A little something

[Ceceilly Morcerf]

(I'm taking some liberty and saying Talia did/provided the flowers for Cece's wedding. If that's not Kosher let me know)

Cece came into Talia's shop with a bright smile on her face. She had always loved Herbology but then Professor Fern did always make it fun. She looked around for Talia but didn't see her.

"Talia? You here?"

She asked wanting to thank her housemate for all her help with the small wedding she and Mikhael had.

[Talia Franklin]

(You wouldn't believe how loud her squee was, so I'd say she's fine with that liberty...)

Talia was all the way in the back of her store, watering can in one hand and spray bottle in the other. Once she finished watering or spritzing the row she was on, she tucked the can and bottle out of the way in a corner. Hearing a familiar voice she straightened and went on tip-toe, waving to Cece so she could see her over the plants. Some of them, that hadn't sold, had grown quite tall since she had started her business.

"Hey Cece, what brings you down to my humble shop?"

Talia was all grins as she started towards the front of the store, plucking dead or dying leaves as she went.

[Ceceilly Morcerf]

(WOOT!!! I’m glad.)

Seeing Talia wave Cece waved back and heading toward the back of the store. It was hard not to stop and look at all the lovely flowers in the shop. Talia really had a green thumb, which Cece envied a bit.

“Well first I wanted to thank you for everything with the wedding. I would have been lost if it wasn’t for your help with flowers and colors.”

It had been an evening wedding, so Vlad could attend, and it had been held on a Darcey private estate. The whole place had been heavily warded against unwanted guests so it all worked out.

“Also…do you remember Matilda Sage from school?”

If she didn’t remember Tilly she had to remember Tally Sage. Tally had gotten mixed up in some pure blood gang whom had kidnapped several people. She had been killed in an apperation accident before her trail could start.

“She is getting married soon. I though I could drop her your card or maybe bring her by. It could be good business. There already is a buzz about your shop.”

Mikhael was a member of the Dragon’s starting lineup. Being a top pro Quidditch team that got a lot of press. Even if they hadn’t allowed reporters at the wedding a few photo had gone to press. Talia’s flowers were front and center which Cece was glad for. If those pictures got her friend some business then it would be worth having them in the papers.

“Tommy is a member of the Dragon’s as well…or is going to be. I’m not up on all the gossip so I’m not sure.”

Cece knew that Tommy and Peter had a falling out when in school but that was years ago. Tommy had been semi pro but far to good for such a team. He was pro material all the way.

“So what do you think? Weddings could be a very lucrative side business. Especially weddings of the rich and famous.”

Cece said with a bit of tongue and cheek. She would never ever consider herself either of this things. If fact she and Mikhael lived in a modest flat in Ireland. They were house hunting but nothing had caught their eye yet.

[Talia Franklin]

Talia smiled and gave her head a shake. She'd heard more thank you's from Cece than she had ever heard from a single person before. Arranging the flowers for her friend's wedding had been a challenge and a very rewarding one. Seeing Cece and Mikhael's wedding with her arrangements tucked in among all the other details had been beyond her wildest expectations.

"It really was my pleasure. I know I'd never have what it takes to be a wedding planner, but I'd never really thought about doing weddings at all until you asked. It should be me thanking you, really."

Her brows drew together and her lips turned down in a thoughtful frown. The two sounded vaguely familiar but she hadn't really been the outgoing type while in school. She barely knew most of the people in her own house. While she couldn't put faces with the names, she definitely recognized the names. Tally more so but only due to unfortunate circumstances.

"Yes and no. I probably wouldn't know her if I passed her on the street, but the name is familiar. Of course you can! Drop the card, bring her by, whichever you'd rather. I'll welcome any and all business especially with weddings."

She had seen the pictures of the wedding that had made it out to the press. She couldn't lie, she had been on cloud 9 for days. There might even be a clipping tucked away in her things.

"You know, I might have heard something along those lines from Frankie. All the Dragons getting married off, I'll have to set up some sort of family discount for them."

She said it with a laugh, though she did think of the team as part of their extended family and would happily help any of them out with flowers if they were of a need.

"I think it's a wonderful idea and a good side business to have my thumb in. Though, whoever will I go to when it's my turn?"

Her question brought back a memory of Frankie carefully inquiring how she might feel about a ring and finding a bigger home. She couldn't help but smile at it and laugh at herself. If she did the flowers herself she'd likely end up a Bridezilla or whatever the crazycakes brides were called.

[Ceceilly Morcerf]

“Well then we can thank each other till we are blue in the face.”

She said with a very bright smile. Talia had a bright personality that Cece adored. She would have to invite her around for tea once she and Mikhael found a place to call home.

“You really should consider adding that to your business. Flowers for weddings could be a big thing for the shop. You have a touch with them…both wizarding and muggle.”

There had been several magical flower arrangements that had been just perfect. It was if Talia had read Cece’s mind when it came to the flowers. Cece nodded when Talia couldn’t remember Tilly.

“She was Ravenclaw and very quiet. I have only become closer with her due to some job offers at the Ministry. Turned them down though. I like being home when Mikhael gets home.”

Even if Cece had graduated with top marks her only goal in life was to be the best wife, and someday mother, she could be. Not a lofty goal but one she enjoyed.

“I’ll arrange something. She could use the help. Not to say Tilly is scatter brain she is just…well…very much a left brain Ravenclaw. Great with logic not so much with some of the girly bits.”

Cece nodded about all the Dragons getting married off. For a moment she bit her lip but then couldn’t help but say something.

“Frankie? Are you two getting serious?”

It made her smile, glad her friends were happy…well most of them. A few were having a rough patch but that was just life she guessed.

“We will all help you when it’s your turn. Which I hope is soon. Oh…gosh…before I forget. Can I have some flowers sent to Kat Darcey’s estate? I just found out her cousin died…that family can’t catch a break.”

Seemed after the TriWizard nothing but bad luck had dogged Kathleen and Bekah.

“So anyone else we know have any wonderful news? I feel so out of the loop in Ireland sometimes.”

[Talia Franklin]

Talia laughed softly and, grinning widely, told Cece, "That's just fine with me."

For how quiet she had been in school, she had been pleased when she and Cece really hit it off. Just one more thing that her business had helped her with. It was rather a pity that they hadn't been close during their school years, but better late than never.

"Thank you. That means a lot coming from you. I really would like to try to add it. I'll see if I've got the funds to start it out now or I'll talk to an investor."

She had never technically borrowed money from Frankie before but the idea was there. He was making a killing with his job and could definitely afford to help her out if only for a little while. Still, she hoped she had her own money for it. Damn that stubborn Irish pride.

"Well that makes more sense then. If she and I were both quiet then there's really no way for me to easily remember. I understand that want to be home when Mikhael gets home."

Her Mum had stayed at home with the kids and had always greeted Daidi when he got home. It was something that Talia wanted for herself as well. Not that she wanted to give up the shop. She just didn't stay into the evening unless she had to. Otherwise she was home to greet Frankie and hopefully have dinner ready and waiting.

"That sounds great. I can hardly wait to meet her... remeet her... get to know her, there we go. She and I already have something in common. Not so great with the girly bits... unless it's flowery."

Talia gave a soft laugh at her own stuttering. Technically, she'd probably met Tilly before. Remeet wasn't exactly a word, but she could do getting to know the woman.

"I've been in love with him since sixth year, so I certain hope he's getting serious!"

Again she laughed, teasing about old crushes and how things were going now that they were out of school. Her cheeks flushed a pretty, soft pink as she continued.

"We've been living together for almost a year now. There's been a little talk about perhaps finding a nice house and moving out of the flat... and the possibility of a ring."

Words couldn't express how thrilled she was at that prospect. Still, they hadn't looked at houses yet nor had they discussed rings since. That didn't matter to her. She was enjoying the time they spent together in this stage before they moved onto the next.

"Aww, thank you! I kind of hope it's soon too. But I can be patient when it's worth waiting for. Oh, I have just the thing. Did you want an arrangement or a plant?"

Either way, Talia had just the thing. She had all sorts of lily plants, included calla lilies. She also had cut flowers that would make a beautiful if not somber arrangement.

"Nothing that I've heard lately. Though I've heard a bit of talk about your wedding. Aside from that, nothing's really made it into my shop. Though I love Ireland dearly and I'm happy to be back, I can understand where you're coming from with feeling out of the loop. Everyone else seems to have stayed in England."

[Ceceilly Morcerf]

Talia was one of the few people from school Cece saw semi regularly. Most everyone else was very busy or had gone off traveling. That made her think of Toni and a pang of sadness washed over her. She had never meant to hurt Toni like he had and she very much hoped he was doing well.

“I’m sure you could find investors no problem. Especially if you keep doing high profile weddings.”

Cece looked thoughtful for a moment trying to think who would be getting married. One couple came to mind but she quickly pushed those thoughts away as they weren’t quiet a couple anymore. She wasn’t even sure the status of their engagement.

“You’ll adore her. I’m suppose to meet her at the Three Broom Sticks but I am sure she won’t mind making a detour here.”

A soft happy smile crossed Cece’s face at mention of Mikhael. She had adored him for year and now to actually be married to him was a true blessing. Cece let out a soft laugh as Talia went on about remeeting Tilly. Her smile returned as Talia spoke of Frankie.

“That’s so sweet…that you have been together for so long. I’ll never forget the first time I saw Mikhael. It was Care of Magical Creatures in my fourth year. We were going to meet a Hippogriff and I was practicing my bowing. I bowed him on accident…I was so scared of him them but I also fell in love too. It’s hard to explain…I just knew he was the one I wanted to be with forever.”

Cece rarely told that story and had never confessed it to Mikhael before. It was much easier to say to girlfriend because well…they were a girl as well.

“Slow is very good. You never want to rush…and everyone had their own pace. I don’t think we could have run fast enough to the alter for Mikhael.”

She said with a soft laugh

“Not that I mind one bit. We’ve felt like an old married couple since we got together in school. How is Frankie doing? I haven’t seen him since school. I know the Dragon’s are doing well…and I do see him at games but I never really get to talk to him.”

Cece was sure he was fine but one never knew. Plus he played Pro Quidditch which could be a dangerous sport. When she asked about an arrangement or plant Cece gave Talia an unsure look.

“Which do you think? I mean…maybe and arrangement because Kat was never aces in Herbology.”

Cece would trust Talia completely on this point. With no news to speak of she smiled.

“Well maybe no news is good news. After what happened to Trista it would be nice to have a time of peace.”

Cece was still in shock over the death of her classmate. Trista had been so young and killed like she was…it was just outrageous.

[Talia Franklin]

"I already have one. Grams helped me get my start. I was thinking about bringing it up to Frankie though."

High profile weddings would be terribly stressful. Especially if the brides weren't as easy going, or easily calmed, as Cece had been. Was that something that Talia wanted to, or even could, handle? She was always up for a challenge.

"That sounds wonderful. I'll look forward to seeing the two of you."

Cece's soft but happy smile made Talia happy and hopeful for her own future. Her blush deepened as Cece gushed with her. That was something that she appreciated all the more now for not having had much of it at school.

"Well, we've been best friends for so long. Do you know how insane it was to have such a crush on your best friend for an entire year before he seemed to get the hint?"

Talia's hand fluttered over her heart. She could remember all the many times she and Frankie had spent time together between the time she noticed him and he finally asked her to go steady. Little butterflies took flight in her stomach to further remind her. She shook her head to break the reverie she had fallen into. Her smile grew again listening to how Cece met her husband.

"That is an amazing story. A great one to tell the grandkids some day."

She loved hearing fun stories like that. Hers wasn't as entertaining and not one that her grand kids would repeatedly ask to hear, she was sure.

"For as much of a dare devil as Frankie is in the air, he's a very cautious man. I wouldn't mind running to the alter, but I'm perfectly content to wait."

Mikhael had the right idea. Fall in love and rush to the alter before they come to their senses. Definitely the way to go. She stifled a giggle at the mental image of her dragging Frankie down the aisle.

"That's a wonderful thing. I'm not sure I've ever felt like an old married couple, but I'd love to have the feeling. Frankie is wonderful. I think he enjoys having a roomie."

She pulled her thoughts quickly back to business. Running one hand over the blossoms of cut flowers that had a cooling charm on them to keep them fresh longer, she grabbed an elegant vase with her free hand. It was a simple thing to pour water into it and start building the bouquet one flower at a time.

"Not many people are aces in Herbology. Some don't care, others just don't have the touch. There, what do you think?"

Talia fussed for a single moment longer before stepping back and letting Cece get a full view of her handy work. Even her own grades weren't the best in herbology. Her best class had ended up being magical creatures but even that couldn't sway her from her love of plants.

"I'd like to think of it like that, yes. What happened to Trista was awful."

She couldn't help the aggravation that rose just a little when Trista was mentioned. It wasn't that she didn't like the girl. She had. It was that her funeral had been the source of her first non-fight with Frankie. She shoved the memory away, refusing to let that color her reaction every time Trista was brought up.

[Ceceilly Morcerf]

Cece was glad Talia had backers for her endeavors. Family to boot which made it all the better. At the mention of high profile weddings Talia seemed to get introspective.

“You should hook up with a wedding planner. They take all the heat from rage filled brides…so I hear.”

She had moved over to some lovely flowers and was contemplating getting them for her flat.

“I had thought to hire one but the one witch I liked had her hands full with the Prince-Malfoy wedding. That was going to be the wedding to beat all weddings from what I hear…well you know…till it got cancled.”

Cece rummaged in her bag and pulled out a copy of Taboo handing it to Talia

“I know it’s a bit of a rag but it actually has some good stories in it. Real news stuff mixed with a bit of gossip. You know Jamal started it…see.”

Jamal Kapor had gone to school with them and had been a HUGE over achiever. It seemed that came to a halt when he got to the Prophet. Now it seemed he was gaining speed again. Cece turned to about the third page of the magazine which had the standard “note from the editor” page article. It mainly welcomed everyone to the publication and stated Jamal reporting standards.

“I did feel a bit bad reading all the personal stuff about Kat’s mom…seems private. As for Voss he got what he deserved as far as I care.”

Cece never had, and never would, care for the slimy snake of a man. He had been a smarmy brat in school and Cece doubted he had changed his spots.

“Ahhh your story is far better then mine. My feelings for Mikhael where very one sided till seventh year. I wish we had been friends our whole time at school. Boys can be very thick.”

Cece said with a laugh and a shake of her head. It seemed to take boys till sixth or seventh year to notice girls. At least everything had worked out for the both of them.

“I hope not to cautious. You deserve to be happy Talia…and if you want to get married you should tell him. Never settle.”

She bit her lip a moment wondering if she was stepping out of bounds with this advice

“I never nearly let Mikhael slip through my fingers. I was seeing a boy whom had transferred to Hogwarts after the Tri-wizard tournament. He had moved here just for me, so I thought. When Mikhael showed interest, after he broke up with his girl, I rebuffed him. I felt duty bound to Toni. I’m not saying this is the same situation or the you don’t love Frankie. I’m just saying don’t settle…and find out why Frankie is dragging his feet.”

Cece worried for Talia now. Maybe it was nothing…maybe Frankie was just to busy to really think about marriage. She hoped that was it for Talia’s sake.

“Rommie?”

Cece said with a bit of a raise of her eyebrows. Was that how Frankie referred to her? Deciding not to dwell on the topic Cece quickly jumped on the subject of past school classes as she watched Talia arrange the flowers.

“I think I surprised everyone with my grades…myself included. Not that it really mattered much. I’m very content being a house wife.”

Cece had declined every job offer she had been given after Mikhael proposed. It had been her dream job and she had taken it without hesitation.

“It’s truly lovely Talia…you are a wiz with flowers.”

The somber mood now hung heavy in the air. Cece thought to at least put a cap on it.

“Her killer has been killed. It’s what it says in Taboo. The Prophet hardly mentioned it…I often wonder if there in bed with those MOB people.”

It wasn’t much to lighten the mood but at least Trista’s killer had gotten his comeuppance.

[Talia Franklin]

"Well there's a thought that didn't occur to me. That's brilliant, Cece!"

Talia couldn't help but bounce on the balls of her feet with her sudden enthusiasm. She'd have to look into wedding planners before the end of the week. That was a quick promise that she made herself. She watched Cece admire some of her more recent acquisitions. The woman had good taste, but then admiring any plant showed good taste to Talia.

"I think you managed to do a smashing job without her. Pity that her big fish wedding got cancelled, but such is life."

She took the magazine curiously. As Cece continued to talk, she flipped through it. Jamal was a name she recognized but she didn't think she ever met him while they were in school. It didn't surprise her that he was up and going places though.

"Didn't you know? Rags might have the most outlandish stories, but they've also usually got the most honest ones."

That was her Grams talking though. The old woman was an eccentric old bat and Talia loved her dearly. She wanted to be just like her when she grew up, she thought yet again with a grin.

"Oh. I'm not usually a fan of those articles. There are things that just aren't any of my business. I'm still relieved that I never had any serious encounters with Voss. The stories that got passed around the common room..."

She gave a slight shudder. No, it was far better that she had remained as a wallflower while she was at school.

"Oh yes, because the hours of spending time trying not to moon too obviously over him while we were goofing off make for such a great story. Boys really are thick. I'm not sure there's a one of them that isn't."

Talia joined in the laughter. Bless all their pea-pickin' little hearts. She smiled and shook her head at her friend.

"I know it's been almost a year since we moved in together, but it still feels new in a comfortable way, you know what I mean? I won't wait forever, and when the time comes I'll tell him as much."

Advice, whether wanted or not, was almost always welcome. She had learned long ago to filter out what she knew she would use and toss away the rest. This was sound advice and something that she probably did need to hear. She'd keep it in mind, but she didn't think and truly hoped that she wouldn't need it.

"See, another good little story for the kiddies. And a romantic one at that. I'm so glad that everything worked out for you. You two are probably the cutest couple I've ever seen."

The expression of complete adoration crossed Talia's face and she shook her head again, a soft smile curving her lips.

"Oh, but I'm not settling. He's so wonderfully fun and random. Life would never be boring with that man."

She didn't feel the need to repeat that while he was random and a dare devil in the air that he was just a cautious person for the rest of his life. She wasn't even so sure his caution was for him, it could very well be for her. She laughed at Cece's tone when she repeated roomie, shaking her head.

"It's not like that. He has never called me that, I was jesting."

Talia couldn't help herself, she gave Cece an impromptu hug. She just loved that she was so honest about what she wanted and that all she wanted was a life and a family with the man she loved. Life couldn't get simpler or more beautiful than that. She gave a soft sniff as she pulled back, wondering where that surge of emotion came from. As beautiful as it was, it shouldn't choke her up. Shaking her head she turned back to the flowers.

"Thank you. Every time I hear that, it is such a wonderful little ego boost."

She shook her head. She hadn't heard anything, but then she did tend to live in her own little world. But that was okay with her.

"Well it's nothing less than they deserved. I've never put too much stock in The Prophet. Too many vague articles."