fcrox

[fcrox]

The very moment her eyes met his did the recognition set in, a nod following along with his words. No, she couldn't really blame him. The wizard in front of her had taken plenty a hit, but somehow she had a feeling it wasn't his ego that had gotten bruised and thus was not the focus of his anger. The witch recalled him, just a year difference; a year and so much more that had separated. "Tiberius." Or did he prefer McLaggen? It didn't matter either way.

"Is that what you think I do? Thrive off of crowds and their little bits of gossip?" Rita had bigger fish to fry in that regard. Not that she wouldn't occasionally allow herself to listen to the world around herself. Life happened that way for everyone. "So, what has got your mood twisted?" The blonde's head moved, tilted to the side as she scanned him. Her thoughts were whirling. There was plenty she had done; plenty she'd written. "Let me guess. The article about the Malfoys and their formerly precious gem." Rita hummed. She'd only worked on the exposé, or article. The gossip column in question for once had gone to someone else. Not that it hadn't been done with her influence. Rita was smart enough to cover tracks when needed. "Was it not flattering enough? I'm sorry if the truth is too harsh. Was only doing my job." - @tiberiusxmclaggen

Tiberius had sent Cress an owl when he'd had a break during lunch, inviting her to go out for dinner rather than stay in. He was doing his best to spend less late nights working and more time with her. But he also knew they needed to get out more, rather than always staying in and hiding from the world. He'd been pleased when she'd agreed and told him she'd meet him there, eager for a pint after the brutal day he'd just had at the ministry.

He ran his hand over his face with a sigh as he headed for the pub, thankful for the cool night air to clear his head. He hadn't even realized someone was coming out as he prepared to head in, nearly running into her and stepping out of the way just in time. "Rita." His voice was cool. He'd had the occasional run in with her at school with only a year difference between them. However his distaste for her had come after school, he'd never been much a fan of the gossip columns that seemed to ruin others lives. And he hadn't been thrilled when one had been written about Cressida after she'd chosen him over her family. "Is it? I'm surprised you're not in there thriving off of it." His voice was polite, if not cold.

[fcrox]

"Especially in the mornings." Beatrice couldn't help it, the amusement evident on her face. "You know where I work. I don't need coffee to wake me up, I need something to calm me down." And that was about as much as the brunette was going to let slip regarding work. After all the small comment was nothing more than what any other department could have claimed about their own work life.

Tea was a much simpler conversation than his next words. Work life, even, seemed like the better option than a question of that magnitude. Still, Bea didn't feel the answer was all that far fetched. "Well, yes and no. Actually, no. I mean, if times like these caused new generations not to exist in fear of the darkness looming, then we'd eventually be a pretty lonely bunch. Also, is it not the next generation that makes it worth fighting for?" Bea didn't want to see anyone hurt but the same time life had to go on somehow, right? - @franklongbottom-fm

"Even in the mornings?" Frank asked, genuinely curious. "If I had chamomile in the mornings I'd never make it out of bed. It makes me want to cuddle up in bed." Not to mention the fact it didn't have caffeine, so he'd likely nod off at his desk even if he did make it to work.

Frank hesitated, weighing what he wanted to share and what he ought to keep secret. "Is it selfish, to bring kids into the world right now? To raise them in all this fear and chaos?" He wanted to believe it wasn't, because he wanted to give his son a better world to live in. But he couldn't deny the worry that ate at him.

[fcrox]

A shared history that left nothing about his reaction surprising in any way. Perhaps it was her years of moving through life with a smile, the way she somehow had developed a mask that only let the light bleed through around those the witch found herself comfortable with. It certainly made things easier, on all ends. "Just the eyes, yes. Well, mostly. I believe it to be fine but I'll leave the judgement to you."

Beck was the expert and in this field she'd rather have him make the judgement than taking matters into her own hands. For this she was willing to hold still and yet couldn't help but look at him with a hint of curiosity. For a moment her mouth opened, daring herself to ask how he'd been doing and then she closed it again. "So, what's the verdict?" And after a small pause. "Would it be harsh to ask how you've been doing?" - @beckavery

Beck had to do a double-take when he saw who his patient was. He almost wanted to pass this to another healer in case there was patient and healer conflict of interest. Instead, he took the seat and did his best to pretend that this was any other patient. "Ah," he said and he looked her over again. Now didn't seem like the best time to catch up. He glanced down at the paperwork and noticed that it mentioned her eyes. "Is it mostly in one eye over the other?" He lifts his wand and illuminates it. "Please keep your eyes on the light."

[fcrox]

Estelle's head whipped to the side, a smirk on her lips. "Never heard you complain about it before." Truthfully, the blonde knew exactly what and who she was. Sometimes it would morph around others and still always remain true to who she was. A chuckle, his words oddly amusing to the witch. Her eyes scanned him as though searching for something hidden before the people in front of them drew her attention away from him.

"I'll hold you to it." Not that it would have been the first time Estelle would have found herself in exactly that chaos. "Or maybe I'll give you a free pass. It's New Year's, have fun." A quick motion toward the bar as she ordered herself a drink. "That's what this day is for, no?" - @nick-mulciber

"You're such a brat." He complained. Nick pulled a face but let her move him around without any protest. Maybe they weren't dating any more but he still liked it when she touched him. Not many people did and it was always a nice change.

When she released him he took her arm without question, the grin back on his face. He began weaving his way through the crowds of people towards the bar. "Life is chaos, and we deserve to have more of it. I promise I won't even start any fights."

[fcrox]

Auror’s had a habit of becoming familiar with places such as St. Mungo’s. Whether it was the job itself or, in some cases, the thrill of the chase for adventure or danger; they all inevitably ended up getting acquainted with the institution that kept them from falling toward further harm. Perhaps that was all it was. Or it was that ever-bounding Hufflepuff within her that caused her to reach out, place a hand on the shoulder of the witch next to her when the other seemed to deep in thoughts to hear her. “Oh, no, no you’re not. It just looked like you were swaying on your feet.” Better save than sorry. “Are you alright?”

The look of the brunette was one Hestia was all too familiar with, unknowingly. How often had it stared straight back at her from her own mirror during weeks in which she’d pushed too hard? More times than the auror could count. “This one,” she pointed at a lilac potion. “It looks worse than it tastes, and it does help pepper up just a little bit.” It wasn’t the usual pepper up potion, more a surge of energy. - @miraxselwyn

Where: The Apothecary With: Open to Anyone

Mira was exhausted, in fact she was pretty sure she was swaying on her feet as she stood in front of the shelves. Life had become a never ending cycle of work at St Mungos, juggling both the Order and the Death Eaters and spending time with Anthony whenever she could. She wasn't sleeping enough, spreading herself too thin more often than not. She knew she couldn't keep going on like this, and yet she kept pushing off the inevitable. She fought a yawn as she stood looking at the ingredients before her, suddenly forgetting what she had been looking for. Realizing someone had been speaking to her she looked up, an apologetic smile rising to her lips. "Sorry, am I in the way?"

[fcrox]

If anyone knew how to turn a party into the party of the season for things other than impeccable dress or the festivities themselves, it was Bellatrix. Never would she have denied her cousin that right and the confirmation of just how much power she held with a skill so seemingly simple. It was the right kind of amusement and the very same time the highlight, if not for the blessings and joy she wished to her friends. “I have no doubt that whatever you’ll be doing next will be more up your alley.” Leta finally whirled around, no longer focused on the desperation unfolding nearby when the wizard in question attempted to gesture further, in no time turning his already awful looking hair replacement into something otherworldly all together, flapping about.

And there it was, the moment that was bound to pique her attention. “Oh?” Leta Rosier was happy to wish her cousin well, yet the mention of Evan’s own lack of knowledge regarding his fiancée had her worried. They had seemed incredibly happy last she’d seen them together. Then again, time had passed much faster than the blonde could keep track of. Only a moment ago she could have sworn it was mid November and suddenly they were celebrating the end of one and beginning of another year. Time was moving ever so fast. “Perhaps it would be better I check in on him. I do not wish to move my plans, but family is family.” At the very least Leta was going to send him an owl.

Another twist. Oh, Bellatrix was on fire. Much like the hair in front of her. “Merlin. It did look rather awful, did it not?” Her face twisted into something that seemed to be masking amusement behind a polite exterior. Those that knew her would see the enjoyment that pushed aside for a moment the worry regarding her twin. “Perhaps a replacement will do a better job.” There was hope.

Leta’s eyes moved to meet those of her cousin. “Yes, and no. I do not require an escort when the escort in question has business to take care of. I trust him.” She did, truly. And there were things, a cause she was not going to ever put herself above. “I believe, if all goes well, the plan is to meet up shortly before midnight. Thus, there is no need to stay here. I want to celebrate quietly.” A soft smile. It was in moments like these that her softness bled through despite the harshness she was very well capable of. “Speaking of, if you’re heading out, I shall do the same. There is truly no need to observe this flambé of a wizard.” Leta reached out toward the next tray floating by to place her glass onto it. “I’ll see you around! You must come over whenever there is time.” - @bellatrix-lestrxnge

Following Leta's eyes to the poor offending man, Bellatrix chuckled gutturally and knocked back a hefty portion of her sparkling champagne. The younger witch was as alluring as ever, her demure yet scathing reaction providing an entertainment that Bellatrix would have wished to exacerbate, were she anyone else. Pushing a sweet little thing into cruel debauchery would be just her style, but never with one as dear as Leta. Her glittering gaze roamed back to the other witch, attention affixed to her question though her mind still ravaged over old wizard Parkinson and what she would like to do to him. Nothing too terrible, of course. They were in polite society, after all. But Leta had put an idea into her head and it was only a matter of time before she acted upon it.

"I will be leaving shortly," she confirmed, bluntly honest. Placing a hand flat against a marble pillar, she leant there indecorously for a moment as though testing the column's fortitude despite the utter pointlessness of the action. Then she released it and arched an eyebrow towards the ornately decorated ceiling. "Hm." The single noise, while level and quiet, conveyed more savage judgement than any words could have imparted. "I've not seen her, either. Neither has Evan."

It was the frustration with that knowledge that caused her to act, at last. Turning slightly on her heels, her expression expanded into devilish glory, sly excitement piquing her lips into a smile bright enough to rival the light bouncing from the many fine chandeliers swinging overhead. Ears thudding with anticipation, she flicked her wand and attempted to levitate that hideous toupée from Mister Parkinson's big balding head. The effort caused quite the ruckus. He launched forward, head first into a lantern which broke and set his very real hair alight. It was all Bellatrix could do to refrain from laughing aloud, tucking her wand away and turning back to Leta with exhilarated hilarity. "I was wrong. It was real." And now it was barbecued along with half the skin on his skull.

She reached for a canapé, ignoring the raised voices behind her. "What's all this about not staying to midnight? Don't you have an escort? I thought Dolohov was keen." She may as well get to the point. It had been a while since her little chat with Antonin and she wondered whether he'd been treating her cousin well. He probably had. She doubted he'd cross any lines too much.

[fcrox]

Amycus did nothing but observe as the drink he had ordered was placed in front of him. The offer still stood and yet he was too amused listening to her ramble. Was fire that odd a choice for the spitfire of a witch in front of him? “Is it? Is it peculiar?” His head moved, eyes scanning as they had done countless times before. Somewhere within the depth of his eyes lay a threat hidden, an unspoken darkness that the wizard knew how to seal up. Oh, he liked fire. It was fun to play with it, if only one could master it, knowing fully well that taming something as rash and brazenly dangerous was never quite possible. It was respect, something he had none of for those lesser than him.

Observing meant to allow things to happen, allow the witch in front of him an idea – the feeling of security planted so easily into the softest of soil. Would it take root? “You see, that is your assumption.” A smirk. “Whoever said I wanted you to be scared?” The alchemist’s eyes darted around, taking in her features before simply taking a step back. There was something so much more interesting about simply not letting the other know just what he wanted. Fear, fear was easy. Such a simple emotion. Knowing intentions came with security. No, Amycus Carrow revelled in the unknown, never quite letting an opponent know what he was up to if he could help it. “I just offered you a drink. Not exactly the thing I would do to someone I want quivering, now, would I? Your thoughts betray you, McKinnon. They're much too simple.” - @mkmarlene

It had become a terribly annoying situation, how she kept running into those who hid behind the secrecy of a mask and then roamed around the streets with their heads held high. They played a funny act, but even she had to recognise they were masters at their art, carrying out their pretense even when faced upon someone who knew the truth that lied within. Marlene had always been a bit too loud and a bit too proud, her bold personality getting her out of messes just as much as it got her right into them. Tonight seemed like a perfect opportunity to slip, unable to hold back as the wizard in front of her presented himself charmingly and nonchalantly, she might even fall for it had she not been in such a feisty mood. "Fire, such a peculiar choice of word, as if it might get to me someway." She shot back, letting her muscles relax as she leaned forwards at the bar and nodded her head to the bartender so he would indeed bring her a double shot. "Yet somehow, in spite of everything, you haven't managed to burn me." A chuckle leaving her lips, the witch turned to look up at him, a finger hooking on the hem of his shirt and pulling him towards her-- their faces only inches away as she whispered, a daring smirk on her lips as she made eye contact. "I'm not one bit scared, but you're welcome to try me."

[fcrox]

who: @rsrevan where: rosier manor, the library when: evening

There had always been something about the library that felt like home. The high shelves and the stacks upon stacks of books that were piling up in areas used more often as well as the rays of sunshine during the day and coziness of a crackling fire within the darker and colder nights, it all had come to be something Leta Rosier treasured rather a lot. Now, she loved her atelier, but something about the hall of knowledge within the manor left to them – no, to her brother, by their parents, it held her attention and kept her focused. It was home, if a room could be that.

Many a night or evening had the witch found her brother, her twin, working away at one of the many tables with books surrounding him. Every now and then a book would whiz past on its way toward the wizard in question or away and back onto whatever shelf it had come from. “It’s been a while since I’ve found you hiding in here.” Leta’s voice rang over, letting the echo of the room carry it before she stepped closer. “Not that I’m accusing you of hiding.” She wasn’t. For the most part it was simple curiosity.

[fcrox]

Days filled with rain instead of snow. How had time flown by so quickly? Before she knew it, it was February, and the days had gotten just that little bit longer. Time was a funny, fickle thing that Beatrice would probably never fully understand. Perhaps it was the reason she’d never ended up within the time room. The thought was certainly enough to amuse.

“What about simply spending time with your sister?” Beatrice finally pulled the hood of her coat down, protected by the rain having completely forgotten about the hood in the first place. “Sorry, it’s pouring out there as though the world is ending.” Perhaps it was, with how things were going. - @ofxsorcery

Where: Three Broomsticks Who: Open (Max 0/4)

It had been quite a busy day at the Three Broomsticks and Ros was quite happy that it was coming to an end. Her feet were yelling at her for some peace and to take a seat. The majority of the people had left the place already so when she saw someone new to come in, she wasn’t so pleased. She looked at them taking a seat at the bar, and made her way over to them. “So, how can I help you? If you are here for a drink; we had last call but I can make an exception for one. If you are here for someone to talk to; if the subject is interesting I can make an exception too for you to stay and tell me about it. So, it’s up to you.”

[fcrox]

Parties, one like the other and yet each and every single one had something unique. Uniquely wonderful, uniquely annoying; it varied. Despite all, this one had shaped up to be one of the celebrations the wizard would continue to consider one of the better ones. Especially given the people in attendance.

Mulciber, a person Amycus found himself rather familiar with. Back when choices had to be made regarding mentorship of the young wizard in question it had gone to Vance, a friend of his sister. Not that he would have complained. It worked out, either way. Still, to this day the refusal of the other, or perhaps the insistence to keep sticking to formal names had him amused. Never once had the wizard bothered to correct the other. That would be something for another time. “Nick.” A nod. “Of course, how could I not. Look around you. Plenty to have fun with.” People, namely even if he was just observing. - @nick-mulciber

where; selwyn party whomst; @fcrox

Nick admired Amycus Carrow, he had for years. He already had a mentor and he liked everything he learned from Emmeline the woman had real talent, but sometimes he did wonder what it would've been like to learn from Amycus.

"Mr. Carrow," Nick said, not nearly drunk enough to call him Amycus like he wanted, "Are you having a good time?"

[fcrox]

Perched upon her desk, the silhouette itself was famous throughout the auror department. It was one many had grown familiar with. Hestia always found herself working, even that day as she went over her notes with the sound of her own quill scratching across parchment to fill out reports and other things. Only when Lydia’s voice cut through the chaos did the witch look up. “Oh, no. None of them are. In fact, I can’t wait for them to leave.” The last bit was whispered as much as it was humanly possible within the currently loud environment. One point of her quill toward the door. “I can’t wait to shut it again. They’re only here to pick up boxes of evidence that is about to be put into storage.”

A small shrug followed. It was the way of life within the auror office. Hestia very much considered herself blessed to have her own office, to have a room that at times she could shut. The shared are for those with lesser standing certainly wasn’t something the former Hufflepuff missed. “Please tell me you’ve brought yourself lunch as well. We can eat together.” - @lydiatravers

where; the ministry, auror offices whom; hestia @fcrox

"I brought you lunch," Lydia said, perching herself on the corner of Hestia's desk. People were everywhere in here. It was as delightful as it was overwhelming. This was the sort of bustle she lived for most days. "Is it really always this busy? Why don't you have like, secretaries or something? Or are all these people your secretaries and assistants?"

[fcrox]

A little shopping trip after work, nothing more had caused the blonde to find herself at the Leaky Cauldron. It was only after a scan around the room that her face had lit up with a knowing smile, easily mistaken for a smirk. With Estelle it was one or the other, a dangerous path in between.

No time had been wasted on thoughts and instead every second invested into moving, slipping into the seat next to him. Silence, for a moment the witch waited for a reaction only to be faced with his usual snark. Oh, it was more familiar to her than most things.

“Oh, really?” Head tilted to the side she chuckled. “For someone so calm you are awfully quick to fire, Sev.” A beat. “You don’t mind if I sit, do you?” Severus may have been among a handful of people the blonde would have actually listened to. If he wanted space, space would be given. - @severusbsnape

where: leaky cauldron who: @fcrox (Estelle Fawley)

Severus had to be a glutton for punishment, conjuring himself in the same spot, at the bar, when he merely had a run in with James Potter a few days ago. He was a creature of nature, routine, and comfort. Hence, why he sat there.

He scribbled endlessly in his notebook, glancing over at a potion book he was reading, engrossed in his work, that he did not notice a person sit. He appeared to only have a sixth sense for three individuals. Severus also hated, when others invaded his space.

"Must you sit there?" his tone low and gravelly, twisting his head, shock written in his eyes when he released it was Estelle. "That may have been a little rude."

[fcrox]

It was odd to be spending a party like this simply chatting away. Around them life was happening and yet the two of them appeared to almost be out of place with their more than serious conversation. For a moment Beatrice allowed herself to just stare at her sister, her expression hard to read before it softened. “I hope you’re right.” Then a sigh. “Perhaps it’s time we stop holding onto the past and move on, into the future.”

There was something hopeful in those words. How had the two ended up in such a similar situation, love lost because of stupid, silly things that should never have held the power they now did. A glance around the room, a nod as the witch pushed herself up and away from the stool. “I can’t wait to see what chaos he manages to unfold. No doubt.”

Simply said, there was no other way for that to go. “Back to work.” Beatrice had already moved a few steps when she turned around. “I hope you’ll find that someone first. For what it is worth, you deserve it. Happiness.” With that she returned back to the party raging on outside, determined to let go of the mess they had just discussed. - @ofxsorcery

Ros reached over to her sister and grabbed her hand gently. She squeezed it softly “Someone is out there for us,” she repeated, as if she was trying to believe it herself what she was saying to Bea. She let go of her sister’s hand and then turned around so she could pick up some of the bottles that they needed for the party going on in the front.

“Oh no, we will leave the planning to Tib. I’m sure he has it all set up anyways,” Ros chuckled as she looked around the room once more to see what more was there that they were going to need but she decided pretty soon that they already had what was necessary.

“Alright, I think it is time to leave our quiet safe haven and have to return to the front. Back to work, don’t you think?”

[fcrox]

Ever the perfectionist a situation like this could only sting. Then again, it was the risk of her work whenever she aided those in the auror department with things. A spell gone wrong, fired the wrong way, curse residue stuck in the air like dust. It was nothing, in her eyes and had been checked by the curse-breakers on sight. Still, her boss had insisted she have it double checked.

“A little accident during one of the ministry’s investigations.” Estelle’s lips held a sweet smile, always wanting to seem in control. And for the most part she was. The few times she’d lost it; oh, the witch would never dare let anyone see that. “Some of the curse residue fired back from a goblin artifact. The staff there said it seemed fine but I was told it be best to have it checked out.” - @beckavery

Where: St. Mungo's Status: Open

This wing of the hospital wasn't busy today and yet he still answered for a long time with patients for obscure reasons. He was about to give himself a minor break when another round was handed to him. Beck didn't even look over the paperwork that the trainee left for him. Instead, he walked to the appointed room and opened the door. "Nice to meet you, I'll be your healer," he introduced with a short smile as he pulled up a chair. "So what seems to be the problem that brought you in today?"

[fcrox]

The encounters Rita had in person with someone like Lily the witch could count on one hand. And she preferred to keep it that way for the most part. There was little use in wasting her time and yet the wish, the desire, the need to keep up with things was so much stronger than her own, personal view of someone and their life’s choice. “Hm, snooping is such a horrible word, isn’t it?” Rita dared to move her hand, flipping hair over her shoulder that she considered in the way for the moment. “I don’t snoop.” Now, that was only partially a lie. Rita Skeeter herself had yet to be found snooping around. She tended to listen, pay mind to her surroundings. Snooping was left to moments of other attire.

A snort escaped her. “Merlin, Evans – or is it Potter now? Can’t a witch go for lunch for once? It was crowded; I left.” Her shoulders moved, nonchalant as ever. “You’ve got to stop seeing ghosts behind every corner. If that is something you, that is.” And yet her curiosity was piqued. - @lilyflowerss

"what were you doing in there anyway? doesn't really seem like your place to be?" she asked, her green hues cornering rita as she eyed her. rita was somebody who seemed to gossip about anybody that she could, and lily potter did not want to get on her bad side, however, she knew that it was something that could happen much too easily. although, she didn't doubt that rita skeeter, herself, would write about this confrontation right now, lily found herself wondering if she had been in there trying to find more fuel for her stories: or if she had truly been enjoying herself, something that others ended to do in this world. "were you....snooping?" she asked, her eyes creasing at the question.

[fcrox]

Every now and then, once upon a blue moon it seemed Rita would find herself within the halls of the ministry, chasing an article or – on other occasions – an interview. Even rarer were the moments in which she was the one invited to come to the ministry and be of service to them. Not that the blonde was ever truly in service of anyone other than herself and those she considered worth her time. Not many could have made that list.

Her mind was already playing with the questions she was going to ask, determined to make the most of something the ministry seemed to hope was entirely in their favor. The question that came her way, though was only one to distract her from what she considered important. An eyebrow shot up. “Unlikely. If this was a muggle construction, perhaps but this is magic. It deals with a whole other set of velocity, in more than one direction. There are charms in place.” She chuckled. “With how busy the ministry gets, do you really think an elevator would dare fall?” The blonde scanned the other. Potter. Not unknown. "New attire? You seem... hm, uncomfortable." - @its-jamespotter

Where: Ministry Status: Open

James was late. But that wasn't new. What was new was he felt good in the new suit he got to woe and impress Frank Longbottom who was slowly but surely becoming his mortal enemy. He knew that the new attire wouldn't have much of an impression if he wasn't punctual, something he was actively trying to change. James watched the lift rise to more levels only to stop and for every floor, he tried to think of another reason for why he was late. The door opened again and he leaned against the back of the elevator to make room, raising his head to see the new addition. Although it wasn't small talk, he tried. "So, what do you think the odds are of, you know, the elevator falling?"

[fcrox]

No words were needed to explain the situation at hand further, nor the words he had chosen in turn. No, Estelle understood the situation quite as much as any other witch with a good head or her shoulders. “Well, we both know I like to play a certain type of game.” Namely the one she had been playing for as long as she could think. “My brother sends his regards. I fear you and him may share your views on the matter at hand.” The crowd inside was bursting with those lesser than them. If not for the fact that both people in question were quidditch stars, celebrated for more than their blood, perhaps they would have stood a chance to keep things a bit more civilized. Alas, luck had no been on their side.

“He has not, but from the look on your face I can tell that was hardly a surprise.” There was a smile, soft as much as it was polite. “I won’t be asking what happened to cause it, as it is none of my business.” The blonde allowed her eyes to scan the surrounding area as she leaned against the stone wall in front of her. “I have taken a few measures of my own.” Befriending those below her yet placed so very neatly within departments that could help. “I very much hope I won’t have to for too long.” A chuckle. The idea seemed almost mad. - @r-lestrcnge