Dec. 8th
Late Afternoon, Before Sundown

The weather was typical of London.  It was raining hard and fast, and though his cloak was charmed impervious, James had the distinct feeling he was getting wet anyways.  Wondering whether it would be worthwhile or not to see if he could not hide from the downpour, he decided to just enter the nearest shop.  Conveniently enough, the shop had a coat rack and James used the aforementioned object to hang up his outer wear.  Now he was clothed in a grey work-robe with a Durmstrang Coat of Arms sewn over his heart.  Noting that he had seemed to have fallen into a bookstore, James inwardly cursed.  He had no desire to browse tomes for any prolonged period of time, but the storm was raging outside and he really had no choice.  He did not have his wet weather gear with him, and he had been flying in that downpour all morning.  Idly wondering how the rain had followed him from Sedbury to London when he apparated, James shook his head.

Turning to the shopkeeper, he asked if it would be alright if he tried to wait out the storm.  Not really wanting to get some obscure curse from the store owner, James thanked the man and tipped him with a pair of sickles.  Sitting down in a chair, James watched the rain go by.  Though James did not mind flying in the rain, even he would admit that he had probably flown in it enough today.  As his thoughts turned to quidditch, he briefly wondered if there was any chance of him starting as a seeker.  He knew he had caught a lot of attention as a chaser in his last match, but he had no idea how that would affect the remainder of his career. 

Wondering if he should break down and purchase a book just to have something to do – James decided not to.  He had already stopped by the apothecary on the way to pick up some ingredients for a couple of nutrient potions and hangover cures.  He only had one more errand to run, and it would be a simple matter to complete the task once the downpour stopped.  James just wished that the apothecary and the robe store were a bit closer.  While he only needed to pick up some simple gray work-robes, he wanted to head back to his flat and start making dinner as well as down a couple of nutrient potions.  Debating if it would be worth it or not to eat a shepherds pies from  Cináed’s bar, James decided against it.  He did not need any more sugar today, and unfortunately they did not serve water at the Black Chimaera.

He was so engrossed in thought, that he did not notice someone enter the shop.  Not really paying attention to the world around him, James just watched the rainfall, and enjoyed the sound of water falling on the rooftop.

Liadán hated the rain. Being so small meant the slightest bit of moisture caused her to freeze, and given the time of year, it was cold enough already. But she had things to do, and things to do meant time London, and time in London meant stops in both Diagon and Knockturn Alley. She generally tried to conduct her business in Knockturn before it got so late, but somehow she had lost track of the time and found herself with a few things left on the list even though it was close to dusk. Knockturn could be a dangerous place, especially for a woman who appeared as harmless as Liadán did.

Her holiday shopping was still not finished. Liadán was, admittedly, not always very gifted when it came to buying presents for others. Often times it took her quite a while to pick out something she found to be just right, and even then she wouldn't be sure until she saw the look on someone's face when opening. When it came to her friends- Lotte and Melly- it was much easier. Family members and acquaintances, not so much. And as far as what she was going to buy Christian for Christmas- she was one hundred percent lost. What did you buy a man that you... No, no, she wouldn't dwell on that now. She could ask Tawse for advice later on.

For now, she needed to find a book for her cousin. Lothario had the same interest in the dark arts that she did, and was looking for an old volume on how to curse paintings and statues. Lothario had learned a cursed painting sold, was brought back, and sold again- great way to make money. Liadán had decided to find him some new material to use.

Entering the book store, she closed her umbrella, quickly drying it with a spell before collapsing it and sticking it inside of her bag. Usually Liadán carried small clutches, but she had been selling a few things to a shop down the street. After coming inside, she noticed a familiar figure sitting by the window. James Forrester was not someone she pictured to be an avid reader. He was a quidditch star, after all, which made her inclined to believe he was very much all brawn and very little brains. Her opinion of him had been slightly altered at the meeting in Tawse's pub... That James had any interest in some organization that Tawse was the mastermind of had surprised her.

"A little out of your element aren't you, James?" she asked, sitting in the vacant chair near him, dropping her bag to the ground. "You are aware that this is a book shop, aren't you?" Liadán gave him a friendly smile, one that was as uncharacteristic as her friendly teasing. "I doubt that any of these volumes will have any secrets for how to improve your quidditch game."

“True enough – but I have been in the elements all morning.  You should try flying in this weather sometime – it is similar to jumping in puddles at a hundred miles per hour,” James grinned, completely missing the teasing.  Noting that this was the second time he had encountered the pureblooded aristocrat in Knockturn Alley over a short period of time, and James wondered what she was doing in this part of town so frequently. James guessed he really should not judge, but he sincerely doubted Liadán visited the Black Chimaera to pick up witches.  James also strongly suspected the aristocrat had the funds and the social standing to go pretty much anywhere she pleased; James could not help but ponder why she was visitng this less-than-respectable area of London so frequently.

James remembered the last conversation they had at Tawse’s pub, and how it had been sidelined by some idiot single-handedly insulting the entire room.  For now, James decided to ignore that last part about somebody trying to incite a rebellion against the current ministry.  He was extremely interested in her take on  Cináed though.  Turning around to face the girl, his face adopted a more neutral expression, but James’s tone remained friendly.

“Speaking of Tawse’s pub, did you have any idea about that gathering being so political?  I honestly showed up for the umbrella drinks,” James asked the girl with mixed eyes.  James never really could get past that feature of Liadán’s.  Fortunately for James, he had three quarters of a foot of height on Liadán.  He could just look down at her more enjoyable assets while pretending to look at her eyes.    'If only I was this much taller than every girl' James thought to himself.  Thinking of that made him a little envious of his favorite barkeep, knowing that he had an excellent view almost every night of the week.

While waiting for Liadán’s response he focused on more relevant topics.  In particular, James was extremely curious about if (or how) Liadán knew that  Cináed was going to be running that meeting or if that arms dealer would make such a spectacular show.  James, while not planning on winning any awards for his faith in humanity, strongly suspected that no one could be that stupid.  That, and he had heard rumours that the same guy donating a significant amount of gold to a werewolf charity fund.  To James, something about that entire pitch seemed entirely too well orchestrated.  He could not help but feel that he had bit on the other seeker’s metaphorical feint and had not quite realized that the ground was coming up to meet him.  He would also ask  Cináed the same question at later date to see if he could discern anything else.  Though James did not mind supporting whatever scheme Tawse had hatched, he would like to know what the end motives are.  After all – he had to make sure that this would not impede his ability to fly, which was his primary consideration in most matters. 

Liadán arched an eyebrow. "Flying in this mess?" she asked, shaking her head. "You must be off in the head! It certainly cannot be safe. But I will let you keep that all for yourself. I don't fly. Brooms are not exactly made for a witch in a dress, and are hardly a lady-like way of transportation. I will stick to apparation, and the occasional port-key or floo trip." She hated travelling by floo more than anything else, but a quick flick of a wand could fix the mess that it caused.

The woman pulled off her gloves and tucked them away, reaching up to rearrange her hair as she listened to him speak about Cinaed and his little meeting. "I had an inkling," she offered. In truth, Liadán had known exactly what was going on. Though she had no political interest, Tawse had her between a rock and a hard place with that meeting. She was in for the long haul at this point, and she hoped that the reward was going to be worth it. "The man has always had some big ideas. I do business with the Black Chimaera. I supply Tawse with some of his ingredients for his drinks. So one hears things..."

And of course, there was the confession from Christian about the WBA and the day she had invaded Cin's pub on a Thursday to fuss at him for putting Chris in harm's way had shown her that something more sinister was going on when it was closed. "But yes, the drinks were an added lure. As many faults as Tawse and his pub may have, they do know how to make a good drink. And their wine is excellent- though most would go to such a place for a glass of wine, I find it a safer alternative to something harder if I'm doing business." Liadán met a surprising number of clients in the Black Chimaera for business.

"I admit I was somewhat surprised that his is not a purist agenda. My original understanding of what was going on was just that. I know many find it an outdated practice and a ridiculous notion, but I hold a very large amount of pride in my heritage. Even with my family either dead or in another country I believe it's important to preserve." What a liar she was. When Tawse had pointed out in that meeting that discriminating against wizard born witches and wizards gave more room for muggle intrusion, he'd made a very valid point. And the way his gaze lingered on her, for just half a second, had made it clear he was trying to make sure she understood his point. Even though she had to admit she did agree with him somewhat, it did not make it any easier to handle the fact she was smitten with a half-blood.

But James Forrester did not know that, and he did not need to know that. No one needed to know that if they did not already know it. (And those people were very few and very far between. She had been trying to let people believe she was interested in Gregory Morozov at this point, because it was easier, and the Russian man seemed more than happy to accept her half-hearted attentions.) "I was very surprised to see you in attendance. I'm beginning to think that I might have under estimated you. There must be more to James Forrester than quidditch and women after all." She smirked at him then, eyes glinting in amusement. "Who ever would have guessed?"

“Though you do have an arguable point, we are all professionals.  All the locker room jokes about how frequently are brooms are used and where we put them aside – we do know what we are doing,” James replied to Liadán’s outburst.  James thought it was obvious that they should be flying in anything short of a dragon herd.  While James knew the spectators and fans did not like it when they were forced to suffer with the players, James thought it was just part of the game. 

After James heard the response to his real question, James thought that Liadán was speaking the truth.  Though it would be odd, James could see how a vendor would know something a customer would not.  Still, thus far James had not signed up for anything.  Regardless, the statement did give him a nice segue into his next question.  “Really?  Hear anything else?” James asked, wondering if there was something he should know.  James still had the feeling like he was banking left when he should be turning right.  As James listened to her comment on  Cináed’s lack of a purist agenda, James held his skepticism in check.  They had a !@$!%!#% skull banner of all things as their logo.  James had the distinct feeling that it was a purist agenda, and because they invited the general public to it.  After hearing Liadán comment on preserving her bloodline, James decided to voice his thoughts.

“You know – I think it is a purist agenda.  The fact that Tawse says something does not make it so.  The skull banner, more than anything else, leads me to believe that is the case.  I think Tawse had to backtrack when the outspoken idiot galvanized the entire room against him.  I am still amazed that no one cast an offensive spell.  I have to admit, I thought the Black Chimaera was going to be destroyed.  Again,” James commented, thinking of the runespoor debacle that had destroyed the Black Chimaera nearly a month ago.

Apparently she did not go to the Black Chimaera as often as she claimed if she thought that there was something surprising about him hanging out there.  Deciding that Liadán could figure out that for herself, James decided to reassert her assumption.  The last thing he wanted was to get invited to another one of those high society events which she frequented.  Wondering the best way to minimize the number of invitations he would receive from her, James hesitated before answering.

“Alas, your original assumption was the correct one.  You can underestimate me all you like – just do not undersize my broom when you talk to your friends,” James grinned.  Idly, James wondered where Eason was when he needed him.  They would have this conversation reverting to broom jokes and making entirely too many puns on polishing them in no time.  James gave her a small grin, wondering how she would react to the crude piece of humour. 

"Tawse's agenda is not a purist one, though most of the people he associates with and who will want to be involved do have one. Depending on whether or not he intends to run this thing as a democracy, that might be a problem. But I do believe when he says that this is not about preserving the livelihood of purebloods." If that was the case, he would certainly would not be encouraging Liadán with this whole Christian situation. "As far as the banner is concerned, that could easily be changed. Basing someone's beliefs off of such a depiction is hardly fair."

"Though he might not look it, Tawse is an incredibly intelligent and charismatic man. I highly doubt that he would be stupid enough to try another purist campaign. The point is about wizard liberation- he has problems with the muggles. That doesn't make him a purist. Besides, I have it on very good authority that he has at least one very close friend who is a half-blood... Tawse is just wise enough to not promote or downplay the importance of purity. Ambiguity could be he biggest asset if he intends to get anything done."

Defending Cinaed was not something Liadán had originally intended to do- but somehow, it happened. She liked Tawse well enough, but this was his fight- not hers. She was mostly along for the ride, to help where asked and hopefully stay behind the scenes and refrain from getting her hands dirty.

But soon the conversation turned to James joking about... that. Rarely did Liadán enjoy any sort of crude humor, but his grin was enough to allow her to overlook the impropriety for the moment. "I assure you, James, that I will not be undersizing you to anyone. Mostly becasue fo the fact you would need to be a topic of conversation before I would have the chance." Liadán smirked, and leaned back a little, making herself more comfortable. It was not the most original retort, but it was a safe one. "Though I cannot speak for anyone who might be speaking from experience. If they decide to undersize you to my friends, I can hardly be expected to contradict them... A man who seems to be as well rounded as you are certianly must be trying to make up for something."

After listening to Liadán comment on beliefs and depiction, James thought that Liadán had a sudden attack of naďveté.  Wondering if it was something temporary or if she was on a new potions regimen, James decided that he needed to shatter this idiotic notion about fairness.  James had enough pureblood training though that he managed to keep from sounding too sarcastic on the point though.

“True.  But if I wear a Tornadoes logo, people assume I support them or play for them.  If I end up getting traded to the Magpies or some other team, people expect me to wear items with their logo on it.  The crest on my shirt identifies that I graduated Durmstrang, and I am sure you have some dress robes with Hogwarts crests as well.  People will make judgments about us just by the symbols on our clothes.  While basing beliefs off symbols is hardly hair – neither is life.  To be honest, most of the time quidditch is not either because of the referee’s bias.  The point being, somebody in that organization had a major public relations f…err mistake.  Somebody should have thought of how close that symbol was to the dark mark before putting it on a giant banner, let alone placing it in the middle of a room.” James commented, somewhat incredulous that he would have to explain this to the pureblooded aristocrat.  James guessed that quidditch players were in the spotlight more often and had to think about these things frequently.  Still, he thought the aristocrat was intelligent enough to figure that one out.

“Tawse is an effective leader.  To be charismatic though, he needs to invest in a shave and a haircut though.  Maybe sheep shears in his case.  I actually did talk to him about running an above-the-board political party, but he did not seem too interested.  I did comment that he would have to change his appearance for that to work though.  He did not seem to reply to that one way or the other,” James off handedly commented to Liadán.  He was surprised by Liadán’s defense of the man, but did not really care one way or the other.  The man still was James’s favorite bar tender.  However, they were both acting like adults, and James felt a compulsive need to stop that.  After his blatant entendre and her witty reply, James felt the need to try to keep the banter going. 

“Alas – you wound me.  I would show you, but you already told me that you do not like brooms,” James commented in a completely unbelievable in frivolous tone.  Who knew Liadán had it in her to keep up?  While she was not apparently fond of the broom jokes, James decided that this conversation had been entirely too serious anyways.  James wondered if he could get an act like an eleven-year-old day passed through the wizengamot.  After thinking about that for a moment, he then realized that even if he did get it through, he would probably have to show more maturity than he currently possessed.

Liadán nearly rolled her eyes at him when went on about logos. "It's dark. The use of a skull is just something incredibly common in history and even now. Even if there was a different banner, I'm certain that most people would assume there was a purist agenda. Any time a witch or wizard speaks out against the muggles, then they are pegged as being a purist. Even someone who is not pure. And if the symbol is such a big deal to you, then perhaps you just tell Tawse and design something new to placate him. It's not as though I can do anything about it." No, Liadán couldn't do anything about the entire situation. She was stuck at this point.

She could not help but laugh, though, when he suggested that Tawse needed a shave. "It's part of his charm! He make look gruff, but really, underneath all that pomp he's just a big teddy bear! A perfectly civil man, and does quite a bit of good for his friends. I've made the mistake of questioning that about him once... He just isn't a face for the entire public. Everyone in Knockturn trusts him, and many outside of the place. It's just the general public that couldn't stomach the idea of a wizard released from Azkaban being able to make a valid point. I would trust Cinaed with almost anything." Except for maybe her life and livelihood. Even those, she could probably be talked into if he was having a good day and not pressing her buttons.

"But really, I hardly intended to spend a visit with you talking about him. I know that Tawse is such a fascinating subject for someone who probably has very little excitement or variation from tradition in their lives... If I were like most women, I might be offended!"

But then he turned conversation back to crude banter, and she preferred it to trying to discuss Tawse and his little agenda. Show her? My- he was brave today! "In public?" she asked, clearly amused, laughing quietly. "An arrest for indecent exposure would hardly help your career... Though I'm fairly certain Rita Skeeter would pay good money for the broom secrets of your quidditch team." Skeeter would print any story that would sell copies- true or not. Such a vicious woman! ... And Liadan rather liked her. "And isn't that I don't like brooms, James... I'm just not fond of yours."

James had no clue why Liadan was gushing like a school girl about Tawse.  Wondering if there was something more than met the eye there, James shrugged it off.  He thought about it for a minute, and then remembered Cinaed said that she was taken.  Inwardly, James wondered if Cinaed’s beard was shampooed with an aphrodisiac.  ’First Izadora.  Now Liadan.  I think Eudora flirted with him too ’ James thought, and could freely admit that he did envy the bartender’s skill with the ladies.  Regardless, James actually had no intention of talking about the bartender for a prolonged period of time either, but James wondered why Liadan was being so complementary of the man.  Then again, James could hardly criticize Cinaed for being friendly to the ladies.  Whatever the case, Liadan seemed to want to change the subject.  James was happy to let her. 

“Well – it is good to know you are interested in brooms though.  A few of the guys were wondering about that.  There is actually a betting pool with a number of the boys in it – and you just won me ten galleons.  Thanks,” James tried to keep a straight face, but he was failing miserably.  Having no clue what she would say to that, James decided to change the subject before she could get something in edgewise.  While he had not planned to run into Liadan, he was wondering what she wanted to talk to him about.  He could not think of anything off the top of his head.  Unfortunately, it seemed that his recent bout of immaturity had come to a standstill.  James hated it when that happened.  It made him feel old.  Though he was not worried about acting mature for too long, James switched topics back to serious business.

“My unexpected windfall aside – what do you want to talk about?  I cannot think of any pressing concerns off the top of my head, but am I forgetting something?” James asked the witch.  As James tried to remember if he had any pressing business concerns with the farmer, he could not think of any.  Deciding that the pureblooded witch could answer that one for him, James politely awaited her response.

After he asked the question, James was struggling to come up with any concerns related to the aristocrat, business or otherwise.  James did not think she was a sponsor, and she did not seem to like quidditch even though she and James had kept up a nice streak of broom jokes.  James honestly did not think she had it in her.  Still, James certainly could not figure out what she wanted to discuss.  As far as he knew, the pureblooded witch was worried about which party she would attend, and who it would (or would not) offend.  James was more worried about playing in his next quidditch match.  Though the two crossed path with some regularity, it would be a stretch to say they ran in the same circles.

If she were drinking, Liadan would have probably spewed liquid all over James when he insinuated she might not like men. Since she was not, though, she settled with a wide eyed, shocked look, and immediately began to stumble over words- something that Liadan rarely did. "I... You... I cannot believe that would even be in question! Of course I'm not a- I mean, naturally I like men. I happen to find quite a few men very attractive, and do go out on dates from time to time. Just because I have not yet married does not mean I am interested in... the same sex." She blushed a bright shade of scarlet, and had to fight not hide her face behind her hands. How embarassing!

"Why... just a couple of weeks ago I went out with Gregory Morozov! He, Melanthe, Sergei and I went to dinner and went dancing in Paris! I just happen to think that I should behave appropriately while in the company of men in a public setting! A party or societal event is hardly the place to allow a man to paw at me!" Or any setting, really. Liadan was definitely not the pawing-at sort. She narrowed her eyes at him after her blush faded slightly. "I must know, James, who is questioning my fondness of... brooms?" Unfortunately she had been so mortified that she did not pick up on the fact that he was teasing her.

As for what she wanted to talk about... Liadan chewed her lip for a moment, and sighed quietly, still showing the obvious signs of insecurity that James had brought about by insinuating she might be gay. "Well, since you have already raised the topic, perhaps I could ask you some advice? You are a man, and I would like some input on something... If a lady was particularly fond of a man, what sort of gifts would be appropriate for Christmas?"

Even though she was being vague, Liadan had no delusions that he might think she meant anyone other than herself. "I have never had to purchase holiday gifts for a man before... At least, not for a man that was no more than a mere friend or acquaintance." If James asked who, she would just politely refuse to tell him... Though, Liadan supposed that after telling him she had gone out on a date with Gregory, that he might assume that he was the man in question.

"If I were wise, I would have completed my holiday shopping early, as you did. Yet it seems that I have just a few weeks to purchase for quite a few people. As much as I adore shopping, I am surprised I have not finished it yet... That was my goal for this shop. My cousin, Lothario, has an interest in paintings and statues and I am looking for something to aid him in his... studies." Whether or not this place would have a book that would have any new or interesting manners in which Lothario could curse or find cursed objects, she did not know. But now that she was socializing, she was rather distracted by conversation.

It took every single ounce of James’s control not to laugh at Liadán’s outburst.  He really did not think she was a lesbian, James simply insinuated that about every girl who was not attracted to him.  He was expecting some quick witted reply, not a defense of complete with examples, names, and a friend to verify it all.  ’I think the lady is trying to assert this fact a bit too hard’ James thought to himself.  For the first time in this conversation, James actually doubted the fact that Liadán liked men.  Wondering what the odds were that this Gregory character and Liadán were both using each other to get their families to stop bothering them for cover, James decided it really was not any of his business. 

Liadán, seemingly to gain some composure, asked him for his advice. Unfortunately for James, he knew nothing about what the gentleman liked, or how comfortable Liadán was with him.  Normally, he would suggest skimpy lingerie and a nice bottle of firewhiskey for this sort of thing.  However, he would give the aristocrat a more complete explanation.  Still, James wondered if she caught the full implications of never having to purchase a gift for a male before this holiday season.  James was beginning to seriously wonder if Liadán was a lesbian, and she had just asked the question to cover her tracks.  Though James was not an investigative reporter by any means, he had apparently hit a rather sensitive subject with the pureblooded witch.  He really did not care if she was dating other witches, but thought that he at least deserved an honest answer.  With that last thought in mind, he did answer the witch truthfully.

“Hmm…Depends on how comfortable you are with the gentleman in question.  If this is for that Gregory guy you are dating, I would say go for a really nice bottle of alcohol – Ogden’s at the least.  It would probably be better if the bottle was of better quality than that.  If you are really comfortable with him, you might consider wearing a rather…revealing set of clothes with it as well.  All that being said, it largely depends on the gentleman in question.  If he is a quidditch fan, giving him tickets to see his favorite team would not be a bad idea either.  If he likes food, consider procuring a few gourmet items that he either would not or could not get for himself.  As far as your cousin is concerned, if you are looking for something to help him with his studies, you might try Painting and Magical Impressions for Portraits.  Though the material is slightly dark, there is nothing in that book the ministry will object to people reading.  I think that would be an appropriate gift for a philanthropist - am I thinking of the right Lothario?” James replied to the aristocrat.
 
Though his last comment was about her cousin, he was intrigued by the Gregory character.  He would have to meet him.  Anyone who could put up enough pretense to date Liadán had to appreciate food as much as James did.  He could think of no other reason anyone would put up with being dragged to so many parties with sixteen varieties of spoons.

Liadan blushed again at the suggestion that she wear something... revealing. She had never been with a man. In fact, she had never even come close. Her mother had drilled into her that were certain things a lady did not do until she was married, and she had believed it. Liadan groaned quietly, covering her face with her hand, then leaned forward, so that she could whisper to James. "I have never... slept with a man before," she confessed. Why she felt comfortable enough to admit this to James Forrester, she would never know. But if she had been fully aware her defensive reaction had caused serious doubts to her sexuality, she never would have told him. "And it is my understanding such an outfit would... insinuate certain things along those lines would happen."

The way she trying to be delicate in her wording was ridiculous, but Liadan had never discussed sex with a man before. Cinaed had teased her, naturally. Those interactions were not serious, though. She and her girlfriends talked about it- though mostly she listened while Lotte and Melly discussed it. To be one hundred percent honest in this situation, she had never seen a man naked before. In fact, Liadan had done nothing more than kiss a handsome date. "I just believe there are some things which are to saved for marriage. It's my job to get married and pop out heirs- and if any accident were to happen which caused me to be pregnant before marriage, it would be moritfying!"

His advice was simple, but helpful, apart from that single suggestion. But what sorts of things did Christian like? He liked her, obviously. Liadan knew very little of his interests, and suddenly realized, in actuality, she knew very little about the man in general. She knew who he was in Hogwarts, and knew that he was still perfectly pleasant company now. "But I will have to think on it, I suppose. Obviously I might have over complicated my situation somewhat."

The book he mentioned for Lothario was not exactly what she was looking for. If the ministry would not object, surely it wasn't dark enough. "Yes, you are. He runs the magical gallery in Diagon and dabbles in all forms of art it seems. Performance arts, fashion, a bit of everything really. Always raising money for charities." And it was too perfect of a cover. He did not get bothered by the ministry, even though in Italy he had been convicted of a crime. Everyone assumed a man who did good could not be bad. But he was smart about it. Though he was a purist, he still donated money to funds to help those who were muggleborn or halfbloods. "I will have to take a look at that volume and see if it's what I'm looking for."

"Are you going to any Holiday parties? Apart from the one at New Year's I received an invite to a couple of months ago... If your family is hosting, I assume you will be there. I haven't been going to many affairs since Charlotte's Halloween party." She needed to lose weight before going to anymore holiday get togethers. Liadan had been so stressed lately she had been eating more than usual and had gained weight. Her favorite designer had been the unfortunate one to discover this. Their relationship had been strained since she nearly hexed him into oblivion in his hop. "I know that Lothario does a winter fashion show every year close to the holidays. You should go! I'm sure you would appreciate the pretty women. He finds the most beautiful models, and most of them are purebloods. Perhaps you could find someone to take to a few parties. The sort of girl who doesn't want or need a commitment. There are quite a few of them, if Lothario is to be believed when he's prattling on."

James was extremely surprised at this confession.  He was also surprised by Liadán’s lack of conquests.  He supposed that would be more typical for a pureblooded heiress, but still had a hard time believing that anyone would want to keep their virginity for that long.  Apparently, he rated far higher in Liadán’s friends scale than he thought.  Still, James could tell that she was being honest.  Out of all the possible things she wanted to discuss with him, he thought that her problems in romance should be at or near the bottom.  Wondering if anyone had ever given Liadán *the talk*, and if she had never heard of a prophylactic charm.  Deciding that this was definitely a conversation that she should probably be having with one of her girlfriends, James decided to tread carefully.

“I apologize – I had no idea about…any of that,” James hesitantly stated.  To say he was like a fish out of water would be like calling the Pacific Ocean wet.  It seemed a bit too much of an understatement.  When James heard that she planned on waiting till marriage, James had a bit more time to recover.  Slightly more composed, he decided that she needed encouragement.  James could not actually say this with complete honestly, since he usually tried to sleep with women, not encourage abstinence.  He still was surprised that Liadán had enough faith in the male half of the species that she would assume she would get a good broom without taking a few out for a test flight.  James had slept around enough to know that there was a certain amount of skill involved on both sides.  Of course, it was hard to filter through locker room grandstanding, but James knew there was a bit of truth in those stories.

“I applaud your discipline.  If the topic is troubling you this much though, I would just encourage you to wait until your wedding night.  I cannot believe I actually just encouraged a woman *not* to have sex,” James said, probably somewhat too honestly.  Fortunately, for both of them Liadán changed topics to something considerably less interesting.  While James had not met the man in question, he knew of him.  He had no idea that the man had any criminal connections though.  Since the man ran something as droll as an art gallery, chances are he would never find out either.

After Liadán asked about parties, James ears slightly perked up at the mention of girls who did not want commitment.  The only problem was that it was at a fashion show.  Remembering what he had insinuated about Liadán earlier, James wondered if he should point out that most of the wizards at those things were more interested in each other than the pretty ladies.  He also thought that Liadán had arranged a bit of arm candy for the aforementioned event regardless.

“Forgive me for asking – but I thought I was taking one of your French cousins to the New Years Eve Party?  If I need to find another date, I need to arrange that rather quickly.  As far as the fashion show, I think that I should wait until I either know a model or am dating one before I show up to one of those things.  No offense, but if an unnattached wizard shows up to one of those things, I have no doubt Miss Skeeter will be making stories regarding his sexuality.  And honestly – the locker room has enough jokes about my broom without adding that into the rumour mill,” James replied to the aristocrat.  Taking a breath, he continued his reply.

“As far as women not wanting a commitment, I could believe that.  Would you be willing to introduce me to them sometime?  They sound like exactly the type of girls I should be hanging around,” James commented.  Internally, he was wondering how they seemed to discuss potential mates.  Apparently Liadán was seeking Mister Right.  James was happy with Miss Good-For-Tonight-But-I-Will-Never-See-You-After-Tomorrow.  James was trying to think of a different subject to talk about, but could not think of something to comment on beyond the weather.  Knowing that he needed more subtlety than that, James tried to come up with something, but was hoping that Liadán would start talking about something else.  Though he had no clue what. 

Liadán gave him a dismissive wave. "There is no need to apologize for it. It was a personal decision. I'm not ashamed of it, but I feel like it certainly does explain quite a few things." Her friend thought it was the reason she was so uptight. Always they were telling her if she would just let loose, and have a little "fun" then she would feel exponentially better. Liadán had her doubts. Originally her whole plan had not been to wait until she was married, but now that she was twenty-two and still inexperienced, Liadán had decided to just wait it out until then. It made people less inclined to question the why... The why mostly being that no one really tried, because she was so incredibly unpleasant sometimes. Liadán was difficult to impress and not the relationship sort.

"And your enouragement speaks well of you, James..." Liadán had half a mind to insinuate perhaps it was easy for him to tell her not to because he had suddenly realized he had no chance of getting into her knickers. It would be rude and uncalled for, though, considering that he had never really tried. Making that kind of assumption could have some awful consequences.

She laughed when he mentioned her cousin, smiling at him. "Of course you are! I meant other parties. Certainly you're not only going to one holiday party? The parties this time of year are always the best! But I would be very happy to introduce you sometime. Lothario is always trying to get me to take a special interest them, though generally he is hoping I can teach them how to behave properly. He is very old fashioned." And he didn't like his models sleeping around, generally because he had hopes of seducing them himself. Besides, when they drank too much and things of that nature, they talked a lot- and for some reason Lothario had a habit of telling pretty ladies too much.

"And Rita Skeeter can make a story out of nothing. Although I do admire her ability to do what she does, very few people put any real stock in what she has to say. Though I've never been at the receiving end of her quill, I cannot imagine it would be as bad as everyone says. And if you change your mind, you could always go with me and I can show you around. Elligible bachelors such as yourself are often in attendance! There is nothing wrong in taking an interest in fashion. Ladies would appreciate it. Lothario always has a string of women, because they appreciate his interest in the finer things in life. One day that broom of yours will be pulled right out from under you, and what will be left?"

"But who am I to lecture?" Liadan added, shrugging gently. "I'm sure you don't wish to be chided by someone you could barely consider to be a friend. You're a grown man, and you are certainly very intelligent, so no doubt you know exactly what you're doing." Liadan patted his arm with a soft smile.

Liadán gave him a dismissive wave. "There is no need to apologize for it. It was a personal decision. I'm not ashamed of it, but I feel like it certainly does explain quite a few things."

Too say the least.  No wonder you are always so uptight James kept his thoughts to himself though, and he had no idea that her friends encouraged her to let loose a little bit.  If he had, he would have echoed their sentiment.  Alas, James was neither telepathic nor did he have any clue as to what Liadan was thinking.  Wanting her to drop the subject, he patiently waited for an opening.  He finally found one when she mentioned fashion and parties.  Discussing fashion and parties with Liadan.  Well at least it is better than discussing her lack of a sex life James thought, trying to not show how bored he was by the topics.

“Parties unfortunately serve food and alcohol, and it is generally rude not to take any.  I do not know if you are surprised by this or not, but athletes watch their diets.  As a matter of fact, I believe there is a magically updated list of what the players on the team have eaten, time of day, along with a table of statistics such as acceleration, deceleration, throwing accuracy, etc.  Anytime I do something not accounted for in the team diet, I usually have to make up for it in sprints or something else.  The New Year’s Eve party is generally the only one I attend so I am not run ragged in December and January.  There are still games to play,” James replied, hoping that she would decide not to comment on it.  Then Liadan made a comment about what he would do when his career was over.  James tried not to think of it.  James hoped he had a bit of time before he really had to start thinking about that.

“You are correct, they probably will have to drag me kicking and screaming from the quidditch pitch when it is time for me to retire.  I guess I can always try to get a coaching or training position though.  All that being said, I do not think I need to worry about retiring for at least another seven years.  Probably longer if I break a few records,” James replied with a neutral expression upon his face.

Apparently, Liadan had not liked his response, because she then patted him on the shoulder after making a sarcastic remark.  Wondering why she would talk about him with her sex life if she realized that they were just acquaintances, he decided to shrug it off.  Though James was aware of the fact that the two of them were becoming closer, the two of them had such a different outlook on life that it was improbable that they would ever be friends.  That still did not stop them from being friendly with each other though.

“To be honest though, I am surprised you do not consider quidditch to be one of the finer things in life.  Fashions will come and go more quickly than the seasons, but quidditch has withstood the test of time.  People still discuss Appleby’s upset victory in 1932 along with the many other games of note,” James smiled wondering how she would reply to this one.