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Post by alastor on Oct 7, 2008 12:46:56 GMT -5
Alastor looked himself oer once more in the mirror. This night he wore the finest dress robes he could buy, his hair was combed and he wore some kind of invisible smell from a bottle that muggles called cologne. Feeling that he was trying a bit too hard he dragged himself out of his apartment, walking tall now that his leg no longer pained him. As he entered La Repas Cher, the maitre d' looked up as he entered and gasped. "Alastor Moody?!" Hearing his name nearly yelled across the restaurant he quickly closed the distance between them, his hand clamping down over the maitre d's mouth with iron efficiency. Whispering harshly into his ear,
"Now unless you'd like this very nice restaurant torn apart by every dark wizard or witch looking to make a name for themselves by taking me down. I suggest we keep it very quiet that I am a guest here." Dropping a small bag of galleons on the podium in front of the maitre d' he pulled back a bit, releasing the man's mouth. "Now this is to ensure I get a very good, very discreet table. Also there will be a bit more in it if you can make sure than when a lovely witch by the name of Grace Concordia comes in, she is seated to my table with the same discretion.
Nodding at Alastor the maitre d' motioned for him to follow. As they approached a table in a dark corner, the only illumination being that of a long candle which the maitre d' quickly lit with a minor spell as Alastor sat down. Can I get you something to drink Mr..Um Mr. Muleson?" Smiling to himself at the fact that the maitre d' was receptive to coin if nothing else. "Firewhiskey, best bottle you have." With a quick nod and a very well sir, right away. The maitre d' rushed off and Alastor sat alone awaiting the arrival of his special guest for the evening.
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Post by Grace Concordia on Oct 7, 2008 13:16:32 GMT -5
Grace changed her dress about five times, nervous as a school girl. No she took that back, probably more nervous than a school girl. School girls she'd seen lately seemed to be different than she remembered from her own days at Hogwarts. She finally settled on an elegant white dress that draped her frame in one of the current styles in the wizarding world. It wasn't over the top but it was tailored to her and at least she would fit in among the restaurant's well dressed patrons. She had on makeup for once, though it was minimal and only highlighted her features rather than distracted from them, something she never wore at work. And she let her hair down around her shoulders. She checked again in the mirror and finally decided that if she stayed here any longer she'd just end up changing again out of nerves. She tucked her wand into a strap around her calf, she'd be with Moody and didn't think she'd need to have it too handy today. After all this was a date not a housecall for some patient. She lived alone in her modest little family home that was situated in Godric's Hollow, not far from the Potter and Dumbledore family homes. She stepped outside her door and then apparated to Hogsmede. She strode up the lane until she arrived at her destination. calm down, it's just a date she told herself firmly to keep the butterflies in her stomach from stilling her legs. She was not the time to usually go out on dates though, normally her work always came first and she had little time for relationships. But she'd been unable to turn him down, and that fact made her smile. As she approached the maitre d' she looked around but didn't see him. The man asked her if she was waiting on someone and Grace nodded. "Your name?" he asked her. "Dr. Concordia," she said softly.. "I'm supposed to be meeting someone her..." she was cut off as he bowed and said "right this way madam". She looked surprised and followed him to a dark corner in the back of the restaraunt. That was when she saw him, the candlelight on his face. He took her breath away. |
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Post by alastor on Oct 7, 2008 13:38:55 GMT -5
Alastor looked over as he saw someone approaching out of the corner of his eye. Turning he saw the maitre d' followed by Grace. As his eyes locked onto Grace he nearly feinted, she was a vision of pure beauty. No, even that term would of been incorrect to use for Moody, she was so beautiful words could not possibly hope to even come close to describing her. Standing up he quickly slid a smaller bag of galleons into the maitre d's pocket. Turning to Grace he quickly grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips for a gentle kiss.
As the maitre d' scurried away Alastor pulled out Grace's chair and motioned for her to sit as he himself took his seat he stared across the table at her. "I must say dear heart, your beauty is breath taking."
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Post by Grace Concordia on Oct 7, 2008 13:51:06 GMT -5
Grace smiled as Alastor kissed her hand and seated her, it was a side of him she'd never seen before. Sure he flirted all the time, but not like this... and she loved it. "Thank you Alastor, you are looking quite the handsome man yourself. How is your leg?" She couldn't help herself but ask even if this wasn't a business call. She actually cared how he felt.
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Post by alastor on Oct 7, 2008 14:29:12 GMT -5
Alastor felt his face redden as she said he was handsome. Alastor never thought about himself being handsome often, but then he rarely thought of anything that didn't involve the office. Sitting here in this restaurant at a table with a woman who had to have drawn the eye of every man in the place was a new experience for Alastor, yet he kind of enjoyed it, at the moment work was the farthest thing from his mind and it felt great.
As she asked him about his leg he looked her straight in the eyes, almost forgetting he was supposed to speak at that moment. "My leg..? Oh I think I broke it one the way over here. I may need some more of your special healing touch after dinner." Winking at Grace he looked around and wondered what was taking the waiter so long.
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Post by Grace Concordia on Oct 7, 2008 14:51:16 GMT -5
For the first time in her life, Grace blushed in front of a man. Then again, it was the first time in her life a man had ever... She blushed deeper, her cheeks flushed and she reached for the glass of water on the table and tried to cover it while cooling off. Finally she managed to choke out a response. "If you broke it, then maybe I should take a look at it now so you aren't in pain all night."
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Post by alastor on Oct 7, 2008 15:03:03 GMT -5
Leaning in closer he reached across the table and gently held her hand. "Darlin, the only pain I am feeling right now is the pain knowing that I could of asked you out sooner but my stubbornness prevented me from doing so." Smiling at his beautiful date he had no regrets about blowing work off this evening. There were many skilled Auror's defending Hogwarts and he knew that with Elphias Doge and Fabian Prewett those kids could be in no better hands.
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Post by Grace Concordia on Oct 7, 2008 15:19:19 GMT -5
Alastor was taking her by surprise tonight and she couldn't deny she liked it. Of course she'd always liked his company even when he wasn't trying to be charming. But this is a side to him she'd only seen glimpses of over the years of healing him.. well healing him when he'd actually stay long enough, which never happened. He was right about one thing, he was the most stubborn and frustrating man she'd ever met. And she was sure it was one of the reasons he'd gotten her attention in the first place.
"So what changed your mind this time?" She asked softly.
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Post by alastor on Oct 7, 2008 15:48:52 GMT -5
Alastor was about to respond when a waiter showed up with a tray full of several drinks. Placing a bottle of firewhiskey on the table and two glasses he excused himself and went to deliver the rest. Filling his glass he reached inside the inner pocket of his robes and removed something small that looked almost like a pill shaped fungi, quickly swallowing it he took a drink. "Ahh so the question finally comes out eh?" Leaning in close his hand holding hers, his eyes staring deeply into hers.
"I decided it would be prudent to ask you on a date because you have to be the most spectacular and wonderful woman I have ever met and it this night ends with nothing more than a hug, I can go to my grave knowing I had no regrets and for at least one night, I was able to eat dinner with a very special woman."
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Post by Grace Concordia on Oct 7, 2008 16:26:37 GMT -5
"Should I even ask what it is your trying to take with that drink?" She had seen him put something in his mouth but didn't see what it was. The healer in her couldn't help but inquire.
She smiled softly though at his words. "And I'm glad you asked me. Would you be horribly dissapointed if you got more than a hug from me or even a second date? Because I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy this dinner and need to be fed again soon." The thought of another date with him made her smile.
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Post by alastor on Oct 7, 2008 18:25:58 GMT -5
Smiling as Grace's inquisitive nature took over he chuckled and shook his head. "It's one of a few preventative herbs a friend of mine in Ireland sends to me, it'll slow even the deadliest poisons down enough for me to get out and get an antidote." His smile began to grow as she started talking of another date, deciding now was his chance, his opening. Leaning over the table he whispered softly, "Darlin, I would be horribly disappointed if this date ended with just a hug." Kissing the index and middle fingers of his right hand, he pressed them softly against her lips and sat back in his chair.
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Post by Grace Concordia on Oct 7, 2008 18:45:52 GMT -5
Grace felt that promise of a kiss to her toes as his fingertips touched her lips softly. Who would have known that a man like him could be so gentle and affectionate in such a small gesture? It tugged at her heart and she smiled so softly, as if a light had dawned in her eyes at that moment. "So would I..." she almost whispered it, her body filled with a warmth caused by his gentle touch. Her eyes closed in a flutter as he sat back in his chair. She wanted to savor that feeling, afraid she'd dreamed it.
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Post by alastor on Oct 7, 2008 19:24:13 GMT -5
Alastor smiled at Grace's reaction to his subtle hints. He had never felt this way before about anyone and he was glad it was Grace who was the first and preferably the only. These were new and unexplored water but Alastor thought he was handling it well enough, he decided that now was the time to get to know her a bit better. "So tell me about yourself darlin, most I know is your absolutely gorgeous and you heal better than most." With a chuckle he took another sip of the firewhiskey in his glass.
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Post by Grace Concordia on Oct 7, 2008 19:45:10 GMT -5
She opened her eyes and looked at him smiling and then began to share more about herself, "I was born in Godric's Hollow, twenty six years ago to Hector and Serenity Concordia. I still live in the same home I was born in. My parents were both muggle born, but they loved me more than anything and they were proud of me when I received my Hogwarts letter." She smiled remembering that day, her parents had been very proud of her. "Like my parents I was sorted into Hufflepuff and did fairly well in school.. one of those wall flower types I guess you could say. I never really dated anyone.. all the studying I did, you would have thought I was in Ravenclaw." She chuckled.
"But it was only because I always had to work hard for everything in school. Then my last year, my parents died from a disease that couldn't be cured. I wasn't able to save them... " a sad haunted look entered her eyes but it was one of love for their memory. "And that was what made me decide to train to become a Healer.. I didn't want to see anyone else die if I could help it. And surprisingly it was one thing I didn't have to work so hard for.. but maybe that was because I'd never wanted anything so bad in my life. I've been working at St. Mungo's ever since." She looked at him.. she'd never really told anyone all that before but she found herself sharing. If he could trust her then she could return that trust by telling him about her past.
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Post by alastor on Oct 7, 2008 22:06:55 GMT -5
Alastor sat in stunned silence as Grace recited her abridged history, as she came to the subject of her parents he could tell she was still feeling pain from their loss and Alastor could relate to that. Reaching across the table he held her hand firmly, hoping it would provide some comfort. It was uncanny how much alike they were, how much in sync they tended to be.
"I cannot claim to truly know how you feel dear heart, but I lost my father when I was eight. He was ambushed by dark wizards while on an assignment. He was unprepared and there were only two against several. My father's partner was Elphias Doge and I praise Merlin everyday he was able to escape. He told me of my father's bravery and how he took three of those wizards out by himself, since then I have always had the desire to do what I do now. Protect the innocent from those who would call themselves enemies of peace and justice."
Pausing for a moment he took another sip of the firewhiskey in his glass to hide what he could of the sadness in his eyes. "My mother lived to see me graduate from Hogwarts and be accepted into Auror Training, she passed in my second year of training. Her last words to me were that I should never mourn, mourning are for those who are lost and neither my father nor her are lost, they live on in me and my actions. I guess thats why I threw myself wholeheartedly into my work and never let myself care for anyone, until now....."
Pausing for a moment he looked deeply into her eyes and could see hidden pain there. "Don't ever be sad over the loss of your parents dear heart, be joyful that through their sacrifice the world is a much better place because of their daughter." Standing up he walked over to Grace and kneeled behind her, whispering softly into her ear his breath lightly touching the side of her face. "I cannot say I ever knew your parents but any parent worth a grain of salt, would be proud to have a gorgeous, intelligent, sweet and dedicated daughter with such a passion for life it is unrivaled by many. No dear heart do not mourn, celebrate." With those words said he placed a light kiss on the nape of her neck and returned to his seat.
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Post by Grace Concordia on Oct 7, 2008 22:18:11 GMT -5
As he came over and whispered in her ear.. and then kissed her neck she shivered. "I celebrate each life I manage to save, does that count?" She thought about what he'd told her about his own history, and realized they did have much in common though not quite the same.. but it was interesting how the death of their parents had led them to become the people and enter the professions they had chosen as adults. "And I would guess that you do the same too... only we save them in different ways, we fight different types of battles." She was looking into his eyes.
"What else would you like to know about me?" she asked, offering to tell him anything he might want to know. She had nothing to hide from this man, she knew.
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Post by alastor on Oct 7, 2008 22:32:14 GMT -5
Alastor slid his hand gently on top of hers his thumb sliding across the top of her hand slowly as he pondered on what else he wished to know about her. Grace was an interesting person and that felt weird for Alastor because nothing has ever been this interesting outside of work. Remember who he was and where he was for a moment he quickly gave the room a once over, seeing nothing of any threat he turned back to Grace. "Well, since we're here for dinner how about what would you like to eat." Winking at Grace he wondered what kind of food she did like, healers always seemed like vegetarians to him.
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Post by Grace Concordia on Oct 7, 2008 22:47:24 GMT -5
"Oh that's easy... Steak medium well, with a side of butterbeer brewed mushrooms, mashed potatoes, mixed green salad, and the onion soup." She grinned. "I am a strong believer in eating as many of the food groups as possible.. meat, potatoes, fungus, salad and soup," Grace laughed at her own version of the food groups. She had a natural metabolism and ate like a healthy girl. She was not the finicky type to pick at her food or skip out on meat. "And are we still safe?" She whispered teasingly at him as she noticed him give the room a once over.
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Post by alastor on Oct 7, 2008 23:21:11 GMT -5
Alastor nearly fell out of his seat as he listened to what Grace wanted to order. Attempting to summon a waiter for about ten minutes he grew very impatient. "I'll be right back dear heart." He said as he stood from his chair and stormed into the kitchen, followed by screaming and pots banging. Exiting the kitchen a few moments later Alastor returned to the table. "The food will be here shortly." Smiling at Grace he couldn't believe his luck, he had met possibly the most perfect woman for him. Leaning over the table he began to trace invisible lines lightly on the top of her perfect hand with his index finger.
"So Grace, i've heard rumors my file at St Mungo's is wider than the Knight Bus, is that true?" Smiling he knew his file was infinitely large but he was testing the waters seeing how comfortabl Grace was with what happened to him in his line of work.
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Post by Grace Concordia on Oct 7, 2008 23:30:39 GMT -5
"You are incorrect actually Moody." She took a sip of her water to hide her smile before she continued, "All ten of your files are wider than the Knight Bus, we had to add a secure filing room just for you. I believe Danny has one of those files all to herself." She smirked at him, "although most of them are with notes that end in dot dot dot when you walked out on the healer. Or with full notes on your anatomy and how well you flirt..." She was only teasing him of course.
Moody's finger was distracting her, but she was used to working under distraction. She knew what his job entailed. Not that she wouldn't worry over him, but she would never ask him to be anything other than what he was. However she would make sure he stayed to be healed in the future if she had anything to say about it.
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