What was it about fancy events that put Josh off? It's not that he wasn't used to them growing up in a Pureblooded family, but he never liked them. It also wasn't the fact that he had to dress up in dress robes or suits, because he liked wearing those and felt that he always looked best in them. Perhaps, then, it was the interaction. Not that there was too much of it, but it was always in a stuffy setting and Josh never felt completely comfortable. That must be it.

So when Joshua was invited to attend a dinner at Jarvey Estates, he cringed. As he overlooked the supposed program, his face winced as he saw the noted speaker would be Darius Zolner, Joshua sighed. He had heard the man talk and was never impressed with his words. He seemed to just ramble about his own work, but never really doing anything about what he talked about.

But this was also an event that the Director would be attending. And Josh always wanted to stay on the good side of the Director of Magical Education, for he would be retiring in the next few years and Josh wanted to be the one chosen to replace him. Josh did not want to work this hard his entire adult life to not get anything from it. No. Josh would make his appearance and greet the Director and his wife and escape back to the Cauldron as quickly as he could in order to catch a late round with the gang there.

Joshua looked into the mirror and adjusted his tie.

“Damn stuffy events,” he said. “I haven’t had to wear a tie in over a month and now I’ve gone and ruined myself.”

He finished fussing with the tie and smiled at his reflection.

“Much better.”

He sighed and took his wand and apparated himself to Jarvey Estates. Joshua took out his invitation and walked toward the entrance. Presenting his invitation, he stepped inside. As he was greeted, he nodded at the Director and quickly made a beeline for the bar.

“Firewhiskey,” he said.

When he received his mug, Joshua nearly emptied it in one gulp. Upon his second gulp, the drink was gone and Josh was already ordering a second one. This one he would wander with. The first was merely an appetizer and he would have to take his time with the rest – at least until he could leave and get somewhat closer to home or where he can be tossed to the corner and left alone.

As Josh made his rounds amongst the throngs of people, he couldn’t believe what he saw. He looked again to verify and he was amazed, for standing just across the room was Griselda Campbell. Not recommended reading in the schools, of course, but Joshua had enjoyed her novels and he couldn’t believe that she was at this event as well. He almost wished that he had her novels with him so she could autograph them.

Without a second thought, Joshua made his way across the room, saying hi to just about everyone and stopped in front of Ms. Campbell.

“I cannot believe I finally get to meet you,” he said. “I am a big fan.”

He shook her hand and then was embarrassed.

“Oops,” he said. “Sorry about that. I’m Joshua Austen. And I’m a big fan.”

"Darling. Really." She smiled toothily at the witch, who in actuality, it looked atrocious on her. Silly cow probably bought the damn thing two hours ago, hoping to look "up to date". Which was foolish in and of itself. Even vintage pieces could be fabulous if tailored properly. Griselda herself was wearing a slinky black dress she'd picked up in Paris -- another Zimmerman's. After her encounter with the local tailor, she'd curiously gone through her wardrobe and found that most of it was Zimmerman's, which amused her slightly -- still, it made sense. It was fashionable, stylish, and everything was tailored at no extra charge. Mind, they were a little bit more expensive then your average robe shop, but it was worth it. Her hair was out loose tonight, although a blood red pendant hung from her neck, resting luxuriously upon her still blessed bosom. A black handbag was clutched in her hands, her lips also dark crimson.

Taking a gulp of her Dragon's Martini, she turned about, hoping to find someone more interesting to talk to.

Another wizard approached her -- nice suit. A bit harried, but that was more his attitude than his appearance. He wore it very nicely. He was a bit thin, but he had a huge grin that seemed to cover half his face.

"I cannot believe I finally get to meet you," he whispered. "I am a big fan."

Oh, a fan, she thought. She gave a great grin, smiling kindly at him. She raised her eyebrows as a cue for a name, but instead, he just thrust out a hand. A nervous fan. She wrinkled her eyes kindly, and took it. He came to himself, though, and a nervous smirk flooded his face.

"Oops... Sorry about that. I’m Joshua Austen. And I’m a big fan.”

She beamed. "Yes, you said so. I assume you're referring to my books?" She smiled. She'd surely never been one to gain fans from her journalism. Depending on which one was his favourite, as some had been more made up then real, while others were surprisingly accurate. Besides the deaths, that was.

Josh let go of the woman’s hand and smiled. He still could not believe that he was meeting her. Here, of all places.

“Yes,” he stammered. “Yes. I’ve read all of your fiction and have enjoyed every one of them. But I have also read your journalism pieces and found them thought provoking and interesting.

He was gushing, he knew, but he also knew what it was like to write – having failed stupendously – and to receive compliments for one’s writing was always a pleasure. Josh caught himself again and stopped talking.

“I must sound boorish,” he said. “I do have some manners.”

Josh turned to a waiter and stopped him. “Another drink for the lady,” he said. “And . . .” he paused to finish the mug in hand. “Another firewhiskey for me.”

He turned back to Miss Campbell and smiled. “Now,” he said. “I believe I was embarrassing myself to no end. How about we try this again?”

Josh bowed slightly to the woman and stood tall once again.

“Good evening, Miss Campbell,” he started. “My name is Joshua Austen and I am a big fan.”

He put his hand out once more, gentler, this time.

“Yes,” he stammered. “Yes. I’ve read all of your fiction and have enjoyed every one of them. But I have also read your journalism pieces and found them thought provoking and interesting."

For a moment, Griselda gaped. Someone who'd read her journalism?

"R-really?"

He must have misread her expression, however. “I must sound boorish,” he said. “I do have some manners.”

He stopped a passing bartender -- she hardly noticed her own drink was running a bit low -- and asked for another drink for her, and a firewhiskey for himself, after downing it rather impressively.

"A Dragon's Martini," she told him, finding herself a bit impressed by the display. Having met many men, she could say that not many of them could down firewhiskey like that. Blame her Irish roots, but it made her heart warm like that. She gave a most delicious smile, letting her luscious lips spread like a sanguine invitation of the most dangerous sort.

But, then, this fellow was not unfamiliar with dangerous. In fact, he wallowed in it. Sought it out, actually. And that, she could admire.

He gave her a most gorgeous grin. “Now,” he said. “I believe I was embarrassing myself to no end. How about we try this again?”

A gentleman of great breeding! He even bowed graciously, as she had seen in so many high class circles, the way he held himself so close and so sure -- doubtless, not only was he fulfilling the training that Pureblooded wizards drilled into their children, but he did so with such beauty and grace, that there was no doubt to his respect for her. Why, she hadn't seen a bow like that since... since Hayao.

God, that could make a woman melt. She felt herself fluff up even subconsciously, raising her chin proudly to accept his offering. When he stood again, she took another good look at him. Definitely a Pureblood. She could see that remnant of royalty in his high cheekbones and dark, deepset eyes. Still, they glittered with absolute delight, and his smile burst with a radiance. Well, she wondered, looking about bashfully. Who was the smitten one?

“Good evening, Miss Campbell,” he started. “My name is Joshua Austen and I am a big fan.”

He put out his hand -- long fingers, and casual, yet regal at the same time. This was why she went after wizards. They had so much class, and cared so much for maintaining this kind of royal behaviours that she admired so...

She nodded, feeling her posture straighten, her own classical training returning to her, taking his hand -- it was so warm, and entangled around her fingers so softly... "A pleasure to meet a fan." She bit her lip teasingly. "But... You say you've read all of my writing? Including my journalism?" She scarcely believed it -- it was so long ago... She thought she'd managed to get away from those years. Although, now she was kind of glad that she hadn't, if it meant such a charming fellow to gain from it... She blushed modestly. "Well. What's your favourite book? And no compromising!" She warned kindly, raising a delicate finger to him. Although the Gaelic Geisha was her favourite -- the one the most accurate to her true story -- also the only one where the love of her tale truly was now deceased, and she'd written his death as one of old age, as had truly happened, rather than a vengeful murder -- Scottish Rose had been the most romanticised, and had turned her first encounter into a wonderful story that was actually worth telling. Still, each of them had their gem moments -- she made sure every gem was put in a proper placing and worn with pride in each novel. Still... he'd read her journalism? She didn't hardly believe it.

There were times for being impolite and times when his father’s stern hand would remind Josh of patience and etiquette. This was one of those times. Because of his apparent misbehavior, Josh almost instinctly heard in his ears his father berating him for his mistreatment of such a fine woman. That was why he acted the way he did – because of his father. Not that she needed to know that. But it was because of his father that Joshua was still as genteel when it came to the standard Pureblood “society” practices.

As he took her hand, he could feel the softness of it. Before, when he had held it, it seemed bony and fragile, but now it was soft and gentle. He offered a small kiss – as was permitted by society – and released her hand carefully.

"A pleasure to meet a fan."

He cracked a smile. He had made the right impression – no thanks to his father’s voice pounding the Pureblood rituals into his brain.

"But... You say you've read all of my writing? Including my journalism?"

Joshua nodded. “I can honestly say that when I originally read your work, I did not know it was you. However, after reading your novels, I realized that they shared a similar and familiar writing style as something I had read before.”

The waiter returned with a second martini for Miss Campbell and the firewhiskey for Josh. He took them and handed the lady her drink. He clinked their glasses together a moment.

“Cheers,” he said. He took a sip and continued his story.

“As I was saying,” he started. “I noticed a familiarity in your novels to something I read previously. It wasn’t until later that I realized it was in your journalism. That is when I returned to your early works and reread them, finding the brilliance in them once again.”

Again, it seemed as if he was speaking too much, but managed to hear the question.

"Well. What's your favourite book? And no compromising!"

Joshua took another sip of his whiskey and grinned as he stared at the beautiful woman in front of him. He still couldn’t believe that he was speaking to one of his favorite authors. He thought about the novels that she had written and how they were mostly romance novels. Being a man, it was not usually common to be caught reading such drivel (to others), but Joshua had an eagerness to read and loved to read most genres.

“Honestly,” he said. “I’d have to say that Scottish Rose is my favorite. Mostly because it was well told with a wonderful plot and intriguing characters.” He paused to take another sip. “What is your favorite novel that you’ve written?”

“I can honestly say that when I originally read your work, I did not know it was you. However, after reading your novels, I realized that they shared a similar and familiar writing style as something I had read before.”

"Ah..." So, an older fan. One who'd enjoyed her works even when she was published anonymously. That was very reassuring, seeing as she was trying to restart her work. She gave a delicious smirk.

“Cheers,” he said.

"Cheers," she replied, holding the drink to her bosom, deciding not to let the alcohol squander an actually pleasant meeting.

“As I was saying,” he continued. He did like to jabber, but at least the conversation was one she throughly enjoyed, so she didn't mind in the slightest. “I noticed a familiarity in your novels to something I read previously. It wasn’t until later that I realized it was in your journalism. That is when I returned to your early works and reread them, finding the brilliance in them once again.”[/b]

She hummed in approval, nodding. Yes, Skeeter's article, exposing her for her work, had been a scandal in and of itself, but it was what had led her to go abroad and meet such wonderful people as now inhabited the novels that had, quite frankly, made her rather insanely wealthy.

"Well. What's your favourite book? And no compromising!"

The wizard grinned at her -- my, it was simply dazzing. “Honestly,” he said. “I’d have to say that Scottish Rose is my favorite. Mostly because it was well told with a wonderful plot and intriguing characters.”

She murmured in delight, smiling. "Yes, they very much are. Nevillie, the husband in that one, is actually a combination of my first husband and a couple of ex-boyfriends -- all of them are, at the heart of them, autobiographical." She grinned. "Except for the killing them, part." She laughed with delight. She never used a real name -- Scottish Rose was Gerald, now Neville; Nile Queen was a Jeremy, now Augustus; and her beloved Hayao: Gaelic Geisha now had him as Shinji.

He paused to take another sip. “What is your favorite novel that you’ve written?”

"Oh, that's a lovely question," she answered modestly. Actually, she hated this question. She hated Jerry and Gerald and had been much to happy to be able to eviscerate them through fiction, but writing Geisha had been her own brand of therapy to mourn her beloved Hayao. None of them were exactly a fond creation. "I would have to say Gaelic Geisha," she answered. "It is the most true story I have, and it was a joy to bring my fond memories of him to life on paper." May you live on, and may others love you as I have done, she thought, her smile saddening slightly as she sent out the prayer.

"But, to such a dedicated fan, I have a surprise for you." She let her lips curl in a deliciously mischeivous kind of way. "I'll have you know that I am, at the moment, planning on starting up my journalism again. Or, perhaps, seeking a new paramour for my next novel, hmm?" To be honest, she was a bit anxious to find someone worth writing about. "Isn't that exciting?"

Griselda spoke about her husbands or ex-lovers that made for the core of the main characters in her books. Josh figured that they had to be based on real people as they seemed almost too fictional for characters and therefore must have been base on truth. He was glad to learn that Gaelic Geisha was the truest of them all. It was a beautiful love story that ended in tragedy, as most love stories often did. He had been on the losing end of many a love story and had yet to find the right woman or girl, depending on how one looked at whom he was with.

"But, to such a dedicated fan, I have a surprise for you."

Josh’s eyes perked up. “A surprise?” he said.

"I'll have you know that I am, at the moment, planning on starting up my journalism again. Or, perhaps, seeking a new paramour for my next novel, hmm?"

A smile grew on his face and then a shy grin as she mentioned a paramour. Did she have eyes for him? Not that it mattered, really. He was always looking for a good woman to have some fun with. If more came of it, then so be it, he didn’t complain. It would be a little odd for Josh, though, as he usually went for women that were a little closer in age to him, but no matter. Griselda was beautiful. Plus, she was his favorite. How bad could it really be if something did come of it?

"Isn't that exciting?"

Josh, who had taken another sip of the whiskey, nodded his head a moment before he answered.

“Indeed, Miss Campbell,” he said. “Are you looking to write for a specific publication, or more freelance?”

He stopped a moment, knowing the state of affairs of several of the wizard papers these days.

“Or would you go back to fiction after having some grand adventure with some young stud that finds a way to show you a good time?”

He could have been talking about himself – not that he was specifically, though he might have been. But he was also talking of the many men that Griselda seemed to count as lovers and friends and whatever else she called them. Josh took one more drink of whiskey and it was gone. He placed it on a passing waiter’s tray and ordered another. He figured the more he drank now, the easier it would be to catch up to the blokes at the Cauldron. He smiled and waited for both an answer to his questions and another firewhiskey.

“Are you looking to write for a specific publication, or more freelance?”

"More freelance, honestly, but if I'm offered a job, I shan't complain." She smiled. "Although, it's all for sport, anyway." The truth was, trashy romance novels sold insanely well. And hers were actually of some caliber of reality and taste. It was no surprise she had as much success as she did.

“Or would you go back to fiction after having some grand adventure with some young stud that finds a way to show you a good time?”

She grinned deliciously. "A little bit of both, if I'm not too unfortunate," she replied. It was a quote from Scottish Rose, in a not too different context.

She saw him finish his whiskey and order another. She bit her lip teasingly. "You know, not many men can take firewhiskey like you do," she noted. "It's a much underestimated talent." He reminded her of home, in a good way. Which was a very rare thing.

She spoke about writing mostly freelance, but not really caring either way since she considered writing fun. He could see the argument in that. Joshua was never one to really care for writing and now simply did writing when necessary for reports. As the Assistant Director, it was more his duty to edit and determine if things were wrong – not come up with the ideas. That was left to the text book editors and writers. Joshua was thankful for that. It had taken him a lot of work to get out of writing when he had to do it and he was done with it. Not that he didn’t like to write, but he simply had to desire for it any longer. That’s why he hoped to eventually be named Director. Then he wouldn’t have to do anything but supervise. The Director was more of a voice of the magical education system and therefore simply made appearances and assured magical parents that their children were receiving the finest education in all of England, if not Europe or the world.

"A little bit of both, if I'm not too unfortunate,"

She quoted his favorite title of hers and his smile beamed even brighter, if possible. “Bravo, Miss Campbell,” he said. “I’m not very good at using quotes from too many books in normal conversation.”

The waiter returned with his third whiskey of the evening and Griselda noticed.

"You know, not many men can take firewhiskey like you do,"

He wondered if it was a bad thing, but didn’t care if she thought so.

"It's a much underestimated talent."

His wonder disappeared with the statement. He took a minor gulp and gently wiped his mouth.

“It’s an acquired skill, really,” he started. “I learned by watching my father drink his life away . . .” he paused and caught himself. “Not that he’s dead. But after my mother left him, we both seemed to drink quite a bit and I wasn’t even of age.” He leaned closer to Griselda a moment. “Don’t tell anyone though,” he whispered. “Or my dad could get in trouble for delinquency of a minor, more so since he was an Auror at the time.”

Joshua chuckled a moment and gulped again. He looked at the drink in her hand.

“So,” he said. “Do you usually stick to martinis or do you mix it up a bit?”

His big grin was stupendous. She felt very proud to have put it there. “Bravo, Miss Campbell,” he said. “I’m not very good at using quotes from too many books in normal conversation.”

She smiled. "It's a gift -- one of those things you pick up as a fiction writer, seeing as most of your dialogue is intended to be 'normal conversation'."

“It’s an acquired skill, really,” he started. “I learned by watching my father drink his life away . . .” he paused and caught himself. “Not that he’s dead. But after my mother left him, we both seemed to drink quite a bit and I wasn’t even of age.” He leaned closer to Griselda a moment. “Don’t tell anyone though,” he whispered. “Or my dad could get in trouble for delinquency of a minor, more so since he was an Auror at the time.”

She giggled as well. "Yes, my father had a similar situation." She wouldn't call it a problem, though. Out where she was from, sometimes the only thing to do during the weekend was get drunk -- and with so many boys around, one either got a stomach for the strong stuff, or you stayed home. She never quite liked staying home.

“So,” he said. “Do you usually stick to martinis or do you mix it up a bit?”

"It depends entirely on the company," she answered honestly. "Fancy gigs like this, they'll actually have the fixin's for this, my most favourite concoction of all -- the Dragon's Martini. Made with hot sauce and pomegranates and a couple liquors you don't find in your average bar. A bit like a mule the way it kicks, yet lucious with fruit. When I'm at the pub, of course, I drink stuff like yourself. I was raised in the country, so... you either learned to drink or you stayed home." She took another gulp of her drink. "Ah. I never quite liked to miss a party." She grinned. "Why? You have plans to find a better party than this one? Cause if you do, I'm all ears." No, seriously. It's stuffy here. And there's no good gossip. The martini is all its good for. Except maybe you, gorgeous...

She spoke of how she often used her own writing as dialogue because of its original intent, which made Josh think about everything that had been written that he had read. Could some of that really be considered “normal conversation?” He wasn’t sure because half of the books he had read were considered text books and none of them should be used in common dialogue.

Griselda admitted that her father also had a drinking problem, though she didn’t come out and say that it was a problem, though a “situation”. Joshua had been around enough drinkers to know that it was code for problem. Griselda may not have been willing to admit how serious her father’s problem was, but at least knew it was a problem. Joshua himself didn’t have a problem, though. He knew his limit and he knew how long he would last past that limit. Plus, having been drinking for almost twenty years had increased Josh’s tolerance for alcohol, so his limit had grown over the past few years.

Josh simply stared at the woman as she spoke about the drink in her hand – the Dragon’s Martini. He had heard of the drink, but never really chose to try. He figured if he made a friend of Griselda that it would eventually come up, so he made a note to himself to try one the next time he was at a fancy party such as this one. He knew that if he attempted to order one while with his drinking buddies at the Cauldron that they would simply laugh him out the door and not allow him to come back in. He was glad to know, however, that she did dabble in some of the other liquors, as Josh did. She also mentioned never liking to miss a party.

"Why? You have plans to find a better party than this one? Cause if you do, I'm all ears."

Josh, who had been taking a gulp of whiskey to empty half of his glass, was taken aback by the comment, but did his best not to show it. He was a professional after all and if the Director were to see his sorry, drunk ass embarrassing himself in front of Griselda Campbell, then Josh would surely not be given the promotion that he had been working so long for.

Instead, Josh wiped his mouth on his sleeve and smiled at Griselda.

“I don’t know of any,” he started. “But I’m sure I could find one. Or start one for you, maybe?”

“I don’t know of any,” he started. “But I’m sure I could find one. Or start one for you, maybe?”

She smiled. "That doesn't sound like a bad idea." That's what she was talking about. Some honest-to-God fun. Not these stuffy get-togethers with poseurs trying to blend in with the has-beens and everyone thinking they belong. It was rubbish, and she was successful enough to know that almost none of these fops had anything to be taken seriously, and the ones that did were just as sure of themselves as Griselda was. But that was hardly any fun. Not to mention the schmoozing. "I think a few friends and some strong drink and no curfew would be just what the doctor ordered, personally." She sipped her cocktail lightly. "What do you think? Is it possible?"

Her smile and comment seemed pure, giving him the sense that she wanted to be there just as much as he did.

"I think a few friends and some strong drink and no curfew would be just what the doctor ordered, personally."

He watched as she took a sip of her cocktail. His mug was nearly empty and he knew he had to stop. Any more whiskey at this point and he may as well be signing his dismissal papers. He wasn’t completely sloshed, but he knew it could go either way at that point, so he chose to stop. At least until he was someplace where he at least knew people that could get him home safe.

Joshua finished the drink and placed it on an empty tray as it passed.

"What do you think? Is it possible?"

He pulled his pocket watch from his vest pocket and popped it open. It was still quite early in the sense that most of his friends wouldn’t even be out yet. That didn’t bother him. There was nothing wrong with simply being with her. It seemed to Josh that she wouldn’t mind that either.

“Well,” he said, putting his watch away. “I can’t make it happen just yet. It’s still a tad early for my friends. But . . .” he paused and looked around the room for the Director. “I think getting away from here is the start of whatever sort of fun we could have.”

He had a pocketwatch! Oh, that was cool! Obviously one of those English things. She beamed silly. Yeah, she was home.

“Well,” he said, putting his watch away. “I can’t make it happen just yet. It’s still a tad early for my friends. But . . .”

He made a show to look about. “I think getting away from here is the start of whatever sort of fun we could have.”

She beamed deliciously. "Just what I like to hear." She finished her drink and placed it on a passing tray, licking her lips lusciously. "Shall we?"

He grinned as Griselda finished the drink in her hand and placed it on a tray. Casually, Joshua stepped beside Griselda and placed his arm out for her to take it. If there was one thing that people would be able to say about him, it was that he was at least a gentleman when the time called for it. And this was one of those times. Joshua escorted Griselda out of the hall as if they had been good friends. He smiled as he passed the Director, but didn’t say anything. The Director knew enough about Joshua to know not to bother questioning anything that he did when he was outside of the Ministry. It was just something understood by most staff members in the office – they didn’t want to admit that they were slightly jealous of the man and his ability to simply find a way to have fun. And that’s what he was going to do tonight – with or without his friends.

On his way out the door, Joshua stopped at the bar. Taking out several gold pieces, he looked at the bartender and placed the gold on the counter.

“Two bottles of the best stuff and two glasses.”

Without a word, the bartender slid the gold into his hands and pulled two bottles from below the counter and placed them in front of Joshua. The bartender took two glasses and handed them over as well. Joshua nodded and then continued out the door with Griselda.

They walked in silence for a moment, enjoying the night air. It was a beautiful night in London. They stopped at a bench and Joshua sat down, prompting Griselda to join him on the bench. Taking his wand, Joshua opened the first of the wine bottles.

“It’s not much of a party,” he started. “But at least there’s alcohol.” He smiled as he poured the glasses. “It’s still early, though,” he continued, thinking about the time. “Most people that party won’t be out for another couple of hours.”

Josh took a sip of the wine and then looked at Griselda.

“Tell me, Miss Campbell,” he said. “How do you decide what part of your life to write about? I’m sure it’s all quite interesting.”

The gentleman -- was it Joshua, he said? -- moved to Griselda's side and held out his arm. Smiling -- my, what a catch! -- she took it, pleased once more to have a found a wizard of such fine breeding. He led her out of the party -- taking a moment to smile cockily to another wizard - Griselda followed his eyes and mimicked the bold move -- but before leaving, he made a beeline for the last bar before the door.

"Two bottles of your best wine, and two glasses," he ordered, sure. The shiny galleons he deposited on the bar with ease made her squee inside, though she fought to contain herself. With his order in hand, they exited the party.

Outside, quieting charms hid the party well. The night air had the slight scent of a post-shower dew, but that might have been watering from earlier. She smiled softly, enjoying the romanticism of the entire evening as they came to a bench. No cork in hand, her suitor -- yes, this was now a suitor, she decided -- instead opened the first bottle with a quick spell.

“It’s not much of a party,” he apologised. “But at least there’s alcohol.”

She smiled. "A party for two, then."

He smiled as he poured the glasses. “It’s still early, though,” he continued, thinking about the time. “Most people that party won’t be out for another couple of hours.”

"That is true..." she noted, looking to the horizon -- there was still a hint of the sunset. The party truly hadn't been on for very long before he'd found her.

They sipped quietly at her wine -- it was very good. Merlot Mayberry Wines - Cran-Raspberry Mix the label said. It had holly and tinsel around the border, so it was probably a holiday special. She made a note for the winery - she would have to find more of it.

“Tell me, Miss Campbell,” he said. “How do you decide what part of your life to write about? I’m sure it’s all quite interesting.”

She smiled. "In all honesty? I find that some things just... won't leave my mind. I figure, if it stays with me long enough, it deserves to be shared. Mind, that means that my writings will go on threads for weeks at a time if my mind is preoccupied with a certain obsession," she explained with a smile. "More often than not, that's a particularly fascinating person..." she teased, "But I can do the same thing with certain... political ideals or debates as well. But if I have no interest in it, my writing is never any good." The truth was, she still hadn't found anyone to write about, and it was bugging her. This fellow was charming and handsome. But she wondered if there was any dirt that he knew, or if he was just another pretty face.

Joshua could see that Griselda was pleased with simply having some time to themselves and that was good enough for him. Certainly, it would have been better to go somewhere and join another already in progress party (like the one they had just vacated), but that was neither here nor there. The night air was brisk, but not cold in any way, though the wine would help that if enough was consumed.

He sat there, sipping his wine, as she explained her process of decision making when it came to her books. He smiled as she spoke about things that wouldn’t leave her mind and the need to share them. Joshua had discovered that with women – not that he would share them – but he would usually try to see them more than once if they had that connection.

"More often than not, that's a particularly fascinating person..."

Joshua didn’t realize it, but he blushed at the comment. Not that he felt he was a fascinating person, but others did. That was one reason most people talked with him – he tended to read quite a bit, not just fiction, but newspapers and magazines as well – feeling well informed about most things. Plus, he simply was a fun drunk – never really falling down – but just having fun. And talking. He liked to talk when he was drunk and eventually the talking would become slurs until he fell asleep. But that would be some time from now. Four whiskeys and some wine was nowhere near his limit. But he could get there quicker if he wasn’t careful.

Looking back to the building they had left, Joshua took another sip of wine.

“I’m sure there are plenty of . . .” he paused a moment. “’Fascinating’ is too nice of word for those people,” he continued. “’Strange’ would be a start, I suppose. Yes, I’m sure there must be some strange people in there that might be worthy – for the wrong reasons – to have Griselda Campbell write about them.”

Griselda beamed. "Mr. Austen, as a fan of mine, and an avid reader, surely you know how my occupation requires me to have an ever open ear..." She leaned closer, sliding a finger beneath a lapel teasingly. "If you knew of such people, you'd tell me, wouldn't you?" She bowed her head so that she was looking up at him through her lashes.

"Mr. Austen, as a fan of mine, and an avid reader, surely you know how my occupation requires me to have an ever open ear..."

Joshua noticed that she had come closer and was running a finger against him. He was only slightly uncomfortable, but it never showed. Despite his apprehension at the moment, Griselda Campbell would never have known, for he was solid with a smile on his face, sipping his wine as she spoke.

"If you knew of such people, you'd tell me, wouldn't you?"

Joshua looked at the woman, and who couldn’t with her face right in front of him. A grin graced his face as he sipped his wine again.

“Why, Miss Campbell,” he started as he placed his glass down. “I don’t think the people in there are as fascinating as what you need for your next story.”

He stood up and looked at Griselda. When he left his home a few hours ago, he hadn’t expected to become the sole muse to Griselda Campbell – not that he minded, of course. But there was still something about becoming one’s muse. He wasn’t sure if he was much of a subject, though, having lived a rather dull life – except when his mother left and his father became a drunk. But other than that difficult time in his past, he was rather like any other young man that lived to drink and have fun with anyone that happened to be around.

“Not that I’m a much better choice,” he continued. “But I bet we could put our heads together and come up with someone that would be fun to humiliate in literature.”

Joshua picked up his glass and downed the remainder of the wine and began to pour himself another helping.

The handsome wizard grinned as he sipped at his wine. “Why, Miss Campbell,” he replied as he placed his glass down. “I don’t think the people in there are as fascinating as what you need for your next story.”

He stood, and she drew back. Drat. No luck. She looked up at him sadly -- my, he was quite tall. The light was very complimentary, as well. "I was quite afraid of that, my dear." She honestly was. If he was handsome and useful -- well. It'd be a wonderous thing.

“Not that I’m a much better choice,” he continued. “But I bet we could put our heads together and come up with someone that would be fun to humiliate in literature.”

She beamed, standing to join him. "Ah, but you see? That kind of... intuitive aspiration is exactly what I'm in need of." My, what a find! He understood, at the very least. And that was much more than could be said of most people.

"To be quite honest, it's been some time since I've been in the United Kingdom, and I'm a bit outdated with politics and gossip about here -- " Although she'd taken the time to read the gossip collumns every day since her arrival, but they didn't quite make sense, her not knowing the names and situations that were being referred to. " -- and I would love to have someone lead me towards a bit of enlightenment." She grinned devilishly. "And a bit of fun." She held out her glass to toast. "Surely you know some good tales, then? And don't limit yourself to those people back there..." She added, nodding back to the party that they had left.

"To be quite honest, it's been some time since I've been in the United Kingdom, and I'm a bit outdated with politics and gossip about here -- "

Joshua nodded. Not that he was really into gossip, but he knew some of what was going on. After all, even if he didn’t want to be involved – he was. Hogwarts was in the gossip and news as much as everything else. And as Assistant Director of Magical Education, Josh needed to know what was going on at the school.

" -- and I would love to have someone lead me towards a bit of enlightenment."

He smiled, picking up the second bottle and opening it, refilling their glasses.

“That might be possible,” he started.

"And a bit of fun."

The smile turned into more of a sly grin at the comment.

"Surely you know some good tales, then? And don't limit yourself to those people back there..."

“I do know some things,” Joshua said. “What sort of gossip are you looking to decipher?”

“I do know some things,” Joshua said. “What sort of gossip are you looking to decipher?”

"Anything remotely interesting," she replied. "And even things that aren't, but that could be made interesting, if you catch my drift. as they say, a good reporter doesn't get great stories -- they make them great. Odd characters around town...? Sex scandals? Bad boy Ministry official or two..." she suggested, giving him a wink. "I'm not very picky. And I'm insatiably curious."

Joshua thought for a moment. He never bothered to listen, or even repeat gossip, but knew enough people that did. Joshua felt that gossip wasn’t worth anything unless it could be proven. Finding out secrets was much more fun to Joshua than actually guessing the secrets. To him, at least. He wasn’t sure how helpful he would be to Griselda at the moment – he felt like he was more of an intermediary, but that didn’t stop him from thinking of the different people that he could offer as subjects.

After a few moments, Joshua sat back down and looked at Griselda.

“Well,” he started. “I’m not much into politics. Except the politics that will help me become the Director of Magical Education.” He sighed slightly. “Unfortunately,” he continued. “There’s very little there that would be considered scandalous. Although . . .”

He paused and smiled.

“I did hear that the previous person in my position was removed for having an affair with a student.”

Joshua’s nose wrinkled at the thought. “Not that I haven’t thought about it, but please. At least wait until their education is finished.”

He grinned slightly, unsure if Griselda would think him a cad for thinking about girls that were still in school. But Joshua held no regrets. When he was slightly younger, he had dated girls that were just out of Hogwarts, but never attempted to see a girl while she was still a student. That seemed wrong to him.

“I also have heard rumors that something is going on with the top Ministry officials, but I haven’t really gotten first hand knowledge of that.”

He took another sip of wine and hoped that what he had offered was at least a decent start to Griselda’s fact finding mission.

"I'm sorry I can't offer more for your journalistic mind."

The fellow took a moment to think about it. She hoped it was to figure out which one to say first. She bit her lip, partly in dread that he would be a dead end -- he was not being terribly useful, in fact -- and partly in what she hoped would be a teasing way, to show that he had her undivided attention. She really did hope he wasn't just a cute face.

“Well... I’m not much into politics."

Nitwit! she screamed in her head.

"Except the politics that will help me become the Director of Magical Education.” He sighed slightly. “Unfortunately,” he continued. “There’s very little there that would be considered scandalous. Although...”

He paused and smiled. She really hoped he was jost being coy -- but if he was, he wasn't doing a terribly good job. It was getting annoying. It could be that he was buying time, seeing as he didn't have much to share. And unfortunately, that seemed to be the most reliable guess at the moment.

“I did hear that the previous person in my position was removed for having an affair with a student. Not that I haven’t thought about it, but please. At least wait until their education is finished.”

She hoped it could go off as a smile. In reality it was a grimace. "Well, that's juicy," she replied. "I could definitely use that." AS A FILLER. When I have nothing, which quite honestly, I don't, but still. This is Fool's Gold.

“I also have heard rumors that something is going on with the top Ministry officials, but I haven’t really gotten first hand knowledge of that.”

Now, that caught her attention.

"I'm sorry I can't offer more for your journalistic mind."

"No, no! That's good. I mean... you don't need to know everything... just what you've heard. I will do my research before I publish anything, of course," she reassured him with a winning smile. Well, he might have something good after all.