait until broad daylight on a quarter moon to maul and kill in Calaveras, so not to worry.  But Dolores, if Dolores was here, she'd be worrying.  Even without the attack having taken place here, he couldn't come to Calaveras without thinking of Dolly.  But then when did he ever stop thinking about her?  They hadn't spoken in months, but it didn't matter.  His mind was still stuck on that and other puzzles.

Not that he wasn't trying to move on.  Tonight would be the first time he'd spend in the company of Mrs. Whitman since attending her little wedding a few fortnights past, and she had become, over the span of the last couple years, his best friend.  There was no denying there would be coming changes after her wedding, in her life at the very least, and Dominik wanted to be a part of that.  Perhaps even an important part.  He could be a better man under her watch, it just took some believing.  And Liadan really seemed to believe in Dominik, giving him the chance to do the same - because somehow she saw the best in him despite everything he'd done wrong in his life. 

Sort of like Dolly.  More than anything, though, it was the way in which she believed in him that was helpful, believing in him as he was now, not because of who he once was.  She was proud of him still and counted him close as family.  This, despite how embarrassed and ashamed he felt at heart, and despite his habit of resisting change, resisting love that felt true, destroying love... he just had to not think about it all that much, or the thoughts would begin to ruin his resolve.  He had to embrace the tabula rasa, the blank slate, and try to forget his bad feelings and what other people had to say.  The future was coming on, and tonight was very important to Dominik.

He wore a nice gentleman's suit that he had tailored at Libertine just the other day.  Under his dark vest and tie, the white sleeves of his crisp shirt were loosely rolled over his elbows, giving a nonchalant spin to his formal-wear, making him all the more dashing and 'natural', in his tailor's opinion.  His hair was longer than she might have liked, but it was done back handsomely; and, though he wasn't clean shaven, he was freshly groomed.  Over all he was looking pretty, maybe most of all because he'd been looking forward to today a long time, and was happy.[2]

He was sat at a table for two, awaiting Liadan.  A yellow rose and a candle adorned their table; beside this, a bottle of elderberry wine was set down by the waitstaff, who in formal fashion introduced themself, not neglecting to mention they were a 'big fan'.  Kept short, thankfully, and one had to assume Calaveras trained their staff to not be overly fanatic, or business would never be so good - Meredith Renfield seemed to pride herself on being able to attract (and collect) celebrities.  Dolly had loved it here, before the Werewolves. 

Taking a sip of his citrus water, Dominik let his eyes wander over the ambient room, dreamlike and warm.  He loved watching things happen around him at Calaveras.  But the best scene of all would be Liadan, when she would appear, and he was ready to catch as early a glimpse at his lovely friend as possible.

1.	Thread title, "Everything I Wanna Be," from the song Caroline, Yes by Kaiser Chiefs, dedicated to Oscar Whitman
2.	Polyvore set

Liadan had been looking forward to having dinner with Dominik. First and foremost because they were friends. She held his friendship in the highest regard. It was strange to think that one of her closest friends was a man, and not only a man, but a man who was not her husband. In the past, she would have been properly scandalized to know this fact, but Dominik was harmless. He had never made an untoward comment to her, had always behaved with the utmost respect. She cherished that about Dominik. And he was always so open to her criticism and seemed to value her opinion- two traits that Liadan had learned were difficult to find in anyone.

She had asked Oscar's permission before agreeing to the dinner date. She did not want him to think she was being dishonest or disloyal by going to dinner with him. Given Oscar's past, it was only appropriate. But he had readily agreed. He was secure in her affections, which Liadan was glad of. She had never cared about a man in the way she cared for Oscar, and their marriage was off to a fantastic start. She could not imagine being happier with anyone else in the world.

Liadan selected a casual, simple gown[1] to wear for the evening. It was new, and she adored the print on it. There was even a splash of color. It seemed her happiness was even leaking into her wardrobe. Dominik had already arrived, and as she approached the table she gave him a bright smile. "Dominik! Darling!" Liadan hurried her step- only a smidge- and alighted on him with all the fuss of having missed him for weeks. A kiss to each cheek, a hug, and then a flurry of fabric as she settled into the seat across from. "Oh but don't you look dashing! You always look so smart in a suit, Dominik. You really ought to wear them more often- if not exclusively."

"I am always in awe of the effort you put into your appearance every time we are together. Do you remember- oh it was ages ago- when you came by the estate? It was when I was in a spot of trouble, during the recall, offering me friendship and aid. Oh you looked quite handsome then, too. It is amazing how far we have both come since that day! You seemed so ill at ease in your suit, and here you are now- lounging comfortably like a proper gentleman. Whatever will society do with you now! You shall have your pick of witches if you keep this up!"

1.

polyvore

It was a cinch to pick her out from the crowd, the moment she appeared in her beautiful, long gown - modesty had never been worn so well.  Dominik rose from his chair grinning and stooped into her little cheek kisses, unable to stop a bit of nervous laughter.  His beard was softly scented a deep plum, tamed and tethered by luxury oils, for as always with Liadan he wanted to put forward his best foot, to show how thorough he was willing to be in his efforts.  What he wouldn't do, but then of course he had to go and be shy about it.

"Mrs. Whitman," he called her fondly and for the first time.  "Don't you shine like the sun.  It's so, so wonderful to see you."  He settled down across from her in turn, trying his best to sit comfortably as she assessed his wardrobe.  He worried he might blush, but he shrugged, an easy roll of the shoulder.  "I could get used to this," he agreed.

Did he remember - "Yes, of course," he had to interject - he still remembered how she had looked that afternoon, but mostly he remembered how kind she had been to politely accept the gift of galleons he had offered in her time of need and uncertainty, which was - in retrospect - not his best display of etiquette ever. 

But what was important, she remembered it as the spark of their friendship.  The gesture had been, of course, toward that end.  Awkwardly through family bank accounts perhaps, but that had been the only way that Dominik knew to show little Liadan O Morain of O Morain Farms that she was not to be forgotten in her darkest hours, that she would always have family to count on.

"Aye," he had to laugh.  "I did feel like a right knob in a suit once, that's like putting a tie and collar on a monkey and setting him down next to his buddies in the banana tree - what do you expect to have happen.  Something so clean and flawless, as this, is supposed to be," he was examining the fabric tucked over his elbow, and imagining it feeling more comfortable if it was ripped and torn, pummeled by the world and sporting battle scars, which was in times of doubt his illusion of choice - glass half empty and all of that.  The garment you wore reflected what was inside - in Lia's case, beautiful garments covered a beautiful soul; in Dom's case, the suit had been an obstacle to overcome - but he had to believe in his own self-worth.  That he could be as ordered as this fine suit.

"Oh I don't know, it's gotten better, easier over time to sort of - domesticate my inner animal," he teased.  "Time has aged me well - like a fine, fine elderberry wine?"  He gestured to the bottle as invitation.  "I thought it was a suitable choice for table wine, but order anything you like of course.  Can always cork a bottle."  He had a drink of his water.

"So you're getting on then.  Yea, it's written in your eyes and the air all around you, isn't it.  True happiness just casts this natural sort of radiance.  Straight from the heart.  Go on tell me then, your favourite things about married life!"

Mrs. Whitman. Liadan still felt giddy every time she heard it. She'd been married barely a month, and she still couldn't help the way hearing her new surname made her heart soar. Her smile brightened considerably. "I'd be a fool if I wasn't shining these days. Oh, it is amazing what a little happiness does for one's appearance!" She felt the need to be more beautiful, too. She always wanted Oscar to come home to a vision of silks and curls, and never regret his decision to marry her. Appearances were everything.

"You really were quite the ape at one point in time. But you have come leaps and bounds since I got hold of you," Liadan informed him. "I have been quite the little influence on your life. But I am very glad to be of service. If even you can be trained, then I have faith in the future generations of purebloods." She was aware at how offensive her comment could be, but considered their friendship to be developed enough to chance such a thing. "All you needed was a little bit of attention, encouragement, and affection. So often witches forget to praise the people in their lives for doing right and doing well. You cannot fathom how much joy it brings to me, to know that I've aided in your little transformation from knuckle-dragging ape to gentleman."

When he motioned at the wine, she smiled. She would have a single glass- wine was her one weakness, having too much left her in quite a state. She had learned that one her birthday the year before, when she'd made quite the fool of herself to Vedir. Liadan was determined not to make such a fool of herself again. The wine bottle poured itself, a handy little charm, and she sipped her glass. Liadan licked her lips. Delicious. "It is lovely, Dominik. Thank you. I have always had a weakness for good wine. Thankfully I managed to resist during my reception. I was so worried to make a fool of myself in front of such a intimate gathering."

He asked her favorite things about married life- and she couldn't help the blush that crept into her cheeks. No, she couldn't discuss that aspect of her life, not with Dominik at any rate. That it was an enjoyable part of married life had surprised her altogether after the things her mother had told her while growing up. "Oh, everything really," she told him. "It is very nice to have someone to come home to. My estate was so very lonely, just me. For so very long. Oscar has long hours some days, but it is very nice to know that he will come through the door at some point in the afternoon or the evening. His house elves are very attentive, there is always a fabulous dinner awaiting his arrival. But it is nice to have someone to wait on, to dote on, to be pretty for. And it is a relief, really, to have some security of future."

Liadan sipped her wine again, gazing at Dominik thoughtfully. "Every little bit of it is nice. I have a home to take care of- Oscar's decor was not exactly warm or welcoming. I have a husband to tend to. And perhaps there will be children soon... I have everything that I have ever wanted. I cannot believe to have been so lucky to find a husband I not only admire and respect, but have genuine affections for. Mother always told me that it would never happen."

"I like feeling important. Being a lovely decoration for Oscar's arm. I don't think I could ever be happier with anyone else. I was very determined not to like Oscar when Melly set me up with him. I wish I had not put him off for so long. I could have found my happiness so much sooner... But I got distracted." By other suitors. Mostly Vedir. "Oh, I cannot wait to see all of my dear friends married," Liadan crowed, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. "You included. Such happiness is something everyone deserves!"

Perhaps her statements would be offensive if he was any other Wizard in the world, but as it was, negative assessments could do nothing to counter his appreciation of the special attention she was giving him.  In fact it sounded more like a compliment to him than anything.  There was very little else in life that Dominik Wiedman wanted than a solid structure to build from, and that was exactly what his good friend Liadan provided, in no uncertain terms.  That she enjoyed being his guidance, that he wasn't a disappointment or a nuisance to her, was music to his ears.  Hearing her say it all just so made his heart warm and his 'transformation' as she called it seem complete, even if it wasn't quite.  He still had to live with his horrible animal instincts, but he could be sufficiently tamed and had already started down that path, which is what this Beater so desperately needed.  A path to follow and a brazen Witch in lead.  He only wanted to know what it was that was being expected of him.  Well, that and exactly how the impossible task was supposed to be accomplished, preferably every step along the way.

It was also not a big secret - especially in Liadan's social circle - that Dominik liked to be chided by strongly-willed Witches.  It was one reason why it was still so hard to stay clear of Niobe or Dolores, who both had swords for tongues.

Dominik sighed at her dreamy description of married life. "Ah that's lovely Liadan.  I am so happy for you, and I'm excited," surprisingly, "that I'm actually moving towards having the same sort of happiness as you.  You're living the dream and leading the way.  Cheers!" 

A flute of elderberry wine in his hand, he did feel a gentleman.  A part of him wished for whiskey, but he was familiar enough with the notion of sacrifice, of being noble.  The sacrifice he made for meaningful company, was this show of modesty and discretion, treating spirits as a delicacy and keeping his wits about him, instead of overindulging and enjoying a disinhibited reign of freedom and brutality.  He could have given an equally dreamy sigh at the latter thought, despite his progress in becoming civil.

"I hadn't thought about having a house much," admitted Dominik apologetically.  How unready he was, in some ways!  Having a family all his own had always seemed so incredibly far from his reach, even though it was what everybody always told him to do.  Every time his father assured him that when the day was right they could purchase another estate and give him the Wiedman cottage here in London, Dominik had inwardly turned away in horror at the thought.  Not because he didn't want the cottage, because he would likely love it there, converted into his own family estate, and could remember thinking that way as a child.  Maybe that was the problem though, why he had opted to ignore that as an actual possibility.  Like so many other bright dreams of his childhood.

Maybe he could meet a Witch who wouldn't mind living with him in the Abraxan Flats down Knockturn, but that certainly wasn't part of the vision that Liadan held for his future.  His future of sweet, sweet redemption - yeah.  The future he would also have to earn.

Now, sitting across from Liadan, who wanted her admiring friend converted to a happily married life like hers, once and for all making of him an honest Wizard, he mentally added to a list of important items he had to procure:  Witch, wardrobe, career, and now estate.  If he wasn't careful it would begin to overwhelm him.  Luckily, Lia's enthusiasm was contagious.

"Yes and we will; you, me, Melly, the whole lot of us, with not but the brightest horizons ahead of us and fun to be had, married and with honour in our names, raising families forward into the new age.  There's nothing more highly respectable than that path.  I'm a little crazed at the thought of it, to be honest, but maybe it is possible after all.  Have you given any thought to other - I mean, it was nice of you to arrange that all with Maria, but I -"

His words gave and he let them, as she'd know well enough what he meant.  Maria was nice and all but Dominik wasn't immediately in love with her, and that was a problem.  So everything she did reminded him of who she wasn't.  But he did so want a date that would make him fall in love, someone attainable who he could have a future with, especially anything powerful enough to help him forget both of his not-so-long-lost-loves.  Was there even anyone up to the task?  He had to wonder....

She smiled sweetly. "You will have the same happiness I have," Liadan informed him. "And I intend to do everything that I can to help you toward that goal." She just had to find the right kind of woman for Dominik. She had done quite a bit in helping him learn to be a better man. Liadan just wished that there was more she could do. Now that she was married she could only spend so much time on her pet project. It would be inappropriate to spend too much one-on-one time with Dominik- and the last thing Liadan wanted was to start gossip or cause Oscar to doubt his decision to marry her. Loyalty was important to him. Liadan intended to never stray. Her relationship with him was too perfect. He was too perfect.

He admitted he had not given much thought to having a house. Liadan had not stopped to consider his living arrangements, either. His flat was... unimpressive. And not really appropriate for the kind of wife she had in mind for him. But Liadan had always lived in her own estate, and now with Oscar, and the idea that Dominik did not have an actual house of his own was not something which had occurred to her. "Well, a house is important, but depending on who you marry it might not be necessary for you to buy one," Liadan said. "Though I do hope, with the money you've made playing quidditch, that you could afford a nice home should the need arise. It is never too early to start planning for your future."

His speech was quite inspiring. "I do dream about all of us raising families at the same time, and perhaps our children marrying one another some day. Could you imagine that?" Liadan asked. "It would make our friendships that much stronger." She sighed. Oh, what a dream! To have one of her dearest friends bound so closely to her own family.

Maria. Yes, Maria was nice. But she wasn't a strong witch. Liadan had hoped that Dominik had been capable of manning up and taking charge. But he was a follower. He was the sort of husband who would be incapable of being the man of the house. Liadan couldn't imagine. She was a strong individual herself, she needed somebody who could take charge and put her in her place on occasion. Oscar was the sort of man to keep her on her toes and on her best behavior.

"I have a few ideas," Liadan told him. "And don't worry. Maria is young, beautiful, she has many options. I just couldn't resist the urge of setting you up with a family member. I just hold you so very, very dear to me Dominik- the idea that you could actually be family was a nice thought." She reached across the table again, giving him yet another affectionate squeeze.

"I am just thrilled that you are willing to trust my judgment and give me another chance in setting you up. I have never been so understanding. After Melly tried set me up with Gregoriy Morozov- I was most reluctant to go out with Oscar. Of course, Grisha was the furthest thing from a gentleman. All temper, couldn't keep his hands or his eyes to himself... I do not know what Melanthe was thinking. I still wonder if it was simply a way to get in closer with Sergei. I have always wondered why that fizzled out. Sergei was quite the catch..."

The waiter came back by, and Liadan ordered herself a light meal. She waited for Dominik to order before continuing the conversation. "I shall owl you as soon as I have a date arranged. You've only to dress nicely and be on your very best behavior. You are wonderful, attentive company. If I had not found such happiness as I have with Oscar, who knows, I might have snatched you up for myself!" She laughed gaily, intending for her comment to be taken as light hearted, friendly teasing.

Oh what power was held in belief - and how scary it was to believe, especially in himself.  Yet here he was, smiling happily back at Liadan and confirming in each moment how he was so ready and willing to change, into the vision she saw of him.

He considered her words carefully, hearing the subtext and deciding, it really was best to have a house.  The aim was to start a family and, after all, what was a family without a home?  A proper home.

"I agree, and hopefully it's not too late, either," he teased, in his case....  "I think it'd be difficult to know the perfect place, without knowing the Witch I'm to live with.  I'll give it some thought, though.  Location, that is.  The cottage is mine to adopt, as the eldest and only son of course."  He inclined his head, looking woeful for a moment.  "I have so many memories of Dolores there," he explained.  "Perhaps it would be better for Dazmond anyway.  Get her and Nate out of Knockturn, into a more appropriate place to raise a family.  Straighten them out after Azkaban, give them a better chance."

To hear her speak of the future, was a grand vision.  It made the ring on his thumb finger with its eleven diamonds feel less a weight and more a surety.  That he'd yet raise the eleventh generation, with the strength of family bound tradition, was a breath of fresh relief.  Especially since his encounter with dementors[1], hope was such a beautiful thing.

"I can hardly wait for the day," he said, "when we can look back as fondly on our plans tonight as we do now the time your farm was ailing.  Friendship and family ties are so essential to leading a life of integrity."  Didn't he sound like his father, then.  But it was such a lovely thought.

She told him she wished they were family, and squeezed his hand, telling him how dear he was.  He couldn't remember feeling more safe, more assured of his positive future.  "We'll have to settle for family friends, until perhaps when the day comes, godparents or grandparents, together.  You add so much to my life already; Liadan, you are family."  He looked at her sincerely before she seamlessly added in some delicious gossip, always deft at keeping on the conversations.  Dominik was, as always when exposed to gossip, slightly spellbound.  He drank in her every word.

Which led him to thinking about Melanthe with this Sergei, who sounded a sleeze-ball.  "Hmph," said Dominik.  "I liked her with Cinaed..."  He'd seen her on the Wizard's arm two Halloweens ago, when Niobe and him had gotten back together and his pet had expressly told him to ignore Cinaed that night, and by extension the beautiful Melanthe to his side.  "Whatever happened with them?  I guess it's hard dating a fugie."  He shrugged, at least he wasn't on the run from the law.  That was an asset for being in the dating world, surely.

Dominik had hardly looked at the menu when the waiter reappeared.  Liadan was ready so he defaulted to his usual comforting Calaveras order:  spaghetti and meatballs.

"I'm so grateful for your aid," he told her again.  "You can definitely count on me to do my part."  Especially if that just meant showing up for his scheduled dates and being on his best behavior - it could still be a challenge but at least he didn't have to worry about securing his own dates... he couldn't imagine bumbling about Diagon trying to find a wife.  Thank Merlin for Liadan and her desire to play matchmaker, really.  He'd never have agreed to it before, but that was a sign of the changing times, wasn't it.  She cooed that she'd have scooped him up for herself and Dominik lost his breath for a moment.  She didn't really mean that, did she.

"Don't be silly," he said, because he couldn't quite laugh about it, "You're so lucky you dodged that spell!"  He winked at Liadan, happy to be sat across from her at all. 

1.	[March 19]  Where the Wild Things Are

Liadan wrinkled her nose when he mentioned his memories of Dolly. Though the two had finally become friends- to an extent, at any rate- she felt as though Dominik deserved someone much better. Dolly had no shame, and had been seen in public more than once with a halfblood. (Of course, Liadan had made that mistake once- but it had happened once and it had never happened again.) "I think it is very sweet of you to consider letting Dazmond have the cottage. Getting them out of Knockturn would do wonders for the both of them. You are very right. I cannot imagine raising children in a place like Knockturn." Not that she was a stranger to Knockturn. The exact opposite, really, but it was time to play the part of the dutiful and responsible politician's wife.

"As far as location, there are plenty of lovely wizarding towns and cities. There are even nice cottages and homes in Hogsmeade. But of course, I fully understanding wanting to wait and get your wife's input. Perhaps in the mean time I would purchase something small and humble? A suitable home for a single person or for a newly wed couple. After nuptials you could easily look for a more suitable house as a sort of wedding gift to yourselves. That would serve the purpose of geting you out of the flat, showing you have some responsibility, and flattering your future wife all at the same time. Ladies do so love making homes and going house hunting."

"After my parents passed I found great joy in changing many things in my own estate. And after moving in with Oscar, I have made quite a number of improvements to Kerry Cove. Of course I try to respect his masculine identity- and haven't decorated the entire home in floral prints- but it is much more suitable now there is a woman's touch. His study and office and other quarters I haven't touched- and never will. A man does need his own private space, of course. You could easily have a few rooms all to yourself without your future wife's interference."

Liadan smiled sweetly at him. "Oh, Dominik! What an eloquent and sentimental thought! Integrity is something you should strive toward. Oh how far you have come since I got my claws into you!" Liadan truly was proud of herself. She liked to think he would still be dragging his knuckles had she not intervened and turned his life around for the good.

"I am glad you think of me as family. If we purebloods cannot stick together, we will have nothing. It is more important than ever to maintain positive relationships with one another before our bloodlines fail and the entirety of the wizarding nation becomes tainted."

She grunted when he mentioned Cinaed. Cinaed had been the reason her entire life had nearly been ruined. Of course, Dominik would not know. The real reason behind her short imprisonment he previous year was a closely guarded secret. "Melanthe is far too good for someone the likes of Cinaed. Lineage he may have- but he has nothing else. He is ill bred, painful to look at, and lacking in overall manners and behavior. No, Melanthe is far too good for him. And marrying a fugitive would destroy her social life and leave her future children in jeopardy of their social status. They would never marry well. And I, for one, could not continue our friendship were she openly involved with the likes of Cinaed again. Surely Oscar would forbid it." And Liadan was nothing if not an obedient wife.

"Oh, don't be so hard on yourself Dominik! I sing your praises quite often. You are a truly handsome fellow, and genuine and kind hearted. So willing to learn and eager to please. These are all good things. You were dealt a tough hand, and you have made a magnificent turn around. It would take very little effort for any well-to-do and strong willed witch to make you the picture-perfect husband- for public appearances, at any rate. I would not change many of your traits, should you only display them in private. Such as temper and passion- those are good things to have, but they are not good things to put on display in public. Any witch would indeed be very lucky to be your wife. I imagine you would be a very devoted and doting husband. That is always something a woman always wishes to have!"