we are made by history

♕ —- “I’m guessing when you signed up to be a professor, they forgot to mention the need to participate in school spirit sort of things. My uncle probably would agree with you. He hates anything extra in his office at Ilvermorny or out of place. Which in hindsight, made him a pretty easy target when I was still in school.” She couldn’t help but to smile at the memory. “Anything that sticks to my bones is a win for me,” she said before she smirked and cheekily added, “and I won’t say no to sharing fries with our meal.”

“Well I did attend Hogwarts myself, so I should have known what I was getting into. I was so thrilled to get the position...” Alex grinned self depreciatingly, “Well, it was an oversight on my behalf.” Chuckling at the anecdote about her uncle, Alex stood. “Which is why my students will never know of my pain.” He winked. “Hey now, I didn’t offer to order fries. Wedges are different to chips. I’ll be right back.” Smiling to himself, he made his way over to the bar to put in their order. While he was there, Alex also ordered two glasses of Butterbeer and two fingers of Firewhiskey. If Ryleigh had never had Butterbeer, perhaps she would be interested in trying Firewhiskey. He carried the drinks back to their table and set them down. “Lunch should be out in 15."

♕ —- “Does Hogwarts usually go all out for the holidays or is it more conservative on the decoration front,” she asked curiously. “I like to think that I do look rather nice in it. I still don’t think my coworkers are use to the brightness of my wardrobe. I recently updated it too and I didn’t buy too many neutral colors.” She chuckled before she took a quick glance at the menu, she had been so distracted that she hadn’t even had a chance to think of what she wanted. “I guess, I’ll give the Sheppard’s pie a try? Admittedly, never had it before so I’m trusting you.” 

“They usually go all out. I can’t even keep it out of my own classroom.” Alexander sighed as if thoroughly put upon by the whole thing. “Forget what your coworkers think. I think fashion is entirely personal and no one’s business but your own. It’s what you’re comfortable in, and - while it doesn’t matter what I think - you look wonderful.” His smile widened. “You won’t be sorry. A Shepherd’s Pie is a meat and gravy dish topped with mashed potato - so unless you don’t eat red meat, you should enjoy it because everyone loves potato. In fact, shall I get some wedges to share with our meals?”

♕ —- “Too each their own,” she said with a nod. “I love pink but I do like to wear it more than to decorate with it. And in the case of Valentine’s, I’d rather get something like lilacs than roses.” She lifted her glass and took a sip as she thought over his question. “Colin Firth will always be my Darcy but in the defense of Kiera Knightly’s version, you can’t beat that hand flex that Mr. Darcy does in that movie.”

“I don’t dislike any colour, but I don’t favour pink in the slightest.” Alex laughed. “I’m quite glad that Hogwarts isn’t awash with the colour - I much prefer it on people rather than as decor also. I’m sure you’d look lovely in it.”  He raised his own glass. “Ah! A woman after my own heart. However, I will concur that there are some very romantic scenes in the Kiera Knightly version - the hand flex being one of them. Oh, let me duck up and order lunch for us. Do you know what you’d like?”

♕ —- “It’s definitely a marketing choice, and if it works for them, then who am I to judge,” Ryleigh said as she giggled softly and took the seat that he kindly pulled out for her. She set her things down and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she looked back over at him. “It definitely seems like a place that would attract the likes of Lydia Bennet.”

"Exactly, but not for me.” Alexander replied. “I’m more of a Shepherd’s Pie and Butterbeer, kind of man.” He pushed her chair in and returned to his seat. Her comment caused her to quirk a brow in amusement. “Why, yes. Yes it would. I think Lydia and Kitty would both be quite at home there.” Sitting back in his chair, Alex regarded her with a grin. “Which is your favourite rendition of Pride and Prejudice? Not the Kiera Knightly version, I hope?” His eyes twinkled with mirth. 

♕ —- Ryleigh grinned. “I did pass a tea shop that looked way worse, so this place has that going for it at least.” Her eyes brightened a bit and she sat up a little more. “The castle? You mean, Hogwarts? Do you work there?” Her gaze went to the empty seat and she nodded as she picked up her cloak. “It would be silly to pass up a free lunch,” she said as she stood, “if you don’t mind the company.”

A groan passed his lips. “Bloody Madam Puddifoot’s.” He then chuckled. “It’s a garish place, as I’m sure you could tell. However, Valentine’s Day is their biggest day of the year. Its’ clientele are mostly teenagers and older women - most likely longing for their younger days.” His teasing was tongue in cheek, of course. He couldn’t fault someone for what made them happy. “I wouldn’t have offered, otherwise. Besides, what is the day for if not to spend it in charming company.” He stood to pull the seat opposite him out for her. 

♕ —- After shaking his hand, Ryleigh released it and turned a bit towards him. “It’s nice to meet you too, Alex,” she said with a smile before she glanced about the room. “Yeah, looks like cupid vomited all over the place.” She shook her head as she chuckled and shrugged at his question. “It was on my to-do list and it seemed a far better option than being at my office at the Ministry. Butterbeer is tasty though but I don’t think it will replace hot-buttered rum in my heart. What about you?”

Alex snorted into his glass before putting it down and licking his lips. “That’s certainly one way to put it. I simply needed to get out of the castle and stretch my legs. Besides, the Shepherd’s Pie here is my favourite.” Chuckling, he gestured to the spare seat at his table. “Would you care to join me? I could buy you lunch?”

♕ —- “Seems we’re in the same club and didn’t even know it,” Ryleigh chuckled before she extended her hand in his direction. “I’m Ryleigh, fellow busy-body,” she replied, “and you are?”

“It seems.” He chuckled as he took her hand and shook it. “Alex. Always a pleasure to make the acquaintance of a fellow busy-body.” Alex turned around in his seat to face her. “I can’t say I would have ventured out if I’d been aware of the day. Though all of the pink and red decor about the place all seems to make sense now.” Grinning he raised his glass to his mouth. “What brings your to the Three Broomsticks today, Ryleigh?”

♕ —- “Probably a day you shouldn’t be spending it working,” Ryleigh said with a chuckle as she glanced over at him. “It’s Valentine’s Day, if that helps.”

“Well then,” Alex gave a self depreciating laugh. “It’s probably a good idea that I don’t have a special someone to celebrate the day with. I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had the time to purchase anything. I’d be quite the let down.” He smiled. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name?”

Alice smiled when he noticed her, “A toffee please!” She asked him. It was so inconvenient how high up wizarding stores made things, assuming that everyone would be able to use magic to get it. 

“Alright, sure.” Reaching up, Alex handed Alice a packet of toffee. “Enjoy.” 

Elizabeth grabbed a plate of the food, sitting back so she could relax for a bit. “I’m always worried about everything lately.” The woman sighed loudly. “Everything’s been going so well lately- apparently she asked if she could call me mum. And I’m so worried that one day it’s all going to explode in my face and disappear. Or I’m going to mess it up and they’ll hate me. What if I’m a bad mum?” 

"Bess, you’re not... Are you pregnant or something?” Alex half joked. “I’m only saying coz mum said she was super anxious when she was pregnant with me - granted there was a war going on.” He eyed his cousin warily, but couldn’t help but smile at her next words. “Then you’ve got nothing to worry about, Bess. She wants to call you mum. That’s awesome. You’re not going to mess it up. You’re so good with her - and him. You don’t know how great it is to see them so happy.”

“Perfect,” Poppy said with a smile as she hopped off the desk and walked towards the door, Alex following behind. “I’ve only run into one student and it was in the muggle world,” she said with a laugh. “Can you believe that? I was with my sister and she was trying to show me around and there was one of my third years. I didn’t approach her but it was all very strange.”

“Really?” Alex laughed. “I can’t.” He listened to her speak, glancing at her every now and then as they made their way through the corridor. “I’ve mostly seen ex-students out and about. I’m sure there will come a day where I meet one of my current students out in the world.” He laughed, reaching over to tuck her hand in his arm and give it a pat. “I’m sure I’ll handle it with much less grace than you, Pops.”

Liz couldn’t help but to grin as he went on, rolling her eyes when he gave her the kiss on the cheek. Both of them wee only siblings but had grown up so closely because of it. “I know, you big dork.” She laughed, giving him a playful shrug. “You know you’re my best friend too right? And all those other things you listed.” She told him reassuringly. “Now we have to stop before I cry- and we haven’t even gotten to the sad part of the movie yet!” 

Grinning, Alex nudged her with his shoulder. “Ugh, I am not prepared.” He turned back to his dinner, keeping an eye on the movie. “So what brought all that on?” He asked casually. “Why so worried that Iris is going to hate you?”

@alexanderpjones​ 

“Um, excuse me?” She asked quietly from behind the tall man. “Do you think you could-?” Alice awkwardly asked, pointing to a high up shelf. Unfortunately she often had this problem in wizarding shops. Being unable to reach half the items and having no way of getting them down. 

Alex had been zoned out, studying the treats on display. He was at the end of Christmas shopping wherer he stocked up on a few things for surprise presents; that is, presents you had wrapped and ready to give out on the event of someone getting you a present that you weren’t prepared for. He also liked to get a little something for his NEWT students. Honeydukes was the place to get all that. A voice pulled him from his thoughts, however. “Oh, sure. Which do you want?” 

Elizabeth accepted that answer, though she still found it strange. It was a little bit comforting to know though. “Am I the best friend or are you talking about Teddy?” She questioned. “Honestly you better say me or else I’m taking the food and leaving.” The woman threatened him teasingly. 

“Bess, you are so much more than my best friend.” Alex replied, reaching over to give her knee a squeeze. “You, my love, are my sister. My soul mate. My kindred spirit. I will never love another girl the way I love you.” He leaned over to give her a quick peck on the cheek. “You know that right? And not just because you brought me my favourite food.”

“Well, I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who took attire seriously,” she teased, having had a similar idea to him. Cassie smiled and pressed a kiss to his cheek when he stood up from his bow. “Hi. I think you have a new admirer,” she said, setting Ilsa down. “She’s been talking about this all week.”

“Of course,” Alex replied. “You have to take these nights seriously.” He leaned down to press a kiss to her cheek as she kissed him. He knelt and took Ilsa’s hand, pressing a kiss to the back of her tiny hand. “You look lovely tonight, darling. I’m so glad to have you both in my home.” He stood. “You look lovely, too, Ms Rogers.” He offered his arm to Cassie and his hand to Ilsa. “I was thinking we could eat out in the garden. Please, let me escort you out and I’ll come back to bring out dinner.” He lead them out to the patio, where he’d charmed the trees and bushes to twinkle with fairy lights. A warming charm had been placed around the area, where a small table sat with three chairs. On the table was a single candle, and three place settings. A simple white rose bud lay across Cassie’s plate and across Ilsa’s plate. Softly, an old Nat King Cole record played on an old record player that had been his grandmother’s. He saw Ilsa to her chair first, dropping Cassie’s arm for a moment, to pull out the chair for her before pushing it in. He then did the same for Cassie. “So, I was thinking a Shirley Temple for the little lady and a Nojito for the two of us - my own invention a non-alcoholic Mojito.”