Nina Poliakoff

Doing A Little 'Light' Reading

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 02:40:14 GMT

I wave my wand at the WWN radio on my nightstand, and soon I hear the lyrics of a Weird Sister's song.

I stretch out on my bed, tossing off a couple of the pillows and pushing one underneath me. I set the book that my uncle gave me against my headboard, and use my wand to open it up. I summon my chocolates from underneath my bed ( summoning charm working of course when it's books or chocolate, but never when I need to find my watch) , and cast the translation charm over the page.

The Russian words soon change to English.

As stated in the beginning, Aleksei Poliakoff lied about his blood status and origins to marry the witch he had fallen in love with. Six months from the day they met, Aleksei Poliakoff succeeded in marrying
Valeriya Kalawinsky, a Russian Pureblood witch, who's family had established itself in the early 1500's.

They married in 1627, Aleksei 24 years of age, Valeriya 21 years of age.

In the first ten years of their marriage, six boys were born.

After the birth of their sixth son, Aleksei finally confessed to Valeriya about his deception so many years ago. Angry at the deception, Valeriya kicked her husband out of their marriage bed, but the couple never dissolved their marriage, as it was highly looked down upon during that time period.

I'm not surprised really.

I take a chocolate out of the box and take a bite. Why did Aleksei confess to it? He had his sons, his marriage, everything.... so after ten years...

Aleksei took this without protest.

Valeriya never told anyone what her husband told her. And she also never spoke to her husband again. They lived together in silence, raising their six sons.

All but one of their six of their sons soon married Pureblood witches in the Russian society, strengthening the need of Aleksei Poliakoff's wish to have a Pureblood descendents.

When the sixth son, Konstantin, finally married at the age 18, tragedy struck.

Aleksei was murdered.

Valeriya killed herself.

It was soon discovered that Valeriya killed her husband, and then took her own life. But it was quickly covered up to look like a double murder that would never be solved.

I drop the chocolate I was about to put in my mouth.

Well... I thought the beginnings were interesting due to how Aleksei managed to insert himself into a Pureblood family.

I'm beginning to wonder about Uncle Ivan's reasons behind giving me this book. I mean yes, it was time I started to learn about my Russian heritage, but to learn of it's beginnings like this?

I cast the translation charm on the next couple pages and read as the words translate.

Out of the six sons, Konstantin was the one that was most affected by the deaths of his parents. He and his wife, Mariska had five children, four boys and one girl, the girl named after his mother. The girl died when she was ten years old, the cause unknown to this day.

The death of his daughter sent Konstantin into a depression he never came out of. His brothers, Gregori, Mikhail, Nikolai, Sergei, and Lyosha all tried to help their brother, but none of them could bring him out of his depression.

Gregori, married with five sons, took his place in the Russian Ministry of Magic, as well as Sergie, and Lyosha. Each of them have five sons as well. To learn more about Sergie, Lyosha and Gregori's children, their lives are detailed in the next few chapters.

No.. I will not skip. I will not.

I pop another chocolate in my mouth and force myself to read on, ignoring the urge to skip. Skipping ahead never helps anyone.

Tragedy struck the Poliakoffs once more.

The eldest of the six sons, Nikolai Poliakoff- the only one who never married or sired children, was killed trying to protect his brother Konstantin, who unfortunately was killed as well.

Nikolai's death dealt a crushing blow to the family, as he was charming, charismatic and was the one that pulled his family together after the deaths of their parents. He was well liked in the wizarding society, and although he had not joined the Russian Ministry of Magic, he was known for his influence in it.

The remaining brothers for the next few years searched for Nikolai and Konstantin's killer. They found him on the fifth anniversary of the deaths.

He was tried, judged, and convicted on February 14th, by the Poliakoff brothers.

No one in the Ministry challenged the brothers for their vigilante style justice.

Not able to read anymore, I close the book and put away my chocolate. I turn onto my back and stare up at the ceiling.

And I thought the Travetti side was interesting.

Clearly I was wrong.

Seamus Dropped By

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 07:22:38 GMT

Today had been awfully slow, even with owl orders, so I took the chance at around midday to go outside with my drink and the book my uncle gave me.

I started reading it the other night, using the translation charm to read the Russian (And of course feeling guilty I never bothered to learn to speak my father's language) and found out the Poliakoff line started out... oddly. Even for the 1600's.

A Muggleborn male with the last name Poliakoff, pretending to be a Pureblood from another country married a Pureblood Russian witch....

Over the next century the Poliakoffs apparently erased any mention that the family started with a Muggleborn and preserved it's identity as a Pureblood family by staying within the Pureblood families in Russia. The only time it has been mentioned that the Poliakoffs owe their existence to a Muggleborn... is in this book.

Apparently both my families have ancestors they wish no one knew about.

But from what I've learned so far, currently I'm still in the late 1600's, my Russian roots are certainly fascinating.

Right now, I'm sitting on one of the benches in front of the shops, alternating between drinking my juice drink and reading my family history. I really don't have anything else to do....

As I turn a page, my skin tingles somewhat as I see the outline of a shadow near me.

"Bit of light reading?"

I still in my reading as I recognize the voice and I look up. "A little," I say, resisting the urge (barely) to fling the book to the side and kiss the wizard standing just a couple feet from me. "Just get back into town, Houdini?" I ask, looking Seamus over and realizing then I certainly missed him.

He goes to sit next to me, but falls a little harder than seems 'normal' but this is Seamus Finnigan..., "Yeah, last night, bit of a rough night or two."

I close the book and take a closer look at him. He looks a little like he had a rough couple nights. I frown for a moment. "Everything all right now though?"

"It's getting better," he replies with a grin, looking over me.

I feel my face warm from his look. "Charmer," I tease.

"Only to those who deserve to be charmed," he says leaning towards me slightly.

Forgetting my reservations, I put to the book aside, and close the small gap between us, and kiss him, instantly feeling the zap I got from the last time we kissed. I feel his arm wrap around me and bring me closer as our kiss deepens.

Hesitantly, I pull back and mumble, "We're in public."

He smiles and whispers harshly, "I don't care."

As he leans forward again I regrettably say, "But I do...kind of...."

He smiles briefly and says, "OK," before kissing me lightly again.

I brush my hair back, trying not to blush as I push aside the thought of ignoring the fact we're in public and go back to kissing him, as he pulls back. "So what brings you by?"

He laughs and says, "I thought that would be obvious."

"Well I wasn't going to assume anything. Today's been slow so I have a little too much time to myself."

"I came to see you, though, didn't know if you might happen to deal in Zippo lighters. Mine sort of...exploded."

I shake my head. "I don't know what a Zippo lighter is... and it exploded?" I ask faintly.

"It's a lighter... I can get you one to see. And, yeah, I went to light a cigarette and it kinda just, well, I'm lucky to still have eyebrows."

I don't know how to respond to that. I just look at him, and immediately thankful he still has eyebrows. After a moment I just mentally shake the image off that he just gave me. "Well I'm glad you still have them."

"You and me both...they usually don't explode like that. Weird this one did. Anyway," he changes the subject, "It's slow today?"

I nod. "It'll get busier in December but right now even the owl orders are slow." I turn to my right as I hear the door open and Callie comes out. She stops at the sight of Seamus and gives me a grin, making me blush, but it soon disappears.

"Ah, you're still out here. Listen, Eli and Lance decided to close down the broom side early, so they're going to be doing that in ten minutes. Want me to do this side too?"

"Sure."

"Right. They heard about this festival in Muggle London and they want to check it out, so we're going. Listen, Cass just owled you. Said that your birthday present will expire at the end of December, so use it soon." She glances at Seamus. "Welcome back," is all she says before going back inside.

"Birthday?"

I look back at Seamus. "It was last month," I say simply. "Remember that day I told I had that Sunday Dinner to go to? Well I had forgotten it was my birthday, until the dinner."

An Uncle Drops By.....

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 23:35:42 GMT

"Nina, what on..."

I look up from the sitting room floor, several of my designs, in the drawing phase, spread out before me. Callie just standing there, a slight smile threatening to come forward.

"Working on your day off are you?"

"You know some of those movies that you gave me for my birthday?" I ask her as I grab one of my red ink quills.

"Yes."

"I got inspiration from the covers of them. Just feeling them out, before I lose it."

She comes further in and looks down at some of the designs on the coffee table. "Your designing has been quite odd lately. Celtic and Druid designs, dragon pendants, and now designs based off inspiration from Muggle movie covers." She looks at me. "You even went back to rune designs for bracelets and necklaces."

I shrug. "I do what I'm compelled to do."

"But you hadn't even done any rune designs since that last hunt your mother did..." Callie trails off.

I put down the red quill and pick up the black one. "I know. What do you need Callie?"

"Hmm? Oh yes, you have a visitor."

I still. "Oh?"

"I was wondering when she was going to mention me," a thick male voice said, teasing. Russian accent. I look up and notice my Uncle Ivan.

"Uncle Ivan!" I set my stuff down, jump to my feet and go over quite happily to him. And soon enough I've enveloped in a big bear hug, similar to my father's.

As soon as he lets me go, I get a kiss on the forehead and I hear a murmur from Callie saying she'll talk to me later. I wave to Callie and turn back to my father's brother.

"That was quite a greeting, young Nina." He grins.

"Well I don't get to see you as often as my other relatives," I say with a grin. "And you're usually in Russia, and don't allow us to connect our Floo's to yours."

"Sorry, dearie. But I am here in England for a couple days, and I thought I would drop by. Besides I brought something to give to you."

"Oh. How is everything back home?" I ask as we sit down on the couch. I just notice the package in his hand but I turn my attention back to him.

As I take in his greying blonde hair, and green eyes, similar to Father's, I wonder how I did not inherit my father's looks, like Kiros did. Nicolas and I eerily look like mother so much. I asked Father once, and he said that our Spanish side was the dominant side.

"Everything is fine. Business is good, and it seems to be good as well here."

"It is." I glance down at the package in his hands. "So is that what you wanted to give me to?"

"Yes, it is. I wanted to give it to you for your birthday, but since it was on Travetti territory, I thought that the tiara that your grandmother, on your father's side," Uncle Ivan stresses this, "was pushing it." He hands it over to me. "Open it."

I settle more comfortably in the couch and undo the red and black cloth, and then take off the lid of the box that it is in.

"I'm afraid you'll have to go to Nicolas for translation, or use the translation charm," Uncle Ivan says regretfully as he takes the book out of the box, takes the box and sets it down on my lap.

The book... it's red, and on the cover is black lettering. "I should have learned Russian," I sigh as I see the Russian words on the cover. The only thing that's not written in Russian on it, is the numbers.

Beginnings- 1600 to Current- 1999

"What is this?" I look at him.

"Your heritage."

"Pardon?"

He smiles patiently. "This is your Russian heritage. Even though you may look like Spaniard your mother was, you are also half Russian. Your mother's family was so determined that you and your brothers only learn the Spanish side. Your father didn't even fight it. But I think it is high time, past time, for you to learn your Russian heritage." He taps the book. "Everything you could possibly think of, about the Poliakoffs is in that book."

"Oh...is it all in Russian?"

"Yes, Nina it is. Like I said, ask Nicolas to translate or use the translation charm. I would have given this to Nicolas a few years back, but the proper time never came. I now give it to you. Just because you have more contact with your mother's family, does not mean you should forget your Russian roots." His words are firm.

I feel a pange of guilt run through me at ignoring the other half of me. Not really ignoring, but never taking the time to know.

Uncle Ivan looks at his wrist and sighs. "I must go, Nina. I do not mean to upset you in any way, I have just felt a level of frustration that you and your brothers were denied the knowledge of your Russian heritage for so long. You should know the other half of you."

I nod, not able to say anything. He just smiles, kisses me on my forehead again, and then gets up. "We will talk later. It was good to see you."

"It was good seeing you, Uncle Ivan," I say softly. He bends down and hugs me and then walks out.

I look down at the thick book on my lap.

My Russian roots are in this book.

After only knowing one side of my heritage, it seems a bit daunting to know that I have the information I need to know the other side of me.

A Not So Typical Halloween....

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 23:22:58 GMT

"Nina, come on, we're going to be late!"

I look between the two pairs of slip on shoes and decide on the red ones to match my dress. "She wants us there in ten minutes. I'm almost ready," I call out to Nicolas, no doubt pacing back and forth outside the guest room that Cass put me up in. She arranged it so she had a flat here in Magical Berlin.

"Hurry up," I hear him growl.

"I am!"

"She doesn't want us to miss the Grand Opening!"

"I'll be ready in time for it if you don't stop your griping!" I slip my other shoe on and then glance at the mirror. I pick up my wand and quickly use a spell to get loose strands.

"If you had decided to get ready earlier I wouldn't be griping!"

I wonder if it would be wrong to use the Silencing spell on my brother? I mean I've seen my Aunt Isabella use it a few times....

I open the door and he stops pacing. "See? I'm ready. With minutes to spare."

Nicolas just scowls. And I think I know why.

He's wearing HIS dress robes as well. I grin. He always hated this part. With his hair smoothed back and out of his eyes, and his blue and black dress robes on, he actually looks...

Decent. Or as my grandmother would say As what my grandson SHOULD look like .

"Not bad, big brother."

He crosses his arms. "No teasing. I hate teasing."

"Then lets go shall we? We don't want to disappoint Cass."

(Twenty minutes later)

I can't help but grin at the site.

Everything is decorated not only in Halloween colors, but in blue, silver and red.

The music is loud and the place is full.

"I really hate these kinds of things," Nicolas mutters.

I pat his arm, understanding. Reminds me a little of the parties I was taken to when in Beauxbatons. And speaking of Beauxbatons...

"Nicolas, I'm going to go up to the second level," I say quickly as I spot three of my former school mates. Who's invites I have been ignoring. Not quite ready to have that conversation yet.

"All right, I'm going to find Cass."

A Sleepless Night

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 01:17:39 GMT

It's dark.

And windy.

I tighten my night robe around me as the wind blows by. I didn't put my hair up, so it's even more messy than it is now, due to the wind.

My sleep was interrupted.

Another nightmare.

The wind starts up again and I close my eyes, wrapping my arms around myself.

Loud voices.

Random flashes of light.

Screams.

Blood.

I open my eyes, breathing hard. Even awake, my nightmares come back to me.

Not really sure what brought this one tonight. I took a Dreamless Sleep potion a few days ago. I can't take them all the time. Basically three times a month is the safest, otherwise you risk insanity if you try to take it even more.

Normally, I would be dressed, and taking my broom out for a night flight. But I didn't pause to get dressed and grab my broom. I simply needed to get out.

Too bad I didn't take into consideration the nights are getting colder... and windier.

Speaking of the wind, I shiver as it picks back up again.

I look down at my feet and realize I didn't put anything on them.

I should really get back inside. It's warmer. And my bed is in there.

Another gust of wind, this one making me shiver even more, finalizes my decision to go back inside.

I carefully walk the roof and step onto the stairwell that leads to the door to the inside. The only other person I could have woken up with my nocturnal activities, would have been Kiros. But the custody arrangement was changed and he's no longer here for a week every month. I'm not sure what it is now. I'll have to ask my Aunt Annalise. Nicolas is at Aunt Isabella's, so no company tonight.

I stop at the door and turn back around to look out at the dark sky. The wind that comes this time isn't hard, as it flows easily over me. I lean against the door and close my eyes, no longer shivering.

And once again...

Screams.

Flashes of light.

Faces of people being hurt.

Blood.

My eyes snap open once more and I take a deep breath.

I jerk the door open and head back inside.

I won't be able to sleep tonight. I'm not taking a Sleeping potion, because that won't keep the nightmares at bay. I head into my bedroom, and quickly change clothes. I brush back my hair and pull it into a ponytail.

Looks like I'm going for a broom ride after all.

I grab my broom by my door and head through the flat, and back upstairs to the roof.

Perhaps a long flight will help.

I cast a Disillusion spell on myself, and on the broom, and then sit on it sidesaddle, and shoot up into the sky.

Let this help tonight.

Only In My Family

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 21:10:27 GMT

It's amazing how my relatives can say one thing, but apparently mean another.

Such as my Aunt's compliment about the Catalogues. What I told Colin was directly from her, she did like the pictures he took. She said they were good and they didn't look like they were taken by someone who just came into the profession. She made that clear to me.

But apparently, now that I'm here in Madrid, she's not keen on the idea about Specialties having Owl Order Catalogues.

Then again, as one of my cousin's might say, Aunt Lourdes is not keen on anything that didn't come from her.

The Board however approved of the idea. The other broom makers and jewelery designers also like the idea, and wish to have Catalogues for their own area. Each Specialties shop has their own specific clientel, while also catering the main clientel that Specialties reached out to.

Aunt Lourdes has told me she is not convinced of how a Catalogue for the Main Travetti's Specialties would benefit the shop. Uncle Lorenzo has already told me he's willing to have one for the broom section.

So, if Colin says yes, and I can't convince Aunt Lourdes by the time I get his answer, then it looks like Colin will only be doing one Catalogue for the Main Travetti's Specialties. But at least he will be able to work in the other cities.

"Now what's with the glum face?"

I look up from the book I wasn't reading. After Aunt Lourdes had finished with her opinion, I had retreated to her small reading room in her home. I just pulled a book out, sat down on the couch and tried to read, but I just ended up thinking of how exactly I can persuade my Aunt to see that the Catalogoue would be good for her and her work.

I smile at the speaker, my Uncle Lorenzo. "I'm not glum."

He just sighs and drops down next to me on the couch and touches my nose. "Then what's with the thousand yard stare?"

"Aunt Lourdes," I mutter looking back down at the book.

"Ah. Well that explains everything. Your Aunts Lourdes and Isabella have a way of just ruining someone's good mood by entering a room. Just their way. Is this about the Catalogue?"

"Yes," I sigh.

I hear him mutter something in French. If Aunt Lenea was here, she'd threaten to wash his mouth out with a soap charm.

"Don't let your aunt get to you. I like the idea. I think it's great. Everyone else does too. Your Aunt is just being... well she's just being. If you can't convince her, no harm done. It won't hurt this Colin Creevey either."

I nod.

"All right, so my talk isn't helping. Come on," He stands back up, taking my book, setting it down on the coffee table, and then taking my hand and pulling me to my feet. "I don't know how long you have to convince your Aunt, but you are here in Madrid, with family. And guess what is going in Silver Magi Alley?"

I raise both my eyebrows. Magi Market has two Alley's attached to it. Silver and Gold. Both Alley's have live entertainment so to speak. A couple of my cousins say they are similar to the street entertainers in Muggle Madrid.

"What?"

"A book signing, an art fair, and a couple of singers have appeared today. Plus a new chocolate shop opened up near the corner of Silver Magi Alley."

"Let's go," I say firmly, and I grab his hand leading my uncle out.

"Knew that would perk you up."

Owls, Notes, And Letters

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:24:26 GMT

Miss Nina Poliakoff;

The Boad of Specialties has looked over the Travetti's Specialties Owl Order Catalogues that you have made. Along with the very well written essay on how they help with marketing.

The presentation itself is spectacular. And it puts word out about this business.

We congratulate you on a job well done.

We have shown this concept to the other jewelry designers and broom-makers at the other locations.

They have requested the same for their area, and would also like to use the same photographer. Please see what you can do to arrange that.

The Board.

PS: We send our condolences on what happened to your shop. Rest assured we are doing what we can to catch the culprits.

"Nina?"

I don't look up from the letter. "Hmm?"

"Nina?"

I sit down in my new chair, and set the letter down on the desk that replaced the makeshift one I had for the past few days. "Yes?"

"Nina, you have an owl."

I look up and see an owl perched on Callie's shoulder and I hold out my arm. The owl flies off and lands on mine, showing a letter attached to it's leg. I then set the owl on the perch attached to the desk, and open the letter

Dear Nina,

It was so much fun to make your acquaintance at Luna and Colin's party on Saturday. You kept me company and I really enjoyed our conversation. It was really nice making a new friend in you and I hope we can get together very soon either to play together or just chat over tea.

Have a good week.

Your friend,
Susan Bones

I smile at that. Things are definitely changing now, since I came to London. At first I was still trying to be friends with some of my former schoolmates who tracked me down when they found out I moved here, then that fell apart when I no longer wanted to go out. Then... well the other stuff happened and I threw myself into my job.

Now though, some things have changed. I've met some others, outside of work. Seamus of course, then Katie Bell from Menagerie, then Susan at Luna and Colin's housewarming.

I pick up my quill and a new piece of parchment, and quickly scribble;

As soon as I can get some time, I assure you, Susan, that we will get together.

I look away from the parchment and around my still not back to rights workshops. I'm still missing two shelves of gems, I'm still waiting on a new set of tools,(I wanted to faint at the price for those tools, 200 Galleons for them) and Nicolas ordered a few more new things for me. Everything will be put back to rights in a few more days.

I go back to the letter.

I still have some things to take care of.

Like catching up on some orders. Thankfully my portfolio was in my bedroom and I didn't lose anything in there.

And I have to go to Madrid for a couple days.

Because Aunt Lourdes wants a "closer" look at my Catalogues. Her letter came before the Board's letter.

Perhaps we can try and get together next week?

I would love it.

Your friend

I grin as I write that. I do not do that often, end my letters with your friend.

Nina Poliakoff.

I fold the letter, seal it, and attach it to the owl. The owl hoots, and Callie opens the door and it flies out.

Just then I hear the floor roar to life and I turn around in my swivel chair (I like it very much) and see one of my cousins step out with two boxes. "Diamonds, Emeralds, and Rubies. Where do I set them down?"

"On my desk, thanks."

My cousin walks over, set thes the boxes down on the desk and then bends to kiss my cheek. "More will be coming soon. See ya."

As he goes back to the floo, I jump slightly in my chair as a piece of paper suddenly appears in my lap. Since it just appeared, I have a feeling I know who it could be.

I open it to see Seamus's familiar scrawl.

On a job filled with sun, fun, and filled with laughs.

Nina, you haven't lived until you've seen a grown man in women's leather pants.

I'll explain that one day. Maybe. If he doesn't kill me first for all the jokes I'm making.

Been thinking of you,

Seamus

Well he's on a job.

I'm not sure I want to know about the whole... other thing he mentioned. Well, maybe I do. I'm not sure.

I reread the last line, and I smile. Been thinking of you...

Truthfully, I've been thinking of him as well. Which sort of explains the fact that my workshop is sort of behind on being put back together. I'm hopeless. Really.

"Nina, you're turning red," I hear Callie speak up. She's in the entrance from what I can gather without looking up. I just wave my wand, and the door shuts.

I take out another new piece of parchment and then scribble out;

Hope you're having fun.

I'm sure I haven't, and I'll take your word for it, dearie.

Sounds like one heck of story, and I hope he doesn't kill you. Be a shame.

So if you're on a job, I'll be careful with how many notes I send. I don't want to get you into trouble.

I hesitate for a moment, then give into the impulse and write it anyway;

Thinking of you as well.

Nina.

With a wave of my wand, and the image of Seamus's pocket, off it goes. I sit there for a few minutes, and then I borrow Alphonsus from Nicolas and compose an owl to Colin Creevey. Since the others designers and broom-makers wants him, I might as well see if he's willing.

After Alphonsus flies off, I turn to the boxes on my desk, and I open them, going back to putting my workshop back to rights.

Sunday Surprises

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 19:43:26 GMT

"Nina! It's six!" I hear Nicolas call out. "It was requested we be there by six!"

"Bloody Sunday dinners," I mutter, throwing down one dress robe. I turn to Callie. "When did we have to start dressing up for them?"

Callie shrugs. I take in what she decided to wear. A gold and black dress robe that just screams Cleopatra's Silk. I have a few of them myself, special ordered, but I am not going to put one on for a family Sunday dinner.

"Come on, wear that red one that Silk sent you about a month ago." Callie stands in front of the mirror and brushes back her hair, flashing me a smile in the reflection.

"No," I stand back up and go over to my closet, and push aside my work clothes. "I don't get this. Nicolas, Eli, Lance and you, you Miss Callie, have been giving me odd smiles all day long."

"No we haven't. Nina, where's your make up case?"

I take down one dress robe, a gold one but put it back up. "Under my desk. You know I don't use it often."

"I know that. Odd witch you are. And which would you rather have? Nicolas giving you odd smiles, or yelling at you about not defering to him?" Callie sighs. "I swear he treats you like your his kid."

"He probably feels like it," I mutter. "My choice. I can make my own choices. I am a legal adult. Became one when I was seventeen. I am also almost twenty."

I hear Callie mutter something and I glance back at her. "What?"

"Nothing. Oooh... I like this lipstick. Good choice. Goes well with your complexion. Think it will for mine?"

"Go with a lighter color, Callie. You have Aunt Lenea's colouring."

"True."

I turn back to the closet, pushing aside other dress robes.

"So what's the occasion?" I call out taking down a green and black dress robe, then putting it right back. "I mean we have to dress up in our best clothes, according to Aunt Lourdes, and we have to be there at.."

"Six. So we're late, like Nicolas just bellowed earlier."

For some reason that doesn't bother me. "So we're late. The family ought to be used to me being late by now."

"Does Finnigan know about your tendency to be late?" I hear Callie say, her tone teasing.

"Oh be quiet," I toss a sandal at her, but smile as I turn back to my clothes.

"He was here earlier, wasn't he?"

I go farther into the closet. "What makes you say that?"

"The doors were locked. Between the workshops and the one that leads out to the front." Callie's tone is still teasing.

"You eavesdropped; didn't you?" I accuse.

"Only a little."

I blush as I remember what happened earlier. I only saw Seamus briefly, as we were closing up early....

"Busy?" Seamus asks as he sits down on the chaise lounge, a butter beer in his hand.

I look back as I put the new containers of pearls on the new shelf. Madrid Travetti Specialties Floo'd me all new gems. And a few cousins came by yesterday to clean everything up after the investigators did their thing.

"Just putting everything back together. And we're closing up early today. Have to go a Sunday Dinner." I emphasize the two words after I put up the dark purple pearls, then the pale purple pearls up. I pick up the empty box and walk over to the chaise lounge and I place the box in the large trash can.

"Sounds important," Seamus says lazily, taking a sip of the butter beer. As I turn to go back to the other gems, he reaches out, grasps my hand and gently pulls me down next to him.

"Family dinner. They happen every week, on every Sunday. Laborous. I haven't been to one since.." I trail off, not wanting to bring that up. "Haven't been to them in a few months now, but have to go now. Mandatory from what I gather. Must be something important."

Seamus doesn't respond. He just sets the butter beer down, and then turns to me, raising the my hand. He kisses my palm, my wrist and then pulls me closer to kiss me softly on my mouth. Again the same feeling, the same drowning feeling, hits me when we kiss. I feel him cup the back of my head, his other hand first on my waist, then moving down to rest on my knee as he deepens the kiss.

Everything disappears once more.

After a few moments, he breaks it off, kissing me once more. His hand on the back of my head drifts down to rest in the middle of my back, his other staying on my knee.

"So soft," I hear him whisper.

I can't help it. I know my face is turning warm. I look down. "Do you have anything planned for today?"

I hear him chuckle, and I look up, and I just see a smirk. "Well one of them is out. But I did plan on seeing Aly today."

"How is she?"

"Fine."

"Nina!" I hear Callie call out. "We're closing in ten minutes. Nicolas said to get ready!"

"Okay!" I call out, and I face Seamus. "Family duty and all that calls."

"Then I better get going." Seamus picks his butter beer and stands up. "Drop me a note when you can."

I nod and stand up myself. "I will." I glance over at door separating Nicolas's and mine workshops and then back to Seamus. I think he noticed where I looked.

"Your brother still being an dickhead?" Seamus growls out.

I don't want him to leave angry. "We sort of have an unspoken truce at the moment. But he'll most likely be one again, and then I'll surprise him by refusing to back down." I grin. "Something he's not used to."

Seamus's grin returns and then he leans closer and kisses me again, only briefly this time before stepping back. "Looks like he'll have to get used to it." With that he just walks into the floo...

"NINA! WE'RE TWENTY MINUTES LATE!"

I start out of my reverie as I hear Nicolas bellow again.

"Shit," I swear. I look to see what I'm holding and notice I am holding a light red dress robe. The one similar to the Muggle dress I wore when I went to deliver Seamus to broom.

"Nina, what's with the swearing?"

A Surprising Turn Of Events

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 08:04:53 GMT

Something's off. Not sure what it is yet though. Maybe it's the time change. Nicolas changed the hours again for the shop. Just trying new things out here and there. The new hours started the first of October. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the hours are now 10 am to 8 pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays- 11 am to 7 pm. Saturday- Noon to nine pm. And he decided to have us now close on Sundays. I like it. It works for me. I stand on the floor of my shop looking around.

Something doesn't feel right.

I mean everything in the store looks right. I haven't gone in the back yet. Callie should be coming in a few minutes and together we can put up the Memorial display. I look to my right to see that Eli and Lance are already in the broom shop, making sure everything is right. Everything in here looks fine. So why do I still have this feeling... That something isn't? I hear the glass door slide open. "Hey, Nina. Just about ready?" Eli asks.

"Yeah, I'm just waiting for Callie. We can open when the two of us get the display up." I push some of my hair behind my ear, looking around.

"What's wrong?"

I shrug. "Don't know." I hear the door open and look back to see Callie. "Hey."

"Hey, Nina."

Eli closes the glass door, going back to his side. I look back over at Callie who is taking off the glass covers. "I'm going to start bringing out the displays." Callie just nods and I cross the length of the room, go behind the main counter and tap my wand on the door to my workshop.

I take five steps inside and then stop dead in my tracks as I see...

Chaos.

My stomach plummets as I take in the mess. My shelves broken, gems scattered everywhere. My work desk upended, chairs tossed to the side. My tools scattered. My display stands are all over the place. Nothing on them. My workshop... I take a couple more steps in, to see a couple empty white display stands lying next to the floo, and my chaise lounge. My Memorial displays. Which means...

My Memorial jewelry...

"Ohhhhh," I moan, holding my stomach and dropping on the chaise-lounge.

"Nina?" I barely hear Callie. She steps in and lets out a gasp. "Nicolas isn't here. He's in Madrid. I'll get him, " She grabs some Floo powder and uses the Floo.

My jewelry.... Just like in Berlin.

It's gone. But this time... I feel the bile rise in my throat. This must have happened while I was asleep. Upstairs. Below me. Someone was doing this while I was asleep. My stomach makes another jerking movement. I drop my head in my hands, and let out another moan, simply feeling sick at the thought.

I hear the door open and close once more. Eli. He swears and comes over to me where I'm sitting and wraps an arm around my shoulder. "Lance and Callie have gone to get Nicolas, Nina..." he says softly.

I try to keep it in, but I feel my eyes water, and my chest tighten. I can't breathe. This feels worse than what I saw in Berlin. I mean.. it was bad that my jewelry was stolen there, but here... It feels so much worse. Just seeing this...just knowing that this happened, brings what happened on July 18^th back all over again. The day that set off the next few weeks of hell in my family.

"Nina,"

"Eli..I can't.." I can't even speak without taking a few moments. I can't force the words out. I just let my tears fall, as Eli holds me.

"Nina?"

"I'm having trouble..." I swallow and make the mistake of looking up to see the destruction. I instantly look back down as Eli's hold tightens on me. "This sucks."

Then something else happens that indicates that this day is going to take another turn. I hear the floo being used, but I don't hear Nicolas. I look up, and I see Seamus.

"Now's not...exactly a good time," I choke out.

Attempted Recognition, Gossip And Broken Concentration

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 04:05:46 GMT

"The store in Rome already sold three sets of the Zaria Collection. One set of the Nicoletta Collection, and two sets from the Xavier Collection."

I toss two other set of covers to the side, as they are no longer viable. I am now down to four sets to choose from. I'm getting there.

"Nina? Did you hear me?" Callie asks. I can hear the exasperation in her voice.

"I heard you Callie." I turn around one parchment, turning it upside down. Even upside down it does not work. I pick that one up and set it with the others I discarded. "So the Memorial Collections are selling?"

"Yes. A few sets sold in Madrid as well, and in Paris. The stores have also been flooded with owls, compliments on the designs." Suddenly a bunch of folded parchments land in front of me, "as well as the designer."

I set the folded pieces of parchment to the side and look up at Callie. "What are these?"

She smiles. "Compliments to the designer. You, sweetie."

I turn my attention back to the covers, and automatically discard another set. Almost there... plus I need to concentrate on this, and not think about who else calls me sweetie.

"Aren't you going to read them Nina? I mean I don't recall so much feedback on just one Collection. Even the Board sent a letter of appreciation to you. The last designer for Travetti's that got such feedback was in the eighteen hundreds. And that was because a Muggle princess was the recipient of them from a besotted wizard."

I look up. "Really?"

"Yes."

"Did it work out between them?" I look up from the cover sets. "The Muggle princess and the wizard? Did it work out?"

"From what I understand, yes. They married, had children. I guess there were obstacles. But I don't know what they were. But that's not the point. The point is, you're getting recognized, really recognized for the Zaria, Nicoletta and Xavier lines."

I frown at that. I don't do my work to be recognized. I do it because I want to, because it's a part of me. I see the looks on others when they find a piece of jewelry that matches what they needed. Narcissa Malfoy for instance. Ernie MacMilan wanted both of the pieces I made for him. What I do.. I don't need recognition for.

I've tried to explain that before. People either look at me as if I'm odd, nuts, or simply dumb.

I'm none of those.

I'm just me.

"Okay, so I'm not getting anywhere with that. Care to tell me about your uh night with that new friend of yours?"

I don't like how she said friend. Sort of like...

Teasing.

"I told you. I went to that fast food place, McDonalds, and we went to see Big Ben."

I hear Callie move and then she sits down next me. She reaches out and pushes some of my hair back, making me look up at her. "What?"

"What else did you two do?"

I roll my eyes. "Did Nicolas put you up to this? I know he's not here, had to go see Aunt Isabella. But did he put you up to this?"

Callie sighs. "No, sweetie. I'm just curious. I never seen you this closemouthed about something. But I kind of like you making a friend. Even someone like him."

I frown. "What do you mean 'someone like him'?"

"I mean he's not generally someone I see you being friends with. Finnigan just looks so... rough."

That was my first impression too.

"There's something else there underneath the roughness," I say softly. Especially if that person reads philosophy and gets into a debate about it. Well we didn't debate, but just had a discussion. I smile. It was fun.

"Really? Nina, I know you and I never really did any girl chats--"

Because I don't get into those really. Even with my cousins.

"But I've just never seen you like this. Willing to leave work just to spend a few hours with someone. I mean if it was me I could see it. The wizard is kind of cute, if you go for that rough, hard, I don't give a damn exterior and attitude."

"Callie. Your judging him from only meeting him once."

"You did the same," Callie points out. do.

I nod. "Yes. And I regretted it. I received another chance to look past the first impression and see more. I still don't know him that well, but I'm getting to." I look away, feeling my face warm again and go back to concentrating on the cover sets. "Callie, the Board wants the final product owled to them in a couple days, I need to get this done."

"All right." Callie places a hand on my shoulder and stands back up. "Well good luck with that. And uh, good luck with your Irish friend." She walks away and soon she closes the door.

At the click, I give up trying to concentrate, as Callie's topic of conversation kind of broke it.

McDonalds, Big Ben, And Seamus Finnigan

Sat, 06 Oct 2007 07:03:16 GMT

I have three custom orders done.

I have four original orders done and about to go out to the floor.

The Owl Order Catalogues are almost done.

It took a while to complete. I have the content of both the Catalogues already bound together. I just need to make the front and back covers of them and they will be complete. Then I will have to make copies and also show the finished products to the Board. Which means another trip to Madrid, and possibly to the other locations as well. I already know the other designers and broom makers have become interested in something like this for their area.

So right now, my only issue are the covers.

I already made six sets of mock covers. For each catalogue. So that's twelve.

I tried to ask Nicolas his opinion for the Broom ones, but whatever happened during his visit to Madrid left him surly. In fact he's not even down here right now. I think he's locked in his bedroom. Something about catching up on sleep. I could tell he lost a lot of sleep. He had dark rings under his eyes, and he was moving a bit slowly.

So. I have a dilemma.

Too many choices.

Again.

I step in between each set on the floor and look at all the sets, and just finally give in to the urge that came to me about twenty minutes ago, and just drop down to the floor, and just...

Try to figure out which ones I am going to pick.

This is one of the few things on the shelf. I am trying to keep myself busy.

"Nina?"

"Yeah, Callie?"

I hear her step into the room and put something on the desk. "Four more custom orders. Your Aunt Lourdes sent them over by owl."

I nod. "Okay. Thank you." I wait until I hear the door close and then turn my attention back to what it should be on.

And not on other stuff.

A few minutes pass by and I still haven't been able to at least eliminate any sets when I hear the sound of the floo being used. I wait for the sound of footsteps.

I don't wait long. I hear the sound of heavy footsteps stepping out and onto the floor. Boots. Since I only know one person who wears boots....

I feel a smile start to form, and I look up. "Hi, Seamus."

A Day Of Notes

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 21:01:32 GMT

I'm restless.

I have seven designs in the works.

I have four pieces ready to go out onto the floor. Not the dragon ones I finished the other day.

I'm working on another personal piece of jewelry. Celtic. Again.

This time it's for me.

Earrings. Symbols of the Muggle Druids.

I created another wrap around arm band. This time with a Celtic design. I don't really understand it sometimes. I don't normally do Celtic. It's something that's... personal I think. It's the same with the old Spaniard symbols of Cortez as well. He really was a wizard, and he wasn't really responsible for what happened to the Aztecs. It was his twin, another wizard, who also went by the name Cortez, but he used a K for him.

I pick up the earring, with the Druid symbol for change. The other is a symbol for direction.

I'm not in the mood to design or create anything else at the moment.

I want to...

A few days earlier...

I take a sip from my butter beer and then set it down. "So I can just write anything and transport it to you? No problems with that?"

Seamus just smirks at me. "Hard to believe sweetie?"

I just look at him. "No, dearie,." His smirk expands, and I just grin. "Just clarifying that's all."

"No need to clarify. Just a note, transport and uh... concentrate on my pocket."

"Riiight."

I really don't know what to think of Seamus Finnigan sometimes.

But now I want to write to him. Hope this is a right time. I've written to him a few times before. It still feels a little odd doing it like this, but it works.

I push my designs to the side and take out a piece of parchment, and scribble something on it with one of my quills. It's one of my colour ones, so the words come out in blue.

Seamus,

This is not normal. I'm bored and I'm not in the mood to finish my designs right now. Well it's also not normal for me to design jewelry in the form of Ancient Druid symbols, but that's not the point. Point is...

I'm BORED. And I already have plenty to do, but don't want to do anything at the moment. Can I blame you?

I look at what I wrote, and before I decide to just scrap it and write something else, I cast the transport spell, thinking of Seamus's right pocket. Hopefully he gets it.

Dragons, Symbols And Designing

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 01:06:56 GMT

I hold my wand above the solid piece of gold, working around the dragon design I have carved. Next to it are three others similar to the one I am carving out.

Lately the urge and desire to do more and more Celtic, Druid and mystical designs has been surrounding me. I do not understand it. But ever since I first started designing, I have learned to just simply do what comes to me.

I run my wand over the dragon one more time, and then cast the colour charm. I pick up my Talea ( a instrument that cuts into what has been carved) and slowly cut away the rest of the gold, isolating my jade dragon.

Once it's out, I set it gently down on the black cloth, next to the chain I created for it and next to the others.

After I had completed these designs, my little brother, who just went back home about two hours ago, had set a dragon book on my desk. And not just any dragon book.

Dragons And Their Place In Celtic Lore

Out of curiosity, I had flipped through the book... and spotted each dragon I had created. I never saw any of them before until now. I looked up the meanings of each dragon I had created. They all had their own translation. Love, Change, Direction, and Fate.

The Druids and Celtics believed in Dragons much more than we did. Believed that they were simply more than what they appeared. They revered Dragons. Once I had finished looking through Kiros's book, I went back to putting the finishing touches on my designs.

I look at the four dragons in front of me, the chains lying next to them. I pick up my latest one, the Jade one, that according to the book, represents Fate. I work the chain through the loop I left for it in the carving and then put together the clasp. I move on to the next few.

As I attach the chains I glance over at the silver molding, where the earrings I created for myself are ready to be carved and set. I used blood red rubies, also known as Dragon Eyes, centered in a gold ring. Carved around the gold are Druidic symbols for health, happiness, and love.

My designing has turned mystical. More so than usual.

I can't explain the whys of it.

I don't want to.

A Bad Day Made Even Worse

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 17:07:13 GMT

I woke up this morning, and when I turned on the WWN, I found out what day it was exactly.

I should have stayed in bed. I didn't exactly have a restful sleep in the first place.

Today is a day I do not want to think about.

It's only around noon, and the moment the shops were opened, Nicolas already took off, stating gruffly that he'll be back tonight. I'm not sure where he went. Eli and Lance are in charge of the broom section today. I dragged myself out of bed a little later than I normally get up, had a little breakfast and locked myself in my workshop, trying to concentrate solely on my work.

I told Callie that if anyone wants a custom order to take down their order on a piece of parchment and come to me about it at the end of the day. I didn't want to be bothered.

Because...

It's the eighteenth.

It's been two months since my mother died. Last month I wound up taking a sleeping and dreamless sleep potion and just slept the day away, not wanting to face it. Last night I had a nightmare- same thing repeating over and over- seeing my mother getting hit with that curse. But it gets worse as I see Nicolas getting hurt as well.

The only time I seem to get decent sleep is after I spend time with Seamus. I don't know why. But after spending time with him, sleep comes easier. I never imagined I would be become friends with him. After our first... well day where we spent some time together, I asked him if he'd mind if I had the Floo connected to his. At first he had an odd look on his face when I asked, but then he just smirked and said not at all. I still have no idea what the look and smirk was about.

After that day, I actually had decent sleep, and it was the same after the night I had watched those Muggle Movies. Well sort of. The first one was just horrible... but it was good, well the parts I was able to watch. And I did enjoy the other movie, before I fell asleep watching it. Odd, that I fell asleep. I don't just let myself fall asleep around someone that I've only known a week. But... all right it may sound odd, but I feel comfortable around Seamus, enough to say things I would never normally say and I to trust him enough that I could fall asleep.

Another Day, Another Meeting With Finnigan

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:31:02 GMT

It's been a few days since I delivered Finnigan, I mean Seamus, his broom.

I've been wanting to see him again, but had to put it aside for work. Besides he has his own life too and I don't want to end up trying to get in the way of that.

It's just...

I've never felt more comfortable around someone than him, and that was just from spending a couple hours with him. I've never walked barefoot in someone else's home, and yet I did. And he didn't seem to mind.

I've been wanting to Owl him since yesterday, but didn't because I didn't want to seem intrusive or annoying. So I buried myself back in my designs.

This is what happens when you don't make friends easily. You wind up confused on what you want to do.

"Okay, so red and silver design for the jewelry, with hints of green and black inside it," I tell Callie as she sits down next to me.

"And the Broom Catalogue?" She asks, flipped some of her blonde hair back.

"Brown and red, with some black and brown inside."

"And the pictures?"

"Colin's not done with them yet," I take a sip from my drink and flick back my braid. "He's quite a deliberate photographer, takes his time. But he seems to know what he's doing." Certainly shows it, the couple times I've seen him in the shop. "So do you think the colour schemes work on the Catalogues?"

She nods. "Yes. It works just fine. Stop being so nervous. Everyone says this is a great idea. Even when you sent a model to the other shops and the Board. They all love it. And didn't the other shops say they want one for there areas as well?

I sigh. "Yes. And I'm thinking about recommending Colin, that is if what he does good works for the Catalogues. It would be good for him really. Gets more experience." I open up my portfolio, looking over some of the designs for Hermione Weasley's gifts to her wedding party. I already completed three of them. Luna Lovegood's is a bit tricky and more detailed so I'm being careful.

"That's good. Hey I've been wanting to ask since you came back, but how did that delivery to Finnigan's go?"

I pause in my ruffling through the sketches. "It went fine." I smile. "It went really well- despite me hexing myself in the foot a couple times. I still can't believe I prejudged him. I've never done that before. But we left on good terms..."

"How good terms?" She grins as she asks this.

"Callie."

"Come on Nina."

I just give her a look and she gives me one right back. Relatives. They never stop being snoopy. "Friends."

"Really? Well that's good. You need friends. All you have is us, and family's different than friends." She takes one more sip from her drink and stands. "Okay, I need to head back. I left Eli in charge, and I came here because it was slow. I'll see you in a bit?"

I nod, pushing my Catalogues to the side and taking out my parchment and quills from my portfolio, starting in on a couple new designs.

I acknowledge Tom briefly as he sets another drink down on the table, and taking my empty glass. I pick up one of my graphite quills and start filling in a couple dark pieces, thinking that a couple Onyx stones would fit.

I don't keep track of time- just my refills. I think on the third refill I must have been here for a least an hour, but I don't need to go back today. I'm not always in my workshop, and Callie knows it.

Finally, I stop as I feel my wrist begin to cramp. My drink is empty and I think I've had enough for right now. I start to gather everything together, realizing that I should head back. It was around three when Callie and I were talking. I look down at my wrist and my watch... isn't there.

"Shoot," I mutter to myself. I run a hand through my hair... which is now also loose. I must have taken the braid out. I unfold my legs, and slip my feet down, into the sandals and stand, picking up my catalogues and setting them to the side, moving sketches out of the way, my portfolio, my bag, anything and looking up the table and just glancing around the area in front of me, kind of hoping my watch would appear right then and there.

"Where is it?" I mutter, looking around once more. I don't bother using the summoning charm. When it comes to my watches, the charm never works. I don't understand it. Is Fate trying to tell me to not even bother trying to keep track of time? To not even make an effort to know what time it is? That time isn't important to me so I might as just not keep track of it and keep going my way?

I sigh and run my hand through my hair again. "This is not fair."

Something Is Stirring....

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 22:50:51 GMT

"So..."

"I'm having them divide the Island into three pieces."

"Three pieces?" Nicolas raises an eyebrow.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Why not?"

"I'm just asking."

"Because, I need room for the Memorial Displays. That's why. And I'm not going to put them a white display stand here, there, over there, oh and there too. I want them together."

"So.." Nicolas trails off.

"So..."

"You're having Eli and Lance and split the Ring Island in three pieces because..."

"Because I plan on putting the Memorial Displays in the middle of the room, with the Ring Triad-"

"Triad?"

"Well I can't call it the Ring Island anymore now can I?"

"No, no you can't. So the Ring Triad?"

"Yes. The Ring Triad will be around them, like a triangle."

"I'm not dumb."

"Never said you were. But you were being deliberately obtuse." I point out.

"Just like you can be a deliberate brat?"

I glare at him. "Only to your eyes."

"It's true."

"No it's not."

"Yes it is."

"No it's not."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"What are we, five years old?"

"Funny, I feel like that sometimes when squabbling with you." Nicolas crosses his arms, but smirks.

"Oh be quiet."

"Aww, come on sis."

I frown at his look. "Don't do that."

"Don't do what?"

"Give me the puppy dog look."

"But it works on every other witch."

"I'm not every other witch. I'm your sister."

"So?"

"So what?"

"That's just supposed to make you more gullible."

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. "When it comes to you dear brother, I am not gullible."

"That hurts."

"The truth does."

"Don't be so cruel Nina."

"I'm not cruel. I'm your sister."

"Then why be so mean?"

I smile. "Because I love you."

"Damn." Nicolas sighs.

"What?"

"Guess I have to say it back don't I?"

"No."

"But it's only right. You said it to me."

"Because your my brother."

"So?"

"So you should be told that."

"Damn."

I laugh again. "What?"

"I love you sis."

"Thanks."

"What?"

"You sounded like you were in pain when you said that."

"Because it came straight from the heart and that can be painful."

"Riiiight."

"Okay, back to topic on hand."

"Topic?" I blink. "Oh yeah. I'm going to have Eli and Lance angle the Ring Triad into the form of a triangle, and then set the Memorial Displays inside it."

"Nice. When will you put up the displays?"

"Tomorrow." I sigh. "Probably finish on the tenth."

"Nervous?"

"Not anymore."

"Good. Then I have a question."

"Yeah?"

"My stash of chocolate scones..."

"Oh."

"You."

"Yes."

"Nina..."

I blush. "I couldn't help it!"

"How do you stay so skinny?"

"I don't know." Literally. I don't.

"I blame Mom."

I frown. "Nicolas."

"Okay. I don't blame her."

"Family gift?"

"Let's call it that."

"Plus when you do normal eating, you hardly eat more than what's on the plate."

"Oh please."

"Then when you're nervous, upset, or whatever, you go on a chocolate binge."

I frown. "I do not!"

"Yes you do."

"Do not."

"Yes you do."

"Do not!'

"Yes."

"Not."

"Nina, are we back to being five year olds again?"

I laugh. "Looks like it."

"So, the displays will be up by the tenth at the most?"

"Yes."

"What will you do with the Ring Triad when you're no longer selling the Memorial Jewelry?"

"Leave it as is."

"You're itching to redesign again aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Then do it."

"I will. Later. Maybe a few months from now. Like for Christmas or something."

"Christmas."

"Yeah." First Christmas without Mom. Without Grandmother, GrandFather. I wonder. Does he...?

"Nicolas?"

"Yeah?"

"Never mind."

"You okay?"

"Yeah."

"You sure?"

"Yes."

"Okay."

"Sorry. Didn't mean to be..."

"It's all right. You left your broom on the roof again."

"Oops."

"I got it down. Heard a thump. It was like two am."

"Was it?"

"Didn't have your watch with you?"

"Lost it again. Used Accio. Still couldn't find it." What happens to all my watches? Am I cursed?

"Nina..."

"What?"

"What were you doing flying outside for so long?"

Nightmares again. "Couldn't sleep," I say simply. I'm not telling him.

"You okay now?"

"Yes."

"You sure?"

I feel a flash of irritation. "I said yes."

"I was just asking."

"I know."

"I'm usually the one taking flights out until two am."

"So? You got the patent on that or something?"

"No. Are you sure you're all right?"

I scowl. "Nicolas, ask me that one more time and I'll tell Aunt Isabella that you were the one that set her prized spell book on fire."

"Do that and I'll tell her..."

"Tell her what?"

"Tell her..."

"Yes?"

"Damn. Don't have anything."

"Awwwww." I pat his arm.

"Brat."

"Jerk."

"Pain in the ass."

"Pain in mine."

"Why couldn't I have been an only child?"

I've heard this complaint many times. "Because."

"Because?"

"Just because."

"Brat."

"Jerk."

"Are we starting this again? What were we doing?"

"Discussing what I was doing for my Memorial display."

"Right."

"So do you like it?"

"Do you really need my opinion Nina? Your ideas are always good."

I bite my lip and look down. "Because you're my brother."

"So?"

I look back up. "Because your opinion matters to me."

"Shit."

"What?"

"We're having a moment aren't we?"

"Nothing wrong with that. No one's in the store. No one will see."

"Only Eli and Lance."

"So? You're afraid your big, mean and tough reputation will go up in smoke?" I tease.

"Yes. Very much."

"Well your secret is safe with me."

"Thank you."

"So what do you think?"

"It's good."

"Really?"

"Nina. It's good. This is coming from me."

"Thank you."

"No problem. Now I have to get back to my brooms."

I smile to myself as my brother leans down and kisses my forehead, before striding across the room, opening the glass door and going back to his domain.

His world.

I look back over to where Eli and Lance are almost done with splitting the Island into the Triad. I look around my shop, at the rings, necklaces, tiaras, pendants, bracelets, earrings, watches, miniature clan swords(I've made about ten of them), and everything else I have in here.

I glance at the door leading to my workshop.

My world.

I glance back over at the glass door that separates my brother's world from mine. In a sense it's my world as well. He's a part of it.

I should be content, happy with what I have.

My world, my brother, my customers. My family.

So why do I have this strangest feeling...

That something is going to happen to my world?

The last time I got this feeling-

My mother died.

Something is telling me though...

It won't be something like that.

I don't believe in Divination. Palm reading, crystal balls, tea leaves- It's interesting, it has a certain mystique to it, and of course there are seers out there, but our lives are not governed by what we see in our palms, tea leaves, or crystal balls.

Even though I don't believe in those things-

I do believe in Fate. Paths. Choices given to us, opportunities laid out for us that will lead us to whatever destiny we choose from those opportunities, choices taken.

Fate is a big part of our world.

We all have destinies, our own paths. We have several lined out, depending on what we do with the opportunities given to us, the choices we decide to take. Once done, Fate has done it's part and our destiny, our path that we chose this time will be shown.

And right now?

Fate is stirring.

Fate will push something in my direction, into my world.

All I have to do..

Is wait for that path to open, for the opportunity to be shown.

I hear the door open and as a customer comes in, I see the wind blowing.

There's something in the air.

Something will be shown to me very soon.

A path. An opportunity. A choice.

And I will have to decide wether or not to take it.

I wonder...

What Fate has in store for me.

Nervous In Berlin

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 01:06:24 GMT

I'm in Berlin right now.

At the moment, the jewelry designer for this shop is in a discussion with a male customer. Since it's in German, I'm not really paying attention.
I have something more important in mind.

I bite my lower lip as I eye the cases and display stands being used to put the Memorial jewelry up.

The Berlin shop has decided to make them a centerpiece. They moved the Ring Island, and put six display stands, white, and put them in the center of the room. I watched as they had put the wards up around them and then the glass cases, also adding more wards.

It's already been decided that once the store closes down for the day, they'll be putting the Memorial jewelry, and the other expensive pieces in the workshop, which is more warded than the shop itself due to the amount of gems, gold, silver, platinum and other metals are in there.

The Memorial jewelry is in the form of a hexagon. Each point showcasing a few created items each. All in all I have about... eight - four piece sets (ring, necklace, bracelet and earrings), eight stand alone pieces, and four men's sets and six stand alone pieces. In the back I only have a few more sets and pieces to replace the ones sold out here, but once they are all sold here in Berlin, this one shop will sell them no more.

It will be the same in Paris (where I will be going next) then Rome's Sea Zars Alley, and then Madrid's Magi Market, and then of course I'll figure out how to display my lines in Diagon Alley.

"So what do you think?"

I glance over at Brianne, the jewelry designer for this store. "I like it," I say, not really in the mood to talk. I turn back to the display case, feeling a little… odd at seeing these creations on display. I'm finally displaying to the public what I've done.

"This is a really good thing you're doing Nina," Brianne says gently.

"Thank you." I push back some of my hair (It's starting to get a bit annoyingly long. I might have to cut a few inches. I don't want to, but I might. If there is one thing I will admit to being a bit vain about is my hair. I've always thought it's my best feature. Right now it's almost to my waist.) and just quietly look over the rest of the display.

"Are you leaving today?"

I shake my head. "Tomorrow. Paris. Hopefully it won't take too long, and I’ll quickly get over to Rome. Madrid won't be hard and then I'll be back in London in the next couple of days." I glance back at her. "Thank you for letting me use your workshop to finish those rings."

She smiles. "Anytime." I hear the door open and the sound of a couple male voices. "Ah. Excuse me, Nina."

I nod absently as she goes off, going around the display again. Against the white display stands, the dark jewelry stands out. I can also make out the initials Z, X, and N every now and then.

I hope the people who buy these items will somehow understand the significance behind them. But it's a big hope. Not everyone understands the reasoning behind why a piece of jewelry is created, or appreciate why. Very few do.

"That is beautiful work," a male voice says softly next to me. I start slightly and turn to my right to where the voice came from and I see a wizard, my age I think, looking at the pieces displayed. He glances over at me and I see a pair of friendly dark brown eyes.

"Thank you." I say simply.

"She said you are the designer? Miss Poliakoff correct? I asked the young propitier." He asks me, his words spoken carefully with the thick…Irish accent. How do I know it's Irish? I've only directly talked to one person who is Irish and….

As usual, just thinking of that, another pair of dark brown eyes pop in my head and I sigh. Trying to banish the thought of them I turn away from the wizard next to me and look back at the display. "Yes."

"You are talented," he continues. "I do not see many designs such as these. Usually jewelry is bright and bold, but yours is... well dark and bold."

I am feeling my face turn warm. I just know without looking into any mirror I am turning red. I glance back at him, and at his encouraging smile, I smile back, although still shy. Like at those parties my Beauxbaton friends took me to, I feel a little out of my element. But since this is the shop, I feel fine... sort of.

"You have a beautiful smile, Miss Poliakoff. And it matches your beautiful designs. You have an eye for this, as it is shown through these designs. Not everyone can have such talent. You are very blessed to have one such as this."

With each word he says, the accent becomes more noticeable and I am reminded of that one visit. That one visit that just won't disappear. The memory of that visit continues to haunt me to this day. Maybe because I realized I was a bit rude. Or maybe it's because certain things seem to bring it up. Such as this man's accent. And those eyes. But they’re not the same as his. Similar, but not the same.

Sort of like... comparing German chocolate to Swiss chocolate. Similar, but not the same.

Right now I feel like banging my head against a wall. I have no idea why I am doing this. It is not normal. I think something is wrong with me. One visit. One simple visit. And yet it sticks out in my mind. This isn't fair.

I look back at him and he just smiles once more. This time I see more than just friendliness. I am not that naive when it comes to wizards. I have had to deal with poor attempts of wizards trying to pick me up. I did have two relationships. Not exactly stellar ones, but I have a little experience. Then again not a lot. But I think I do know the difference between a friendly smile and a…well a smile that indicates the person wants more.

I do not want to encourage him. I think of how my grandmother sometimes discourages people and that helps.

"Thank you," I say in the most polite, but distant tone I can muster. I turn back to the display.

"Would you perhaps like to go for a---"

"No," I say softly and then glance back at him. I see disappointment. "No. I am sorry but I am only here for business." And I do not want to spend time with one Irishman while I think of another, another that I only met once! And I have a feeling he was offering to take me out for a drink. And, well…I don't mix well with alcohol. "But thank you for asking, but it is simply not a good time."

He nods, but I can still see the disappointment. "Very well, I did not mean to cross any lines. I will no longer bother you, Miss Poliakoff."

"You weren't bothering me." I say softly. "I'm just not--"

"Interested. Yes." He holds out his hand. "It was nice meeting you, Miss Poliakoff."

"You too... Mr?" I reach out to shake his hand.

"Mr Colfer." He grasps my hand slightly and brings it up, placing a soft kiss on the back of my knuckles and then releases. "It was a pleasure to meet you Miss Poliakoff. I will come back when these pieces are officially for sale and buy a watch for myself."

I blink for a moment as he walks off. I told him no and yet he is still going to buy one of my designs later on? Wizards. I will never understand them. Then again, I never understood them in the first place, so I'm not really losing any ground.

"Nina?"

I look over to see Brianne approaching me. "Yes?"

"Specialties in Paris just dropped off the floor plans for the shop. It's in my workshop. You'll have time to look it over before you go there tomorrow."

"Good." I look back at the display. "Do you really think this should be in a hexagon?"

"Oh yes. It's more eye-catching and people will see it first. Of course you might do it differently in the other shops. Each floor plan is different."

"Yes they are..." Shoving back thoughts of wizards and a certain Irishman back in the UK, I walk around the display. "I think there needs to be something in the middle. Like... maybe a display of a men’s ring, a woman's ring, a men’s heirloom necklace, a woman's necklace, and a bracelet and earrings? We could take a single from each one of the corners and just put it in the middle." I look back at Brianne.

She just grins. "I like that."

I turn back to the display case and I look over the Memorial jewelry. My nervousness at displaying these items, items that took a lot out of me to create, is starting to abate, but it is still there.

"Good. Brianne?"

"Yes?"

"I'm nervous." I blurt out.

Brianne just laughs a little. "I got some chocolate stashed upstairs. And ice cream. Good food for the nerves. Want some?"

"Can I have the whole thing?" I ask plaintively, as I follow her up to her flat. "I know I'll regret it in the morning."

"Ah, but at least it's not going to be like an alcohol induced hangover. Chocolate and ice cream morning afters are a lot easier to endure." She looks back at me and grins as she opens the door.

"A lot less painful," I remark, thinking of the few hangovers I have had. I really don't like drinking. Or maybe the alcohol doesn't like me.

Brianne just laughs as she leads me into the kitchen.

Healing In Creation

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:15:11 GMT

They say creation heals all wounds.

In a sense it does.

Sometimes during the process of creating, the wounds can be ripped open, and then while you're slowing putting together the creation you have in mind, the wound starts to close and heal.

I made an error in judgement regarding my Grandmother and Grandfather.

I refused to go to their funerals. I didn't handle my mother's very well, and quite frankly I couldn't put myself through the others. It was a bit of a blow to hear about Grandfather's death, so quickly after Grandmothers. My family tried to cover it up, say that Grandfather had a heart attack, but I overheard Nicolas and Father.

It was a suicide.

In most cultures, suicide is only an option if you think you have shamed your family, the family's honor, and the name of your family. It's like that in Japan.

And it's part of other cultures and families as well. It's engrained in Muggle culture, and it's apparently engrained in Magical culture- especially with some families.

For some reason, I don't think it was the thought that he loved Grandmother so much that he couldn't live without her, but I think he felt shame in what how his daughter(my mother) and wife died. I think he felt shame in that he couldn't do anything, and that he felt he had to restore the family's name and honor, so he did what he did.

As far as the family is concerned, it's over with. Their story is he died of a heart attack, the same story they gave me. I understand why they told me that. To protect me.

I'm not blind to the world's faults. I am not naive. I know the world can be dangerous, is dangerous. I know that there are dark witches and wizards- I've seen it most recently. I'm not denying the existance of evil- it's been a part of our world since the beginning. I know that there is an ugly side to our world.

But I prefer to look at the other side. The side where there is good. Where there is love. Where there is light.

And I suppose my family knows that.

The jewelry I make, my family, this is my life. I make people happy with the jewelry I make for them. I bring a little bit of happiness and light into their world, in my opinion. And that's what I prefer. I'm not ignoring the other world, I'm just... trying to make the world I am in... better. To some, what I do, is just make jewelry. But to those who understand, who know what I do, it is so much more. I believe it's more.

Jewelry... in it's way, can bring light to everyone. A necklace can remind someone of their mother, or their sister, or their aunt. A ring that can remind them of their brother, father, husband. The tiara they see in the display window, can bring back memories of their own wedding, or a sister's. A bracelet can remind them of that first present they got from their first love. Or a young wizard coming in here with a toy who wants a sword added to it, so they can give it to a witch that has caught their eye. I believe I bring light and happiness in their world.

But now I need to bring some more light into my world. And that is what I have been doing recently.

It's what I've intended with these Memorial Lines. On one of my shelves, lined up in rows of six and four deep, are the Travetti-Poliakoff Memorial Jewelry. The womens line is just about ready- I just need to add some charms to them.

Basically the jewelry is darker than what I usually do. The chains are black, the jewels are darker than normal, and I have either the name Zaria or Nicoletta engraved in silver throughout them. A lot of them were made out of white gold, or platinum and heated to a black colour. The jewels are either Black Diamonds and Pearls, Blood Red Rubies, Onyx, Dark Green Emeralds, Garnet, Amethyst and Alexandrite.

Lined up on another shelf, lies the men line. A few more days and I think they will be complete. Two rows of mens rings, each display stand holding five, a row of mens watches, and "heirloom" necklaces. All made out of titanium, platinum or white gold, and also heated to a black, and also with the same stones.

The name Xavier is engraved on each one as well. I guess I expanded it a bit. But I know my grandfather would approve. I used the necklace that I actually now wear under my robes,(I saw Kiros the other day and told him it would be his someday and he said I should have it) along with another piece of my own private piece of jewelry, as a model for them.

I'm a bit nervous. The Board decided not to have them on display only on the 18th of every month, but have them as a special type of Travetti's line. Once they're all sold, no more will be made. And that's fine with me. I've made enough for every location. Each piece was a process of healing.

Starting it- the wound was open.

In the middle of the process- the wound was healing

Finishing it- the wound was now closed.

And then repeat.

I will be glad when I do the last ring, watch, and necklace.

Perhaps the wound inside me, will heal for good. It may not be tomorrow, or next week, or even next month. My nightmares will probably continue to haunt me, but maybe with time, the healing process will be a bit easier, knowing my way of honoring all of them will be out there for the world to see. Including the three of them.

And then...

Everything could be set back to rights.

Refusals and Reflections

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 19:25:16 GMT

"Are you sure?"

I don't look up from the silver metal that I'm twisting with the Intorqueo (it's a long piece of metal that opens up near the end- I heard it compared to a Muggle thing called a plier) which splits open the melded silver and then helps me twist and shape it so it'll turn into the chain that most necklaces have.

"Yes, I'm sure. I'm not interested anymore. They know that. I don't see why they continue to bother me."

I hear a soft swoop as the letter is tossed into my trash bucket next to my desk. "Thank you, Callie."

I just hear a sigh come from her. "You're welcome, Nina."

Callie walks out of my workshop, ready to send off the owl back to one of my former schoolmates without a reply. This is the fifth time one of my former schoolmates has owled me about seeing if I can come to a party being held here or there.

I continued to twist, bend and loop the silver until it's done and then I glance at the letter I tossed into the trash, same with all the others.

Nina, there's a party being held on the first.

You've got to come. A few certain wizards will be there from what I hear.

Don't let what happened change you.

Change me?

I'm just letting myself go back to what I really am. Of course, they never understood who I really was. It's the same thing, from all of them. They never change. Sometimes I wondered why I was friends with them. Okay, well, it's not hard to wonder. I didn't have many friends in Beauxbatons, due to my one track mind with my jewelry and school. I heard others call me a snob. Some said I was too quiet. So when I did make a few select friends, they wound up pushing me out of my comfort zone.
Don't get me wrong. I get along with people just fine. I like talking with witches and wizards, I like them. I'm friendly. I just prefer my jewelry.

My mother would say I prefer my work to people because I'm too afraid of risking the chance of getting hurt.

So I let myself be pushed out of my comfort areas. Sort of. I went to a few parties here and there, flirted with a wizard here and there- and drank a little bit at those parties- but only a little. Alcohol and me don't mix. But the parties and wizards? You can ask the witches I went with. I never did anything serious. I stayed with my group of friends and enjoyed the parties I went to like that.

I never really felt like I belonged. I was always out of my comfort zone when I was at them, and I just couldn't bring myself to be like the other witches who had no problems doing more than just flirting with wizards.
I tried the relationship thing too. I had two of them. Both wizards I met through the parties I went to. One of them lasted a month- no loss. He only wanted one thing and I was 16, not ready for that and not willing.

The second guy however- I met him through his sister, who was one of the witches that tried to "expand my world" I believe is how she phrased. I was in my final year at Beauxbatons. It lasted six months. I... well I fell for the lines and everything. Then I found out the truth.

It sucks finding out that someone is only interested in you because you'd be his latest conquest, or that they think they can get into your trust fund.

I put both relationships behind me though. I decided that the parties and flirting were fine, but I wasn't going to get into another relationship for as long as I can help it. My jewelry was safer. I can do my socializing the way I WANT to and not be coerced into by people who, even though I was friends with, didn't really understand me.

I point my wand at the letters in the trash bucket. "Incendio," I say softly and they all burn up quickly, but before it gets out of hand I cast a water spell and then a drying charm and turn back to my projects.

Ernie MacMilan's order is done- (I have two of them, each one a bit different, and he can decide which one he'd like) Draco's request is almost finished- just need to put finishing touches on it, the Memorial Lines are ahead of schedule, my Owl Order Catalogues needs a photographer's touch, and of course I have a few other orders here and there in their own stages of being created, halfway done, or finished.

I have a couple boxes of jewelry that's just arrived in the last day or so, from the other shops in Berlin, Rome and Paris, (I can just Floo to the Madrid shop to get those) waiting to be sent to Pansy.

But in the corner, away from my projects, next to my chaise lounge and designing slab?

I also have one basket of incomplete sketches, messed up sketches, and not so good work due to being distracted by the memory of a pair of dark brown eyes. I met the wizard once (well twice really, but that first time doesn't count) and when it's not really convenient, the memory of his visit to this store sort of decides to rudely pop up. It's aggravating and annoying.

"Nothing but trouble since he opened his mouth," I mutter as I go back to one of my designs, crossing my ankles.

"Who was?" My brother asks as he comes into my shop. I feel a pang of annoyance at his presence. I've calmed down from the other day, and I know what he did was just something that should be done, but I'm going to be stubborn and not say anything. Not yet at least.

"Finnigan," I mutter.

"Yeah, I was meaning to ask, what was with the attitude? You're never like that towards customers. I wasn't here for most of it, but I caught some of it."

I feel myself flush as I start to remember the ‘"meeting’" once more. "It wasn't attitude, I just.... I couldn't help it." Something about Finnigan makes my hackles rise. I just hope I don't have to be in the same room with him again, because I just know I'll end up saying something that will come back and bite me.

"Right. Listen, Nina we should talk about--"

Right then and there I feel the walls in me start to shake and I shake my head. "No. I have work to do."

"Nina."

"I have to work, and so do you. We can talk later." I turn back to my design and continue working the silver into its chain.

Nicolas swears softly, and after a moment he leaves my workshop, closing the door.

I just want to get this done. Without Nicolas bothering me, or the memory of a pair of dark brown eyes bothering me either.

Books Aren't The Only Thing That Can Tell A Tale....

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 19:44:01 GMT

I watch quietly as I see the young wizard slips the ring I designed for his girlfriend on her finger. He turns to me and says his thanks, so does she, and they go on their way. I wonder what story that ring will have.

Did you know jewelry can tell tales? Ever since I was a littler girl I loved to play with my mother’s, grandmother’s, my aunt's jewelry. I played with the gemstones, trying to come up with my own designs. As I got older I could look at someone's necklace and an idea would pop in my head on how I could come up with something different, using that design. I could simply look at some metals, some jewels and gems, and images would come to mind on what I could do.

I was told that I have a talent. So I was encouraged and helped to put it to good use.

But anyway, jewelry can tell tales. It's not just a book that can tell you a story.

But unlike a book, a piece of jewelry cannot tell you who wore it, who ripped it from the someone's finger or from their neck. It cannot tell you about the fights it's wearer was in, or the sunrises and sunsets that it's wearer had seen. It cannot tell you about the time it's wearer kissed it before he or she went into a battle. It cannot tell you about the time it was hit with a curse or a hex. You have to look for the stories. For the tales. It's right there in front of you. You just have to see. And imagine.

New jewelry, new rings and necklaces, new bracelets, new earrings, once they are sold- they begin their journey with their owners. Soon they will be the silent witness to a birth, a death, an argument, a make up, a cry, a wedding, a funeral, a duel, a lesson.

I do custom pieces correct, but I also sell other jewelry. In my shop here in Diagon Alley, I have a simple necklace with a teardrop diamond and a white gold chain, that is two hundred and fifty years old that it's former owner no longer wanted, could bear to have no longer. I cleaned it up and I have it out on display. It's former owner was a healer. She wore it every day. Before that, it belonged to a dueller. Before that, an inventor. Before that? A professor. Can you imagine what stories it could tell?

Another piece I have on display- a ruby ring that is seventy years old. One of my Aunts recieived it in a will when one of their friends died. They couldn't bring themselves to keep it, so they gave it to me to sell. It's late owner- she was a dancer. The owner before that? She was a writer. That ring was present when she was writing her stories, that ring was present when she performed her dances.

And now...

My grandfather's necklace is lying on my worktable in front of me.

It's a simple flat silver chain that has the letters I, C, and T melded together in something like a pendant.

A family heirloom.

While I've been doing my work for others, Ernie MacMilan's piece is in it's beginning stages, the sketches for Pansy's shop almost done, I have been working on the ZariaNicoletta line, and the Xavier line. Men's jewelry is a bit different. It's not as elaborate as women. For men- pendants, medallioans, family heirlooms, rings and watches. Of course the newer generation has it's own tastes- for example I have recently recieived orders for a dragon fang earring, a dragon claw earring, a necklace with a gemstone shaped into a claw, a bracelet with the family name on it.

I already have in mind what to do with Pansy's store- Men’s rings and watches. If they wish for something different they can tell me. For my shop here- I will make a line for my generation. For the Xavier Line? Rings and necklaces like the one he wore.

Now my grandfather's necklace-

What do the letters I, C, and T stand for? It's what a couple customers asked me when they saw it.

Izara, Castillo, and Travetti.

My family's beginnings can be traced back to the 15 century. My family was born so long ago as the Izara's. Then they became the Castillo's. Then they married outside the Spanish bloolines, and married an Italian. A Travetti. They of course married back into the Spanish Bloodlines, but the Travetti name stuck. Travetti's Specialties was born in 1653. It started out as brooms. Then in the year 1765, jewelry was brought into the business as well. We stayed mainly in Madrid until 1845 when we opened another shop in Rome. Then in 1876 we opened one in Paris. In 1959 we opened one in Berlin.

Despite their Italian name, my ancestors did their best to keep their Spanish roots. Then much to my grandmother's dismay, three of her children married away from their Sspanish roots. One married an American, another married an Australian and my mother? She married a Russian. Hence my name- Poliakoff. An odd mixture. Spanish and Russian. What can I say?

But as to my grandfather's necklace-

What stories do you think it can tell?

"What was that Nina?"

I look up from my design of another version of Grandfather's necklace to see my brother staring at me. Did I speak out loud? Perhaps. I tend to forget the world when I work.

"Nothing. Just talking to myself."

Nicolas nods and heads back into his workshop and I let my eyes drift to the necklalce. It's so simple and quiet looking. Understated. The I, C, and T were made out of jade and onyxy and it's the only thing that really stands out. I pick it up and let the cool pendant rest in my palm. This necklace was created so many years ago. Centuries ago. Demeter Izara once wore it. Alandra and Arturo Castillo shared it. It passed on to so many and it was last worn around my grandfather's necklace. It's my brother's now. He just hasn't chosen to wear it. I saw his face when it was handed to him. His eyes darkened and a look of uneasiness settled over him. He just handed it to me when no one was watching and said I could keep it... or to give it to Kiros when he's older.

What history has this necklace seen? What has it witnessed over the centuries? If only you could hear it. But all you can do is look. You know the age;, you know that it's been through so many generations. But you can only imagine the tales.

Sometimes though... if you look and listen hard enough... you can hear the whispers.

Old or new.

Books aren't the only thing that can tell a tale.

Sketching Designs At The Leaky Cauldron

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 22:50:11 GMT

Rings. Necklaces. Bracelets. Earrings. Chokers. Pendants. Medallions. Pins.

Diamonds. Emeralds. Rubies. Sapphires. Pearls. Quartz.

Loops, hoops, dangles, chains, double chains.

Gold, silver, white gold, and anything else you can think of.

That's what I work with.

And what I work with turns into jewelry.

It's what I do best.

I look at each parchment where I have pieces of jewelry sketched out, a few graphite quills and colour quills off to the side.

"Here you go Miss Poliakoff," Tom, the Leaky Cauldron's bartender, sets down a glass of Butterbeer on my table. "May I ask what this is?"

"Designs. Jewelry designs," I say absently, pushing a few sketches away and taking a closer look at one batch. The new line I was creating. The ZariaNicoletta Line.

"Ah. How are your eyes?"

I pause and give Tom a small smile. Before I left the shops, due to a distraction, one of my colour charms backfired. Not unusual. But this time, instead of changing my eye colour... all I could see was the colour blue. Rather disconcerting.

"No longer seeing in just blue. Thank you." I look up this time and offer the man a smile. "Usually it takes a couple hours to wear off, but your help got rid of it much faster."

"Your welcome, young lady." Tom bows once and moves off.

I pick up my drink and take a sip before putting it back down and going back to my designs.

The jewelry that Travetti's Specialties never really leaned towards my grandmother or mother's tastes; they went for darker, edgier jewelry. I already have five pieces made and now I'm sketching out several more pieces. I move one sketch to the side and look at another sketch, one that has six men’s rings in the works.

The Xavier Line.

This is my way of honouring the recently passed in my family.

I don't think anyone really understands, not even my brother. I think Nicolas has already come to terms with everything... in his own way. I think he's been venting his grief towards the unfairness of my grandmother's will. It's like he's concentrating on one thing and shoving everything else to the side.

Does he have dreams though? I know he was with mother when it happened. Does he wake up in the middle of the night, finding himself on the rooftop like I do? How has he been able to handle this all so simply, or is he just concentrating more on his work, and spending as much time as he can with Lavender, to just push it all away?

Everyone seems so worried about me. My former schoolmates keep on telling me that I need to go out more and stop being so caught up in my work.

They don't understand.

What used to be important to me-- the partying, the guys, the flirting, the stuff that everyone defined me as-- it's not what is driving me anymore. The last few weeks have shown me that it's not important. It's time to grow up and stop being so shallow.

My brother has to grow up now as well. I do pity any witch he eventually decides to marry. He has such a cynical view of us that I don't see him as a loving husband. And despite his odd relationship with Lavender, (I think it's odd, he's never like this) I'm waiting for the ball to drop. Once he realizes what's going on with Lavender (as in it's the longest relationship he's ever been in, in years) he's going to back pedal and Disapparate out of it fast.

Then I'm going to have to clean up.

I always do.

Nicolas has no idea how many witches I've had to take care of after he was through with them, how many broken hearts I've had to fix. He has no idea how much I really know about his way with witches.

I don't want him to.

I pick up one of my graphite quills and start to sketch some more when I hear a loud voice. I look up from the parchment to see a wizard who looks like he had a rough night approaching the bar. I watch him for a few moments, taking in his rather gruff appearance and mannerisms. I can't hear what he orders, but I can hear the sound of his voice. Tired and rough. This wizard apparently embodies rough, inside and out.

For some reason, I find myself watching him, and then he turns in his seat. I'm not one that tends to stare at people, and I'm not going to get caught staring. I look down at my designs and tap the edge of my quill on the parchment. Some of my hair comes loose and I brush it back absently.

I wonder if my mother and grandparents know what I'm doing. That I'm doing these designs, that are pieces of me, for them. Would they appreciate it? Or tell me to stop being so dramatic and get on with it?

Grandmother would tell me to stop being dramatic, but Mother would tell me it was sweet.

I put down the graphite quill, and pick up the red quill and start colouring in where I think the jewels would go. Pretty soon all my sketches will be done, and I'll being able to make them. It's quite satisfying to seeing your idea go from you mind, down on parchment and then created.

I hear the wizard say something in a rough voice to someone. Unable to help myself I look back up and take in the wizard. Dark hair, nice build...

NINA!

Well, my grandmother may be dead, but her scolding tone is still present in my head. I look at the wizard once more, taking solace in whatever he is drinking. From all appearances he looks like he had a hard night. Wonder what happened.

And why am I so curious? This is not my business. Yet, I'm still watching him. I watch as he shoves a hand through his hair. I hear some sort of swear. Well, I'm used to that. I do live with my brother. He likes to go into swearing fits now and then when we're done with business for the day. Once again the dark haired wizard starts to look around once more, and I instantly look back down on my designs, wondering what in the name of Merlin am I doing?

I've never watched anyone before. It's ridiculous.

I need to get my sketches done so I can start work on them and finish this line.

It's what I need. It's what my mother and grandparents need. They have peace now. I don't. Perhaps when all is said and done I may finally get some peace.