Continued from An Early Start

Evening, ten minutes before 8:00.


Aileen sat in a little velvet chair at the vanity of her bedroom, her legs crossed and her foot tapping. She wore a light silk robe and was listening to a woman’s voice warble in Arabic from the speakers overhead. Music was one of the few things she’d liked from her travels in Egypt, and the upbeat melody made her feel fun and festive- exactly the kind of mood she wanted to be in for her date tonight.

She reached over the neat rows of makeup containers to apply a second coat of mascara. Felix. Felix Dagon. Now, he was interesting. She’d dived into his book earlier in the day and had been pleasantly surprised by the amount of useful information in it, as well as the amusing stories he shared. The part she enjoyed most of all was his tone- so sarcastic and dry that she could almost hear his voice in her head. Aileen found herself laughing out loud a few times and startling the cat off of the chair’s armrest. The cat, aptly named Crabapple, had given Aileen a reproachful look and then sauntered over to bask in the last rays of sunlight poking through the window.

Aileen tilted her head in the mirror and smiled slightly. She brushed on a hint of blush and a stain of plum-red lipstick. Then, she pointed her wand at her hair and cast one of her favorite charms, a charm that made her locks spring to life in soft, old Hollywood style curls. Her smile turned quite smug. She couldn’t imagine how muggles dealt with those torture devices for hours everyday. Blowdryer? Curling iron? No thank you.

She stood and walked to her closet, her feet padding on the plush rug. The closet was nearly the size of her bedroom and displayed fifty pairs of the most fashionable shoes Wizarding society had ever seen. Aileen ignored the shoes for now, carefully slipping into a wine-colored dress that just touched the top of her knees. It swished at the slightest movement and looked like it was made for dancing.

She slid her feet into a pair of kitten-heels and paused.

Back to the vanity, she donned a silver cuff from Mexico that mimicked the crisscross pattern on the front of her dress. As she applied a dab of perfume on her wrists and behind her ears, the doorbell rang. Aileen grinned confidently in the mirror, waved her wand to turn off the music and most of the lights, and stepped quickly down the stairs.

Her purse and cloak hung on a hook in the foyer, waiting for her. She dropped her wand and a compact inside her purse, took a glance out the window, and then slowly opened the door with a welcoming smile.

Overall, Felix was feeling very good about his day. He’d gotten caught up on work, filed some research away, cleaned the barn, actually straightened the house, and even set up a date with a rather beautiful woman. The plus side was that she was blonde, seemed to have some intelligence, and knew how to flirt back. Did he mention blonde? He had until eight, however, and since he didn’t take a long time getting ready…

Well, he kept himself busy other ways. Hence why the barn and the house were straightened up and cleaned… Though he hadn’t yet gotten to Gabby’s room. He usually cleaned it up before she got home for the holidays, a nice little (expected) surprise. It was one less worry for Gabby (who might not clean her room if it was messy to begin with), and didn’t take Felix very long with his wand and ability to use magic.

The house was clean, however, for when he talked Aileen into coming back for a night cap or late night cup of tea. Felix wasn’t even questioning it; he expected her to. Perhaps he was presumptuous. Perhaps he was a bit too sure of himself for his own good. Perhaps he just hadn’t heard ‘good night’ and actually have someone follow through on it in a long time. Whatever it was, he set up everything in the expectation that she would be back.

The living room was spotless, wine glasses out with a chiller next to it waiting for the ice and wine. In the kitchen he had easily thrown together snacks for her to nibble on. He disliked when they woke up expecting breakfast, and had learned to keep snacks readily available. The more he had planned, the less he had to deal with. Pillows and a blanket were put strategically in his living room as well, with the fireplace all ready to be lit. After years of this, Felix was a bit of an expert of how to make his date feel nice and cozy.

Once everything was set up, he went upstairs and got a nice, cool shower. It woke him up a little as well as refreshed. One towel later and he was dried off, running a comb through his hair. Flipping on the wizard radio, turning up the volume so that he could hear the music as he got ready, Felix bobbed his head a little to the tune while leafing through his various outfit possibilities. Finally he settled on what he considered the perfect suit. It would both show his ability to think outside the box while making him seem more manly because he could wear the soft pink right.

A light pink collar shirt was tucked into the meticulously pressed black trousers, a nice black belt with silver buckle showing off how nice it looked together. The onyx cufflinks stood out quite nicely against the pink, in his opinion. Black socks, black leather dress shoes (polished as he styled his hair, thank Merlin for magic), and lack of shave to give him that five o’clock shadow that so many women found appealing. A little ‘bad boy’ edge, so to speak.

He topped off the outfit with a similarly light pink tie and black fitted two button jacket. Once he was pleased with that, he splashed some of his cologne on, enjoying the faint smell of spices. It was important to not only look the part, but also smell it. Once he was ready, Felix pulled on one wool, knee length jacket, grabbed his wand, the flowers, and made sure the dog was comfortable in the barn. He didn’t mind the dog, just had had bad experiences in the past with women coming over and the dog being in the way… or taking Felix’s well deserved attention.

Apparating near the address, Felix walked comfortably and confidently to the house. Checking the address once more, he admired what he saw and nodded to himself. She did well for herself, then. Smirking to himself, adding another tally mark for the Miss Reid, he rung the bell. Waiting patiently, he did a mental run over where he wanted to take her. It was a cozy little joint, in London, but definitely with a view to compliment it. As the door opened and the light washed out over him, Felix smiled at Aileen, his face turning into slight surprise as he looked her over. His confident smirk turned into genuine pleasure, offering the flowers. “You look beautiful, Miss Reid.” Leaning forward, he kissed her cheek before stepping back a respectable distance.

Holding out his hand for her to take, standing aside, he waited patiently. This would be a fun night…

Aileen was not disappointed. Slightly surprised, perhaps, as she hadn’t expected a man who spent most of his time outdoors to clean up so nicely. He carried himself with a confidence that she found very attractive, from his smile, to the light pastel shirt that offset the shadow on his jaw, down to the black shiny shoes.

“Thank you, Mr. Dagon,” she said graciously, both for the bouquet of flowers he handed her and the compliment. As he kissed her cheek she caught the faint whiff of cologne, which intrigued her much more than the sweet smell of tulips and lilies did.

Still, she made a show of smelling the flowers and let out a contented sigh.

“Just a second, I want to put these in water,” she held open the door for him to step inside and then walked through the living room and into the kitchen. The living area was very clean. There was a soft white rug and two antique French sofas with curved, medallion backs. One might have been afraid to touch anything, if it weren’t for the sensual, elegant details: candles on the mantle of the fireplace, lush curtains covering the bay window, and a velvet throw draped casually over the back of one chair. Very few personal items were scattered about, save one photo of her family on the wall. Though magical pictures were supposed to move, the figures all stood stiffly together with strained smiles. There was an empty space next to Trevor where Simon was supposed to stand, but he had wandered out of the photo a long time ago and never returned.

Her purchases from earlier in the day rested on the glass coffee table. Felix’s book about dragons was already out and bookmarked. In the kitchen, Aileen waved her wand and cut the ends of the stems over the sink, sneaking glances at him when she could. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the cat slink by the front door, nose in the air, expression snooty.

“Don’t mind Crabapple,” she called over her shoulder, laughter in her voice. “She doesn’t like anyone.” Aileen put the flowers in the vase she’d conveniently left on the counter and filled it with water. Since she was fifteen, she’d gotten into the habit of leaving a vase out every time dates arrived; proof that she was used to receiving flowers more often than not.

When Aileen finished she emerged from the kitchen and smiled. He seemed to be studying the Asian scrolls hanging on the wall. Her house was almost like a museum, now that she thought about it. On the other wall the shelves displayed a few wooden, African masks interspersed with some Venetian glass sculptures. It was an eclectic mix, but it worked well.

“Ready,” she announced, lingering by the stairs to wrap her cloak around her and grab her purse. She finally took his hand and gave it a light squeeze. They stepped out of the house together, the air cool and breezy but not cold, and the clear sky bright with stars. The perfect night for a date. She had a few restaurants in mind if he hadn’t thought about it, but she wasn’t worried. It seemed like the handsome, smart man next to her had everything planned.

“Thank you, Mr. Dagon.”

It had been a while since someone had peaked his interest so early. Most women that he went on dates with were easy to swoon and could hardly wait to be on his arm. The fact that she was reserved, very polite and just so, told Felix that she was both raised well and had a bit of expectation. He couldn’t help but hope he was going to break that. He was quite good at that, in his opinion. Go home alone, or with a handsome man who would make you forget any qualms you might have at that moment?

Put it that way, and most didn’t choose to go home alone. Or home at all. Just depended on where they ended up, Felix supposed. Watching her smell the flowers, he felt like hitting himself in the head. Flowers meant having to put them somewhere. Why didn’t women understand it was just something a man felt he had to do for certain privileges over the evening? Who cared if they ended up in a vase? The only plus for this batch of flowers was that it wasn’t the basic roses. Felix had grown tired of them early on.

“Just a second, I want to put these in water.”

He could have rolled his eyes at how ‘right on’ he was. “Of course.” Accepting the open door, Felix stepped in and pushed it to. If he had been surprised by the outside, he wasn’t exactly expecting the inside… In that moment, seeing the lovely living room, Felix decided that they would end up back here. He had a nice home, great furniture, and loved it overall… but even with a teenage daughter, it was a very big ‘man’ house. Certainly not white rugs or antique sofas… That was a bit girly for a single dad to have in his mountain getaway.

“Don’t mind Crabapple… She doesn’t like anyone.”

Glancing around, he finally figured out what ‘Crabapple’ was. Raising an eyebrow at it, he smirked and put his hand in his pocket, shaking his head. Muttering under his breath, “Sounds like my daughter,” Felix held back the laughter and turned his attention back to Aileen. At least she was busy… And perhaps he was being unfair in regards to Gabby. She couldn’t help being a moody teenage girl. So emotional, it sometimes reminded him of her mum. She’d been a troublesome teen as well… Clearly he was being punished for Kayleigh’s horrible attitude.

“Aptly named, then.” His voice was louder and understandable, now. Glancing around the room, waiting for Aileen to come back from the Kitchen, Felix settled on some interesting artwork on the wall. His hands in his pockets, his mind not so much on the Asian scrolls but more on the evening and how the sofa behind him might feel, he stood up straight quickly when she came back in, turning his attention to her and grinning.

“Ready.”

Pulling his hands from his pocket, he moved back to the front door. Accepting her hand, he let her step over the threshold first, admiring her profile from a different angle. Yes… she looked very nice. Now, to lay on the charm. He was good with that. Moving his arm so it wrapped around hers, he held her hand once more and started to lead her gently down the street. “There’s an amazing Spanish restaurant just down the road.” Bice Azul Restaurant, if he recalled correctly. “They have the best paella.”

He had to talk up the place. Plus, they really did cook the dishes well. He much preferred Valencian paella over seafood, but with the right dish it went very well. Served with a tender slab of lamb, and the night wouldn’t get much better. Maybe with a healthy glass of wine…

A few blocks later, when they arrived, Felix opened the door and held it for Aileen. Following her in, he nodded to the host. He came here enough that he knew some of the older staff very well. “Reservation for Dagon.” Sometimes he even got the same waiter who first served Kayleigh and him; while the restaurant was expensive, it had been one of those pesky anniversaries and a little splurge, at the time, had been accounted for.

Once the host came back, announcing that the table was ready, he asked if he could take Aileen’s coat. His hands rested on top of her shoulders lightly and Felix helped her take it off, adding his coat to the man’s troubles. Slipping him a few bills, Felix put an arm around Aileen’s lower back and held his other hand out. “After you, Miss Reid.” He followed her and the host, allowing Aileen to sit (the host was holding her chair out for her) before following. When asked whether they would like the house wine or not, Felix turned his eyes to Aileen. “What would you like, love?”

Aileen took note of Felix’s delightful attention to detail: holding her hand, opening doors, helping her out of her coat. She smiled at him as his hands rested on her shoulders for a moment, and then they were led to the table. He was smooth, she gave him that. She was used to men trying to charm her, but she couldn’t say she was used to one managing it so well.

Like she’d expected, Felix had made a reservation beforehand. She thanked the host and sat down at their table, glancing out the window next to it. A few candles hovered an inch or so above the tablecloth, and there were fresh flowers in a vase set in the middle. Aileen smirked at Felix, moving the vase so she had a better view of him.

So far, she approved of the restaurant and liked the atmosphere. It was fancy, but quiet. Each table had its own little nook and cranny, so that they didn’t have to shout at each other to be heard, and she wouldn’t have to worry about bumping into someone if she rose from her seat. Felix was smooth, charming, and he had good taste. Aileen relaxed slightly, letting her back rest against the chair and her eyes linger on him. 

“What would you like, love?”

Though she couldn’t tell him the first thing that came to her mind, Aileen’s smile widened and she glanced up at the host.

“The house wine would be fine, thank you.”

Some nights she enjoyed poring over the menu and picking something ridiculously expensive to drink, just to see her date’s reaction. Tonight, however, she thought Felix deserved a little more consideration than that. When the host left she leaned forward and opened the menu, sneaking glances at him once in a while.

“Very nice choice for a restaurant,” she commented, raising her eyebrows at him a bit. “I haven’t been here before. Any recommendations?” She scanned the options on the menu again, finding the Paella he’d mentioned earlier. Paella… paella… rice dish! Her Spanish wasn’t completely rusty.

“So, I started your book this afternoon,” she said after a moment, looking up as the waiter returned with their wine. “I never imagined Ukrainian Ironbellies could be so… entertaining.” She took a sip of her wine and smiled at him over her glass. At least, she thought his stories were amusing. Felix had probably wanted to turn the lot into boots and jackets at the time, but perhaps he could laugh about it now.

Years of figuring out how to please the opposite sex had done Felix some good. He knew how to get past the initial defense. Beyond that… and well, he just didn’t care anymore. It was a game, figuring out how fast a woman would give in. He’d set himself up to believe that was all he’d have to look forward to, and so far he didn’t mind it. The flowers, sometimes chocolates, the reservation at one of his favorite restaurants (he had a handful that he frequented). It was important, in his mind, to enjoy the food you pay for on a date.

“The house wine would be fine, thank you.”

As the host left to make sure they got a fresh bottle, Felix smirked and undid his napkin, setting it on his lap. It was always nice to see the host set the ladies napkin over their lap; one less thing Felix had to do or worry about, and he got credit for it, since the restaurant was his idea. The tip he left the waiters, plus the friendly banter he had with them in between women, allowed him a bit of privilege. Or so he liked to think.

“Very nice choice for a restaurant.”

Glancing at her over his menu, the end of his lips curved up into a knowing, close lipped smile. “Thank you.” It was good to have her all ready easing into the setting. Tonight was all ready in his pocket. Felix was that confident. A nice first impression, a great restaurant choice, and he had plans for an excellent ‘dessert’ later. Putty in his hands... Another notch for his mental tablet, at least. These days he didn’t keep track of that as much as he used to, though.

“I haven’t been here before. Any recommendations?”

His wit came out faster than he could think. “Coming back again, to try what you don’t get to tonight.” Winking at her, he tapped his finger on his menu. “For tonight, however… I all ready recommended the Paella, but I would add the cherry sauce pork fillet. Very tender.” He wasn’t going to even ask if she was vegetarian or not. If she didn’t eat meat, that was her problem. Felix had tried most things on the menu at this point, and went with the same thing majority of the time. He knew what he liked. Pork fillet with a side of blonde; check please!

“So, I started your book this afternoon.”

Setting the menu down on the table, Felix’s eyebrows rose and he looked thoroughly amused, thanking the waiter after he poured each a glass and left the bottle to chill next to the table. He had noticed it, but wasn’t going to mention it quite so early. Thankfully Aileen was on top of conversation. Felix could talk for a while about dragons…

“I never imagined Ukrainian Ironbellies could be so… entertaining.”

A soft laugh left his mouth as he recalled the various stories he had concerning that particular breed of dragon. He had spent his years with as many different breeds as possible, and hoped for more time with some of the more fierce dragons kept down in the desert, near Egypt. One summer, perhaps after Gabby was done with school… “You should try cleaning them. They are by far the bulkiest dragons… and the first I worked with.” So she hadn’t gotten too far in the book if she was only mentioning the Ukrainian Ironbellies.

“That book was more or less my first attempt at summing up dragon keeping as it pertained to me. Stories are a plenty, though. You’ll have to let me know what you think of my run in with the young Hebridean Black.” He had a nasty scar from that one, but a good story (and one that got funnier the longer ago it happened). Felix was hoping to have the summer to take a couple of week long trips to the Ukraine for last minute research before he finished off one of the last chapters in his new book.

Picking up his wine, however, Felix leaned forward and held it over the table, smiling genuinely at Aileen. He did enjoy his time with most women he asked out on a date, no matter how he reacted later on. So far, she was proving to be different than the masses, and it was rather nice. “You are by far the prettiest thing for me to look at tonight, Aileen. Thank you for coming to dinner with me.” It didn’t help that in his mind he could see someone visibly gagging themselves at what he’d said.

It was just her luck that she chose this moment to take another sip of wine and almost choke on her laughter.

“Coming back again, to try what you don’t get to tonight.” Winking at her, he tapped his finger on his menu. “For tonight, however… I all ready recommended the Paella, but I would add the cherry sauce pork fillet. Very tender.”

“Confident, aren’t you,” she teased, brushing a stray curl away from her face. Aileen decided she’d take his advice and try the paella. Whether or not they would come back here… well, it was a possibility!

When the wine came and she mentioned dragons, Felix’s face lit up a little. He clearly cared about his work, which she admired, though she couldn’t quite understand choosing to handle dragons for a career. Care of Magical Creatures had always been one of her worst subjects in school. If he was a thrill seeker, it made more sense. She realized not many people chose to study ancient runes for a living, either. He’d probably find some of her horror stories about cursed tombs interesting, even if he knew little about the runes themselves or the people she worked with. Which didn’t bother her. Aileen had found out the hard way that it wasn’t always smart to mix work with pleasure.

“…You’ll have to let me know what you think of my run in with the young Hebridean Black.”

“Oh, I will,” she reassured him, resting her chin in her hand with a small smile. He’d definitely captured her interest. She was about to ask him if he planned on traveling this summer when he gave her a smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. Felix looked sweet when he smiled like that, even more handsome than when he smirked.

“You are by far the prettiest thing for me to look at tonight, Aileen. Thank you for coming to dinner with me.”

So, it was cheesy, and she might have laughed if any other man had said it, but some part of him seemed sincere. Maybe it was the smile. Aileen was not adverse to a little flattery and attention, which he seemed more than willing to dole out. She felt a little glow at his words and smiled warmly at him.

Their waiter appeared, glancing between the two of them as if suddenly aware of his bad timing. Ah well. Interruptions were a part of his job. She ordered the paella dish, waited for her date to order, and then turned her attention back to him when they were left in peace.

“I bet you say that to all the girls,” she half-joked. Candlelight flickered off his features as he leaned forward. “Thank you. I’m enjoying the view as well,” she gave him a wink, not meaning the window.

Aileen set the wineglass down and tried to remember what they’d been talking about before they started making eyes at each other. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable, exactly, just intense.

“You must do a lot of traveling,” she ventured from their previous conversation. “Do you mostly go in the summer?”

She paused so he could reply, and then nodded. “I supposed that’s when I’ll be doing field work from now on.” Her eyes widened slightly. “Egypt… in July.” She shook her head. Way to think things through, Aileen.

“Though I’m not sure which profession is more dangerous,” she told him. “Translating languages and avoiding curses, or dealing with teenagers at Hogwarts. I start that new adventure in the fall,” she smirked, once again questioning her wisdom.

“Confident, aren’t you.”

The half smirk was usually part of Felix’s usual ‘look,’ and tonight it seemed that was no exception. If anything, however, it deepened in appreciation for her assessment abilities. Chuckling, he tilted his head a little and gave her a slight roll of his shoulder. “I am. I don’t think you mind, though.” If he wasn’t going to put himself out there, who would? Those were his feelings on that matter; he was opinionated enough to tell it like he thought it should be told as well, for better or worse.

“Oh, I will.”

She was cute, and not just by the way she pretended to be interested. It was sometimes hard to tell whether a woman was taking you seriously (hardly at all) or just acknowledging and nodding and agreeing so she wouldn’t have to deal with a man’s pigheadedness (more often than not). For Felix, he just assumed that everyone was interested in what he had to say, and therefore didn’t worry about the other things. For some, it only made him more intriguing.

When the waiter came back, Felix could have given him a tip right then for his timing. Raising an eyebrow and attempting to keep the smirk from betraying anything, he allowed Aileen to order first before ordering himself his favorite dish; exactly what he had recommended. Once he made sure the waiter understood he wanted medium rare pork fillet and not well done or medium well, or any other variation in between, Felix relinquished the menu and turned his attention back to Aileen. He might enjoy the restaurant and paid a good tip, but in the end he was there for his date and himself, not the man or woman who decided to service them.

“I bet you say that to all the girls… Thank you. I’m enjoying the view as well.”

He did say some variation of it to other women he took on dates, he conceded that point mentally, though he rarely thought about it and meant it. A woman really had to catch him off guard for him to be sincere. When she mentioned the view (and he assumed she meant him), he grinned knowingly and sat up a little, straightening his shirt slightly. “It’s yours to enjoy.” He felt a boost to his ego, however, and that couldn’t be good. For Aileen, anyway.

Picking up his wine, Felix took a slow inhale as he rested the glass against his bottom lip, enjoying it a moment before taking a swig, tasting it, allowing it a moment to linger, before swallowing. Setting the wine glass back down, he had just repositioned himself comfortably when she asked the next question.

“You must do a lot of traveling… Do you mostly go in the summer?”

His body froze a moment as he considered the question, but he quickly morphed back into the easy going, comfortable lean into the chair, his face not betraying his attempts to think of things to say (he hoped, anyway). “I try to do what traveling I can. Different breeds like different climates…” Wasn’t it the same with most any creature? “I do find traveling in the summer, to certain locations, is nice.” Any discussion about why he would choose the summer, however, was to be avoided. Felix didn’t like bringing out the ‘daughter card.’

“I suppose that’s when I’ll be doing field work from now on… Egypt… in July.”

Ah right, since she was teaching at Hogwarts. That was what he’d picked up, at least, from their run in at the bookstore. Making a slight face, he chuckled and inclined his head, considering Egypt. His mouth moved faster than his brain, however, and he showed a bit of surprise at her words. “Really? I had plans to head to Egypt… It hasn’t been terrible the past couple of summers.” Then he realized that he was planning on being there around the same time she would be, and he quickly tried to think of something else to add on.

“Though I’m not sure which profession is more dangerous… Translating languages and avoiding curses, or dealing with teenagers at Hogwarts. I start that new adventure in the fall.”

Thankfully Aileen was ahead of him, and continued talking. Blinking and refocusing, he smirked and shrugged a little, having never given a second thought to teaching. He did research and wrote books to help others, he supposed, but had never considered… No, certainly not. Chuckling a little, he shook his head and picked his wine up once again. “A full adventure it will be, I’m sure.” So it wouldn’t last past the fall, at the very most. That was a positive sign!

He was feeling more and more comfortable all ready. “I don’t think I’d be very good with teenagers. Teaching and that whole bit. I prefer dragons; they don’t talk back, and if they won’t do what I say, I can give a little tough love.” Sometimes they gave it back; he had reminders of that, but in general, he was still standing and breathing, so that was saying something.

Aileen noted how Felix ordered his meal. He was assertive and particular, without being rude, and she liked that about him.

Their conversation continued after the waiter left, and she raised her eyebrows in amusement when he puffed up at the slight compliment she’d paid him.

“It’s yours to enjoy.”

He was such a man. Of course, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Aileen listened to his vague response about traveling in the summer, soon realizing she had met her match. Her match, in terms of small talk and light conversation. His words were pleasant to listen to, easy enough to reply to, but they told her little about who he was other than that he cared about his line of work. Her eyes narrowed, studying him as if he were a new puzzle that required translation. Unfortunately, she’d never quite figured out the code of men.

She eased up on her assessment of him and relaxed. It was only their first date. Men who told her their life story lost her interest quickly, anyway.

“Really? I had plans to head to Egypt… It hasn’t been terrible the past couple of summers.”

“Not so terrible..?” She repeated incredulously, laughing a little. He must have walked around with an air-conditioned bubble around his head if he believed that. Then again, he did work with dragons, and she’d heard dealing with them could get a little… heated.

“I don’t think I’d be very good with teenagers. Teaching and that whole bit. I prefer dragons; they don’t talk back, and if they won’t do what I say, I can give a little tough love.”

She chuckled. He had a point. Aileen wasn’t too sure she’d be very good with teenagers herself, but as long as they weren’t her own, she should be all right. She’d lock the office door and hide under her desk if need be- they had to leave her alone eventually. Aileen thought about that for a moment. She’d heard horror stories… no, she would be fine.

“I don’t blame you,” she smiled at him and took a sip of wine. “I might choose dragons over teenagers too, if I had the choice.”

Her eyes widened playfully. “I guess I’ll find out soon enough if I’m made for teaching.” Aileen hoped she was, not only to avoid wasting her time and embarrassing herself, but because she wanted to prove her family wrong. No matter how much she’d achieved, her profession was always viewed as a hobby. She glanced down for a few moments, distracted by her thoughts. It wasn't long before she looked back at him and her smile made a swift return.

“I have a younger sister who’s… around fifteen,” she said, pausing to remember the girl’s age. “Abigail. Of course, I have my less than mature moments,” Okay, so she had more than a few. “But Merlin knows I can’t relate to her.”

She smirked wryly at him, wondering why she’d just said that. Family was the last thing she wanted to talk about. Apparently they were on her mind.

“Not so terrible..?”

Egypt was hot, sure, but if one knew how to dress appropriately and what spells were great for layering cool layers against the skin… well, then it wasn’t so bad. Felix had had a few dragons over the years who had fevers (odd to think of, considering one would think dragons would be hot normally because they breathe fire—common misconception, really). It is just like any other creature; they get sick and need to either nurse back to health or fade away. As dragons are rather… troublesome to dispose of, and are much preferred alive than not to a Keeper, one takes great strides to try and help them back to health.

The point of it was that, to cool a dragon, a sizeable beast with a high enough temperature to scald someone’s hand if they weren’t careful, it takes quite a bit. Over the years, Felix had modified spells here and there depending on the size and density of hide, but it worked wonders on dragons… and did work wonders on him. Under the clothes, it was perfect. Maybe he would share the little tidbit with Miss Reid. If she played nice…

Inclining his head, smirking as he kept his secrets to himself, he merely let her think what she would about it. On to the next topic, however. Teenagers.

“I don’t blame you… I might choose dragons over teenagers too, if I had the choice… I guess I’ll find out soon enough if I’m made for teaching.”

Glancing her over, his eyes flittering up and down what little of her lovely profile he could see, Felix chuckled and inclined his head, picking up the wine. “I think you’ll do just fine.” Considering how she handled the troublesome employee at the bookstore, Felix figured she could tame a rowdy group of students with a few demoralizing sentences. He wondered, however brief, why she didn’t have a choice in choosing what she wanted to do. Did she want to teach? Was she being forced into it? Was she just crazy?

“I have a younger sister who’s… around fifteen.”

The age and the fact it was a girl peeked Felix’s interest. His mouth opened to respond with ‘Oh, that’s my daughters age!’ when he realized what he was about to spit out and he quickly closed his mouth, offering her a tight lipped smile. He had to watch how much he drank, if he was all ready on the verge of mentioning his little secret. In truth, Felix loved the come and go company of women, but did not like to drag Gabriella into it at all, either way. If she didn’t know about them, and they didn’t know about her, Felix’s life could be content.

“Abigail. Of course, I have my less than mature moments… But Merlin knows I can’t relate to her.”

Why was it that talk of family seemed to loosen some people up? Felix was able to keep back from mentioning Gabby, but for some reason her discussion of her sister reminded him of his troublesome younger brother. Laughing lightly, he nodded in agreement. Besides, she probably would have remembered little Gabe. He started in Slytherin when Felix and Kay were in their last year at Hogwarts. That boy had been nothing but trouble as well, and had taken some time in Azkaban even. “If it weren’t for the fact that Gabe and I look so much alike, I wouldn’t have thought we were related. Siblings are very odd creatures.”

As their food started to arrive, Felix waited until Aileen had tried hers, made sure she was enjoying it, before taking a bite of his. It melted in his mouth and he couldn’t help but sit back and enjoy that first bite, following it with the delicious wine. Yes… he’d chosen the perfect place.

Some time later, after the dinner dishes have been cleared and the second bottle of wine has been opened

Leaning over, Felix filled Aileen’s glass up some more, grinning wide before helping himself to a bit more as well, he finally set the half empty bottle down into the wine holder. “I’m telling you, go into Gringott’s and trail a Galleon behind you, five or ten paces, and just watch who comes scurrying for it. Better yet!” Taking a moment to reposition himself a bit, leaning forward onto the table with one elbow while moving his wine glass aside for more space (what for, he didn’t know, he just knew it was in the way), Felix laughed lightly and put his hand up. “And I’ve done this before, so I can tell it works-”

Sometimes, he had quite the naughty streak. Then again, it was fun to act childish and immature and pull a prank or two. Gabby helped him now and again, if he did it when she was around. Sometimes he tried to act like a responsible adult, though. “Drop a coin purse full of clinky sounding objects and put an exploding… whatever you want in it. I’ve done paint sprays, smoke bombs (the kind that shoot smoke semi permanently onto whatever its target is), screechers, anything really. Because eventually someone will pick it up and try and pocket it.”

Some might try and return it… but they didn’t seem to outweigh those who just tried to get a little ahead, in Felix’s trial and error of this little ‘experiment.’ Nevertheless, it was good for a laugh during a stressful day. Taking a gulp of his wine, he grinned and leaned back, very comfortable with his date. “What would you like for dessert though, Aileen?”

^outfit

Analiza felt awkward as the host escorted her, and only her, to her table. It wasn't that she wasn't used to eating out, she couldn't cook so really it was her only method of getting food. Usually, though, she would have someone with her, be it her son or brother... or, until a couple nights ago, Marcus. As she settled into her chair and stowed her purse under the table, Ana's golden eyes gazed around the room, scrutinizing the surroundings and everyone in it. The place was quite elegant, just like Kay had described it, and had a certain 'romantic' quality about it. Maybe that was just the fact that 90 percent of the people dining were couples. Something about this fact made Ana's stomach turn and she realized that she really needed a good strong drink.

After ordering some wine, Analiza returned to her people watching. Not a lot of people realized it, but Analiza Snark had a very analytical mind. She would, ever since she was a child, watch people around her and try to figure out who they were and what their life was like just by how they dressed and acted. It was entertaining sometimes, to guess their deep dark secrets, even though she knew she wasn't always going to be right. Her eyes fell on a young couple at the next table, an exotic dark haired girl and a well dressed young man (his back was to Ana, so she couldn't tell if he was handsome or not). Squinting slightly, she tried to read the girls lips, difficult with her smiling so much. Though Ana thought Kay had been prettier, she couldn't help but be reminded of her late friend and, she shuddered at the thought, that wretch Felix Dagon. This had been their spot, according to Kay, and part of the reason Analiza came here. As May 2nd neared, Analiza was thinking more and more about her friend and how much she missed her. She would need to write Gabrielle a letter some time soon, just to see how she was doing.

Something in her stomach, be it the wine or her nerves or both, made her feel a bit faint. Excusing herself to the waiter, who had come to take her order, Analiza grabbed her purse and headed towards the bathroom. Thoughts of Kayleigh and Felix were still on her mind as she glanced around for a sign depicting 'womens'. She didn't see a sign, but what she did see made her stomach turn more. Felix wasn't bad to look at, Ana had to give Kay that much, but everything about him, from the way he spoke to the way he sat in a chair, pissed Analiza off. It was bad enough that he was sitting there, sullying her line of sight, but when he spoke to someone across from him, Analiza turned her head and saw to her horror that he was on a date. And not just any date. Oh no, not some cute little strumpet (Analiza would never describe Aileen Reid as cute or little), but a woman that made Analiza want to claw her own eyes out, after she clawed out hers first of course.

She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Even she, who hated Felix and was pessimistic about anything he did, couldn't believe that he would be so callous to take out another woman to his and Kay's spot... and days before the anniversary of her death? Bile rose in Analiza's throat and she itched to pull out her wand and curse him into the toad he was right then and there. No scratch toad, he was lower then that. A pile of crap was more like it. The fact that Aileen seemed to be enjoying herself made Ana even madder. Even Ana thought the woman was a better woman then to stoop so low as Dagon (You see, Ana still thought that Kay had been tricked by him somehow. A spell or a potion or something.) Unable to control her fury, Analiza curled her mouth into a sneer and strode over to them.

"Imagine seeing you here Dagon..." She said loudly, unconcerned that she interrupted his dinner "... From what your daughter told me, I would have thought you would have avoided this place..." Glancing at Aileen, she added with venom "... But then, I guess ten years is long enough to forget about your wife..."

Aileen noticed how Felix subtly refilled her wine glass the few times it was in danger of being empty, which raised some questions about his intentions. She smiled smugly. Except, she knew exactly what his intentions were, and she was completely comfortable playing this game. Her face felt pleasantly warm and she laughed more easily- or at least, more genuinely- but she didn’t ever drink to excess, and she wasn’t about to start tonight. Small sips, she thought, raising the glass to her lips.

When the plates were cleared away she had to compliment him on a well-chosen recommendation. She was picky about food and didn’t have a problem telling the chef if a meal wasn’t up to her standards, but Felix had good taste. She was full and happy and had nothing to complain about.

Especially not when the conversation was so humorous. As he talked about the little pranks he pulled at Gringotts, there was something appealing about his boyish excitement and the way he became involved in the story. He wasn’t just making conversation to be polite, which felt refreshing to Aileen. She rested her chin in her hand and tilted her head at him with a smile. There was an immature side to every man, in her opinion, and he was lucky that this type of immaturity was so adorable.

“I’m sure the goblins just love those stunts,” she raised her eyebrows, imagining their reactions with amusement. She wasn’t much a fan of goblins, but they did have their uses. “Have you ever been caught?” Her eyes glinted mischievously.

Aileen’s sense of humor wasn’t nearly as developed as Felix’s, but she’d done a fair amount of pranks as a teenager. Of course, she’d only bothered to prank out of spite and revenge, but the end result was still the same. If girls crossed her they learned quickly to hide their hairbrushes and other belongings for fear of waking up bald. Aileen was rarely caught, though. She’d often convinced the younger years, or even the house-elves, to carry out the actual deed so she could pin the blame on them later.

“What would you like for dessert though, Aileen?”

She eyed the grin, and his mouth, and reluctantly turned to the menu.

“We could get one dessert and split it… unless you’re averse to sharing,” she said teasingly.

“I have to warn you,” her voice lowered conspiratorially. “I’m not above using sneaky tactics to get my fair share of the chocolate. Must be a Slytherin thing.”

She smirked at him, and then glanced around the room for their waiter. Who she saw instead made her stomach turn. Analiza Snark walked straight towards them with a rather unbecoming sneer. Aileen’s eyes narrowed and she straightened, preparing for battle. Aileen fully expected to hear some sour comment about her dress or something similar. They both had strong personalities, ambitious goals, and The Department of Mysteries hadn’t been big enough for the two of them!

To her shock, the target of Ana’s wrath was not her, but her date.

"Imagine seeing you here Dagon..." She said loudly, unconcerned that she interrupted his dinner "... From what your daughter told me, I would have thought you would have avoided this place..."

Aileen tried to cover her look of surprise. So Felix had a daughter. He didn’t seem the fatherly type, only because the fathers she knew spent most of their time blathering on about their precious children and how proud they were of them. A part of her felt grateful that he was nothing like that. She would have become bored with the conversation.

He’d had ample opportunity to at least mention his child, but then again, it wasn’t her business. She carefully smoothed out her expression and allowed Analiza’s rudeness to continue for the moment.

Glancing at Aileen, she added with venom "... But then, I guess ten years is long enough to forget about your wife..."

Analiza’s callous and completely inappropriate remark made her angry, but it also sparked a memory from a long time ago. Aileen had willingly removed herself from the war against Voldemort, choosing that time to travel and study, but when she’d come back she’d heard all about the lives lost. The news hadn’t affected her very much because she hadn’t been close to the victims. However, Aileen had recognized a few names, Kayleigh being one of them.

Ten years, in fact, did seem long enough to Aileen- not to forget, but to move on. Analiza clearly hadn’t moved on, proven by the bitter and twisted way she expressed her grief. Aileen didn’t feel sorry for her. She did feel a slight bit of sympathy for Felix, however.

“I don’t see why anyone would avoid a restaurant like this,” she commented calmly. “Wonderful food, quick service, romantic atmosphere. It’s a public place, too- anyone is welcome here. Can you imagine?”

She widened her eyes at her former boss as if that concept was novel.

“As much as I’d love to invite you to join us, your date must be waiting for you. I wouldn’t want to deprive him of your lovely company,” she continued, glancing off into the distance and raising her eyebrows when she saw a table for one. “Hmm, perhaps not. My mistake,” Aileen gave her a dazzling smile, and then turned back to the dessert menu as if that was that.

“I’m sure the goblins just love those stunts… Have you ever been caught?”

Especially if it happened to be a rather good one… Smirking at that, Felix inclined his head slightly and put his hand over his lips a moment, laughing. The messier the prank was, the more furious the patrons became when it happened. “Ah… I think a fair bit of good pranking comes from being caught and learning better next time.” Letting his hand drop back into his lap, he tilted his head slightly and gave her a grin. “Using the same example, one of the first times I tried the coin purse trick, I happened to forget a business card in it. I had a hefty fine for the damages… the, ah, spell within caused a chain reaction.”

It had been quite a tale, though. The bit of pop and fire that came out had ended up setting some wood on fire at the bar he’d placed it. The wood on the table the person had been sitting at caught fire, and though no one was hurt, there ended up quite a bit of damage. And there was where the fine came in. Since then, he learned what elements to mix with what environment he put it in. Fire wasn’t a bad choice for the bank, as long as it was near the marble. And he certainly made sure to use coin purses that he hadn’t stuffed papers into.

Come to think of it, he hadn’t done his silly prank in a while. Just a testament to how busy he was keeping, he supposed.

“We could get one dessert and split it… unless you’re averse to sharing.”

His eyes looked over her facial features, lingering momentarily on her lips as well before his broke into a knowing grin. Leaning forward on the table a little, he raised an eyebrow as his eyes finally made their way back up to hers. “I am all for sharing, love.” He was definitely thinking of a certain dessert she might enjoy. The only question was how to convince her to take it to go.

“I have to warn you… I’m not above using sneaky tactics to get my fair share of the chocolate. Must be a Slytherin thing.”

Laughing quietly, he kept her gaze as he shook his head slightly. “I’m not worried. Now that you’ve warned me, I’ll just have to be observant.” Something chocolaty… The upside to that was that chocolate could be a catalyst aphrodisiac. The main trigger, obviously, would be Felix. His mind worked faster than it should have and he was letting his thoughts show through in his grin and an impish glint to his eye.

The shift of her features, however, made Felix frown and glance around to see what the problem was. If it was anything too big, he’d just cut to the chase and offer to get something for dessert on the way back. His gaze took in the area, having not settled on what she had, and turned back to watch her carefully. About to ask her what was wrong, he quickly found out.

“Imagine seeing you here Dagon…”

A sneer immediately planted itself on his lips and he sat up straight, looking at Analiza Snark with a none too healthy glare. This could only be trouble. “Snark.”

“… From what your daughter told me, I would have thought you would have avoided this place…”

Pursing his lips, not yet realizing that Snark had just spilled the beans about his daughter to Aileen, Felix clenched his fist and tried to remind himself to breathe. It wouldn’t be good to end up overnight for attacking a woman.

“… But then, I guess ten years is long enough to forget about your wife…”

The guilt that drove into his gut like a knife left him a bit winded. Gritting his teeth to keep from cursing her right then and there (he didn’t really care at that point as to whether she’d stop him or not), Felix tried to focus himself. The anniversary of Kayleigh’s death was coming up, yes, but that didn’t mean that Felix couldn’t go out and try and get completely screwed up so he couldn’t remember all that happened. About to snipe at her, he was rather surprised when Aileen stepped in first.

“I don’t see why anyone would avoid a restaurant like this… Wonderful food, quick service, romantic atmosphere. It’s a public place, too- anyone is welcome here. Can you imagine?”

His eyebrows rose slightly at that, taking a brief moment to look to her before furrowing his brows back at the red head. The amount of curses he was hurling at the—and then it dawned on him and his eyes went wide. She’d mentioned his daughter. With Aileen right there. And now she’d know. In less than a breath, Analiza Snark had ruined his evening. And it had been going so (unexpectedly) well.

“As much as I’d love to invite you to join us, your date must be waiting for you. I wouldn’t want to deprive him of your lovely company.”

Making a face at the idea of someone actually wanting to go on a date with Snark, Felix worried he might be sick over the idea. She was definitely on his ‘If I never have to see her again, it would be too soon’ list. As Aileen finished and turned back to the dessert, Felix relaxed his fists finally, leaving fingernail marks in the palm of his hands. A slow breath, and he turned his gaze up to Analiza before pushing his chair out and slowly standing up to look down at her.

“Interesting how you choose to show up when others are enjoying time much better without you. Maybe you need to cool down.” Picking up his wine, he took a sip, acting as nonchalant as he could though his eyes and strained mouth showed how hard that was. “Maybe you shouldn’t be talking to my daughter, and maybe you should consider the fact that no matter how many people you’ve bought off, you don’t really know everything. Which includes my reasoning for anything I do. That you are thinking at all, however, seems like an improvement. Do you want a biscuit for it?”

Finally he felt a bit better and he gave her an unfriendly smile, giving her a mocking toast. “Enjoy your lonely meal. I’d prefer we not continue this conversation.” And with that, giving her one last look down his nose, he sat down and tried to concentrate on the dessert menu. If only to infuriate Snark more, Felix reached across and took Aileen’s hand, smirking as he did. “Did you decide on something yet, love?”

“I don’t see why anyone would avoid a restaurant like this, Wonderful food, quick service, romantic atmosphere. It’s a public place, too- anyone is welcome here. Can you imagine?”

Analiza didn't want to deal with Aileen. The woman was over confident and couldn't keep her nose out of where it didn't belong, in this case, the feud between Analiza and Felix. Had Analiza been introspective, she might have recognized these as traits of her own personality, but she was far too intent on making Felix feel like the scum he was to think about it. Instead, she held up a hand and waved it in a hand movement that was clearing indicating she was brushing Aileen off. Her gaze did not leave Felix.

“As much as I’d love to invite you to join us, your date must be waiting for you. I wouldn’t want to deprive him of your lovely company, Hmm, perhaps not. My mistake,”

Analiza couldn't ignore this comment, however. She took great insult to the accusation that she was alone. Sure, she was dateless at the moment, but she had sent Lukas a message earlier that day to meet with her. Whether or not he got it was unknown to her, but that was none of Aileen's business anyways. Briefly casting a glare on Aileen, Analiza quipped lightly "Little girls should be seen and not heard, and keep their noses out of business that does not pertain to them..."

Turning back to Felix, who finally got the balls to open his mouth, Analiza crossed her arms and tilted her head as he growled at her.

“Interesting how you choose to show up when others are enjoying time much better without you. Maybe you need to cool down. Maybe you shouldn’t be talking to my daughter, and maybe you should consider the fact that no matter how many people you’ve bought off, you don’t really know everything. Which includes my reasoning for anything I do. That you are thinking at all, however, seems like an improvement. Do you want a biscuit for it? Enjoy your lonely meal. I’d prefer we not continue this conversation. Did you decide on something yet, love?”

It was the holding hands that did it. Felix's words did little to bother ANaliza because she knew he was full of crap. She always knew that he was, just not to the extent of this. Is this what Kayleigh had died for? For her daughter to be raised by a man who would sully her name like this? Analiza felt true anger raise in her stomach, accompanied by a surprising amount of sadness. When she finally spoke, her words were devoid of her usual condescending tone and was filled with sadness. "Wow Felix... You know... I really tried to think better of you for Kayleigh's sake... but to sully her memory by taking another woman to her spot days before the anniversary of her death...Even I didn't think you were that low. But, I was right about you. You're pathetic..."

Looking at Aileen and back to Felix, her golden gaze blank and almost sad, Analiza added "Have a nice dinner, you two deserve each other..." before turning and walking away.

{(Dinner Est RUINED!, hope it helps...))

The other night had ended on a high note. No kiss, but still there was electricity between the two that have been left without fully being dealt with. Hell Lukas did the inexcusable, he left his date Covi with the Minister of Magic just to make sure Analiza made it home safely.  So when he received a letter inviting him out with her, Analiza not Covi, Lukas knew he would be more entertained spending a night with the mysteriously interesting Ana than out with his mates who only talked about birds and hopelessly chased skirts.

Why chase the women who weren't interested in you or had any hope of making even a blip on your own radar. Lukas didn't like to waste his time on females who had only themselves and his money on their mind. He much rathered the possibility of more to be played out if the fates allowed.

Dressing in a pair of dark slacks, a white pressed shirt and a pea-coat. Lukas was late, but a fresh cut on his forehead could and should, at the very least be reason enough to why he was delayed. Though he wanted to get back to her in time, Lukas found himself trapped between a rock and a hard place.

Having his wound touched up was the least of his worries. It was cleaned and he looked presentable. So when he apparated to the destination described he was surprised to see his would be partner heading in his direction. Bloody hell was he really that late? Pulling out his pocket watch he looked down to check the time, his eyes scanned the little device and he shook his head. No not too late, maybe she was second guessing her decision to see him. "Oi, Lass where you off to so soon? Did I leave you waiting too long?" Lukas hadn't been able to get back to her in time, she might have thought he was going to show at all.