#mmrpvalentines

[ncrcissam]

who: @uptosomething-snape​ where: the valentine’s ball. when: february 14th, 1979.

She only knew today was Valentine’s because of the party upstairs. 

They’d stopped given her the newspaper on day two, although Narcissa had tried her best to keep track of the days by marking them in a journal. It wasn’t that they were being cruel, really, just that she was asking too many questions. Whoever would bring her the paper would get question after question lobbed after them; at the ball that was coming up, and why she couldn’t have a trial, or a bloody lawyer for that matter. They never listened, which was a new experience for Narcissa Malfoy. She’d grown accustomed to a lifestyle where she didn’t even have to speak to get what she wanted.

Those days were over.

The sound of music lulled her into her small bed. Dinner had come and gone not too long ago and so she had nothing else to do but stare at the ceiling and wait for sleep to take her. Until then, she’d think of Draco; how he would’ve hated a frilly, pink scene as a child. She must have fallen asleep to that thought, the look of disgust that she now imagined on his face. Maybe even a smile, though, when he saw the dessert tray.

And then the click of a lock.

Narcissa was out of bed almost instantly, a bit of hope in her heart. Were they letting her free? Had Lucius or Bellatrix spoken on her behalf? But, no, when the door opened, none other than Severus Snape walked through the door. Younger. In a bright red suit. With aurors, the Longbottoms no less, behind him, and a girl she didn’t recognize. Her mouth opened, and closed once as she processed what was happening. And then she met Sev’s eyes before stating, simply with a voice hoarse from no use, “It’s quite nice to see you in red for a change.” Before sauntering past him and to the doorway. “Well, no time to waste is there?”

[uptosomething-snape]

when: february 14, 1979

where: valentine’s ball

who: @marls-mckins

When the partners for this rescue mission were assigned, Severus practically sighed in relief when he found out he would be working with Marlene McKinnon. While he suspected that she, among many others in the Order, didn’t trust him in the slightest, Severus knew it wouldn't keep her from completing the mission. From what he remembered about her from school, before her untimely death, Marlene was a passionate, fierce, and determined individual. And with a mission to save the wife of a known Death Eater, they needed ‘soldiers’ like her with such significant tasks. At the Ball, Snape made rounds around the event to speak with members on both sides. Playing the role of double-agent again felt natural; too natural. So much so, that Severus needed a moment before the most dangerous part of the night begun. Once he spotted Marlene alone in the crowd, Snape made sure to make direct eye contact with her, before walking up, “McKinnon,” he then searched the room for anyone who was nearby, watching as most were occupied by the music and dancing, or drinking. Seeing as this could be the opportune time to leave, Severus gave her a nod, “This might be our best chance at removing ourselves from this event,” his eyes then went over her dress briefly. Snape wasn’t the type the give compliments out freely, but his partner did look particularly appealing - and it was customary to give them to those one would be close to at events such as these, “Up to the task when you look this...” he tried to find the right word that wouldn’t be too inappropriate for their not-friends-nor-trusting partnership, “agreeable?”

[jcmesfpotter]

who: @uptosomething-snape​ where: the valentine’s ball when: feb 14, before mission go

The conversation with Remus and Sirius had given James a lot to think about regarding his (former?) nemesis. There was really no other word for his relationship with Snape. He’d hated the man more than anyone in the world for so many years. It was jarring to hear that he’d changed, that he was kind enough to do something like brewing a potion like that for Remus. It was jarring to hear both his friends call him by his first name. The more he thought, the more his mind was made up.

He waited until Snape was alone before he approached. He walked up and just stood beside him with a small nod. “Snape.” It took him a moment to work up the nerve to continue. He had to choose his words carefully. Finally, he just sighed. “I’d like to talk privately, if we can. It’s about...tonight. And other things as well, but mostly that.”

[edgxrsbones]

when: february 14, 1979 where: valentine’s ball who: @gidprewxtt​

Sure, he didn’t want to be at the ball, that much was true. But he couldn’t much deny that seeing and chatting with some familiar faces made the whole mess much more bearable. It was a nice distraction; felt as though things were somewhat normal and even pleasant, if for just a little while. And the drinks definitely helped. 

But it was even better when those familiar faces were those that he liked, like Gideon Prewett. “Damn, mate. You really went and took the whole Valentine’s things serious, huh?” he teased playfully as he walked up towards his friend and took in his suit. Not that it was a bad thing by any means ––– it was a very Gideon thing to do, which was incredibly refreshing to see. Honestly, in his opinion, more people needed to be more like him. Besides, it’s not like he was the only one fitting well into theme of the night. Hell, if anything, he was the one who looked out of place. 

The abundance of hearts and pixies and all the red and pink décor were just a painful reminder of what he didn’t have ––– what he’d lost. He didn’t want to feed into that. 

“You having a good time? I’m surprised you’re not all over the dance floor, to be honest.” 

[emmvxnces]

when: february 14, 1979 where: valentine’s ball who: @madeye-mccdy​

“I have to say, never did I think I’d see the day where you’d dress up so nice and fancy, boss,” Emmeline teased as she sidled up to Alastor’s side, unable to help herself. They both knew that the ball was a load of bullshit ––– a way for the Minchum to try and sweep matters under the rug and distract the public at large from what was going on around them. It was a tried and true method that’d been used time and time again, both in the first and second wars. Honestly, if they weren’t taking advantage of the night as a cover for Narcissa’s rescue, she knew that, more than likely, both she and Moody wouldn’t be here at all. 

Letting out a soft sigh, Emmeline took a small drink of her champagne as she took a careful look around the room for a few beats. For the most part, people seemed to be having a good time, at least. That was something. And there was a bar to make things just a touch more bearable. 

“I’ve got a bit of time before I go off with Sirius and Remus. Though I still don’t get why we’re in the places we are.” It just didn’t make much sense to her. Besides her skill and profession, her, Remus, and Sirius were some of the oldest, most experienced members. Although, considering her mistrust of Dumbledore as of late, maybe it wasn’t all that out there for why they were placed on interference. Didn’t mean she was any less annoyed by it, though.  

[andytcnks]

who: @edwxrdtxnks​​ where: the valentine’s ball when: feb 14, around 8:50pm

Andromeda always felt somewhat awkward at formal events. It felt like she was stuck between two worlds. She loved getting dressed up, loved the feeling that had come with walking out for Ted to see. Schmoozing came easy to her after a childhood of training, but it exhausted her more than anything. That was on top of her nerves about tonight’s mission, and on top of feeling like she had the eyes of much of the Order on her. She likely did. Although at the moment, most of them had already peeled off into their various assignments. Only those assigned to stay here in the hall were scattered about.

Despite everything, it was Valentine’s Day. She’d promised Ted as they left Nymphadora with the sitter that no matter how tonight went, she fully intended to enjoy it with him. She found him when her nerves just became too much, slipping a slightly shaking hand into his. “One last dance before our feet are too sore?” She teased, a soft smile on her face that didn’t reach her eyes. 

[madeye-mccdy]

ALASTOR MOODY | look for the valentine’s ball ––– february 14th, 1979.

[gidprewxtt]

[cordeliagreengrass]

Cordelia Greengrass’ Outfit For The Ministry Valentine’s Ball.

[petragreengrass]

petra greengrass’ look for the valentine’s ball ––– february 14th, 1979.

suit on left with solid black trousers in the style on right 

[ncrcissam]

who: @andytcnks​​ where: the safe house. when: morning of february 15th, 1979.

Morning came too quickly somehow. When she’d finally found sleep, it hadn’t been restful but instead full of dreams. The explosion. Draco’s face. Lucius’s arm on her wrist. She’d woken up on the gargle of scream, cheeks wet from tears she didn’t know she’d cried. The sun had just barely risen, but Narcissa didn’t want to go back to that place quite yet. Her nightmares could begin their chase again tomorrow. 

For now, she tip-toed downstairs and out onto the back porch. Trees stood, branches dancing gently with a winter’s breeze, and although it was cold outside, Narcissa found it peaceful out here. She knew the next few days would bring chaos, especially as the Order began asking her questions. Wanting to help was too strong of a desire at the moment, but she wouldn’t deny them. Not if it meant bringing down the man who’d destroyed her life. 

The door behind her squeaked open and when she looked up, she almost thought she was still dreaming. Andromeda, only how she’d imagined her in her dreams, stood beside her, and Narcissa couldn’t help but slide on the wooden step to make room for her. How she wanted to just wrap her in a hug, cry into her shoulder, like she might’ve when they were children. Their relationship had gotten better in past, but she didn’t know if she was ready for that. Neither of them, really, were ready for that. 

“It’s strange seeing you now,” she said softly. “I mean, at this age. I don’t think I ever saw you, not even in passing.” It was stranger even how she’d missed out on such important moments in her sister’s life; her wedding, Nymphadora’s birth... The thought of Andromeda’s daughter brought a clogging to her throat that she didn’t appreciate much, so she cleared it away before looking at her sister again and taking her hand. “I don’t know what you did to convince them to help me but... thank you.”

[mccnylupln]

who: @emmvxnces @sirixsblxc​

where: ministry of magic, basement level 2

when: february 14, 1979

Was Remus getting old or was he always this bitter? Pink was never a favorite color of his, but now it was just making him downright sick. He didn’t get the appeal of Valentine’s Day. Expensive restaurants? Smelly flowers? Cheap chocolates? These were all things Remus avoided in everyday life. He didn’t need to seek them out on a holiday.

So, he was a little excited to hear their mission would take place on February 14th. That gave him something to do. A little less excited when he found out his role would be at the Ministry’s Valentine’s Ball. At least he could spend it with Emmeline and Sirius, who he was sure would keep the night interesting. They were all equally tired and bitter. Better than spending it with one of the younger Order members who only knew life before the war. 

He walked back from the bar carrying three beers and returned to the level his friends were on, taking a few sips from his own on the way. The lift arrived to the floor and he stepped out, forcing a smile. “You all decide on a game we can play yet?” 

[uptosomething-snape]

SEVERUS SNAPE | look for the valentine’s ball ––– february 14th, 1979.

[julienmacmillan]

who: @cordeliagreengrass​ & @petragreengrass where: the valentine’s ball. when: february 14th, 1979.

A part of him knew that he shouldn’t be nervous.

If Cordelia said no, then that would be more surprising that anything else, at the end of the day. They both knew how they felt about one another, so Julien wasn’t going in with a surprise on that front. But, still, in his mind Cordelia deserved the most outrageous, romantic, proposal that the world had ever known. He’d never quite been a hopeless romantic, but he couldn’t help but become one after waking up again on January 1st. A second chance at life meant there was to be no holding back. Why should he waste this second opportunity? Why waste such an opportunity? 

And, so, he stood with Petra by his side, the courtyard to the left of the main ballroom mostly empty except for a few meanders and hundreds of flowers. They’d worked out the charm before, and with Julien’s potion from Edgar, he was able to momentarily change the colors of some of the others to be just as he’d imagined in it his head. Now, he turned to Petra and pulled on his jacket, a bit nervously. “Right, so, you’ve got the cue? When I turn the music box--” he waved his wand, indicating that was when she should cast the charm for the flowers to start dancing.

@petragreengrass​

[edgxrsbones]

edgar bones at the valentine’s ball ––– february 14th, 1979.

[emmvxnces]

when: february 14, 1979 where: valentine’s ball who: @andytcnks​

Emmeline had been looking around the ball for Andromeda for the past ten minutes. She’d hardly been able to speak with her since the plans of her sister’s rescue were finalized, as everyone had been too busy getting everything prepared. And if she knew anything of the other woman, she was probably stressing out of her mind. How could she not be? Which is why Emmeline was stone determined to find her and check in, especially with the mission in question set to begin soon. 

That is, if only the throngs of people milling about the Atrium weren’t making matters so incredibly difficult. Emmeline blew out a piece of errant hair from her face in her frustration, more than ready to snap the random man who was getting just a touch too close to her side when she finally, out of the corner of her eye, caught sight of Andromeda just a short distance away. And if the way she was knocking back her wine like her life might depend on it was any indication, she had been quite right to be concerned. 

“I’d ask how you’re holding up, but I think I’ve got my answer,” she said in lieu of a greeting as she quickly stepped up towards her friend, her tone a gentle tease in the  hopes to lighten the mood and take her mind off of things, even just for a moment. 

Though, truthfully, if any of them here had complete and valid reason to pound down drinks right now, it’d be Andromeda.