Leisurely Night Out ((Adam))

[dawn]

"... And you, You think you can not pay the lotted amount this week...." A woman's voice drug out full of annoyance as she seemed to mock the man who just spoke before her. "You couldn't do the deed last week, or the week previous." a pause was added, most likely to wait for a response. However, there was no other words sounded against the woman's. "You are a bloody fool." The voice shot flatly as a loud bang erupted off the walls from the second floor room, where the argument seemed to take place. A single pair of foot steps sounded as a door opened and slammed shut from the alloted second story room. Moments later, The apartment's main lobby glass door was opened by the door man. "Have a Good 'vning, Ms. McGrogan."

Dawn McGrogan, stepped out into the night pulling her black pea coat tightly around her, and buttoning it to fit each curve of her body perfectly. Her long blond hair bounced as she stepped down each stair in shiny black heels. Walking only on the sidewalk that brushed away the snow for a clean path, she walked up to a black Mercedes at sat warm, waiting for her outside of the apartment building. Her driver stood at the opened back door with the handle in hand waiting for her to step in. The driver raised her right hand to help her into the car, as Dawn raised her left to use the man as an aid. Sliding into the seat behind the driver side, the door closed quickly after her as the driver took his place behind the wheel and drove off. Sitting in the back seat, Dawn took out a compact and lipstick. Applying it perfectly, the dark shade of red suited her personality and her appearance perfectly. Red, a loud color which seemed to stick out in the crowd. Red, noticeable as well as distinguished. Red, the color of blood, as well the color of love; interchangeably between bad and good. Dawn loved the color, and the color loved her.

Taking a breath in, Dawn's nerves relaxed. She was never one to dwell on problems of sorts. She just wished that people did not lie or try to pull the wool over her eyes. Nevertheless, when there was money involved, Dawn expected to receive payments in full. In her business she only worked with people who she thought she could trust with payments, but every now and then a 'friend' refers a 'friend' for Dawn's services and she gets connected with people who do not take her seriously. Wrong move for the people who don't know her as well as the people who refereed her. Dawn was head of her business ever since her father passed. Her powers grew, as well as her ability to control them. Most of her clients still saw her as Gregory's Daughter. However, she was far more of a wicked force that should not be reckoned with.

Her driver ended up pulling smoothly beside a sidewalk and a local A-list pub, The Living Room in the heart of London. Dawn was a regular when she was in the area and was treated specially. It was known as a high class muggle after work pub, but for the members that were higher of class, as well as higher specialty as in having powers were treated ideally in the back rooms. Dawn's driver walked up to her door, and opened it for her. Lending her a hand to aid her on her step out of the vehicle, she took it as she placed one foot, elegantly in front of another to step on to the sidewalk without tripping out of the car. Nodding her head to her driver, she walked off to the pub's entrance. The door man assisted her with opening up the door as she walked up the stairs to the entrance. " 'Ello Ms McGrogan. Pleasant surprise seeing you here." A familiar voice rang in her ear as she walked in. The manager of the pub greeted her at the entrance. "May I take your coat?" He asked as she started to unbutton it, as they walked together to the back of the pub. The same color style was fluent through the entire pub, as well as the back rooms for people of Dawn's stature. Slipping the dark pea coat from her arms, the manager assisted her in the de-robing of her jacket. "Have a good night Miss." He stated as he stood silently alone, as she pushed open the back door to walk into her part of the pub.

The Living room is known as a soft relaxing and fun bar. The dark and light wood tone theme circled the room entwined with hints of red tapestries and black leather chairs lined the room for comfort. The music was soft, acoustic, and casual as a few couples were up dancing hand in hand together as Dawn walked into the room. The bartender noticed Dawn instantly as she nodded to him in greeting. "Usual Ms McGrogan?" "Yes, Victor. Of course." She said with a coy smile that could melt any heart at first glance. Dawn, at first glance looked like a glamorous vixen with a pleasant look. However, to get a word out of her mouth in response to a statement from you, one must do some work. She only spoke to people worth her time, let alone, someone who was up to her class. She did not waste her time with people who were lower than her. Dawn knew where she stood in the social hierarchy, and she knew she was not falling soon. "There you go." The bartender spoke as Dawn turned her head away from the couples dancing back to Victor behind the bar. "Thank you." She said softly as she touched his hand, that was placed on the bar, softly. Walking over to a soft leather bound chair, Dawn sat down and set down her glass of Montrachet 1978 on the cherry wood table in front of her as she flattened out her grey skirt and Ivory shirt to lay perfectly. Picking up the glass of dark wine, she sipped it as she inhaled her cosmopolitan lifestyle, and began to relax to the sounds of leisured pleasure.

[Professor Adam Greene]

Before heading out of his flat, Adam grabbed his brown jacket from the back of the chair he had thrown it on when he last came inside. With winter having fully arrived in London, he would likely need that jacket for today's adventure. What that adventure consisted of, Adam was actually quite excited for. He had recently purchased an engagement ring for Dixie, and now he needed the perfect place to ask her to marry him. Today, he would be spending his time in London in search of that perfect place. He had made a list of places he knew of that he wanted to visit, and then he figured there would be places he would find along the way that he might consider. All he knew for sure was that his goal was to be completely satisfied with what his plan would be for the big night by the end of the day. Pulling his coat over himself, he locked up the flat and then disappeared in a snap, reappearing in Diagon Alley. Then, he made his way to muggle London and started at the top of his list.

***

A few hours after arriving in Diagon Alley and having circled much of London in his search, Adam's mood was quite down compared to when he first left his flat. Seven stops later and he had yet to find the spot that he deemed perfect enough to ask Dixie to marry him. He wasn't going to settle for anything less than perfect. When he would see the place, Adam knew that he would instantly know that it was the right choice. So far, he hadn't found it yet. He was leaning toward an outdoor proposal, but the only problem was that winter weather could put a damper on that. Regardless, he was frustrated that his search had not been successful yet. In his frustration, he decided to stop somewhere for a drink.

Trying to remember the closest place that he could escape the cold, Adam had his hands in his coat pockets as he walked the sidewalks of London. Then, he recalled that there was a place called the Living Room that was just a block away, almost directly in the center of the city. He had been there only once before, but he remembered that it was a very upscale place. Seeing it across the street once he had walked a few minutes more, Adam made his way over and nodded kindly to the doorman as he opened it for him. Tipping him afterward, Adam admired the class that the bar had to offer. It wasn't quite full yet, but he figured it would get busier as the night went on. He made his way through the main section of the bar and back to the room. The owner of the pub gave him a questioning look, as though he wasn't sure he should be heading toward the back room. "Your name sir?" the man inquired. "Adam Greene. Son of James and Tressa Greene." If Adam was happy about one thing his parents gave him, it was the family name. He wasn't one to usually care about such things, but it did have its benefits. Plus, now with them in Azkaban, he was living comfortably with the inheritance they had left Sierra and him. The owner seemed satisfied with the mention of Adam's parents, and so he entered the back room and found a seat at the bar.

"I'll have a White Russian," he said, addressing the bartender who was waiting behind the counter. While his drink was being made, Adam spun in his seat, wanting to see the other patrons that had made it into the back room. The first person he saw was a stunning young woman who he didn't need a second glance to recognize. It was none other than Dawn McGrogan, the quite well known Hogwarts graduate that had been just a year ahead of him in school. She was a Slytherin too, and her brother had shared a dorm with Adam during their time at Hogwarts. He figured she might recognize him, but he wouldn't have been surprised if she didn't. Though both were int he same house and close in age, Dawn and Adam were very different people, and he had only ever said a few words in passing to her. She wasn't looking his way, so Adam turned back and took his drink that the bartender had finished with, and then he stood from the bar and walked over to the seat beside Dawn. He sat down, figuring she would notice him now. "Hello, Dawn," Adam greeted. "How is life outside of Hogwarts treating you?"

[dawn]

Closing here eyes, the wine felt warm filtering down her throat. The rich taste filled her taste buds with a lasting pucker. The live acoustic band in the corner seemed to set the mood perfectly for Dawn. After having to make several stops to meet with clients before she came here, was enough stress for a regular witch's month. However, Dawn seemed to deal with that imbecility from people daily. She never understood why people where so sexist these days. She understood the past, and how history went on but now... it did not make sense. Yes, Dawn was the first female in charge of her family's long running special business. Nevertheless, there were many strong well known women in her family. If Aden was born first before Rachel, then Dawn would have never gotten the chance to be in charge. It was inevitable at such a young age Rachel was going to leave the family. So, whether or not she was there did not make the difference. But Dawn was sought out by her father the second she Begin to show signs of magic. Everyone knew Dawn was going to be something special. And wouldn't you know it, she is.

Tapping her toe to the music, she opened up her eyes. She was half facing the fire place, and half facing the bar. Two other chairs sat around the table Dawn used, however, both were unoccupied. Glancing at new arrivals to the back of the club, Dawn eyed them up. A few clients of hers acknowledged her by a slight nod of respect, from their place around the perimeter of the room. Dawn returned the favor by nodding ever so slight, just to put forth a bit of effort.

Taking another sip of her glass, a thought of Cole passed through her mind, since this was his favorite wine. Not even four weeks ago, had he proposed to her, but he was gone again. He promised her that he wouldn't leave again, but Dawn understood his goals to become a more powerful wizard were on his shoulders. Dawn could not help him and teach him what she knew, due to the fact he really didn't know half of Dawn's business to begin with... it had to stay within the family. But once they were married, his eyes would be opened to a whole new world he never fathomed before. Nevertheless, Dawn could not help him gain more power. So, he went to visit his Uncle from time to time, and learn the ticks of the trade with an old master. Dawn missed spending her evenings with her fiance, and wished him home more than she ever believed was possible. But, she respected his aspirations, and he did hers as well. Distance only makes the heart grow fonder right? Dawn could handle it.

Taking another sip of her drink, beside her she heard a voice speak her first name. Not many people called her by her first name in public. Not because she didn't like it, because she was mostly in conversations with clients and they were to only address her as a superior, noting her last name. Swallowing her sip of wine. Her face stayed normal, and unstirred by the greeting. She saw a body sit in the chair to her right and slowly turned her head. Noticing the familiar face, Dawn raised an eye brown. "Well Hello Mr. Greene." Dawn greeted in reply as she shot him a sly smile. The two never really were in a conversation together, or ever together. But, back when Dawn was in Hogwarts she was a Prefect, and with that title you had to know all of the students in your house. On top of that, with Dawn's family background, she only knew pureblood lines; and Greene was in the Top Wealthy few. Adam directed Dawn with a general question that she almost laughed at when she processed it in her mind. It was printed everywhere the day of her father's death. The head of the McGrogan family was a pretty huge ordeal. And if he didn't see that in the papers, the court battles over Aden should have been noticed. At the time of her father's death, Aden was still underage as a wizard and could not live alone. Fighting for custody for his final years, was something Dawn would never lose. The only member of her siblings she actually trusted and loved, would never be out of her sight. On top of that, in most pureblood families, they noted Dawn as the McGrogan heir. She now seemed more well known than her father, keeping his allies as well as making more of her own.

Understanding the current problems in Adam's family, she let the dim question slide. "Very well." she replied with a grin. "I believe you are doing better?" Dawn mentioned as she was fully aware of Adam's relationship with his parents, and what recently happened to them. She would never hold it against him, he was still a pureblood. She respected that he had enough self-will as a child to look after his younger sister. Dawn felt the same with her brother. But, there were a few times when their father played mind games with the two, and acted like they were something other than heirs of power... but a true father figure was rare. "What brings you in here for the evening, Adam? Someplace to warm up?" She asked as she noticed the red color of his ears. It looked as if he spent some time in the weather.

[Professor Adam Greene]

A last name greeting- it was just another way that the difference between Dawn and Adam was apparent. She was proper, sophisticated, very business-like. Then there was Adam. He had used the plain first name greeting mostly because he felt it was more respectful in a kind manner as opposed to being respectful in a proper manner. At the same time, he knew that some probably preferred to be addressed by their last names. Whether or not Dawn was one of those people, he wasn't sure. Perhaps her calling him by his last name was a subtle hint that she expected the same of him or perhaps it was her simply being a creature of habit just like Adam himself. He didn't think much of it though, figuring that if she really cared she'd have been bold enough to tell him. If he knew anything about Dawn, he knew that she never seemed to fear much if anything at all. It was obvious she held herself with such confidence, and rightfully so though. Adam had always viewed her as a very powerful woman, which is likely why he was certain that the stories he had heard of her taking over her father's business was more than just a story and likely the truth. He wasn't much for staying up with the current events of the wizarding world, but Adam wouldn't argue that she'd be able to do whatever she set her mind to if taking over her father's business was what she had been busy with lately.

"It depends on your view of better," he replied with a smile and a bit of a laugh. He didn't feel like spilling the details, so he saved Dawn from a likely boring and drawn out reply. "I'm managing though. I've got a place of my own, and a significant other to call my own." He smiled at the thought of Dixie before deciding to ask about Cole. This was something he did know about, but only because news of love seemed to travel the fastest of any form of gossip or truth. If anything could spread faster than fire, it was the news of relationships. Hogwarts, like any other place where adolescents were gathered, was known for this. It was at least one more reason Adam was happy to have been graduated. Now, the business between himself and Dixie could stay between them. He remembered how annoying it was when she had left for Paris, having to deal with constant rumors and lies that were spread. "And Cole?" Adam decided to keep the questions simple at first. At least he could try to determine what type of mood Dawn was in and whether or not it was a chatty one.

"That and just a place to relax for a spell," he answered when Dawn questioned his presence at the Living Room. He'd have asked her in return, but didn't really feel he needed a reason for her to be there. He didn't want to ask too many questions and seem pushy. When it came to conversations and social interaction, Adam was more cautious than anything. He never was one to thrive on being a people person. For that reason, his social interactions were usually done carefully and slowly on his part. No use of rushing into situations and drawing attention to yourself, he always thought. "It's a nice place," he said, looking around again at the other patrons and the warm environment. "Do you dance?" he asked, hoping she didn't interpret his question as him asking her to dance. Adam hated dancing, and simply wondered if he was the only person to detest it so much. "I mean, do you like dancing." He clarified his statement so that there wouldn't be any confusion. "I don't," he added, finishing the last of his White Russian. The bartender had noticed, and Adam gave him a nod that indicated he would have another.

[dawn]

(( I told you I would wait to reply to this, but I never intended on waiting this long... sorry about that. ))

Sipping her glass of wine, a familiar name crossed Adam's lips. Slowly swallowing her sip of the dark wine she smiled, for once showing an emotion to herself. Setting down her glass on the table in front of her, she looked up at Adam with a smile. Narrowing her eyes slightly, she judged if he was the right person to speak this to. Knowing how his blood line went, as well as who he was and who he has been for the last several years, she smirked at the idea that she thought he would hold this against her. Softening her glare, she shook her head with a young girl type giggle. Looking down at her left hand, where her most recent addition to her jewelry collection sat for the world to see. "Cole.... He has been good." she said still looking at her hand. "You know." She paused before going on, as she twitted with her ring a bit. "We're engaged now." she said as she looked up at Adam. A certain glimmer in her emerald eyes shown brightly for the world to see. Cole was the only man for her, and who would have thought?! They were friends since they were young. Never spent a moment separated. Now, several years later planing to be wed in due time. "Amazing how things work out." she said as she looked down at her hand. A stunningly large princess cut diamond sat in the middle of several small clusters of emerald jewels laid on a silver band. It was elegant, yet devastatingly gorgeous. It was flashy, but not too large to be uncomfortable.

She stared at the ring as she thought about Cole yet again. Looking up at Adam she spoke. "He's out of town for the next month or so." She nodded. She chose her words perfectly not divulging too much information, but just enough to seem personable. "He asked me last month." she smiled and continued. "Friends for eight-teen years. In a relationship for four years. And engaged for one month..." as she spoke the last phrase she tilted her head to side slightly and gave a confused look. She wasn't quite used to new things, new titles, anything new. She like routines, and 'the same old thing'. When she couldn't control the things around her, she became uncomfortable. Dawn was a powerful woman and demanded everything worked under her rule, her choice. Everything in her life filtered through her. However, this caught her off guard and she still wasn't used to the fact she was going to get married. Smirking, she sat back in the leather bound seat with her wine glass back in her hand. She looked into the fire, still with a grin that could make many eligible men melt. Placing her painted red lips on the glass, she in-took another small sip of her dark wine. As she swallowed she closed her eyes and let every last taste bud devourer the sweet taste of Cole's favorite wine. And with every thought of Cole, her heart sank in misery because she missed him so much.

Opening her eyes, from the moment that seemed as if it was an hour, but in reality it was a faction of a second. Sort of like a blink. Lowering her glass, the stem of the glass rested on her knee. Looking over to Adam she rose an eyebrow as she asked the same question back. "And your woman?" She spoke sharply, directly to the point. Dawn didn't know her name, but obviously there was someone in his life. He had yet to fall head over heals for Dawn, not like she was trying or anything. But he spoke to her as if she was anyone else, anyone common. However, she was far beyond common. But being treated by someone she 'grew up with', no matter if they were friends or acquaintances, she liked being treated like an equal, sometimes. But she would choose to be treated like a Queen the majority of her time if she could. She liked the fact Adam seemed faithful to his significant other, good to know there are good people left in this world.

[Professor Adam Greene]

Engaged! Ironically, perhaps that was the theme of the evening then. "I guess a congratulations is in order then?" Adam said, raising his glass a bit a smiling as he stole a glance at the ring on Dawn's finger. He had no clue what kind of ring he was going to get Dixie. White gold... yellow gold... silver. Then there was the cut of the diamond, accessory stones, and a slew of other things to consider. In fact, he really didn't even know what size she wore. He'd have to guess and then get it adjusted if it didn't fit. "I wish you two the best," he then offered kindly before his second drink had been brought to him.

Dawn either had ignored his question about dancing or she had been more interested in hearing about his own love life. He wasn't surprised that she knew he was involved in a relationship with the way news traveled, but he wondered how she might have known. Apparently, she didn't know that it was Dixie though who he was dating, since she didn't use her name. "My woman? Dixie, she is fine." Adam took another drink as he wondered if he should share that he had been planning an engagement himself. Perhaps it would sound like he was only trying to keep up with her or something. That wasn't the case though, and Adam decided it wouldn't hurt to say.

"I'm sure you know her. After all, you were both Queens together." He was referring to the Queens of Slytherin, and he was almost certain that Dawn would not need anymore explanation. "I'm actually planning to propose to her myself," he added with a wry smile. "I've been ring shopping all day. Didn't find quite what I was looking for, not that I really know what I am looking for. Any tips?" he asked, figuring who better to ask than a girl around Dixie's age who had just gotten her own engagement ring.

((Sorry this took a bit of time to get to, and sorry it's a bit on the short side. ))