✧A WITCH WITH ADVICE TO GIVE✧

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Rhea hadn't realized that with the combination of school and planning Alphard's looming birthday celebration, she would find little time to paint—In addition to spending time with Binkt or her husband for that matter.

Let alone her friends!

It was just fortunate that she found a friend that was in the same realm of academics and she didn't have to constantly apologize to Corin for being swamped with assignments. As she herself had a plethora of assignments as well. At times, it could be done together. As Rhea was more knowledgeable at the healing aspect, which Corin was dutifully required to learn to receive her degree. While Rhea needed help with herbology at times, as understanding certain plants and this type of wildlife would only aid her in the long run.

As of right now, she was studying once more, in front of her easel, trying to finish up the last known touches. But her new partner had a method to the madness as well, as Binkt was perched up on her shoulder as though she were a bird. Keeping Rhea the perfect amount of company and responding when she had a question.

And while it didn't come out as a proper voice, a meow here and there still made it more than a one-sided conversation.

"Rhea? Are you in—Ah, perfect. I wanted to warn you about a get-together I'm having this weekend." She blinked up towards her husband in utter confusion.

"Is this your infamous whiskey-tasting party that Orion was gushing over the other day?"

"The very one, and I know you're busy with schoolwork. It's wizards only." Now that earned him a brilliant smile, as considering the last few get-togethers were attended out of obligation to their name and title. Especially considering that it was better than the other option, and which would be inviting Walburga back to the country in order to be the presence everyone expected.

"I've been uninvited, what a pity." She teased, and she only began scratching Binkt's chest as the feline nuzzled closer to her mum. "Sounds like a lovely night with a bottle of wine, doesn't it, Binkt?"

A sharp and confirming meow had followed suit, and Alphard had only laughed. "Should I get the elves to prepare for a few platters and snacks?"
"I would appreciate it, little goddess. They're starting to listen to you much more than myself these days." She rolled her eyes, knowing that wasn't the case at all.

"Please don't come to bed smelling like whiskey and cigars."

"Wouldn't dream of it. If it's too late, love. I'll head into the guest room." Ever the gentlemen, and so she offered a small tease to one of her gifts—Which of course sparked Alphard's excitement, but what they hadn't figured was Orion's sudden burst through the door.

"Absolutely not. Try again." She said with a pointed look, and the tone she used nearly caused Orion to jump as if he wasn't expecting something of the sort.

"Well, excuse me, Alphard hadn't allowed me to see you these past couple of days because of your new addition. Adorable as could be, by the way. But Corin has a kitten too!" Rhea had turned to Alphard before rolling her eyes.

"Congratulations, Orion. You did it!" She cheered with a fake bit of laughter that had caused him to scowl. "You knew?"

"She asked me not to say anything, didn't know you'd react to a cat in the flat. But judging by that reaction, I'd say it'd pass over well."

"I adore animals."

"Questionable, but how is Corin going to know that?... Alphard said I can't meddle anymore." Alphard had waved his hand in between his wife's and brother's back-and-forth conversation to separate the two.

"I said it's better to let them go at their own pace. Orion didn't meddle with us." Rhea gestured towards her husband in that sense before a smile blossomed onto her face. "Perhaps you should get one of your own, Orion. Even Alfie is a softie for Binkt." After a bit of grumbling on Alphard's end, Rhea smiled over with a playful wink before going ahead to wipe her hands.

"Now she doesn't have to hide Pip all the time, bet that'll be a load off."

"I actually...Haven't told her I know yet. She's been busy with school and all. I've stopped by to say hi to the little bugger after I've been at the office." Rhea, who was smiling to herself silently as she started putting her utensils away had glanced over to Alphard—Who was stuck wondering what on earth had gotten into his brother.

"Perhaps we should've gotten Orion a kitten for instead." She joked, and Orion had sighed at the possibility. "My luck, Walburga would have it poisoned or murdered at first sight. No, best to have the pets in this manor. She cannot touch—"

"She cannot touch anything, the elves in the German manor have told me that she is still causing trouble." Now that had been news to Rhea, and given that she placed her hands on her hips, he was likely going to hear about it now and later on when she recalled for a second time.

"Oh? And when were you going to tell me that? I'm the one she's targeting if you aren't aware. Merlin, once she finds out I'm in Saint Mungeos—"

"I don't think she can discredit you for anything, it's a wonderful look. Healer Black, sounds so official." Rhea snorted a she continued to shake her head, easing Binkt at her shoulder and back into her now clean hands.

"Wasn't one of our ancestors Minster for Magic—Or a Hogwarts Headmaster? Certainly, those are more impressive than a Healer." Rhea offered, and Alphard had placed an ever-loving kiss on his wife's cheek.

"Ah, but the women in our family have done very little. You'll be the first. Besides, most were pureblood surepremists. They don't think as we do." Now that had certainly caused Orion to frown, he hadn't recalled any sort of incriminating words from Rhea.

And now that he thought about it, he didn't know what Rhea's stance was on the muggles.

"Don't suppose you support the Dark Lord then, do you, Rhea?" The woman stilled before glancing up at her husband in sheer panic.

"We don't say that name in this house, Orion. Mind your tongue." That had certainly come as a shock to the man standing before them as he thought for a moment, taking the advice of minding his tongue. "Then what are your views, if you don't mind my asking?"

"They're my own, Orion. I like you very much, closer than Rabastan at times. I do mind you asking." It had caused the conversation to fall short and Rhea's head had fallen.

"If you care any bit for Corin, you'd respect both my views and hers, Orion. Her parents were murdered if you don't remember." That he had forgotten. He had more than just forgotten about it, it escaped his mind completely.

That his mistress—girlfriend or whatever Corin is considered to be, would not have her parent's approval in the relationship.

"And I advise you don't ask her. It's very personal."

"You know."
"I do...But she also knows I do not see eye to eye with a tyrant who calls himself names from medieval time. Lord, it's all a front as far as I'm concerned. Rodolphous is neck deep. Rabastan is sure to follow in his footsteps, and my father nearly sold me to the highest—"

One look at Alphard and the conversation had shut down, he was hardly ever firm with his wife. But on the occasion, the two were able to veto said topic. And the Dark Lord usually was the main one.

"That is another thing we don't speak about."

"Hmm, Rodolphous hasn't been a bastard as of late, has he?" Orion questioned, and that had confused Rhea. "I thought we were on good terms with Rolf." She spoke, rather worried that she had missed something important, but Alphard's hold on her had only tightened.

"Not your brother, your father is the one that's not a topic for conversation, love." And Rhea supposed the idea of Dolohov being the highest bitter was the following exclusion, so she nodded in agreement before offering a short smile to Orion.

"Corin should be taking a break soon, perhaps you'll catch her before Alfie's Whiskey party." With the conversation on much friendlier grounds, they were able to salvage the better part of the day. Though it still didn't mask Orion's confusion about it all, nor wondering what exactly Rhea meant by Corin's stance.

He too would have some ill thoughts about the organization that killed his parents, but then again, he wasn't in her shoes.

After having owled her just after leaving Alphard's estate, he was waiting around diligently getting a bit of work done before settling on a piece of literature that none other than Rhea had recommended.

'It's a bit of both worlds,' she'd said whilst pushing it his way. And by the way Alphard had eyed it, it seemed that he too had read it.

Merlin have him, it was littered with material to take from.

And damnit, it was becoming increasingly difficult not to think about his little Dove when following the words below. Damn Rhea—And Damn Alphard for supplying Rhea for said literature.

It was like a curse, one that plagued him the entire night until he gave up and took a sleeping tonic—One that wasn't easily fixed with the strongest cup of coffee the following morning. Though if it was any consensus, he knew that his brother was more or less in the boat as him.

Having a student for a lover wasn't ideal in the bedroom—But Alphard wasn't going to be the one to tell the poor bloke that the newly made couple had a lot to celebrate as of late.

Orion, however, thought it would be best to be the one to cheer for Corin—As he could see how much it supported Rhea when Alphard would do those little acts of kindness. So the last two days he has left small notes in the flat, boxed a bit of lunch and dinner that he had Kreacher make to 'go to work' but the elf wouldn't look between the words.

Even now, he was putting a few packages in her ice box—She had sent him a parcel just last night saying she was thankful for them. But the lack of seeing her in person was starting to wane on him. Making him rather desperate for a glimpse, but for now, her beautiful script worked wondrously—Or had, until the front door had opened and she came in, struggling with a few dozen bags or so.

"Merlin sakes, damn you woman. I am getting you an elf the next chance I get." Orion firmly stated, but Corin had nearly toppled over at the fact that he was even in the flat. Course she assumed that he popped in here and there, but it was sort of nice coming home to the flat to someone being here.

"Why? You're helping me just fine." She said with a smile, placing down the bags from the market and cupping his face before placing a soft kiss on his lips.

"While it's a nice surprise to see you, Orion. Um...Did we have something planned?" He shook his head and set the bags down on the kitchen where he just finished writing his note.

"Well, this is rather pointless now, hm?" He said, gesturing to the little parcel. One she swiped out of his hands and nearly enacting his former chaser reflects, had he not been blind sighted.

"'My little dove, I've missed you these past few—"

"Truly, you don't have to say aloud my awful—"

"'—Days. I long to see you,' Funny timing because here I am." Corin cheered, her smile nearly shining just as bright as before. And his sigh of relief had sort of eased the tension in his chest, though he did catch her scanning the rest of his little admission to his feelings.

"You do have a way with words, has anyone told you that?"
"My brother's said that it's how he wooed his wife, I thought I give myself a chance in the same way." A light laugh had escaped Corin's lips as she nodded. "You mean Alphard, right? You don't have a another brother, right?"

"No, I do have an elder sister. But otherwise, it's only Alphard and Cygnus, my cousins." And Walburga, he wanted to add, but she had gotten the run down from Rhea a bit ago.

"That's right, I think I met her at the last party—Rhea introduced me. From afar."

"Yes, she has a way of getting me in trouble...Are you hungry? I had Kreacher make a few different platers for lunch and—" Corin tried to hold back her pleasured groan as she moved off to the fridge as he explained which was which.

"Will you eat with me?" He nodded, and thus, she started plating and heating the few giving bits before heading towards the dining room table. Completely forgetting about the fact that Pip was just sitting kindly at the coffee table.

"Does Pip have kibble in her bowl?" Orion asked as Corin was pouring them a bit of juice. And he responded without a second thought before digesting the subject and struggling to keep her expression calm.

"She gets fed three times a day."

"Seems a bit focused on our plates, doesn't she?" Trying her best to find her breath, Corin abandoned the plates and drinks before taking Pip into her arms and snuggling her close. "When did you meet her?"

"Not too long ago. I needed to get out of the manor and so I came here—After a bit of a conversation with Rhea and Alphard mind you. And this lil fellow had clawed the back of my ankle, and we've been friends ever since." He said, cooing down to the feline. Instantly earning himself some purring as his hands ran through her fur—Making Corin swallow thinking in a bit of panic.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. Rhea said it was alright when she found out. Wasn't sure how you'd feel about Pip."

"I had a feeling, my parents weren't the biggest fan of any pets. Hardly let me get an owl if I wasn't allowed one for Hogwarts. Between Pip and Binkt, I'm debating on getting my own." The surprise on Corin's face had just caused him to let out a breathless laugh, nodding his head at the given reaction

"No worries, but no hiding her away in your bedroom."
"You know I wasn't trying to avoid us in the bedroom, right?" He bobbed his head before eyeing the floor. "The following morning I pieced it together. But tonight, I have an idea in mind—So, let us eat this lovely meal and unwind." Corin hadn't understood the shift, but seeing Orion control their time together was causing an eager shiver to run down her spin.

Eating was nearly agonizing, as it kept Corin mindful of every bite—Every sip of juice that Orion took. It was a rather intense game, but realistically, Orion wanted his little dove to eat something before he enacts something from the borrowed book.

It was no wonder Rhea wore a smile all the time or was eager to be alone with Alphard, if he was taking hints from this—It nearly solved all his life's questions.

As Corin finished up her last bite, Orion had wiped his lips once more before eyeing the door to her room. "You've been too stressed as of late, little Dove." He spoke while rising to his feet, and it nearly instantly caused Corin's lips to part and her thighs to clench.

Perhaps he was playing a sort of cat and mouse game, acting as the predator seeking their pray. But Corin's shocked expression turned into a smile.

"Oh?"
"Cheeky...I thought we could destress together." Whatever type of hint he was trying to offer had Corin nodding instantly. But before she could stand from her chair, Orion had began to lightly brush his thumb down the better part of her cheeks, coexisting with the comment he had just made, all to get down to her chin and lift her neck up to greet him fully.

"I'll meet you in bed, little Dove." It had sounded like both a promise and an order, but as she swallowed and nodded to his direct instructions, she hurried her way into her room, leaving the door partially cracked as she turned around and looked around her room in wonder.

She was already on the potion, but she wouldn't mind casting a spell just in case.

In looking down at what she was wearing, she instantly regretted not being able to change from her school overalls and smocks. But maybe Orion didn't mind?

Upon her inner debate, Orion had come forward and wrapped his arms around her from behind. Lingering at the center of her lower half. "Your attire is fine. Or have you forgotten I've seen you with nothing on?" A nervous bit of laughter escaped her before she turned behind and smiled to her Hunter.

"What did you have in mind?" Her question was weighted, especially since she was growing excited by the second. "What I had in mind? It's rather subtle, really...I want to taste you." It felt as though Corin's soul had left and reentered her body, and in that moment of weakness, Orion had stepped forward—Causing Corin to lose her balance and fall down onto the bed.

Orion, taking control of the opportunity, had snuck his knee in between her parted knees and smiled as she cursed.

"Believe me, little Dove. I'll take care of you." His declaration was just as endearing as his sweet talking in his notes, and damnit, she nearing cursed again when his kisses started her lips, leading down from her neck, her chest before landing at her parted thighs—Keeping his gaze locked onto hers.

"Forgive me, I haven't done this in awhile." That had added another tug of warmth to creep up on her, and nothing could have prepared her for the attention of Orion Arcturus Black. Not when he licked, suckled, and caressed her until she was moaning to the point of screaming.

Or tugging at his hair, urging him to continue until she begged for a moment to breath.

When he did, finally, lie down beside her—Corin had turned to curl up into his chest and fell fitful asleep. His mission of getting his little dove the chance to relax had been beautifully underway.

Not to mention that he felt that their relationship had started to inch forward into something more...Intimate.

It was also the perfect time to ask Corin to attend Alphard's birthday—Though she was already invited, it was still nice to hear the informal invitation come from Orion's lips.

He would never be able to take her out to a public gathering, not without proper care to who is watching.

Even now, as she was stripped of her clothing and resting against Orion's chest. Corin never felt more in danger and safe at the same time. Rhea had listed the possibilities, but if it came down to it—Corin would need to do more than just watch her back.

If Walburga or anyone in the pureblood community catches wind, they may have the power of blackmail. And Merlin knows how many lives have gone into hiding because of a similar situation.

There was nothing more than greed in this world, Corin was starting to realize that when she first walked through the doors of Eve's Garden.

It seemed as though Corin wasn't the only one who was cursing in bliss, not when Rhea was walking through the manor with a smile on her face and her healer robes still on her body. Oh, she couldn't possibly wait to tell Alphard about her day!

At first, she was just shadowing Maverick as normal, which switched between the children's floor to more of the bizarre cases—Meaning where she was placed and he first met her.

From there, she met and spent time with others on the floor. Even having a hand at things—Which meant that her questions could have answers.

When she told Alphard over their early dinner, he was just as eager to hear what his wife had done today. And the encouraging smile had lightened the mood, even if she apologized for babbling on for so long.

"Love, you don't understand how good it is to see you so lively and energetic about something you adore. And in the record of it all, I know you are helping both the patients and their families recover from all this." She explained that she had gotten a few 'thank you' in passing from mothers and fathers. In addition to being complimented by the higher-ups, something that Alphard didn't know how he felt.

He realized that one couldn't so easily jump from student to head healer, but within the next few years and hard work that he knew very well would be easy to succeed.

"I...Well, Maverick offered a type of job. It'll give me hours I need or would have completed during the summer. I'm not sure it would be smart though, with classes."

"What did Maverick say?"

"That he wouldn't offer it if he didn't think I could do both. I just wanted to have your opinion too." Alphard had taken a faithful sip of his whiskey, clearing his throat.

Deep down, he wanted Rhea to go forward with her dreams. And knew that after all this studying would reward her with a well-deserving job. He was certain that her name was already being whispered in the right circles, rather than cursed in with Walburga and the rest.

"I invited him to your birthday, if that's alright with y—"
"Course. He's helped this family and then some, though I'm more worried about his little glances at Corin. Wouldn't you say?" Rhea's eyes widened in surprise, how had he bloody caught that?

"They er...They had a bit of a thing together."

"A thing. What type of thing are we talking about?" Rhea perked her lips and shook her head as she took another bite of the meal before her. "They dated for a bit."

"Dated. Does Orion know?"
"I'm sure that he knows Corin had a few relationships. From what I remember her telling me, he taught a few classes and she met him through a few of her friends—At the time...Considering she's behind them now, they're all graduated." He had to remember that Corin was older than Rhea, not by much, but there was still an educational gap.

And he knew that Maverick was certainly older than the both of them.

"Is that normal, for healers to get together with other healers?" It was delayed, but Rhea nodded regardless. "It's a big commitment with schooling and such, especially if I decide later on I want to be a head healer. Usually, the head healers are close in the hospital. I think that would be wonderful."

"As do I, Head Healer Black. And it's best to get a few connections at the beginning of your journey than later. Take it from me."

"Hmm, what is that bloke's name that you had me flaunting most of the night." Alphard groaned, knowing full well that would come to bite him in the arse for the next few years.

At the very least.

"I would've never thought Corin and Maverick would have been a thing, as you said."

"Believe me, I was surprised. And I found out from Mav, too. They ended rather abruptly too, just before her parents were..." Alphard nodded, hoping that things would vote well for his brother, but he knew that Maverick was a good man.

His feelings were ultimately split.

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Date Posted: 11/19/22

Time: 9:42

Words: 3984