ON TOP OF THE WORLD;; {open}

[cronon]

There was so much to think about, and yet, Alexander already had everything taken care of. Along with his mother doing well, he smirked as he stood upon the rooftops of the towers looking out with his hands in his pockets, at a sunset that just made February less wintry than ever. He didn't care if it was dangerous to be standing on the slick roof, nor did Alexander care about the fact that his back was slightly green due to the pox... at that time, he was at peace.

That day had been eventful. Actually, when it came to receiving owls in the morning, Alexander had been getting his fill of excitement. First the pictures with his mother in it, then the envelope from his parents with all of his mail that he received at home when he wasn't there... encased, his letter of acceptance into law school... he could hardly believe it. "Here I come world!" He yelled out, chuckling as he did so and sighing. The day may have been ending... but his world was just beginning.

School only had a few months, and weather or not he passed the NEWTs, it wouldn't matter. Alexander Rufus Cronon II would be going to college... accepted into the Kenya University of Law and Science. It was absolutely shocking, and Alexander just knew that his father had something to do with it. But again, he didn't care... he was going to be a lawyer.

Alexander Rufus Cronon II was gong to help people, fall in love the natural way, and expand his horizon as no other human had done...

{open}

[Tallulah Skeffington]

As spring came so did Tallulah's happiness. Spring was her favorite month of the year, the one where everything bloomed and bursted back to life. It made her want to run outside and say hello to all the flowers. Weird, yes, but this was such a gorgeous place and she wanted everyone to know. Seeing as the day was gorgeous she decided to find some window to look out of while she waited for some idea of what to do with the beautiful day came.

She started with getting up and getting out of her dorm room early, making her way around the school. She didn't speak to anyone, just stare out the windows as she passed. Everything outside brought a smile to the Slytherin's face. Every little thing. Tallulah passed a window that looked over a bunch of flowers. Grinning she looked at them, taking in their colors. This was her perfect day.

She finally made it up to the towers where the best views were found. By the time she made it up there the sun was already setting. Her excitement reached another high as she would be able to see the sunset from up there. She passed a hatch that was open. Her eyebrows furrowed, wondering why it was open. Shrugging she walked over and climbed up to it and looked around. She was a boy, Hufflepuff. He was a few years older then her. She could see how happy he was from the way he was standing. Pushing herself out of the hole she found herself on top of the school.

"Uh....hey. Hope I'm not interrupting anything..." She said quietly, not wanting to scare the boy. That would be the last thing she needed today.

[cronon]

Alexander heard a shuffling of sorts as another came upon the roof, but he continued looking out at the sun. There was nothing that could ruin his mood at that moment, not even if the other person was Dante and his incredibly annoying way of shortening his name. Frankly, Alexander was feeling so happy at that moment, he probably would have hugged the guy in greetings if he were the person that was coming upon the roof. However, the lighter, and higher pitched voice was sign that it was not even another male who was there, but a female instead.

Turning his head, Alexander continued to smile, but it softened into a more charming look as he shrugged and shook his head. “Oh, no, Miss… right now, any inclusion of another would never be an intrusion.” He tipped his head toward the girl, flashing her, a slightly toothy smile and sighed. Not wanting to seem rude, nor did he want the young lass to slip Alexander stuck out his hand kindly and gestured for her to grab on to it.

“Here, so you don’t fall. I’m Alexander. I don’t think we’ve met…” he paused knowing that he should have at least seen the girl from somewhere. “…at least formally.” Alexander laughed again, standing up straight and carefully to look back at the sun. “Do you know what this is?” he said gesturing toward the sun with his head. “It’s the beginning of transition… change…” Alexander doubted that she would know what he was talking about, but he couldn’t help himself but rattle off…

[Tallulah Skeffington]

Tallulah grinned at the boy as he said she wasn't intruding on something. Still peeking out Tallulah glanced around at the view. Gorgeous, just as she thought. The sun's dying light fell upon her face, warming her like someone's light touch. She felt clean, fresh. The boy stuck out her hand for her to take. Grinning up at him she grabbed it and pulled herself onto the tower roof. Tal looked at the boy again and blushed, grinning at his suave smile.

"Nice to meet you Alexander, I'm Tallulah. I don't think we've met formally, but I have seen you around. You're a seventh year right?" Her body was calm, happy. This boy seemed to be as happy about the scenery as she was. Alexander turned back to the sun, so she she. Her dark hair blew lightly as a gentle wind blew through them. The sweet smell of newly bloomed flowers wafted in the air.

“It’s the beginning of transition… change…”

She had no idea what he was talking about, but he sounded happy about it. Something must be changing in his life. She smiled into the sun, listening to him. "What do you mean?" She inquired. Glancing over to Alexander again she watched him, his actions. She wasn't being mean, she just wanted to understand where he was coming from.

[cronon]

Her face reflected the suns rays very nicely, and so Alexander believed her blush only to be the sun touch upon the girl’s face. “Tallulah?” Alexander repeated almost as if asking a question. He’d heard some nice names, but that was very unique. “What a unique, and of course, beautiful name….” He nodded, shutting his eyes as he did so just briefly and opening them to see her turn to the sun and look, just moments before he followed suit.

Alexander put his hands back into his pockets and sighed happily. Most would have though he was icing the cake with as many compliments he was giving the younger girl, but it was just in Alexander’s nature to compliment women, and when he was happy… well, there was just no stopping him. You’re a seventh year, right? Alexander nodded again, looking back at the dark haired girl and nodded. “Why, yes, I am. What year are you in?”

His words spoken, he couldn’t help but continue to smile. Alexander saw the sun still shinning. Anymore he couldn’t help it. He was going to be a big brother in a couple of months… he was going to college for what he wanted to do with his life, finally… and soon thereafter, he knew he’d find that kind of love he was looking for. Natural Magic… the kind that muggles had without even knowing they had it…

“Do you have any siblings?” Alexander asked Tallulah. “And… and, do you know what you’re doing after school? I finally figured everything out. Like... everything…” his words trailed off, his eyes wide with excitement. Everything was finally coming together… or at least everything…one step at a time.

[Tallulah Skeffington]

“What a unique, and of course, beautiful name….”

Another wave of blushing fell on her face. Was he always this suave? She'd like to know. Most boys here didn't speak this way. Her grin turned sheepish and she looked away, not sure what to say. "Thank you. Alexander is a very strong name. I like it." Light brown eyes looked back toward the horizon, taking in the pink and orange hues that now adorned the skies above them. The colors took her breath away. If someone was to ask her what her favorite colors were right now she'd have to say pink and orange.

"Fifth year. Slytherin. I went to Beauxbaton before here." She really didn't need to add her house, but it seemed to be a common question among students when they met. Most people could have guessed what house she was in from her last name. It was nice when she didn't tell someone her last name and immediately know who she was and where she resided.

Alexander then shot off a volley of questions to her, making her listen hard so she could answer then all. "Siblings? No. My parents only wanted one child. Wish I did have one. An older brother maybe. I don't think I could deal with a sister." She laughed at the thought of her having a sibling. That would only end in disaster for the sibling.

What was she doing once she graduated? She'd rather not think about such things. Her parents would try to marry her off to some other rich pure blood family. The thought of that scared her. Thats what happened to her mother. She sorely didn't want that to happen to her. Tallulah shrugged in a defeated sort of way, showing her distaste for the thought. "I have no idea really. My parents want me to get married as soon as possible. I'd personally like to be a musician. Maybe a magical music teacher or something." Anything to get her away from the life her parents were pushing upon her.

He seemed to know what he wanted to do with his life. "What about you? What do you want to do after Hogwarts?" He probably had these amazing ideas that would turn into an exacting life that she would only dream of living.

[cronon]

Alexander could see that he was probably coming on a bit strong from the way that Tallulah acted, but he couldn’t help himself. He was just too full of life and promise at that moment that he just couldn’t find any other outlet for it. Not to mention, he wasn’t lying at all, so why should he have been subtle? Thank you. Alexander is a very strong name. I like it. Alexander nodded and smiled fully. “As do I think the same way,” he paused. “It’s also my father’s name, for I’m the second. And he’s incredible. Someone that I hope to be even half the man of.” Alexander continued to smile and sighed.

Alexander knew of some Slytherins, but he’d never actually interacted with many too much. “Slytherin, eh? Very nice.” Alexander had no reason to think any ill thoughts towards any of the houses, knowing that each had their own strengths and weaknesses. “Yea, I also transferred here. Not from Beauxbatons, though. But, after living in Hufflepuff for the last three years… I don’t think I’d trade it for the world.” He chuckled to himself and looked back at the younger girl.

Yes, siblings. Tallulah was just an only child as well. The same as he… well, that was until recently. “My mother’s pregnant. I’m going to have a younger sibling,” he smiled at the girl told him of what she would have liked to have possibly. He nodded. “I was unsure until just recently if I wanted a younger sibling myself… I’m hoping for a little sister.” And his bet was that she’d be born on April 30th. He’d made it with Felicity when he’d told her, and a bunch of lollies were riding on that day for sure. He laughed to himself again.

“Married?” Alexander asked, raising an eyebrow. It was sad when a girl felt forced into a situation by that, and by her parents of all people. “Well, I’d suggest taking your time as long as possible. You’ll want to find that love that’s natural and real…” Of course, it was more like Alexander wanted to find a love that was natural, real, and above all else, with a nice muggle girl. None of this magic stuff getting in the way of anything that could have been special. Yes. He would have changed that way of thinking for Krissy… but not all things can really have happy endings.

As for what he wanted to do, his eyes widened slightly and he rocked back and forth on his feet carefully. “I’m going to college. I’m going to be a lawyer, and law school is where I’m going to do that. In Africa of all places!” he exclaimed looking at the girl and taking the letter out of his pocket. On the envelope it had his home address, the return address, and a post marked stamp, clearly showing that it was nothing an owl would have delivered by itself. It was his first step to leaving all of the magic in the world behind him just as he always had wanted. “I’m going to make a life for myself, for anyone who wants to join me, and above all else,” he paused and sighed as he whispered more to himself than actually to Tallulah…. “I’m going to go back to being muggle.”

[Tallulah Skeffington]

Alexander was excited about something. It was nice to hear someone go on about something that made them happy. Hearing Alexander speak about his father so highly brought a smile to her face. If she was asked about her parents she'd just sigh and change the subject. She had to put on a happy face and grin when speaking about anything that had to do with their parents. Glancing over at him she felt a twinge of jealousy. His parents seemed amazing. "You'll be as good as him. I can tell."

"If I got in Hufflepuff I'd have been disowned and thrown out. No Skeffington has ever been in anything but Slytherin. Ever." The wind was kicking up, blowing her hair about. She lifted a pale arm and pulled it behind one of her ears, hoping to get it out of her eyes. "Did your parents do here?"

"Aww! I love babies." She guessed this was why he was happy, a baby would do that to someone. "April! Oh thats really close! Are you going to be with your family when the baby comes or are you stuck here?" If her mum was pregnant and expecting soon Tallulah would want to be there. "Even though I deny ever wanting a sibling I think I'd be a good sister. Older though."

Tallulah nodded, ashamed of what he parents wanted of her. Married young to a rich, handsome pureblood to produce many gorgeous pureblooded babies. The idea was so medieval and yet her parents were obsessed with it. "It's all they want and if I say no the repercussions would be worse then dying." She didn't want to ruin his happiness, the thought of her life scared her to death. "I want to fall in love the right way. The idea just doesn't seem real now."

What he said next almost made her fall off the roof. Leave the wizarding world? Really leave? Yes she could kind of understand the want to go back to the world you were raised in but....fully leave? "I-I-Wow." She nodded her head, trying to wrap it around the thought. "Fully leave? Like never to do magic again?" The thought amazed her truly. She had only lived in the wizarding world. Was the muggle world that awesome? Her life wouldn't be the same without her magic.

[cronon]

Alexander turned his head at her compliment, his face heating up just slightly. He could only wish to be as amazing as his father, and yet, he didn’t have enough confidence to fully believe what Tallulah said. “Thanks… I just hope you’re right.” He said sighing slightly and nodding his head. Alexander wanted nothing more than to have everything his parents had, and be even half as good as them. They were his idles… even if their lives weren’t always as perfect as they allowed Alexander to see. “I’m hoping I’ll be a good brother, too…” he said nervously. “I’m hoping to be able to go home as soon as the baby is being born… but we don’t know yet…” he nodded.

He listened to her about her house and his brows furrowed slightly, his smile fading. Some parents were harsh, and though he knew it only to be life, it always saddened Alexander to hear that some just couldn’t love their children like a child should be loved. He nodded in understanding, though really, Alexander didn’t understand. Pureblooded wizards just seemed to be so… particular. Even in America they were… different. It almost seemed ten times more stressful to be pure.

“No, my parents didn’t go here. My mum went to a school in her home town in the United States, and my father is muggle. He went to a school in Manchester. It’s where his parents live, though we live in York now.” Alexander nodded and yet he was still a bit worried about Tallulah… she was being made to get married? To a rich pureblood boy who probably wouldn’t even love her? It was appalling to Alexander.

“Why? I mean… I get that the pureblooded thing is…” he paused, giving the girl a sympathetic smirk, but he couldn’t continue. “Never mind… it’s not my place to judge.” Again he stopped, looking back at the sun and filtered a hand through his somewhat long brown hair. “I’m sorry… I just… believe differently I guess.” He looked back at Tallulah, embarrassed at his slight outburst. What was he thinking? That was rude… obnoxious even.

“Yes, I…I…” Alexander stuttered, feeling all of a sudden nervous that he’d said what he had out loud. He knew he had nothing to be ashamed of, but at the same time… who was more free out of the two of them after school? “I want to live my life, finding the magic that my parents have. It’s a magic that muggles have…” Alexander tried to smile, though he knew that it probably looked weak. “It’s natural… you have said that you want to fall into love right… so don’t I…” Alexander looked back at the sun.

“I want to make sure that everything I do in my life, I use my two hands to achieve… love won’t come from being the best at simple spells, or doing things without lifting a finger and being pompous… I want it to come from me, and I want whoever I fall in love with to see that I’m doing it with all of my heart… heh, you probably think I’m nuts….” He rubbed his eyes with his hand, and sighed.

“I’m sorry… I don’t mean to waste your time, Tallulah… I’ve never been really good at explaining why… I just don’t fit in, and…” he sighed and looked back at the younger women. “I want to live the life…” he paused. “…that feels like living…” Alexander scratched the back of his neck, feeling the hives begin to bump up. Yup, now he looked like a freak. Should he leave? He almost wondered what would happen if he didn’t….

[Tallulah Skeffington]

Tallulah noticed his blush and grinned. Looking away for a second she bit her lip, hoping she didn't make him feel awkward. Turning back she listened to him speak. Nodding she gave him another grin. "You will be. Just follow your heart. It will guide you farther then your brain will." A light laugh came from her lips as she realized what she said. How dorky was she? A sigh came out next as she looked back to the sun's dying light.

"A muggle?" She knew what he would think she would say. She looked down, not sure what to say. Half of her wanted to run away back to safety of her common room where she didn't have to say anything. Her other half wanted to ask him more about muggles and what they were like. Her eyes scanned the horizon, looking for something to say. "What does he do?"

She could feel his mind trying to work around his predicament as she did his. She felt awkward, like a person without an answer to a question they should know. He stopped what he was saying. Glancing over at him she furrowed her brows. "No, what were you thinking. I won't be hurt by it." She spoke softy as one would do with a child or loved one. Where did this come from? She had no idea. This inner softness was never there. Inside she was as jagged as a serrated knife. Yes she was nice, but years of her parents changed the little girl they brought into this world.

Alexander's voice was warm, something nice to listen to. As he spoke she nodded taking everything in as he spoke. Something still made her wonder. This thought nagged at her long enough to make her ask it out loud. "But..magic is a part of you. To deny it would be...like denying the sun. I understand where you are coming from and I think it is amazing to have the courage to become what you want. I just-" Now it was her turn to stop speaking. She felt she stepped over some line, something she said would get him mad. "I'm sorry, I just...I have. I'm not used to people from different backgrounds."

She didn't want him to leave. She really liked this conversation, a lot. More then many she had while being here. "So, what do you want to do? At muggle collage I mean?" Tallulah didn't know much about muggle collage or much about muggle anything but she wanted to learn more about Alexander's dreams.

[cronon]

The younger woman’s confidence in him was surprising, and most of all comforting, for Alexander wasn’t used to hearing such kind words from people he’d just met. Tallulah seemed strong in that sense and Alexander could feel the heat only increase as she said that if he followed his heart, he would be just as great as his father. Alexander was always following his heart, and that was what got him so far to begin with. That was, after all, where love spurned from in Alexander’s opinion… an emotion that he knew could lead the way in any life, and make a person better for it. She laughed and as she looked away, Alexander’s eyes glanced briefly over at the brunette. “Thank you,” was all he could say.

A muggle?

Alexander cleared his throat and nodded his head. He wasn’t ashamed of his lifestyle, nor was he afraid to admit that the most magical people he’d ever met were a witch whom only used her magic every once and a while, and a regular old human being. But he almost wondered if right then Tallulah was going to start dissing him, or switch to being rude to him, now that she knew. He looked at her, waiting, and anticipating the worse as she did nothing of what he thought. Had he yet again judged her before allowing her the chance to be who she really was? Alexander could have kicked himself for his own rudeness…

He smiled and a bit of breath escaped him that he’d been holding onto… just in case. “He’s an accident lawyer, and one of the best in York. He’s got his own firm… When I become a partner, he told me he’s going to rename it Cronon & Cronon Accident Law Offices.” Puffing out his chest slightly, and without knowing it, Alexander nodded as he couldn’t wait for that day. It’d be a bit in the future, but he knew he’d get there. It was his dream…. his goal in life.

Her softness in her voice surprised him as Alexander continued to look in as the sun was finally down beneath the horizon, still illuminating the sky, but only for a few more minutes or so. “I just don’t understand, and I’m sorry for saying anything.” His eyes slowly drifted down as he looked toward the edge of the roof. It wasn’t his place to judge other families, and what allowed him to do so when he felt others shouldn’t judge him? He was a hypocrite and at that moment, hating himself for it. “I just…” he paused, his head turning slowly to look at Tallulah again. Alexander didn’t think it would hurt Tallulah, what he said, he just didn’t want her to agree with him and get herself hurt.

“I wish you the best of luck Tallulah. I really do. And I hope…” again he paused looking for the right words. “That whatever your passions turn out to be… you do them, and accomplish them, no matter what.” Alexander didn’t believe it right for a woman to have to marry without being in love. That was preposterous. Outrageous! And down right unbelievable… “I just wish everyone…” there were no words for what he wished. “I know that there are families stuck in the past,” he whispered. “I just wish they’d only stick those who wished to be stuck.” His eyes looked away. “Marry for love, Tallulah… if there’s one thing in life that I can ever suggest…. It’s that.”

Alexander listened to Tallulah and her persuasions of him sticking with magic and being a wizard. He smiled warmly at her and chuckled softly. She reminded him of a brunette, fifteen year old version of his mother and it was cute. Alexander could only hope that one day, he’d be able to tell his mother the same thing he was telling Tallulah that day. “Oh, no. Please… go ahead,” he laughed, not because he thought any of this was a joke, but because he couldn’t help but admire the girls ambition and her tactics of trying to persuade him when a while before, she didn’t even know him. “I’m preparing for when I tell my mother… Please go on,” he gave the girl a smirk and shrugged.

“I know it’s a part of me…” he stopped, sighed, and filtered a hand through his hair. “But so is wanting to become a lawyer and go to college and such…” So, what do you want to do? At muggle collage I mean? Alexander smiled widely. Now this was a topic he could talk about. “I was accepted to the Kenya University of Law and Science… my father has great connections there because it was where he went. I’m going to be studying law so that I can become that lawyer I was telling you about and help people.” He nodded and sighed contently. Everything was falling together so nicely…