The area surrounding a statue of what Cutty thought was a truly ugly hag was void of all people. Perfect! This would work for one of his sweets deals just right. Although, he knew that letting other people see his business in action would probably boost sales Cutty appreciated the discretion for the sake of certain clients. Clients like Cassia's friend, Alexa Cambrige, whom Cutty was told might just buy out the stores he'd kept through the term thus far.

The little Slytherins hair was slicked back and he clutched his bag, which was full to busting with sweets of all types to his body. He peered every now and then around corners and architectural items hoping to see the girls soon.

Accompanied by Lex, the fifth-year made her way to the third-floor where the important meeting was set. She had told the Gryffindor about all this, the dealer. The candy dealer. And her bestfriend seemed interested and curious about it. Good sign. "Just so you know, this doesn't mean I approve of the amount you've been consuming," She repeated for the millionth time. Though, now that Lex and Aidan worked out everything, the lioness seemed to be much better. That made Cassia happy.

As they crossed the corridor, Cassia spotted the non-cheerful looking statue. oh, here was Cutty. Cassia smiled and picked up her pace walking over to the younger boy. Who looked ...handsome. Could she pinch his cheeks? He probably wouldn't like that. He seemed to be in the businessman mode, better not treat him like a kid. He'd hate it, she knew her brother would.

She stood next the shorter boy and pulled Lex next to her so that Cassia was in the middle while the other two faced each other. Cool, huh? Anyone passing would thing this was something HUGE and shifty. While it's candy business. Oh, well. "Alexa this is Cutty," She said motioning with both hands at both people. "Cutty, Alexa," She so liked this role.

So what now?

Cassia was repeating herself a lot today, did she know? Lex only listened the first time, every other time was tuned out dutifully. This last time she said it Lex finally waved her off. "Yeah yeah, you don't approve, I should cut back, it isn't healthy, I'll get holes in my teeth, candy will make me sick." She GOT it but like...Cassia should have known that none of that mattered to her. She took EXCELLENT care of her teeth, didn't need anyone's candy approval and had never been hurt by candy before LIES but shhhh.

Approaching the statue, she saw the Slytherin boy there, passing off the professional look, she could respect that. It made her feel like the candy was well taken care of prior to her decision to purchase.

Lex enjoyed quality candy, not ratty stuff kept up in a boy's dorm until someone wanted it. Cassia said he was good and in a bit of a fix; she'd believe her. Besides, she liked having a full bag of candy, which she currently did. No such thing as excess, yeah? For Alexa, there was just as much joy in emptying her candy bag on her bed and just letting the sight leave her smiling for hours. Adding more candy to her stash? Not a bad idea at all.

"Sup?" She said, giving him a casual nod. No rush, he could make her an offer whenever he saw fit. Not like she had homework getting back to. Pfft, no.

And, there they were. Right on time. Cassia did seem like that type, didn't she? Punctual and professional. A perfect public relations assistant.
Cutty smiled at the girl, an avaricious little grin he was trying to pass off as friendly, but his face was far too mischievous looking. "Nice to meet you, Lex. Cassia's told me about your fine appreciation of sweets. Have you got a favourite?" Right to business. He wasn't here to waste anyone's time.

ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMM!

The fairy raced through the castle as she played her own imaginary game. Before her were monsters EVERYWHERE! And as she ran around in her invisible fairy wings she defeated them all with her wand one after the other.

FAIRY WAS WINNING! YEP YEP!

She zoomed on further and went running up and down stairs rather happy she could entertain herself. This was fun! Real fun! Yet it was not long till that beam on her face turned into a horrified gasp. One look at the humbacked witch and everything changed.

"SCARY MONSTER! SCARY MONSTER!" It looked so real and SCARY. "I'll show you!" No need to show the monster she was scared. She grabbed her wand and jabbed it out. "HA!"

Was Lex making fun or something of her words? Though even if that was the case, she was pleased that her words were engraved on the Gryffindor's mind. That's exactly what she was aiming for, one day she'll actually listen and appreciate Cassia's words. Eeeeh. Hopefully.

Folding her arms, the snake looked from Cutty to Lex. Yup. Perfect. Here they met. And they started talking business, yeah? What does she do now, though? Surely not stand here doing nothing... Or probably yes. She knew that Lex's favorite was chocolate frogs? Or that might be a tricky question, since she liked all of them. Better leave her to answer that.

Cassia wondered what was the most expensive on Cutty's list. Since she was receiving 10% of the profits it surely matter to her but it wasn't like she was going to tell her bestie to buy a lot so she'd earn more money. Nope. Would never do so.

So she'd just stand here, observing or whatever. Though she did nod her head when he mentioned her name. Good thing he didn't say candy-addict. Good boy.

Benzi had walked past this witch a few times on his way to lessons, but he had no lessons now and he was BACK at the witch. Why? Because it was a creepy looking thing and Benzi was curious.

He stood in front of the statue for a good few minutes, simply staring at it with his arms crossed over his chest. He then began to slowly walk around it, taking it in - it really was a very ugly statue. Uglier than the normal. Hmm.

Hearing a voice echoing down the silent corridor, Benzi JUMPED and did the first thing he thought of - he hid behind the witch. It wasn't WRONG to be looking at the statue, he KNEW that, but.. yeah. ANYWAYS.

Peeking from underneath her hump, Benzi blinked as he saw a girl come towards the statue. Hey, she looked sort of familiar. . . And SUPER young. Did they let six year olds in? Why hadn't he gotten the memo? And WHY was she not wearing the school uniform? Didn't they have to wear it all the time? HAS HE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH THIS TIE FOR NOTHING?!!??

Then the girl began jabbing her wand at the statue, and an idea came to the eleven year old. Taking out his own wand, Benzi shot out a single blue spark from his wand (he'd been practicing, Uncle Jake said sparks were the easiest and most important thing to learn, so he'd done it himself and he was PROUD). His smile grew as he watched it sail over only to hit her RIGHT on her forehead. BULLSEYE!

He quickly ducked, though there was no way she'd see him, and stifled his chuckles. He had to keep QUIET now.

No protests to her mocking her? She didn't know whether this was an improvement or not but she wasn't about to question it so instead she turned to the little candle dealer. He'd heard about her fine appreciation for candy. His wording made her smirk. Talking about us while we aren't around Ms. Somerlad? Lex was oddly flattered. He didn't mind she didn't say it was a pleasure to meet him too...right? She liked saving that pleasantry until she knew for sure she would mean it. Otherwise it'd be a waste. Lex didn't appreciate waste. This meeting right here couldn't be a waste, got it?

"Chocolate frogs. I'd buy a store of them if my Daddy would let me." She said matter of factly. They were getting straight to business, yeah?

"But of course, I'll have anything else. How much do you intend to sell? Have you worked out the prices? What's the inventory like? Did you do a check? Categorize by flavour, sub-flavour, candy wrapper and actual candy inside?" Candy was serious business. She didn't require alphabetizing but some order would be nice.

She stood expectantly.

Could they get this deal underway? How much was she allowed to buy?

As Alexa informed him of her preferences and concerns, Cutty's hands hurriedly worked to unfasten the front of the bag, pulling out a long rectangular cuboid box from within. He tried hard to channel his excitement into constructive progress.
"I believe I can help you satisfy your sweets needs. You see, I receive shipments every Thursday, except the Thursday before Hogsmeade, as I prefer to buy directly at that time. All I would need is to inform my buyer to stock up on chocolate frogs, which..." His hand tugged at the lid to the cuboid and pulled out the jewel-like packaging containing a chocolate frog. He plopped the lid back onto the cuboid and offered her to chocolate frog, letting the customer handle the merchandise to help them envision possession. "Currently, I have 24 and they go for 7 sickles each."

He gave a small pause letting that sink in before moving on to her other questions. "I usually take inventory on Mondays and except for the Every Flavour Beans, I categorize by flavour. Oh, and you might have questions about storage too, since I can see you understand sweets. I have the good fortune of having the Slytherin common room to use for private and secure storage, which you may be happy to know does not change it's temperature beyond a few degrees being under the lake and all." Perhaps getting colder, but Cutty had never noticed it get hotter than it was outside during the day. He stood back and waited for Lex's response, easing his breath to even out. It was the most he'd said in a single conversation in a long-while.

She stood and folded her arms, her eyes darting between the dealer and the client. She was the messenger, yeah? That was also cool. So she remained silent for now and just watch and listened to the two of them. This was very serious, business! She felt that she needed to frown, and it'd have been cooler if there was smoke and if it was dark. She cared about all the dramatics, next time she was going to set deals up, she decided to come early and set the place up.

I'd buy a store of them. Cassia shot Lex a look, though she doubted if Lex saw it since she was too busy asking all the questions in the world. The reason she was here today, was to assure that Lex didn't buy everything from Cutty. Her intention was to help both of them a little bit.

Then Cutty was explaining and she just listened in awe. She had established that he was very organized considering his age. But talking about shipments and all that impressed her more and more.

Then he was offering her a chocolate frog and was talking about degrees and all. "The candy I bought tasted pretty good," She contributed feeling the need to say something. She was here still you know. Also, it was true. Not that it was a permission to buy everything, Cambridge.

Lex nodded slowly as he spoke, considering everything he had to say. 7 sickles a chocolate frog...only 2 sickles more than at Sugarplums...and if she did what she wanted she'd have them all at 9 galleons and change...that sounded about right and she would conveniently forget the sack of chocolate frogs Wade had given her only two weeks ago. Sure most of the sack was still in tact but could you really say that 24 more wouldn't do it some impressive good?

Also, buying candy every Thursday sounded a lot better than waiting to go to Hogsmeade. No doubt she'd run out of her Daddy's money by Christmas...but what were Grandparents for--...no...that ended terribly last time. Eh, she'd figure something out afterall, she still had all that money from selling Ashwinder eggs, bless that former CoMC Professor wherever she was now.

"I don't waste money on bertie bott's beans, you can keep those." She informed him. Only good tasting candy was worth a howler but he was right, she DID have questions on storage which he answered before she had to bother asking. Good good. Lex glanced over at Cassia as she gave her input. The candy was good, this kid was decent. "Have you already worked out the total price for me? What do you have on you now? I can buy it all, yes?"

Cutty nodded, understanding about the Bertie Bott's. They didn't seem to be big sellers this term, so he didn't feel too bad about having lost some to Charms homework. And then Alexa said...

I can buy it all, yes?


Okay. Calm yourself, Cutty. Pace yourself, Mordaunt. Remember your word and your wand and that thing about not breaking them for nobody. The firstie shot a quick look toward Cassia that was almost pouty, but then got right back to business.

"On me?" He re-opened the cuboid and shuffled through the inventory taking count. "11, 12, 13, 14, plus the one you're holding. 15 altogether, so that would be..." He looked up towards the corridor ceiling doing his mental maths. "6.17 Galleons, but we can round that down to an even 6. "

OH GOLLY GOSH. IT WAS REAL IT WAS REALLY REAL! AND IT HAD JUST HIT HER IN THE HEAD WITH SOME MAGIC SPELL!

"Oh my word! Oh my word!" Was she going to turn into one of those ugly pimpled witches now? Just like the statue. Was THAT what it was trying to do to her. Being a plain witch fairy, lion was enough as it was she didn't want to look like a banshee with a humpback too. Like how would she ever become a fairy princess looking like that? Not even a frog would kiss something as ugly as that statue.

Quite scared now, Abbi hastily examined herself to make sure she was same old Abbi. She even gave herself a small little slap in the face. Phew! She was still Miss Abbi, but Miss Abbi would have been more brave wouldn't she?

YES!

DUN DUN! BRAVE ABBI FACE BACK ON.

"I'm still coming for you, Witch!" She stood in a pose with her wand hand out. Now the pose and all was really good in her opinion, except she had a problem, which was that she couldn't think of any spells she knew at all. You know cause if that thing was real then clearly she needed to use real spells and not pretend ones. "Bibbidy boppety boo!" She jabbed with her wand, waiting for something to happen. She even did that whole thing of picturing the statue explode. Nuuuuuuuu. Sad Frown. Only in her mind it worked, because right before her eyes the statue remained where it was.

How had that spell worked in Cinderella then?

"I think my wand is broken...um...nice witch, nice witch. Your back looks lovely by the way!" The make friends with your attacker, right before they attack you tactics. Not a bad time to try that, right?

Oh gosh this was brilliant, the weird girl had NO idea he was even here! Benzi briefly wondered what that bibbidy boppety boo thing she'd tried, but it hadn't done much so he figured it was just a random bunch of syllables. Weird girl.

Plotting in his head as the girl slapped herself - BWAHAHAHAHAHA - he tried to recall ALL the spells he'd learned so far since he'd come to the castle. He wasn't going to transfigure her into a hat nor carve a rune on her belly. He knew how to slow objects down too, but didn't really think that would-

Wait. Perhaps he could use this.

Stuffing his hands into his trouser pockets, Benzi discarded the empty wrappings before finding a rather rotten pumpkin pastie. Sniffing it, his fac contorted in disgust - that was TERRIBLE. He then smirked as the idea took shape - it was perfect.

Using the years he'd played with a muggle ball, Benzi aimed the pastie at the girl's head and TOSSED it. He suddenly realised that he wouldn't really be using the spell they'd learned in Charms, but that was ok because his pastie hit the girl's chest - INCREDIBLY close to where he'd aimed.

Hehe. There was NO way that horrible stench wasn't already making its way into her nostrils. The eleven year old ducked his head further in to make sure no part of his was visible.

She was standing here and observing. Noting every single thing and so far she was relieved she didn't have to interfere yet. The two were only exchanging information and answering questions. Nothing out of control. Until....NOPE! NO one was buying everything today, not on HER watch. Absolutely not.

Cassia caught Cutty's quick look and waited till after he calculated. Maybe because she was curious to know how much he had brought with him. And once she did find out she was even more persistent not to let Lex buy all, half or even third of it. No way. Sorry, kid. She unfolded her arms and cleared her throat. Time for the Somerlad to interfere. " Hold that thought, Cambridge." She shot a look towards the fourth-year. Did she just decide to ignore Cassia and do whatever she wanted. Pffft. Not happening.

Great, he was going to drop the seventeen sickles. "As the oldest here," She spoke looking at them in turns. "I do not approve of such deal," She could hear their hopes being crushed as she uttered the words. "For several reasons," Which she had to come up with... hmmm....

The blond swallowed and cleared her throat again exaggeratedly to buy herself time until her brain came up with reasons. "Lex, no need to venture to the healer," Who'd want a trip there?! "Also, It is smarter if you don't limit your purchases to only one person," That was for Cutty. "For all you know, she'd either become sick or broke and wouldn't be able to buy. So don't sell everything to her, divide them on as many clients as you can." Life experience being shared with the youngsters. Wasn't that something.

Lex raised a curious eyebrow at the boy who'd seemingly gone into shock. Was that a no...? Could she not have everything on him? That was disappointing, truly it was. She was looking forward to it. He regained his composure soon enough and got to saying things she wanted to hear.

"Excellent! I'll have them a--"

??

Alexa looked over at Cassia who was interrupting candy business. Valid reason best friend? We hope so. These were quality chocolate frogs she was trying to secure. Seeing as it was Cassia who got her the deal she thought to listen--until she said that. Pulling the oldest person card, huh? We do NOT approve. Lex eyed her until she'd finished speaking and TOTALLY PROBABLY JUST MADE CUTTY CHANGE HIS MIND! Like what even Cassia? Who's side are you on??

"I won't neeeed to go to the Healer, this has nothing to do with her and I won't get sick." She looked to Cutty. "Don't listen to her. I make an excellent customer." StopitCassia.

Cutty looked almost crest-fallen. That was about to be a very good sale and one which would benefit Cassia as well, since she would've been getting a portion of it as per their agreement. BUT if Cassia Somerlad had put her foot down even in light of that fact then it must have been for a VERY good reason as he couldn't imagine any other cause for it. He recalled the conversation between he and Cassia and realized they hadn't actually gone over how much chocolate was too much chocolate. But the recollection also offered inspiration.

"Tell you what I can do." The torn look replaced with one of assuredness. "Since our friend Cassia Somerlad says it's a bad idea to sell 15 chocolate frogs in one transaction and I gotta share a common room with her." And he wasn't about to cross a Slytherin when it came to a close friend. "I'd be happy to put aside a set amount of chocolate frogs just for you, Alexa Cambridge, each week and hand-deliver them to your common room. Saving you the trip and guaranteeing you'll have a steady supply of frogs throughout the term without having to go the hospital wing or earn the disapproval of your friends." And it would be a way for Cutty to try out his whole reserved sweets idea that he'd considered in the Hogwarts library.

She sure was hoping to be obeyed but wasn't expecting much. If Lex was persistent on something she wasn't likely to change her mind easily even if Cassia had the most convincing reasons. They both were stubborn and always seemed to work out compromises for bestie's reasons. So Cassia didn't have her hopes up but was going to go with this till the very end. She wasn't going to let Mr. Cambridge down. Nope, the man was nice and he had lots on his plate. POOR MAN!

Her eyebrow arched at Lex's words. Yeah, riiiiiight, no healer. The words had impact on her as much as they did on the horrible-looking statue near them. Cassia found herself glancing at it every now and then. Was it glaring at them. The snake felt the need to shoot it a glare as well. No, that wasn't weird at all and yes she was fifteen. OH! And was Lex telling Cutty not to listen to Cassia! She was standing right here, y'know.

Before she opened her mouth to dramatically gasp or something, she listened to Cutty whom she wanted to give A BIG hug! Dis boy was gonna be her right hand. THIS ONE WAS HER FAVORITE! Cassia folded her arms and wiggled her eyebrows in a total childish way. Did Lex hear? The snake was now very pleased that she had someone to actually value her opinions. Because she decided to leave the hug for later,the common room maybe, she balled her fist and offered it to Cutty. Fist-bump, OKAY?! "That is very wise and I approve of this," She nodded.

She curiously looked at Lex wondering if she liked this new arrangement. Which was tempting right? She wouldn't even have to make all the way down to the dungeons? "So...?" She prompted.

Lex glanced between the two for a moment. A kind of steady gaze that tried finding something where there was obviously nothing. This...wasn't in a good way either. There was legit nothing to go off of, more like a rather political response to keep oneself out of the cross fires. Honestly, that would cost him the most devoted of candy appreciators but she was willing to remain civil.

She took in the curious look etched into her bestfriends face before the business-like one on the young Snake's. Lex would have to point it out, wouldn't she? They'd never see it unless she did.

"A set amount." That was their first prompt. Still not ringing any bells? No? Lex jutted her jaw a bit and gave them another solid look over. Seriously. "That, in no way answers the one question I actually have for you." The only question she cared about right now. She continued. "I can't buy them all, apparently that became a rule some time ago without anyone consulting me and you'll be willing to put them aside for me--bloody fantastic idea I suppose--but how much am I allowed to buy off you right now?" That's why they were here, was it not? The walk from the lion Common Room was no short distance. Someone tell her she was still buying something today.

Figures. She wanted to hear figures.

Cutty's excitement of having proposed something that Cassia seemed to get behind ended with the returned fist-bump. He and Cassia, it seemed were the only ones who found it a good idea. Alexa had something to say about it and it and not a good thing either. H'mm, why hadn't she jumped at the idea? It was convenie...Oh. She wasn't buying for convenience, was she? But then if not, what for?


Cutty looked from one witch to the other for a moment. Confused by Cassia and tempted by Alexa. Virtue and Vice, they seemed. Whether the deal dried up before it began or not, Cassia had already proven her utility on both a conscious and sub-conscious level. Alexa, on the other hand promised a steady flow of purchases. That was IF he could figure out a way to please her, whilst not giving cause for his middleman to never bring him business again.

But first things being first, she had asked him a question. Not to mentioned sounded offended by the lack of inclusion over her candy intake. Well...who wouldn't be? So best to address both if it were possible. "I was hoping we could negotiate on that. What would you say to 6 per transaction?" He asked, his focus now primarily on Alexa. If she wouldn't be buying from him, where would she get her chocolate frogs? Boyfriend? Parents? Was she just covetous of her sweets or in very real need?

She had a beaming smile on her face and she had the feeling that she needed to keep it in hopes that it would get contagious enough for the lioness to brighten up a bit. Though, it wasn't an easy deal, impressing Cambridge that wasn't. Cassia thought of whispering to Cutty and reassuring him that her bestie here had high standards and tended to over-think the matters when it came to candy and life threatening decisions.

Cassia expected the question and waited to see what the younger boy had to say about it. She considered his answer then nodded her head in agreement. "That sounds convenient," She chimed in glancing at Lex. She had to agree. Cassia knew the fourth-year had other sources but always liked to have as many as she could in case anything occurs. So six should be accepted and appreciated.

However she didn't see more since it was up to Lex afterwards and it was clear that she wasn't too thrilled about Cassia killing the idea in which Lex wanted to buy everything off Cutty right now. The annoyance was visible in her tone but the snake just ignored it knowing it'd fade away eventually.

...

......

Something told her they were getting nowhere with this transaction. Cutty just kept staring between them both like he'd been given an impossible choice and the look on Cassia's face told her she was completely in on this--whatever THIS was.

Finally he spoke. What he said was enough to make her laugh but she didn't because she figured he was actually being serious. Oh merlin. "Six? Six? And your plan is to supply me every...let's say...Wednesday? I go through something near a dozen a day." It really all depended but that number could be reached and was reached more often than she would admit to either Cassia or Lottie. "You'd deliver them, I'd eat them and go without for the rest of the week? Put yourself in my shoes, would you be satisfied?"

There was only ONE right answer here, think about it.

Lex looked to Cassia next. Convenient, right, because that mattered a whole lot to her, didn't it? "Cass, I'd walk from here to London if there was candy I needed but couldn't source. Convenience isn't all that important. Having a full candy bag is."

Ah, Alexa Cambridge was covetous.

He'd worked with that before, but never before within the strict boundaries that had been placed on him by Somerlad. If it were entirely up to him he would have sold her the 15 and have been done with it. They could've been done with it. Safe and comfortable in their common rooms. Although, his was pocked with accents in a ghastly shade of pink at the moment and he didn't have the magical know-how yet to change it. Ugh, Duvessa!

There was a number in there. And Cambridge seemed to be fishing for an answer. But there was only one logical amount, then. "Cassia says it can't be 15, and you say near a dozen. 14 then. You can buy 14 today." At this point, any less than that wouldn't have been worth the time it took to secure the sale. He could've sold that many amongst the firsties or more.

Why did she have to put herself in this situation where she was torn between her bestfriend's health and the helping another friend in his business. It probably would have been easier if it was someone who she didn't care about. But this was tricky. It was obvious that Lex wasn't content about this arrangement. Cutty obviously wanted to impress the lioness and provide her candy-needs. Cassia scratched her chin and gazed off thinking of this dilemma and rolling the options she had in her mind.

Hmmmm...

Important life decisions.

The snake looked up at Lex and sighed inwardly. She knew that she could talk and try forever and give lots of advice and Alexa would still not listen to her. It would actually make Cassia feel good knowing that she was once able to change Lex's mind. "A dozen a day?!" She shot her a look. "Humor me and decrease your daily intake to nine ten chocolate frogs," She said it with a hint of a suggestion. Because you don't boss the lioness around. Not on this matter at least.

Fourteen. Well, when Cassia said fifteen wasn't allowed it wasn't because she had something against the number 15. She was pretty much indifferent about the two digits that were combined to form this certain number. She obviously said no because it was a LOT to buy in one bargain. Especially knowing that Lex was likely to finish them on the way to her common room. "I don't intend to be hard or to ruin this." Like she hadn't already. "So I'll just say I'd be happy it was thirteen," And she would keep trying to decrease Lex's intake gradually. That was the best she could do.