Out

[Vincent Corrigan]

Vincent sat up straighter. "Wait, someone tried to attack you? Do you know who it was? I'm glad Jackson was there, but... it sounds awfully convenient. You know he used to be a Death Eater?" He cleared his throat. "I mean, of course, so did you... and Isabella and Voltaire... but he was involved in some pretty bad things when he was a Death Eater. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt... but his behavior is a bit odd..."

[Emily Alchemia]

"Yes, I know. He told me that he was, after the guy ran off. We walked into the Hog's Head and talked for a few minutes. Jackson just said that he wanted people to accept him, you know that kind of thing," Emily said. "I do admit he does at a little strange, but maybe, we should just give him a chance, you know?"

[Vincent Corrigan]

Vincent nodded. "Yes, of course... you're right, Emily. He certainly isn't the only Death Eater to switch sides, and it isn't fair to judge him just because he acts a little... odd... sometimes." He smiled at her. "Anyway, it was lucky that he was there, right? I'd hate it if anything happened to you."

[Emily Alchemia]

"Yes, I was lucky that he was there," said Emily. "Don't worry, you know I'm extra careful now," she said giving him a smile.

[Vincent Corrigan]

"I know," Vincent said. "But still... I should have been there, instead of being stuck in this stupid wheelchair. I swear, I can't stand being without you, especially knowing that you're out there where anyone can get to you. Please promise me you won't go out at night."

[Emily Alchemia]

"Hey, you can't help you're in the wheelchair," said Emily. "I promise I won't go out at night. I spend all of my nights with you anyway," she said giving him a smile. "I know this is sad, but even if I'm gone from you just for a second, I miss you too much."

[Vincent Corrigan]

Vincent grinned sheepishly. "I can't help it. It's that stupid male pride of mine. I just feel like I should have held him off a little better than that. Speaking of which, um... has there been any word on the guy who did this? Evan, right? Anyone know what he's up to?"

[Emily Alchemia]

"Nah, I haven't heard anything about him since the attack on you. Maybe he's just laying low for now," said Emily. "Who knows?"

[Vincent Corrigan]

"Yeah, probably," Vincent said. "I guess that's good. It's just... based on what I've heard, Voldemort is also lying low. Which probably means he's planning something big." He shook his head. "I really have to stop thinking about all of this. There isn't a whole lot we can do, until one of our spies find out his plans, anyway."

[Emily Alchemia]

"Well, that makes me wonder. I wonder if I can talk to Zander or maybe we both could talk to Zander, and find out if he knows anything. Maybe he's heard something," suggest Emily. "I know work is important, but all this talk about Voldemort and such is becoming old."

[Vincent Corrigan]

"That's a good idea," Vincent said, eating some more of his sandwich. "Talk to Zander. I have a feeling he could be a valuable ally for us. Good job hiring him, Emily. I always knew you had great instincts." He sighed. "I just wish I could see an end in sight for this whole Voldemort thing. From what I hear, he's incredibly powerful, and he's only going to get more powerful. If he does, I don't see how anyone will ever stop him."

[Emily Alchemia]

Emily smiled. "Well, he said he needed a job, and he looked like a good person. But the whole end to Voldemort thing, I seriously think there will be an end to Voldemort soon. Maybe not this year, maybe not in the next 5 years, but he will come down, or weaken greatly," said Emily. "Until then, we have to just keep working at it."

[Vincent Corrigan]

"Yeah, I think you're right," he said. "Voldemort will be defeated eventually, but I just think it's going to get much worse before it gets better." He sighed and finished his sandwich. "So what do you think? Do you want dessert?"

[Emily Alchemia]

"Dessert? I think I could maybe eat a little something else," Emily said with a grin. "I'm seriously going to get fat, I eat way to much," she said with a laugh.

[Vincent Corrigan]

He laughed. "Why do women always worry about getting fat?" he asked. "Don't worry about it. No matter what, I'll still think you're beautiful. But if you want, once I can walk again, we can start an exercise program. I'd like to teach you some of the self-defense moves I learned when I was preparing to be an Auror. You always have to be prepared for anything, in case you lose your wand."

[Becky Stanton]

Becky noticed that they were done, so she walked over to the table. "I'll just take your plates for you... is there anything else I can get for you? Would you like to see the dessert menu?"

[Emily Alchemia]

"Eh, I guess it's a girl thing," said Emily shrugging. "That would be nice, because being in situations without my wand, is something I hope doesn't ever happen, but I guess you never know." Just a few minutes later, the waitress came along and took up their plates. "Well, I guess I could look at it," she said to the waitress.

[Becky Stanton]

"OK, I'll be right back with the dessert menus then," Becky replied. She hurried off with the the empty dishes.

[Vincent Corrigan]

"Great, thanks," Vincent said to the waitress. As she hurried off, he turned to Emily. "OK, so when I can walk again, I'll work with you on the self-defense techniques. And of course, we'll also get married. Speaking of which... I have something for you. I've been waiting for the right moment to give it to you, but... well, now feels about right." He reached into the pocket of his robe and pulled out a small leather box.

[Emily Alchemia]

Emily smiled and felt a little giddy on the inside. "Um, okay," is all she said, with a smile on her face.