InsaneJournal

Who: Ashleigh Spinnet and Pippa Flint.
What: Accidental meeting.
Where: The Flint-Higgs house.
When: Wednesday 3rd October, lunch time.

Things had been getting better. Ashleigh had been convinced, the first time she’d gone back to ballet since Alicia moved in, that she’d come home to find Alicia hadn’t eaten, and had gone straight to bed without preparing for the next day. Instead, she’d been pleasantly surprised to find Alicia had eaten the food Ashleigh had left, even if she hadn’t washed up. And then, on Monday, it had all gone downhill again, and Ashleigh didn’t even understand why.

She could have asked Terence, but she refused to take her troubles to his door. What she could take - to his office - was leftovers. In the last two days, neither herself nor Alicia had seemed to have much appetite (not that Ashleigh ever did), so there was lots of food going spare. After telling Roger she’d be back by two, Ashleigh walked through the Ministry to Terence’s desk. Where Terence was not sitting. In fact, the entire office was strangely empty. If Ashleigh had been quite her usual self, she’d have assumed - correctly - that there was some kind of departmental meeting, or lunch. Instead, alarmed, she made her way out of the Ministry and apparated to his home.

Maybe whatever had thrown Alicia back into her barely-functional state had impacted Terence as well. Ashleigh’s heart was pounding as she poured over things that could have happened. Had someone in Terence’s family been hurt? Could Alicia be only now discovering an accidental pregnancy? Had Higgs been hurt himself? The longer she had to think about it, the more fraught Ashleigh’s imaginings became.

She was, therefore, surprised when her insistent knocking at the front door was answered by a young woman who looked confused but largely cheerful. “Is… Terence here?” Ashleigh asked, belatedly realising she’d let her anxiety get the better of her.

--

Phillipa hadn't been expecting anyone, though she never was. It was only chance that had her at the house to begin with, but Viktor was off at some practice and she'd wanted to find a specific dress she knew was at the house, and then had gotten caught up going through things in her room - which she probably would have kept doing if not for the knocking. No one else was home, she knew, so she made her way to the front door and opened it.

She knew who Ashleigh was, though they didn't exactly know each other. Still, it was odd to find her there on the doorstep. Phillipa’s brow furrowed, and then at Ashleigh’s question she paused, an eyebrow quirking up.

“Terence? No, he's not,” she said, looking at her for a moment before taking a step back. “Would you like to come in?”

--

Ashleigh was sure she ought to know who the girl was, but apart from being certain she wasn’t Gemma Higgs, she was struggling to place her face. Marcus’s girlfriend? Marcus’s sister? Someone else entirely? She supposed it didn’t matter, though not knowing made her feel awkward on the doorstep. She would have dropped off the food and gone, but her heart was still racing and she thought a glass of water would probably do wonders before she had to apparate again.

“Thank you,” she said. “Sorry to disturb you. I stopped by his office and he wasn’t there so I -” Panicked. “Came here.” It was silly, really. Ashleigh could see that now. He was probably having lunch in the Ministry lunch room. “I’m Ashleigh,” she offered, forcing herself to take regular breaths. She lifted the bag of food in one hand. “If I can just leave these in the kitchen, I’ll be out of your hair.”

--

Phillipa gave a shake of her head and moved further out of the way so Ashleigh could get inside. “You're not disturbing me, I wasn't doing… anything, really.” She frowned slightly, because it was obvious Ashleigh was upset, or worried, or something. “Come on in, kitchen’s this way.”

Starting toward the kitchen, she assumed Ashleigh would follow. “Alicia’s sister, right?” she asked, glancing back over her shoulder. “I'm Phillipa, Marcus’ sister.” She leaned against the counter once they got to the kitchen, tucking her hair behind her ears. “You don't have to run off on my account - I have wine, if you'd like some. Or water. Or tea…”

--

Ashleigh remembered where the kitchen was, but she let Pippa lead the way as it was only polite, and no hardship for her. “Yes,” she confirmed, hoping that being Alicia’s sister wasn’t going to count against her now that Alicia and Terence had separated. She knew it didn’t with Terence himself, but whether Phillipa would know that or not was an entirely different question. “Water, please,” she said, setting the bags of food down and applying some stasis and cooling charms so it would all keep until Terence got home. “And some paper, if it’s not too much trouble. I can leave instructions on how to heat these - and what they are.” She smiled, feeling herself start to relax as she took control of the situation, at least as much as she could in someone else’s house.

She glanced at her watch. “I still have time before I’m expected back at work,” she mused, mostly to herself. “I’ll take a cup of coffee, if you’ve got one. The ‘managerial consultant’ in my office thinks I don’t take breaks. I’m trying to prove him wrong.” Ashleigh liked proving people wrong, even if in this case Roger probably had the truth of it.

--

Phillipa got a glass of water for her, setting it on the counter before stepping away into another room to find some paper. She personally didn't have any problems with Alicia, and therefore none with Ashleigh, and besides, anyone who was kind to Terence was good in her book. Bringing him food definitely counted. It was nice to know there were others out there who cared after him.

“We have coffee,” she confirmed, moving over to pull down some mugs, figuring she would have some herself as well. “Cream or sugar? Taking breaks is a good thing, though… I suppose I’ve never worked where I don't have plenty of them of my own accord. Where do you work?”

--

Ashleigh sipped the water slowly, taking careful breaths between each mouthful until she felt her heart rate return to something approaching normal. The anti-anxiety potions she was taking would take a few days to build up in her system and would, hopefully, mean she could control her symptoms a little more easily. Once that was done, she pulled the paper towards her and started to make notes, still watching and listening to Phillipa as she did so.

“Neither, I’ll take it black,” she answered. “There’s such a thing as too many breaks, I think,” she quibbled. “Especially when you work with other people who rely on the work you do in order to finish what they’re doing.” Of course, Ashleigh had never veered anywhere close to ‘too many’ in her life, but there were people at work who did, and who therefore did not need to hear Roger’s reminders that breaks were important. “I work at the Ministry,” she said. “International Magical Office of Law.” She could see (or imagined she could see) Phillipa’s eyes glaze over. “It’s exactly as boring as it sounds. What do you do?”

--

Phillipa poured them both mugs of coffee, doctoring hers the way she liked it before taking them both to where Ashleigh was, passing over hers to her. “Well of course, if you take so many breaks your work suffers because of it, that's a problem.” That hadn't been what she'd meant to imply doing.

She quirked an eyebrow when Ashleigh said she worked at the Ministry. “That does sound… quite boring, I apologize,” she said with a light laugh before taking a sip of her coffee. “I’m currently not working, but I had been a fashion writer for Witch Weekly. Nothing quite as important as your work.”

--

“It’s a difficult balance to maintain,” Ashleigh conceded. “How do you tell one person to take more breaks while keeping an eye on someone else to make sure they don’t take too many? It takes a lot of tact and consideration.” Which were, sadly, qualities Ashleigh found sadly lacking in the world at large. Roger did a decent job, she supposed, even though he was inclined to be more lenient than she would have been herself.

Ashleigh gave a short laugh when Pippa agreed it sounded boring. “Don’t,” she said. “It’s entirely my own fault.” That wasn’t quite true, or perhaps it was, Ashleigh didn’t even know anymore. Either way, if she really wanted to leave the Ministry, she could - she just needed to wait for the right moment to do so. If she tried to launch her own business right now she’d burn out from the stress. “I should imagine your work was more pleasant than mine,” she said. Whether or not fashion writing was important wasn’t really the point. There were plenty of people to do the important (boring) work. Ashleigh had never worried that if she left there would be no one to replace her. “Do you have something in mind to do next?”

--

“It was pleasant,” Phillipa agreed, tilting her head in thought. “I mean, there are far worse things in the world than going around to fashion shows and looking at beautiful clothes.” She smiled wryly and gave a shrug of her shoulder. “I enjoyed it, but I didn't want to be working for Witch Weekly anymore so I left. I can look at beautiful clothes on my own time now without the need to write about them.”

She took a slow sip of her coffee before giving a quiet hum. “I don't, but I’m fine with that. I am enjoying the freedom of not needing to answer to anyone but myself. I’m sure that makes me terribly spoiled, but I can live with that for now.” Pausing, Phillipa considered Ashleigh for a moment. “If you weren't working at the Ministry, what would you want to be doing?”

--

Ashleigh, whose wardrobe primarily consisted of black, grey, more black and the occasional actually attractive piece usually bought for her by Aisling, could only nod. “It’s probably a good thing to be able to enjoy the fashion shows without them being part of your job,” she agreed. “Sort of… a refreshing of your interest without it being tied in to feelings of work and obligation.” She wasn’t sure she was explaining herself terribly well, so she shrugged. “Even something you love can become a burden if you have to do it, I think.” Not that Ashleigh had ever worked in anything she loved.

“I was thinking more lucky than spoiled,” Ashleigh said, shaking her head. “If you can afford to not work, even temporarily, without becoming too big a burden on anyone else, why shouldn’t you?” Of course, it was entirely possible that Phillipa was simply sponging off someone else’s savings, Ashleigh had no way to know. If she was, Ashleigh couldn’t bring herself to approve of that, and would say so if asked. Pippa’s question was a good one, though not one Ashleigh had to delay by thinking about. Her answer was obvious, at least to her. “Theatre set design.” She frowned. That hadn’t been what she’d intended to say at all. It was something she was interested in, yes, but not her first choice of career, really. The words had come out almost without her conscious decision. “Or interior design,” she amended. “My own business.”

--

Phillipa agreed with a soft hum, because it was true. She'd never felt like it was a burden, but it easily could have been. It helped, she was sure, that she had never been dependent on her writing job to sustain herself. There had been a lot of freedom in knowing she could leave whenever she wanted, if she wanted, and that was exactly what had happened in the end.

“A little of both, then,” she said with a soft laugh. “I am lucky, but also a bit spoiled. I’m just going to enjoy my time off while I can, make the most of it before it disappears.” She raised an eyebrow at Ashleigh’s first response, then gave a slow nod when she corrected herself. “There would be a good market for that, I think. Set design sounds interesting, but interior design you could definitely make a living with. So what's stopping you?”

--

“If you don’t have anything lined up, and you’re not looking for a new job, it sounds like it won’t disappear for some time,” Ashleigh pointed out. She’d never been very good at politely letting a topic slide, but she did realise after she’d spoken that perhaps it was time. “How are you enjoying yourself in the meantime? I’ve never been to a fashion show, but I would imagine even going to every one in the country would leave you some time.”

She frowned when Pippa asked what was stopping her. “Timing,” she said, immediately. “It’s never been the right time to take the risk.” And now, just as she was finally starting to feel like she could afford, financially, to give up her steady income, she had Alicia to deal with.

--

To be fair, Phillipa knew she did have a job, but she wasn't about to go telling someone who'd shown up on the doorstep that she'd never met before. Hell, not even both her brothers knew. She didn't exactly want to spread it around. But she smiled all the same, shrugging a shoulder. “I’m enjoying. Taking the time to spend with friends and family as I might not have been able to otherwise.”

She tilted her head at Ashleigh’s response, considering it for a moment. “I understand that. Though when it comes to taking a leap, is there ever a time that feels right? That's part of what makes it a risk, I think.” Phillipa took a drink of her coffee before setting down the mug. “Would you prefer residential or for businesses? For designing, I mean.”

--

Ashleigh, who disliked empty leisure time and had strained-at-best relationships with her family, thought she’d probably go mad if she gave up her job - even her job she hated - just to do that. Still, she was aware that most people were closer to their families, and had more friends, than she did. Not knowing what to say, she made a noise of vague agreement that spending time with family was certainly something a person could do.

Ashleigh sipped her coffee to cover a slight hesitation before she answered. “There may never be a time that feels perfect,” she conceded. Especially for someone who felt as much anxiety as she did on a regular basis, taking any risk was always going to be uncomfortable. “But there are definitely times that feel wrong. Right now, Alicia needs me - I can’t manage that and starting a business at the same time.” She pressed her lips together as she realised what she’d said. She hoped Phillipa wouldn’t pass it on to Terence. He didn’t need to know that Alicia needed taking care of, anymore than he already realised. “I hadn’t thought about businesses,” she said. “I’ve always been drawn to homes, but I admit that’s because I have a home and I’ve never had a business premises.”

--

Phillipa could appreciate what Ashleigh said, about times feeling wrong. Certainly there were those. She paused to take a sip of coffee, considering what she'd said about Alicia. There had been brief moments in her own life of taking care of Terence, but mostly of her own choice and not necessarily because he'd needed her to. More so that she knew he would be better by not being alone, and why wouldn't she be there?

“Homes are nice,” she agreed, leaning against the counter. “I fully decorated one back in the spring and it was wonderful to see everything come together. Businesses, I think it would depend on the type. A simple office wouldn't need much, if anything, but then if you look at places where customers go to spend time… cafes, restaurants, clubs… if they aren't well done, people wouldn't want to spend time there.” She hesitated a moment. “How… is Alicia?”

--

“Oh?” Ashleigh asked, interested. “For yourself, or for someone else?” She’d assumed ‘fashion’ had been limited to clothes, but she was well aware that there were trends in the interior design world as well, so perhaps Philippa had been doing it for an article. “I redo my flat pretty regularly, and I’ve helped out my friends and family. I know that’s very different from doing it professionally, but I do think I’d enjoy it.”

The prospect of designing for a business was interesting - but not something Ashleigh had any experience with. The solution, obviously, was research. “I’d have to educate myself about what makes customers linger and how to set it up to make them comfortable. I know there are books on the subject.” She’d just never previously had cause to read them, but perhaps now she would.

At the last question, she sighed, not sure how much to tell. Terence had already apologised once for his part in making her life more stressful, the last thing she wanted was for him to find out second hand just how all-consuming Alicia was capable of being. “She’s been getting better,” she said, choosing not to mention that in the last few days that was decidedly untrue. “I think she enjoys her new job.” As much as Alicia was capable of enjoying anything right now.

--

“For someone else, though I suppose partially for myself as I spend a fair amount of time there,” Phillipa said with a light laugh. “I helped Marcus and Terence with this place, too, because they’re both hopeless.” She loved them dearly, but it was true. She didn’t want to imagine what their house might have looked like on the inside had they been left to their own devices. Ashleigh’s mention of research made her nod, and she smiled a bit. “That’s always a good place to start when considering anything new.”

She raised an eyebrow at the mention of a new job. “What’s her new job?” she asked, before pausing and adding, “I’m glad to hear she’s been getting better. I know this has to be a terribly hard time.” For her part, Phillipa still stood by Terence and his decision, as he’d stated quite plainly it was what he thought he needed to do. That didn’t meant she couldn’t see how it would be difficult for Alicia.

--

“Oh!” Ashleigh smiled, then quickly followed it with a frown. Had she known that? She couldn’t remember being told that the boys had had help, but surely she hadn’t believed they’d actually done it themselves? “It’s lovely,” she said honestly. “Terence gave me a tour last time I was here. I remember I was a little jealous not to have been able to help.” It was true, but also hadn’t been more than a fleeting feeling. “I’m usually working with rented accommodation,” she explained. “It would have been a new experience to work on something so… original, I suppose.”

Despite owing a certain amount of partiality to her sister, Ashleigh had never questioned Terence’s choice. He had done what was best for him, which was exactly what Ashleigh wanted him to do. “She’s training to be a teacher,” Ashleigh answered. It was quite a jump from being a hitwitch, but Ashleigh couldn’t be sad about the fact it was definitely less dangerous. “I’m quite glad I know from last time that Terence and I can still be friends,” she added, honestly.

--

Phillipa offered a shrug, because she wasn't sure thank you was an appropriate response. She hadn't brought it up to be congratulated, simply because the conversation had warranted it. The house was lovely, but only partially because of her. She wasn't the one who had put the house up in the first place, she'd only made sure it wasn't a disaster on the inside.

“A teacher of what?” Phillipa asked, raising an eyebrow. It was quite a bit different than what she'd been doing before, but maybe that was good. “Yes, it’s good to know - but that's always a rough bit of any split, isn't it? When people feel forced to pick sides. It's good you're still able to be his friend. He's a great one to have.”

--

“The primary school in Hogsmeade,” Ashleigh answered, seeing no reason why she shouldn’t. The information was hardly secret, and Pippa could have asked Terence if Ashleigh had chosen to to answer. “So, a little bit of everything, I suppose.” That had been how primary school worked when Ashleigh was a student there, she assumed nothing significant had changed. Alicia hadn’t been very communicative about what she did on a daily basis (though Ashleigh had asked, often), so more than that she couldn’t say.

Finishing off her coffee, Ashleigh nodded. “One advantage to having done it before, I suppose. People have either already chosen sides, or proved they’re able to stay friends with both.” Though, it had never seemed to Ashleigh that Alicia and Higgs had that many shared friends. It made sense, with Higgs being away so much with the army. She gave a genuine smile. “He is,” she agreed. She didn’t know if she would stop considering Terence her brother-in-law, she supposed she would in time, but as long as she got to keep being his friend that didn’t seem too great a loss.

Checking her watch, Ashleigh sighed. “It’s been nice to meet you, but I suppose I have to get back to work.”