liam \\ and this is crazy

[BETHANY ANNE HEAVENSBEE]

OUTFIT

Beth was terribly nervous, so nervous that her palms were sweating at an alarming rate. She tried to calm her breathing as she prepared to travel to Liam's home in the countryside, for a meal with him and his mother. What was she to her? Like a step mom? Beth wasn't really sure, but she hated that she was going to pop into their living room. This was something she missed about being a muggle. You could drive by the house slowly and go around the block before parking, wait to ring the bell. But here, she was going to appear in their fireplace, and that was frightening.

Beth caught her reflection in a mirror on her way downstairs and tried to force a smile for it. She hadn't really been sure what to wear, she had a sort of feminine but confident, worker dress sense, and frankly, she was going out to the country. Totally out of her domain. So she went with who she was and hoped that would be okay.

Then she climbed into her fireplace. Well, technically, it wasn't her fireplace. It was the one in the basement of Honeydukes were they cooked some of the candy. It was nice to live above a candy store, it smelled great all the time. The downside was not having your own fireplace.

Of course, most people would apperate, but she had apparated with a friend at school. Beth had gotten by with cutting off her toe nails-- which were easily grown back. But her friend lost an arm, and as such, she only apperates when absolutely necessary. And this didn't seem to qualify losing an arm over.

She checked to make sure no candy was in the fireplace before tossing powder at her feet and shouting her destination clearly into the air. And in the green flames she was gone, and a sickening moment later, she was in another fireplace, carefully opening her eyes. Beth wasn't a huge fan of floo powder but it was much faster than flying. She politely dusted off a few ashes into the fireplace and looked up to see where she was.

[WILLIAM LAWRENCE HEAVENSBEE]

liam's house: 1 & 2
liam's attire
sarabeth
sara's attire

Liam had helped his mother prepare. Their house was always clean and homey, but today was obviously a special occasion. The kind that made Sara bring out the good china. Liam had to remind her not to go overboard and set the table like she did for Christmas - they were having only one person over. Be it that person was his long lost sister.

Frankly, Liam was happy his mother was the first person he went to after finding out about Beth. Though very capable, Liam needed reassurance that he was doing the right thing. He and Sara were able to sit out on the front steps, staring at the sunset and listening to the sounds of the countryside. They talked. They made sense of things. Supported each other.

Now Liam was carrying a plate of sandwiches from the kitchen to the living room, placing them on the coffee table, rather than the one in the dining room. It had been decided that it was cozier and low-key in the living room. There were all kinds of sandwiches on the platter - corned beef, ham and cheese, cucumber, reuben, grilled chicken. Liam could eat half a dozen of them in one sitting. It was worth skipping an exciting week at Hogwarts for his mum's sandwiches.

Sara reappeared from upstairs in a simple, floral dress and cardigan. She always did wear heels, though. Liam's mother was a well-dressed woman. No wonder Lawrence fell in love with her. Liam suspected he got most of his looks from dad, but there was something more important he got from his mother.

Liam though about it as Sara looked around, making sure everything was ready for her husband's daughter's arrival. A selfless heart. Liam had to have gotten it from somewhere. Sounds came from the fireplace and Liam turned to look. Sara, already facing it, smoothed her dress and smile welcomingly.

[BETHANY ANNE HEAVENSBEE]

It was a quaint place. Brick, white wood, cozy furniture. Exactly how a country home in the English hills should look. It made her feel safe. this was the kind of place she imagined having for the winter, her kids playing in the snow as she drank warm butter beer by the fire with her husband. Of course, she was also working in the ministry in these dreams but that didn't look like that would ever happen, so this might be the closest she got.

Beth stepped out of the fireplace and smiled a little nervously at Liam and his mother. He was dressed laid back, where as his mother was dressed rather like herself, and she was glad for that. She was very beautiful, as well as smart, she'd been in the department or magical catastrophes for years.

"Um, thank you for having me, Ms. Sparks," She said. She knew everyone in the department, and Liam had told her she went by her maiden name when they met. Normally Beth wasn't good with names but she did all her research before coming so as not to make too big a fool of herself. Beth stuck out a hand to shake Sarabeth's. "I love your home." She added.

[WILLIAM LAWRENCE HEAVENSBEE]

Sarabeth shook Beth's hand. "You're most welcome dear, please call me Sara." Still smiling warmly, she was marveling at the resemblance between Beth, Liam, and Lawrence. "Thank you. Make yourself at home." she added, in regards to the compliment about her house. "Please have a seat." she said, gesturing to living table and seats - a sofa and two armchairs. Sara, pointing at everything that was placed there started the explanation. "I've made sandwiches, all kinds. And we have lemonade, pumpkin juice, water, and tea is brewing." Sarabeth took a seat herself on the couch, folding her skirt under her like a lady.

Throughout that whole exchange, Liam stood aside, smiling and looking back and forth at the women exchanging pleasantries. He had a feeling that as his father's son, he was far less adept at small talk. A manly handshake and nod usually sufficed for his encounters. Liam was only witty and talkative around friends. He did give Beth a wide smile though. Then he sat himself down in one of the armchairs. He had enough sense to wait for the guest, Beth, to take a sandwich before he helped himself. He was also ready to pour her a drink of her choosing, as that was his manly responsibility.

[BETHANY ANNE HEAVENSBEE]

Beth smiled, this was going much better than expected and she relaxed her shoulders a little. "Okay Sara, thank you." She said in response to the offer of food. Liam had beat her to the chairs so she couldn't hug him but she smiled at him and leaned over to pat him kindly on the knee as a hello. "Um, tea would be lovely... but I'll have some water too if thats alright." She said as she sat down on the couch, smoothing her skirt and gingerly reaching for a cucumber sandwich. They all really looked delicious frankly.

As she chewed, she looked around again. It really was a beautiful place and she found herself thinking about Charlie and Bella and how much they would probably love it here. It was a great family house... She blushed and shook her head a little to clear the thought, really ridiculous. But she'd had a lot on her mind, what with the anti-muggle flyers in town, and her evolving romantic relationship. An of course the fact that she was meeting her dad's second wife for the first time.

Beth cleared her throat, and unsure what to say she asked, "Did you like the book?" She motioned from Liam to Sara to indicate the book he got for her. "We met at the bookstore, I work there." She said, not sure how much Liam had told her. Probably everything.

[WILLIAM LAWRENCE HEAVENSBEE]

Liam smiled in response to her hello - the first thought that came to him was that that was a very sisterly gesture. And it was kind of sweet. Then she mentioned water though, and Liam made a move to go get that, but his mother raised her wand saying, "Absolutely dear." A pitcher with cool water and a glass floated on over and poured itself right next to Beth. Liam thought longingly to when he could use magic outside of school - one more year.

Sara cocked her to one side when Beth blushed but didn't inquire. Beth then asked her question. Sara smiled, looking over at her son, who was eating his reuben sandwich. "Yes, Liam told me everything. And I am enjoying the book ... though I never cared for Roger's style of writing." Sara admitted sheepishly. "But at the office we always purchase each other's publications. For coworker support. We're very close knit." she explained.

Liam chimed in. "You should see them at office parties whenever someone's retiring. They bawl their eyes out. And I just stand awkwardly by the punch." It was an odd position from every aspect. Surrounded by tear-stricken adults, Liam had nothing to do and nothing to contribute. Although some elderly witch would always walk over and try to distract herself from crying by making conversation. So Liam would be asked questions about school while the inquirer was pushing back tears. Then she'd leave because she couldn't contain herself anymore.

[BETHANY ANNE HEAVENSBEE]

"Thank you," Beth told Sara again as the water floated over to her. Magic was amazing. She remembered a time growing up when everything was done by hand. Bethany generally did things by hand too, she was just used to it and it felt strange using magic for each little thing. And she enjoyed things like washing dishes and pouring glasses of water. She was a terrible cook, but she loved to bake, licking the spoon... Arabella popped into her mind again and she smiled softly.

"I think its good to be close with you co-workers... My new boss is horrible." She threw a glance at Liam, remembering their meeting and being yelled at by the owner's son. She couldn't help but think about that office, the job she wanted to have so badly. Why didn't she deserve to be part of that group? "I, uh, rather liked the book myself," She added, more in case this was the one thing they could connect over. She was still rather nervous about the whole affair.

Beth laughed when he spoke of standing awkwardly at receptions for retirees. Why did he even have to go suffer through that? "Oh that sounds rough," She said to him, realizing she sounded rather sisterly and hopefully not offensive. Beth took a sip of her water lightly and set it back down on the table.

[WILLIAM LAWRENCE HEAVENSBEE]

Sarabeth nodded knowingly, "He's never been a pleasant man." Unlike the Muggle community, the Wizarding population was far smaller. And especially since nearly everyone went to Hogwarts, people often knew of each other at least. "Oh, really?" she asked surprised. Especially nowadays, no one had much of an interest anymore in the kinds of accidents that commonly happen around Muggles and why. Liam had only mentioned that Beth seemed to know Ministry workers, but Beth had never told him explicitly that she wanted to work in Sara's department. Sara wasn't quite connecting the dots yet, but she was guessing at it. "Do you have an interest in Magical Accidents?" Sarabeth was always proud of her specialty. To be able to deal with magical accidents, one had to have a vast knowledge of all kinds spells, not to mention magical theory. And a dash to creativity. One had to imagine all the kinds of magical properties that had to have collided to produce the mess that they often did. In relation to Magical Accidents and Muggles, one had to understand Muggles, too.

Liam smiled appreciatively at Beth's comment. It was going to be very cool having someone willing to jump on his side. Liam shrugged though (now that he actually had sympathy, he could be brave) as though it wasn't so bad, "Mom likes to show me off." he explained, and then smiled mischievously. "Guess it can't be helped I'm such an impressive son." Sara gave Liam a look, but couldn't help but still smile. "Well if the Prewetts can show off their prefect daughter, I don't see why I shouldn't show off my prefect son."

ooc - I think all three of them would make an adorable family.

[BETHANY ANNE HEAVENSBEE]

"Yeah his father loved me though, so my job is secure." Beth was always surprised at how well connected people could be in the wizarding world.

Beth blushed lightly when Sara asked if she had interest in Magical catastrophes. She should have just said, yes, but instead she found herself telling her while song and dance. "Its my dream to be head of that department one day," Beth admitted. "I apply every time theres an opening but they never pick me..." She was beginning to think it was a conspiracy, especially with all those anti-muggles/muggle born flyers floating everywhere and all. Beth shrugged lightly. She knew Sara was a witch and that Liam was half-blood, but maybe she assumed the same about Beth. Had dad every told her about his first family?

Liam was starting to loosen up, the most relaxed he'd been since they'd met. Understandable though of course. "Of course she likes to show you off, a prefect, and so handsome." Beth said with a little teasing lilt and a smile. It was somehow easy to fall into a sibling relationship with him, and she was glad for that.

[WILLIAM LAWRENCE HEAVENSBEE]

Sarabeth couldn't help but this it odd that this bright, presentable girl wasn't already working at the Ministry. They needed positions filled, and the last batch of new recruits were ill-equipped and rather slow. Sara didn't say this aloud though, as it would salt on a wound to say "Odd that they hire idiots instead of you." She did say, "I'll look into that. Young bright talent is always welcomed in the department." Liam, on the other hand, wondered if his life would be more complicated if his mother and sister worked together. There didn't seem to be any obvious issues with that thought, but two influential Ministry women were a formidable force.

Liam was also suspecting that having a sister would be a like having a mother. He rolled his eyes at the compliment but smiled. "Stop it, you're making me blush." he mumbled, and decided to go for another sandwich. Ham and cheese this time.

Sara took the opportunity to learn about Beth. "So Beth, dear. Lovely girl like you - are you seeing anyone?" Liam figured this was a very womenly question. Although he found it strange that it never occurred to him that his sister could or would date anyone ... was she dating anyone? Liam paused his chewing and looked over.

She couldn't date anyone. He wouldn't allow it. He'd only just met her and some other man was going to steal her away?

[BETHANY ANNE HEAVENSBEE]

Beth blushed lightly, but couldn't help but be grateful. "Oh would you? Thank you so much." She said, trying not to sound too eager. But she would love to work for the ministry, it was her dream job and she had an in. Though really, what was their relationship... my dad married you when he left my mother... Not really a step daughter. Whatever. What mattered is she was going to look into it for her, and that was more than she could have asked for.

Liam told her to stop it and she couldn't help but grin. They were really beginning to seem like siblings and she liked that. Though she was sad they missed being kids together, not like that really would have happened considering the parental situation. Beth followed his lead and took a ham and cheese sandwich and took a little bite.

Beth blushed again when Sara asked if she was seeing anyone. Technically no, but things were looking up in that department. "Well, I do have a date coming up." Beth said. "I met him in a restaurant with his daughter, who thought I was a princess and wanted to eat with me, so I joined them and played along. She recently came over and had a sleepover at my house, and when I brought her home, I sort of made out with her dad. So now we have a date." Beth explained, trying to keep things as simple as possible. She didn't want to be too gushy, and maybe she'd already said too much, but she wasn't sure.

"Oh, he's the transfiguration professor at Hogwarts, Charles Palmer." Beth concluded, taking a bite of her sandwich so she wouldn't say any more ridiculous things.

[WILLIAM LAWRENCE HEAVENSBEE]

Liam felt like he was suddenly blindsided. Beth was meeting people and going on dates. He almost flinched at the mention of making out, but mostly just sat with a stupified expression. When did this start and who authorized this? And the person Beth was seeing had a daughter. What if they got married? Beth would be a mother. She wasn't old enough to be a mother. She was his sister. And Liam definitely wasn't old enough to be an uncle.

All the while Sara was nodding happily as though this was the first good news she heard in a while. Liam was getting the impression that his mom would've loved to have a daughter. Well, at least there was Beth now.

And then Beth said his name. Sara clapped her hands joyfully. "Oh! I've heard so many good things about him. He's a real gentleman." Meanwhile Liam was choking trying to get out his words.

There were so many things he wanted to say. Truthfully, up to this point, he sortof loved Professor Palmer. He was an awesome teacher and a swell guy - great role model. But if that devil was going to put the moves on his sister ... "You're dating my teacher?" Liam managed to say incredulously. "But he's old." Teachers always seemed very old.

[BETHANY ANNE HEAVENSBEE]

Beth blushed at Sara's outburst and grinned. Her mother wasn't much for detail and sentiment the way Sara seemed to be. Charlie was a gentlemen, very sweet and not very good at the dating scene, but a dear and a good kisser... But she wasn't going to say that. She was going to mention how kind he was and how he was a gentleman and how his daughter was flat out adorable, but then Liam was talking.

Bethany laughed at his outburst, he was acting like the older brothers in books who always had to vet their sister's boyfriends. Only tin this case, she was older and they weren't even very close as of yet. Frankly, it made her feel loved, even if it was silly of him. "He's not that old Liam," Beth said with a chuckle. "He's only a year older than me." She grinned at him, it was rather adorable that he wanted to protect her and she appreciated it.

"He is a gentlemen," She said, returning to Sara. "Totally sweet and respectful." Beth didn't bother to say she'd have many boyfriends of the opposite persuasion. Dragon tamers, radicals, and all around jerks with fast brooms who were good in the sack but shit as people. "And his daughter adores me, its very sweet."