xmaddyscamanderx

[xmaddyscamanderx]

Her laugh was light and unbothered by the weight of the world. She grinned at him, a spark in her eye, clearly amused by the unexpected agreement.

"Good! I’m glad you’re on board. I promise, the ferrets are worth the trip. They have this way of making everything feel a little brighter, don’t you think? Even your childhood trauma might get a moment of peace," Madhuri teased, nudging him with her shoulder in a playful sort of way.

Clyde was cute. He had an odd sense of humor, much like Madhuri did. She had no problem spending more time with him. "We have got to plan!"

He stared at her. What a strange woman. Not necessarily a bad sort of strange, but definitely odd. She liked creatures as much as he loved the stars. Clyde had to admire her dedication to their well-being. It wasn’t as if he didn’t also care, she just cared on a new level. It ran deeper for her.

“Yeah, alright. I’ll hold you to that. You, me, and my childhood trauma can all go visit ferret rescues together. There are definitely worse ways I could spend my time.” Plus it would make his father furious over in Azkaban. Maybe Clyde would visit just to tell him about it. He wasn’t above being petty. It added spice to his life.

[xmaddyscamanderx]

Madhuri let out a snort, muffled slightly by Alara’s lap. “You say that like off-key serenades are a gift. I’m traumatized, ‘Lara. Utterly shattered. My ears may never recover.” But the smile tugging at her lips gave her away.

She tilted her head slightly letting out a hum of contentment. “My cousin is perfectly fine. We vaguely knew each other as kids so this is fresh territory for both of us. It’s good to have new family to learn about. An adventure,” she smiled.

Lifting her hand lazily, she poked Alara’s cheek. “Third year? Please. You were demanding a coronation by second. Either way you deserved it. My opinion is the only thing that matters. I’m a wild one who can make anything happen,” Madhuri laughed loudly.

But then her voice gentled “I missed you too. Every day.” She shifted to look up at her friend, “You okay? I heard about the blood traitor stuff. You don’t have to talk about it. Just — I’m here. We could hex something together later, for therapeutic reasons, of course.”

A slow, mischievous smile spread across her face. “Or bake. Baking with vengeance.”

Alara grinned, the kind of grin that came easy around Madhuri, soft, knowing, and full of affection that had been forged over years of friendship and fire. “Well, I only sing off-key for those I love most,” she teased, nudging her with a gentle bump of the shoulder. “And don’t worry about the living room. How do you like having your cousin around?”

She flopped onto the bed beside her. “Royalty, huh? Finally, someone sees it. I’ve been waiting for my crown since third year.” The witch laughs softly. As Madhuri nestled her head in her lap, Alara instinctively started carding her fingers through her hair, a soothing gesture both of them knew well. “Oh, you know, the usual. Trying to avoid certain people, being called blood traitor, baking away.” Her voice softened. “But I want to hear about you first. I’ve missed you, Mads.”

[xmaddyscamanderx]

“Oh! You do believe in me,” she said, dramatically clutching her chest as if the words had physically struck her. “My heart, Charity, it flutters,” she laughed. “Fine, I’ll space them out. But know this: one day, you will gasp, and when you do, I’ll bottle the sound and wear it like a pendant.”

She grinned. “I hadn’t really thought about it but yes, he’s a looker. The kind with that slightly scruffy hair and too-long sleeves. You know the type.”

She smirked, “What would you do if someone turned you into a ferret? Panic? Plot revenge? Nap for four days straight?”

Sometimes Maddy was a little bit too talkative for what she was used to, which prompted a one-sided kind of conversation between them. It wasn't that Charity didn't want to reply to her every sentence, she just couldn't bring herself to even if she wanted to, always one to rely on few but accurate words to express her thoughts. She nodded her head so her friend would know she was indeed paying attention, hands working rapidly to unwrap the boxes she had left before she could close the shop. "I have faith in you, if anyone can eventually catch me off guard, it's you." The witch said teasingly, a soft smile on her lips. "Would be best if you left some time pass between your tries, so at least I don't expect it every time we're to see each other." Curiosity striking her at the latest mention from her friend, she stopped with the packages and raised her gaze to meet the other witch's. "A ferret, that's odd, but a boy? An interesting one? Good looking or a dud?"

[xmaddyscamanderx]

Having Max in the apartment was definitely a change of pace but, overall, it had been a nice one for Madhuri. Having family so close put her over the moon. True, they were still getting to know each other again but that was part of the fun. She couldn't wait to get to know him as adults. They still had a ways to go but each step had her smile.

When Madhuri stepped into the apartment she immediately saw Max sprawled out on the couch watching the television and a bottle of booze near him. Oh, Merlin. "Food? You're a lifesaver," she replied with joy in her tone. She grabbed the food and moved to the couch. Without a thought she plopped down between the crook of his leg and the back of the couch, munching on the chips right away.

"Why is the bartender partaking?" she asked. "Must have been some kind of night. One I'm dying to hear about."

location: madhuri's & max's apartment closed @xmaddyscamanderx

It was late and he had only been back at the apartment for a few hours. When he decided to make a move to the country, he didn't expect to run into an ex-girlfriend, and maybe that was being too polite for what he and Flick were. Or are. HE didn't know and was trying to find a semblance of an answer in the bottle on the coffee table. It was a cliche for the bartender to be home with a drink. The good thing with sleeping on his cousin's couch was that it came with front row access to the television. The door opened, and he lifted his gaze only briefly to Maddy. "I got some food to go for you from the bar. It's in the fridge."

[xmaddyscamanderx]

Oh, Alara. The things she and Madhuri had shared through all their friendship. They made it through Hogwarts together, being roommates all seven years and then there after. Madhuri didn’t know what she would do without her. That’s why it was nights like this were so special. And they had become a little too infrequent since the war had landed in their laps. But she tried not to think about that. They were just busy. Right?

“Please do. You know I love that off key voice of yours,” she laughed. “And just ignore the living room. Max is staying for a little while and has taken over. Pretty easy since the place is small,” she went on. “But you are royalty. Didn’t you get the memo?”

When Alara tossed the chips on the bed Madhuri picked up and opened the bag taking one out immediately. “How do my friends know I love chips so much?” she munched. “Let’s talk about everything. I’m sure you have loads going on!” she plopped down on her bed as well putting her head on Alara’s lap.

The door creaked open a moment later, and Alara stepped inside like she owned the place, coat half-off, arms full of snacks, and a mischievous glint in her eye. "I'm here." she called back with a grin, nudging the door closed with her foot. "One day I’m going to come in singing off-key just to test your commitment to chaos."

She ducked into Madhuri’s room, taking in the freshly swept-up state of it with a knowing glance. "Wow. You tidied. What did I do to deserve this royal treatment?" She tossed a packet of crisps onto the bed and flopped down dramatically beside it. She leaned back on her elbows, grinning.

"So, what’s the plan? Gossip? Snacks? Crying about wizards who don’t deserve us? I'm good for all three." She always felt better around her friend.

[xmaddyscamanderx]

“Look at you and your skills. You never cease to amaze me, Miss Travers.” The words couldn’t be truer. She loved Lydia. She was one of her best friends. The two of them together was like a friendship out of a storybook. They were silly together but could also talk about serious topics — should they arise. But mostly they made each other laugh and who didn’t need that in their lives? Especially now?

“Ooo, chocolate malts and chips. Sounds just alley! You always seem to know. Sure you’re not a mind-reader?” she said with a skeptical tone and an eyebrow raised. When Lydia disappeared, Madhuri took a napkin and tried playing with it just to see if she could do something with it. She cocked her head to the side as the fabric slipped through her fingers. Nope. No sooner did her friend show back up.

“That’s okay. More time with you,” her smile taking over her entire face.

Lydia gave a flourished bow across the table. Hanging out with Maddy was always so much fun, and it never failed to make her feel more like herself by the end. Lydia had infinite versions of herself for the different people in her life, but with Maddy it was always just Lydia exactly as she was. That was always enough.

"I think we both deserve drinks. Malts, with chips. Chocolate malts. I'll go ring them in myself so they don't get forgotten, hold on." Lydia squirreled out of the booth and disappeared for a brief moment to ring in their orders and place it under their waiter's name. Technically she wasn't supposed to do this, but technically she didn't care. Albert worked so slowly.

"Alright, I'm back! And food is officially in. Can't really promise it'll be fast, though. Only one cook today and he's meticulous."

[xmaddyscamanderx]

Madhuri tilted her head, one brow arched then crouched down to scratch behind Bonnie’s tiny ears, the ferret stretched out luxuriously across her shoe like royalty at court.

“Oh, of course,” she said solemnly, eyes sparkling. “Clearly, a ferret is the universally accepted remedy for unruly wizard children. Forget detentions and Howlers, just chuck a weasel at them and hope for the best.” When Clyde snorted again, louder this time, Madhuri looked far too pleased with herself.

“I’m just saying,” she continued, standing with a little twirl, “if your parents hadn’t kept throwing ferrets at you, we might not be standing here now.” Madhuri's smile was lopsided. “So,” she said with a light voice, “shall we make a day of it sometime? Ferret rescue tour? I’ll bring snacks, you bring your unresolved childhood trauma. We’ll make a picnic of it.” Bonnie sneezed. “See?” Madhuri grinned. “She’s in.”

“Are there really?” He’d never bothered to look. Though he supposed that it could be true. Muggles always did have five different solutions to one problem. Perhaps it could be a bit of an adventure, going out to visit these rescue places. He’d love to see Beck’s face if he got more ferrets. It would be hilarious. “Maybe I’ll take you up on that. Bonnie has at least another four years, so it’ll be a while yet.”

Clyde snorted. Trust, yeah sure. That’s definitely what it had been. “I started out with two, then three. Then another two. And now Bonnie. Getting me a ferret kept me out of their hair, I think that was the real driving principle. It was easier for them when I was neither seen nor heard.”

[xmaddyscamanderx]

Madhuri grinned, clearly pleased with herself despite the lack of any actual ability on that spell. "Hey, I’ll get closer every day -- just you wait!" she said, wiggling her fingers dramatically like she was already casting it.

She watched the witch work, a small smile tugging at her lips at the short laugh. It was always nice to get one of those -- rare, but real. “A charmer, huh? Flattery will get you everywhere,” she teased with a wink, but her tone softened. “Just glad to see you holding up. You know I worry.”

Of course, the topic was expertly deflected, and Madhuri let it go with a shrug. "Alright, alright, message received -- changing the subject like a pro." Her eyes lit up as she leaned forward. “Okay but yes -- fun, always. So, get this, I ran into this one guy with a ferret. I'm sure it talks even though he swears it doesn’t."

It was a rare thing for the two to get along, Maddy tended to be loud and enthusiastic so often that it should bother her. Somehow, it didn't, and in turn she simply stayed quiet and listen to the other ramble and getting overly excited about the simplest of things. "One day, if you learn that spell, perhaps you'll get me." She agreed, though her heart wasn't really on it, it took a lot more than creeping up to her to actually rattle her. The witch turned to finish putting the boxes away, nearing the end of her shift, only to raise her brows at the other and let out a short laugh. "Oh Maddy, you definitely are a charmer. Do not worry about me, alright? I'm doing fine and dandy." She dismissed the worrisome comment, no intention of giving that topic more attention than needed, there was a war but she was in no way part of it. Changing the focus always worked, especially with someone as talkative as the brunette. "Having fun, huh? Anything interesting to share?"

[xmaddyscamanderx]

[xmaddyscamanderx]

Madhuri was shuffling around her flat trying to clean up a little bit. A tiny bit but it was pointless with Max's stuff everywhere in the small living room so she went to her room and tried to hastily put dirty clothes in the closet, writing utensils and papers in the desk and smooth out her bedding. With Alara coming over they needed a place to hang out. In this case it would be in her room thanks to her cousin taking up space -- which she truly didn't mind but in that moment she wished she had a living room. At least he was out for the evening. Gave them space to be girls.

"It's open!" She yelled toward the door, knowing Alara's voice anywhere.

where: @xmaddyscamanderx's home

With the bakery closed for the night and a box of leftover sweets in hand, Alara made her way to Madhuri’s for a long-overdue girls' night. The two had been close since their Hogwarts days, having shared a dorm with her and Greta, and built a bond that had only grown stronger over the years.

With a gentle pop, she Apparated just outside her friend's home and gave the door a soft knock.

“Mad, it’s me,” she called out warmly.

[xmaddyscamanderx]

"Why confused?" Madhuri asked, noticing his features and head tilt. "There are plenty of places that have them. Not a ton because you don't see them get surrendered as much as cats and other animals but they're definitely out there. You just have to look. I could always help next time!" The prospect excited her. "In fact, I would love to help next time!" Madhuri being who she was believed that breeders were bad news. Adoption was the way to go. There were already too many animals -- and creatures -- who needed good homes.

"Aww, Bonnie. You didn't like your brothers and sisters?" Madhuri asked, leaning down to give the ferret a scratch before standing back up. "You were eight? Your parents must have really trusted you! A ferret can be a lot of work. Did you just collect the seven over the years? Have you ever been without one?"

Well, he was glad someone else appreciated the joke. He knew it was probably beneath him, naming his pet after a Muggle criminal just because for a joke, but he'd liked the idea. Plus Bonnie and Clyde had been fascinating. Not that he'd tell any of his friends about his new fascination with dead Muggle criminals. It didn't quite set the right tone.

Clyde tilted his head to the side, confused. All the ferrets had certainly looked happy enough, nothing like those sad shelters his dad forbid him from visiting. "I don't even know where I'd find a rescued ferret." Clyde admitted.

"Most of them had little buddies, Bonnie's the first who has lived by herself. But she didn't seem to care for other ferrets, she didn't show any interest in her siblings. I got my first two ferrets when I was eight." He'd worked hard to earn them, memorized his full lineage and bloodline. It'd been deadly boring but Ronnie and Reggie had been worth it.

[xmaddyscamanderx]

Beck’s jump only made Madhuri laugh. She was tough and had succumbed to many a trips to the infirmary. Going to St. Mungo’s was no different. She was actually surprised that out of everyone that could see her that it was Beck. She shrugged it off. Worth a good time.

“Go ahead and be happy for me. It was hilarious. I had the whole room bursting into laughter — including the girl in question. And don’t worry, any more fun stories and you’ll be sure to know.”

Now that he had finished her leg she was ready to go. She swung it off the bed and stood up, a little wobbly at first. “I guess this is where I leave you. It’s been real,” she smiled. “Oh. And thanks,” she motioned to her leg before waving and leaving the room.

[ END ]

Beck nearly jumped when she let out a surprised noise and was relieved to see that he didn't hurt her more. The scare instantly faded as he continued to work on it, finally putting her leg down once he was done. Beck was many things, but being a bad healer wasn't one of them, and he didn't want to see the day when that would become reality. "Should I be happy for you or be worried?" he asked, leaning back in his chair. "Please let me know whatever update comes out of it...and don't fall on them or end up back here to give me more information."

[xmaddyscamanderx]

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Madhuri waved her hand in the air. She could be stubborn too. Lydia wasn’t alone in that. Not by a long shot. Instead of focusing on herself she turned it back to her friend. “Let’s see your skills then. Come on. I know you’ve got them,” she smiled, encouraging Lydia while also telling the truth.

There was something fun about watching her play with the napkin. If something wasn’t done just right she started again. She wanted to get it perfect and Madhuri could tell. Lydia was certainly up for the challenge and her friend was in awe of how her fingers manipulated the fabric.

When she pushed the finished project in Madhuri’s direction she squealed. “Merlin! It’s so good! You somehow got the little spikes. How did you get them to stay like that? Beyond impressive! A round of applause for the best napkin queen in town and I think she deserves a drink!”

“No take-sies back-sies.” She said solemnly, but she was grinning. Lydia loved a new hobby, and the fact that Maddy wanted her to join in on her favorite thing made Lydia feel special. So what if she wasn’t blood related to any of her sisters? She had them. Val and Maddy were all she needed.

“I still think your puffskein was lovely.” Lydia said, loyal to the point of stubbornness. Madhuri Scamander wouldn’t feel bad about herself on Lydia’s watch, no sir.

“Alright, here goes.” She stuck her tongue between her teeth and started in on folding. It took about ten minutes of fussing, restarting, and a few curse words, but by the end she thought it was passable. Lydia pushed forward the little napkin of folded spikes with a smile. “How did I do?”

[xmaddyscamanderx]

“I’ll be sure to tell you when it comes out, of course! Customer number one!” Madhuri smiled widely. “And I’ll be more than happy to sign it for you. No worries. I won’t charge you extra,” she winked.

Madhuri was so pleased that someone was so interested in her book — already. It left her beaming with pride but also gave her stomach nerves. She had a lot to live up to. Her father’s book was so popular and wonderful. Hers had to be just as good.

“I’m getting input. Doing some interviews myself. Yes, I’m going to get Dad’s input but I want to do this mostly on my own. I want to prove I can stand on my own two feet. He wants to be more involved but understands why I’m not taking his ideas more.”

"Well, you'll have to tell me when the book comes out so I can get my hands on it and signed by the author," she beamed. Mary adored the first book, thinking it was a classic but the new edition would be fresh and be very helpful. She found all the magical creatures very interesting and she could get lost in the book if she didn't stop herself. "It does make sense," she nods. "Will your dad be helping out or anyone else?"

[xmaddyscamanderx]

Madhuri was so disappointed. All she had wanted to do was bring a little fun to someone who looked like he needed it. Nothing she did worked which was something she wasn’t used to. Madhuri had a knack for getting people to break out of their shell. Her energy was so positive that it was hard to get past her. But here was, one that probably needed it more than anyone walking away. She put her hands on her hips with a disheartened face. Watching him walk away felt like defeat. Damn.

But she couldn’t let him ruin her birthday since he seemed so ungrateful. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath until a calm smile found its way to her face. She turned back to the people dancing and made her way back, hands in the air.

[ END ]

His expression settled back into its usual stoic mask, though beneath the surface, he felt his agitation beginning to stir. He was finished with this conversation. Severus had far more important matters to attend to.

He noted the way she kept her energy contained. But the damage was already done, and he was now focused on a smooth exit.

“That is my business,” he said flatly, offering no further explanation. “I must go.”

It was the most she would get from him.

Without another word, he stepped around her and continued on his original path, not once looking back.

[xmaddyscamanderx]

“Bonnie and Clyde! I love it! And I don’t think it’s a bad joke. I think it’s brilliant. Shows a real connection and it’s cute to boot.” Madhuri said with enthusiasm still playing with the ferret, watching her twirling around and hopping around. She was glorious and Madhuri couldn’t help but give her attention, almost forgetting that Clyde was there until he began talking again. She stood up so she could focus on conversation.

“It’s a shame he made you go to a breeder. They don’t always have the best wishes of the animal. Next time maybe try sneaking a rescued one in?” she challenged him.

“Wow. you’ve had seven? Tell me about them! Oh, and it’s nice to meet you, Clyde. I’m Maddy.”

"It's a bit of a bad little joke really," He admitted, unable to help but keep talking when faced with her overwhelming positivity. Not many people in his life had this sort of light all the time. It was a bit startling to experience. "Because I'm Clyde and she's Bonnie. Like the American crime duo.

"At the moment, it's just Bonnie. But I've had seven others in the past." He didn't always have kids to play with, but he had his pets. They'd helped. "My father wouldn't let me get from anywhere but a breeder. Only the best he said." Clyde tried not to sound bitter. "Clyde, Clyde Avery sent you."

[xmaddyscamanderx]

Madhuri was intoxicated from the drinks, yes, but more so by the night’s turn of events. She hadn’t thought that going into this party would turn into sex on the dance floor — or what may have been so. But should she have been surprised? No. She dressed a certain way, carried herself a certain way but, more importantly, engaged in a certain way. She could have easily ignored Evan’s advances and gone back to her friends, looking sexy as hell and making him wish he had landed her but she didn’t. She was in this as much as he was.

As he tugged on her to seemingly go somewhere more private, Madhuri felt a sly smile crawl on her face. His words were tempting and the nibbling made her knees weak. She finally turned around and ran her hand across his face, finger tracing his lips. “You would be surprised at the things I can do, Rosier.”