Rose frowned at Caly as she made excuses for that boy. Oh yes, that beating was most certainly not a one time thing. Maybe an old boyfriend from an unhappy relationship? Either she nodded at her request, but he came near her again…! Well, let’s just say Rose would not be held responsible.

Rose was immediately surprised when the blue-haired girl took her hand careful, saying without a doubt that she indeed wanted both. Rose broke in a large smile, quickly getting up from her chair. “Then we can go now! If you don’t need anything else from Diagon Alley we can use the subway to meet with her.” She explained before remembering that the subway was a Muggle way of transport and Caly may not be aware of it, being a witch and all. “Or we can use the floo network; whatever way you like.” She also suggested. She always disliked how disoriented the floo made her; but if Caly liked it that way…

Caly remembered her lace and after asking the other girl to wait one more minute she bought some quickly. She bought yards of the stuff at a time because she loved it so much. It was just like the lace on one of her grandmother's dresses and soft as silk.. She smiled to herself before she put it away in her bag. To her fabrics weren't just bits and pieces that made up clothing, they were memories, places, scents.

"Alright, i can go now... and either is fine with me, I take the subway to visit my cousin anyway..." She said cheerfully as she turned back to Rose. She was already smiling, too happy to be anything but thrilled. Of course, some people would have been suspicious and questioned Rose's motives... but Caly was naive and innocent as a lamb. She would never doubt anyone who helped her, even if it bit her in the ass all the time.

Rose wouldn't lie, she was rather surprised at how trusting Caly was. If it was the other way around, Rose would have never agreed to going somewhere with someone you just met. It was simply due to the way she was brought up; both sides of her family had seen enough evil to better prepare for hopefully any life-threatening situation.

God forbide of course.

But Caly was different. She still had an air or aura of innocence about her. Maybe that's why she stuck around as long as she did; this girl still had a bit of a carefree attitude when she was herself. Such a thing was hard to find these days.

Well okay then, we'll take the subway.¨ Rose smiled. Both girl said their goodbyes to Dosom as they left the shop, and Rose led the way back to the Leaky Caldron. ¨Hey, do you need to let someone know where you're going?¨ Rose suddenly asked as they walked through the pub. ¨If you need a phone I have my dad's cellular.¨ she offered.

Caly lowered her eyes a moment, her thoughts flying to her father. She didn't know if he'd notice if she was gone, as he always worked late anyway.... if she stayed the night he would probably notice. She debated a moment but finally shook her head at the offer of a cellular phone. She took a step back so Rose would be out of view and searched into her bag. Finally she would find what she was looking for, a small compact. There were no rules about underage wizards and magical objects.. so her mother had given her this when she had finally accepted her little boy was a girl.

She whispered a soft string of words to activate the small mirror once she opened the compact. She would soon have a short conversation with her father. He chided her for leaving her hair down and messy but would ultimately agree. He didn't seem to like it and as he spoke of her hair it was clear he did not approve from his tone but he agreed. Also as her father said good bye he said he loved her and it sounded so sincere there was no doubt he did love Caly... whatever she was. She then put the compact away, looking thoughtful. Every time he looked at her hair she knew it reminded him of when he'd tried to make her accept being a boy by cutting it short... unprepared for the fact it just always seemed to grow back.

"Okay, r..ready" She said cheerfully, nearly skipping over to her. She took her hand for strength, feeling so nervous about meeting the other girls parents. What were they like? Were they nice? What would they think of her? This was the first time a friend would be taking her home... then again she was always afraid to get too close to people. This girl though... she just felt like this girl was somehow safe in a way most people were not.

Rose eyed the compact Caly had fished out. She quickly concluded that it was like the two-way mirrors she had seen back in Diagon Alley, because she seemed to be talking to someone in that compact. It was kind of cool; maybe she should get for her parents…?

She was pulled from her thoughts when the other girl took her hand, and Rose couldn’t help but feel it tremble ever so slightly. Was she nervous to meet her parents? Well that was most likely it, though she had nothing to worry about. Mother was very aloof and had a cool demeanor in public, but all that was simply an act. She really was a kind, over enthusiastic woman, which was why Dad loved her so.

“OK then; we can take this one it won’t take too long.” Rose smiled, pointing to the nearby subway station ahead. As she led the way, Rose couldn’t help but relax; Mother wasn’t going to be the only one to really like this girl.

And soon, both girls headed out into Muggle London.

Caly nodded as the other spoke, giving her one of those sweet little smiles. Even before shed become so shy her smile had always been like that. Soft, small, and sweet, if not a little bashful, but then again most things about Caly were all those things. Despite her nervousness she was very excited. A real friend and a real celebrity? All in one night? It was hard not to be excited all things considered.

"w..what are your parents like?" She asked quietly once they were on the subway, holding her bag close with one hand for fear of someone getting in her bag as she did so. She kept her other frail hand around Rose's, very glad to have someone nearby. She'd had men try to flirt with her on the subway, and it always scared her. She knew she looked a little older then she was but she still looked like a kid right?

Rose held her hand tightly, not trusting any of the men that passed glances at them. She heard enough stories about men taking a girl when she least expected it, and she wasn’t in the mood to politely tell them off. Not to say she wouldn’t tell them off, she just wouldn’t use words; yeeeah Rose was kind of a violent girl, but only when provoked!

“My parents? Well…” she paused, thinking it over. “My mother’s very enthusiastic, much more than she appears to be in public. She likes to give chances to people before giving them trust; for her you simply have to be yourself for her to like you. Unless you’re obnoxious but that’s hardly something you have to worry about.” She winked, giving Caly a smile.

“My dad’s kind of the opposite; he’s not as enthusiastic as my mother but he’s like a gentle giant. He’s rather tall, so people can get intimidated by that but he means well. He’s kind of blunt so don’t take it too personally if he says anything. He won’t be there until later so you don’t have to worry about that,” she assured her just before their subway arrived. She allowed Caly to step in first; making sure no guy came within arm’s length of her.

"What about your parents?" she asked, "What are they like?"

Hmm... the woman's public persona was normally so stoic. What did Rose mean by enthusiastic? Oh well they both sounded nice enough maybe it would be alright. She just hoped it would be alright... Was she dressed alright? She fussed with her skirt a moment as she kept her eyes downcast. She didn't want to see any of the people around her but Rose, rose was save, they were scary. She just didn't' know what to do.

"M...my parents?!" She responded, sounding a little surprised. She frowned a moment and gazed at her feet. Honestly she wasn't sure how to answer at first. Her parents... it was rather complex. She played with her hair a moment, always enjoying wearing it down but too afraid to normally. Being around rose, it made her feel so comfortable she could forget that other people might find it strange.

"My mother... my mother died a couple years ago of an illness. They could never figure out what it was. My father works as an aide at the ministry... He's very proper and straight forward, very dedicated. He does always do the right thing though and really loves mom and me. He's very...quiet though and tends to succeed at anything he tries." She spoke quietly, a touch of sadness in her voice as she spoke of her mother. Her mother had accepted her only months before she died but she had said such beautiful things when she did. She'd told Caly she was the most beautiful girl in the world and to keep being her self, made her promise to. Caly always suspected this was the reason her father had made their bargain, he loved her mother to much to defy her final wish.

"I.. Know that sounds a little boring but he really is a very good man" She said with a warm, trusting, and loving smile, forcing her thoughts from her mother. Her father really was a good man and did love her... even if he had wanted a boy. Yes he got made sometimes and couldn't understand how a 'soul' could have a gender... and it didn't help that having such a weirdo for a daughter ruined his chances at running for the ministry himself so he couldn't do the job he was practically made to do. Still, he did worry about her and want the best for her even more then he wanted the best for himself.

Rose instantly bit down on her tongue, since slapping herself in public would only cause attention. Crap crap crap! She hadn’t known that about her mother! “I’m sorry for asking,” she said sincerely, squeezing Caly’s hand gently. “I didn’t mean to make you think of painful memories.”

“Your dad though, doesn’t sound boring at all.” She shook her head, “He sounds like he cares very much about his work and you; I’m rather surprised he agreed to let you tag along with me then.” She teased, giving her another grin. “Probably could’ve sent Aurors after us to make sure you were OK.” She knew if her dad could he would most definitely do that for her. Rose was the youngest of a family of four, all three being elder brothers. The eldest had already went and finished Hogwarts, but the other two didn't attend the magical school; they were too attached to the Muggle world that they opted to be home schooled. They like to travel though and wanted to follow Mother in her footsteps.

"Dont' be sorry... she was a lovely woman and I should probably talk about her more... Daddy, Daddy can't." She said quietly. A bitter smile crossed her lips, love clear on her features. She still loved her mother and never blamed her. Even if there was some indications that she may be responsible for her male body not matching her soul. Then again, her mother had been very much like Caly herself. Sweet, lovable, gentle and always putting other people's happiness above her own. For that matter, so did her father considering his reasons for joining the ministry. He didn't care about the power, he just genuinely thought he could help people and wanted to spend his life doing so. Accordingly he would not use his power for personal matters, even if he could though there were other reasons he couldn't involve his daughter in his career....

"Oh, which stop is it for your house?" She asked brightly, simply to change the subject. It was funny now that she was around Rose for long enough she was finally relaxed enough that her stutter was starting to disappear. Apparently she only stuttered when nervous or first meeting someone. She knew she'd be stuttering again once they reached Rose's home but that didn't make her any less excited about it. She tried to focus on this and keep her excitement, instead of her complex home situation.

Rose still felt bad about asking; she had never felt the loss of someone close and for the life of her she hoped she never will. But with the threat of Death Eaters and many of her Muggle relatives in the forces one can just never be sure. She quickly looked up at the map, figuring out where they were and where they had to get off at.

“Actually, the next stop should be it.” She pointed out. “It’s not too far a walk from the subway. It’s a rather small house anyway; Mother likes things quaint, and it keeps reporters confused as they stake out all the mansions and stuff.” She snickered. Reporters were such a pain; her parents were very clever with misleading though.

"Oh really? It sounds nice" was Caly's instant polite reply. She was curious what it would be like as it sounded very different from her own. Her home was her father's ancestral home... exactly what you'd expect of an old full blood family. Big, mysterious and with tons of secrets. It was a lovely home and a great place to explore but not very cozy. She couldn't wait to see it.. .she loved new experiences. When the reached the stop she'd exit happily and wait for Rose.

Rose took Caly by the hand again, and led the out of the station, the bright light of the sun making her blink in annoyance. Probably the only downside of taking that subway, but it sure as hell beats the floo every time! “It is; I like it a lot. It has a homey feel to it.” She agreed. Rose never really enjoyed big, extravagant things, it was always the small simple things that made her happy. It was just sad in the world today such things were almost extinct.

She led the way, walking on the sidewalk as the surroundings changed from tall buildings to simple houses, with wide patches of meadows here and there. Rose noticed a few of the neighbor kids running around, and waved to one who noticed her. This was a fairly young neighborhood, but it just felt right walking this way.

“You see that house just up ahead?” Rose asked, pointing ahead, “That’s where we’re heading.”

"It is very nice." Caly said with her usual quiet version of enthusiasm. The only real signs of the emotion was an extra lilt to her voice, a glitter in her eyes, and a soft smile. She couldn't believe how well things were going, it seemed more like a book then real life. She was almost skipping at her side, holding the other girls hand tightly. She nodded at the kids but was a little too nervous to say anything more.

((hehe you made the mother so you can decide if you want to have the mom pounce immediately or not. ))

((Haaaa she’s gonna pounce on something alright XDD ))

The pair reached the house rather quickly; it was a simple old-fashion brick house, the kind you would see on postcards in the winter. Rose raised her hand to knock on the door but paused, remembering that they were seeing her mother.

“Ahh…you might want to take a few steps back.” She said, look rather sheepish. Though Caly did give her a look she did comply, and Rose quickly knocked on the door.

“Mother? I’m back with the fab---!” As soon as she spoke Rose was suddenly pounced on and quickly hugged the living daylights out of her. “Ooo my sweet little Rose has returned at last! Mother missed having your company around you took oh so very long!”

“Mom stop I can’t breathe!” Rose yelped, struggling in her grip. “And I brought company!” she quickly said. “Oh?” The lady paused, turning to the other girl. Long ebony hair pinned in a messy bun, and simple slacks with a simple tank top; if reporters ever saw her now, they’d hardly believe that this was the same cool fashion designer the world knew oh so well.

“Oh! So you did! Such a darling little girl!” she cooed, swiftly pulling Caly into a hug. “And I just adore your hair! As you can see, I’m Rose’s mother Tanacita,” she greeted warmly.

Rose just rubbed the back of her neck embarrassed. “Sorry Caly, I did say she was very enthusiastic…” God Rose hoped she didn’t scare away this one…

She was like a little kid... It made Caly giggle softly. She watched the two a moment and hung back a little. She couldn't help but find it adorable. Her family had never been into over emotional displays. It was one of the reasons she was so reserved, so were her parents. It was funny, despite being an old magic family they were fairly... well.. boring and traditional. They didn't even use house elves, they preferred hiring people to create jobs. The hug had instantly made her gasp out of sheer shock, in fact.

"n..n..nice to meet you... a..and thank you" she responded to the woman after she caught her breath. She was a little unsteady on her feet a moment, worried. Had the woman felt anything she shouldn't? She had still not found the proper potion, would this end here and now? She forced herself to smile as she watched for a reaction. The designer didn't seem like she had noticed anything...

"I.. I'm a really big f-fan of yours." She finally stated quietly, running a hand through her hair. She was almost kind of glad she wore it down since the other woman was so impressed with it. It was past her back and nearly to her knees it was so long and it was one of her crowning features.... even when it was black.

Well, other than being surprised with the hug it didn’t seem like Caly was going to run away anytime soon. Though she was very shocked; Rose simply chalked it up to meeting someone you idolize a lot. Her mother seemed to be mildly surprised at her little confession. “Really? Of me? Well now I feel like blushing I hardly ever meet young ladies like you!” Tanacita smiled warmly, “Much less any that my own daughter brings home willingly,” she pretended to shield her mouth as she mock-whispered in her ear. “You didn’t use magic to change her mind now did you?”

“Mom please!” Rose pouted, a blush on her cheeks. “She didn’t use magic; she’s a bit of a designer herself she made this pretty dress and I felt I had to show you that’s all!” she frowned, looking away as if she didn’t care (though her face said otherwise). She wasn't sure if it was her place to tell how they really met, but she would wait for Caly to say first.

That seemed to catch Tanacita’s attention. “Really? Then you must come into my study and show me sweetheart!” She took Caly’s hand and led them both into the house, “If you can make my little Rose like your work then it must be fantastic~”

Mother stop you’re embarrassing!”

“But it’s a mother’s job to be Rosie~!”

She couldn't help but giggle watching the two, they were so cute. They seemed more playful sisters than mother and daughter sometimes. She couldn't help but kind of like them. She could never see her mother or father behaving that way. Still as Rose spoke of the dress she blushed deeply. She never thought her work good enough to show anyone, even if they really did look rather good and were well put together. She bit her lip letting herself be lead... still she didn't have much choice now...

"i..its not that good..." she stammered softly. Still once they reached the study it didn't seem like there was anything she could do. Rose's mother didn't seem the kind to let her out of it easily... She reached downward, pulling the lacy corset dress out of her bag before she held it out towards the woman. She had her head down slightly, not sure what to say.

”Come on Caly, let my mother be the judge,” Rose teased, watching in anticipation as she carefully took out the dress. Her mother stared, her whole attention at the dress. Rose could just see the gears rotating in her mother’s head as she took in the lace and fabric; heck she knew she was making internal comments on how everything was so well put together. So it really was no surprise to how her mother reacted afterwards.

“My dear, you really made this?” Tanacita spoke softly, taking the dress into her hands. After the careful nod, her eyes lit up with absolute glee. “This is FANTASTIC!” she squealed happily, positively in love with the dress. “Such a wonderful design! And such beautiful intricate stitching! Oh please do tell me that this is not merely a phase you young kids go through?? You have such talent!” she almost pleaded.

Rose couldn’t help but laugh at both their expressions. “See? I told you she would love it Caly!”

"y..you...you really think so? It... it's always been my dream to design" She said with more excitement then she meant to. She flushed at her own outburst and covered her mouth delicately a moment. She couldn't believe she'd just admitted that to someone she just met. She hid behind her hair a moment, playing with it nervously as she did so. She wasn't sure what to say for a moment, even as Rose spoke.

"but... um... I mean... it... it's fun and...stuff..." She finally added pensively. She was a little worried, especially with the womans comments about magic. Did she think that was why she was here? what if rose thought she was only interested in meeting her mother? Oh how horrible she must seem to them! Doubly so when you considered that she had just admited that so early...

Tanacita could hardly care if the girl knew magic or not; she had sincere talent in the world of fashion. She would have not said any of those comments if she had not meant them; it was something she and her daughter had in common. She also couldn’t help but think just how adorable Caly was, blushing up a storm.

“Sweetheart don’t feel embarrassed, I really do love your dress. It is simply wonderful.” She assured her, putting a hand on her shoulders as she bent to her level. “And I trust my daughter’s judgement. She doesn’t bring just anyone home you know.” She winked.

“Hey, you go to Hogwarts.” Rose suddenly blurted out, causing them to turn to her. “I was wondering from where I’ve seen you before because like my Mother said I don’t just bring home anyone.”

“Oh so she does magic and knows about me?? Then I’m beyond flattered!” her mother exclaimed, giving Caly another surprise hug. “Not many magical people know much about the "Muggle World" but for you to know me so well, I’m just so very happy to have met you.” She said sincerely. Ever since she learnt about the magical world and just how behind the times they were, she never once thought any of them would know her work. And to be honest, Tanacita was really not fond of their robes. They were kind of tacky.

However Rose was thinking deeply about this revelation. If Caly did go to Hogwarts, how is it that only now did they meet? Did she belong to another house? Actually, maybe she was in another year; she could be younger than her…

((hehe well she did have black hair before >.>.... and each dorm of raven claws assumed she went to the other... some ravenclaws who actually knew of her probably assumed she was in another dorm, especially since she dated a guy in another dorm... ))

"Well... my mother's parents were muggles so I found out a lot through her and even met them once..." Caly said quietly in thought, biting her lip. They were the ones who made the biggest deal about her gender... they refused to even speak to her until she 'accepted she was a boy' and dressed normally and cut her hair. Yet, she just couldn't do it... It was one of the reasons she didn't correct them when even the sorting hat treated her as a girl. It was just ... right somehow. Still, until she was fully a girl dumbledor had arranged a secret private room for her in ravenclaw tower, understanding that she really belonged in neither dorm... Still, before she could dwell too much she had another surprise hug which made her heart pound every time with fear. Would she feel it one of these times?

"Y..yes I go to hogwarts. I'm in ravenclaw... but I sleep in another dorm so you probably didn't know...." She said quietly, knowing the other girl was in ravenclaw. Would they ask her why? She'd told people she had night terrors and it was just to not trouble others usually... She watched Rose then, wondering how long it would be until she thought she was weird... or until her mother surprise hugged her and felt.. it. She was starting to wonder if this had been a bad idea.

((Ohhhh OK I see! :D ))

“Ravenclaw?? Damn I’m in that house too!” Rose exclaimed, “But if you were in another dorm…I guess we just when in different circles huh?” she smiled, not noticing the brief surprise on her mother’s face.

Tanacita was no doubt surprised when she felt…something as she hugged Caly. However Tanacita grew up learning not to judge and simply ignored it. It really wasn’t her place to pass comments and besides, she hadn’t seen her own daughter open up so readily to anyone from her school. Oh yes, her little Rosie had friends; they were just not close friends. She sincerely hoped that this young…lady would change all that.

“Ooo you are just so precious!” she cooed, “You know, I do have some other dresses around; would you like to try them?” she asked. Rose instantly paled; oh no please don’t suggest the short ones…

"Y..yeah different circles..." She muttered with a nervous laugh. She began to feel even more strongly that this summer... it had to be the one. She had to finish her potion and become her true self. She bit her lip at the thought, only looking up as the woman spoke. It was the ultimate temptation and for a moment she could only stare. She wanted to say yes but she was afraid, what if it showed? What if Rose found out and hatted her.

"s...sure... She said quietly, instantly cursing herself. She had not meant to say yes but her heart answered before her head could catch up. It was one of her greatest weaknesses... she was an emotional being and had never been very good at denying herself. She would never hurt anyone but if they invited her to take something she wanted, she couldn't quite say no either. She tried to think of a way to change her answer without looking strange but couldn't think of anything...

“Oooo fantastic! Come along I have this lovely blue one that you must try on!” Tanacita exclaimed, quickly ushering Caly into another room. Rose groaned, knowing perfectly well that she was referring to the short dress she finished; she already told her she’d never wear it, but her mother really needed someone to try it on…

“Mother really the short one?” Rose pouted, following after them. “It barely reaches the knees thought!”

“Which is why I want her to try it!” Tanacita explained, “I need to see if it is too short and adjust it Rosie!” She quickly brought them into her study, where all the designs and fabrics were about. She glanced through the wardrobe, where all the finished prototypes were.

“Now let’s see…ah! Here it is!” she exclaimed, pulling it out to show. Rose could only palm her face at it. Why oh why was it so short…?