RP: Looking Ahead

[rar_reed]

Date: 18 May 1999
Characters: Reed 'RB' Bradley, Mandy Brocklehurst
Location: Hogsmeade
Status: Semi-Private
Summary: Mandy helps Reed look at places to live in Hogsmeade.
Completion: Complete

Comments

[rar_reed]

"Maybe cocoa?" She made great cocoa.

"I considered it but... Well, K and Matt already have plans for themselves and the sticks up their bums are too tight anyway. Cameron's a right arse and he always has his Quidditch gear laying out all over the dorm. Jules is hardly better. Basil and I get along great. Only problem there is that Baz plans on staying at home. I don't blame him considering it's a stone's throw from St. Mungo's, which is where he wants to train." Reed sighed. "I'm not sure I'd be comfortable living with any of the girls. Things could get awkward, you know?"

Reed liked chatting with Mandy like this. She always gave him good things to think about. "I'm not usually happy with other people's idea of clean anyway, not that the elves don't do a good job because they do, but I really hate when our dorm is mess. I'm not compulsive about it when people are actually doing something that requires they be spread out but I like things sorted when not in use." He snickered, "Probably because I always need space to spread out when I work." Mandy had seen the way he could hog a table in the library or the Great Hall with his projects.

"This one isn't bad, I like the windows." Reed made a note of the address. "I'll have to work on my cooking skills. I should probably order a book on household charms too. At least I won't have to worry about buying a Hoover or dishwasher."

[rar_mandy]

"Of course," Mandy said, reaching up to kiss him on the cheek as they paused in walking.

When they continued again, Mandy thought how lucky she was to have a bloke like Reed pay her so much attention. "Sounds like no one from Ravenclaw. Have you considered trying to get someone from another House, maybe? I know things with Pansy weren't great at first for me, but eventually things worked out pretty great. I mean, we even became friends after a fashion. You could always put up an advertisement for a roommate and say what you're looking for. Plenty of Muggles do it for Uni and such."

Mandy giggled when he mentioned needing space. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I think I just needed more space for my books."

"A book on household charms wouldn't be a bad idea, but if you need to brush up, I can always help you practice," Mandy offered as they turned onto her street. "I've gotten pretty good at some of them. Just the basics mostly... but I am pretty good at charms, if I do say so myself."

[rar_reed]

"I know some people. I might see what they think and find out their ideas on how things should be kept too."

RB loved her giggles. They were cute, just like her. "I can leave a lot of my books at my parents for now and I haven't accumulated many magical ones since I lost everything last summer, so at least I don't have that problem now. I probably will eventually though. Probably should add 'space for books' to my list of requirements," he laughed.

Reed squeezed her hand, "You're not fooling me. You just want to know if I'll balk at cleaning the loo or if I'm any good at taking out the rubbish. I'm just taking the mickey. I know you're good at charms. I'd love your help, Mandy."

[rar_mandy]

Mandy laughed at Reed good-naturedly and showed him to her door.

"This is it," she said as they entered the flat on the second floor. "It's not huge, but I like it. It's got quite a bit of light and just enough room for me and my books, and Mandolin, of course."

She took him into the sitting area and showed him to the sofa, which was opposite the fireplace and Floo, as well as a shelf full of books, both Muggle and magical. "Shall I get us that cocoa, then?"

[rar_reed]

"This a nice place, Mandy. We came from the other direction I think but I recognized that house with the green shutters. This is close to where you were before, isn't it?" Reed asked.

He grinned and nodded, "Cocoa would be great. Do you want help or should I snoop into your bookshelves?" he asked with a wink.

[rar_mandy]

"Not too far. You're good with directions," Mandy observed. "And thanks. I really like it, even if it's a little small for all the books and and everything." She grinned.

Walking into the kitchen, Mandy set a pot to melt chocolate and then started adding milk a little at a time. "You're welcome to snoop," Mandy called out. "I know you'll do it at some point, anyway."

[rar_reed]

"I think all Ravenclaws are like that, even the ones who don't study like Jules," he called back to the kitchen as he walked over to the shelves to look at what she had.

It was nice to get out of Hogwarts. It was calming for him. "How's work? I'm sorry again about that business with Anthony. I know he's just a friend. It's a little hard not seeing you. I miss you. I think it made me a bit mental," he confessed. He really adored her and still hadn't gotten past the giddy phase of having her like him in turn.

[rar_mandy]

Mandy ladled the hot chocolate into two cups before heading back into the small living area. She set one in front of Reed on top of the bookshelf and held the other between her palms, warming her hands.

"Work is great. Well, except for the fact the my boss is a wee bit mental," Mandy grinned, giggling a bit. "Anthony's just a friend," she repeated. "And you're my boyfriend and I miss seeing you, too. But we're here together now. And once you've moved to Hogsmeade, then I'm sure I'll see you even more often. It drove me a bit crazy not being able to come onto Hogwarts grounds to see you, you know. Strange not being allowed there after calling it home for so long..."

[rar_reed]

Reed picked up his cup but he knew her hot chocolate, he'd have to proceed carefully if he didn't want a burned tongue. Mandy made great hot chocolate. "It is hard. I like letters but it isn't the same as being able to hear you laugh or see your face." He motioned toward her sofa, "Or cuddle up. I think we should do something about that right now."

He sat down and waited for her to settle in against him. "I'm almost done. Then, with any luck, I'll be able to a find a place here I can afford with what I have saved. If not, then I'll be in London at home or in Oxford for Granddad until I get my NEWT scores and find work. It's looking really good for the Hebrides though. I heard from them again last Thursday." He blew on his cup and ventured a sip.

"So tell me more about this mental boss. Has he learned your name yet?" Reed asked with a grin.

[rar_mandy]

Mandy took her cup and followed Reed to the sofa, settling in under his arm and letting her head fall against his chest.

"What did you hear from them?" Mandy asked. She hoped Reed really had a chance to do what he wanted. He was bright and hard working and organized and he deserved to do whatever he desired.

"Actually, I think he's finally got it. So long as he doesn't call me 'Candy' instead of 'Mandy', I think I'm alright," she laughed. "I'm not sure he's got Anthony's name right yet, though." She sniggered. "Oh, well. He pays well and the work is interesting, so I can't complain much."

[rar_reed]

"They sent me an application," he grinned as he told her. He'd visited once and exchanged letters with several MacFustys and some of the people who worked with them since before the Christmas holidays. "I think that means they're interested. I still need good NEWTs before I can send it off but I think it's a really good sign."

Reed snorted, "You didn't tell me he called you Candy. You are sweet though... Yes. I know. That was really bad," he rolled his eyes at himself. "I'm really happy you like it. Any new books I'm going to want to read as soon as they come out?" He took another drink and snuggled her a little closer. He really liked just being here with her.