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The Call of Magic Part 4

"Now _____, you know that I love you very much but I would hate you if all you are going to do is...well you being your usual self," Lottie scolded. Holding you at arms' length, she glared at you, a frown replacing her usual mischievous grin. "I mean it _____ and I know you. You're probably going to stay inside this house--which is a perfectly good and magical and very interesting house."

Her friend smiled in acknowledgement, agreeing wholeheartedly. "Oh you know me so well, Lottie! And reading books is always a good habit to do--you try it sometimes." Lottie rolled her eyes in slight annoyance. "For once I am being serious, ______. NO COOPING UP IN THIS HOUSE TO JUST READ STACKS OF BOOKS! LIVE AND GO OUTSIDE!"

_____ shrugged and strolled towards the kitchen. Her hands were already reaching for a cup from the cupboard; her mind set on preparing a late afternoon tea. A proper one at that. "Well I'm sorry to tell you but I'm not just here to read. I'm here to watch over the house for your Great-Aunt," ____ said, lighting the gas stove underneath the kettle. "I mean yeah. You're not far off in how I will spend my time here. I like to live as quietly as possible. And so far, that's accomplished by reading books. So no boys, no festivals and certainly no adventures you expect me to have!" ____ said with a final tone in her voice.

Lottie, who followed _____ in the kitchen, shook her head sadly. "Okay fine. That's what you agreed to in the first place. But it's good for you to at least join us in the real world. You know meet new people and make friends."

Lottie's green eyes followed at ______, watching her seat on the leaned back against the counter. ______ smiled lightly as she kept her eye on the kettle in front of her.

"Why would I do that when I have you and Mrs. Clara? I have my job down at the café and I talk to people there! I serve the customers whatever they order and that's that...Besides there's the apprentice...where is he anyway..?" ____ wondered aloud.

Lottie shrugged. "Probably staring at some spell book..." The two girls were quiet soon after that last statement; Lottie dreamily imagining _____ throwing a party here (which would never happen because of _____'s hatred for parties) while _____'s _e/c_ eyes curiously scanned the kitchen.

Cozy...and the house gives out a welcoming air...I wouldn't mind being a witch if I could stay at this house... _____ thought to herself, feeling...for the first time at home and her most comfortable state.

"Hu-what?" she stutter, brought back from her thoughts.

Lottie was standing up, head tilting to the side as if listening carefully. "I asked if you could hear something..." _____ frowned. She moved away from the counter, arms crossing as she tried to grasp what it was that Lottie was talking about. "What do you mean...it could be just the kettle," _____ gestured with her hands towards the soon whistling kettle.

Swiftly and with practice from previous experiences, her hands grabbed a nearest towel to carefully hold the kettle and turning off the stove. Watching her surroundings with great caution, _____ transferred the hot water to her chosen and awaiting cup; a strainer was on top which contained English black tea leaves she found in the cupboard.

Crrrrreeeak

"There!" Lottie exclaimed loudly, her body facing towards the mysterious sound. With a cup of tea cradled in her hands, _____ welcomed the warmth. She rolled her eyes looking at her funny yet strange friend. "Ahem." she caught the Lottie's attention. "This is an old house so there's going to be creaks from time to time." ____ affirmed.

C-crreeeakkkkk

Lottie's face was edged with worry as she turned her head up, looking for the source of the sound. Seconds of silence had passed when Lottie yelled excitedly, "There!!!! There's a crack!" She hurried towards the corner that was along the edge of the stairs in the parlour room.

______ sighed to herself as Lottie quickly left the kitchen. Sipping her cup, she had hoped that only Lottie will want to solve the so-called mystery--after all, Lottie was a bit of an explorer of strange and unknown things. Despite any consequences for snooping around or just disregarding any presence of danger.

Alas, ______ sighed once more as she heard her name being called. The young woman walked towards the room, finding Lottie staring at a not-so-peculiar crack on the ceiling. "Isn't this the strangest thing you have ever seen in your life!" Lottie exclaimed.

____ didn't bother hiding her scoff and sarcastically replied "No why of course houses such as this one doesn't have their share of wear and tear. Cracks in the walls, creaking sounds. That's something old houses should never have."

Lottie ignored the sarcasm in her friend's words. "_____ this is a magic house and I'm sure my Great-Aunt Emily keeps her house in top condition. You know with spells and the like."

..._____ kept quiet, knowing full well of what little knowledge she has on magic; it would seem magic does not have any limits.

"That's all fine and grand, but--!"

Lottie shushed her quickly, bringing a finger to her lips and staring up at the stairs. _____ and her strained their ears (although the latter was expecting nothing strange other than another creak).

C-Creak Creak.....CRASH!

With the final sound, Lottie dashed the stairs, leaving the astonish and now slightly worried _____. "He-hey wait! You don't know-!" She trailed off. Curious and worried for Lottie's wellbeing, _____ held the cup of tea securely in her hands and walked up the stairs.

Reaching at the top of the stairs, she found Lottie at the end of the hallway where she was trying locate the sound of the crash. "Lottie! You can't just waltz up and be Nancy Drew!" _____ whispered harshly, cradling the cup to her chest. "This is a magic house and whatever spells your Great Aunt placed could very well be dangerous to relatives!!!"

Lottie shook her head and continue to listen carefully. _____ shook her head in irritation and whispered once more "Come on Lottie!!!"

CRASH

The two girls jumped (______ wincing as some of the tea touched her bare skin, damping her front of her clothes). They were startled to find that two doors down the hall to their left, smoke was haphazardly appearing from the crack at the bottom.

"OOOOOH" Lottie exclaimed, her body pulsating with excitement. ____ glanced at her already jogging friend towards the smoke. "L-Lottie!" she exclaimed with slight disbelief of her friend basically running eagerly towards (what appears to be certain death). The black smoke continued to seam out, filling the air with the putrid smell of burning tires and rotten eggs. _____ responded quickly, holding her cup and using her other unoccupied arm to cover her nose.

"Ahhh..." Her eyes tearing up on instinct. "Lottie! Please come back." My God, what the hell is going on?!

"Never! _____ You got to come and see this! You'll get used to the smell!" Lottie replied.

The smoke was beginning to fill the entirety of the upstairs; ______ could hardly make out Lottie's crouching shape as she walked through the smoke.

Now her eyes tearing up with more tears, her sense of smell now perhaps permanently damaged; she was soon trying to grasp at what was happening before her.

Colorful lights appeared at the bottom, shades of different colors shone behind this door in front of the two girls who stared in awe at them. _____ would soon later admit when she thought back to this precise moment that it was like someone capture the rainbow, manipulated it and made it into what Lottie calls--

"Super rainbow _____!" Lottie whispered excitedly, grinning over her shoulder. The colors enchanted the girls so much that they failed to notice not only the sound of crashes but a voice. Who unfortunately sounded very angry. Very angry.

The girls jumped back, Lottie hiding behind _____ who held the once again spilled cup of tea to her chest. _____ barely registered the front of her clothes slightly damp as more smoke began to emerge from the crack underneath the door.

“_-_____, if we die right here and right now…I just want you to let you know--!”

The door had suddenly open and a figure was there standing and coughing.

Coughing profusely, the figure had a towel or somewhat in his hands, waving away at the smoke. ____ caught the mess of blonde hair and the gleam of emerald green in the midst of smoke clearing away. Suddenly a voice was heard sounding exasperated and annoyed towards the two newcomers. "I'll take that!" A hand quickly snatched at ____'s hands, taking the cup of tea with him. Quick as his hand taking her tea away, the smoke stopped.

Still coughing slightly, _____ looked in front of her, understanding and becoming annoyed. "Are you kidding me?!" she said loudly. Lottie peeked a glance around her friend and greeted the familiar man. "Well hello there Arthur!"

The so-called Arthur rolled his eyes at Lottie and was standing inside what appeared to be his study. "Oh...it's you." he said in a bored manner. He turned his back towards the girls, not at all interested and impressed by either of them. Ignoring them, he held the cup and looked inside the still boiling cauldron.

"...It would seem that I needed another type of herb to control the time span of the black smoke...and the time intervals of the sounds were different today..." Arthur muttered to himself.

"So whatcha making?" Lottie asked brightly, soon walking past _____ and into the study. "It is none of your concern and get out of my room."

Lottie laughed quietly, standing next the concentrated man. She looked into the cauldron, taking note of the familiar sounds she'd heard from downstairs. "So this was the source of the mysterious sounds! Hey ______! I solved it! It was magic all along."

_____ glared at Lottie, disbelief shown on her face as well as her body language. "Y-you think!" Arthur glanced over his shoulder at the sound of a new and unfamiliar voice. "No, she doesn't think, she knows. Not that you would know anything about magic." He said coldly.

I hate him. ____ thought as she was glaring at the back of this Arthur. I've finally met Arthur and I hate him Of course she could care less about who she hates, but she had never came to hate a person in one meeting...maybe dislike but then it would and should grow to hate.

Lottie was soon talking to Arthur, wanting him to apologize for his rude remark towards her friend. "That wasn't nice, Artie. You should apologize to her."

Arthur had walked to his desk in front of him and studied his notes. Taking a pen in his hand, he wrote his observation of what had passed. I took a cup of tea from an ignorant stranger who looks like another idiot who does not care nor believe in magic, it has come to my conclusion that with this brand of tea--

Arthur looked up, staring at the familiar scenery from the window in front of him. "You. Girl." He said aloud, cutting the continued scolding from Lottie. "What brand of tea was in the cup?" _____ frowned in displeasure to even talk to this...this...poor excuse of a man.

"English black tea." She coldly replied. "Arthur, this is _____. _____, Arthur." Lottie said brightly, but glared at Arthur. Lottie looked at her friend and gestured her to come in. _____ blinked and walked hesitantly into the room with the incredibly rude man.

There wasn't much in his study room. A desk filled with notes, a cauldron placed in the middle and papers covering the floor and the walls. ____ was interested to note the small stacks of books that was hidden amongst the trashed floor. She ignored the conversation of the two and dwelled in her thoughts.

"I don't need to be nice to people I don't know or that I don't want to know." said Arthur as he glared at Lottie who glared steadily back at him. "Oh come off it Arthur. Whether you like it or not, my Great-Aunt wanted someone to watch the house...and from the looks of it...even to watch you."

Arthur glanced at _____. Her hair is tied up in a dreadful excuse of a bun, her clothes are casual as if she would sleep in them though they're not pajamas. She looks healthy, average and bright...not bright enough to understand the importance or use of magic though... He glanced back at Lottie, not bothering to listen to her words.

At least some of Teacher's relatives cares about her to visit from time to time...can you ever shut up though..? He waved off Lottie's remark in his future of becoming a hermit. "Nonsense. I just don't like people who waste my time. I have to study now so leave."

"Ugh! You are even more impossible from the last time I saw you!" Lottie scolded. She mimicked Arthur's voice. "Hi my name's Arthur and I want to be a hermit and just tell people off and tell them to kiss me arse." Arthur snorted and shook his head while his eyes searched his notes. "I do not sound like that, though I don't mind telling people to sod off and mind their business."

Like you for example. Arthur gave the stranger a look of distrust as he made sure that this _____ was not poking around with his notes and books. He caught the gleam of interest in her bleak _e/c_ orbs that targeted towards his books. Not on your life! I bet you can't even grasp what the author has to say about configurations on magic behind Fibonacci spiral in nature!

Lottie sighed to herself as she realized that Arthur was still the same old Arthur as before...at least towards her. He was very cold and rude towards ____, but that will be fixed. Well he's like that towards everyone not related to Great-Aunt Emily... I hope ____'s feeling alright with staying here still despite Arthur...being Arthur
Knowing full well that Arthur was just going to continue to sprout out rude remarks to the two of them, she gestured to _____, already moving towards the door. Closing the door behind her, Lottie smiled sadly at her friend who was staring at the closed door in disbelief.

“I…I have to live with that?!” ____ asked, not bothering to lower her voice. “He’s-he’s intolerable! Impossible to even talk to, let alone get to know him.” She scoffed at the mere thought of him. Walking down the hall to go downstairs, ______ was still astonished to meet somebody so rude and detached from the outside world. I mean what was his problem?! I know I don’t know much about magic, but really?! Did he really have to hold that against me? She thought as they came to the kitchen.

Entering the kitchen, the two strolled to the round kitchen table where three wooden chairs were surrounding. Nestling in the worn cushions, ______ withdrew from her thoughts for Lottie. “I know that Arthur is impossible, but that’s only a part of him. When I first met him, he was rude.”

“But I bet he wasn’t that rude to you if you didn’t have any relatives who's with magic.” ____ sighed stubbornly.
Lottie looked at her friend pitifully and reached out to grab _____’s shoulder in a comforting way.
“Just give him time and a chance. And besides…I’ll be coming by now and then so anytime he’s being a grumpy-pants, give me five minutes alone with him!” She said the last part in a light threatening tone, trying to make her face straight and serious as possible.
The two girls caught wind of each other’s expressions and burst out laughing—Lottie snorting and _____ shaking her head but giggling happily.

“Yeah…you’re right…I’ll be fine as long as he keeps out of my way.”

~Meanwhile~

“I’ll be fine as long as she stays out of my way.” Not that it would be a problem considering the same level of dislike the two unknowingly shared. Arthur, satisfied with today’s observation on the new spell he found, crept out of his study. He looked over his shoulder, gesturing quickly to the magically hidden creatures.
He held the door open behind him, moving out of the way when brownies, garden fairies and Flying Mint Bunny quickly dashed out of the room.

“Arthur--!”

“Flying Mint Bunny, she’s just another one of those ignorant idiots. There’s no need for me to be ‘nicer’ or to give her special treatment. I know what they really think about well-established people such as myself and Teacher.”

“But Lottie said-!”

Arthur snorted and shook his head. He was already opening his bedroom when he looked back at the hall. “…guess it must be done for safety measures…” he muttered, snapping his fingers.

The creatures and him entered into the bedroom where tidiness was non-existent. Like it was in his study, there seemed to be no sort of organization at all. Books were stacked on the shelves, the floor; papers covered the hard wooden floor, it was quite a mess. A mess which still made sense to the stubborn and egotistical man, and a mess that he did not want anyone’s interference.

“Lottie is the Teacher’s relative but still…she still doesn’t understand any of this…her Great-Aunt…me…” he trailed off. “Anyone within our community do our jobs well to keep their community away from us. They didn’t understand back then, still don’t today.”

Flying Mint Bunny flew down to the window, paws against the glass. “...” the bunny sighed silently to himself.

The Brit looked at the brownies and placed them on the windowsill besides the bunny, knowing brownies enjoy watching the scenery.

Brownies are fantastical creatures; besides being incredibly adorable, they are still not well-known to the magic folk of today. Differing in ranges of brown, they are mischievous, wanting nothing better to have a good laugh while messing with unsuspecting humans. They do not have the ability of speech, but they do emit a sort of squeaks similar to a mouse; young brownies tend to mew similar to kittens.

Arthur absentmindedly held one close to his chest, his fingers gently massaging its small head.

“Arthur…will _____ be our friend?” the bunny finally asked, still looking out the window.

The man shook his head, not believing an outsider could even be open-minded to invisible creatures. “You and I both know that the ability to see things is very rare…you have me and Teacher…don’t worry about it, Flying Mint Bunny.”

“…oh…”

~In the kitchen~

“Oh…is it really time for you to go…Lottie…how am I going to do this..?” Lottie grinned madly, “Aww…you’re going to miss me!” She quickly grabbed her friend in a hug. “L-Lottie!” _____ gasped.

“But yeah…I do have to go now…mum is probably worried about me this minute.” She released her hold and started towards the door. “I promise to visit from time to time…I’ll see if I can get off work early tomorrow, alright?” ____ nodded, already opening the door and watching her friend walk out.

“Don’t worry about me too much! I have my books—kidding, kidding!” She laughed at the disbelief on Lottie’s face. “I have a job down there too, you know; I won’t be cooped up…go and catch the evening train, you’re going to be late!”

_____ walked outside after Lottie, shutting the small gate. Waving brightly to the already small figure, she yelled “Give my love to Clara and everyone!!!” She watched Lottie’s figure wave back and soon disappeared behind the hills of grass.

Walking back inside the house, _____ was thinking of what she could be doing in a magical house. Well seeing how Mister Grumpy-pants is like towards me…I’m guessing he won’t let me do much…

Ahh…the pleasures of books! Disappearing from the reality and being welcomed in open arms by characters and promises of adventure hidden within each page. _____ had already set her heart towards a book she had just started and is currently in her luggage…

“Where is my stuff anyway..?” She wondered aloud. She blew on a strayed fringe from her face, pouting slightly in the current prospect of helpless boredom. ____ quickly reached to her ponytail letting her hair fall past her shoulders. My hair’s too long…. she complained.

Sighing, she swiftly tied her hair in a ponytail, walking towards the bookcase in the parlour room. Curious _e/c_ orbs trailed the books’ spines nestled snuggly on the shelves. Most of them seemed old; their spines worn and creased from past readers. The titles were all intriguing as they were strange sounding. The Significance in Tree Elves and Fairies; The Finest Witches and Wizards in Their Glory…the Harry Potter books..?

_____’s lips lifted into a light smile, pulling out the worn book of Rowling’s first book. “She has good taste in books…” she said to no one in particular. Already fallen prey to the author’s words, ____ entered into the world of the beginning of The Boy Who Lived, oblivious to reality and its surroundings.

Arthur looked with contempt at the girl who was sitting on the sofa when he came downstairs. He scowled with irritation as he saw what book she was reading. “I bet she thinks that I’ll like her just because she has a liking for Potter books.” He muttered to himself.

He stared at her, knowing that she was engrossed in the book; he himself can be that way while studying. Arthur soon fed up with boredom, grabbed the book from the unsuspecting stranger.

“H-Hey!” she stuttered out, clearly startled by the sudden appearance. Arthur ignored her, placing the book back in its place. “I’ll appreciate it if you don’t touch anything that isn’t yours.” He coldly said, not looking at her.

_____’s mouth closed and opened as if she wanted to say a retort. “…sorry…must have missed the memo.” She coldly replied. Arthur grunted, turning towards her. Walking up to her, he noticed their difference in height; she barely reached up to his shoulders. He glanced down at her, not hiding his distrust he knew showed in his expression. _____ looked up at him, eyes flashing with dislike for the man in front of her. “What?” she asked coolly.

Arthur shoved the cup to her chest, who quickly grabbed it in her hands, saying “You forgot this.” He roughly said.

Already the atmosphere was tense with pure hatred between the two who are clearly from different worlds. Arthur looked away from her astonished expression when it hardened with silent fury. “I know that my Teacher asked for someone to look after this house, but I want to say that you are not needed. I bet you don’t even understand magic.”
_____ stayed silent, knowing he would cut her off. Arthur took her silence as a sign for continuation. “And I, for one, don’t need help from the likes of you-->!

“You realise that I am going to be here for a month or so.”

Arthur’s face was astonished until he hid it with a sign of accepted boredom. “Well then, I don’t care. You--!”

“My name is _____,” _____ said, clutching the cup in front of her as if wanting to throw it at the incredibly rude man. “And you’re right. I don’t know magic. But whether you like it or not, I’m going to be watching the house just as Lottie—“

Arthur scoffed at the mention of Lottie and squinted at the slightly short girl. “How’d you get acquainted with the Teacher’s niece?” ______ watched him carefully, looking into his emerald-green eyes. “We’re friends…been friends since I moved here.”

In the corner of his eyes, Flying Mint Bunny as well as two brownies appeared at the bottom of the stairs, staring at the two of them. “I see…” His eyes quickly glanced at the cup then went back to _e/c_ orbs.

“Are you just going to make another cuppa or are you just going to stand there?”
_____ felt her right eye twitch with annoyance but walked past Arthur towards the kitchen. She muttered quietly to herself, “I’ve never met such a person like him!” Just even after talking with him, the poor girl noticed an oncoming ache in her right temple. An ache that happens once stress was getting to her. A month with this douchebag! She frowned as she placed the cup in the sink, hearing footsteps entering the kitchen and stopped.

______ looked up, the reflection from the window showing her that Arthur was looking at her, his arms crossed, his mood surly. “I want you to know that I have my life and I am sure you have a life of your own. Just stay out of my way.” He said coolly.

The girl suddenly turned around, eyes flashing. “Fine.” She replied with a venomous tone.
He smirked at her tone and shook his head in fake amusement.
“Fine.”

Description
The Call of Magic Part 4

"Now _____, you know that I love you very much but I would hate you if all you are going to do is...well you being your usual self," Lottie scolded. Holding you at arms' length, she glared at you, a frown replacing her usual mischievous grin. "I mean it _____ and I know you. You're probably going to stay inside this house--which is a perfectly good and magical and very interesting house."

Her friend smiled in acknowledgement, agreeing wholeheartedly. "Oh you know me so well, Lottie! And reading books is always a good habit to do--you try it sometimes." Lottie rolled her eyes in slight annoyance. "For once I am being serious, ______. NO COOPING UP IN THIS HOUSE TO JUST READ STACKS OF BOOKS! LIVE AND GO OUTSIDE!"

_____ shrugged and strolled towards the kitchen. Her hands were already reaching for a cup from the cupboard; her mind set on preparing a late afternoon tea. A proper one at that. "Well I'm sorry to tell you but I'm not just here to read. I'm here to watch over the house for your Great-Aunt," ____ said, lighting the gas stove underneath the kettle. "I mean yeah. You're not far off in how I will spend my time here. I like to live as quietly as possible. And so far, that's accomplished by reading books. So no boys, no festivals and certainly no adventures you expect me to have!" ____ said with a final tone in her voice.

Lottie, who followed _____ in the kitchen, shook her head sadly. "Okay fine. That's what you agreed to in the first place. But it's good for you to at least join us in the real world. You know meet new people and make friends."

Lottie's green eyes followed at ______, watching her seat on the leaned back against the counter. ______ smiled lightly as she kept her eye on the kettle in front of her.

"Why would I do that when I have you and Mrs. Clara? I have my job down at the café and I talk to people there! I serve the customers whatever they order and that's that...Besides there's the apprentice...where is he anyway..?" ____ wondered aloud.

Lottie shrugged. "Probably staring at some spell book..." The two girls were quiet soon after that last statement; Lottie dreamily imagining _____ throwing a party here (which would never happen because of _____'s hatred for parties) while _____'s _e/c_ eyes curiously scanned the kitchen.

Cozy...and the house gives out a welcoming air...I wouldn't mind being a witch if I could stay at this house... _____ thought to herself, feeling...for the first time at home and her most comfortable state.

"Hu-what?" she stutter, brought back from her thoughts.

Lottie was standing up, head tilting to the side as if listening carefully. "I asked if you could hear something..." _____ frowned. She moved away from the counter, arms crossing as she tried to grasp what it was that Lottie was talking about. "What do you mean...it could be just the kettle," _____ gestured with her hands towards the soon whistling kettle.

Swiftly and with practice from previous experiences, her hands grabbed a nearest towel to carefully hold the kettle and turning off the stove. Watching her surroundings with great caution, _____ transferred the hot water to her chosen and awaiting cup; a strainer was on top which contained English black tea leaves she found in the cupboard.

Crrrrreeeak

"There!" Lottie exclaimed loudly, her body facing towards the mysterious sound. With a cup of tea cradled in her hands, _____ welcomed the warmth. She rolled her eyes looking at her funny yet strange friend. "Ahem." she caught the Lottie's attention. "This is an old house so there's going to be creaks from time to time." ____ affirmed.

C-crreeeakkkkk

Lottie's face was edged with worry as she turned her head up, looking for the source of the sound. Seconds of silence had passed when Lottie yelled excitedly, "There!!!! There's a crack!" She hurried towards the corner that was along the edge of the stairs in the parlour room.

______ sighed to herself as Lottie quickly left the kitchen. Sipping her cup, she had hoped that only Lottie will want to solve the so-called mystery--after all, Lottie was a bit of an explorer of strange and unknown things. Despite any consequences for snooping around or just disregarding any presence of danger.

Alas, ______ sighed once more as she heard her name being called. The young woman walked towards the room, finding Lottie staring at a not-so-peculiar crack on the ceiling. "Isn't this the strangest thing you have ever seen in your life!" Lottie exclaimed.

____ didn't bother hiding her scoff and sarcastically replied "No why of course houses such as this one doesn't have their share of wear and tear. Cracks in the walls, creaking sounds. That's something old houses should never have."

Lottie ignored the sarcasm in her friend's words. "_____ this is a magic house and I'm sure my Great-Aunt Emily keeps her house in top condition. You know with spells and the like."

..._____ kept quiet, knowing full well of what little knowledge she has on magic; it would seem magic does not have any limits.

"That's all fine and grand, but--!"

Lottie shushed her quickly, bringing a finger to her lips and staring up at the stairs. _____ and her strained their ears (although the latter was expecting nothing strange other than another creak).

C-Creak Creak.....CRASH!

With the final sound, Lottie dashed the stairs, leaving the astonish and now slightly worried _____. "He-hey wait! You don't know-!" She trailed off. Curious and worried for Lottie's wellbeing, _____ held the cup of tea securely in her hands and walked up the stairs.

Reaching at the top of the stairs, she found Lottie at the end of the hallway where she was trying locate the sound of the crash. "Lottie! You can't just waltz up and be Nancy Drew!" _____ whispered harshly, cradling the cup to her chest. "This is a magic house and whatever spells your Great Aunt placed could very well be dangerous to relatives!!!"

Lottie shook her head and continue to listen carefully. _____ shook her head in irritation and whispered once more "Come on Lottie!!!"

CRASH

The two girls jumped (______ wincing as some of the tea touched her bare skin, damping her front of her clothes). They were startled to find that two doors down the hall to their left, smoke was haphazardly appearing from the crack at the bottom.

"OOOOOH" Lottie exclaimed, her body pulsating with excitement. ____ glanced at her already jogging friend towards the smoke. "L-Lottie!" she exclaimed with slight disbelief of her friend basically running eagerly towards (what appears to be certain death). The black smoke continued to seam out, filling the air with the putrid smell of burning tires and rotten eggs. _____ responded quickly, holding her cup and using her other unoccupied arm to cover her nose.

"Ahhh..." Her eyes tearing up on instinct. "Lottie! Please come back." My God, what the hell is going on?!

"Never! _____ You got to come and see this! You'll get used to the smell!" Lottie replied.

The smoke was beginning to fill the entirety of the upstairs; ______ could hardly make out Lottie's crouching shape as she walked through the smoke.

Now her eyes tearing up with more tears, her sense of smell now perhaps permanently damaged; she was soon trying to grasp at what was happening before her.

Colorful lights appeared at the bottom, shades of different colors shone behind this door in front of the two girls who stared in awe at them. _____ would soon later admit when she thought back to this precise moment that it was like someone capture the rainbow, manipulated it and made it into what Lottie calls--

"Super rainbow _____!" Lottie whispered excitedly, grinning over her shoulder. The colors enchanted the girls so much that they failed to notice not only the sound of crashes but a voice. Who unfortunately sounded very angry. Very angry.

The girls jumped back, Lottie hiding behind _____ who held the once again spilled cup of tea to her chest. _____ barely registered the front of her clothes slightly damp as more smoke began to emerge from the crack underneath the door.

“_-_____, if we die right here and right now…I just want you to let you know--!”

The door had suddenly open and a figure was there standing and coughing.

Coughing profusely, the figure had a towel or somewhat in his hands, waving away at the smoke. ____ caught the mess of blonde hair and the gleam of emerald green in the midst of smoke clearing away. Suddenly a voice was heard sounding exasperated and annoyed towards the two newcomers. "I'll take that!" A hand quickly snatched at ____'s hands, taking the cup of tea with him. Quick as his hand taking her tea away, the smoke stopped.

Still coughing slightly, _____ looked in front of her, understanding and becoming annoyed. "Are you kidding me?!" she said loudly. Lottie peeked a glance around her friend and greeted the familiar man. "Well hello there Arthur!"

The so-called Arthur rolled his eyes at Lottie and was standing inside what appeared to be his study. "Oh...it's you." he said in a bored manner. He turned his back towards the girls, not at all interested and impressed by either of them. Ignoring them, he held the cup and looked inside the still boiling cauldron.

"...It would seem that I needed another type of herb to control the time span of the black smoke...and the time intervals of the sounds were different today..." Arthur muttered to himself.

"So whatcha making?" Lottie asked brightly, soon walking past _____ and into the study. "It is none of your concern and get out of my room."

Lottie laughed quietly, standing next the concentrated man. She looked into the cauldron, taking note of the familiar sounds she'd heard from downstairs. "So this was the source of the mysterious sounds! Hey ______! I solved it! It was magic all along."

_____ glared at Lottie, disbelief shown on her face as well as her body language. "Y-you think!" Arthur glanced over his shoulder at the sound of a new and unfamiliar voice. "No, she doesn't think, she knows. Not that you would know anything about magic." He said coldly.

I hate him. ____ thought as she was glaring at the back of this Arthur. I've finally met Arthur and I hate him Of course she could care less about who she hates, but she had never came to hate a person in one meeting...maybe dislike but then it would and should grow to hate.

Lottie was soon talking to Arthur, wanting him to apologize for his rude remark towards her friend. "That wasn't nice, Artie. You should apologize to her."

Arthur had walked to his desk in front of him and studied his notes. Taking a pen in his hand, he wrote his observation of what had passed. I took a cup of tea from an ignorant stranger who looks like another idiot who does not care nor believe in magic, it has come to my conclusion that with this brand of tea--

Arthur looked up, staring at the familiar scenery from the window in front of him. "You. Girl." He said aloud, cutting the continued scolding from Lottie. "What brand of tea was in the cup?" _____ frowned in displeasure to even talk to this...this...poor excuse of a man.

"English black tea." She coldly replied. "Arthur, this is _____. _____, Arthur." Lottie said brightly, but glared at Arthur. Lottie looked at her friend and gestured her to come in. _____ blinked and walked hesitantly into the room with the incredibly rude man.

There wasn't much in his study room. A desk filled with notes, a cauldron placed in the middle and papers covering the floor and the walls. ____ was interested to note the small stacks of books that was hidden amongst the trashed floor. She ignored the conversation of the two and dwelled in her thoughts.

"I don't need to be nice to people I don't know or that I don't want to know." said Arthur as he glared at Lottie who glared steadily back at him. "Oh come off it Arthur. Whether you like it or not, my Great-Aunt wanted someone to watch the house...and from the looks of it...even to watch you."

Arthur glanced at _____. Her hair is tied up in a dreadful excuse of a bun, her clothes are casual as if she would sleep in them though they're not pajamas. She looks healthy, average and bright...not bright enough to understand the importance or use of magic though... He glanced back at Lottie, not bothering to listen to her words.

At least some of Teacher's relatives cares about her to visit from time to time...can you ever shut up though..? He waved off Lottie's remark in his future of becoming a hermit. "Nonsense. I just don't like people who waste my time. I have to study now so leave."

"Ugh! You are even more impossible from the last time I saw you!" Lottie scolded. She mimicked Arthur's voice. "Hi my name's Arthur and I want to be a hermit and just tell people off and tell them to kiss me arse." Arthur snorted and shook his head while his eyes searched his notes. "I do not sound like that, though I don't mind telling people to sod off and mind their business."

Like you for example. Arthur gave the stranger a look of distrust as he made sure that this _____ was not poking around with his notes and books. He caught the gleam of interest in her bleak _e/c_ orbs that targeted towards his books. Not on your life! I bet you can't even grasp what the author has to say about configurations on magic behind Fibonacci spiral in nature!

Lottie sighed to herself as she realized that Arthur was still the same old Arthur as before...at least towards her. He was very cold and rude towards ____, but that will be fixed. Well he's like that towards everyone not related to Great-Aunt Emily... I hope ____'s feeling alright with staying here still despite Arthur...being Arthur
Knowing full well that Arthur was just going to continue to sprout out rude remarks to the two of them, she gestured to _____, already moving towards the door. Closing the door behind her, Lottie smiled sadly at her friend who was staring at the closed door in disbelief.

“I…I have to live with that?!” ____ asked, not bothering to lower her voice. “He’s-he’s intolerable! Impossible to even talk to, let alone get to know him.” She scoffed at the mere thought of him. Walking down the hall to go downstairs, ______ was still astonished to meet somebody so rude and detached from the outside world. I mean what was his problem?! I know I don’t know much about magic, but really?! Did he really have to hold that against me? She thought as they came to the kitchen.

Entering the kitchen, the two strolled to the round kitchen table where three wooden chairs were surrounding. Nestling in the worn cushions, ______ withdrew from her thoughts for Lottie. “I know that Arthur is impossible, but that’s only a part of him. When I first met him, he was rude.”

“But I bet he wasn’t that rude to you if you didn’t have any relatives who's with magic.” ____ sighed stubbornly.
Lottie looked at her friend pitifully and reached out to grab _____’s shoulder in a comforting way.
“Just give him time and a chance. And besides…I’ll be coming by now and then so anytime he’s being a grumpy-pants, give me five minutes alone with him!” She said the last part in a light threatening tone, trying to make her face straight and serious as possible.
The two girls caught wind of each other’s expressions and burst out laughing—Lottie snorting and _____ shaking her head but giggling happily.

“Yeah…you’re right…I’ll be fine as long as he keeps out of my way.”

~Meanwhile~

“I’ll be fine as long as she stays out of my way.” Not that it would be a problem considering the same level of dislike the two unknowingly shared. Arthur, satisfied with today’s observation on the new spell he found, crept out of his study. He looked over his shoulder, gesturing quickly to the magically hidden creatures.
He held the door open behind him, moving out of the way when brownies, garden fairies and Flying Mint Bunny quickly dashed out of the room.

“Arthur--!”

“Flying Mint Bunny, she’s just another one of those ignorant idiots. There’s no need for me to be ‘nicer’ or to give her special treatment. I know what they really think about well-established people such as myself and Teacher.”

“But Lottie said-!”

Arthur snorted and shook his head. He was already opening his bedroom when he looked back at the hall. “…guess it must be done for safety measures…” he muttered, snapping his fingers.

The creatures and him entered into the bedroom where tidiness was non-existent. Like it was in his study, there seemed to be no sort of organization at all. Books were stacked on the shelves, the floor; papers covered the hard wooden floor, it was quite a mess. A mess which still made sense to the stubborn and egotistical man, and a mess that he did not want anyone’s interference.

“Lottie is the Teacher’s relative but still…she still doesn’t understand any of this…her Great-Aunt…me…” he trailed off. “Anyone within our community do our jobs well to keep their community away from us. They didn’t understand back then, still don’t today.”

Flying Mint Bunny flew down to the window, paws against the glass. “...” the bunny sighed silently to himself.

The Brit looked at the brownies and placed them on the windowsill besides the bunny, knowing brownies enjoy watching the scenery.

Brownies are fantastical creatures; besides being incredibly adorable, they are still not well-known to the magic folk of today. Differing in ranges of brown, they are mischievous, wanting nothing better to have a good laugh while messing with unsuspecting humans. They do not have the ability of speech, but they do emit a sort of squeaks similar to a mouse; young brownies tend to mew similar to kittens.

Arthur absentmindedly held one close to his chest, his fingers gently massaging its small head.

“Arthur…will _____ be our friend?” the bunny finally asked, still looking out the window.

The man shook his head, not believing an outsider could even be open-minded to invisible creatures. “You and I both know that the ability to see things is very rare…you have me and Teacher…don’t worry about it, Flying Mint Bunny.”

“…oh…”

~In the kitchen~

“Oh…is it really time for you to go…Lottie…how am I going to do this..?” Lottie grinned madly, “Aww…you’re going to miss me!” She quickly grabbed her friend in a hug. “L-Lottie!” _____ gasped.

“But yeah…I do have to go now…mum is probably worried about me this minute.” She released her hold and started towards the door. “I promise to visit from time to time…I’ll see if I can get off work early tomorrow, alright?” ____ nodded, already opening the door and watching her friend walk out.

“Don’t worry about me too much! I have my books—kidding, kidding!” She laughed at the disbelief on Lottie’s face. “I have a job down there too, you know; I won’t be cooped up…go and catch the evening train, you’re going to be late!”

_____ walked outside after Lottie, shutting the small gate. Waving brightly to the already small figure, she yelled “Give my love to Clara and everyone!!!” She watched Lottie’s figure wave back and soon disappeared behind the hills of grass.

Walking back inside the house, _____ was thinking of what she could be doing in a magical house. Well seeing how Mister Grumpy-pants is like towards me…I’m guessing he won’t let me do much…

Ahh…the pleasures of books! Disappearing from the reality and being welcomed in open arms by characters and promises of adventure hidden within each page. _____ had already set her heart towards a book she had just started and is currently in her luggage…

“Where is my stuff anyway..?” She wondered aloud. She blew on a strayed fringe from her face, pouting slightly in the current prospect of helpless boredom. ____ quickly reached to her ponytail letting her hair fall past her shoulders. My hair’s too long…. she complained.

Sighing, she swiftly tied her hair in a ponytail, walking towards the bookcase in the parlour room. Curious _e/c_ orbs trailed the books’ spines nestled snuggly on the shelves. Most of them seemed old; their spines worn and creased from past readers. The titles were all intriguing as they were strange sounding. The Significance in Tree Elves and Fairies; The Finest Witches and Wizards in Their Glory…the Harry Potter books..?

_____’s lips lifted into a light smile, pulling out the worn book of Rowling’s first book. “She has good taste in books…” she said to no one in particular. Already fallen prey to the author’s words, ____ entered into the world of the beginning of The Boy Who Lived, oblivious to reality and its surroundings.

Arthur looked with contempt at the girl who was sitting on the sofa when he came downstairs. He scowled with irritation as he saw what book she was reading. “I bet she thinks that I’ll like her just because she has a liking for Potter books.” He muttered to himself.

He stared at her, knowing that she was engrossed in the book; he himself can be that way while studying. Arthur soon fed up with boredom, grabbed the book from the unsuspecting stranger.

“H-Hey!” she stuttered out, clearly startled by the sudden appearance. Arthur ignored her, placing the book back in its place. “I’ll appreciate it if you don’t touch anything that isn’t yours.” He coldly said, not looking at her.

_____’s mouth closed and opened as if she wanted to say a retort. “…sorry…must have missed the memo.” She coldly replied. Arthur grunted, turning towards her. Walking up to her, he noticed their difference in height; she barely reached up to his shoulders. He glanced down at her, not hiding his distrust he knew showed in his expression. _____ looked up at him, eyes flashing with dislike for the man in front of her. “What?” she asked coolly.

Arthur shoved the cup to her chest, who quickly grabbed it in her hands, saying “You forgot this.” He roughly said.

Already the atmosphere was tense with pure hatred between the two who are clearly from different worlds. Arthur looked away from her astonished expression when it hardened with silent fury. “I know that my Teacher asked for someone to look after this house, but I want to say that you are not needed. I bet you don’t even understand magic.”
_____ stayed silent, knowing he would cut her off. Arthur took her silence as a sign for continuation. “And I, for one, don’t need help from the likes of you-->!

“You realise that I am going to be here for a month or so.”

Arthur’s face was astonished until he hid it with a sign of accepted boredom. “Well then, I don’t care. You--!”

“My name is _____,” _____ said, clutching the cup in front of her as if wanting to throw it at the incredibly rude man. “And you’re right. I don’t know magic. But whether you like it or not, I’m going to be watching the house just as Lottie—“

Arthur scoffed at the mention of Lottie and squinted at the slightly short girl. “How’d you get acquainted with the Teacher’s niece?” ______ watched him carefully, looking into his emerald-green eyes. “We’re friends…been friends since I moved here.”

In the corner of his eyes, Flying Mint Bunny as well as two brownies appeared at the bottom of the stairs, staring at the two of them. “I see…” His eyes quickly glanced at the cup then went back to _e/c_ orbs.

“Are you just going to make another cuppa or are you just going to stand there?”
_____ felt her right eye twitch with annoyance but walked past Arthur towards the kitchen. She muttered quietly to herself, “I’ve never met such a person like him!” Just even after talking with him, the poor girl noticed an oncoming ache in her right temple. An ache that happens once stress was getting to her. A month with this douchebag! She frowned as she placed the cup in the sink, hearing footsteps entering the kitchen and stopped.

______ looked up, the reflection from the window showing her that Arthur was looking at her, his arms crossed, his mood surly. “I want you to know that I have my life and I am sure you have a life of your own. Just stay out of my way.” He said coolly.

The girl suddenly turned around, eyes flashing. “Fine.” She replied with a venomous tone.
He smirked at her tone and shook his head in fake amusement.
“Fine.”