Tilly Armstrong used to be a fox (moonshone) wrote in reduxpitch, @ 2016-06-22 23:29:00 |
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Galinda could feel the energy coursing through her veins as she strode down the muggle streets. She loved London, she mused. It was busy and loud, always moving. It was as frenetic as she felt. She would do well in the city, Galinda decided. Maybe she should look for flats in muggle London. They wouldn’t be tainted by the released Werewolf Registry. She should look into the conversion rates from galleons to muggle money. It might even be a smart financial move. She would check with her financial advisor. Tomorrow. Galinda would need to write it all down, which she would do when she got to the restaurant. It would help prepare her for meeting Mrs. Potter. Get all of her ducks in a row. This was a good plan. Afterwards, she would stop at the apothecary. Yes, that was a good plan. -- The trickle of outed werewolves had slowed and it had been several days since Lily had last heard from one of them, so when one reached out to her for help, she was eager to address the girl’s problem as soon as possible. She had spread some of the workload out among her office-mates, the ones who were willing anyway, and the concerns over her son had diminished, so she felt no guilt in taking on another client, even after being so overwhelmed even a week prior. For this meeting, she arranged for an early departure that afternoon and made it out of her office perhaps a touch later than she would have preferred, but she was confidant that she was not going to be more than five minutes later than the arranged time, even after walking the three blocks. This restaurant had been a favorite of hers when she was younger and full of optimism and boundless energy, but as she’d aged and taken on more responsibilities, she had stopped coming. It had been a good two years, she estimated, since she’d last made this walk and entered this building. It was a bit like coming home after a long trip, and she paused in the doorway just for a moment to breathe in that familiar scent of bread and spice. It then occurred to her that she didn’t know what Galinda looked like, but as there were only two customers at this hour, and she was fairly sure that her new client was not an elderly gentleman, she approached the woman with the wild hair. “Excuse me, Ms. Blishwick?” -- Galinda did not know if she was early or late or on time, but hedged her bets by ordering herself an herbal tea (she was pretty sure caffeine was not her friend today) and settled at a table with her back to the wall and her journal out. She was well on her way on creating a list that took up almost the entire page though her handwriting had turned cramped and small, when she was interrupted by a redheaded woman who looked a few years older than her brother. “Galinda.” She held out her hand and then belatedly realized that she should probably stand. She did so swiftly, nearly knocking the chair back in the process. Hooking her left foot around one of its legs, Galinda dragged it back until it knocked the back of her knees. “I want to thank you for taking the time to meet, I know it was a bit last minute, and really not that well planned, but it felt like it was time I finally did something. You know?” She was babbling, Galinda realized and promptly shut her mouth so that the older woman could order something and sit down. Situate herself. Do the things that lawyers were supposed to do when meeting clients for the first time. Feeling slightly ashamed of her list all of a sudden, Galinda closed her journal, though she didn’t put it away just yet. She might get an idea that need to be scribbled down. She’d deal with any embarrassment later. -- “Galinda,” Lily said with a warm, motherly smile as she pulled back a chair and sat. Nearly immediately a man in an apron swept in and she murmured a drink order before turning her full attention to the girl across from her. “It’s my pleasure,” she replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. “This is a cause that is very close to my heart. I do not expect you, who had this sprung on you and who have had to deal with the consequences, to be completely organized. That is part of what I do, so please don't fret." Her eyes lingered just a moment on the closed notebook. She had only glimpsed the list, and even that had been an accident. It was not her business what someone else was writing, but she was nevertheless impressed that, despite what Galinda may say about being unorganized, she seemed quite capable of organizing her thoughts on paper. “So,” she said as tea was set beside her by the man in the apron, “what things would you like to discuss?” -- Maybe because she didn’t know Lily Potter that Galinda found it so easy to talk. After all, she had been seeing therapists for years. Talking to someone who had no personal involvement was far easier than talking to someone close to her. Less feelings got hurt that way. “Well the most obvious issue is that with the Wandering Eye’s article I now find myself without a steady job or flat to go home to.” She knew she was luckier than most. Her family could support her if she wanted, the problem was that Galinda did not want. “I do not know how much my brother has shared with you, Mrs. Potter, but I can guarantee it hasn't been everything.” Galinda took a deep breath. It just hit her that the woman sitting across from her would be the first person she told about how she became a werewolf. The thought made her a bit dizzy. “And I'm not really sure where I am supposed to begin. except maybe at the beginning, which is obviously the most logical. If I only knew where the beginning was located.” -- Lily frowned at this information and quickly extracted a notepad and pen from her jacket pocket. “You’re saying your home and work have actually been impacted by this?” She asked, forcing down the tone of outrage. Getting emotional was something she was quite good at and not ashamed of, but it wouldn’t help a girl who already had enough to deal with. For now, she would remain clinical yet compassionate and would leave the sword and shield at home. “Galinda, that is one of the largest things I want to address for those like you, the lifestyle changes forced upon you by this. The other parts are just as important, of course, but security in home and work are some of the most basic needs to build upon.” She was getting wordy and Galinda had other things to say, so Lily focused on listening and taking brief notes. “He hasn’t shared much,” she admitted, “only that his sister was afflicted and that he wished to help her, you. You can tell me as much as you feel comfortable with, though sometimes the things that are uncomfortable are the most important. I will not push you, though.” -- Galinda nodded surprised that Mrs. Potter seemed so taken aback by this information. As did Lottie, if she thought of it. It was like others assumed that what happened to werewolves repeatedly over who knows how many years would actually not apply to Galinda. “I lost my steady job at Madam Malkins in Diagon Alley the day the article came out. The notice from my landlord a few days later, however there I was given until the end of the month to vacate.” She had long since moved past anger when it came to these facts. Her anger wouldn't change much. “My lifestyle has been impacted far less than you think. My family has money and influence. If I did not want to work, I would not have to. Unfortunately,” Galinda’s smile went a bit crooked, “it seems like I have finally found the infamous Hufflepuff work ethic.” Or pride. “I hate that I have to rely on them as much as I’ve been doing recently. I was quite independent before you know.” Picking up her tea just so she would have something to do with her hands, Galinda tried to focus her breathing and calm her racing thoughts. Putting them down on paper had helped her figure some sort of priority, but it still did not stop her from coming up with new priorities to add. “I still don’t know where I’m supposed to start,” Galinda offered a faint smile, “so I’m sorry if I’m not answering any of your questions. They’re probably important too.” -- Lily sighed as she wrote these things down. She’d heard this story many times and it never stopped breaking her heart. This was why werewolves stayed in hiding, because of these prejudices and these consequences. Prejudices that were stupid because werewolves were harmless in human form. “Well, I’m sorry to hear that,” she said sincerely, “though I am relieved that you have a safety net.” Not many did, and Lily thought this girl rather lucky in that regard. “And I think your willingness to work for yourself is commendable, and I hope that I can be of some assistance to you as we go through this.” She considered Galinda’s last. “Well. You did say there were other things you wanted to discuss, yes? You could start there?” -- “I want custody of my son.” The words were out of Galinda’s mouth before she could stop them, to perfectly plan and execute how she was going to tell the other woman about Gawain and his rather unique situation in their family. “I didn’t lose custody because I’m a werewolf, but how I became a werewolf resulted in the loss.” She bit the inside of her lip, eventually tasting blood. There were so very few that knew of Gawain and even fewer still who knew of her connection to the boy. Now she had to explain it all to a virtual stranger in the hopes she would not be judged for actions that were not fully in her control. “What do you know of manic-depression? Though it’s my understanding that muggle healers call it bipolar disorder.” -- That pronouncement caused Lily to pause. Though she tried to keep her outward expression neutral, she felt a sharp pang of sympathy for the young woman. The thought of having a child taken, no matter the circumstance, was heartbreaking, and Lily could not find it in herself to judge. So, she only nodded for the other to continue. “I’ve heard of it,” she said, laying her pencil down and folding her hands on top of her open notepad, “but I don’t really know too many of the details. Forgive my ignorance for making me sound insensitive, but… Mood swings?” -- Galinda wasn’t upset by the description. “That would be an oversimplification, but yes. It comes with manic highs and depressive lows. I was first diagnosed after the birth of Gawain. It made bonding… difficult.” That might be her biggest regret, when she looked back on her life decisions, that she didn’t try harder. Maybe if she had she wouldn’t have been in this situation. “I often felt more like my disease than a person. And maybe I used that as an excuse to not take motherhood as seriously as I should have.” That was an admission she’d never voiced before. Closing her eyes in the hopes that it would make the next admission easier, Galinda continued “I was in what they call a hypomanic state the night I was bit, which is not an excuse, but an explanation as to why I did what I did. It was during the months after that I gave up custody. That was four years ago.” When she opened her eyes, Galinda couldn’t look at Lily. Instead she picked up her pencil and began to tap it against her journal. It wasn’t the other woman’s fault talking about this agitated her. -- As Galinda continued, Lily quietly picked up her pencil and resumed note-taking, marking just a few words at a time to build herself an outline of their conversation. She was practiced enough in this that she was confident that she’d be able to piece together the most important parts with its aid. “While I’m sure you came into this knowing there would be uncomfortable questions, I want you to know that I only ask so that I can understand what we’re working with, all right?” Lily asked, focusing her gaze on the other woman. “I want to make sure I understand correctly. After your son was born, you were facing this mental disorder, which you imply had something to do with your infection? And after that you gave up your son. Was that because you thought it best for him, or because you thought it best for you?” There was no accusation in her voice, she just needed to understand. “I ask because, either way, it will be important that you show that you have improved.” -- Galinda was far too familiar with uncomfortable questions. She did not take Lily’s questioning personally. They were not meant to harm or insult her. “I am still dealing with my mental illness. It’s something I will struggle with for the rest of my life. Some days are better than others, but I am doing well on my current cocktail of potions and they’ve been stable for almost two years now.” She tried to keep her tone calm and steady, as if she was reporting on the weather. These questions were not attacks against her, Galinda reminded herself. “A bit of both, but I was in no position to care for him.” Forcing herself to take a breath and stay calm, Galinda continued. What was in the past was done. There was little she could do to change the past. She could only focus on the future. “But even before that my mother in particular had taken responsibility for him. My brother as well. Now, however, I don’t know if it’s me being selfish for wanting custody or not, but I can’t continue to live in this state.” Galinda felt bad about bringing all of this up to a lawyer before discussing it with her family. Maybe they would just return custody if she asked. But at the same time maybe they wouldn’t. Maybe it would be best if she had her options laid out and the law on her side before she approached them. Of course, would the law be on the side of a werewolf. A mentally ill one at that? Galinda didn’t know the answer, but she was willing to try. -- Lily thought she understood Galinda’s position quite well. The child’s welfare was number one, and it seemed as though the younger woman had seen that and made the correct choice for the time, but Lily couldn’t imagine being separated from her child for that long under any circumstance. “I don’t think you’re selfish,” she said. “A child’s natural instinct is to want their real parents, to know them, to be near them.” The trouble there, though, was that sometimes parents weren’t the best people to have around, but the fact that Galinda had seen that said quite a lot to Lily. “I will do whatever I can to help you,” she went on. “I’m encouraged to know that he remains with your family, and also that you have reached a place where you feel you have improved.” She glanced down at her notepad briefly. “The first steps, I think, would be to get your employment and living situation back on track, which brings us back to the article because that is the reason you have lost those things, not because of something you did. Still, a home and income are very important in these situations.” -- Except Galinda wasn't so sure that Gawain knew her as his mother any longer. She had moved out, leaving him at Hearstmoux Hall to be raised by others. How could that be a recommendation for her worthiness? “I am not in any danger thanks to my family's resources, but i would like my own home again,” Galinda admitted. She could feel herself returning to old habits under her parents’ roof and how soon would it be until she started relying on them for everything? “I don't necessarily want my old job and flat back. They were there to fill an obligation. I would be happy with anything, really.” Well, that wasn't quite true, but Galinda had to be sensible about things and take what she could get now. Beggars couldn't be choosers. -- “I think at this point, the old job and home probably aren’t likely if the people providing them are so closed minded about your kind,” Lily replied, “but housing and employment are one of the first things scrutinized in custody cases. It is important that the child have a safe, stable home to come back to, so that should be the first priority. What is it you did before?” It wasn’t as though Lily had an open position available in her briefcase, but she knew people who were progressive enough to consider a werewolf, assuming Galinda was otherwise qualified. -- “I worked for Madam Malkins and did freelance illustration work on the side. Which I still do, when people want. Not everyone ditched me there.” Art was a little easier to swallow, Galinda supposed. You rarely had to interface directly and then if asked who did the work a person could always lie. “I’m usually pretty good with other people. Except when it’s that time of the month.” Shrugging, Galinda tried not to feel too bitter about her loss of employment and housing options. “I’m not looking for the dream, one in a million, job. Just give me a regular paycheck.” She had learned long before that as much she would love to hold out for that perfect fit, that sort of option wasn’t available to her. “I just want to do the right thing.” -- It was encouraging to Lily, at least in this situation, that Galinda didn’t have a single specialization that she was restricted to and that she was willing to do whatever it took. “Excellent,” she replied. “There are plenty of businesses that are more open minded about their staffing, so you have options. I can’t promise they’re all glamorous, but something is better than nothing. I think that is the very best place to start, followed by establishing yourself in your own home. Then we can go from there.” She flipped her notebook closed and stashed it back in her bag. “I am very optimistic about your chances given these things we’ve discussed.” -- Well, that went easier than Galinda expected. Then again, she wasn’t exactly sure what to expect in the first place. Well, maybe she expected someone telling her what was going to happen and how without any input from Galinda herself. She was happy to see that wasn’t the case at all. “Thank you for meeting with me, Mrs. Potter. And being so understanding. I know it’s not easy.” Galinda knew she had two strikes against her. Lycanthropy, which the wizarding world barely tolerated let alone understood, but then there was also her mental illness. Galinda held no hope there. “If there is anything you can do. I deeply appreciate it. I understand if you can’t.” -- Lily gave the younger woman a slight smile and a nod in response to her thanks. “It’s easier than you might think,” she said. While it was not a secret anymore that one of her very best friends was also a werewolf, she did not feel it very appropriate to call attention to this fact. But she had watched his struggles from up close, so she thought she understood the situation better than most other people might. “I will do everything I can,” she said as she folded her bag closed and got to her feet. “I wish you the very best and I will be in touch soon.” |