only the gentle are ever really strong

Benjy Amit Fenwick - 22 - Order of the Phoenix var sc_project=11182500; var sc_invisible=1; var sc_security="ed5503f6"; var scJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://secure." : "http://www."); document.write("");

[jamespotter-x-blog]

@gentlebadger Potter House

“Ok, bare with me here–” James started his thoughts quite spectacularly, pausing to take a generous sip of his beer after their dinner. The sink was full of their mess, and he was taking the time to clean everything up in that obsessive way he could get sometimes. He was laughing a little, amusement clearly making it’s way to dominate across all his micro expressions. 

“But I am working on something for you this weekend. So you need to keep yourself available–” he knew he’d probably be asleep most of the morning after his Friday night shift, but he was planning on getting up earlier than usual. And he much rather not wake to an empty house. “Unless you have plans, then I gotta negotiate don’t I?” He tested with a narrowed, pretend angry look. “What’s the terms to laying claim for your entire weekend love?” 

[gentlebadger-blog]

“Oh no.” His response was immediate the moment James said bare with me, though it was in good nature of course. Benjy had lived with James’ ideas and antics for a while now--they were married, after all--and knew the difference (or, he liked to think that he did) between small things and things that he’d have to convince the other man not to do. He kept quiet and let James talk, raising an eyebrow in amusement and curiosity, stepping over to the sink to dry the dishes while James washed.

“You’re working on something for me?” Benjy repeated, picking up a bowl to start drying. He wondered what it could possibly be, especially considering that James slept most days because of his night shift hours. “Well, I was thinking about taking Mary and Emmeline out for lunch, but that’s not solid. I think I can give you my weekend.” Benjy grinned at James and turned around, leaning back against the counter. “So what are we doing?”

[jamespotter-x-blog]

THE POTTERS CRIB – aka the Home of Benjy & James

Location: London

Style: Townhouse with a roof garden (the most important part!)

Mood: Pops of color everywhere, lots of plants. 

Furniture: Pieces collected from all over in a mixed match array

Rooms: 3 Bedrooms; 2 Full Baths, 1 Half Bath

Extras: Finished Basement, 2 office spaces

Notes: For Mafia AU Week

@gentlebadger

[gentlebadger-blog]

                                                               Meet the Potters

                                        ( aka the cutest damn couple you will ever see )

@jamespotter-x

[theconstellationsinhereyes]

April 5, 2016 Mary’s lab 12:29pm OPEN

Florence Welch’s sweet voice filled the lab with lyrics Mary knew by heart, so she sang softly as she took notes. It wasn’t unusual that Mary spent her day in the lab, completely ignoring the world outside, even turning her phone off just to focus on her work only. That day wasn’t the exception, only that this time she had a very particular reason to do so.

She had been playing with her new Digital Binocular Microscope for hours, like a kid with a new toy, yet Mary couldn’t help herself. It was true that her mother was Head of Science Department, but Mary didn’t get any special treatment out of it. In fact, it made her work harder than any other student just to prove herself. So it had taken her a while to get the new microscope and the wait had been worth it. It was a real beauty. With the LED illumination and the USB camera, it truly seemed like she had brand new eyes. It was almost better than sex. Almost.

When she heard the door closing, Mary sighed loudly, looking at her laptop screen to make sure the picture had been taken right. “This is a closed lab, you shouldn’t be here.” Mary reached up to take off her safety glasses. “Look, I don’t know who let you in, but the door is locked for a reason.” She was in possession of dangerous substances that could blow up the entire building if they weren’t careful, and she seriously wanted to finish this so she could go home and binge-watch Sense8. “Is there a reason why you decided to come here and interrupt me?”

[gentlebadger-blog]

Benjy knew that when Mary was in her lab, it was best to not disturb her. She was concentrating, after all, and pulling her out of that concentration could lead to a very annoyed Mary. Still, Benjy was on his lunch break, and he got her lunch without thinking twice, glancing at his watch before driving over to the lab. It was hard to get in--the door was locked--but with a bit of convincing, Benjy managed to get in, shutting the door quietly behind him as if she wouldn’t hear him enter. That was, of course, the opposite of what happened, and Benjy gave her a sheepish smile, holding up a bag as if that was all of the explanation he needed to give.

“I’m on my lunch break, and thought you’d want something to eat.” He walked over toward the table that she was sat at, careful not to move anything in the room--one slip up could lead to something bad, that much Benjy knew. “Though you look a bit busy. Maybe when you’re done?” He paused. “Or I can just leave it here and head out, up to you.”

[lionheartmarlene]

May 2nd, 2016 Outside The Shade

“Yeah, she’s beautiful, isn’t she? Harley Davidson Sportster with an air cooled Evolution engine and split 9-spoke cast aluminum wheels with machined highlights.” Marlene sighed, patting her bike with the familiarity and affection that a jockey might pat their horse. Her bike meant everything in the world to her and she never passed up on an opportunity to show it off or brag about it. “So, what do you think? Want to take a spin?”

[gentlebadger-blog]

Benjy stared for a long moment as Marlene went on about the exact components of her motorbike, and his confusion was probably evident on his face. “I...honestly have no idea what any of that means,” he said, looking up and giving Marlene a sheepish smile. “But it looks nice. I’ll go for a ride.”

[theconstellationsinhereyes]

Moodboard 5 || ∞

Mary + Benjy { @gentlebadger }

[itswitchery-blog1]

fn + guide to troubled birds

@harrowingcarrow

@msdorcasmeadowes

@gentlebadger

@mvlcibers

@severssnpe

@lionheartmarlene

@moodyalastors

@regulusregno

@devoted-carrow

@scorneddaughter

[flowerchildemmeline-blog]

Flower Inc

@greenfingcrs @floralxconfusion @gentlebadger @faceuptothesun

[floralxconfusion-blog]

          “Everyone’s a flower!” she agreed eagerly, heading bobbing just as energetically as her response came. A moment of pause in movement occurred as she debated what to do next, then decided to spin him out into the crowd, releasing him and slowly walking after him, where ever he’d gone to. “You’re a flower, did you know? I’m a flower. He’s a flower, she’s a flower. They’re a flower. Everyone’s a flower.” Without catching Benjy again, she began drifting into the crowd of dancing people, blissfully unaware of what she was doing.

[gentlebadger-blog]

Everyone’s a flower. That was definitely a motto to go by, and a very Holly one at that. Benjy could only smile and shake his head, letting her spin him into the crowd and losing her hand in the process. When he turned around she was gone, and Benjy frowned, maneuvering through the crowd. “Holly?” How did he lose her so quickly? At least it wouldn’t turn out like TIlden and the sloths, especially since he found her minutes later rather than a weekend later. “Abandoning me in the middle of a dance? Thanks,” he joked.

[jamespotter-x-blog]

James hadn’t gotten in x-men yet, but Batman was probably one of his favorite comics. He stomped that inner fanboy down quickly though. Knowing he’d make a right fool of himself, and didn’t want Benjy to think he was being overly childish loving stories about heroes and villains. He glanced over from the side, watching Benjy contemplate his offer to come to his party. The Marauder’s always threw the best ones– that wasn’t anything hidden. James himself put a lot of effort to spoil his friends. 

James sat up, pressing himself right up by his side to lean his back to the tree. Stretching his long limbs out.

“You will really come then? Wow..I’m glad I asked..” that thought trailed off quietly. James’ expression oddly surprised Benjy wanted to come. He blurted things with confidence to cover his insecurities, but it usually took James a minute to realize that people usually took his honest, and blunt declarations as truths. “I love chocolate and mint, really anything with those two flavors and I am in heaven.” He was staring weirdly now at Benjy, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. 

“Why haven’t we talk much until now?” he asked simply, twirling his wand between his fingers while the little birdies had settled on his boots. Dancing about on their little conjured legs. 

[gentlebadger-blog]

He laughed quietly at James’ shock despite himself, and maybe that sounded a bit mean, but Benjy didn’t mean it that way at all. He was just surprised that James Potter was shocked that Benjy would want to go to one of his parties; granted, he supposed he didn’t do the party scene too much (surprisingly--especially considering how much he liked to mingle with people), but the surprise on the Gryffindor’s face infected him a bit.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I go?” he asked, head tilting to the side. “You’re a good guy, James--” Outside, perhaps, a few pranks that his group pulled. “--and I’m glad that you want to invite me.” Chocolate and mint. Benjy made himself a mental reminder, deciding that he’d have to find a way to either have the house elves make him some combination of that for a treat, or find the time to head to Hogsmeade before the party. It was a start, at least. “That’s a good combination. I like it.”

Benjy’s head straightened a bit, and he bit his lip as he thought of an answer. “Because we don’t have the same friend group? Or circle?” That was the most he could offer, after all; he and his friends had a different idea of fun than James and his friends, it seemed like. “That can change, you know.”

[mvlcibers]

Begrudgingly, Nikolai patted at the top of his ear, feeling rather melancholy at the fact that Evan was not here to put it out for him, as he so often was. All others seemed to recoil at the sight of a single tendril of smoke, but Evan had never seemed afraid of him; now all he could think of was what would happen if he burned this house down too, with this kind young man, whose name he barely knew, inside of it. “It’s not gonna do much more than smoke, I reckon,” Nikolai sighed, speaking of his smoking ear as if it were nothing more pressing than the weather, “Y’don’t need to worry. Not gonna burn the place down.” Sadness, bitterness, melancholy; all mingled within his voice, and all made him lean just the slightest margin away from his companion as he shifted the blanket. 

For a moment he stared down at the younger man with puzzlement on his face; was he really asking if Nikolai was alright? He shouldn’t have cared – if anything it should have been the other way around. “I’m fine,” he nodded incredulously, “Can’t sleep. Walked a few laps ‘round the house, and I’m still not tired. Didn’t know worryin’ could keep you awake for so long.” It felt like days since he’d last slept, and perhaps he wasn’t so far off the mark. Guilt and worry would certainly keep him awake until he’d become a pile of ash. If only Evan were here – if only Bellatrix were here. 

[gentlebadger-blog]

Benjy couldn’t help but wonder if he should be concerned at the nonchalance that Nikolai spoke with when he referred to his smoking ear, because he was pretty positive that a smoking ear couldn’t exactly be considered normal. Though, really, normal was a loose term as it was, so who was to say that it wasn’t? Either way, thinking about that was much more preferable to thinking about war, death, and the battle, so Benjy thought he was perhaps a bit too intent and curious as he asked, “I... This might be rude actually, so forgive me, but can I ask why it’s smoking?” 

He let out a quiet huff of understanding when Nikolai spoke next, and Benjy slowly nodded, looking down. “Yeah, I understand what you mean.” He paused. “I think it keeps you up because your mind becomes restless. It’s all you can think about, and your mind can’t relax enough to go to sleep. I--” Another pause, and Benjy let out a quiet cough. “Sorry, you probably don’t care honestly. It’s just easier to think about that rather than what happened tonight.” He went quiet, messing with a fraying corner of the blanket before he finally spoke again. “Did you know one of them? One of the people that died?” And while that was a bit blunt, he really couldn’t think of an easier way to phrase the question.

[theconstellationsinhereyes]

Mary had tried her best to be strong for Alice and Minnie, they both needed her to keep herself together and make sure they had everything they needed. So she had buried her feelings, pretending that she was fine because there was no way to make it work. Hell, she had even ignored her injury if only not to worry any of her friends more than they already were. And she knew that she was to do the same for Benjy, that she had to act like an older sister and not like a sobbing mess she was at the moment. She just couldn’t. It had been a nightmare, and now reality was slowly sinking in.

“Where were you? Merlin, Benjy, I was so worried.” Everything was still a blur, it was hard to keep on track on everyone when apparently there were many safe houses and people were just trying to a find a place to stay. It had been one of the most awful nights of her life and she couldn’t wrap her mind around Gideon and Rabastan’s deaths and Voldemort’s return. How were they supposed to deal with this? They were at each other’s throats, blaming the other factions just because it was easy than accepting the reality. They all were to blame, it was all their doing, and now they had to live with the consequences.

But that was something she didn’t want to discuss with Benjy, not when she was trying to protect him and make sure he was okay. She pulled back just a little to examine his face and body, looking for possible injuries. He was in one piece, at least physically, so she hugged him again. He was obviously taller than she was, but she didn’t mind standing on tiptoes just to hold him closer to her. “Did you sleep? Have you eaten anything today? Have you seen Emmy?” There were many other questions on the tip of her tongue; she just didn’t want to overwhelm him. “Were you there when it happened?” Because no matter how many times people told her what they had seen, she still couldn’t believe it.

[gentlebadger-blog]

He could see it happening; he saw Mary getting into a protective mode, something Benjy was all-too familiar with. Ignore yourself, worry about the others--it was an automatic reaction to a situation when he had no idea what to do and people were hurt and upset. When the tears slowed enough for Mary to speak, Benjy saw it, and he was determined to not let Mary get away with it. He wouldn’t let her worry about countless others and ignore herself, just like she was worrying about him when he did that exact same thing. 

“I was at Hogwarts,” he finally said, shaking his head and looking her over quickly. Injuries? Anything? But she wasn’t pulled back far enough, so he couldn’t tell. “I was healing people, or at least trying to, but the the Inferi came around and the bodies--” He felt ill just thinking about Gideon’s dead body, one that had been so full of life and energy mere hours before. Even now, he still expected Gideon to come barging in, yelling something about revenge and fighting rather than planning. Like any other Order meeting. No more of that.

Benjy hugged Mary again when she initiated another one, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, listening to her questions. He couldn’t help the humorless laugh that escaped him, and he shook his head. “Sleep and eat? I’ve tried, but I haven’t been successful in either. And yeah, I saw Emme--she’s at the Delacour farm with me, Tilden, and Holly.” Were you there when it happened? Benjy’s blood ran a bit cold, because there wasn’t too much more that she could be referring to other than... “No, I wasn’t. He... He’s back, isn’t he?” Benjy’s thoughts automatically went south, and he thought of all the muggleborns that would have to be in hiding because of this, with halfbloods, blood traitors, and squibs probably following soon after. He didn’t want to think about that at all, and Benjy let out a shaky breath. “Let’s... Let’s head inside, yeah? I want to see if you’re injured at all. Please.”

[devoted-carrow]

For a moment he stood there silently assessing the other man with open eyes, taking him in from head to toe before he opened his mouth as well. “Then we’ll make a good pair,” he answered grinning lightly. He’d given the compliment back with as much finesse as he knew now. 

Elderly snogging. It sure was a bit… startling to say the least. At least he hadn’t seen any grandma’s and grandpa’s lurking around. They were all married or in decent company, so he hoped that at least that small joke would spare them from turning into a reality. “Am I?” He asked on behalf of assuming things. Especially things of this diverse nature as theirs. Though he already ticked the topic off in his mind. Amycus felt no need to know how or why Benjy wasn’t concerned, but he was glad for it. Wizarding society was complicated, though they weren’t as heavily outdated as the muggles. “We can only thank Merlin for small mercies. I bet the Ministry wouldn’t like for this to turn into a disaster so let’s hope that if it does, that we’ll be spared a photo.” Seriously, if this party turned for the worst, he’d thought of abandoning Alecto or trying to convince her that they needed to go. Just that he was sure that the Ministry would keep them for as long as they could. Festivities were, after all, important. In these times… “A little?” Snorting softly, Amycus watched Benjy’s eyes. “I never liked a word they printed about me. Simply because it wasn’t the truth. They rarely take the truth and print it. Reporters seem to think it boring. Whatever you have to say.”

He liked the laugh and the smile. It shone bright and open. A blink of a star in a moonless sky. “Everything’s alright. I still got my toes and anyone, left or right, has yet to complain or threaten us to leave the ballroom. I’d count this as a win, wouldn’t you?” Amycus grinned as they slowly came to the end of the song. The musician’s quickly found something even slower than a waltz and for a second too long, the older Carrow twin stood still. But he didn’t take his hands away, as if he was waiting for the right timing to move back in and dance some more.  

[gentlebadger-blog]

Then we’ll make a good pair. Benjy offered him a smile in agreement and a nod. “I suppose we will, yeah.” And that, he supposed, was that. He certainly hoped they made a good pair.

He was thankful for the dropped topic of elderly snogging, because honestly, that wasn’t something Benjy wanted to think about much longer. Not that, of course, the elderly weren’t allowed to kiss their partners. Just the image of two elderly people going off into a corner and making out like teenagers was disturbing, and a light cringe on Benjy’s part settled his final opinon on that matter. Am I? “You are.” Amycus seemed to be done with that, though, and they were on the reporters once again. Small mercies indeed. “I’m certain that the Ministry will do everything in its power to keep this gala from becoming a disaster.” With all that had happened over the past two months, the Ministry hardly needed a party gone wrong to be added onto that list. “Though the spiked champagne may lead to a few interesting stories.” Their eyes met, and Benjy held them as Amycus spoke, worrying his bottom lip for a brief moment. “Then I guess you have nothing to worry about,” he said simply, quietly. “Public image aside, I mean, but it’s hard to find someone who completely trusts what a reporter says these days.” As it was, Benjy only trusted whatever Mary and Hestia contributed to.

“I’m glad your toes at least survived,” he said with a grin, the music slowing down to an end around them. "And yes, we’re still here, so definitely a successful night.” Slower music started up, and Benjy expected Amycus to say his farewells and take his leave, but he did not. Instead he stood there, their hands still in each others, and Benjy looked from their hands to meet Amycus’ eyes once more. Honestly, he didn’t want this to end, not yet. “Don’t suppose you’d like one more dance, would you?” he finally asked, mustering up his courage. “I understand if you don’t, but... Just a thought.” He gave him a small shrug, waiting for his response. 

[greenfingcrs-blog]

“Then that’s what I’ll do.” He nodded decisively, clapping Benjy on the shoulder. “You’ll get a patronus as soon as go through my front door. Pinky promise.” He held his little finger out towards Benjy, a lopsided grin on his face. “Pssh, Holly will be fine. She has that Nik guy following her round like a puppy. She’ll got home safe and sound.” Merlin, it felt like every conversation he had ended up being about Holly in some way. “Yeah. I was thinking about taking him down to see the dragons hatch at some point. You know what he’s like about them.” Tilden was surprised that Hagrid had not yet attempted to smuggle an egg or two home with him from their sporadic visits to the dragon colony near Tilden’s childhood home. “Benjy, I swear, you must be the brother of the year!”

[gentlebadger-blog]

Thankfully Tilden seemed willing to do at least that, and Benjy smiled in relief, nodding. “I’ll be expecting it, then,” he said, smile widening when he saw Tilden’s pinky and bringing his own up to hook around--a pinky promise. “You’d best not break this promise, Tilden Toots, or I’ll hunt you down.” Of course, he was joking... mostly. He’d definitely be concerned if he didn’t know he or the others got home safe. “That Nik guy?” Benjy echoed, head turning as if he could find Holly and that Nik guy among the crowd. “Don’t think I’ve met him before, but I remember him being mentioned a few times. If you think he’ll keep her safe though, I’ll take your word for it.” He trusted Tilden, after all. The next part had him raising an eyebrow. “Careful, next time you do he might actually smuggle away an egg. I’ll expect an owl about a newly hatched dragon from him sometime in the future.” He wouldn’t be surprised. Then, a snort. “Brother of the year? I doubt it.”

[everyminforhimself]

“You say that now,” he muttered, an air of bewilderment behind his affectionate tone. He hated drunk people but Benjy was just plain adorable. At least he was eating. There’s nothing you can actually do to un-drunk yourself but food at least could help prevent a massive hangover. “Just keep breathing fine and don’t pass out and we’ll be just fine.”

Scattered. Meaning he has no idea. Meaning Sungmin was by default his…sober mum friend. Sober mum friend who was also more than a little drunk, but semantics. At least he was compliant which was more than he could say for most drunks. Merlin, and he stays in one place! runners are the worst. 

“Did you have fun tonight? You know, before you ended up stuck with your least favorite, yours truly.” Once Benjy’s hand was empty, he reached over to the chocolates and gave him a few. “You’ve earned some chocolate privileges for taking care of your health. As long as you eat more finger sandwiches after.”

[gentlebadger-blog]

“I won’t pass out,” he insisted, shaking his head probably a bit too hard as if to prove a point. That, however, only made his head hurt, and Benjy stopped shaking his head entirely, staring ahead and blinking a few times before giving himself and Sungmin a firm nod. “Will you catch me if I pass out, Sungmin? I won’t--” As if the other man will suddenly doubt the fact. “--but if I did, would you catch me?”

Now he was curious, though. Where had everyone scattered off to? His eyes kept wandering even has he listened to Sungmin, trying to catch sight of a horrid floral suit, a short blonde head, or a eye popping floral dress. Then-- “Least favorite?” Benjy looked right back to his boss, eyes widening dramatically. “Not true! I like you, Sungmin, I really do.” He wrapped his arm around his shoulders, grinning when chocolate suddenly appeared in his hand. “Now I like you even more.”

[jamespotter-x-blog]

James released a Cheshire grin, it’s twitched amusement bringing a soft blush to the tips of his ears. He shrugged in reply. Because there never was a direct answer when it came to James. He cared a lot about everyone. Wanted to make a big deal out of the silliest things in the best of ways. For example now he had his favorite candy he could perhaps set up a prank around year end involving said treat. Maybe figure out how to charm them to stick to Benjy’s fingers forced to lick them off as the only way of removal. But it was mostly innocent. Mostly curiosity.

“I read these muggle stories called comics with Sirius. We stumbled on them a little while back. They are about something called a superhero. They have special powers and save the world. Sirius is just in love with this blonde character called Wonder Woman– it’s very amusing. She’d break him in half if she were real–” he admitted with a woeful expression, not usually one to admit such a muggle hobby though James had just started his training with boxing in Muggle London as well. It was important for him to not hold any bias views on the world. Not anymore. Not with the war coming in the distance. 

“If I bought you candy would like that?” He flirted shamelessly, tucking his hand under his head to cradle it against the ground. “I mean, you know. It’s good to let friends know what things you like so they can treat you. My Birthday is coming up on the 27th, I think we’re doing something huge in the tower. You should come. Bring some of your house mates.” He sort of deflected quickly after.

[gentlebadger-blog]

Did he just manage to make James Potter blush? Definitely grin, but the tips of his ears let off the tiniest hint to a blush, and Benjy was a bit shocked by himself. Perhaps that should be some sort of accomplishment; either way, he certainly hadn’t expected to do that. Still, the smile captured his attention more, and Benjy smiled right back, glancing down after a moment and brushing his hands over the grass they were sat on. He looked back up when James began talking again, perking up a bit when he mentioned comics.

“Oh, I know about those! Aliza has some friends at her muggle school that bring them to classes and read them. She really likes the ones about the X-men, Storm in particular. Her and Wolverine.” Not that he knew completely what she was talking about when she mentioned these heroes, but he paid attention enough to remember some of their names. “Wonder Woman sounds interesting though. Even if she could break us in half.” Benjy chuckled.

Now it was Benjy’s turn to lightly blush, and he bit his lip, glancing away. “Well, I certainly wouldn’t reject the candies if you got them for me.” He paused, thinking. Could he go to James’ birthday party? Could he risk a night not studying? Yes, you can. “Yeah, I’ll be there. With some housemates.” Benjy paused, trying to think up a gift for James already. “What’s your favorite candy?” Not a bad place to start.

[millicentxbagnold-blog]

Millicent sat down in the arm chair with a huff. She had only arrived at the residence only an hour or two (she had trouble keeping track of time nowadays) beforehand, and was already exhausted from talking with anybody and everybody she saw. She sneaked out of the reach of her security team at the Figg residence in order to visit other safe houses, so she could find out any information she could about the recent tragedies. Her team wanted her to stay put, wait it out, but she couldn’t do that. No matter how much she hated war and the horrific events that occurred, she couldn’t sit idly by. Not now. Action needed to be taken. 

She didn’t realize she awoke the stranger sprawled out on the couch until he spoke, and she frowned slightly before saying, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.” Millicent adjusted herself in her seat, nervously crossing and uncrossing her legs in attempt to calm down her nerves. As Minister, she’s hardly ever left alone. But now she’s by herself in a stranger’s home, completely exposed to possible threats, and she can’t help but feel a little anxious. “Although I don’t know how anybody can really sleep at a time like this. My nerves won’t stop long enough to let me catch my breath,” she added while firmly crossing her arms across her stomach, hoping that constricting herself would provide some sort of relief. But the efforts were futile. 

[gentlebadger-blog]

He shook his head at once, shifting so that he was sitting up a bit more and watching his new companion for a moment. It took a long, long moment for him to register that this was the Minister currently talking to him, and in any other instance Benjy would have straightened at once. Instead he just gave her a tired smile, scratching his neck and sighing “You didn’t wake me,” he assured. “I wasn’t sleeping. Trying, but not really succeeding.” That was the most unfortunate part, he figured. Out of all the events that had happened that night, all Benjy wanted to do was sleep it all away, perhaps pretend that it had never happened. Life didn’t work that way, though, so here he was: awake and talking to the Minister of Magic like they were old friends.

Something told him that she probably didn’t mind that much.

“I don’t mean to sound rude,” he started slowly, perhaps a bit boldly. “But I didn’t think you’d be anywhere without a swarm of guards surrounding you.” Though, now that Benjy thought of it, that didn’t sound remotely pleasant. “Guess that’s a bit comforting.” He closed his eyes again, thinking for a moment. “Maybe some tea for nerves? Doesn’t help me much, but it does for some people. Think Helene has some around here somewhere.”