Carolyn Wilkes

“Likewise.” Sturgis smiled. “Well, since we are here… Why don’t I buy you a drink?”

“Well, since we are here... Why not? You can buy me a drink.”

“Perhaps dinner as well?”

“Oh, wow, you really don’t know me,” Tiberius joked.

“If that’s the last memory you’ve got of me, I’ve done you a disservice.”

“If I was uncomfortable, don’t you think I would have told you?”

“But I wouldn’t object to a hand with that box of decorations sitting by the curb.”

Carolyn replied before she could think, “I don’t know. Would have you?” There was a note of doubt in her voice. Right afterwards she shook slightly her head and smiled. She glanced at the box and said, “Sure. I’ll get that,” even though she wasn’t overly enthusiastic to carry it, especially if without magic. “I can’t believe it’s already Christmas time.” And her birthday was right there, too.

“Well duh.”

“I’m one of four, myself, so I couldn’t imagine having only one,” Dorcas answered simply, before making a face, “But it’s weird to think about. Not something I want anytime soon.” Laughing, she nodded. “Oh, definitely. I can play with them as much as I want, and then I get to give them back as soon as they start to get cranky. And I dunno. I reckon I should buy it and then if I find something better I can always come back and return it. I still have loads more shopping to do and I don’t want to spend all day in one shop.”

“Four? Nice. I guess.” Carolyn smiled. “I get that. Definitely weird.” She nodded once, understanding and agreeing with Dorcas. “Exactly. Perks of not being the parent.” She chuckled softly. “And that sounds like a good plan. But don’t tell me about shopping. At least you’ve started and already found something. I’m so far behind.” She sighed softly. “I’m not even sure I can make it in time.”

“Yeah, four. At least I only have the two nephews for now. That’s not so many that I feel outnumbered,” Dorcas replied with a laugh, “How many people do you need to shop for?”

“Headquarters,” Marlene shrugged nonchalantly, though it was barely visible, as her shoulders were so preoccupied by the league of needles she was carrying. “Don’t worry. It’ll look better once it’s decorated.”

“I’m sure it will.” Carolyn nodded slightly, slowly taking in the whole tree before moving her gaze back to Marlene. “Looks heavy.” She gestured vaguely at the needles. “And a bit uncomfortable to carry. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, you’re sure right about that.”

“See you ‘round, Wilkes.”

“Bye!”

“Hardly. Good timing, I imagine.”

“Good, indeed. It’s always nice to meet a friendly pretty face.”

Dorcas laughed out loud. “No, he’s my brother’s,” she answered with an amused shake of her head, “Not that I don’t want little ones someday, but that’s a long ways off. Too much going on right now, you know? I’m satisfied with being the cool aunt for now.” She paused. “Although I won’t be cool for much longer if I don’t find him a cracker present.”

“Someday,” Carolyn agreed, a small amused smile curling her lips. Having kids was really a funny thought, certainly not one of her priorities at the moment. “Plural, huh? How many little ones are you planning?” she lightly teased Dorcas a bit more. “The cool aunt is definitely the best role; you get all the cute stuff and leave all the obnoxious stuff to his parents. Smart choice.” She nodded. “Anyway, I think that could be an alright present. Are there other options?”

“Nothing particular,” At least, not yet.

“Christmas, of course. I know. I procrastinated. But I didn’t realize shopping for someone so small would be so difficult.”

“Everyone procrastinates,” Carolyn replied with a soft scoff and a quick shrug of her shoulders, a note of amusement in her voice. “I can only imagine. I suppose there aren’t instructions or a manual on age-appropriate presents. That would help,” she commented. “It’s not yours, right?” she teased Dorcas a little, her smile growing a little wider.

“You know how funny money can make people.”

“Good point and I can’t really argue with that. But I also think it’s not just money alone that can make you funny.”

“You see them?!” Mundungus’ mouth hang open just as his eyes widened as he looked at Carolyn. Distracted, first one than another and the last ball, all of them came falling down on him. His hands failing to catch them. One even ricocheted from his shoulders to her. “Oh, yeah, they are real. How did they get here?” Had it been him? Was he that high? Either way, better to admit nothing.

Carolyn caught the ball flying in her direction and looked up at Mundungus. Her expression went from utter confusion to vague irritation and then to confusion back again as she listened to him. “That’s a good question. A question I might even ask you; how did they get here? And, what are you doing? Are you... okay?” 

“Depends on the type and amount of coffee you’re drinking, I suppose. If you can forget time from being too tired, I imagine you can forget time from having too much caffeine. It might defeat the purpose of drinking the coffee though.”

“It might. Good point, indeed. However, if we keep going, I’ll need coffee just to try to keep up.” Carolyn chuckled. “A lot of coffee. It’s getting a little too confusing, isn’t it? Maybe even a little philosophical?” 

“You can tell me all about how things are going at the Prophet.”

“Anything specific you’d like to know?” Carolyn smiled and added, “Anyone you’d like to hear about?”