Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Fame

[Sebastian Havisham]

S E B A S T I A N H A V I S H A M

<br /> Sebastian had never wanted much by means of material wealth. Of course, he rather enjoyed clothes, but he could even see himself living without such things. Sebastian would be quite content living on a crust of bread if it meant he could go and explore. it was something that he had always wanted, but would most likely never get unless he found somebody who was like-minded enough to wish the same wish. Sebastian was very sure that there was such a person, but whether or not fate would bring them together was another matter entirely. Sebastian wasn't always very sure he believed in fate. He had yet to experience it's magic for himself. <br /> <br /> "Perhaps it will, but certainly not yet, and there becomes the issue of how much one can travel - if I wasn't around often enough I think my poor father might be lonely." Sebastian might have complained about his father's involvement in his matrimony, but ultimately he was the only family Sebastian had and he cared about him quite a lot. Sebastian still saw his father almost every day, even though they no longer lived with one another. They got along quite famously, and were trusted friends. It had not always been that way, but the death of Sebastian's mother had given them both fresh perspective on life. They both understood that their friendship was the only thing that might mend the huge gap that her absence had left behind. That was the funny thing about loss, it left room for growth in the oddest of places.<br /> <br /> They were now in Wellingtonshire, and Sebastian realized they were coming up upon a most recognizable home. Sebastian's home was a tad smaller than the rest of the houses on Wellingtonshire, admittedly, but nonetheless very much the same. It was a building made of thick stone bricks and a shingled roof. The door was a slate grey-blue color, and the house number was on the facade in a silvery color. There was a very grand wreath on the door to acknowledge the season. Sebastian stopped Miss Ollivander, "That, Miss Ollivander, is my home." He would have liked it very much if he could show her his home, for there was a den with many books in it that she might like, but unfortunately it was hardly a proper time for a man and a woman to enter any home together. "One day I shall give you a tour of it." Sebastian was rather proud of his home, for the furnishings were every bit as eccentric as his clothing choices. <br /> <br /> The thought of staring at the vastness of the ocean sounded rather romantic to Sebastian. "I might be, but doesn't it sound thrilling to be so completely at the mercy of the ocean? Doesn't it sound exciting to have no idea where the wind might take you?" He gushed. "I realize it's all rather romantic," he added, acknowledging that the entire idea was out of the question. "My mother would tell you, rest her soul, that I have a penchant for getting myself into the type of situations that cause the most bodily harm possible," he laughed. It was something his mother teased him for often. "I must confess that I have quite a few scars, Miss Ollivander, from all the trouble I seem to get myself into." It was true. Most notably were the scar on his back from falling off a roof, and the scar on his upper thigh from a knife brawl at a seedy pub one night. Neither of these scars were in a place where it would be fitting to illustrate his point, and he figured she would simply trust that he was telling the truth about their existence. <br /> <br /> "Muggles especially, Miss Ollivander. I believe that the only way to really know anything about anyone is to understand them. We can say all we want that the muggles fear us, and that is the reason for their hatred of us, but until we understand the thought process behind their fear how can we have hope to correct it? I grew up in a magical household for my entire life. I have always been a wizard and have always known wizards. I have no authority on the life experiences of muggles. If I understood them, perhaps they would have a greater respect for me." Not many people shared his penchant for understanding the ways of the muggles. Three years ago had been one of the hardest transitions for Wizarding families, and it was still something that people had to get used to. Sebastian was ever open to breaching conflict. But, he didn't even know where to start. Sebastian generally thought that mutually understanding was the best way to solve any problem, though others might disagree. <br /> <br /> Her admitted love of romantic novels did not surprise him. Smiling, he studied her grey-blue eyes. "Oh but Miss Ollivander I would like to believe that romance is quite the adventure in and of itself. Or at least that is what I've been told." He was quite jealous sometimes of his friends who had already discovered their happy endings. Marriage, for some people, could be rather blissful. <br /> <br />

  

[Violet MacFusty]

The mention of the possibility of his father's loneliness brought Violet to think that she would feel lonely as well. Mr. Havisham made her feel lighter, happier, not to mention that he was rather charming company - even while intoxicated. If he left to travel the world, she would certainly miss him. There was no one else that she felt she could be quite so candid with. She could speak her true thoughts and ambitions without worrying that he would run around behind her back and spread the news around. After all, if he had been planning to do such a thing he surely would not have told her everything that he had - especially when it came to questioning society's rules!

When he stopped her, she followed his point to one of the prettiest homes she'd ever seen. Granted, most of the homes in the area were just as lovely, but this being his own, she suddenly felt more attached to it. The wreath spoke of wealth and a good dose of holiday cheer. She smiled fully and exclaimed, "Oh it's breathtaking Mr. Havisham! How lucky you are to be able to call such a beautiful place home!" Violet could only imagine what it might look like inside. It looked very grand - she was certain it looked quite a bit different from her own home, which was usually untidy, despite how often the housekeeper tried to get the maids to keep up with it. That was what happened when three men lived together and hadn't a care in the world for the only lady that lived with them. Violet tried to keep her bedchamber neat and tidy to give the maids a break, but they still insisted on entering and moving things around. She suspected that they were simply being nosy, but it would be rude to accuse them of such things.

The promise to give her a tour one day was met with an eager nod of acceptance, "That would be wonderful!" It was obvious that he took pride in his home. Violet wished she could say the same. She was unable to truly claim it as her own home, since it was her father's and would go to her eldest brother upon his death. Then, Violet would be upon the mercy of her brother and she did not think that it would go well. Luckily, with the employment, she would be able to save up enough money to purchase her own home. Granted, it would be a couple of years from now and it would probably be farther from High Street than her father's home, but it would be her own and she would be happy. She wouldn't need to depend on anyone but herself.

She couldn't help but smile at his passionate talk of the ocean. Personally, she didn't think that it sounded at all fun but it may have been experience talking. To be battered about by the winds and sea sounded terribly terrifying! Violet figured she ought to tell him so, since he'd been so free with her, and she admitted with a light laugh, "It sounds absolutely terrifying to be honest. I'd much rather apparate."

The confession of his many scars didn't surprise her either. She could picture him being a trouble maker - after all, the things he had spoken to her about had clearly marked him as so. She imagined it was all in good fun however. He couldn't have done anything illegal. Certainly, he would at least know that he was not above the law. "Goodness!" She replied with another laugh, "Your poor mother - you sound like you were quite a handful when you were younger, sir."

She listened as he spoke of his interest of Muggles. Violet didn't give them much thought - as she had been removed from their world for three years now. She hadn't so much as seen one, much less thought of one, until now. "That is rather sound reasoning. I wonder if more people thought like you than perhaps we would be walking about in London still, rather than shut up in Hogsmeade." His reaction to her telling of what books she liked was encouraging. At least she knew she wasn't the only one to hope for such things. "It is what I've heard as well, though I wouldn't know personally," She told him as her grey-blue eyes shifted shyly away from him.

  

[Sebastian Havisham]

While rarely strict about anything, Sebastian kept his home as clean as humanly possible, and maintained order always. Granted, he was not a demanding employer on that front considering Sebastian rarely made a mess. There were certain things that Sebastian did because his mother had taught him the discipline to do them. He made his own bed in the morning, he picked his own clothes for events and hung the others neatly when they weren't in need of cleaning. He did almost everything besides sweep and launder and cook. Though, admittedly, Sebastian often fixed tea for himself and sometimes breakfast if he was feeling even more energetic than normal. It was a nice feeling to know that one could live entirely independent should one wished.

"My home would be all the better with you in it, Miss Ollivander," Sebastian said. He would be sure to send her an invitation to the next gathering he hosted, or to tea. She made him feel at ease, for some reason. She felt less threatening than women he had met, and it was nice to know such a friend. She had a composed, lovely grace, yet she managed to speak her mind eloquently. "I trust you will visit me." The home was lonely, sometimes. He had filled it with plenty of distractions, to be sure, but Sebastian had very few people in the space - only a few cooks and maids, and while he kept good relationships with all those who worked for him, truth be told he still felt lonely. Paying someone to keep house for you was rather different than having friends in your home. Sebastian loved company for that very reason. People he invited truly wanted to be there, and loyalty of compassion meant the world to him.

Having a female for a friend was an experience Sebastian had little of. He had his own small attractions over the years, women he would flirt with because they had been beautiful, but he would not venture to say that any of his female aquaintances had been true friends, with the exception of his mother. Relationships with females, these days, tended to look like courtship even when they were not, and people talked. Sebastian had come to believe that it didn't matter what people said about him.

Laughing, Sebastian shook his head. "Oh but no! That wouldn't be the same at all! Haven't you heard the journey is half the battle? What fun would it be if you got everything you hoped for instantaneously?" He realized that this statement was a contradiction. He was not only exceedingly wealthy, but he was a wizard - both of these things made it incredibly easy for him to get what he wanted with no work involved. Nonetheless, he got pleasure out of relying on his human nature once in a while

He grinned sheepishly. "Oh Miss Ollivander, if you only had known my mother. Half the time I got into trouble it was at her own instigation, and the other half she laughed about." His mother had been a light in his life, and he loved to sing her praises even to this day. He lowered his voice gently, "Of course she was less thrilled when I got into the habit of falling of of things - horses, roofs, and so on..." He had been quite the kid indeed.

Sebastian shrugged. "Well I don't know about that. They'd probably be scared regardless, don't you think? We are much more powerful than them. That must not be easy to digest." He thought about it for a minute. Muggles must fear them quite a bit.He couldn't imagine encountering a being just as intelligent and way more fearsome than a wizard. His musings were pulled away from him when he heard her next sentence. He was surprised that she did not have a suitor. She was of the age where a suitor would make sense, and her personality was so lovely that he just assumed someone would fall for her. He opened his lips to speak, but quickly closed them, bit his tongue, and then continued. "I'd venture to say I wouldn't know either," he admitted. "But that's what we've got our youth for, right?"

Sebastian continued walking with her further into Wellingtonshire. "Miss Ollivander, I wish you would call me Sebastian," he said spontaneously.

  

[Violet MacFusty]

Violet smiled brightly at his promise of an invitation. She couldn't wait to see what sort of things were hidden inside his home. She was also eager to spend more time with him, as she had found his company enjoyable. With him, she found herself much more likely to relax. More often than not, she was tense when speaking with other people. They made her nervous, quite honestly. She suspected that nearly all of them judged her for her lack of beauty and class - despite how hard she tried. "Of course," She assured him, "I will be eagerly awaiting your invitation." Normally, she wouldn't have admitted it. However, the two had shared quite a few personal things that she didn't think he would mind knowing how she truly felt on the matter.

She shook her head, despite his laugh. An amused smile played across her lips as she said, "On some things perhaps, but I think I can afford to skip the journey and simply go straight to the end. Seasickness is not a fun journey at all."

The way he spoke of his mother made it obvious that he had been incredibly fond of her. She sounded as if she were very similar to her son. Violet found herself wishing that she could have met her. She was certain that she had not met a woman at all like her. Instead of mentioning this for she did not want to sadden him, she simply exclaimed, "How wonderful! I imagine she was quite a bit of fun."

The subject of muggles was something she was rather inexperienced with. Her family had been surrounded by wizards for the most part. She hadn't really interacted with muggles enough for them to realize that she was a witch. She nodded agreeably, but she said nothing else on the matter. The topic switched to romance. She was somewhat relieved to know that he did not have any experience in love either. At least she wasn't the only one. "I suppose so. However, some might argue that I am not as youthful as you - since I left school three years ago. There are different expectations for a lady than there are for a gentleman." He knew this, she was certain, but she wanted to remind him that they were not on the same level when it came to having their lives ahead of them.

The last remark was met with raised brows and an 'o' shaped mouth. She tried to cover her surprise up quickly, but she was sure he had seen it. Her cheeks burned as she met his gaze and then quickly looked away, "I'm not entirely sure that's appropriate, Mr. Havisham. Perhaps, if only, in private - when it is just you and I. I'll admit it may take me a while to get used to it... and I imagine that you can also call me Violet - in private." She was rather hesitant about it, for it crossed boundaries that she was not entirely comfortable with crossing.

  

[Sebastian Havisham]

Sebastian smiled in response. He was happy in her presence. She was so much more reasonable than he, and normally that bored him, but she humored him in all his oddity and he responded well to that. Sebastian was very good at speaking to others. He made it a habit to be as charming and flirtatious as possible. He and his friends were known to be the charmers of upper class Hogsmeade, and Sebastian did not fail that persona. Sebastian was quite outlandish at times, though, and it seemed rare that people liked that. Sebastian got the sense that he and Violet Ollivander were on the same wavelength in most regards, and theat their friendship could only be constructive.

"I see that I cannot convince you no matter how passionately I might speak," Sebastian lamented. He was poking fun, of course. Sebastian was one of the most stubborn people ever to exist. He had his ways about him, and he was not inclined to change himself without a fight. So, he couldn't complain for real when another person did not want to change.

Sebastian laughed, "The most fun, Miss Ollivander. She was quite the character." While Sebastian loved his mother dearly, he doubted he would want to be romantically involved with someone at all like her. His mother and he had similar personalities, which Sebastian didn't feel was conducive to a successful relationship. Sebastian felt that there needed to be a variety of opinion in a marriage, as a system of checks and balances.

Sebastian had never been well behaved. He had known women. It was hard not to know women in some way or another when he was so public, always, and when he spent time with the types of people that he did. Sebastian didn't regret that, either, for he always maintained his composure as a gentleman. What Sebastian did regret was that he never once had been in love, and that was quite a said claim to make. Love seemed like a wonderful phenomenon, but Sebastian was without it. Sebastian raised a brow when she spoke those words. He didn't like them one bit. "Miss Ollivander, I don't believe it would matter if you had fifty years of age - love is not something that happens when you - or whoever - expects it to." Sebastian was very critical of living his life strictly by social expectations. "You are very youthful, and should have no doubts about your future."

Sebastian bit his lip. "Please forgive me, Miss Ollivander, I have offended you." The last thing he had meant by the statement was to breach the boundaries of propriety. He asked all of his friends to call him by his first name and perhaps his optimism for the state of their budding friendship had gotten the best of him. He now felt rather ashamed of himself, having offended her for the second time that day.

  

[Violet MacFusty]

Violet wondered what her own mother had been like. She was told that she was the epitome of a lady. Beautiful, talented and elegant. Violet was none of those things, but she wondered if perhaps her mother had hidden qualities. Perhaps she was like Violet in some ways, and did not like to attend social events. Perhaps she much preferred staying in and reading a book instead. She would never know, unfortunately. Her father and brothers were the only ones she knew who had known her mother closely - and they would never admit that she was anything but perfect if it had been so.



His response was quite firm as he corrected her. At least he did not think of her as a potential to be an old maid. It didn't sound very nice to be fifty and finally fall in love, for she would be much too old to have a family then. People who loved her for her, rather than disliking her for ruining what had been a perfect life. "Perhaps you are right," She considered, "Do you think it is truly possible to fall in love? I have only read about it and heard stories, but I don't think I've ever seen it in person." Most marriages were arranged before either of the participants were in love. Some never fell in love, and some did - but she didn't think it was the same 'head over heels' kind of love that she had read so wistfully about.



While she believed her father had loved her mother, she didn't think that they had been 'in love.' After all, how could they have been? She didn't think that if a man truly loved a woman with everything he had that he would consider a child she had given him as her last act on earth a curse. If she were in his position - which was rather hard to imagine since she had no experience in the way men thought - she would consider the child a blessing. Perhaps it was simply because she wanted it be that way more than anything. Perhaps, if she were in his position, she would have done the same thing.



"Oh no you have not offended me at all. I am just not used to the idea of using a man's first name - the only men I have done so with are my brothers and they hardly count," She reassured him, speaking quickly to mend the situation, "I.. I was sincere in my request - you can call me Violet, if you wish it." She didn't want others to overhear them speaking each others first names however, because they would most likely jump to conclusions. She didn't want rumors spreading around that her innocence had been compromised. It would ruin both of their reputations. His was probably much more important than her own, and she did not want to put a mark on it.

  

[Sebastian Havisham]

Sebastian smiled. "Oh I think it quite possible to fall in love. I believe that love is the most natural thing in the world and that our only difficulty might be in finding it." Sebastian, on the other hand, had seen the most wonderful relationship growing up. "My parents were very much in love." Sebastian didn't think she was at risk of being loveless. He had only known Violet Ollivander a day, and she had already managed to win his friendship. He did not give away that to just anyone, so she had already proven to captivate at least him. Who was to say she wouldn't win someone's heart as well? Sebastian was rather cynical about love, of course, in that he believed it to be almost impossible to find. He wanted to find a girl he felt truly comfortable with, but after years of not finding such a one he had learned that love could only be kindled by getting to know someone on a deep basis. It seemed impossible to know your love the instant you saw her. For how would you know her at all?

Biting his lip, Sebastian looked down at the redhead through his lashes, "Miss Ollivander, I do not mean to be too bold or forthcoming," he said, "But I hope you know that you are quite marriagable." He left it at that, sure that he was going to cause her face to go red as he had seen it so many times before. It was something, though, that perhaps she needed to hear from someone.

Sebastian was comforted by the love of his father and friends. His best friend, Cage Wakefield, and himself, of course seemed to get themselves into trouble with girls. Sebastian seemed to look in the wrong places for love to find him. He knew what his father would say - his father would tell him to marry a pretty young thing and learn to love her, but that life worried Sebastian. Cage was more responsive to his method, which was to wait until the perfect someone came along, and in the meantime charm the pants off all the other girls in his wake. It was less gratifying than being in something serious, but it was flattering to know that a girl thought him charming. Cheap flattery was love's placeholder.

Sebastian raised a brow. He hadn't intended to breach propriety, but he so very often didn't even know when he had done so. It seemed that there were so many things that could appear offensive. "Well, Miss Ollivander, how about this: I would request you call me Sebastian because Mister Havisham is, and will be for some time longer, my father. The last thing I would want for a lady such as yourself to inflict such confusion upon a poor old chap. That being said, I will not call you by your first name until you wish to hear me say it," he said. He was quite uninterested in imposing such things on people. The last thing he wanted was to make her feel like they were crossing borders that would effect her in some way or another.

  

[Violet MacFusty]

Violet listened interestedly as he told her that he fully believed in the concept of falling in love. At least he had something to prove that such a thing existed. She supposed it was proof enough. She didn't think that he would make something like that up. "That must have been lovely to see," She replied wistfully, "I can't even imagine what that would be like. My mother passed when I was born and my father never remarried." She was rather sad about it, but the bitterness that she felt (and held back with great restraint) toward her mother and father far outweighed it.



At his mention of her being marriageable, she blushed and looked away from him, out over to the houses that were on the opposite side of the street. She hid the tears that had sprung into her eyes with the turn of her head and cleared her throat somewhat roughly before she replied, "I think your flattery has gone a bit far-fetched." She did not want tell him just how big of a failure she felt in the matter, for she'd only just met him. Viewed as a failure her entire life by her father and brothers, Violet had wanted to prove them wrong. To fail was something she hated with her very soul. And yet, she had failed to find a husband. Her father had stopped funding her outfits for social events and had told her she ought to just become a Governess. She had failed at that as well.



After a few moments, the icy air dried her eyes and she was able to turn her head forward once more. He seemed incredibly concerned that he had deeply offended her. She couldn't help but laugh at his argument, for it was rather silly. Violet didn't think Sebastian's father was that easily confused, however she supposed that she might humor her friend if only for the elder Mr. Havisham's sake.



"I do wish it," She told him. After a moment, she added hesitantly, "Sebastian." A blush crept across her cheeks despite herself. It was somewhat thrilling to use his first name. Rules were being broken, but it was not hurting anyone. It really wasn't so bad. It made her feel like her own person. Just being called plain Violet, without the Ollivander, was something that imagined would make her forget just how much of a disappointment she was. Or how she had to uphold etiquette for her family. Violet was just Violet - it was relaxed and something new, and she rather hoped that he might believe her.

  

[Sebastian Havisham]

Sebastian smiled, "Oh it was rather beautiful. They were perfectly blissful in one another's company. My mother was a unique woman, though. My father was lucky to find her... It seems the challenge is finding someone whose uniqueness suits yours in the best of ways." Sebastian thought she must feel lonely without a mother. His mother had been a light in the household, and while he understood that not all mother's held that type of responsibility, it seemed all mother's had an important place in the life of a family. He wasn't sure what he would have become without his.

Sebastian stopped walking. He could tell that he had upset her, "Miss Ollivander, I admit that sometimes men in society will flatter without reason, and I am sure that I often am guilty of such behavior at times. But that was not meant to be flattery. I am entirely serious." It seemed so unfair that she was so self deprecating, as if her hope had left already. Sebastian believed Violet Havisham to be lovely. She was young, intelligent, and had her own opinions. Still, she was quite proper, and a champion of good etiquette. Sebastian felt that she was entirely more complex and more interesting than the types of women he met through his father. Sebastian realized that he was often rather silly and flirtatious, but he could be quite candid too, and the last thing he wanted was for her to feel that those were words of politeness. He hadn't known her long, of course, but wasn't it then a feat that she had impressed him more than women he had known for years?

Of course his reasoning was very silly, truth be told he just liked the idea of her treating him as a friend. In her presence, it was as if he had known her for some time. He was on a first name basis with all of his friends, and he didn't think it ought be different just because she was female. What kind of friendship would it be if even their names must be different due to gender?

"He couldn't help but smile broadly when she said his name, the sound of it warmed him. Perhaps they were breaking the rules, but what did it matter? He liked the idea that they might just be happy in whatever way made the two of them happy on that cold winter night. "Very well," Sebastian said with a bow of his head, "Violet." He had a good feeling about her that he could not yet place, but something about her got the better of him. She impressed him.

  

[Violet MacFusty]

"A challenge indeed," She agreed. It sounded absolutely wonderful, the way he spoke of them. If she had only experienced such a thing, perhaps she would be just as hopeful as he. Honestly, she had not met anyone incredibly unique - aside from him of course. The men who were of an appropriate age in marrying her were usually very dull. They only cared about their money and themselves. To most, she would just be a trophy and a companion whenever they needed it. Many men hardly spent any time at all with their wives once married, despite how attentive they had been during courtship. She did not want to be tricked like so many ladies before her, but she imagined that if she were to fall in love, such a thing would not happen to her.



Because her arm was looped around his own, when he stopped walking, so did she. She had not hidden her upset very well, it seemed. Or perhaps she had, and he had simply grown to know her well enough over the span of their conversation to know it. The words he spoke she knew to be true, for the sincerity in them was easy to detect. The were true enough for him at least, though she knew from experience that not a lot of other people felt the same way about her. No one, in fact, for they had all chosen the prettier more confident girls over herself.



"Thank you, sir- Sebastian," She corrected herself, "It is very sweet of you to say so. Unfortunately, I am not quite sure how marriageable the Hogwarts Librarian is." She had accepted her fate, for the most part, although she still clung to a twist of hope that perhaps her happy ending was simply delayed. He had done that for her at least, but the hope had grown large enough to where she would be disappointed if nothing ever came.



He said her name and she couldn't help but smile. It was just as freeing as she had thought it would be. If only everyone could be as casual as they, than the world would be much more enjoyable for her. They had crossed unnoticed by Violet, from Willingtonshire to Barntonburg. The houses had grown smaller and less grand. While her father's home was nice, it was nothing compared to Sebastian's. The house was right at the edge of the two housing areas and she pointed it out to him, "That is my father's home." The lights were all off, for they had left none on for her. They probably hadn't even noticed that she had not returned home yet. It was a creamy gold in color, illuminated by the glow of the street lamps, and in a sturdy yet intricate design. A small wreath hung on the door and a few evergreen garlands swung across the windows, decorated with enchanted twinkling lights.

  

[Sebastian Havisham]

Sebastian often felt as if he would never manage to meet that challenge. He was so very rarely impressed by women anymore, which was part of the reason that Violet Ollivander had proved so lovely to him, and that made it hard for him to think of marriage. Marriage was very much a partnership amongst equals, but it was very hard to consider people equals when they behaved with so little where-with-all. Violet had impressed him in that regard. He was excited to finally meet a woman as a friend because it seemed like there was still hope for marriage. Violet reminded him that women were not all like the ones his father put out for him. If he could go through life, talking candidly and not worrying about what his wife thought of him, but still learning from her and gaining from her difference of opinion - well, Sebastian thought that would be a very good marriage indeed.

Marriage still terrified him. Sebastian knew very well that his lifestyle would have to change once marriage was in his midst. Sebastian already was well aware of what was in front of him. He had to apply for a better job in the MoM, he had to stop acting like such a carefree cad, and he had to accept some more responsibility. It was one thing to hold his own reputation by a thread, but it was quite another to hold a lady's by a thread as well. Such a commitment wasn't something you rushed into. Sebastian felt that time was the only antidote for cold feet.

He didn't like the way she spoke about herself. "Well the current librarian is quite old and nasty I believe. But, the librarian they've hired to start next week... That lady is wise beyond her years, perfectly gracious, well schooled in the rules of etiquette, and, if I am to be bold, quite lovely to look at. She will make a man very lucky one day." Sebastian had a feeling in his gut that she would be okay. He thought very highly of her, obviously, and felt no reason why others would not share his sentiments. Perhaps he was being too forward, but in some ways he felt fine risking propriety to tell her such things if it meant she walked away being more self aware.

The casual nature of their friendship made Sebastian feel at ease and content. The redhead, being so courteous and ladylike, would perhaps be expected to frown at his unorthodox ways, but instead she had been completely enjoyable. Sebastian was, admittedly, rather excited at the prospect of seeing her again, and hoped she would take him up on the invitation to see his home. They found themselves in front of her home, a lovely Bartonburg house not so far from his own. "It is a lovely color," Sebastian remarked. It was a fitting thing for him to claim, considering his love for color. Gold happened to be one of his favorites, so it was no surprise that he liked the creamy gold color. "Shall I walk you to the door?" he said, pulling out his wand and muttering a lumos spell to guide their way. He hadn't noticed the complete darkness around them until the contrast between this nearest streetlight and the night sky appeared in their wake.

  

[Violet MacFusty]

Violet blushed while a warm smile graced her lips. She did not receive compliments like that very often. In fact, she did not receive very many compliments at all. When she was given one, they were usually filled with sarcasm or painfully forced. Sebastian's flattery made her feel happy with herself, but only for a moment. It would take much more than one person's opinion to convince her to view herself differently. Ever since she was young, she had had to deal with the teasing and emotional abuse from her classmates, father and brothers. Society even, like to remind her just how poorly she fit in.



"Thank you, Sebastian," She told him appreciatively. It was pointless to argue, she had realized, for he was rather set on the matter. She could remind him of all the ways that she was quite the opposite of what he claimed, but she knew that he would simply continue to correct her.



The woman nodded at his offer. He'd walked her thus far, she might as well allow him to return her safely to her home rather than just the street in front of it. "I am told that my mother chose it. Gold was her favorite color," She informed him. His wand was pulled out and lit. The walkway lit up as they passed over it. She slipped her own wand out of the left side of her skirts and waved it toward her bag of books. They floated gently to her. Violet held the bag against her chest with her right arm, while her left was still looped gently with his.



"Thank you again for seeing me home. It was nice to be able to speak so freely with another," She told him sincerely as they arrived upon the step before the front door, "I can honestly say that I don't believe I've ever done such a thing." She smiled again, and couldn't help but admire how his handsome features appeared in the glowing light of the wand.

  

[Sebastian Havisham]

Sebastian was glad she didn't argue. He was sure that she could argue with him, and it wasn't that he was interested in being imposing with his opinion, but he hated to see her doubt herself. There were many people who needed a good, cold dose of Violet's humility. He just wished she saw herself as the lovely woman he had met that morning, who had so grabbed his attention. She was someone, he was sure, who would stick with him, for she was unlike anything he was used to, and wasn't that always a thrill to be introduced to something new? Sebastian was looking forward to the possibility of familiarity with her.

He simply nodded his head. Society was cruel to people sometimes. Sebastian was, obviously, cruel to society in return sometimes, but it wasn't without good reason. It seemed to Sebastian that it wasn't fair to judge people without knowing them. Sebastian had only to spend a few moments with Violet Ollivander to understand that she was a complex person, but of course most people didn't even take that time. Sebastian was glad he had, because he hoped to understand her complexities more.

"She had lovely taste," Sebastian said. "I must admit I share her affection for the color." They made their way up the walkway, and found themselves at the door. He had enjoyed his time spent with her, and would be sorry to then wish her goodnight. He was comforted, though, that he had seen her again and perhaps gained a friend in the process. She was certainly a unique woman.

Sebastian couldn't help but smile. "I would never want to see you in harm's way," he told her. He found it proper that a lady have an escort at all times. There were certain principles of etiquette that he would simply not reprimand. "And I can honestly say, Violet, that you have surprised me in the most positive of ways," he said, taking his arm from hers in order to face her straight on. "Thank you for a lovely evening," he said, bowing to her.

  

[Violet MacFusty]

OOC: One more post from you to wrap it up? <3

IC:

Violet grinned. She thought that he might like the color of her home. He wore rather bright clothing both times that she had seen him that day. It matched his personality perfectly and set him apart from most of the other gentleman in Hogsmeade. The house was a unique color in itself. Violet was rather fond of it as well, now that she thought of it. Perhaps when she had her own home one day, she would paint it the exact same hue.



She blushed at his words, for they were rather affectionate. "The pleasure is mine," Violet told him sincerely, a twinge of affection seeping into her own voice as she faced him. "I hope to see you again soon." After a quick smile, for she had begun to feel slightly awkward, she took her wand and whispered the unlocking spell for her home. The lock clicked open. She turned the knob and pushed it open, "Goodbye, Sebastian."



She offered another shy smile and then stepped inside and closed the door behind her. Quite happily, she prepared for bed. The books sat upon her side table, forgotten, as she went over the words she had shared with him - unaware that she focused upon the smile that was always upon his face as well as the way his jawline looked in the lamplight.

  

[Sebastian Havisham]

Sebastian bit his lip in a humble smile when she blushed. He began to see the trend of her rosy cheeks, and found it endearing. "I will write to you," he promised, hoping she knew he was good for such a promise despite the male reputation for being rather horrid at following through with mail. He watched as she unlocked the door. The redhead stepped into the darkness of her home, books at her side. "Good evening, Violet," Sebastian said.

When the door shut behind her, Sebastian turned and began to walk towards home. Sebastian had spent many a night complaining to Cage Wakefield at the seat of the bar over the state of women he met with nothing interesting to say. He now stood corrected, and it had thrown him off balance. The air was cool and the night was beautiful. The stars dotted the sky like freckles, and the clouds and seemed to disappear. Still, the ground was blanketed in snow, the white glistening under street lights. The beauty of the evening aside, Sebastian was not calm. He was rearranging his thoughts. Hands in pockets, he was so lost in his head that he had forgotten all about the overcoat still around Violet Ollivander's shoulders.

The End. :)