Coral

What a dream I had:

Pressed in organdy;

Clothed in crinoline of smoky burgundy;

Softer than the rain.

I wandered empty streets

Down past the shop displays.

I heard cathedral bells

Tripping down the alley ways,

As I walked on.



And when you ran to me

Your cheeks flushed with the night.

We walked on frosted fields of juniper and lamplight,

I held your hand.

And when I awoke and felt you warm and near,

I kissed your honey hair with my grateful tears.

Oh I love you, girl.

Oh, I love you.-








--Why, Amanda!--



Amanda chose, after many days of reflection, to take her chances with the Wizarding world. She would wait. With luck, she thought, she could easily be forgotten. Surely there must be thousands of Muggle-borns, squibs, half-bloods...and just ordinary Muggles as well. She hoped the Ministry wold forget completely about her, or all the pure-bloods would be married long before anyone got around to her name.



This hope was dashed in mid-march, when the Ministry, deciding things were not progressing rapidly enough, published a list of all half-bloods, Muggleborns, and squibs living in Great Britain.



Amanda's name was listed directly beneath Agnes' for the Rookwood family.



She never saw the pure-blood name list, but Winter told her new names were being added to it daily. In the original draft, the time allowance was set for one year, but a hasty revision shortened it to three months, after seemingly every pure-blood wizard had decided to wait out the law, hoping no doubt that the entire idea would be scrapped before the deadline.



Many of them continued to waste their time fighting the Ministry, counting on a bluff. Sixteen Wizards had their wands broken at the end of March, and after that, there was a mad scramble to find and marry any available person.



For this reason, Amanda found herself seated once more in the parlor with Martin Ashwell. Martin made no secret about his intentions. He had returned from what he called "a vacation in Milan" when he heard of the law, and wasted no time in calling on Amanda.



For the last few days he had been to the house daily, and though he had been a perfect gentleman so far, there was a noticeable desperation in all of his actions.



Especially in his attempts to impress her with his compassion and sincerity.



He spent every visit complaining about the law, and how unjust it was. At last Amanda confronted him on this issue.



" Why are you so worried about the about the law? Your name isn't on the list." usually a person who strove to be patient and polite with everyone...even persons she did not like, Amanda could not always find in herself to be either, with Martin.



Martin did not approve of being interrupted, and his smile tightened quickly.



" But you are. I've wanted you ever since you came to be Eloise's-came to Eloise's house." he said coolly. " Let's just say that I don't want to see you and all of your charms, on another Wizard's plate. "



Amanda's mouth opened slightly. That was somewhat less than romantic, and if he were trying ot convince her of his love, to which he professed daily--then he had failed. She suddenly wished she could detect his true intentions.



" Charms? " she prompted. " Mr. Ashwell, I don't believe I understand."



Her Grandmother Garrett's training surfaced in her as she leaned slightly towards, him, half lowered her lashes, and allowed her true accent to become more pronounced. Perhaps if she played the roll of a clueless flirt, he would explain.



He recoiled slightly, and she barely restrained a smile. Standing, he began to pace, his fingers in his hair.



" You see, my father and I...we don't get along, Amanda. He wants to cut me from the family inheritance. But, he has conceded that if I marry, he'll welcome me back. "

Amanda continued to stare at him, waiting.



" And as far as brides go, you are..." he seemed to search for a flattery that did not taste bad. "acceptable."



" Because of the Ministry's law?" she asked, softly raising a brow. He frowned at her feigned coquetry, not understanding.



" Well, yes. It might come into full effect some day, and I might as well be prepared now. With your money and my share of father's money, I--we--could live very well."



" My money? I don't have any money!" she declared, with a puzzled smile.

At first, a look of anger crossed Martin's face, then he threw back his head and laughed at her.



" You don't have any money! Ha ha! Tell that to someone who doesn't know Eloise. She is richer than a goblin."



" That is Eloise's money. Not mine." she began to fan herself, fighting down the flush of irritation.



" So I suppose you aren't her heir? is that what you are trying to convince me of, or has she changed her mind since December?"



Amanda narrowed her eyes.



" Perhaps it was a decision that I was not privy to."



" Perhaps. Look, Amanda, let's not waste any more time. I want you to marry me."



" I'm sorry, Martin, but I just don't believe I am ready for that."



" Not ready? If we wait much longer, it could be too late. "



" No, what I mean is, I don't think I want to marry you." she peered closely at him, then added; " I know I don't!"



His smile remained in place, as he blinked rapidly.



" Why?" he asked, stupidly.



She was struck with the similarities between Hannigan and Ashwell. Both wanted something from her other than her affection. She was aware at how both were handsome. Hannigan with his inky hair and true, flag blue eyes had been the taller, more athletic man. Martin Ashwell, with his short, dark blonde hair and hard black eyes was more slim and poised. Yet they both gazed at her as though thinking of something else. When they smiled, it was only because they knew women found them charming.



Suddenly, they both made her sick. She didn't want to see either of them again; with their white even teeth, their strong jaws, and cold greedy hearts. She felt hatred rising in her throat.



" I think you should go now!" she said loudly.



Disbelief flickered for a moment in his eyes. It was followed by an angry haze. He sat down again.



" Amanda, you are not being reasonable." he said in a strained voice.



" No, but am trying to be polite." she answered, sweetly.



" You can't refuse me like this! We...no, you are being ridiculous! We have been practically engaged for the last few weeks. Everyone expects us to marry, it only stands to reason!"



He sounded almost petulant.



She chose not to point out to him that she had never entertained thoughts of marrying him, and had never encouraged him in his courtship. She had merely withstood his ' friendly visits' for Eloise's sake.



She didn't even like him!



She had already told him the last three visits that she would not accept his petition, yet he had the audacity to disbelieve her. The try to chide her and coax her as if she were a small child.



When she did not speak, only frown at him, he stood once more, and began rubbing his hair. Why did he have to rub his hair? It was annoying, and made his palms oily.

" At least give me a reason why?" he prodded.



" Why? Why indeed!" she said, losing her temper. " I'll give you some why's.Why must everyone be so selfish? Why do you persist when I say I am uninterested? Why do I have to explain myself?!"



He contemplated the fire for a moment. She hoped he was deciding to leave.



Instead, he leaned toward her.



" I believe," he began, his voice carefully controlled, yet teasing." That living with all of these old ladies has made you a bit priggish. If I were to say...kiss you, you would see how much I care for you."



" Don't you dare-" she began.



He lunged at her suddenly, and she dodged the assault, so that his kiss was deflected, open-mouth to her cheek.



" Don't do that!." she exclaimed in irritation, pushing him away.



He tried once more, and this time she pushed him hard enough that he slipped on the rug, and fell to one knee.



" I am serious." she warned, wondering if this was the time and place to use her wand.

Exasperated, and very angry, he rose and seized her chin roughly. He squeezed, and shook her harshly. Tears sprang to her eyes.



" Do NOT turn your face away from me again, dammit!" he again dove for her mouth, and had just brushed her lips when she wriggled forcefully from beneath him. Leaping to her feet she slapped him when he turned to face her. A nice resounding slap that echoed like a gunshot and stung her palm.



" OUT! OUT! OUT! " she shouted. " Get out of this house!!! I understand it all now. You just want me because you think I have an inheritance!"



" Maybe you are right!" he sneered in return. His fist was now curled around his wand. Too late, she realized she hadn't seen him draw.



" And just maybe it isn't enough money! You think you are too good for me? For an Ashwell? Well, I have news for you, your Aunt would have to pay me ten thousand galleons to bed a filthy little mudblood like you! Go on and marry one of those others. Fenwicke? Wentwart? have you already given your affections to one..or both of them..you little sl--"



" Get out of this house, before I scream for help. " she said, coolly, before he could finish the ugly word poised on his tongue.



He whipped the wand up level with her eyes, and laughed.



" You'll be dead before you open your mouth."



Unexpectedly, and probably quite stupidly, Amanda rushed him. Ducking her head, she charged him, and he was caught off guard by the sudden, low attack. He made a bellowing exclamation as her head connected with his midriff. He stumbled backwards, instinctively trying to avoid falling into a table of Eloise's bric-a-brac. His arms flailed comically, and one of his fists connected unintentionally with Amanda's cheekbone.



She reeled against the mantle, blinded.



" Amanda! I...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hit you...here, let me help you to sit down. We should calm ourselves. " he tried to take her arm, only to have her shake him off.



Taking a great breath to clear her head, she waved him away.



" Mr Ashwell...leave. I will not marry you. Your not worth my time."



Furious, he shoved her, and she fell into the fireplace tools. She didn't let him see how much that hurt. Snatching up his cloak, he marched across the parlor, and into the foyer. Eloise had wards to prevent Apparation in the house, and parsimoniously kept her Floo powder locked away. therefore, everyone had to come and go via the front door.



" I am warning you Amanda, I won't forget this. I know people, and I hold long, nasty grudges. You will regret this day...if you live long enough. " he threw at her coldly.

He stormed out into the rain, and Disapparated immediately, not bothering to close the door.



Still shaking her head, Amanda rose to her feet and stumbled to the door, meaning to close and lock it. She found herself soothed and cooled by the low wind and soft, spraying rain. Vaguely , she noted that the spray was reaching the parlor door, and ruining Aunt Eloise's prize carpets.



She stepped out into the street, and closed the door.



Looking up and down the street, she saw Witches and Wizards; hustling and bustling about their daily business. The rain did not bother them. Some wore hats. Others cloaks with decorative hoods. Some carried colorful umbrellas, and others simply used charms to deflect the raindrops.



Amanda had none of these things. Only her own hair, which was darkening from the water, and falling unheeded from it's simple knot.



Putting a hand up to shield her eyes, she began walking. Down the street towards the corner. She wasn't going anywhere in particular. She just needed time to think, and the rain seemed to wash away Martin's unclean touch.



Ashwell would be angry now, and he might try to do something foolish. She wondered how seriously she should take his threat. Would he dare oppose Eloise? She thought he might.

What should she do? She wanted to stay, but if she didn't know how far he would go to get even. She didn't want him to decide to harm her mother or relatives just for the sake of avenging his pride. But, would her mother be any safer if she left?



" I'd miss her. I'd miss them all dreadfully. " she thought. " What will I do?"



She had no training, to speak of. Her main qualification was that she could become a music instructor, and give piano lessons. That might keep her until she discovered some other, more profitable means of employ.



Even as she assured herself, she felt a great despair settle on her. She did not want to leave. This was her home, through blood. She had dreamed of it, longed for it. Raised on Stella's stories, she had come to believe it was the only place she could ever be happy.

She had contented herself with merely being " Estella's unmarried daughter." Eloise's

'spinster niece.'



An ugly thought crept into her mind. Would it be worth marrying Ashwell, just to be able to live here peacefully?



No...not him. Someone strong enough to defend against him though. Cosmo, perhaps. It would be...like not being married at all. Yes...she would have to be very nice to Cosmo, or maybe even Jan. He was single at the moment.



She began rehearsing what she would say to Cosmo the next time Eloise invited him over. No, I'll invite him over. I must take the initiative, I'm afraid, she thought to herself. What could she say to interest him? Something culinary.



Oh fie! Maybe Philo. At least he read books. She could simply say; ' Excuse me, Mr. Fenwicke, but have you read--'



She collided with a pedestrian.



' Oh, excuse me..." she mumbled, trying to wipe tears and rain and mascara from her eyes.

" Miss Garrett?" a familiar voice inquired.



She peered up through her scraggly hair.



" Oh...Mr. Ollivander!" she exclaimed, surprised . It had been several weeks since he had last been at Rookwood. "Oh..forgive me for running over you like that, I got your suit wet, and everything."



She was miserable and embarrassed, and her accent was very strong. He quirked a smile at it.

" That's perfectly all right, but what on earth are you doing out here in this weather without so much as an umbrella?" he stepped close and held his own formal black umbrella so that it shielded her as well.



" I...had to step out for a moment and clear my thoughts. I didn't notice how heavy the rain had become. " she lied. She ducked her head so that he couldn't see the nervous twitch under her left eye. It always twitched when she lied.



She felt his piercing scrutiny all the same, and flushed.



" Well, if you are refreshed enough, allow me to walk you home. " he said gruffly.

" Before you catch your death." he added.



" Well, thank you, but I wouldn't want to be any trouble. I'm already wet, it wont hurt me to walk back in the rain."



" It's no trouble at all." he said sternly.



She took his arm so that they could walk side by side under the umbrella. The last of her fury with Martin was beginning to fade, leaving her cold. She tried to hide her teeth chattering, but she was certain he heard them.



After a few paces, he spoke.



" Forgive me for saying so, but you seem a little out of sorts today. Is anything the matter?"



Amanda gave a small sigh. She wouldn't usually be so blunt to someone of such short acquaintance, but she felt the need for some outside advice.



" Yes. It's this marriage law."



" Hmmph. Funny you should mention that little scrap of inconvenience. I was just on my way to take up a petition with your Aunt."



He was going to petition for Aunt Eloise? That thought, though not unreasonable, was very amusing,and Amanda had to turn away to hide a small smile.



He must have seen, though, as he hastily corrected her assumption.



" This law has been a possibility for some time, and well...we made arrangements some time ago that if it were truly passed...then I should simply petition for your cousin, Agnes."



"Agnes!!" Amanda echoed with incredulity.



" Yes."



Amanda slowed her pace, trying to imagine such a thing. It was horrible! A terrible thing to do to a person!



Why would anyone want to marry Agnes?



" You still haven't said what brought you out into the rain." he prompted, interrupting her thoughts.



She swallowed the unpleasant thought of her cousin's sharp, abusive voice, and whining self-pity.



" Mr. Ollivander, do you by any chance know a Mr. Martin Ashwell?"



" Young mister Ashwell, I presume? Yes, I know of him. Let me see. Oak, thirteen inches, inflexible, manticore blood A very unusual wand."



" Yes I saw it. He brandished it at me. It's a beautiful wand."



" Well, it's a dangerous one as well!" he cried. " Why would he do that? You weren't dueling were you?"



" I didn't even have my wand in my hand! He surprised me; he was very angry."



" Yes, well, I can guess the nature of his visit."



" Petitioning."



" Miss Garrett, allow me to speak as a friend." he said, voice lowered.



" Of course."



" I wouldn't advise accepting anything from Mr. Ashwell. He and his father are both notorious gamblers, and rumor has it that the elder Mr. Ashwell has just succeeded in losing nearly his entire fortune. Just enough to keep up appearances, but they will be growing desperate soon. I would speculate that he is more interested in Eloise's money than in you."



Amanda nodded gravely.



" I turned him down. You are correct. As soon as I convinced him that I was in earnest...he said Eloise would have to pay him ten thousand galleons to be-I mean, to marry a mudblood like me."



She watched his face for a reaction. Of course he knew she was half-blood, but she wasn't certain anymore where anyone stood on the issue.



" You say he became angry." he asked, showing no emotion one way or the other for her status.



" Yes. He tried a bit of force. "



He halted suddenly, and turned to her. Gently, he lifted her chin, and regarded her face.

"Is that what caused these marks?"



She touched her face.



" Are there marks? I didn't notice. " she winced as her fingers found the darkening bruise on her cheek. " I was very upset."



" As you should be." he said coolly, thinking personally how he would like to treat Ashwell, for being such a cad.



They resumed walking. She began to get a small idea in her mind. Just a seed, a tiny thing.



" I know in reason that Aunt Eloise handpicked him, but I never liked him. She'll be disappointed I suppose."



" I am sure she just allowed the family name to cloud her reason temporarily. She will understand."



" Perhaps. She said she wanted me safely married, but since the law was enacted, he was the only one to offer a petition. I don't know if I should stay and wait for someone else. He threatened me, and I am afraid if I stay he might do something terrible to the others."



" Where would you go?"



" America, I suppose," she said. The front door was approaching, and she felt a great sinking feeling. She had hoped that somehow, her trouble would have resolved itself before she returned home. She had hoped...no that was impossible. It was too presumptuous to burden someone else with her sorrows.



He seemed also to be reluctant to enter the house. They halted at the door, and faced each other silently. Amanda looked at the ground. It was too painful to look at the world.



He looked up at the windows. To where he imagined Agnes' rooms to be, and grimaced. He thought of his shop, filled with Agnes' brassy voice. Agnes bullying the customers, or knocking the wands about carelessly.



He looked again to Amanda's forlorn face, and dejected shoulders, as she reached for the brass doorknob.



" A moment, Miss Garrett" he said impulsively, placing a staying hand over hers on the knob. " I was just thinking..."



But he couldn't say more.



" Yes?" It came out softly and expectantly.



" I...well...I know this is a very sudden thing to ask, and not a little awkward. No! Never mind. It's absurd." he released her hand.



Amanda looked up gently from under her wet lashes.



" Please ask. If it is...what I imagine it to be, I...I won't be disinclined..."



" And if it isn't what you imagine?" he asked, aware of how precarious life was becoming.

" Then I make no promises."



He drew in a breath. He had to ignore certain facts. He had to be neutral.



" I believe...that we could both come to an agreement. I mean, I have no binding commitments, and you...well, it could be a marria-ah, a matter of convenience. " they both winced. " After the...never mind..."



What in the world was he doing? Had he gone completely mad, to think this young lady would wish to ally herself to him, even for the sake of survival? It wasn't as though she didn't have any other options.



He had just opened his mouth to apologize, when she smiled. It was a disarming smile. She had such a lovely heart shaped face, he thought. And her hair had now fallen completely from it's holding and was being blown by the wind.



" I would like that. I think I would like it very much." she stated. He looked surprised. Even wary.



" But what about Agnes?" she asked, worried again.



For the briefest second, she saw in his eyes the devil he must have been in his youth. Something like a smile came to his mouth.



' I am certain she will find it in herself to forgive me." he said, drily. " But all jesting aside, you may consider it an offer. Another choice, if you like. But think seriously on it. The bonding ceremony will be permanent, even if the law is repealed. "

She nodded.



" I understand. Personally, I think it would be an agreeable arrangement. For myself. But what about you? I wouldn't want to inconvenience you. I...wouldn't want anyone to do something for me that they might regret later."



Amanda was sincere. It was easy to think of herself. The prospect of remaining in England, in the Wizarding world, with her closest relations, was exciting, and preferable, of course to returning alone to America. The happiness would be irreversibly clouded however, if she thought, if she suspected, that her intended husband might be miserable. Or in danger. There was, after all Martin's threat to consider.



Edward wanted to believe in her.



He too, stood to lose a great deal. With the loss of his magic, would come the loss of his shop. This would be like losing a limb, and eye. The shop, his art, had been the love of his life. The very center of his world. He loved it, and without it...he would die.



Not ten minutes ago, he had stood on the edge of a decision. Dreading the idea of stepping across Eloise's threshold because if he did, he would leave permanently fettered to Agnes. Agnes, who was, at best, a shrew. The very thought of her invading his shop caused him to shudder.



And here now,as though Fate had deftly intervened, was Amanda Garrett, doing nothing less than offering herself instead. Why?



For their mutual benefit of course. They neither of them wanted to leave behind their lives, and neither of them were facing much better prospects. Why shouldn't he be relieved?



From personal experience, he knew women could be unpredictable creatures, but that wasn't the whole reason for his slight hesitation. As soon as Amanda had uttered that last line, and bitten her lip in thought, he had felt all that was masculine in himself swell to the surface.



He would be jealous if he had her. He would always be wondering what she was doing. Where she was going. She would go out with friends, enjoying such entertainments as young women pursued. She would flirt, and be flirted with. How long before she regretted her choice?

He suddenly saw many reasons to discourage her, and to withdraw his offer. Before it was too late.



Yet despite this, he found himself saying, as though he had no control over his own tongue;



" I would not have offered, if the idea was abhorrent to me."



" Likewise, I would not have encouraged nor accepted. Only..." she frowned.



" Yes?"



" It's only...well, I am still worried about Mr. Ashwell. Am I being ridiculous? "



" It's good to be cautious. But Eloise and Winter are very capable witches. And if I may say so myself, I am not unskilled with a wand."



She blushed.



They stood for a moment longer.



" Well...does this make it official? " he asked, at last.



" Why...yes, I suppose it does. " she felt a sudden elation course through her. She was going to be married. And suddenly, it seemed to be the most natural even in the world! She regarded him with awe.



" How do we proceed? " she asked.



" With caution." he looked pointedly at Eloise's house. " If...if it is official, if you are certain, then I must talk to your aunt. Because you live in her house, she is your guardian. Then your mother and grandmother as your kinswomen. We negotiate the petition."



" What do I do?" she asked, breathlessly.



He was not by nature, a spontaneous sort of person. However, he suddenly had the urge, not inexplicable, to seal their engagement. It was a test, as well, of her sincerity, and it was no lie that her eager innocent face was a distracting temptation.



Taking her arm without warning, he turned her toward him, and kissed her.



It was meant to be just a swift peck. If he had seen how violently she had reacted to Martin's attempt at a kiss, he might not have dared that much! However if he had seen the struggle earlier, he also would have ceased doubting her--for this time she did not struggle or strike.



Instead, she gave a surprised gasp, and gripped his coat sleeve. That, and the discovery that her lips were soft and warm, tempted him to linger just a moment longer. She unconsciously pressed closer, rising slightly on her toes.



" MARY AMANDA GARRETT! I DEMAND to know just WHAT is going on out here!!"



Guiltily they separated, and turned to find themselves face to face with Eloise, who was standing in the door, wand in hand, and a look of absolute, horrified disbelief twisting her usually handsome face.



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To Emily, Whenever I May Find Her--Lyrics, Simon-Garfunkel