Re-Ignite

[Rowena Jones]

Rowena rubbed her head, grimacing at the sound of her neighbours mowing the lawn. How many bottles had Elle and her drunk last night?! It didn’t bear thinking about, but urgh, she really could do without the after effects. She supposed she could have taken a potion but she apparently was a glutton for punishment and had decided that she deserved the headache. Plus it distracted her from the pain in her heart. What a complete and utter fuck up. Just thinking about Max made her blood boil and her eyes tear up all at the same time. Which was typical. Max Kameren had a unique talent of sending her emotions into every direction. But this time had felt different. They’d both said a lot of things that had hurt.

A light but persistent tapping at her window had her glancing up in confusion, interrupting her train of thought. No one sent her owls anymore after she’d been abundantly clear that she lived in a Muggle neighbourhood and that owls were considered an oddity in the day time. But it was definitely an owl tapping at her window and she rushed over to let the bird in before nosy Mrs Parkins saw it.

The Eagle owl hooted at her demandingly and Rowena bit her lip flustered. She didn’t have any owl treats… cat food? She grabbed some and put it on the counter top and she took the letter from its leg, her brow furrowing as she read the message. Michael Warcombe? But hadn’t he been caught in the Flux? His explanation did little to enlighten her but she pushed away that curiosity along the slight lift in her spirits at his name. Eight-year-old Rowena had been rather obsessed with the teenage wizard and the memories of that Summer were still her happiest, the ones she used to create her Patronus.

Nevertheless, it would be foolish to add a new piece to the mess of her life. Rowena had quite enough on her plate right now thank you very much. She quickly scrawled out a reply and reattached it to the owl’s leg. Watching it fly off she felt a pang of regret. Any other time it would have been lovely to see a familiar face, one that reminded her of more innocent days. But not now.

The rest of the day passed in a haze of napping in an attempt to rid herself of her hangover the Muggle way, and self-pity. She remained firm in her decision. When she’d left Max’s apartment the night before it had been with no intention of going back. She was right to feel hurt by what he had done and she would not apologise for it. He had taken away her choice, taken away the last bit of control she had had and a tiny dark sliver in her heart resented him for it. And then, to top it off, he had this way of making her feel guilty, this sad, giving up expression that made her want to shrug it all off. But she was not ready to forgive him… and he hadn’t asked for her forgiveness in any case.

She growled as she realised she was thinking about him again and then there was a knock at her door and she winced at the feeling of her heart beating faster in her chest. She hated that she wanted it to be him. Hated that she was so weak. She checked her reflection in the mirror on the way to the door and bit her lip. She looked awful. Should she change? No. He deserved to see what he did to her, the mess he turned her into.

She opened the door and wished she’d changed. It wasn’t Max, but a strangely familiar if older face, dressed smartly, with a small bouquet of sunflowers. He’d remembered her favourite flowers. After all this time. “Michael!”

[Rowena Jones]

On receiving Rowena’s reply, Michael had gotten to work. If that wasn’t a plea for help, he didn’t know what was. And so it was that he turned up on her doorstep, dressed for a night at the Ballet, carrying what he distinctly remembered to have been her favourite flowers. It was hard to forget the small girl she’d been demanding he conjure them up with his ‘special powers’ no matter how often he tried to explain that he wasn’t actually allowed to cast spells outside of Hogwarts until he was 17. He grinned at the memory as he waited for the door to open.

He hadn’t expected her to look ready for a night out seeing as his was a surprise visit, but he hadn’t expected the vision that met him as she opened the door. Dear Merlin, she looked a mess. And yet, under the bleary eyes (had she been crying?) and birdsnest that was her hair, he could see the girl he had known.

At her exclamation he smiled, holding the flowers forward as a peace offering. “I know you said no, but I couldn’t ignore that message. It really sounded like the last thing you needed was time alone. And I can see I was right.” He laughed as she blushed, turning around at the sound of approaching footsteps.

“Let the poor man in dear! He looks so smart and handsome. Much better than the last one who sat on your steps…” cackled an older woman.

Michael nodded his head in acknowledgment of the compliment even as he raised an eyebrow in amusement in Rowena’s direction. She often had men on her doorsteps then? “I thought we could go to the Ballet for the evening? I have tickets for Giselle.”

[Rowena Jones]

Oh fuck fuck fuck. Why had she thought answering the door like this was a good idea?! It wasn’t that she wanted to look good for Michael, and more that she didn’t want anyone to see the consequences of her argument with Max. Elle had seen enough of the mess that she had become and one person seeing her in this state was more than enough for Rowena.

She ran a hand through her hair and winced as it caught on a large knot which she ungracefully untangled herself from as Michael held forth the sunflowers. Max had never bought her flowers she thought as she ducked her head to hide her blush behind the blooms. Not that she wanted flowers. She wasn’t home enough to appreciate them. Or at least, she supposed, she hadn’t been before. Now she was going to be home a lot more often. The flowers would brighten things up a little.

What would have been her thanking Michael for the thoughtful present was interrupted by Mrs Parkins’ awful cackle. If Rowena wasn’t a witch herself who now knew better than to think of all witches like those in children’s stories, she would have sworn the old lady was one. She had the cackle and knobbly knees on point.

“I thought we could go to the Ballet for an evening? I have tickets for Giselle.”

The Ballet? Merlin. She hadn’t been since last December. With her father. For their annual Christmas outing. There was a pang of sadness as she realised she wouldn’t be doing that again, but she shook it off. She loved the Ballet. She narrowed her eyes in confusion at Michael even as she stepped aside to let him in. Regardless of if they went or not, she wasn’t rude enough to leave him freezing on her doorstep in October.

“How have you remembered so much about me? Surely I didn’t make that much of an impression! I was only eight,” she asked as she led the way into the living room, smiling to let him know she was only curious. “And how did you know that I’d still like the same things?”

[Rowena Jones]

Michael noted the sad look that passed over Rowena's face and frowned. She'd loved the Ballet as a child. Maybe she had been too young to remember the times his family and hers had joined together to go and see the shows, but he'd remembered the bright spark that had lit up in her eyes as she'd watched. Surely that hadn't changed.

He followed her, brown eyes gazing at the minimalist decor and widening at the shelves of books that faced him as he stepped into her living room. Maybe he should have offered to take her to a Library instead! Next time, he decided. Michael grinned at the thought.

“How have you remembered so much about me? Surely I didn’t make that much of an impression! I was only eight,” she asked, smiling to let him know she was only curious. “And how did you know that I’d still like the same things?”

"You underestimate yourself completely Rowena," he laughed. "Anyone who knew you as a child would be entirely unable to forget you. You were a force to be reckoned with, a bright shining bossy light in the dullness of my teenage life. Plus you even managed to make Freddy laugh and I'd declared that all but impossible. That certainly got my attention and impressed me." Michael smiled at her, leaving her no doubt that his words were true.

"As for knowing if you'd still like them now, well I'm afraid that is pure Luck on my part. But we don't have to go if you don't want to. We could just talk. As long as you are not moping by yourself, then I am up for anything. If you do want to go though, it starts in thirty minutes. Is that enough time to get ready?" 

[Rowena Jones]

Rowena wasn't really sure what was going on as she looked at Michael standing in her living room. Five minutes ago she'd been crying and now suddenly there was a man, a childhood friend returned, asking her out to the Ballet. It was such a turn around that she felt a little dizzy and she could only manage a smile in response to his reminiscing. She had been a little terror, she'd acknowledge that much, but she'd always thought that she'd annoyed the elder Warcombe siblings. It was nice to know that her tendency to be in control wasn't always considered a bad thing.

Still she hesitated. It felt strange to go out, to even be smiling so soon after such a huge fight. Max had said he loved her. She still didn't know what she felt about that, but it was big. She needed to think about it. She should stay at home, ask Michael to leave. It's what she should do... and yet, she'd left Max's apartment because she was fed up of feeling like he was one of many things controlling her, deciding things for her. If she wanted control of her life back, well then she was going to have to take it.

Michael wasn't forcing her to go, he was being very gentlemanly about the whole situation. It was all up to her. She didn't want to talk, the conversation would just turn to Max and she couldn't bear to think about him any longer. Her heart hurt too much.

"Thirty minutes is plenty. I'll be down in ten." She caught sight of her hair in the mirror and paused."Fifteen." Rowena corrected. "Feel free to do whatever," she said waving her hand carelessly around the room. Should she be more wary? He was basically a stranger? A man she had not seen for over 14 years... and yet, he was all that remained of her childhood. She refused to contemplate that anything bad could come from that happy Summer.

She ran up the stairs and into her room. Time for a quick shower where she grabbed a few detangling potions for the mess on top of her head. Five minutes later, she was clean and able to get a brush through the mop she called hair. And another ten minutes and she was gliding back downstairs in an elegant if simple black dress, accented by a gold necklace and heels.

"I hope this is ok?" she asked as she returned to the Ground Floor.

[Rowena Jones]

"Thirty minutes is plenty. I'll be down in ten." Michael raised an eyebrow as if to ask if Rowena was sure about that, smirking as she corrected herself. "Feel free to do whatever," she said waving her hand carelessly around the room before running up the stairs. Michael nodded before casting a critical eye around the room. It was such a large space for one person, but then again,they'd both grown up on large family Estates, it was in their blood to want the best.

He walked over to the shelves, scanning the titles of the numerous books. Had she really read all of these? It seemed like more than a lifetimes work to do so, but he was impressed by some of the titles. He really shouldn't be surprised. Her thirst for knowledge had been evident from an early age. He could remember the countless "Whys?' and 'Hows?' she'd pestered him with that Summer, soaking up all knowledge he could impart like a sponge. 

And then he heard footsteps and turned to see her re-enter the room and he whistled in appreciation. "Now that's the Rowena I was expecting," he said, "You look perfect."

He held out his arm for her to take, "Shall we?"

With a sharp pop! they went from her home to the Imperial Ballet. There were only a few people left outside, enjoying the crisp but dry October air for a few moments before the dance began. Michael hurried them through the double doors quickly and led Rowena to their seats. He watched her as she took in the opulence of the suite he'd gotten for them. "I thought we'd go all out and do it in style," he said. "A friend owed me a favour."

He grabbed two champagne flutes, filling them from the bottle that was chilling in the ice bucket. "To old acquaintances becoming new friends." He said with a grin.

[Rowena Jones]

Michael turned to see her re-enter the room and he whistled in appreciation causing a flush to appear on her cheeks. "Now that's the Rowena I was expecting," he said, "You look perfect." Rowena laughed away his compliment, flustered. It really wasn't that much. All she'd done was clean herself up a little.

He held out his arm for her to take, "Shall we?"

She nodded, grabbing a clutch off the side table and making sure her purse and phone were inside. "I'll have to take us," she said quickly, explaining before he splinched them both. "Wards."

With a sharp pop! they went from her home to the Imperial Ballet. There were only a few people left outside, enjoying the crisp but dry October air for a few moments before the dance began. Michael hurried them through the double doors quickly and led her to their seats. "I thought we'd go all out and do it in style," he said. "A friend owed me a favour."

Rowena started at the extravagant suite. "You really shouldn't have gone to so much bother! You didn't even know I'd say yes!" she said frowning a little. It was a little much. But then he was right, why not make a proper evening of it? She resolved to stop fretting so much and relax. She was just going to enjoy a night at the Ballet and the opportunity to reconnect with an old friend. Surely she was allowed that at least.

Michael grabbed two champagne flutes, filling them from the bottle that was chilling in the ice bucket. "To old acquaintances becoming new friends." He said with a grin.

Oh Merlin, she really shouldn't drink any more alcohol... but it would be rude to refuse. Just one glass. She could sip it. It'd be fine. She smiled in thanks. "To old friends in times of need," Rowena said glancing at him. "Thanks Michael. I needed this." And she had. A feeling of normalcy, a reminder of good times. Something to distract her from all the crap, even if it was just for one night.

Rowena gave her companion one last grateful smile as the lights dimmed, focusing on the stage and the Ballet began.

_________

When it ended, she turned to Michael happily, her clutch falling to the floor as her arms gestured a little too wildly. Ok so maybe she'd had two glasses of champagne and maybe she was a little too relaxed. "Oh that was wonderful Michael. Thank you so much," she exclaimed, eyes shining. 

[Rowena Jones]

"To old friends in times of need," Rowena said glancing at him. "Thanks Michael. I needed this."

He dipped his head, smiling in return. "What are friends for?" Michael said before the lights dimmed signalling the end of their conversation for now.

_________

When it ended, Rowena turned to him happily, her clutch falling to the floor as her arms gestured a little too wildly. He reached down to scoop it's contents back inside and handed it back to her. "Oh that was wonderful Michael. Thank you so much," she exclaimed, eyes shining and he laughed.

"My absolute pleasure Rowena. I'm just glad I was able to cheer you up a little. Whatever it is, or whoever, don't let them take away your happiness ok? No one should dampen your spark. And if they do, then you don't need them," he said, putting his hand on hers. Michael sighed as he caught sight of the time. "Unfortunately, I have to go, family matters, but I would still love to take you out for that drink? It's obvious we have a lot of catching up to do. Will you be alright to get home? I can call a cab if you're not up to apparating?"

"Let me give you my number?" He took her phone, frowning at the missed call that flashed on the screen. His fingers tapped quickly, doing what needed to be done before he handed it back to Rowena.

He picked up her hand and placed a soft kiss, his chocolate brown eyes meeting hers. "Until next time," he said.

[Rowena Jones]

"My absolute pleasure Rowena. I'm just glad I was able to cheer you up a little. Whatever it is, or whoever, don't let them take away your happiness ok? No one should dampen your spark. And if they do, then you don't need them," Michael said, putting his hand on hers before sighing. "Unfortunately, I have to go, family matters, but I would still love to take you out for that drink? It's obvious we have a lot of catching up to do. Will you be alright to get home? I can call a cab if you're not up to apparating?"

Rowena smiled sadly at Michael. Was her despair so obvious? Was it so evident that her emotions were so easily influenced by someone... but then again, Max had never been just anyone. No matter what their relationship status, enemies, rivals, friends, couple... he'd always been able to get under her skin in a way no one else ever had.

She sighed, nodding her head in understanding when Michael explained he had to go, and then shaking her head when he offered to call a cab. She wasn't very good in cars, they always made her nauseous for some reason, and with her stomach already protesting a little at the extra drink, she didn't want to risk it. She'd either apparate or walk if needed. Either way, she'd find her way home.

"Let me give you my number?" Rowena took her phone out from her bag and passed it over, debating which option to take home while he entered his number. When Michael passed it back, she glanced at the screen, hoping maybe, just maybe he'd called. It'd been over 24 hours... but there was nothing. She tried to ignore the sick feeling in her stomach that wasn't from the alcohol but more a feeling of dread that maybe it might be really truly over between them. 

And then Michael was picking up her hand and kissing it and Rowena forced a smile to her lips despite the sadness in her heart. It had been so nice of him to try and cheer her up, and the Ballet really had been wonderful. It wasn't his fault her romantic life was in tatters. 

"Until next time," 

"Next time," Rowena agreed. If her relationship was over, and her personal life in ruins, maybe she could at least grasp onto this one remainder of a good memory. Merlin knew she needed something good in her life or she might just give up completely.