matilda-nottâ:
Matildaâs pipeline dream faded when Roxanne suggested she pitch it to the choir. She knew their conductor wouldnât buy into it and she didnât want to cause any rifts. It was an idea she clung onto though, there were so many beautiful muggle songs that she knew a choir could adapt and she was sure it would give them a little recognition. Maybe one day she could even direct a choir. Another day dream of career opportunities to add to the list.
âYes.â There was a pause as Matilda tried to work out what she wanted to reveal to Roxanne. Did she really want to tell her that her parents didnât like any of this muggle integration stuff? Roxanne might think poorly of her, or even worse word might somehow get back to her parents that sheâd talked badly of them. She tiptoed around the subject delicately.Â
âMy family is quite traditional so I feel like Iâm a little behind the curve. I know how to do what I need to though, listen to music, put on a muggle movie, read The Quibblerâs online articles.â Her casual mention of The Quibbler had not been an accident. In the circles Matilda ran in the paper was seen as a load of old drivel, but she found their articles about integration fascinating. Sheâd never discussed them with anyone though. She had a feeling her thoughts wouldnât be approved of. Roxanne might understand though.
âOh, Iâll have a small glass of white wine please.â She asked the waitress fishing her purse from her pocket and counting out the coins for both of their orders. It was the least she could do for her new friend.
.
Roxanne nodded, taking the vague and rolling with it as a cue to move on. Much as she might have been curious--which, honestly, wasnât all that much to start with--she wouldnât probe too deeply into what was an obviously tricky subject. Matildaâs admission was plenty to go by. At least there was no need to tiptoe and try not to dishonour anybodyâs family. Or cow.Â
âNever too late to catch up,â Roxanne said with a wink. âWeâre all in the same boat, if you think about it.â Aside from the muggle-born children only just discovering their magical heritage as theyâd begun to accept technology into their lives, the new-for-all feeling was something Roxanne in particular felt was more unifying than people gave it credit for. It was a hill sheâd die on--just not one sheâd voice any time soon.
Roxanne gestured with her fingers to double Matildaâs order, refusing to be the type who asked for anything extravagant on someone elseâs money. She had half a mind to protest and pay her own way, but that was unnecessarily awkward. Itâd taken a long time to work past Dadâs pride in not accepting handouts. A glass of wine wouldnât kill her.
âThanks. Iâll get the next one.â Roxanne smiled, dismissing the brief (and unwarranted) flicker of guilt in an instant. âUnless you have somewhere you needed to be?âÂ










