#caitrionaebing

[elmswriting]

Who: Caitriona&Sirius @caitrionaebing​

Where: Regulus’ home

When: Regulus’ birthday

After a few attempts to get Regulus to come out to explore the nightlife with him, his little brother had finally agreed to come with him. Sirius had expected nothing less, since that was the way of order; Sirius wanted, Regulus caved in. Well, at least when it didn’t evolve major things, like family and such.

Anyway. It had been more fun than Sirius had dared hope, and somehow Regulus had found it in him to let loose and get drunk. Sirius had purposely held back a little to better be able to protect and help his younger brother, who had always been a poor drinker on top of not being used to hard partying. And so, with a rumble of high, messy energy that spoke of a very successful and long night, Sirius had finally brought Regulus back home. 

Having left Regulus with some brotherly wisdom and laughs to get better (and, mind, a potion to nurse Regulus’ hangover once he woke up again), Sirius rumbled down the corridors that he used to happily roam when Uncle Alphard had been alive. Man, he missed him. And as thoughts of family filled his fuzzy mind, it was another relative he stumbled upon by the fireplace. 

Caitriona had never made it a secret that she despised him. She had despised him when he was part of the family, and even more so after he had left. Sirius would have to be completely blind and ignorant to miss that. His own feelings for her were a bit more complex. He pitied her, for what she had gone through, and for her role in life and society, he despised her back for hating him and being another blind follower of pureblood mania, but he was also grateful for her watching over Regulus when he hadn’t been able to. 

“Cousin, dearest,” Sirius slurred in greeting, relaxing into his drunkenness now when Regulus was tucked in and safe. “What a ssssuprise. Long time, no see, huh?”

[intricateink]

Who: Rita and Caitriona @caitrionaebing​

Where: Caitriona’s favourite coffee shop

When: After the publication of Rita’s article on Caitriona

Rita had just published a rather scathing piece about Caitriona Burke. The article's contents were nothing short of scandalous, and Rita couldn't help but delight in the potential fallout. Now, she was eager to see Caitriona's reaction and perhaps even gather a few more juicy tidbits in the process.

With her usual cunning, Rita "accidentally" found herself sauntering through the doors of Caitriona’s favourite coffee shop. Her entrance was anything but subtle, her outfit and demeanour designed to draw the eye. Rita was an expert at commanding attention, after all.

She glanced around, her keen eyes quickly locating Caitriona sipping her coffee. She approached Caitriona with a sultry, confident stride, her voice dripping with feigned innocence and charm.

"Miss Burke! What a delightful surprise!" Rita purred, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I must confess, I didn't expect to run into you here. But then again, great minds do think alike, don't they, darling?"

Rita paused for a moment, her gaze never leaving Caitriona's face, eager to gauge her reaction. "I trust you've seen my latest article? I do hope I managed to capture your essence accurately. After all, a woman of your calibre deserves nothing less than the truth, don't you agree?" She leaned in slightly, her eyes locked on Caitriona's, the corners of her lips turned up in a coy, knowing smile.

[fidemaledicta]

who: @caitrionaebingwhere: Diagon Alley, Scribbulus Writing Instruments

It was one of the rarer occasions, a shopping trip for only the most necessary and of course the most necessary visit to Scribbulus, her favorite little shop. There was something fascinatingly honest about stationary supplies, quills, and the scent of fresh parchment. The shop was also usually much emptier than the other ones around. Whereas Flourish & Blotts was a place filled with the busy feet of readers and young students, this place lacked human presence for the most part all together. Emmeline preferred it that way. It also seemed like the smallest store in the entire street despite seemingly, by magic so she assumed, fitting in so much more than the others. Only Ollivander’s could compare with its magnificently stocked-to-the-brim shelves.

Careful fingers were gliding across the new parchment types laid out in front of her when the bell announced another customer. The witch didn’t bother looking up until she heard the steps stop somewhere near her. Only then was her curiosity peaked enough for Emmeline to finally glance up. It was a mix of emotions than ran through her within mere seconds upon landing on the figure in front of her before settling on a knowing smirk, the type that she’d only ever thrown in the other’s direction. Even now it didn’t feel as though words were needed. There was no question there as to how a meeting such as theirs could have taken so long. There was no desire to know beyond all that she was aware of already. The world they lived in was too cruel to leave room for such things and between them it had never been needed.

Emmeline allowed herself to turn toward the witch fully. “Caitriona. It’s been a while.” Only ever statements between them. Anything that needed saying would be said in others way, it always had been. “They seem to have a new shipment of parchment.” Her own way of wondering what was new with Caitriona.

[fidemaledicta]

Words had never been something to define their friendship. Much rather it was the lack of them that had made the whole thing so special and at the very same time just so much simpler than anything else. The witch listened, like so many other times before and gave a nod. Her eyes had that spark, that understanding that those words spoken were more than what they seemed, not just a small explanation of plans but a statement of all that wouldn't happen. Emmeline let out a breath, listening as she observed the celebrating crowd, the small groups cheering with their parents and friends and whoever else had come around to congratulate. Despite how lonely it may have seemed, the brunette almost preferred it that way. There was something sad yet cathartic about not being surrounded by a bunch of people expecting the world to function in their way. Not everyone had that luxury, the world wasn't everyone's oyster. Not all the time.

Emmeline turned back toward Caitriona. Despite the polite smile, there was no confusion there nor did she expect the other to explain or cheer. That was how they functioned, no words needed to explain things. "What an awfully wonderful adventure. I'm sure it will be eventful." Her way of saying that she wished Cait all the best, hoped the other would find some form of happiness within the future that now lay ahead of her. While Emmeline may not have been part of those chosen for such pureblood specific things, her father had made sure that she was both prepared should things ever come to pass and aware of just how that world worked. A polite nod was all to be had in front of others. Her hand reached out, a quick squeeze. Perhaps it was the fact that graduation lay behind them, the world ahead one clouded in darkness that brought forth as much affection as she'd shown that day. The witch couldn't tell. "I'll make sure to send flowers."

There was relief over the change in topics and part of her believed that it wasn't just her that let a sigh of said relief escape. Such words were too pretentious to be enjoyed. Talking about the a possible career seemed both cruel and distracting enough. "I will begin training with the ministry. As a curse breaker. I have also made sure to arrange to train with Gringott's on occasion but for the most part I will be working with the curse breaker department, assisting the aurors in their cases as best as I can once I have become adept enough at my job." There was a certain pride there, one that left her with a small waterfall of words spilling forth from her. "It should leave me with plenty of time to visit Scribbulus." It was both her favorite place in Diagon Alley and her way of say 'Perhaps that's where we'll meet. One day. Life would be very different now.

fidemaledicta​:

It was a most bizarre feeling to walk through life with eyes open, a future in mind that made sense and not a single question about it only to wake up and realize that every step had been taken with eyes so very firmly shut that the wave of confusion one was hit with was almost too hard to bear. Emmeline never had any doubts about where belonged, who she would side with and take her steps into the world with, yet the past three months had caused her to fall into a spiral of questions that no one seemed to hold answers to. Even if there was a soul around that held the answers, the witch would have refused to ask the necessary questions because asking meant making the world she was now faced with a reality and that seemed far scarier than she ever cared to admit.

The time after that letter had passed by in the blink of an eye and somehow Emmeline found herself graduating from the place, she once considered her one true home. Her eyes were busy scanning the crowd around her; students celebrating with their friends and family. It made her feel like a stranger among the familiar. Here and there her friends, if she could still call them that, had reached out to cheer with her and she had politely joined in and nodded until she found a spot off to the side, her eyes focused on the lake in front of her before a voice and the feeling of her hand being squeezed dragged her from her thoughts. Brown eyes went searching until they found her friend’s.

How lucky she had been to find someone like Caitriona, how fortunate to share her time at Hogwarts with none other to call her dormmate and friend. Yet it was oddly clear how much the future would add to change that. Emmeline found herself sighing at the words the other spoke, a sad smile joining that of Caitriona’s. “I believe so. Something about celebrating the achievements and enjoying the thrill of a new adventure.” The witch found it hard to maintain the smile, so very aware of the fact that the future was anything but easy for either of them. “There is some reason to be happy, I’m sure. After all, we’ve made it through, haven’t we?” For the tiniest moment, Emmeline placed her hand upon Caitriona’s shoulder, giving her a squeeze in return. Neither of them had ever been big on openly showing affection. All of that was done by simply knowing. “What will you be doing now that you get to step out into the world?” Oh, she could imagine but there was still a flicker of hope that Caitriona would get to live a dream of sorts. How silly, to think that either of them would walk an easy path. @caitrionaebing

@fidemaledicta​

If Caitriona had been raised to be anything, it was a survivor. She was not a fighter, to rage against the fate that had been assigned to her, nor was she meant to be a lover, forging a life of her choosing hand in hand with another. She’d always been intended to be defined by those who came before her, and while she’d always understood a legacy was a heavy thing to carry, she was only beginning to learn how much of a burden it could be. There wasn’t anyone she could talk to about it, not without explaining Benjy, which was a risk she refused to take, but speech had always come second in her friendship with Emmeline. There was an empathy between them that surpassed words, and that was what Caitriona was looking for when she sought out her now former classmate.

Caitriona’s laugh in response to Emmeline’s words was perhaps more bitter than it ought to have been, yet at the same time it was not nearly as bitter as she felt. Any adventure in Caitriona’s life was most certainly behind her; there were no real questions left in her future. A Yaxley ring was waiting for her in the coming days and her mother and Yvette were already discussing a Fall wedding; from there it would be parties and entertaining and waiting for a son and trying to forget that she’d ever had a taste of something more. Maybe her fellow graduates were excited by the prospect of life outside of Hogwarts, but Caitriona wished she could stay forever. 

Ultimately, Caitriona had to steel herself to answer Emmeline’s question. She needed the practice, anyway, to discuss her impending nuptials as if they were something she looked forward to, or at least didn’t dread. It was, after all, what she’d been working toward all her life, the future she’d always been prepared for. “I’m to marry Xavier Yaxley. It was finalized a few months ago, but we decided to wait until after graduation to make the official announcement.” She managed to deliver the news in a matter of fact tone and that was enough; she knew Emmeline wouldn’t expect her to actually be enthusiastic about such a prospect. Still it was not something she wanted to discuss in depth, so she guided the conversation in a different direction. “Do you have a job lined up yet?”

[marlexne]

No matter the time that has passed, Marlene had still felt like there was not much awkwardness. Despite everything going on, she was learning to sepearate some things from the war- the people she knew, the people who were being hurtful. It had taken her months to be able to actually look into her soul and see who she had wanted to at least reach out to. With everything that has happened lately- and Marlene being just a little bit in the dark with it as she had been taking more shifts at work that she should have for ‘experience’. 

She approaches her former dormmate slowly, almost as if she is unsure she is ready to speak to the other yet.  Caitriona and her always had a somehow easy relationship- nothing was expected from the other, but they always were there if needed in a way, she had been lucky to have found that in a place she was unsure she had even belonged to in the first place.

‘Long time no see.’ she greets the other with a nod. ‘ I reckon it has not been that long, but it sounds extremely mysterious when others say it.’ / @caitrionaebing​ 

[fractured-hq]

THE FOLLOWING BLOGS HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESUME ACTIVITY OR CONTACT THE MAIN:

@caitrionaebing

@alessandraesmee

@justicexdriven

@chasingharpy

@marlexne

@gammaoricnis

@admelicra

@oflucius

[benjyxfenwick]

caitrionaebing​:

@benjyxfenwick

“The navigation qualifier isn’t necessary.” Caitriona said loftily. She was very used to hiding her intelligence for the comfort of those around her, but that was just one of the many ways Benjy was different, special. Not only had he always seemed to realize just how smart she was, but it had never intimidated him; it made it easy, and even enjoyable, to joke about it. Benjy had none of the delicate pride that Caitriona was so used to managing, so she didn’t have to worry about making him feel inferior. It was freeing. Everything about Benjy was freeing. It made her feel things she shouldn’t, things that were too dangerous to even put into words. So instead she just smiled up at him, focusing on this moment; the feeling of his hand in hers, the warmth of the sun on her skin complementing the warmth of him at her side. “I haven’t, no. Tell me about it.” Of course, Caitriona had done what research she could to prepare for the trip, but she wanted to see the city through Benjy’s eyes, not those of a soulless encyclopedia entry.

As they approached the library, Caitriona’s steps slowed and a small frown wrinkled her brow. She gazed up at the sharp lines and harsh angles of the building before. “Why does it look like that?” She spared a glance for Benjy, looking to him for answers in a way she rarely allowed herself to do. She didn’t like to admit ignorance, it always felt too much like a show of weakness, but she trusted Benjy not to take advantage of it. She turned her attention back to the building, still frowning. “Is it supposed to be ugly?”

Inside the building, Caitriona’s skepticism turned to delight as she took it all in; the familiar dim and hush that seemed somehow magnified by the stairs leading up to the second story and beyond, and all the books on the ground floor alone. It put the Hogwarts library to shame, and downright dwarfed the most impressive of the private collections she’d seen. She stepped away from Benjy just enough to turn in a circle where she stood, and it was all she could do to keep her mouth from hanging open. She’d gone to balls in grand manor homes and attended school in a castle; she’d observed the Winter Solstice at Newgrange and visited the Longmen Grottoes. She was not someone who was easily impressed, but she was impressed by this, the function of it, if not the form.

Benjy’s question pulled her attention back and she blinked owlishly at him for a moment before shaking her head. There wasn’t any particular section she wanted to see because she wanted to see all of it. Finally she asked, “What’s your favorite?”

.

“It’s home,” Benjy answered her warmly. The affection towards his hometown of Birmingham was evident in his voice. He was by no means wealthy and hadn’t grown up in a glamorous part of town, but that only made him love his city even more. He knew the real parts of it, the heart and soul. “The people are friendly, aren’t stuffy, would give you the shirt off their backs if you asked. I grew up around all the Muggle kids, playing footy in the parks or alleys. You knew everyone in your neighborhood and everyone knew you,” he explained. “I really enjoyed being exposed to loads of different cultures– I was always interested in learning where people came from, their backgrounds and all.”

At Caitriona’s genuine question, a laugh erupted from him, one he quickly had to hush as they stepped into the building. He’d always had the same thought and it just reminded him of their similarities. “The city wants to be modern, whatever that means, and I suppose this is their take on it?” He guessed. They stepped into the vast library and as he caught the expression of wonder on Caitriona, his chest bloomed with happiness. He knew she would love it here. “I’m always in the history or sciences section, sometimes the novels too. Come.” Taking her hand softly yet firmly in his, he led her past the entrance and towards the left corner of the library. He waved politely at the librarian at the front desk, an older woman who Benjy chatted with over the years as he checked out his books. The lady waved back and her eyes widened brightly at the mysterious, pretty girl by Benjy’s side.

In the back of the library, Benjy immediately moved towards the shelf displaying the newest items. He perused a textbook on East Asian wildlife and biodiversity before another book on the world’s largest caves caught his eye. “I hope I get to explore these sort of places as a Cursebreaker,” he voiced to Caitriona in a slightly hushed tone.

caitrionaebing​:

@benjyxfenwick

Benjy Fenwick was a marvel, a treasure far rarer and more precious than anything Caitriona’s family had ever featured in their shop. There was something about him, his warmth, his humor, his way of moving through the world, that made her feel like she was someone else entirely. She felt it now. As they walked arm in arm, with her cheek pressed against his shoulder and their fingers intertwined, she was no longer an heiress, the last of her name and the daughter of not one but two impressive dynasties, she was just a girl and she was happy. She could stay here forever, she wanted to stay here forever, and that was a disconcerting thought for more than one reason. 

Caitriona stopped herself from following that line of thought, already unpleasantly familiar with where it led. “I am far too intelligent to get lost,” she sniffed in response to his concerns, ignoring the one about cold feet. It was better this way, to tease and joke and steer the conversation away from topics that might lead to a discussion of all the reasons their relationship was a bad idea, the expectations of her parents and their society. Here in the anonymity of the muggle world it was almost easy to pretend the responsibilities of the pureblood world were nothing more than a bad dream banished by the summer sun. 

It was incredible to Caitriona how well Benjy knew her, how he’d always seemed to understand her, to see her, in a way no one else did. She’d been raised by an incredibly charming man and an incredibly strategic woman; she knew how to wear a mask, had been since long before she arrived at Hogwarts. To everyone she was proud and clever, just as a Burke should be, beautiful and cold, just like the Chinese name her mother had given her. Everyone but Benjy, who proved once again how well he knew her with how he recommended they spend their day. Caitriona lit up at the idea of visiting a muggle library, but then she frowned. “Will they let us in even if we’re not students?” The Hogwarts library wasn’t open to non-students during the school year, not even Hogsmeade residents, and she doubted it changed in the summer.

.

“That’s true. I forgot I was in the presence of a navigation genius,” he teased warmly. “Have you been to Birmingham before?” He asked curiously. Benjy felt the most like himself with Caitriona by his side. As they strolled down the sidewalk, he wasn’t a Halfblood, someone the wizarding world wanted to see eradicated. He wasn’t from a working class family that he still lived with since he couldn’t afford to live on his own yet. Instead he was a teenage boy who was taking his girl out on a pleasant summer evening, showing her the beloved sights of his hometown. They had never  actuallyofficialized what their titles were, but for Benjy it was clear: Caitriona was his girl and he was loyal to her, and he expected the same in return.

“It’s for the public,” Benjy answered promptly, excited to teach her about the world he was half living in. Not just explaining it, but actually showing it to her as well. “No need to be a student, just have to be in possession of a working library card. You’ll see. My card carries some weight over there,” he joked. Soon enough they were crossing the street to enter into a vast building, climbing up concrete steps and into the hushed, immense library. Benjy smiled as he looked around at the familiar shelves, smiling even wider as his gaze landed back on Caitriona. “Any particular section you’d like to see?” He asked quietly.

[secretarylestrange]

who: bellatrix lestrange & caitriona burke @caitrionaebing​​ where: borgin and burkes

She didn’t make a habit of being spotted in Knockturn Alley because of the rumors that tended to churn, especially when she made her way into Borgin and Burkes. She could have gotten an errand boy, or sent a house elf to pick this up, but the truth was she didn’t trust anyone enough to do that. That was how she found herself entering the door, adorned in a cloak that did a wonderful job hiding her as she lowered the hood and slowly made her way around the store. There likely wasn’t anything that she needed but it never stopped her from looking at the new inventory when she walked in, should something catch her eye. Bellatrix was greeted rather quickly, assured that her item was waiting in the back and she could head back to retrieve it. What she hadn’t expected to catch her eye was Caitriona Burke, her own head turning, dark hues slightly narrowed as she looked her over trying to remember the last time she’d seen the young woman. It she had to narrow it down the most prominent date in her head was Xavier’s funeral, no doubt. “I’m picking up for Lestrange.” She spoke, as though she needed to specify who she was, it wasn’t necessary, after all they’d spent plenty of nights with niceties when her husband had been alive. 

[mckinnonhits]

who: marlene mckinnon & caitriona burke @caitrionaebing​​ where: Borgin and Burkes

Marlene wasn’t the first pick to deliver the paperwork essentially stating that Caitriona wasn’t being charged with anything at this present time. But when she’d heard that they needed someone to deliver it she’d jumped up from her seat, offering to do the deed given that she was on her way home. It had saved them from trying to find someone who didn’t want to do it and making them. Now as she entered Borgin and Burkes she found herself questioning her decision in the smallest of ways. There’s was no way that Caitriona wanted to see her after everything, hesitating with her hand on the entrance she considered her options before pulling the door opening and entering the premise.

Despite the fact that giving the paperwork to the person at the counter would have been easier she instead elected to insist that it had to be hand delivered. “I only need to see her for a moment, if possible. I’m just here to deliver paperwork on behalf of the Ministry.” Marlene assured, holding up the envelope in question. 

[msmeadcwes]

Who: Dorcas & @caitrionaebing​

Where: Auror Department

Dorcas finished her current report and sighed tiredly, leaning back against her seat. Days were getting longer and she often felt as if they weren’t achieving anything substantial. She looked at her watch and stood up slowly. By then, Caitriona Burke had been probably waiting for an hour. It was a technique that often worked, not always, but still. And maybe it was also her way of punishing her for the way she had treated Benjy all these years.

She took her time to find her file and even took the longer route towards the interrogation room. But eventually she arrived and walked in. Of course she was already there. “Good evening, Mrs. Burke” she said simply, as she took a seat on the chair and took out a clean sheet of paper from the file. She also took out a pen, finding pens way easier to manage than quills and ink, especially when taking notes.

“I understand you have been interrogated a while ago, this is merely a follow up interview” she commented, leaning back against her seat. “We are trying to close your investigation, but you see, there are still some inconsistencies... some statements that you made that are lacking of supportive evidence” she commented.

[theenchantedecho]

top 5 most eligible bachelor/bachelorettes?

To my discerning and ever-curious readers of The Daily Prophet,

An intriguing query indeed - who are the top 5 most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes prancing about our beloved wizarding world at present? A hearty task but fear not, my dears, I have risen to the occasion.

1. Benjamin “Benjy” Fenwick: Now, if you prefer a dash of bravery with a sprinkle of intellect, Benjy is your man. As a Curse Breaker for the Ministry of Magic, his job alone screams adventure! He's been known to whip up a mean curry, too. We've all heard tales of the elusive Fenwick family recipes, haven't we? Just remember, to conquer this brave heart, you'll need to be quick with your wit and even quicker with your spellwork!

2. Caitriona Burke: Our list would be dreadfully incomplete without a dollop of scandal, wouldn't it? The widow Burke has turned many a head after her departure from the Yaxley household. Despite her period of mourning, rumour has it that the doors of her new townhouse are not as closely guarded as her family's honor would suggest. But tread lightly; her family is as ancient as their values are, er, traditional.

3. Gilderoy Lockhart: Ah, the man of the hour, our very own rising star! With his recent book launch, Gilderoy is indeed an appealing catch. A word of caution though, he's as elusive as the nargles! With his good looks and abundant charm, it's no wonder he is on this list. Just remember, dear readers, you may have to fight off a hoard of fangirling Hogwarts students to win his heart.

4. Alice Lestrange: Now, here is a woman who defines breaking the mould. Lestrange by birth, but certainly not by association. As an estranged member of the infamous Lestrange family, Alice holds a certain allure. Her work as an Auror adds a touch of danger to her appeal, but let's not forget that rebellious streak. Interested suitors, be ready for a challenge!

5. Regulus Black: With his aristocratic charm and studious nature, he's captured the attention of many. Head of the Black family and a researcher of the Dark Arts - scandalously riveting, is it not? The right partner could perhaps thaw his icy exterior. But beware, you might have to go through his grumpy house-elf first!

In the end, my dears, remember this is all in good fun. I'm but a humble scribe, detailing the magical drama as it unfurls. The heart wants what the heart wants, as they say. For now, keep your wands at the ready and your eyes on the prize. As always, I’ll be here, quill in hand, to record every tantalising detail.

Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award winner, Rita Skeeter.

@benjyxfenwick @caitrionaebing @magicalmeee @alessandraesmee @regulusblacx

[theenchantedecho]

I'm not sure who Benny is, but I saw Caitriona Burke stopping by Severus Snape's apothecary after you last article... perhaps to reassure a new beau? Or maybe she was just shopping for poison.

My dear Potions and Passions Prober,

What a positively scrumptious morsel you've brought to my attention! Caitriona Burke, the infamous widow of the Burke family, stopping by Severus Snape's apothecary? The very thought of it has set my quill a-quivering with anticipation!

Now, while Caitriona has long been a favourite subject for my quill's most scandalous scribblings, the idea of her seeking solace in the arms of Severus Snape is, I must admit, a rather unexpected twist. After all, the dour potions master isn't exactly known for his romantic inclinations, is he? One might even question if the man has a single cell in his body devoted to matters of the heart.

However, we must remember that love, like a potent potion, often works in mysterious ways. Could it be that the icy exterior of Severus Snape conceals a passionate soul, yearning to be thawed by the warmth of a beguiling beauty like Caitriona Burke? Or perhaps, in a more twisted turn of events, are they finding comfort in each other's shadowy company, brewing nefarious schemes together?

I've even heard whispers – and I do so love a good whisper – that some rather high-profile witches have been vying for Severus's attention. Could Caitriona be in competition with the likes of Emmeline Vance or Celeste Travers? Or perhaps a dark horse candidate, the alluring or the enigmatic Narcissa Black?

Of course, it's entirely possible that Caitriona's visit to the apothecary was nothing more than a mundane shopping trip for, let's say, poison? A rather fitting choice, considering her penchant for leaving a trail of destruction in her wake.

Thank you for your delicious tip, and rest assured, I'll be keeping a watchful eye on this curious pair. And to all my dear readers, never forget that Rita Skeeter is always listening...

Yours in scandal,

Rita Skeeter

@halfblxxdprinc3 @caitrionaebing @fidemaledicta @caelestiasolis

@aurcralux

[theenchantedecho]

I’m sure Caitriona won’t mourn her husband long she has her sights on Benny it seems.

My dear Astute Observationalist,

Your delectable morsel of gossip has sent my quill into an absolute frenzy! Caitriona Burke, the infamous widow who's never been one to shy away from controversy, and Benny, who you say has caught her roving eye. Oh, how the rumour mill churns!

Indeed, it seems our dear Caitriona never truly donned the garb of mourning, despite the tragic loss of her husband. And now, with the passage of time, one might argue that the window for grief has well and truly closed, leaving her free to embark on a new romantic escapade. But with a man named Benny, you say? How terribly intriguing!

Now, Benny does sound suspiciously like a Muggle name, doesn't it? And as we all know, the pureblood Burke family is infamous for their strict adherence to blood purity. What a delightfully scandalous twist this would be in Caitriona's tale, a twist worthy of your favourite poison pen-wielding gossip columnist!

Can you just imagine the whispers and gasps of shock as Caitriona, that notorious beauty, flaunts her new paramour before the scandalised eyes of wizarding society? Oh, the delicious drama it would cause! I simply cannot wait to see how this tantalising tale unfolds.

As always, thank you for feeding my insatiable appetite for intrigue and scandal, dear reader. Do continue to regale me with your delicious insights, and remember, Rita Skeeter is always listening...

Yours in scandal,

Rita Skeeter

@caitrionaebing

[theenchantedecho]

Caitriona Burke: The Slytherin Alumna Causing a Stir in High Society

Welcome to "The Enchanted Echo," the go-to source for all the scandalous gossip and tantalizing rumors from the British wizarding world! Today, we bring you an in-depth profile on Caitriona Burke, the 21-year-old Slytherin alumna who has everyone talking.

As the last of her name and the cousin of several high-profile wizards and witches, including the infamous Black family, Caitriona Burke has always been a prominent figure in the wizarding community. She is currently enjoying the luxurious lifestyle that comes with being a member of high society, and has no shortage of leisure activities and social events to keep her busy.

However, Caitriona recently caused a stir when she decided to move out of the Burke Lodge and into her own townhome. This move is highly unusual for a woman of Caitriona's standing, and people are dying to know what could have prompted such a bold decision. Some say that Caitriona has grown tired of the stuffy, traditional lifestyle at the Burke Lodge and is seeking a more independent and modern existence. Others claim that she is simply following in the footsteps of her ambitious and headstrong nature, never one to conform to societal expectations.

But the rumors don't stop there. It seems that Caitriona has also caught the eye of a handsome, wealthy wizard, and the two have been spotted out and about on several occasions. Witnesses say that the pair looked very cozy at a recent event, with Caitriona hanging onto the arm of her mysterious beau. "I couldn't believe my eyes," one eyewitness told us. "They were practically glued to each other all night. It was clear that there was something going on between them." Could this be the start of a steamy love affair, or is Caitriona just using this man for his connections and wealth? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Caitriona Burke is not one to be underestimated.

In addition to her scandalous love life, Caitriona is also known for her sharp wit, intelligence, and impeccable fashion sense. She was a standout student during her time at Slytherin, where she was a Prefect and a member of the prestigious Slug Club. Her natural charisma and education have served her well in the wizarding world, and she has connections all throughout the community.

Caitriona is particularly close with her cousin Regulus, who is known for his loyalty to the Black family and their traditional values. However, she is said to have a strained relationship with her other cousin Sirius, who was disowned by the Black family for his rebellious nature. Despite this, Caitriona has managed to maintain a successful and enviable life in high society, and is always surrounded by admirers and influential figures.

So what does the future hold for Caitriona Burke? Will she continue to turn heads with her independent spirit and scandalous behavior, or will she settle down with her wealthy beau? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Caitriona Burke is a name you won't want to forget. Keep an eye on this one, dear readers – she's sure to make more headlines in the future. Will she find success in the wizarding world, or will her privileged upbringing hold her back? We can't wait to find out.

Stay tuned for more juicy gossip and tantalizing rumors from 'The Enchanted Echo.' Who knows what scandalous stories and intriguing profiles we'll bring you next?

@caitrionaebing​

[halfblxxdprinc3]

The dry tone along with the tease brought a smirk to Severus' lips. It brought him back to the days when the pair were prefects. Finding new discussions during their patrols from schoolwork to their mutual disdain for a certain Gryffindor; one that smelled like dog and practically threw away his Pureblood lineage at the first chance. Either way, a friendliness between the two housemates that was looked at almost fondly now that Severus was thinking back. Still, back in the present, Snape merely nodded accompanied by the aforementioned smirk.

"Browsing for something new, then?" Severus asked, gauging what to bring her as many items were freshly brewed after a long trip like the one he'd recently returned from. "Interesting?" he asked with an arched brow and went to his desk to retrieve his journal. Once he had, he came back to Caitriona and flipped to a couple of pages with samples of various plants and quicks sketches of thestrals, "A bit darker than usual, but not many can see them. Starting with their diet and environment for my initial research."

@caitrionaebing

halfblxxdprinc3​:

For the first time in Severus Snape’s life, there was a sense of unbridled pride. To build a shop of his own from the ground up was nearly unheard of for those that came from similar circumstances as he. Not only as a Halfblood, but poor as well. From hand-me-down shirts and robes that didn’t fit - to someone immersed in Pureblood society and suddenly thrown into the fire of having to abide by all of its various intricacies. Including paying attention to gossip to find a ‘suitable match’ as his new friends called it.

Building his own shop and name for himself had been surprisingly easy. It seemed that raw talent and a penchant knack to prove himself a superior Potioneer took him rather far. The shop had been previously owned by a Halfblood alchemist who could sympathize with his background that it was easy to become an apprentice until it was time for the old man to retire. Once he did, Severus was able to use up his savings to get the building and fill the shelves with all his own work. Much of which he had created along side his housemates in school in the common room. Which included Caitriona Burke. Hearing the bell to the front door, Severus peered up from his work to find none other than miss Burke admiring his shop. While they weren’t particularly close, they were acquaintances and housemates. He even remembered early mornings and late nights as prefects together. Something Severus hadn’t thought about in quite some time. Coming around from his office, Severus gazed across the many shelves above her, “Anything in particular you’re looking for? Or is this a pleasant surprise?”

@halfblxxdprinc3​

Admittedly, it had been quite a while since Caitriona had made a point of seeking out Severus. In their early years at Hogwarts his friendship with Lily Evans had made her think he was more like her, secretly indifferent to the politics of blood prejudice, but then she’d realized she was wrong. While their time at school came to an end, Caitriona had quietly distanced herself from Severus as she realized his interest in the dark arts was more than academic. Once she learned from her father that he’d joined the Death Eaters, she understood that she and Severus had more differences than just their backgrounds. 

These days they were truly acquaintances. They moved in the same social circles more now than they used to as Severus refashioned himself into a Prince and joined pureblood society, but Caitriona kept herself to herself more than she had. Today was probably the first time she’d sought out Severus’ company in quite a while, so she couldn’t blame him for being a little surprised. Nevertheless, his straightforward manner was refreshing, and even a little comforting. “My presence is always pleasant.” Caitriona’s tone was dry, but not accusatory; she was joking more than anything. “I’m just browsing today. Are you working on anything interesting?”

[mckinnonhits]

who: marlene mckinnon & caitriona burke @caitrionaebing​​ where: caitriona’s family home when: august 16th, 1981

Inhale, exhale. The first name of what she was assured would be several had caused Marlene to falter, if only for a second. She knew, in the back of her mind, that not following the orders given by the Ministry would only make matters worse but that didn’t make it easier. She hesitates on the steps for a moment, wondering if Caitriona would fight her. She fiddles with her wand in her sleeve, worn in preperation for a fight that she hopes doesn’t happen. With paper in hand Marlene considers her options, electing to knock on the door in hopes this would go better than expected, before blowing it off the hinges.