A set path we walk - Carlisle

[Haley Gordon]

The day early, around nine o' clock. The birds were flying overhead as Haley walked down to the street, a list clutched in her hands. It was time for her to restock on items and actually return to the world of cooking. It was also time to update her wardrobe, which had not changed a bit in the last few years. Looking into her closet had been a nightmare. It was full of hoodies, cargo pants, faded and torn jeans--all things that screamed teenage student rather than adult Ministry worker. In the back were a few satin, navy blue cloaks that had come from the Manor, but otherwise there was nothing that she really wanted to wear. All of her good clothes were in the dirty laundry, which she lacked the time and the will to get rid of.

And so, she had to improvise, taking out her ever faithful wand and conjured a hoodie into a flowy white summer dress with dark purple swirls and flowers. In the mirror, she had teased her hair into falling in light curls and grabbed a pair of white heels from the back of the closet and walked out the door. Now, she had apparated into the streets in front of the Wand Mart, reciting her list while she twirled her wand in her hand.

"Some form of meat, vegetables, a business suit, a pair of dress robes, couple of dresses, apple juice--yeah, gotta have apple juice. I wonder if I should get an owl? Then maybe I need to get some owl supplies. An owl--I've always wanted one of those...oh! Right, list. Wand polish, broom polish. I need some books to read as well. I wonder if there is anyone who can give me some recommendations. Potions ingredients...a new cauldron is definitely needed..." she murmured, looking down at her list. It then that she paused and actually thought about all the stuff she was about to buy.

"All this stuff is going to be really expensive..." she concluded with a dull thud of her heart. Sad thing was, a lot of this stuff was necessary. Especially the books, which were needed to keep her sanity. Even in her arms, there was a heavy book on the theory of the origins of magic--a type of book that directly correlated with her former Ravenclaw status. However, Haley stopped, leaning on one foot as she looked at her list. The best she could do, she realize, was get what she could afford now and get the rest later, even though she really wanted to make one trip.

Sighing, Haley resigned herself to looking at other witches and wizards around the store. It was full of life at this time of day, a lot of it with many different people who wanted a bunch of different things and found the convenience of having everything in one place. There was a young wizarding couple who were arguing over the cost of dragon liver. A middle age witch with four young toddlers in tow looked like she was about to curse each of them while they demanded for the latest candy. Haley chuckled and returned to her list, walking and trying to figure out what to buy that instant--not realizing that her path set her to walking right into somebody.

[/blockquote]

[carlisle]

It was a recent move - the past few years, before Phoebe was going to Hogwarts, he had been staying with his parents in the family house. However, now with his sister out of the place, as much as he loved his parents, he honestly did not want to have to spend every waking minute with just their company. He proposed to move out, to their chagrin, but he got their approval anyway. They really didn't want their son mad at them, as he had soon figured out, and besides, they thought that it was only right at that at the age of twenty five, he finally be given some of the freedom they had devoided him of by keeping him at home. Of course, Carlisle was very pleased by their agreement, and had sent off his application for a flat soon enough. Carlisle was a very homey person. As such, when he had acquired his flat in Follett Towers, the first manner of business that he was set to do was that he definitely had to get some groceries. After all, it simply would not do to have bare cupboards.

How on earth was he going to cook?

WAND*Mart was perhaps one of the best things that the Wizarding World had invested in. It was practically a center that welcomed him, for it was the place that had just about everything a boy shopping for groceries would ever need. And it was practically heaven for Carlisle at the moment, given that he seriously needed a lot of goods. Laughing when he found a trolley - a levitating one for obviously in the Wizarding World we didn't do things normally - he started picking out random goods from the wall, that being flour, chocolate chips, meat, vegetables. Basic household ingredients that would go a long way in helping him to cook a meal for himself, and allowing him to properly indulge in it. The chocolate chips were extra treats, because there was no such thing as a house without a snack or two. At that point, Carlisle grabbed a packet of Bertie Bott's every flavour beans, and thrust them into the basket too. The beans were perfect for entertainment, and they did have some nice flavours. The boogie one, though, Carlisle could definitely live without.

His basket half-full by the time that he was soon to run into Haley, at the moment he was in serious thought as he walked, perusing his own list alike. Which should he get - Muggle pizza, as he had always wanted to try, or some chicken roast for this Saturday's dinner, in which he would be inviting his parents? A puzzling question indeed, and that had landed Carlisle into deep though as he followed a single line on the floor, hoping that others would avoid him instead of him having to avoid the other. Unfortuantely, the case was not as such, for Haley herself was engrossed in her own list, right? When two parties were busy with something else and didn't see each other coming, the outcome was almost expected, and every bit as painful as imaigned. Target, collide, impact, and in that order Carlisle met Haley, his head knocking against hers by accident. Startled as a hand was raised to touch the spot where the two had met, he had to bite back a groan of pain. "You okay?" he asked on instinct, determined to know about the other before he attended to his own injury. "Sorry about that, I wasn't looking."

TAG! Haley Gordon
NOTES! Sorry about this, it's kinda bleh. ):

[/font][/size]

[Haley Gordon]

It had happened so suddenly that Haley was lucky to catch herself in time before she fell. Her enormous volume collasped to the floor, causing a big bang that could be heard for a few feet. Luckily, she was not carrying any items so none of them had spilled. Her mind, however, failed to be impervious to any damage, and she instinctively grabbed his arms to steady herself, replying, "Ce va, ce va," to his question completely forgetting that she was no longer in France.

Her mistake lasted no more than a few moments. Horrified at grabbing out to a stranger, Haley immediately removed her hands and backed away, tripping over her book that sent her stumbling a few more feet. A nice red tone had reached her overly pale cheeks, and her amethyst eyes could not help but be drawn to the floor for more than the alloted times. Never had Haley acted so out of control or more like a klutz. Embarassment was starting to lay heavily on her shoulders as she garnered the courage to look at the man in front of her, her book laying forgotten by her feet. Somehow, her list had stayed clutched in her hand.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I mean to say that I was fine. Sorry, I recently got back from France and, in my disorientation, got a little bit confused as to where I was..." she murmured, rubbing her head in the spot where they collided. It was at this point where she realized that she had not assessed to make sure he was alright, which ended up making her blush even more from embarrassment. The day, apparently, was taking a worse turn from its humble, bright, happy beginnings.

"Please tell me you're alright. I'm sorry, it wasn't your fault. I was engrossed in my list, trying to figure out what I should avoid. I completely forgot that I was in a place that would put me right in the path of another unwilling person. It makes me angry that I put others at such a risk..." Haley apologized, checking him over for any injuries. In the corner of her eyes she noticed a long stick and quickly diverted her attention, grabbing her beloved wand right before it was about to be stepped up by an unwary individual. After checking it quickly for any damage, her attention sharply returned to the man before her.

"Um...are you alright? Need me to heal anything? I am sure there are some ready-made potions that can heal you. I'll pay for it, if you like. I'm really, really sorry," Haley offered, wincing at the thought of him damaged. She had barely been back in England for a week and already she had injured someone. "Or, if there is any other way I can pay you back for my inattentiveness, do let me know."

[/blockquote]

[carlisle]

He was intrigued by the words that left Haley's mouth, the language familiar to his ears, given that he had been in France a few years prior. Raising an eyebrow at her as he ruffled his hair, he gave her a smile, attempting to reassure her that there certainly was no lasting damage done, if that was what she thought had happened. Putting a hand over hers in order to steady her, she seemed to have realised that he was someone she was unfamiliar with, and immediately recoiled as though his skin burned her. While he would have taken offence at that, he gave her a smile nonetheless, determined not to seem like he was hurt. Which he was, but that could be dealt with later.

Ignoring her words pointedly as she spoke them, he instead bent down, retrieving her book and holding it in his hand as he straightened himself. "Yours, I believe," he offered towards her the item, an inquisitive look on his face as he studied the book's cover, before his gaze flickered to the list in her hand. He studied that too in turn, the latter only briefly for he felt it was just a bit too private for him to read. But the book probably not, for as she read it she would have shown the cover to many others, and he certainly would not be the first to have seen it before. This slight breach of privacy, perhaps, would be accepted by her. Giving her comments a wave of his hand, he brushed it off.

"The only thing I was in risk of, honestly, was taking you down with me. In which case, then it is both our faults," Carlisle said, although his words seemed to be a little lack luster. But it was certainly better than nothing, he figured, and provided a situation where neither side could push the blame onto theirselves. Once he was done with that, however, he was delighted to give her a bright smile, nodding his head at her flurry of questions. "I'm quite alright, really. Still standing on my own two feets, aren't I?" He gestured to himself, making a thumbs up sign with his hands that indicated he was certainly okay. Suddenly, he tensed up, as he realised that he, like her, might have lost something in the process of which they collided with each other. Making a movement as he checked for his wand, he was glad to find that it was still in place, and he relaxed again, face shifting back into an easy smile.

He looked at her oddly when she said that she would pay for whatever she had done and promptly gave her a stern look that dictated he certainly did not want her payment for no existent damages. "You don't need to do anything, other than decide for me what I should get for dinner. Chicken roast, or Pizza?" Carlisle decided that was the only way that he could put her offer into any use, and that was for her to decide what he would be eating for dinner on Saturday, when his parents visited. "I was hard pressed to choose between those two, and I admit, thinking about them made me distracted, and thus the subsequent collision." His brown eyes studied her, and then he added, "And you never told me if you were alright, too. Are you?"

[/font][/size]

[Haley Gordon]

It took a few moments, but Haley eventually regained her usual composer. Calm, collective, someone that liked to be in control. Brushing a lock of hair behind her left ear, she carefully scrutinized the man in front of her. How, perhaps, did he take her making a fool of herself? Would he tease and taunt, brush it off like nothing, or treat her from here on out as a child and go merrily on his way after giving her a pat on a head and a lollipop for her booboo?

Stepping back slightly, the woman studied him. He easily towered over her, probably about six feet if she were to take a gander at it, His eyes were an interesting brown but even Haley could pick up some hints of intelligence behind them. He had a calm composure of himself, even granted the previous situation--which made Haley regret her actions even more. Bitterly, even she had to admit that she sorely overreacted to what happened. Perhaps it was her mutual promise of utter repetence for all the things she had done in her life--forced or not--that caused her to freak at the smallest little harm (a reason, perhaps, she never chose to be a mediwitch.) After listening to him, Haley determined that he was going to go for option b and brush away her words as mere insignificance. While she was not happy about it, it was still a better option that the other two that remained.

"Probably, by now, you hate me spouting off apologies but if you merely take this last one, I swear that no more will spill from my lips during our conversation. I must apologize for making a fool out of myself, it was completely unnecessary and perhaps put you in a rather unappealing position," Haley recanted, grabbing her book from him with a thanks. Her book mark had decided it had wanted to fall out and was lying on the floor. With a flick of her wand, the book mark catapulted itself off the floor, slipping itself neatly in the place where it once rested.

"Glad to see you are alright, nonetheless," she said, adding a smirk as she looked at him in his eyes with her own purple ones, "And I do believe I told you I was fine in no less than two languages, mister...stranger."

Her face frowned, however, when he explained how she was to repay her. It was exactly the type of thing that was right up her alley. Even in school, both in the walls of Hogwarts and Beauxbatons, she had always been a swift decision maker if she knew the circumstances. However, there were holes in request. With no idea whom the dinner was for, or what the occasion was for, Haley had no viable way for making a suitable decision. Instead, she wracked her brain for a few moments before looking at him closely. What was his cooking level, she wondered?

"Roast chicken or pizza? Hm, it would all have to depend on what the occasion was for, wouldn't it? If it was a casual gathering of friends, then pizza would be simple to get your hands on and a wonderful treat for those that might not have it often--like much of the wizarding community. If the dinner was for your boss, however, you would want to go with the roast chicken and impress him or her with your wonderful cooking prowress. Or, at the very least, you can mix the two. I heard that in a muggle supermarket they have these things called bagelbites, which is nothing more than a pizza on a very small bagel that has the versatility of being used as a main course and as an appetizer. It is very possible for you to set these bagel bites out before the main course and bring in the roast chicken for the kill. Especially if the dinner was for someone important," Haley concluded, raising her finger to her lip as she thought. In a few moments, she looked at her list.

"Bagel bites have a few different types, anyway. You have cheese and pepperoni, but I fail to remember any of the others that they have. They come frozen and merely require heating before they are ready to be eaten. Perfect if someone wants to concentrate on making the roast chicken--which herbs are you planning on using?" she asked, pocketing her list as she gave her full attention the man before her. In a few moments, however, it occurred to her that just as she did not know his name, he had no idea what hers was.

"Oh, and So--I mean, my name is Haley Gordon, it is a pleasure to meet you," she smiled, handing out her hand.

[/blockquote]

[carlisle]

Brushing his fringe out of his face, he figured that he had lost all his boyish charm years ago, especially as when he grew his face starting taking on his mother's bone structure. He looked like his father when he was younger, but the obvious angular face and pronounced cheekbones showed that he was a mother's boy, through and through. The only discerning feature was his eyes, which he bore of his father's. A lift of the corner of his lips indicated that a smile was to be expected, and it was only fair that he was allowed to do so, considering her flustered reactions did make her kinda amusing to look at. It was slightly mean of him, and he soon wiped that almost smirk off his lips.

She seemed so proper, Carlisle felt oddly out of place. Stiffening almost immediately in reaction to her words, he nodded. "Right. Um -- hm." Words seemed to fail the normally bright boy, if only because he was never used to the idea of having to be prim and proper. Her words were so refined, Carlisle couldn't help but feel horribly out of place, especially considering she wasn't very easy on the words of her apology, which he felt very inclined not to accept. The smile faltered for a moment, before he finally toughened up his resolve. "I get kind of distracted, sorry about that. But at least you're fine, and we're good." He didn't smirk back, but instead have a half grin, the right side of his lip curling upwards in a crooked smile as he stepped back, brushing off some of the stray dust that had landed on his outfit.

"You speak French, though?" Carlisle inquired, curiousity getting the better of him. It wasn't everyday someone said that they were alright in another language. In an English community like here, you'd expect everyone to have adopted the language of English, and not suddenly burst out in a foreign language. Although, he would have to admit that in a country that welcomed foreign visitors, it was not unexpected, and he could only blame himself for not thinking ahead. A stray smile, and he scratched his cheek, using it as a distraction and to break out of his ever puzzling thoughts. He noted her curious face when he told her of a need to choose between the two, and in response, he chuckled. "Oh, and I'm a good cook. Really. Nothing to fear, so either would come out well."

There we go, formal language again. But her advice was sound, that he would admit, and immediately he strove to fill in the blanks. "Oh, that's easy. I just moved out of my old house, and got a flat Follett Towers. My parents are coming over to visit, while my sister's in school, so I suppose it's only fair to say that I have to make dinner for them. Used to do it all the time when I was at home with them, so it's only a matter of deciding the menu." He rubbed his chin when she spoke about his boss though, and shook his head. "I doubt he'd want to have dinner with me. And if so, I wouldn't invite him for a homecooked dinner." That would be very odd indeed, and he wasn't the type who'd like to suck up to his bosses. Much, anyway. Only if of great importance then he'd do such a thing.

"Bagel bites?" he repeated after her, as she gave a thorough explanation of what they are. Chewing on his bottom lip, he shrugged. "Well, I certainly don't mind serving them, but if they are a Muggle food, would the Wizarding world's 'supermarket' be carrying them?" Her advice was sound, of course, but it presented problems considering the situation that they were in now. Wizarding World and the Muggle World had a clear divide, even if the divide was invisible. He rattled off a list of herbs as she asked, although he stopped halfway when she made a movement with her hand, extending it in his direction as she gave a quaint self-introduction of herself. "Pleased to meet you, too. The name's Carlisle, Haley," he said, immediately assuming first names in their conversation.

Why not, if they were actually talking about cooking.

[/font][/size]

[Haley Gordon]

It took her only moments before she started to bite her lip, hugging her book closer to her petite frame for comfort and company. Everyone she had met were so easy going, and conversation flowed easily no matter who it was. Chloe, His words were stinted, as if there was something about her that made him uneasy. Immediately, she was wondering what it could possibly me. Was it the way she looked? Her previous flustered composure? The way she talked? Did her breath at all smell? Millions of possible reasons rain simultaneously through her mind but there was nothing she could discern without asking him. And that, was not what she was going to do.

"Um, yes, I'm multi-lingual, actually. French was one of the first languages I learned when I was young. Eventually it came in handy when I was transfered to a French hospital. When they cured me, I was told that I was to stay in the country in case of relapse so I finished my education at Beauxbatons instead of at Hogwarts. It was interesting experience, to say the least," Haley informed, shifting nervously from side to side. Overall, she was not surprised that his reactions bothered her. In her heart, she knew she had an acceptance issue--which did not help when it came to her uncanny ability to read people. It was something she had picked up over the years, to the point where, if needed, she could easily see if an individual was lying to her. Even now she was scrutinizing his expressions, screening them for any hints of disliking her.

"Well, if you are a great cook this should be easy. Your parents? Wonderful! Always nice to have family over, isn't it? They are said to be the only people who ever truly love you no matter what." Haley rebounded immediately, brightening into a wide smile. Her mind flicked to her own parents, and how happy she was that they would never come over to her place for dinner. Thinking of that thought alone was enough to send Haley into wonderful spirits. As she listened to him talk, she was thinking about the obvious holes in plot. Of course, she didn't think about how he wanted to get everyone done in one trip, rather than make a short trip to the muggle market. To her, it would have been no deal, especially since she now frequently worked with muggles and was commonly in their cities. She didn't falter, however, in her smile as she could always easily improvise and fill in any necessary holes.

"Easy fix, really. Grab some minibagels, mozzeralla cheese, pizza sauce--some pepperoni if you so desire. Cut the bagels in half, put sauce, cheese, and whatever else, and merely toast them until the cheese is melted and the bagel toasted. It doesn't take too long at all, ten minutes at the maximum if you are going exceedingly slow," she answered, going down aisles and grabbing all the items she herself had just listed, holding them in her arms. Whether or not he actually took them was up to her, but she had at least saved him a step.

"And, for the record, you have a nice name, and the herbs you selected for the chicken should work well for your endeavors. What else do you plan on serving?"

[/blockquote]

[carlisle]

He tilted his head, oddly astounded by the fact that she was multi-lingual, and that French was something that she had learned when she was young. She was what - twenty, twenty one? - whatever the age, she certainly probably knew more than Carlisle, for Carlisle only knew but a few major languages. English, Chinese, French, Russian, Norwegian and Irish, and he prided himself on being able to know all this, for it was definitely part of the job description when he had first signed up for this elusive job that the Ministry had offered to the public. He nodded slowly when she explained herself, willing to hear her out while she talked. "A Beauxbatons graduate? You don't say," he murmured softly as a smile spread across his face. "It's a huge coincidence, then, that I'm one too. But since you clearly weren't in my year, and I don't remember you around when I was in my younger years, I'm going to safely assume you're a later bunch of graduates, right? I'm twenty five this year, so you can guess how long ago I graduated." Unlike most females, he had nothing to gain from hiding his age, so he admitted it without a single trace of remorse. He heard that older guys were very much in the rage now, right? (;

He rolled his eyes pointedly at her comment, and replied with great ease, "And you really believe that?" An eyebrow raised, challenging her to say yes, although he had to nod at her words. "The fact they even let me move out is probably an act of love. If they could, they'd like to chain me at home for all of time." They were a very bonded family, as families went, and they did love their only son very much, likewise for their daughter. With the additional ten year age gap he had on his sister, it was no secret that Phoebe Walker had but three people who were bloody concerned on her every move and action. He loved his sister beyond anything in the world, and for her he would definitely cook up a storm. He kept the smile on his face though, as he added thoughtfully, "Although, I think that while having your parents in your house is very odd, having your parents there with a female guest would be worse. They'll probably suspect that I'm going to marry her or something, even when I desperately demand that she's nothing less than a friend." A wistful look, before it was gone in the next moment.

He listened attentively when she explained how it would be possible to obtain Bagel bites, even in the magical world. He immediately received all the items from her, and when she listed out a stream of instructions on how to make them, he found himself hardpressed to remember all of it. "Uh -- again?" Carlisle managed to say, as he summoned his floating basket and placed all the ingredients in it. He scrunched his face up at the prospect of making them, returning his gaze to Haley as he admitted, "I don't know whether I can pull this off. I've never actually made or seen them before, you see." Things he had seen his mother cook he could pull off, or had seen actual images of he could too, but something out of nothing was like transfiguring food out of thin air. Simply impossible, as was said in the Law of Transfiguration by... who was that fellow again, Gemp?

Smiling when Haley seemed to be all so enthuastic about offering help, he mentioned a few courses he intended to serve. "Salad, because mother is a health nut. Roast duck, as you know, and these bagel bites. Also, homemade ice cream. Have you tasted that before?" The latter was something most people didn't get the chance to taste, because no one ever had the patience to make it, but when you were a Wizard, many things were very much more convenient and easier than if you were a Muggle. You saved on the electricity bills too, he thought with great amusement. "I do need to purchase some form of wine. Good wine, too." Because wine was important when it came to gatherings of such, and he didn't expect to serve them Firewhiskey. How they'd make it home would then be a mystery, and he wasn't really in the mood to have to let his parents stay over. He loved them, sure, but his mother sure knew how to nitpick.

[/font][/size]

[Haley Gordon]

She couldn't help but chuckle. It was interesting to see someone at Beauxbatons in an London market. However, she should have known that he warranted a variety of secrets and a hidden heritage. His accent wasn't purely English, there were hints of others mixed in--just like hers was still recuperrating from her stay in Fance. Vaguely, she wondered if French was the only language he knew or if there were more under his belt. Knowing no less than nine languages, three of those of the magical variety, Haley had hardly met anyone who knew more than three since she entered the world. Did he, like her, teach every single one of them to himself? Or had his parents shoved him unceremoniously into classes to broaden what seemed to be his innate ability to learn.

"Twenty-five? I'm eighteen so, when you were prancing down the halls of the fine establishment, I was at Hogwarts, attending classes in the fine house of Ravenclaw, known for their eagerness to learn and their intellectual prowress. I only attended the school at the end of my school years. However, I was there long enough to secure valedictorian status at the last graduating year. You have no idea how different the school was to Hogwarts--it's nothing short of unbelievable. Where Hogwarts has a more rustic charm, Beauxbatons is all about beauty and takes pride on their appearances much like the French take pride in their language. Their teaching was something new to me, as well, but not something I couldn't deal with or adjust to with sometime," Haley said, amused, placing herself in the memory of having to wear Beauxbaton's silk, light blue uniforms and what she percieved to be a rather riddiculous hat. Her only consolation was that it was blue--albeit a different shade than her Ravenclaw navy.

"No, I don't," she replied bitterly, sharply, without even thinking about it. She didn't even bother offering some form of explanation for her sudden darkened tone. To her, there was no such thing as an unconditional parents' love. She had proof of it; she had lived the proof of it. And there were unfortunately several other people who lived the proof of it as well. "Sad to say, though. I happen to know of several people who would die in a heartbeat for a family like yours. You're very lucky, you know, to have a family that cares for you so much."

And so she sat for a few moments, in awkward silence, listening intently to his next words. Haley failed to escape the small laughs that suddenly erupted from her frame. the thought of the awkwardness of a having a random female dine with the family--especially for a home cooked meal, was more than enough to greatly lift her mood. Honestly, she could see his point--that would be the thing that most parents would jump to immediately, even if the girl was only hired help. Just imagining the meeting made Haley grin ear to ear. At least she wouldn't have to be put in that poor girl's position.

"I guess that would be awkward. Feel sorry for whoever the girl would be. And you should demand that said girl is nothing more than a friend. Saying she is nothing less would only fuel their wild imaginations. Now, back onto dinner. Oh! I know what to do!" Haley beamed as she began to search her pockets before remembering that she had chose to transfigure a hoodie into a dress today and it only pocket currently held merely her shopping list. No matter, she thought, as she waved her wand where a simple writing pad and a pen appearing in thin air. Slowly, in small, neat handwriting, Haley wrote step by step directions for him to follow to make the treat. Down to the measurements, the times needed, and how to best serve them. Finished, she handed the list to him

"I swear, these will be the easiest thing you make--besides, perhaps, the salad. Think cooking is like potion making--follow the instructions and you can't go wrong. Stray from it or tweak it and it could either go really well or terribly wrong." There was one item on his list, though, that took Haley completely by surprise--and it wasn't the sudden transformation of a chicken into a duck. Homemade ice cream? Immediately, Haley knew that she had never, ever tried it before. Nor had any idea how to make it. Her mind zoomed, catapulting it into the possible ways to make homemade ice cream. Nothing--she herself wasn't the best cook. For instance, she couldn't make his duck without a handy cookbook laying on the counter.

"Now aren't you very brave. Not to mention ambitious. Ice cream? Really? How in Merlin's beard do you make homemade ice cream? And, uh, what flavor?" she inquired, looking at him quizzically. More and more she wanted to attend this dinner just to taste the things--not that he would know that, of course, but still.

[/blockquote]

[carlisle]

slow it down, make it stop
before my heart is going to pop
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

[/center]

He scratched the side of his face, before giving her a grin when she said that she was but eighteen. "Love, you make me feel horribly old. Just saying. Now if you see any white hairs, be a dear and tell me, won't you?" Smiling like this wasn't affecting him in the least, though, Carlisle listened as she gave her fair opinion about Beauxbatons. She didn't seem to think badly about France, as compared to Alice who he had given company to the other day. She seemed to have issues with the country he regarded as his equal favorite to England, and in some cases favored over it. "I loved the way the Professors at Beauxbatons taught, to be honest. You might remember me as one of the top scorers, especially in those subjects most people didn't favor. Arithmacy, French, Ancient Runes - I think I set the high scores. Pardon me, but they were my favorite subjects, so I did particularly well." He looked slightly embarrassed for the briefest of moments, before resuming the casual demeanour he adopted so well.

"I know," he said simply when she said that people would die for a family like his. Letting a hand rest limply by his side as the other rested in a position slung across his chest with his hand grabbing his shoulder, Carlisle didn't need much explanation to realise why the sudden change of tone when it came to Hayley. Keeping a particularly straight face as he regarded her silently, he told her, "Family love should be shared though. If you want, I believe my parents would love to shower their love on a daughter, if only because my sister's attending Trios' now and she's not there to occupy their attention." Attempting a half-hearted smile at that point before he turned away, slightly awkward at the turn the situation had taken and how he might have caused it, he rolled his eyes when she said that he should try and tell his parents that the girl was nothing but a friend. Letting his brown eyes focus on her once again, he made a soft tutting sound.

"Obviously, you have no idea what it's like in the presence of parents as a son. When such things happen, they always think you're lying, and behind the girl's back they either make suggestive or disapproving glances, depending on their opinion of the girl." Grinning at this point, seeing that the conversation had taken a lighter tone, he continued, "My parents want me to be hitched before I'm thirty. I'm still contemplating whether I'll even get into a serious relationship then." Looking completely nonchalant about the fact that he wasn't planning into getting into the dating circle until some time later, Carlisle would have to admit that he wasn't the tad bit worried about getting married. He did like the idea of having relationships, but the idea of commitment scared him beyond means, if only because he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to live up to his part of the bargain. Commitments and him never did seem to sit well with each other, for he couldn't think of devoting his life to one thing forever. Even his job was on the brink of being changed, for he did like to pursue other passions, such as writing, if he got the chance. He had worked but three years for the Daily Prophet before Carlisle had been prompted to join this special job that litlte people had. It was a new position, and like a kid easily distracted by shiny stuff, he had gone for it.

He scrutinised the list, before a smile appeared on his face. "You're a life saver," he said sincerely, tucking the list in one of his spare pockets of his robes, and then patting it as to show that he was keeping it close to him. When she asked how he intended to make ice cream, he made a distinct pffft sound in her direction, a hint of mocking at the fact that she didn't know how to make it. "It's easy. You just need milk, and a hell lot of whipping power. I'll teach you how to make it, because instructions don't always work. And besides, as Wizards, there's a distinct advantage we have, non?" He patted the pocket where his wand was contained, matching it with a knowing wink as he looked at his basket. "Right, I need to get some wine." It was more of a statement to himself, but as he said it he realised that he would have to leave Haley alone. He paused for a moment, before voicing out his question to her. "Would you like to come with, or do you have other plans? I'd always love another opinion, although I'm rather confident in this department." Smiling, he waited for an answer.

Tag • Haley
Status • Complete
Notes • I don't like this, jeez self, bad writing. ):
Lyrics • The Show by Lenka
Credit • AMANDA IN WONDERLAND !? & riaattack @ Caution

[/font][/color][/blockquote]

[Haley Gordon]

It would be a lie to herself if Haley thought she didn't enjoy the man's company. In truth, he had a wonderful air about him--confident and rather sincere. He reminded Haley that not everyone was destined to bury his or herself into fallacy, self-betrayal, and all-around malignant desires. Every once in a while, as someone heaved up thousands of pieces of coal, a diamond would reach the light of day to eventually sparkly brilliantly in the sun it had never seen for the previous millions of years. Carlisle appeared to be such a gem--the genuinely good person that Haley would now much rather associate herself with than the thousands of people destined to be used, burned, and reduced to mere ashes and oblivion.

"Come on, now. You're not old at all. Twenty-five is hardly the age to start going through a mid-life crisis. You've plenty of accomplishments, too. You proudly hail from two heritages and cultures, speak two languages, recieved excellent grades in school that undoubtedly led to a nice paying job perhaps somewhere in the ministry. And you still have a lot ahead of you. I mean, really, I'm only seven years younger than you. A first year to your seventh, perhaps," Haley mused, giving him a grin.

"Really? Brilliant! I loved school the moment I started. It was an escape, you know? So easy to hide behind books, so easy to impress the professor with that long sought after question no student knew the answer to. A great relief to retreat to the library, immerse yourself into the bookshelves and completely sink into world of knowledge. My only reach out to sanity was through learning. It gave me literally everything I needed. Even to this day, I can't go many places without the company of some volume or another," Haley continued, holding her book up for him to see better. "And here I am now, working in the Ministry of Magic as a Muggle Relations Official, able to offer my services as a translator if necessary. My favorite part of my job is to introduce the unknowing populace of the world that exists underneath their own. You should see their eyes! Such awe, wonder, disbelief, and then--finally--excitement. Ever had that sort of experience? That feeling that you are exactly where you need to be at that very moment?"

Silence enveloped her soon after. His words about sharing family love bothered her because she had no idea what he possibly meant. At the same token, she did not want to ask in case she made herself look like a fool. Giving him a very confused look was inescapable, even though she would rather it not be. Biting her lip, she waited in silence for the conversation to turn. It had reminded her of Professor Drubsky, who had done so much for her--even to the point of wishing to adopt her even if those plans never fell through. It bothered her how little she had contacted him through then. In her resolve, she now really wanted an owl so she could possibly send him a letter of some sort. Thanking him for everything he had done for her--which had been a lot. At times, when she really couldn't sleep, she would bring out the gifts he bestowed on her and just try to imagine the life she would have had if he had rescued her right then. It led to many different things.

"I guess I haven't," Haley chuckled, visibly shaken out of her reverie and relieved that the conversation had taken a turn. "I was never put into that position. My dating experience relies itself on two boys--and I saw neither of their parents. Didn't last long, really, although in hindsight I was the cause of both of them failing. I'd imagine, though, that it would be very discouraging for a female to be disapproved by her love's parents. Like she wasn't good enough at all. And if your parents want you hitched before thirty, they might be less scrutinizing of whatever female you bring home--just for the hope that the relationship might bear them some grandchildren. At the same token--your parents no longer rule your world. You're free to cheat, to fling, whatever floats your boat, pretty much."

Even Haley found it odd, though, to wait so long for some serious companionship. It was something that Haley herself craved, even if it didn't appear on the outside. Although she didn't see herself quite ready to tie any sort of knot besides the ones on her shoes anytime soon, she was ready to venture into the circle again--wherever and with whomever it took her. However, experience has told her simply that she would not be on the search for anyone, choosing instead for some guy to fancy her and make the moves instead. Better that way, in her opinion, and she rid herself almost all possibility of landing herself with a jerk she would have to transfigure into a tea cozy later.

"Oh give me a break! I hardly ever have ice cream, much less make it on my own!" she laughed, looking at him. His mentions of the wine put her into a predicament. As much as she would love to continue the conversation, she knew nothing at all about wine. Haley had never had a sip of alcohol in her entire life, and sometimes could not stand the smell of it. Wine fell into that category a lot. "Um, sure, I'll come with. I can offer you a very meager opinion or perhaps you can teach me on this one. I'm not exactly a wine expert. I barely know that chardonnay is a white wine. Sad, really, seeing as I lived in France."

[/blockquote][/size]
(OOC: Oh, sush, I liked it. You dehumanize yourself too much. Ha. I wanted to join the small font club.)

[carlisle]

He gave her a smile that could be read as anything, but mostly one that he hoped would allay any doubts that she had gathered about him. Some people naturally were doubtful souls, and it was in his right - and no doubt need - to ensure that they would not hold such thoughts for long. It was pitiful, if you had to gather such doubts, and it certainly did the Walker no good. He had his own agenda, and suspicion laid on him was never a good thing, as the Walker had long decided. It was best to keep a happy, positive face. Should he truly be something evil - well, that remained to be seen. So far, to Haley, he had done his best to portray an image of someone who was nothing less but a charming individual, as he was fond of doing so to new acquaintances. What he needed or hoped to achieve was a different story, and she most certainly would not be of assistance, despite her obvious knowledge of just about a million other languages.

"Yeah yeah, give or take another five years. When I'm thirty and I start balding, I'll know who to blame for not caring earlier." It would probably be a very odd sight to see the brunette bald, but Carlisle decided that there came a point in life where he would be as such. A first for everything, a second for some, a constant for a few. There would be a time when he would certainly lose his hair, but for now he could ignore that fact. Ignorance was bliss, after all. "Then we certainly wouldn't have seen each other much. Unless you knew I made Head Boy when I was in Beauxbatons, even though you were in Hogwarts."

[/color]

Shaking his head at her words and how she seemed to be the stereotypical sort of girl when it came to studying, he made a slight tut when he addressed her. "I obviously went to school for different reasons. In my opinion, school was for me to meet people. I loved the idea of socializing, odd as it might be. There's something absolutely... mystical, about meeting people."[/color] His voice considerably lowered when he talked about the school, especially at the end, giving a breathless sort of feel to his words. With a satisfied smile as he ruffled his hair and listened to her talk about her life, he nodded without saying anything, not until she was done. Muggle Relations Official. Interesting, interesting, he thought with great amusement, and when she was done, he said mindlessly, "Guess that makes us colleagues then. Obviously though, we're on different levels. I'm with the Department of International Magical Cooperation, and I work as an International Correspondent. Basically, whatever deals that need a runner between countries, I'm the one most people go too."[/color] He said it proudly, knowing fully well that it was an important job. Over the next few years, if he felt like it and stayed at the job, he could easily make Assistant Head of the Department. But we'll see. He was a fickle boy, after all.

Scratching his nose lightly as he pondered her question, he finally gave her an incredulous look that captured his feelings perfectly. "Two boys? You don't say. You didn't get out very much, did you? Beauxbatons was filled with horny individuals, truth be told."[/color] He knew very well about this, having experienced it first hand with his fair share of part girlfriends. He supposed he dated rather frequently - not enough to earn the title of being something alike to those who most detested, but he did have girlfriends. And he definitely wasn't a virgin - pffft, please. It was embarrassing to know that when you went to that school, you'd actually remain as one. Not that Beauxbatons was a school over-populated by hormone raging students, but the fact that there was always a place to partake in such activities, should one wish it. Not something he was proud of, but it had happened, all the same. He laughed at the last part of her statement, and wiggling his eyebrows suggestively, he retorted, "Who's to say I don't do that now?"[/color]

He forewent the dramatics of looking shocked - it wasn't him, really - but instead looked mildly curious. "Hardly ever had ice cream? You're either pulling my leg, or pulling my leg. Do you know how ridiculous that sounded, and how you seem like such a poor fool? Ice cream is like... it's beautiful, for lack of better words in my dictionary at the moment. I may have to bring you to the nearest ice cream parlour, if only to rectify this problem. How ever did you survive your eighteen years?"[/color] Incredulous, amazed and something short of shocked, but he kept that well hidden. He really wasn't that shocked - he expected some people in the world had such a sad fate, sure. "Why ever do you hardly eat ice cream? Most people cannot pass a summer without eating one, at the very least."[/color]

"You sad soul indeed,"[/color] he affirmed, before beckoning her to move forward, and with a careless flick of his wand, charmed his basket that was floating in the air to move forward too. Heading to the wine section, he launched into some basic information about wine, if only to fill the time taken to walk from this section to the next. "So, because my father is a red wine fanatic, I think we can pretty much exclude white wine and what not off that list. And since wine tastes best if kept for a longer period, we'll try to find one of the older ones. Normally I'd visit a winery just to get a good bottle, but since this is short notice, my parents will have to deal with a rather young wine instead."[/color] He smiled, gesturing that she should take a left at this aisle, since it preceded the wine aisle - and that was their destination, was it not?

ooc: gasp! the small font club is exclusive, >:] lmfao, joking.

[/blockquote][/font][/size][/color]

[Haley Gordon]

The witch pointedly decided to ignore his prediction of baldness. Whilst you can't fight genetics, Haley highly doubted that within five years he would start losing his hair. On second thought, though, it would be better to have a view of his father to make that assumption. 'Twould be a shame, however, for the man to lose all of his hair. As he led the way, Haley followed, before pausing a moment to see her reflection in some cases containing potions ingredients. Somewhat pale face, light purple eyes, dark, wavy locks all attached to a somewhat long and thin face. On the outside, Haley seemed perfectly normal.

No one unfamiliar with her eye color would recognize her parentage. Why should they, Haley assumed, for she was not her parents--most certainly not a neo-Death Eater. There was no way that anyone could know the things she had done to please her parents--both willing and unwilling. Nor would anyone looking at her know what conspired the night her parents died other than what she herself told them. No one would know her darkest secrets that permeated her soul, making them a part of who she is. On the outside, Haley was an eager young witch out to make a difference in the world. During her lifetime, she had become an expert at putting up fronts and appearances as well as being able to read others. With these thoughts in her mind, she began to move, studying her companion. Like he had no idea where she had come from--what she had done--Haley had no idea what this man was really like and whether or not his appearance was truly reality.

And that bothered her. More than anything she hated not knowing the truth. All her life it had been her job to seek it out, to tell the good apples from the smelly onions. Yet there was always that doubt and the people that so humiliatingly escaped her confident judgment. In her mind, Haley Gordon, the daughter of a long line of sadistic Death Eaters, Magic Purists, and Salazaar followers, knew that there would always be those that eluded her even when she was on her true guard. In the end, the only way one could tell is by a couple drops of veritaserum. Studying Carlisle again, the witch wondered what dirty laundry, if any, he was hiding behind the closed closet door.

"I probably came across as the typically school girl, library nut, over achiever, didn't I? The recluse female who shied away from the boys and preferred the company of books to people my own age. On the contrary, I am very talkative. During my school years I had a chronic illness that would allow me to go to school and then suddenly rip me out. I got so far behind, my ex-boyfriend became my Trasnfiguration professor when I returned after a particularly bad bout of the disease. When I was at school, especially when I first got there, I had several friends, was a little bit well known. But times change and my former class grew up. By the time I reached Beauxbatons the only thing I was interested in was graduating as soon as possible," Haley mused, looking off into the distance for a little while. "And congratulations--so you're the person that earned the right to the newly made position. I thought you had to know more than one language to qualify."

Her eyes flicked to his face, to his nose, his mouth, then back up to his hair. Could this man possibly also be a multi-linguist? If so, what other talents did he have laying behind his frame, his personality. Piquing her curiosity, Haley wondered what else made up the man before her. What pieces of the puzzle laid out the charming, seemingly good man who know so much about wine and cooking and other things. Her hand tightened lightly on her book. Lightly, she laughed at his comment.

"Don't do what? Cheat or have flings?" she poised, giving him a quirky smirk in the process. In truth, she was hoping that if any of the two it was the latter. More than anything, Haley could not stand the idea of cheaters. Why on Earth would anyone have the indecency to cheat on another human being? If something wasn't right with the lady, then break up with her and move on. Breaking her heart that way is much better than shattering it with a hammer.

"How did I survive? Smoothies--I'm a smoothie fanatic. Totally and completely hooked. I make that at home, go out and go to smoothie places in Muggle London, and usually try to get at least four a week. Ice cream is alright and all, but smoothies are liquified gold. Complete and utter satisfaction," she asserted. No matter what time of day, Haley would prefer the smoothie over the ice cream--unless the ice cream was Rocky Road, her all-time favorite ice cream flavor. It made her wonder...

"Do you know how to make rocky road ice cream?" she asked, before immediately looking at the wine bottles. Even though she spoke French and Spanish, the winds completely escaped her. She grabbed one, looking at it sharply. "Do your parents like merlot? Port? What do they like, for one? I suppose we should start there. I hear a lot of wine drinkers will have a specific favorite. My nurse certain did. Always a merlot drinker."

[/blockquote][/size]