A Dozen Kittens

[Levictus Lawrence]

It was a few days before the new term begun and the young Professor was getting exceedinly more excited. He'd already been given an allowance to buy the animals, or to rent them.

Levictus believed that before you could ascertain skills to look after magical creatures, you had to have skills to look after normal creatures. Levictus took off his hat as he came into the shop, dusting off the few specks of water droplets from the top. It was beginning to spit lightly outside, not very good if, like Levictus, you were in the business of buying kittens.

"Good day? I am looking to purchase one dozen kittens!"

  

[Violet MacFusty]

Violet was very much a planner. She liked having a project to do, so wedding planning was rather enjoyable for her. While there was a bit of stressed involved at the idea of moving to the Hebrides and having to a host a large wedding, she found it more exciting than anything else. Perhaps when it was a little closer, she'd start having her melt downs. Today however, she was feeling quite prepared.

She wanted to go out in search of ideas for Hamish's bridegroom gift, so it was to the High Street shops that she went. Realistically, she knew that he would not want anything from Beautiful Beast Boutique, but she could simply not resist taking a peek around.

She'd just been readying to leave - with the sudden idea to get a pair of kneazles though she would have to run that past Hamish - when a familiar face entered and announced rather cheerfully that he wanted a dozen kittens. That certainly caught her attention. What would he want a dozen kittens for? It was not proper for her to address him first, with him being an upper class man and whatnot, but her curiosity was written all over her freckled face.

  

[Levictus Lawrence]

Upon turning around to see if any kittens were laying about, Levictus' line of sight came straight upon a girl he had honestly thought he'd never see ever again. His eyes lit up and his lips spread back into a grin.

"Why if it isn't Miss Violet Ollivander!" Levictus came forwards, reaching for her hand and bringing it to his lips in a fleeting kiss of etiquette. "Why it's been...five years? six years? You don't look any older! Still as beautiful as ever!" He stepped back, still clasping her hand. "You do remember me, right?"

His hazel eyes had widened, a look of great expectation on his face as he waited for her to voice her polite and soft negative.

  

[Violet MacFusty]

His reaction upon seeing her - and recognizing her even - was not what she had expected at all. He was quite eager and he came forward in a way that was not at all reserved. Her face had immediately turned a deep crimson. His touch made her nervous, as she barely knew this fellow that had been a classmate, and upon his release of her hand she immediately retrieved it back into her comfort zone - clasped with the other behind her back.

"Th-th-thank you, Mr. Lawrence, you are t-too kind," She mumbled, quite certain that the shop employees were staring at them. Violet had the distinct feeling of discomfort and was quite eager to turn the attention away from herself. "I-I couldn't help but overhear - you would like a dozen k-kittens?"

  

[Levictus Lawrence]

Levictus noticed her discomfort, his voice lowered and he looked a little embarrassed. "I apologise, profusely, Miss Ollivander, that was overly forward of me. It was just such a pleasant surprise to be so suddenly re-acquainted with you!" Levictus bowed his apologies.

He turned as he heard a mewling, a little pink kitten running towards him. He scooped the furry ball us and smiled as it began to purr. "Yes! For my classes...I shall be starting in September in the role of Care of Magical Creatures Professor. I decided to start with Creatures as a general before delving into magical creatures. And what better way to start that than with kittens?! Enough about me, Miss Ollivander, you must tell me more about yourself! How is your health? Are you even an Ollivander still?"

  

[Violet MacFusty]

He'd realized that he'd frightened her. She wished she wasn't so easy to read, but the redhead wore her heart on her sleeve. It wasn't proper in the era - a proper lady was supposed to keep her true feelings hidden on such matters, but she simply could not keep control of her reactions. "I-it's quite alright," She managed a shy smile, despite her still burning cheeks.

He was quite the talkative one. He'd moved from talking about being a new professor (which she found very interesting, as up until a few months ago she had been the Charms professor at the school) to asking after her health and then after her marital status. It was a rather odd combination, but she managed to follow it. "I-I am well thank you for a-asking Mr. Lawrence," She replied bashfully, "I am an Ollivander currently, though I am to be wed this coming October. I hope you have been well?"

  

[Levictus Lawrence]

"You're going to be wed?!" Levictus' eyes lit up, his lips pulled up into a dazzling grin. "That is amazing news! Congratulations, who is the lucky groom, do I know him?"

It was this moment that three more kittens came running around the corner, of all varieties, but all the same sort of salmony pink as each other. Levictus knelt down on one knee, and it was lucky nobody was looking into the shop from the outside for they would have gotten the wrong idea entirely! He scooped each kitten up with care, pausing as he stood to hand one to the nervous redhead to hold.

  

[Violet MacFusty]

He'd completely ignored her question and instead turned the conversation right back toward her. She supposed weddings were a bit more exciting than the mundane life of daily business. She couldn't blame him there. And then he handed her a pink kitten. She awkwardly accepted it, careful not to make any skin to skin contact. She ought to have wore her gloves that day, but had decided against it. It was rather silly, considering the rain.

She untangled the kitten's claws from her hair, as it had immediately tried to climb up her shoulder and make a nest in her hair. "Possibly," She said distractedly as the kitten batted at her eyelashes, "It is Hamish MacFusty." Violet blushed again. She still considered herself lucky to have even been given the light of day from such a wonderful, handsome and compassionate man.

  

[Levictus Lawrence]

"MacFusty..." Levictus paused, milling over the name, a thoughtful look on his face. He looked to her as his eyes seemed to dawn on something. "I think I recall the surname, they're from a longstanding family? Or am I recalling the wrong thing?"

Levictus tilted his head to the side in thought, awkwardly staring at her slightly. His eyes ran over her body slowly before he dragged them back up to look her in the eyes, having to refrain himself from thinking inappropriately.

  

[Violet MacFusty]

His eyes. HIS EYES. She felt quite disconcerted and uncomfortable. Her cheeks burned and she could no longer make eye contact with him. She quickly detached herself from the kitten and set it upon the shelf nearest her, avoiding looking at anything but Mr. Lawrence. He was behaving quite inappropriately.

"It was nice to see you again, Mr. Lawrence," She mumbled as she crossed the short distance to the shop's door, "But I must be going." The redhead pushed the door open and scurried out into the rain as quick as she could. She would be certain to avoid Levictus Lawrence in the future, to avoid a repeat of such indecent behavior. She felt the need to go home and scrub her skin, unable to get the sight of his eyes traveling over her out of her mind.

  

[Levictus Lawrence]

Levictus watched her go, too hurried to allow him a reply. His face went bright red. That had been so incredibly inappropriate of him! What had he been thinking!? He should have admired her, not watched her like meat!

Levictus sighed, looking at the kittens in his arms. "I'm more of a beast than you are, friend."