Padma: *knocks on the door of the flat, jumping a little from one foot to the other*

Virginia: *runs to the door and flings it open* Pad! *grabs her for a hug* It's good to see you.

Padma: *laughs at her exuberance, hugging back* Good to see you as well. *with just a moment's hesitation, turns her head just a little towards Ginny's nearby ear and inhales*

Virginia: *she speaks in a curious tone, but not a disturbed one, and she doesn't move away* Pad? Are you sniffing me?

Padma: *blushes, pulling back, but not without inhaling just a little again* I...sorry. Professor Lupin warned me about it and...well, it just sort of sneaked up on me. *sighs* Long story short, he told me I might want to...scent...people I'm close to. *blushes more*

Virginia: *smiles, interested* Really? I've never noticed him doing that, but I guess I don't usually see him around the people - or person, maybe - that he'd be more likely to scent.

Padma: Well...it's more prevalent now, from what he said. I really am sorry...it just...I don't know, suddenly I just had to sniff... *bites her lip lightly*

Virginia: *laughs softly* It's okay, Padma, I don't mind. *hugs her again* I promise I don't. And why is it more prevalent now?

Padma: *hugs back, relieved and sniffing again, just a little* Well... *pulls back again, looking at Ginny carefully* Apparently I have a "mating season" now...we all do.

Virginia: *raises her eyebrows, laughing* Mating season? Mating season? How long does it last? Are you serious? All werewolves?

Padma: *blushes a little, shaking her head* Yes...serious as a heart attack. From what Professor Lupin told me, it goes through the end of March, and yes, it is all werewolves.

Virginia: *grins wickedly* Ooooh, that calls for some serious teasing. *quickly* Not of you. Of Remus.

Padma: *pales a little* Oh, Gods...he'll know you heard it from me, though... *smiles vaguely* That's alright, I suppose...he did tell me to use my own discretion about what I told you humans about us.

Virginia: *frowns* "You humans"?

Padma: *shrugs, smiling* A joke...not a very good one, I gather, but I was trying. Sorry. *shakes her head* Forget it.

Virginia: *takes her hand and squeezes it* It's okay, I just thought ... I didn't want you putting up any barriers that don't have to be there, you know?

Padma: *frowns, puzzled* What do you mean?

Virginia: I don't want you to think anything has changed. I mean, your life has changed, but our friendship hasn't.

Padma: *smiles* I sort of figured that, otherwise I don't think you would have let me stay her when I first got out of hospital. Although, I don't think I've been a very good friend to you, lately.

Virginia: You've been fine, Pad. You've had a lot to deal with in your life. We've both been really busy. It doesn't mean you're not a good friend.

Padma: Well, it's still something I want to make better. Which is why I wanted to get together tonight. So you can tell me everything that's going on with you, and we can go out and just have some fun, you know?

Virginia: *nods* Yes! Well, where would you like to go, then? Somewhere for dinner?

Padma: Absolutely! You name a place, and we're there. *grins* Oh, I do want you to do something for me tonight, if you don't mind.

Virginia: *curiously* Sure, what's that?

Padma: *looks solemn* Anytime you see me thinking too much, or hesitating, thwap me.

Virginia: *laughs* You're asking me to thwap you. I think that's the first time anyone has ever asked me to thwap them.

Padma: *shrugs* Hey, why not ask the expert? *laughs* Seriously, I do not want to worry or over-analyze tonight. I've done that way too much recently. Tonight is a night for fun.

Virginia: *nods* Alright then. *grins* You can't get mad at me, though. Because I won't hesitate to do it.

Padma: I won't get mad, I promise. *tries to hide a smirk* Even, yes; mad, no.

Virginia: *laughs* Well, that's quite the threat. *grins* Alright, where are we going? Leaky Cauldron? Pizza?

Padma: *frowns* Not the Leaky Cauldron... Too many Ministry types hang out there. Not really in the mood to make work small talk tonight.

Virginia: *nods* Alright. Pizza then? Or somewhere else?

Padma: *nods* Pizza's fine. Are you ready to go>

Virginia: Of course! *heads out of the flat*

Virginia: *when they get there, Virginia scopes out a table and claims it, sitting down quickly*

Padma: *laughs at Ginny* That was almost predatory, Virginia. *whispers* Are you sure it's not your mating season as well? *grins*

Virginia: *rolls her eyes and grins* Good lord, let's hope not. That's the last thing in the world that I need.

Padma: *sits down and raises an eyebrow* Oh? I have a feeling I missed some development in your life recently.

Virginia: *sighs and shakes her head* There's ... well, no real development. I mean ... well .... we've talked. About some things. The thing is, Neville and I realized, thanks to Harry being a damn git, that we're in love with each other.

Padma: *the spoon she'd been idly toying with clatters to the table as she looks at Ginny wide-eyed* Neville? *stammers* I mean...Neville seems like a great guy, nothing wrong but...I thought...Justin... *shakes her head back and forth, confused*

Virginia: Well. Justin too.

Padma: Wait wait wait...hold on a mo. You're in love with Neville...and Justin?

Virginia: *nods* Yes. And ... they have feelings for each other, as well. *pauses, watching Padma, giving it a moment to sink in*

Padma: *sets out the salt, pepper, and cheese shakers, using them as stand-ins for Ginny, Nev, and Justin (respectively) as she talks this through* So... Ginny loves Neville, and vice versa, but Ginny loves Justin, and vice versa. Yet Justin and Neville... (more)

Padma: *looks at Ginny* Can you draw a diagram of that for me? *smiles faintly*

Virginia: *laughs out loud as Padma sets out the shakers* Well, I don't have any crayons, but ... *pushes all three of the shakers together* How's that?

Padma: *slowly* I see... *thinks a moment* Well, salt and pepper go together, obviously, and you can't make a decent cheese without salt. *pauses* But do pepper and cheese...go along with...salt's scheme here?

Virginia: Well, cheese seems to think it's a good possibility, as long as we take it slow. Pepper is the reluctant one, but pepper has been hurt a lot recently. I think maybe pepper might come around, if given time - as much time as he needs. Suffice to say that there isn't going to be any ... shaking ... for quite some time.

Padma: *nods* I understand. And for the record, I will say that, liking salt, pepper, and cheese each on their own merits, I would think that a well-balanced combination of the three might, while unconventional, be appealing.

Virginia: *smiles* Thank you. It's good to hear that someone has some confidence. I mean, I understand why people are worried - completely. And it's good to hear people's concerns. It helps me know what to be careful of. But ... it's nice to have one person that I don't have to convince.

Padma: *grins* Just call me supportive friend. Though I feel I should warn you, I was known as a child to eat pickle and peanut butter sandwiches which...wasn't always to others' likings.

Virginia: *laughs* But it worked for you, and that's what's important.

Padma: *nods* Very true...but I think, for your sake, I'll let you order our pizza toppings. *nods to the waiter, smiling a bit as he comes over -- he is quite handsome*

Virginia: *grins at Padma as she notices them looking at each other, then orders the pizza. When he leaves* He was looking at you.

Padma: Oh, really? *plays at nonchalance, replacing the various shakers back against the wall* I hadn't noticed... *purses back a grin*

Virginia: *giggles* I believe that for a damn second. You should talk to him before we go.

Padma: Oh, I will. *smiles* "Thank you, sir. Keep the change." That sort of thing.

Virginia: *rolls her eyes* Pad! *lowering her voice* It's your damn mating season, don't you feel like you should ... mate?

Padma: *glances at the waiter again, then looks at Ginny, mouthing* With him?

Virginia: *laughs* No, Pad, with the damn pepper shaker. Yes! *more quietly* You could at least TALK to him.

Padma: And if he's read a paper recently and hears my name, he'll know immediately what I am, and more likely decide it's more of a risk than he'd want to take, even if it just was a fling.

Virginia: *frowns* Not everyone is like that, Pad.

Padma: No, not everyone. But a lot are. *tenses up for a moment* Fuck...I said I wasn't going to think about this tonight.

Virginia: *reaches out and thwaps Padma firmly*

Padma: Ow! *rubs the sore target area* That hurt!

Virginia: You were thinking about it. You're not supposed to do that tonight.

Padma: *grumpily, but smiling a little* I know, I know....I just didn't imagine you'd thwap so hard. *mock pouts*

Virginia: *chuckles* How is it supposed to be a useful deterrent if I go easy on you?

Padma: *sniffles* Fine...just see if I give you any belly dancing lessons for your bet, then. *winks*

Virginia: *laughs* Oh god, not you too.

Padma: Well, your time is running short. I mean, I assume if you knew his middle name already, all of Europe would know you knew by now.

Virginia: *sigh* No, I haven't figured it out yet. And yes, it has turned out to be much more difficult than I expected.

Padma: *sighs* That's too bad. And I know you want to figure it out on your own. *casually reaches into her bag, pulling out a folded letter clearly on Ministry parchment* That you'd never just ASK someone who knew the name to tell you what it is...

Virginia: *looks at Padma suspiciously* How in the world would YOU know Remus' middle name?

Padma: *eyes widen in surprise* Did I ever SAY I knew it? I have never said any such thing. Never EVER. How would I? It's not like I work in...oh, Werewolf Registry, like my friend Nick does... *smiles* My dear friend Nick who wrote me this lovely letter.

Virginia: *slanting her eyes* Padma. Werewolf Registry information is confidential.

Padma: *looks surprised* Is it? And yet, somehow, the Prophet and Witch Weekly both got my name as recently registered. Maybe it was a lucky guess, I mean, there would never be LEAKS at the Ministry... *rolls her eyes slightly*

Virginia: *snorts* So you're saying you have Remus' middle name, then? Why am I inclined to be skeptical?

Padma: *shrugs* Fine. Be skeptical. I'll just tuck this letter back in my purse, and I'll let you...keep guessing, although I doubt you'll have any luck. It's so rare, and such an odd spelling to boot... *places the letter back in her purse slowly*

Virginia: *crosses her arms and leans back* I'll take the letter. And I will go to Remus on Monday and ask him if it's the right name. And if it is, I will owe you a great debt. And if it's not? There. Will. Be. Revenge.

Padma: I'm so hurt you would doubt me. Here I am, trying to help you, risking my job and my friend's, and you still doubt me. I'm very hurt...I don't think you deserve this letter.

Virginia: *sighs and waves her hand dismissively* Padma. You're playing with an expert here. You forget who you're dealing with.

Padma: *laughs, pulling out the letter* Seriously, love -- I want you to win. Take it, and get him good. *shakes her finger* But if he finds out I told you, I'm going to string you up by your toenails, you hear?

Virginia: *snorts and takes the letter* You do realize that I'm going to guess this name tomorrow, and if it turns out to be wrong, you will be in a world of trouble. This is your last chance to save yourself from a particularly nasty round of Weasley pranking.

Padma: *shrugs, looking honestly confused this time* Why should I be afraid? I trust Nick completely, even if he did act as if I'd become a paraplegics when I was in to register...

Virginia: *opens the letter and reads the contents* If you're sure. So what is Remus' middle name, then?

Padma: Jervase. *smirks, giggling a little* Gods, if that was my middle name I wouldn't want it getting around, either.

Virginia: Jervase. Alright then, we'll see about that. *tucks the letter into her pocket*

Padma: *grins* I'm sure I'll hear about it...as long as it's not from Professor Lupin. So you'd better not breathe a word.

Virginia: *poker face* Mmm-hmm. Like I said, we'll just see.

Padma: *nods* Good. *smiles* You know, I feel like doing something...crazy. *laughs* Well, crazy for me.

Virginia: *raises her eyebrows, grinning* Yeah? Like what?

Padma: *grins, then turns around, tapping the person behind her on the shoulder* Excuse me, ma'am? Are you going to eat that last slice? This sounds silly, but may I buy it from you?

Woman: *looking strangely* That's...no problem. We're done...you can have it... *hands over the slice of pizza -- pepperoni*

Padma: *smiles widely* Thank you. *sits it down on her plate, staring at it.

Virginia: *opens her eyes widely* Padma! Have you ever ... are you sure you want to do this?

Padma: *shakes her head, still looking* No...and not really, but I'm never sure of anything completely. *reaches out to tentatively poke at the slice*

Virginia: *nods* Well, maybe it would be a good change.

Padma: *takes a deep breath, then looks at Ginny, smiling nervously* To mating season. *grabs the slice and takes a big bite, getting one pepperoni; chews a few times* Oh wow... *finishes chewing and swallows* That's...that's really good. *smiles*

Virginia: *laughs and reaches out to pat Padma's arm* Wait until you try cheeseburgers.

Padma: *laughs* Whoa, don't go to crazy on me! Let me ease into this... *closes her eyes for a moment* But that was really good...

Waiter: *comes up with their pizza, and sees the bitten slice* Well, looks like someone got hungry... *smiles at Padma*

Virginia: *chuckle* Alright, we'll take it slowly. I'm glad you liked it. Mmm, you'll want to try bacon, too. *grins as the waiter talks to Padma*

Padma: *smiles at Ginny, then tucks back a lock of hair and smiles at the waiter coyly* What can I say? When I get hungry, I've got to satisfy myself right away. *leans back in her chair*

Virginia: *chokes back a laugh*

Waiter: *grins, setting down their pizza* Well, let's see if I can help you there... I'll be back to check on you ladies in just a few minutes. *smiles at Padma, going off to another table, but still glancing back occasionally*

Virginia: *quietly* Do you want me to clear out?

Padma: *smiles at the waiter briefly, but turns back to Ginny* Not yet...I wouldn't dream of sending you off without food. *smiles* But...maybe later... As long as you have a safe way home. *smiles at the waiter again as he passes near* Or maybe we can drop you off at the Flat... *smiles, blushing a little*

Virginia: *grins widely* Pad, I can make it back to my own damn flat by myself. I'll be fine. And I could even box up some pizza and take it home to eat.

Padma: Are you sure? I mean, this was supposed to be a girls' night out, and... *looks over at the waiter* I don't think he's a girl.

Virginia: Padma. It was supposed to be your night to have fun. What could be more fun than flirting with a cute waiter?

Padma: *lightly nibbles her knuckle as she watches his backside as he goes into the kitchen; in a low voice* There's lots more fun than flirting, and I wouldn't mind doing most of them with him...

Virginia: *laughs* Okay. Look. Here's what we're going to do. I'm going to take a few slices of pizza in a box when he brings it, and I'm going to go over to Fortescue's. I'll stay there for about a half hour. If you talk to him and he seems like a jerk, come over to Fortescue's and you and I will go out dancing. If you don't show, I'll figure you're having too much fun. *grins*

Padma: *smiles* Oh, but I'd hate for you to be all by yourself for so long...

Virginia: *grins* I won't be by myself. I'll have ice cream.

Padma: *rolls her eyes* Oh, silly me.

Virginia: *the waiter brings their pizza, and Virginia grins at him* Could you bring me a box, please? I suddenly have to rush. Thank you so much.

Waiter: *looks sad* Both of you?

Virginia: *reassuringly* No no, dear, just me. Don't you worry.

Padma: *smiles* Yes...I'm still hungry.

Waiter: *grins* I'll be right back with your box.

Virginia: *laughs and shakes he head* He's got it bad.

Padma: *shakes her head sadly* Poor dear... *puts a hand to her face, blushing* Heavens, did I just say I was still hungry?

Virginia: *laughs* You sure did. *the waiter brings the box, and Virginia packs half of the pizza into it, suddenly getting the Molly tone of voice* Now you're going to be very, very careful, right?

Padma: *nods* Of course. Although if he did turn out to be a bit psychotic, I might actually be able to take him down, now.

Virginia: *grins* That's why I'm not bothering to give this one the third degree.

Padma: *rolls her eyes* Do I have to bring all my boyfriends home so you can meet them, Mum?

Virginia: *chuckles* I think I'm being fairly lenient, letting you go off on your own like this.

Padma: *raises an eyebrow* Letting me?

Virginia: *grins* Yes. Letting you.

Padma: *smirks* You're pretty small, Weasley...I think I could take you down if need be as well. You'd best remember that. *winks*

Virginia: *snorts and stands up, going around the table to hug Padma* I'll keep it in mind. You take care. I'll be over at the ice cream shop for a bit.

Padma: *hugs her back* Be careful yourself. *sniffs a little again; teasingly* And take a shower...some of us have more delicate sensibilities than others, you know. *grins*

Virginia: *shakes her head and thwaps Padma* Now you're just asking for it. *grins* I'll see you soon.

Padma: *laughs* Definitely... *whispers, glancing at the waiter* And I'll owl you with all the details.

Virginia: *grins* You'd better. *waves and heads out*

Padma: *waves, sitting down to eat her pizza and wait for the waiter to return*