Crashing the Rose Castle Abandoned

The train slowed as it approached the station and she perked up, watching at the platform and smiled over her shoulder to James - one of the hired help, a good friend, and her chaperone to the train station to come and get her friend who would be sharing a week long visit now at the Rosier household there in the Windlesham Village of Surrey.

"It's coming, it's coming!" she bounced but her heart fell when she read the front of the train. "Berkshire East?" she looked back to James. "That's not right. It should say Sussex." Her eyes quickly found the digital board that showed which trains were coming in at which platforms and when. "James! Sussex, 3PM, Platform 5! They changed it." And this was where muggle transportation failed...the unpredictability.

"Hurry! Hurry or he might think that we're not coming," she insisted and began to weave in and out of other people in the station; a task much easier for a twelve year old petite girl than it was for a grown man, although slender in build.

The man only smiled because with the way she had been writing to that boy since she got back from visiting his house, there would be no doubt in his mind on whether or not she was coming. Alina Rosier wouldn't have it any other way and with she got determined with something, she was going to make sure it happened.

Out of breath, she got to Platform Five just as you could see headlights of another train approaching. She closed her eyes, steadying her breath. It drew closer and she could see the writing on the front of this train. "Sussex." The right one. She smiled, knowing she'd see Clifton Troublefield in just a matter of minutes now. She glanced over at James who smiled over to her, sensing her excitement. "...How do I look?" she asked quickly, wondering if the rush of getting to the platform her hair was out of place or something.

"I'm sure the boy won't..." but she tilted her head a little and stared dead on to the man and he stopped his statement. "You look wonderful as always, Miss Alina," he assured her with a smile, realizing what she was wanting here - a direct answer. She smiled back to him, glad there were no hard feelings...she was just nervous.

She watched as the passengers began to file off the train, waiting for her boy. He had to be one of them! When she finally did see him, she didn't hesitate to run up to him. He barely had time to get his luggage off of the train when her arms came around him and she squeezed him tightly.

"Don't hurt the poor boy," James finally caught up to her. She continued to hold on to Clifton another moment longer before pulling back. "He loves it," she smiled and finally now took a good look at him. His hair was shorter, but other than that he had his normal appearance - well put together clothes and those beautiful warm brown eyes. She was also glad to see his face wasn't marked up with scratches like their previous visit. "I missed you. A lot," she whispered to Clifton. He probably already knew that but sometimes it was good to remind someone that they were so treasured.

"Okay, formal introductions...Round One. Clive, this is James. James, this is Clive although you'll probably call him Cliff." It wasn't so much of a formal introduction but she really didn't need to give details on who they were, as she had told Clifton about James and told James about Clifton so they knew of each other already.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Tr...." but Alina shot him a look. That was one of HER nicknames for him, plus James knew she didn't like the last name formality. James got the girl's quick temperamental glare and cleared his throat, ready to begin again. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Clifton." Alina gave a smile. That was a LITTLE better. James then offered to take his luggage and Alina took Cliff's hand and began walking down the platform to the East end of the station.

"We're going to go the house by the Floo Network," she said softly, her voice lowered so that no muggles around would hear. "It's not the best way to travel but we're not old enough to apparate yet. You'll grow accustom to it, but I do warn you...they say at first it's a lot like being sucked down a drain. Oh, and keep your hands to your side, otherwise you could smack yourself in the face." Easy enough.

There were fewer people on this side of the train station and as they turned down what seemed to be a rather empty hallway, it changed on them to reveal many different hearths of fireplaces. Almost all bus stations, train stations, and airports had a section dedicated to wizards - if you knew where to look. "Okay, I'll go first, then you, then James. That way if you have any other questions you can ask him." Next to each hearth was a small bowl containing a glittery sort of powder and she took a small handful, playfully sprinkled just the smallest amount on top of Clifton's head, then smiled and leaned in to kiss his lips...something she had wanted to do since she saw him. "Okay, so you take some in your hand, say where you want to go clearly, and voila...you're there."

So she demonstrated for him. She could have said Rosier Residence, given the exact geographical coordinates, stated the street address on Chertsey Road in Windlesham, but she went with something that would most likely be the easiest and said "Updown Court," which had been the name of the residence that she lived long before the Rosier family occupied it. She then let go of her handful of glittery powder and with a flash of green flames, she was gone.

"That's all there is to it, lad," James encouraged, still holding onto Clifton's luggage. "Go on. It'll be alright." He didn't even remember his first time using the Floo Network as it had been so long ago, but he could imagine how it felt for a muggleborn seeing it for maybe the first time.

Alina waited within the Floo Network entrance of the large estate. With over 50,000 square feet and 103 rooms, it was easy to make such accomodations for their wizarding lifestyle. She waited, not worried about his short blink-of-an-eye trip because James would guide him with any assistance he might need. With a flash of green light, there was her boy. She reached out her hand, taking his and led him into the room. She smiled, giving him a moment to collect himself from the rush, and then led him into the Grand Foyer. "Bienvenue chez moi, mon amour," she squeezed his hand. She had been teaching him a little bit of French here and there, and felt this was a good way to introduce her home - while located in England, was home to the French family. "Welcome to my home, my love."

In Awe - with @Alina Rosier

Clifton stepped off the train and was getting ready to start scanning the crowd for Alina, when he saw she was already coming at him in a full sprint.

“Woah, hey!” he laughed, dropping his things just in time to catch her. She squeezed him tightly and he squeezed right back, happy to have her in his arms again. Her embrace lingered and Clifton had no intention of pulling away either. Already, it had been worth the long trip.

“Don’t hurt the poor boy,” a kind but proper voice said. Clifton glanced up to see a tall, well-dressed man maneuvering through the crowd toward them. James, most likely.

“He loves it,” Alina smiled, only now pulling away. Clifton laughed again, glancing up at the butler with a shrug.

“I mean, she’s not wrong.”

But even if she was no longer squeezing the air out of his lungs, he felt her gaze still hold him. Those bright, green eyes that always made him go all wobbly on the inside and that--still--made his face feel warm.

“I missed you. A lot,” she whispered.

Clifton’s smile softened and his gaze fell, feeling the warmth of her words. He needed to figure out how she put so much meaning into small packages like that. Because what came out of his mouth was, “I finally beat my Dad’s high score on Galaga. Which is, uh…” he wanted to facepalm. “Muggle-speak for ‘I missed you too. A lot.’ I thought that train ride would never end.”

He’d definitely killed the moment, but Alina only smiled at him. Then turned and introduced him to James and Clifton couldn’t help but smile at the man’s attempt to avoid what was--apparently--Alina’s reserved nickname for him. But he liked the sound of Mr. Clifton. Especially the formal way James said it. Like he was twenty instead of twelve.

“Nice to meet you to, Mr. James," he grinned.

Clifton went to grab his bag off the ground, only for James to grab it first, politely offering to carry it for him.

“Oh. Sure, thanks.” Right. He’d have to get used to having hired help around.

Alina took his hand and they made their way toward a section of the station where magic obviously crossed over into the muggle world. He listened as she began explaining about the Floo Network. Clifton had heard the term at school but wasn’t very familiar with it. Still, the way she described it made it sound even more fun than the rollercoasters.

She grabbed some of the powder to demonstrate and Clifton tried to pay close attention up until she began sprinkling him with some of it, making him laugh. Then she stepped forward and kissed him, derailing his train of thought entirely.

Alina stepped back again and Clifton smiled, convinced that, even without wands or spell books, his girl always had a way of making things feel magical.

He watched her step into the hearth, state the location, and then, in a startling rush of green flame, she vanished.

“That’s all there is to it lad,” James smiled.

Only Clifton’s brain was suddenly stuck in a traffic jam somewhere between fuzzy and alarmed, which meant several idiotic comments threatened to jump out at once like: “So that’s how Santa Claus does it.” and “Where did she go?” and “It was green, this stuff must have copper sulfate in it.”


“Go on. It’ll be alright.”

He looked up at James. Then back at the fireplace. “I hope so. I’m usually pretty good at getting myself smacked in the face even without magic.”

Clifton grabbed a handful of the powder and then stepped into the hearth.

“Thanks again, sir.” he smiled at James. He wasn’t sure why, he’d already thanked him for carrying his bag. Maybe it was just for his help. Or, more likely, for protecting Alina.

“Updown Court,” he said, tossing the powder.


It was exactly as Alina had explained. Noisy station. Insane stomach flip. Quiet house. He was glad she was there to grab his hand and steady him and he followed her lead out of the entryway. Clifton looked around, but didn’t say anything. He could only stare. He’d known her family was wealthy, but...maybe he should’ve taken his shoes off back at the hearth.

And then she led him into an even larger, more grandiose room and he had to stop himself from gaping. He couldn’t believe this was where people actually lived. It felt like some sort of high-end vacation home. It was no wonder Alina had so much class. And yet, here she was, still the girl who liked to climb trees and tackle knights and play with his baby sister.

“Beinvenue chez moi, mon amor,” she muttered, giving his hand a squeeze.

“Mon amor,” he repeated softly, returning the gesture. It was his favorite phrase so far.

After a moment of taking everything in he turned to her. “So...where do we even start? I mean, this place is enormous! It’s amazing.”

Then, remembering some of what he’d been thinking about on the way over, he added in a softer tone: “Also. This might not be the best time, but I've been meaning to ask: How are you and Bella?”

How were her and Bella? That was such a heavy question and one she wasn't certain she really truly had a good answer on. Still, she wanted to give him some kind of response. She paused by the front door and turned to him. "Not good," she whispered, being truthful. Her lowered voice already gave clue to the fact that it bothered her they were on such distant terms. "She's...she's really changed. She's wrapped up in herself and superficial things and I don't want to talk badly of her, you know that, but it's true. Lately she's been putting me down and putting Father down. Nothing is good enough for her, especially Hogwarts. She's transferring to Beauxbatons..." she grew quiet for the moment and glanced down to her hands, fidgeting with them some the way she did when she was emotional. "And I guess that's okay...she thinks its where she needs to be and honestly...," she looked back up to Clifton, "I think she needs to find herself. Maybe we'll get close like we once were but it's just not right now and really, I'm okay with that. She said in our last argument that it was me who changed and I think she was right. I think I used to be wrapped up in myself and superficial things but I'm glad that's not who I am anymore. I think Hogwarts, being in Hufflepuff, having my friends, and you, have all helped me find myself. I was lucky." Her smile showed that she was okay. "So lucky," she brought her arms around him and embraced him for a moment. "I hope she finds what she needs. I really do," she pulled back and nodded.

"So...onto the tour! Now, I warn you, it will be abbreviated. When my father first came to look at the place, the realtor gave a two and a half hour tour of the property. The man was also a muggle so he flew him in on a helicopter and landed on the helipad. That's been a hobby of my father's lately - flying the helicopter. He said he'd teach me sometime."

They still stood in that Grand Foyer while she began her tour. "So this is the Grand Foyer, or Entrance." It was a large room, very lavish, with two grand staircases that went off separate ways, to twist around and come together on the second floor with a terrace that overlooked the space. Mosaic tiles mimicked the rotunda above them, allowing some light to pass in, as did the arched window ways. There was seating there as this was often the room in which her father's clients waited for him. And while the size of this room was massive, it was one of the smaller of the 103 rooms within Updown Court.



"There was an original house on this property built back in 1924. Major General Sir Philip Ward lived here with his family and opened up the gardens and woodland to the public to enjoy. Then it was later sold to Prince Sami Gayed of Egypt. There was a big storm in the area in the late 1980s and the house caught fire and fire and rescue services tried to reach the house but there were too many fallen trees blocking the roads. The house was totally destroyed but luckily the beautiful gardens and nearby nature survived."

They walked now into the corridor that had marble flooring and columns on each side and seemed to go on for nearly forever. "It was rebuilt and exchanged a lot of hands. Most didn't want to take on such a large estate. Finally an architect took on the project and some Italian guy did all the mosaic work and another from The States did the rest. I guess it's a Spanish style?" she shrugged, not really knowing but maybe Clifton would because of his American father. "When my father purchased it, he was against a muggle actor named Bruce Willis, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Almaktoum - the crown prince of Dubai, and a man named Abdullah - the current Sultan of Pahang. It's got 103 rooms, 24 bedrooms each with their own en-suite bathroom, over 58 acres of landscaped gardens and private woodlands..." she paused to think of what a realtor would say as this home's defining features. "It has a heated marble driveway which is great for my father's luxury car collection, an underground garage with granite flouring. We have five swimming pools including an infinity pool, a fully automated two-lane bowling alley, a squash court, a tennis court, a stable, a wine cellar, and a panic room. There's also a sauna, two conservatories, a gallery, and a library. Our neighbors include Sarah the Duchess of York and some muggle musicians which maybe you know of...Brian May who is part of Queen and Elton John."



She stopped at one of the entryways to a room. Presented there was a traditional looking dining room with a ceiling that looked like something out of the Vatican. The walls with portraits similar to the corridors of Hogwarts, and a huge table that could seat over twenty. "This is the Dining Hall. Sometimes when we have small gatherings we eat here but Father thinks its starting to look rather dated and doesn't use it too often." She stopped to really get a good look at her guest, wondering if he was bored to death by now.



Not seeming to be, she continued on, leading him back down the corridor. She opened one of two large closed doors to reveal one of the biggest spaces in the home, a large wooden floor area with elaborate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and gold embellishments everywhere. "This is the Ballroom where most of Father's events are held." It was, probably in her mind, the most beautiful of the rooms, but she took his hand because there was more to see.



Off of that room was another, this one more simple. "This is our music room. You asked if I played anything..." she looked at the large piano in the center of the room, "I'll have to show you my talents when I'm not being official tour guide," she smiled. "Duties call, you know."



And off to another area. They got to another closed wooden door and she opened it, revealing a library that could almost rival that of Hogwarts'. Lined on the floor were various globes, all rotating by magic. "This is one of my favorite places. We've got so many books, I could never read them all. If there's anything specific you want, it can be ordered."



She then led him to one of the final entryways on that side of the corridor, an older looking decorative wooden door. "This is my father's office...it's where he spends most of his time when he's home, unfortunately. He's supposed to get in by Supper tonight," she smiled, excited for him to meet Clifton. She opened up the door that revealed a large room, large for an office or study anyway. There was a old-world looking desk with extensive shelving and organization behind it and off to the other side of the room was a seating area with a leather-bound sofa. The sofa where her and her father had shared many conversations lately that they were bonding over.



She then showed him the kitchens, the walk in pantry and fridge, the family eating area, the family living room area, and then motioned to the wing of the house that was for the staff.

She then took him back to that Grand Foyer area and began up the stairs. "My father has the second floor penthouse," she explained. She showed a preview of it but it really wasn't a space she occupied much. What she wanted to show him was the third floor.

"The third floor is the best. It's split into two wings...Bella has the one, I have the other. Bella's off with Grandmother on a shopping trip to Paris. They do that a lot," and Alina was just fine with that! She did open the door to Bella's area to show him. "She recently had it all redone in light blue to celebrate getting into Beauxbatons..." she wanted to roll her eyes but she knew the trailing of her voice would indicate her sarcasm.



"And here's mine," it was rather simple, as far as color went but then again Alina was more simple when it came to some things. She definitely wasn't a reflection of her upbringing.



"Okay," she sighed and sat down on the edge of her bed. This tour stuff was exhausting! "I say we look at the indoor swimming pools, the basement," which included the garage, luxury cars, wine cellar, bowling alley,...billionaires were always eccentric, "and I'll show you the gardens and grounds later after Supper. Sound like a plan?"

"Sounds like a plan." Clifton sat down next to her on the cloud-like bed, still gazing around the room.

For a long time, he didn't even have the words for it. His head was still spinning with everything Alina had told him and showed him. Histories and helicopters and celebrities and heated sidewalks. At this rate, it was a fair bet that even the panic room was a better setup than his own bedroom.

Through the whole tour it had been all he could do to keep the reigns on his sudden urge to explore and experiment with and touch and ask more questions about absolutely everything. The old carvings, the plush furniture, the different hallways, the paintings, the chandeliers, her piano, and the rotating globes. He knew he'd have to try extra hard once they went to the garage.

Finally, he came up with: "Elton John and Queen?! Are you serious? They're like...legends in the muggle world." He couldn't wait to tell his family. Especially his dad.

"I always thought Hogwarts was about as grandiose as it got, but it looks like it must've been a step down for you. I think I'm lucky that you decided to go anyway."

He looked around a bit more at a bedroom appropriately fit for a princess then found her hand and gave it a squeeze. "Bella will find what she needs. She smart, like you."

He'd said it with a matter-of-fact sort of shrug, but he'd meant it. He was sad to hear about Bella putting her family--his Alina--down. And he was worried about the sort of hold that her grandmother had, but if the twins were still anything alike then Clifton was certain she'd pull through. Bella didn't seem like the type to let someone else be in charge for long, even if, right now, that 'in charge' looked like shopping sprees to Paris.

That idea alone was something Clifton was still trying to get his head around. But for now he pulled himself from his thoughts and smiled. "So, tour guide. You said swimming pools and basement next? Because if we're going downstairs..."

His smile took on a playful sort of mischievousness. And though he knew it was probably a bad idea in such a classy place, Clifton wasn't one for wasted opportunities.

"...Race you down the banisters?"

"Hey!" she laughed and hopped off the bed to chase after him, out through her bedroom and to the staircase. They then ran down the stairs and while he took one staircase to get to the main floor she took the second and he beat her. "Now that just isn't fair. Between football camp and everything else, you're starting to get faster and more in shape than I am!" but she smiled, okay if she lost.

She led him down one of the corridors that led to an archway and then some stairs. These ones the two walked down. "So the lower level has the raquetball/squash court, the bowling alley, my father's workout room, and the garage." It wasn't an area she frequented very often to tell the truth, but she still wanted to show it to her guest, especially the garage since that was a good muggle sort of connection. Her dad liked muggle things when it came to transportation.

After showing the other rooms downstairs, she led him into the garage where her father had both some more classic cars and sports cars. "I feel like he rotates cars every time I come down here," she commented, usually seeing different cars each time.



"Okay, onto the pools and then the grounds," she said and snapped her fingers. "Come now, Mr. Troublefield, keep up." And together they headed back up the stairs where she could show him two of the indoor pools.





From there they saw the two outside, the normal pool and the infinity pool.





They then walked out a ways from the large home and headed further out, reaching a hanger where the helicopter was and an empty, but elaborate stable. "The former owner had horses. We've never had so much as a hamster," she laughed. "I don't know though, a horse might be fun..." she needed to learn more about them. She did know they were beautiful creatures.



"I've always loved the gardens," she admitted to him as they walked along all the different sorts of flowers that were up-kept by one of the staff members, always vibrant, always healthy.

They then kept walking until they got to a grove of trees that welcomed them into the private woodland forest surrounding the home. "And this is where my tree climbing adventures happen," she smiled over to him. "And yep, that's it." Although she didn't show him where he was staying!



"I forgot to show you to your guestroom," she sighed frustrated. She took his hand and pulled him back towards the house. Inside they were greeted by one of the kitchen staff. "Hello, loves," the woman smiled kindly to them. Alina smiled back. "Hot out there today," the woman said, looking over their flushed faces. "I've got just the thing. One moment, Miss." She disappeared for a moment to return with two popscicles, handing one out to each of them. "Merci," Alina smiled in appreciation to the woman. "Clive, this is Margie. She's lovely," Alina introduced him. "Ah, the boyfriend," the older woman had heard all about him. She smiled to him. "Run along. I'll have Supper ready at the usual." Alina nodded and motioned for Clifton to follow her again.

Up the stairs they'd end their tour at the door to the guest room where Clifton would be staying. "I hope I didn't bore you too much," she said as she took a bite from her treat. "It's probably a lot to take in."

Dessert Before Dinner with @Alina Rosier

"Bore me?" Clifton laughed while trying to be extra careful to not drip popsicle on all the absolute perfection. "Are you kidding? I could explore this place for weeks! It's amazing..."

He knew he wouldn't be allowed within five meters of the cars in the garage; he wouldn't trust him himself within ten. But he couldn't wait to revisit some of the other spots. The swimming pools and the forest especially. And the kitchen wasn't so bad either if they were going to be handing out treats before supper.

Clifton smiled, remembering the way Margie, the kitchen staff woman, had called him "the boyfriend". He wasn't sure what to think of it at first. It felt strange having so many people know about that side of him before he'd even met them and, after all, none of this was what he'd pictured his life looking like just a year ago. Football team auditions and adjusting to a bigger homework load maybe. But not magic and castles. And definitely not girlfriends. Especially one like his.

But he'd figured he must be doing pretty okay so far to have a high-end kitchen staff call him "the boyfriend" with a smile and a luxury brand of popsicle on hand. It said a lot about what they thought of Alina and he wanted to keep it that way, where the people here were happy to see him. He'd already learned from Leo's stories that "the boyfriend" could mean something entirely different.

And Clifton was determined to stick to what he was. Not what he came from.

He looked around the guestroom from where they stood at the doorway and took another bite of his treat. "You do realize my whole family could live in this one room, right? I mean, my parents are well off but...this place could get away with having it's own gift shop if it wanted."

Clifton was joking, of course. He knew that, really, it was her home. Her world. And she had invited him in to it. His expression softened. "Thank you, Alina. I couldn't believe it that day you went and figured out how we could visit each other and all that. It means a lot. Your home is amazing."

Then he smiled. "And thank you for being an excellent tour guide. Do you take tips, Miss Rosier?"

She turned her face to him, slight curiosity playing in those green eyes, and he leaned in pressing his lips to hers.

"I'll always take those kind of tips," she whispered after he pulled back. She smiled to him, looking over his face another moment. "I like the haircut." It made him look older, more mature. She reached up and ran her hand through it and loved that his hair was still as soft as ever.

"So you'll have to think of some things you'll want to do while here. Father was thinking we could go to a professional quidditch match and maybe a magical conservatory...and umm," she paused because she wasn't sure how Clifton would feel about this part, "my father is throwing this sort of charity gala the night before you leave so...we will be going to that. Or rather, I will be going to that and you're welcome to stay in the guest room if you'd rather but if you didn't want me to be all by my lonesome..."

She knew he'd want to attend though. He didn't even have to worry about dancing. "We'd go shopping the day before so we can find something to wear so don't worry about that! We usually do all our shopping trips in Paris but if you're more comfortable with London, that's fine too." But Surrey wouldn't have anything fancy enough in any of their boutiques. This was like Jane Austen old fashioned sort of galas.

She smiled again, just because she was glad he was there. It was so nice to learn more about him in the week she was at his house and she had loved it so much. She only hoped he would have a good time while there visiting her. "I'm going to let you get settled. Dinner is at Six. I'll meet you at the stairs at five minutes til." She leaned in, kissing his cheek then getting up from the bed. She didn't know if he'd want to unpack, relax a bit before meeting her father, or call/write to home.

Overthinking - with @Alina Rosier

“Are you kidding? Of course I want to come with you," he smiled, though he had no idea what a gala even was. But from what she made it sound like, it had something to do with being formal and probably dancing. If it concerned her, then he could always go for more dancing. “Believe it or not, I think I’ve learned a few extra waltzing moves.” Because Galaga hadn’t always cut it when she’d been gone. Weird what kind of damage missing a girl had done to his YouTube feed. Turning all his football stunts and astronomy facts into French translations and waltzing.

She smiled. "We'd go shopping the day before so we can find something to wear so don't worry about that! We usually do all our shopping trips in Paris but if you're more comfortable with London, that's fine too."

“I think your family is probably the experts on this one,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Paris sounds just fine. Just amazing, actually.” And besides that, beggars couldn’t be choosers. There was no way he, or even his fairly wealthy parents, would be able to suddenly cough up enough for something that nice.

But her smile, as always, melted away his concern for now and he couldn’t help but smile back. “Honestly, Alina, I’m happy with anything. All of those plans sound perfect. Just don’t forget that I want to hear your mad piano skills somewhere in between.”

They sat for a moment, simply happy to have each other near. Then Alina seemed to become aware of the time and said: “I'm going to let you get settled. Dinner is at Six. I'll meet you at the stairs at five minutes til."

She gave him a soft peck on the cheek and then left him to get his bearings. Clifton dug out his phone. It looked like he had about forty or so minutes to kill.

He started by flinging himself back onto the bed, letting himself sink into the ridiculously soft mattress. “Wicked,” he laughed. This week was going to be the best one out of the whole summer, he could already tell.

But he wasn’t very good at sitting still for long and so a moment later, he sat up again, deciding that calling his mom would probably be the responsible thing to do.

“Cliff? What’s wrong? Did you make it?”
Clifton smiled. “I’m fine, Mom. I just had a few minutes so I--”

“Hold that thought, sweetie. I’m going to put you on speaker so your dad doesn’t backseat drive the conversation. Like he always does.”

“What? I do not. Hey Cliff,” his dad’s more distant voice could now be heard over the sounds of supper in the works. “Didn’t expect you to call so soon. What’s up? What are you and Alina up to?”

By now, Clifton had taken to touring his own temporary room, tracing his fingers along the carved trimmings on the wall and peering out at the spectacular view.

“She just finished giving me the grand tour and is letting me unpack and stuff.” He then smiled and took on a playfully proper tone. “Since I am to accompany Mademoiselle to the evening supper gathering at five till the hour.” He laughed, now balancing himself along the narrow patterns in the tile. “I was wrong about where she lives, by the way. It’s not a mansion, it’s a palace.”

“Well then you’d better be on your best behavior Clifton Alexandar,” his mom only halfway teased. “I better not hear about any burping or slurping or chewing with your mouth open.”

“Mom, when do I ever do that?”

“Well, you don’t. But I know your friends. And you have an American father.”

“Hey!” his dad interjected. “You know, it’s a bad idea to insult the person making your food.”

Clover’s happy jabber joined the conversation and Clifton grinned, feeling a little more grounded with the sounds of home.

His mom huffed. “I knew I should’ve made you pack nicer clothes.”

“About that,” Clifton said, remembering why he’d wanted to call. “What’s a charity gala?”

“A charity gala?” his dad chimed back in. “It’s like a really fancy party that someone puts on to earn money. Usually for an organization or a special cause. A lot of times, they have performances and things. Why? Is her dad hosting one?”

“Yeah. Alina says--and you might want to sit down for this one, Mom--she says that they want to bring me to Paris to buy clothes for it.”

“France?!” both their voices blasted from the phone and Clifton held it away from his ear.

“But,” his dad said. “You’re only there for a week.”

“I know. But I guess magic people can...fast travel,” Clifton decided, not quite sure how to explain the Floo Network just yet.

“Ooh,” his mom gushed. “I want to see what you get as soon as you get home! I bet it’s fabulous.”

“And expensive,” Clifton added. “Not just the clothes, but all the places Alina says we’re going to. I kinda feel like I should do something, but…how do you pay back a billionaire?”

Clifton’s dad laughed. “Dunno, Cliff. Can’t say I was lucky enough to have that problem at twelve.”

“I mean I can’t, like, help with chores or anything because this place already has hired people for that. I’m just...” he laughed. “I’m just the boyfriend.”

“Then I suggest you be one heck of a boyfriend,” his mom was obviously enjoying this. “But I am proud of you for feeling that way. Talk to her and see if they’ll let us help pay for it. But don’t worry yourself too much. If they’ve invited you to the gala and all, I’m sure part of it is their treat to you as their guest. Especially if Alina sounds excited about it.”

“It sounds like a lot of fun,” his dad added. “I guess just keep an eye out for other little ways you can help. You're pretty good at that anyway.”

Clifton had kicked off his shoes and was now testing the smoothness of the tiles with his socks. “Okay, but…that’s kind of my point. This isn’t little.”

“Cliff. You’re making his daughter happy. As a dad, I’d say that’s a big deal.”

Maybe, but something was still bothering him about it. He was about to shrug it off, chalk it up to ‘you'll understand when you’re older’ and change the topic but his dad stopped him short with:

“Cliff, when do you think Alina first started to like you?”

Somewhere in the middle of the question, Clifton briefly lost control, sliding directly into the dresser. It’s sharp corner nearly took out a lower lung and he winced, rushing to straighten the two vases on top.

“What? Um...” He’d never quite told his parents about that bit. Nor did he see why he suddenly needed to, but whatever. His house wasn’t much of a place for secrets right now. “I don’t know. I guess sometime during when we held our own dance?” That was the night when she’d first kissed him anyway.

“And wasn’t this ‘palace’ still her house? Even then?”

Cliff sighed, getting it. “Yes.”

“Good. Then there’s nothing to worry about. Just trust her. Remember how you wanted to make her visit the best week ever? I’ll bet she’s just trying to do the same thing for you.”

He fell back on the mattress again. “Guess I’m not very good at being waited on.”

“Of course not,” his dad laughed. “You’re a Troublefield, aren’t you?”

Clifton smiled. “Through and through.”

“I’ll say,” his mom said. “You boys and your thanks-I’ll-do-it-myself egos. If it were me, I'd just let it go and have fun. That’s what got you into this mess in the first place, right?"

He grinned, remembering the pixies and pranks. “Yeah.”

“Then full speed ahead. But you’d better go, Cliff. I’m going to leave you time to smarten up before supper.”

“Alright. Guess I’ll talk to you guys later.”

“Have fun!”

The call ended and Clifton lay there a moment, trying to figure out when he’d started caring and worrying so much. His mom had probably nailed it though. Pride. Pride and nerves that he’d be meeting said billionaire in a matter of minutes.

Just two more things he never knew he even had until Alina Rosier had turned his head. He blew out a breath and then got up to follow his mom’s suggestion.

He found the private bathroom--complete with its complimentary swimming pool of a tub--and began straightening his hair, secretly hoping she’d mess it up again.

When he got to the staircase, she moved her arm across her body and looked down at her wrist like she was checking the time on a nonexistent watch and then smiled at him because she knew he wasn't late (even if his normal usually was).

"I thought you'd at least be another ten minutes," she admitted and gave him a once over. She wasn't criticizing him, rather admiring him. "Come on," she took his hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. "Don't be nervous. My father's quite wonderful."

Words that Alina Rosier never thought she'd be thinking, let alone stating out loud for others to hear. However their recent bond had shown her a new side to her father than she saw previously. She also knew that her father was just as nervous to meet Clifton as Clifton was meeting him but neither had reason to be, they were the two most important males in her life.

Down the stairs from the Grand Foyer she led him to the kitchen where there was a more intimate seating area for the family that wasn't so large like the formal dining area. There, looking out the French Doors at the garden beyond was her father in a perfectly tailored suit, having just returned from a business trip. "Ah Miss Alina and her guest," Margie smiled, greeting the two.

Her words caught the attention of Charles Rosier who turned around to see the two, standing there hand in hand. He didn't hesitate to proceed across the room where the young couple stood. His eyes remained focused on the boy. Only the boy. "Good evening, Mr. Troublefield," he said which instantly made Alina cringe. Her father brought out his hand and gave Clifton a good firm handshake as he observed him more closely. Something seemed rather familiar about him but he wasn't really quite sure what it was. "I must admit that I do often wonder if one should let their daughter be girlfriend to someone with a last name containing the word trouble." He too had a French accent that became apparent as he spoke.

Margie announced that Supper was ready and Charles motioned them to the table where they all were seated. It was normal on a regular day in the Rosier household to have the seven courses of a formal French meal. It began with bread being placed before them and Alina's dad poured some wine into glasses for the three of them. "I was happy to hear that you are also in Hufflepuff and I think that attests to your character more than a name."

L'Apertif was then placed upon the table, the first course of the meal, consisting of light snacks that began the meal to pair well with the wine that was served. Today's choice was some olives and toast with a flavorful topping. "I've kinda sorta told him all about you," Alina admitted to Clifton and smiled to him before taking a sip from her glass.