Closed Teatime Intrusion

[Monty Pendleton]

"... And that was when the entire thing exploded," Monty said. "Which was just as well, really, or else I never would have become a professor." He smiled and took another sip of tea. He didn't often talk about his life before the age of forty, but sitting with Chal in the cosy living room above his shop, the words came easily. A little too easily, perhaps; Chal was surely fed up with this story by now. But if he was, he had been kind enough not to say anything. "Anyway, enough about me. Tell me something surprising about your past." Monty grinned.

Godmod approved

 

[Chalcedony Michaels]

Chalcedony had really been enjoying himself listening to Montgomery go on, sipping his tea and chuckling at the appropriate moments. Chal cradled his cup as he considered the Professors question. "Oh, posh, something surprising?" He sipped his tea thoughtfully. "Well, there was this one time Ruby and I-"

He started, only to be interrupted by a shrill voice. "Uncle Chalcedony!" Chal jumped, spilling his tea. He set the cup down quickly, standing and turning to face the blond woman barreling towards them. She paid no mind to Montgomery as she started to tear into him. "Not a single person is the family has any sense, tell James to get rid of those- those stains before something happens to him, too!" She yelled at him.

Chalcedony crossed his arms, glaring down the younger woman. "I will do no such thing, mind your manners young lady." He replied sternly. "I dont know what poppycock got into your mind, but there is nothing wrong with the twins. Granted, Sapphire is a bit... unconventional, yes, and Onyx can be a bit overbearing, but they are splendid children and you would do well to hold your tongue. Until you can apologize to your brother and the children- especially the children, you can get out of my home!" He pointed to the door, ignoring the shrill shriek she let out before turning and stomping away the way she had come.

Once she was gone, Chal lowered back into his seat, shaking visibly. "I'm terribly sorry, Montgomery," he murmured, running his hands over his face. I do not know where I went wrong with her," he murmured, half to himself before sitting up and picking up his tea with shaking hands. "What, ah... what were we discussing, old fellow?" He managed weakly.

 

[Monty Pendleton]

Monty startled so violently he spilled tea on himself. He stared at the woman who had barged in, horrified and alarmed, a flush of embarrassment on Chal's behalf suffusing his cheeks. Chal's niece or not, she had quite a nerve letting herself into the house and unleashing a tirade in front of his guest. Monty didn't know where to look. Just as he was beginning to think he should slip outside until it was over, the woman turned on her heel and stormed out the way she'd come in.

For a few seconds Monty was speechless. He heard the slam of the front door downstairs and wondered why he hadn't heard it open. "Are you all right?" he asked, leaning forward to put his cup on the table. If Monty was shaken, he could only imagine how Chal felt. And indeed, Chal was shaking. "Do you want me to... make sure she's gone?" Monty suggested, thinking he might appreciate a moment alone to compose himself.

 

[Chalcedony Michaels]

Chalcedony hesitated a moment as Montgomery asked if he was alright. "I- that is- quite," he managed feebly. He ran a hand over his face. "I- ah, if you wish," he responded softly. "I'll... make some fresh tea." He excused himself, gathering their spilled cups and moving over to the stove to put the kettle on again.

 

[Monty Pendleton]

Monty stood up and left the room, but had no sooner reached the bottom of the stairs than he regretted leaving Chal by himself. He glanced down the road in both directions and, seeing no sign of the woman, headed straight back inside. He knocked gently to announce his presence before letting himself in. "She's gone," he said. Now what? He had plenty of experience comforting people he loved, but he didn't know Chal well at all. He advanced awkwardly toward the kitchen space. "Sorry, I... I don't want to pry, but - are you sure you're all right? Who was that?"

 

[Chalcedony Michaels]

Chal set to work making a new batch of tea, busying himself with handwashing their cups and drying them. He heard Montgomery come back in, sighing softly as the inevitable was asked. "It appears," He managed, setting the teacups back on the tray, "That you now know my greatest failure." He chuckled dryly. "That... was Myra, my sister's youngest child." He sighed, turning and leaning against the counter and running his hand through his hair.

"She blames the twins for her brothers' death." He sighed, "Of all my sisters children... Myra was the closest to me." He turned, taking the kettle and moving back to the table, remaking his and Monty's tea as he spoke. "My sister and I grew up in the foster system, going from one home to the next. We didn't have an easy upbringing. I went through quite a bit to spare my sister and hardships," He spoke quietly, offering Monty a new cup before taking his own. "Eventually we grew up, and she married a sea captain. Muggle, of course. When he was lost at sea, she was left pregnant with Myra and with three boys to raise. I stepped in where I could, and she took his ship and built an empire with it."

Chal sighed. "The boys had her guidance. Myra had mine. As it turns out, it would seem to be a good thing I've never married. If my influence did that... I shudder to think what I would have done as a father," He chuckled dryly, sipping his tea and taking comfort in its warmth. "I am sorry, Montgomery, I didn't intend to throw you into an awkward position."