fidemaledicta

[fidemaledicta]

Once upon a time quidditch had been an important part of her life, training been her lifeblood. Eventually other interests had taken over, leaving her only with an intense need to fly. It was the only thing from the former days of playing quidditch that she kept as a habit. Whenever things got too complicated once would be able to find the brunette up in the air, soaring.

Emmeline turned toward him. "Considering they're the host it certainly is disappointing." She let out a sigh. "Though, between one former player and another, I somehow feel a bit sad for not being out there." The witch motioned towards the pitch with a somewhat sad smile. No, she never regretted her choice to end up in the ministry rather than on a quidditch pitch. While she loved the sport it was certainly not the only thing she loved.

The most important event on James career was happening and James got to be a part of it. It felt somewhat bittersweet, the fact that he would be participating in the World Cup but not as a player made him ponder about his life, his found job and the war. And what would he would like to go carrying on after everything was over.

However, he didn’t want to worry while he was supposed to be celebrating. He put his million thoughts aside and took a swing from his butterbeer and smiled to the person sitting next to him, “Shame Ireland is not making it to the final, innit?” 

[fidemaledicta]

It was the first time the witch had allowed herself to wander further away from the tent area, not all that fussed about the idea of spending money on merchandise beyond what was mandatory of course. No way was she going to get away without it, not after having played quidditch herself. Wearing merchandise and playing were two different things, though.

Her thoughts were cut short, no more time spent glancing at an overpriced hat when someone next to her tripped. "I'm all fine. Are you?" Emmeline whirled around to look at whomever she'd almost ran into. "Enjoying the whole quidditch whirlwind as well, hm?"

Andromeda was glad that she could take some time off from her work, he needed to spend some time with her family. Her and Ted had managed to save up and take Dora to the World Cup in Ireland, something that the kid throughout enjoyed and appreciated. They went to get some of the sponsored merchandise to commemorate the holiday while Andromeda walked around, enjoying the magical people all coming together to celebrate and have fun.

As her usual clumsy self, she tripped and almost fell if she didn’t bumped into someone. “I’m so sorry, I keep tripping, are you okay?”

[fidemaledicta]

The ministry had a habit of keeping one busy even on days when work should be secondary. An event such as this and still Emmeline had found herself swooped up in smaller tasks, finishing up both paperwork as well as a minor curse-breaking incident. When she'd finally managed to make it to the camp grounds of the world cup it felt like the world had already moved ahead, rushing into perfect position to enjoy the event while she'd barely set foot on the grounds that would soon be filled with fans cheering for their teams during the event of the year.

With hurried steps, big box in her arms and a bag slung over her shoulder had the witch gone about, searching for the tent. Of course she knew which one but within such a large crowd it seemed a bit tougher to find than she originally anticipated. Finally, and by chance perhaps, did she find it. She'd just been scanning the area around when Sirius' voice had drawn her into the correction direction.

"Actually," She lowered the box she'd been holding. "I was busy getting snacks because I was sure that I was surrounded by at least a few people who get hungrier than a hippogriff and given everyone's track record would need enough snacks around to last the entire duration of this thing. So, hopefully no one will be fighting any hippogriffs around." She plopped the box down. "If this are enough, I'll happily take that drink though. Given that at least one of your friends has shown back up."

Where: Campsite Who: Open

Sirius wasn’t bothered that he was not invited to the Burke lodge accommodations, what fun was that anyway? He had left that life behind. And with the way wizard tents were they were more than comfortable, not like the muggle ones he had heard about. He thought of his brother being stuck in the stuffy lodge surrounded by all the boring purebloods, all their rules and appearances and wished they could have gone camping together. It was nice sitting out among the stars, the laughter all around, people able to forget about the doom and gloom for a little while. He set up his tent with a flourish. It was large and spacious inside, able to fit both his friends and any others who might end up crashing if needed. He set up outside with some chairs, a fire, and of course alcohol to spare as he sat down to enjoy the atmosphere watching the people go by. 

He was always up for making new friends, or just sharing an evening with strangers looking to have a good time. He wouldn’t say no to any fun that came his way. He doubted most of the purebloods would pass by this way, but any of them that did were probably a more open-minded sort if they were to slum it with the rest of the crowd. He took a sip of his firewhiskey, surveying the crowd for any familiar faces or ones that sparked his interest. If he saw any of his cousins would they stop? His brother if out this way would probably have to rebuff him in such a public place which made him sad but he tried to shake it off. At least he got to see him sometimes rather than not at all. “Fancy a drink?” he asked beckoning to someone who had paused in their journey. “I’ve got plenty to go around, now all I need is some company as I’m not sure where my friends have wandered off to.”

[fidemaledicta]

There's something calmer about not having to walk about with a filter attached to each word escaping one's mouth. Whenever presented with the ears of someone that didn't require planned words or sneakiness the weight on her shoulders seemed to slip off so much easier, allowing for a temporary feeling of floating to set in.

"So,... the usual then?" Emmeline chuckles, tilting her head to the side with a shrug. "How bizarre is it that it seems almost too normal for me to consider it breaking news?" She glanced at her friend. "Don't know if I'd call providing potions or breaking curses all that glamorous. I do have my moments, I suppose but it's nothing out of the ordinary." The brunette glanced around, scanning the park area around them. Caution never quite seemed to leave her.

fidemaledicta​:

Emmeline allowed herself a moment to take it all in, the peaceful atmosphere so very different from anything she’d gotten used to over the past few years. A part of her almost struggles to believe that such a place could exist in a world that was filled with more horrors than she would have dared to imagine during their shared time at Hogwarts and yet the proof was right in front of her. “Let’s walk then. We haven’t caught up in a while. Life’s too hectic.”

Her feet carry her, walking down the unfamiliar path without waiting around. There’s faith the other will follow, eventually lead the way. “How’ve you been?” She glances over at her friend. “You know, flying would have been more fun, though I don’t guess that is something so easily done around here.”

She laughs at the question— it has been far too generic for a while. How are you? Survivng. Still alive, you? Marlene could not really use those excuses anymore- she’s always been one gor geniune converstions.

They start walking and it feels like old friends getting to know one another again, getting to know how the othee has really been. “You know the jist, working my ass off and sleeping couple hours a night.” She chuckles then, feeling somehow jittery to be able to say it so real outloud. “Work has not been easier, despite everything. And you? Having the most glamours life?”

[fidemaledicta]

Emmeline chuckled at that. If anyone would be able to tell if a quidditch team had what it took it was her former flying instructor. "Perhaps they just need the right person to train them. Never know what wonders may happen when that is a given." The witch glanced over at Ro. "I may be stuck near a desk but at least I can say that I still get to deal with the thrill quidditch gave me every day. I did love flying but somehow I felt more useful breaking cursed items for the ministry. The aurors can use all the help they can get." Despite how great she was at her job, Emmeline was more than aware that a large part of her choice of career had been due to the events in her seventh year. Curse-breaking always seemed like an option, something on her mind yet nothing had cemented the whole thing quite as much as a hard reality check.

"I'm not being sentimental at all, actually. I'm being honest. No foul play. Wasn't that another thing you made sure we all were very aware of? Made that mistake once, never did it again." It wasn't something she was proud of, looking back. In the end it felt more like yet another situation in which the flow of the crowd had swept her away. It was a valuable lesson; one she didn't quite forget. "We should go flying some time. Curious if I can still keep up on a broom." Truth be told, she was quite sure that would be impossible.

Ro immediately nodded her head at her words, grimacing at just the thought of working a desk regularly. "Thank you. I mean, don't get me wrong, desks are fine for repairing brooms, holding things, et cetera, but for actually working? No thank you," she said blandly, making a show of giving a horrified shudder, "I'd run away to the muggle world first. I do know how to tend a lighthouse. And then I'd just go to the Harpies games and critique their efforts. They don't quite look like the well oiled machine they could be, but I suppose time and experience will tell."

The blonde found herself giving her a small shrug, because most of the brilliant fliers that had come and gone had found their way under her tutelage. Some, however, wouldn't even consider it a career option, which utterly flabbergasted the woman. Because it was flight. "Now that is a feeling I'm well accustomed to. I do miss attacking an opponents' hoops. You're never quite prepared for the rush," she said after a beat, finally shrugging slightly, "Ooh, go easy on the sentimentality. I'm fragile...and would hate to ruin what little makeup I know how to use."

[fidemaledicta]

Emmeline nodded at his words, the logic ever so clear. Of course the ministry would insist on certain individuals attending an event hosted by them. In times such as these the success of such a matter was crucial and yet something the witch very much saw was failing all around them. While the crowds were lively, it certainly didn't appear to be nearly as crowded as the events free of bias. Attending a muggle fair, or unity as they called it, was certainly a statement of some sort. "You've got a point there. Can't deny that."

Mere seconds later, for the tiniest moment her face showed confusion before realization dawned on her. "I take it telly is yet another word for that tv apparatus?" Truth be told, it simply wasn't something she could ever see herself living with. Despite the small steps she'd taken, such a device seemed too far into the direction she refused to take steps into. "I barely find the time to even do that. There's enough to do most of the time." She chuckled. "So, what will you do once you're free of this little stall? Can't be going about talking to people about their favorite program all day, can you?"

James shrugged, “I’ve heard of certain people being asked to come by to support the vent, make it seem like a success.” he explained his logic, it wasn’t like every person at th eMinistry would be at the fair. 

“Tellies are fun, Sirius and I were considering one, it is amazing what muggles produce, however, I barely have time to listen to other shows on the wireless, much less add a telly on top of that.” he shrugged, “I would argue that at telly is as useful as a radio, but I might be out of work if I said that too loud.” he joked and shook his head, “just a couple of hours, when they thought more people would transit through.”

[fidemaledicta]

Now, there are a few things you should know about Slytherin – and a few you should forget...

[fidemaledicta]

However many times had Emmeline found herself amused at the other's comments? Over the years the number of times had gone past any amount the witch could have ever kept track of. In the end it didn't matter. It was simply nice to know that she could still find amusement within it all.

With an eyebrow raised she listened, laughing at his comment before a serious expression took over. Even there, the glint of mischief ever so present it was obvious that Emmeline Vance was anything but serious in that moment. "Don't tempt me, Black. I stood in line with various witches threatening to hex me should I decide to skip said line. I may just take you up on that to make up for the glares thrown my way." She moved onto her toes to peek over his shoulder. "I'm pretty sure one of them spent half of our time at Hogwarts staring at you in pretty much every class we shared."

Emmeline scanned the booth. "So, who had this glorious idea?" Of course, nothing about this seemed beyond something the brunette could see the former Gryffindor do. It appeared to be perfectly up the alley of someone whose entire life was a road of mischief down a lane of chaos. "By the looks of it quite the brilliant idea." She pointed back at the seemingly never-ending queue of people lining up for the volunteers at the booth.

"No chance I can drag you away from here before you go through half of Hogsmeade over there?" By all accounts the line of people seemed to almost count for more people than she'd ever seen in Hogsmeade on any of her visits. "Any more people and I might have to grab you lip balm before they fall off. We couldn't have that, could we?" Oh, what a tragedy it would be. That thought caused a small chuckle.

There was a heady kind of feeling having someone pay for a kiss from you, though he didn’t dwell on that too long. It could get into a bit of dicey territory but this was just an innocent kiss after all, nothing tawdry. It was interesting to him it had never caught on in the wizarding world, or for the purebloods, get a preview of what your betrothed might be like in the kissing department? Of course that would be far too undignified for them to participate in but the image gave him a chuckle. He wondered now if his status as a disgraced pureblood was more or less of a draw to the people in line, or if they even recognized him to consider it. 

Once he would have been considered a catch, an eligible bachelor from the noble house of Black, a match any parent would be pleased with for their daughter. Now of course that couldn’t be further from what they would want. He was a blood traitor, no longer a desirable match for anyone… at least anyone in that circle. Anyone he surrounded himself with these days that was generally considered a plus, or at least nothing to fuss over. It was strange how much things had changed, how far he had fallen those in his old circles would say but he saw it differently. He was free now. Free from expectations and obligations, free to do what he actually wanted no longer tied down by silly traditions and rules. 

A familiar voice caught his attention and he looked up surprised to see Emmeline now at the front of the line. “Isn’t it obvious? All the ladies and gents want a kiss from this disgraced pureblood, unable to help themselves once they get a look at this face,” he chuckled. “Why are you here though? Waited in line all this time for another kiss from me? Could have just asked if that's what you wanted Emm,” he teased, a crooked grin appearing on his lips.

[fidemaledicta]

Emmeline allowed herself a moment to take it all in, the peaceful atmosphere so very different from anything she'd gotten used to over the past few years. A part of her almost struggles to believe that such a place could exist in a world that was filled with more horrors than she would have dared to imagine during their shared time at Hogwarts and yet the proof was right in front of her. "Let's walk then. We haven't caught up in a while. Life's too hectic."

Her feet carry her, walking down the unfamiliar path without waiting around. There's faith the other will follow, eventually lead the way. "How've you been?" She glances over at her friend. "You know, flying would have been more fun, though I don't guess that is something so easily done around here."

fidemaledicta​:​

There was an unspoken connection when it came to the people she’d once shared her home - the most wonderful time - with. Hogwarts had been her escape, a way to let the real world behind. When the Sorting Hat had told her that some of the connections she were to make would be for life, Emmeline had all but laughed at the silliness of it all. How could such a thing even be possible? Yet there was no denying that especially Caitriona and Marlene had been exactly those types of people, all without the most typical and constant need to express and talk. With them a nod, a tap on the shoulder or simple silence had given her so much more than a million words could have. Never in a million years would she have changed it all.

“You know, when you invited me out here for a walk, I assumed that’s what it’d be.” Emms raised her eyebrows at the other, amusement clear within her eyes. “What would I do without magic right now, hm”? The magic of thinking far enough ahead to come prepared just in case. After all, neither of them seemed like someone who would ever dare sit still without moving. The witch moved over to the other, head tilted to the side. “Quite the calm place, hm?” She allowed her eyes to roam, scanning the area around. It was bizarrely peaceful.

‘I mean,we can totally walk.’ she says with a shrug of her shoulders, but a easy small smile dancing on her lips. ‘ It has not been easy, even with the time passing-smiling so geniunely and peacfully has not been so easy for her. She looks around the place as well- she reckons it is a bit peaceful, she has not seen many people around here, she has found it in a search to find a place where she can be just herself and her thoughts for a moment. She reckons this has helped a lot.  She nods then, turning to look back at Emmeline. ‘Quiet so; it is very much a place where I might have spent too much time- it’s different from the busy world, it is so much more calmer.’

[fidemaledicta]

She caught herself nodding along to his words, moving a hair a behind her ear idly with one hand. "Believe it or not, I'm not here for work. Don't see how curse breaking could be needed her." She frowned. "At least that's what I'm hoping. Don't see myself attending anymore festivals and fairs if I end up having to crack out the curse breaking repertoire to fend of Merlin-knows-what."

She reached out to pick up a brochure, glancing over the contents of the info sheet. "I was visiting the museum with Alice earlier. I know how to turn on a tv now. Not that I think I'll ever be needing that but the person working in that particular part of the exhibit claimed that it was an important skill to have. Is it? Important, I mean." Truth be told, she saw no use at all in the tv itself. "Do they have you working the entire festival? James Potter not getting a chance to enjoy himself seems almost scandalous."

fidemaledicta​:

The moment Emmeline heard the voice, the witch whirled around in the direction of the more than familiar sounding voice. She couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows in amuse, suppressing the laughter that threatened to take over. “Don’t tell me they have you working the festival booth while others get to enjoy this more than odd festival!”

She glanced around the area, noticing a few other booths around that seemed to have a similar purpose. Emmeline turned back to James. “Hm, suits you.”

James didn’t realice who he was speaking with until his head moved from the poster he was signing on the table. He saw Em there and the hidden smirk on her face as he kept the professional façade that the radio had him doing “Does it? ” he asked equally amused “The radio does want to keep relevant I didn’t you know we have a new muggle music show?“ he added sarcastically, trying to hard not to his eyes there was more to do than just add a couple of songs here and there but he knew that the media wouldn’t become so radicalised right now "What about you?” He asked, “What do they have you doing?

[fidemaledicta]

The laughter echoed through the gloomy air around them before she could stop herself. "Noted. Should I ever find you behind a desk, outside the occasional professor duties at a school such as Hogwarts, I will make sure that I or someone else - qualified of course - will get you out of there." She honestly couldn't envision the other stuck behind a desk. The times that Emmeline had been given the chance to watch Rolanda Hooch fly and soar through the air had been enough to confirm just where the other belonged - on a broom.

"Those students will come along in time. The smart ones always find their way to you, don't they?" She smiled warmly, remembering all the time she'd spent on that broom, the many countless hours in which Ro had instructed her and given her more ideas of how to live on a broom. Flying was no longer a word that could capture the meaning of being on a broom, not entirely. "Sometimes I miss it, playing Quidditch and all. I still fly whenever I get the chance, though." That would never change. There had always been an advantage to being able to fight on a broom and at the end of the day the witch owed it all to Rolanda Hooch. "Half the things I can do on a broom I wouldn't have been able to without you, Ro."

Rolanda would be lying if she said she didn't have her favorite students. But so what if said favorite students were the good Quidditch players that with a little work would have likely made it, and excelled, in the league. Emmeline had been one of those students, though she'd chosen a different direction, no matter how much potential the flying instructor had seen in her. The Quidditch League would likely have kept more people out of harms direct path, too, and every little bit counted in a civil war.

"Can't say I disagree with that. If I ever get caught at a desk in an office, please take me out back and put me out of my misery," she muttered darkly, a shudder moving down her spine at the thought as her lip curled in distaste, "The most paperwork I do is scrawling down someone's pass or fail, or recording Quidditch results. An office sounds like a unique form of torture." Pausing for a beat, the golden eyed woman found herself smiling wryly and giving a vague gesture around. "Me? Well, after the first couple months of teaching, I just wait around with baited breath for a Quidditch match...or a student to realize that I can give extra tutelage. And please, for the love of Merlin, its Rolanda or Ro. Hooch works as well. The Madame part just makes me feel old...and responsible."

@fidemaledicta

[fidemaledicta]

A fair dedicated to the unity of magical and muggle; there was nothing the witch had seen herself less likely to enjoy. A large part of her still lived with a much larger-than-life denial in regards to her own heritage. It was almost bizarre to think that she'd agreed to spending an afternoon with muggle culture at its finest. Most of the things muggles and those used to them around her seemed to find normal were inventions of a different kind to the brunette. Emmeline turned toward the sign, taking in details. This was far outside her comfort zone but one afternoon wouldn't hurt, surely.

For a moment she listened to the other, scanning the area around. Not much was happening near the museum. Emmeline could only hum, nodding at the clear evidence of missing visitors and yet refusing to pull the mood down even an inch further. "Perhaps they're simply inside?" She had her doubts. "Or they've been here in the morning!" More doubts but she was willing to give it a chance; seemingly more than most. "Let's go."

when: Friday, 16 July 1982  where: the Museum of Muggle Curiosities  who: Alice and @fidemaledicta​

Alice was not a big fan of her own culture. Not her Scottish heritage, of course, she was very proud of that, but her pureblood heritage. That was a problem. Or at least, it had never been something for her to be proud of, the generations of hoarding wealth and power, not to mention the long line of loveless marriages and soulless homes. She’d always preferred to learn about the muggle world, and since she ran away from home she’d come to think of it as sort of her adopted culture. These days, she wanted to share that with people, which is why she was particularly excited about the Unity Fair. And the Museum of Muggle Curiosities. The last time she’d been it had been a little underwhelming, but she was hoping the recent renovation had included updating the exhibits. 

She’d said as much to Emmeline on the way to the museum, walking too fast even though the other witch didn’t have long legs for Alice to keep up with. She stopped outside the small-ish building and huffed a little in disappointment. “I was kinda hoping there would be a line or something.” The museum was supposed to be the big draw of the fair for the day, and Alice had expected more people to take advantage of the free admission. Instead, the museum was largely ignored by passers-by, even with its newly painted sign.

[fidemaledicta]

It was by mere suggestion that Emmeline had found herself attending the musical addition of the festival, having promised prior to give it a chance at the very least. At first she hadn't considered the idea of staying, finding herself struggling more than she cared to admit to connect with the muggle side of things. It had been too many years spent trying to be anything but the half-blood to fully connect over one simple yet dedicated weekend.

The witch was about to snap, not liking the idea of having anyone bump into her when she recognized the other's voice. "You're probably right but I don't think I'm quite the dancer." Emmeline chuckled, observing the joy on Lily's face. "It certainly suits you more than it does me. But please, don't let me spoil the fun." She was, at the end of the day, still trying to find ways to connect with her mother's side of the bloodline; as silly as that may have been.

Who: open

Where: Unity Fair

When: Sunday 18 July 1982

How long had it been, Lily wondered, since she had seen so much dancing and celebration in public? There had been a gloominess in the air the past year which Lily simply had not been able to shake. 

It was hard to feel anything other than joy, however, with so much laughing and joy, with the smell of sweets and butterbear in the air. 

And with the songs of her childhood playing, song she heard on muggle radio which so many around her could not understand why she would still listen to.

She sang them now, moving with glee. Lily was undeniably, unapologetically muggleborn, and tonight was a night for her to celebrate it. 

She span uncontrollably in her dance, nearly knocking into someone as she did so. “I would apologize, but if you really think about it, it’s your fault. You should be dancing! Surly you can’t listen to music like this and not dance!”

[fidemaledicta]

Most of the past few hours had been spent among others, walking alongside them as she discovered the fascination behind muggle artifacts and then browsed shops, trying to understand this other part of the world which each step. It was almost a relief to finally be able to walk on her own, allowing all those thoughts and new impressions to settle. It was peaceful, to just walk and observe; to stand by a stall or a shop and watch the crowd drift by like a fast paced river. Emmeline could have stood there for hours, walked among them in her very own bubble.

All, until a voice broke her out of the bubble she'd put herself in. The witch just stared, for the tiniest of a moment before allowing a small nod. "It would appear so, yes." She glanced back at some of the shops. "They've certainly put in the effort to make it seem like a lovely place to be. Who could say no to such a thing?" When it all appeared so much more peaceful than the world around them. The brunette glanced at her cousin, observed each and every little motion as though it could tell her the story that lay hidden when she was oh so aware that nothing ever could. "I didn't think I'd bump into you. Then again, such festivals can surprise you."

꒰  🌼  ꒱    —     𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒓   ﹕ @anyone  ．

it was universally known that the only thing holding the wixen world together — if one could even say it was being held together, which in itself was highly debatable — was the pretence of high society and decency, which was precisely why amaline found herself taking a solitary stroll through carkitt market, taking in the steadily growing crowds. she couldn't complain, she always enjoyed people watching and taking in the things that still excited those on the outskirts of the war — if it meant she did her husband's image a favour, and tried to overhear a conversation or two… well. amaline selwyn ( née vance ) was nothing if not a practical woman. while she made no purchases, she walked and perused different shops, hummed and ahed at whatever seemed pretty, offered polite smiles at the people behind the counters, and waved at babbling babies. all in all, she could've done quite a lot worse, and she was almost satisfied with her friday when a familiar face forced her hand — it would hardly be polite to not approach them, after all, and so she did. "the shops are quite quaint, aren't they? i've done the rounds twice by now, i believe."

[fidemaledicta]

The moment Emmeline heard the voice, the witch whirled around in the direction of the more than familiar sounding voice. She couldn't help but raise her eyebrows in amuse, suppressing the laughter that threatened to take over. "Don't tell me they have you working the festival booth while others get to enjoy this more than odd festival!"

She glanced around the area, noticing a few other booths around that seemed to have a similar purpose. Emmeline turned back to James. "Hm, suits you."

The Magical Wireless had James tied in contractual bullshit, he might have wanted to enjoy the fair some more, but there he was, at the booth, to wait for photos, interviews and autographs. He was bored out of his mind, when his next visitor came to the booth. “Hullo, what is you favorite program on the Magical Wireless?” he greeted as he did most of the people that approached their space.

[fidemaledicta]

No words could have ever described how delicate yet strong, how simple yet complex their friendship had been. To many on the outside it would have looked like nothing more than two polite strangers while others perhaps would have had an inkling that neither would ever give away any clue that would hint toward them actually getting along. In that regard fewer words than ever would be shed, and the few that were would be between them in their entirety. "A little bit of both. They have replenished plenty of the old favorites but added a whole new section of parchment and quills." The witch gave way to a slightly warmer smile. "I can't seem to get past the good, old favorites but the new ones certainly hold some intrigue."

Her fingers reached out, brushing over the parchment samples in front of her, feeling the texture to determine the quality. "The quality seems as unchanged as it's always been." It was almost comical how many things the two could say to each other without ever saying anything a normal being could put any meaning to. A conversation about parchment could hardly hold anything of importance, could it? And yet it meant the world to Emmeline. Caitriona was a living reminder of a time the witch had left behind a long time ago. Despite the amount of secrets each of them had held over the years, most unspoken, it was perhaps Caitriona that Emmeline could see herself feeling the largest amount of guilt over when it came to the secrets she now carried. Joining the Order had come almost naturally years ago, but it was nothing she could ever mention to the other.

Emmeline's attention returned to the parchment in front of her, reaching out to check another fresh sheet of the newer ones. "What do you make of the newer additions? Sublime quality, surely." It was her way of making sure the other was alright. Once upon a time there would have been importance in being well, having a good life. Now she only held onto what felt more realistic. At the end of the day, in times like these, they were all just getting by. One way or another.

@fidemaledicta

Caitriona had never been one who considered shopping a hobby. It had always seemed like such an egregious waste of time when there were any number of better, more interesting things to be doing. Purchases, especially of shoes, clothes, and the like, should have a purpose and when Caitriona found herself browsing it was almost always because she was looking for something specific. The notable exceptions to this rule were bookstores, and Scribbulus Writing Instruments. Scribbulus in particular was a meticulously organized and extensively stocked shop that Caitriona deeply appreciated. 

It was a rare treat for Caitriona to spend time at Scribbulus. As a rule, she avoided anywhere with an excess of feathers whenever possible, but Scribbulus was worth the dizziness and headaches that always accompanied a dose of allergy potions. Usually, just stepping foot in Scribbulus was enough to ease Caitriona’s mind, but today there was an unexpected obstacle in the form of Emmeline Vance. The other woman had been the closest thing to a true friend Caitriona had while at Hogwarts, although they’d never acknowledged such a thing out loud, but that could have been an entire lifetime ago.

For a moment, as Caitriona met Emmeline’s eyes, she worried that the unspoken understanding that had always existed between them would be gone. These days Caitriona felt like a shadow of her former self, and she wasn’t confident that the person she was now was the same as Emmeline. Then, Emmeline offered Caitriona the same, papercut of a smile she always had, and some tight thing in Caitriona’s chest eased. “It has indeed.” Caitriona’s own smile matched Emmeline’s for size and subtlety, but there was still the same wordless warmth behind it. She took a few steps closer to her former dormmate, asking, in their way, how Emmeline was doing. “Is it restock, or have they purchased new brands?”

[fidemaledicta]

There was a certain rarity in the way Alice talked to her; the simple ways in which she chose to treat her in ways that did not make her feel as though her entire being was being put into question. The other never seemed to question her motives and that made working with Alice just so much nicer. Perhaps that's where that much larger-than-normal amount of trust came from. It was certainly not the easiest task, and if anyone had ever bothered to ask Emmeline wouldn't have had an answer, somehow the other had managed to get her to open up bit by bit. Although she was still more like a walking shadow when it came to her personal life, things certainly weren't quite as shrouded in darkness as they had been years prior.

Emmeline had found a home of sorts within her work at the ministry. The long hours, very much down to her own choices, spent at the office and within the areas dedicated for cursed items of varying degrees as well anywhere she could find a place to sit and read up on more information about curses. There was pride there, certainly. Without a doubt it was something the witch found fulfillment within; a place to prove just how well she fit into a world that, to a large degree, had at some point decided wasn't hers to be part of. All that disregarding that somehow by being who she was Emmeline had fooled enough people into not having the slightest idea about that little factor by then.

"Glad it helps the case." The witch gave Alice a smile, closing the file and handing it back to the auror. "If my help is required with anything found within that room or whatever may be hidden behind that tapestry, do not hesitate to call on me. As long as you or one of the other aurors does it, there shouldn't be any issues regarding my presence at the case sight." Part of her very much wanted to go. The brunette couldn't deny the curiosity that cursed through her veins at the thought of an old pureblood manor filled all the odd curiosities.

The former Slytherin couldn't help the laugh, amusement clear as day. "I removed the nasty bits, yeah. I can assure it won't be biting any longer. That nasty little bugger has barked for the last time and unless there is something within the manor itself it won't be howling to the moon anymore either." Emmeline glanced over at the freshly drawn face, the soft smile, with a confused look. Clearly this was some form of celebration. Nothing all too weird from Alice, but certainly something the witch still had to get used to.

@fidemaledicta

Alice considered it a privilege to know Emmeline. Really, she considered it a privilege to know most anyone, but Emmeline especially because she was so hard to get to know. It reminded Alice a little bit of when she’d first found Pepper, the cat had been prickly and slow to trust, just like Emmeline, and, just like Emmeline, Alice had eventually worn her down. Not to say that Alice thought of Emmeline as a pet, or anything, but there were similarities. There were also similarities to Peter Pettigrew, but Alice tried not to think about those. The ending with Pepper was much happier. 

Alice brought her attention back to the matter at hand and passed the file over to Emmeline even as the younger woman reached for it. Then she had to scoot in her chair and lean forward over the desk so she could still see the papers. As Emmeline spoke, Alice hunted for her scribbling notepad, which was always nearby but never where Alice thought she’d left it, and the right pen for this case. Color coding her notes by case was the only way Alice could keep information straight in her head, especially when she had so much trouble thinking about just one thing at a time. While she listened to Emmeline, Alice took notes, doodling a rough diagram to remind herself which bits to twist to get the thing to actually do something useful. She’d been fascinated by the little thing with all its buttons and knobs and switches since she found it, but she hadn’t been able to make it do anything, other than the occasional nasty shock to her fingertips if she fiddled with it in the wrong sequence. 

Now, Alice was glad to see that her confidence in Emmeline’s ability to puzzle out the tool’s purpose had been well placed, especially when the other witch pulled out the picture of a tapestry. Alice’s supervisor, whose tenure had been extended when Alice came back from her time out after the protest back in October and was still accompanying her whenever the left the building, had not been interested in this particular tapestry, but it had tugged at something in the back of Alice’s brain, so she’d snapped the picture anyway. The tapestry looked like something her mother would have hung in the castle where Alice grew up, but it was far too old for the building it was hanging in now. She felt vindicated, knowing that it was connected to the tool, and drew a little face with a tongue sticking out next to her note to herself to tell the old wizard next time he checked in on her progress. 

When Emmeline finished, Alice smiled widely at her. “Brilliant. Top notch work, as always. That tapestry definitely doesn’t belong, I knew it’d be important.” Alice reached for the tool and packed it away into the box she’d been keeping it in. “Did you clear away the nasty bits? It liked to bite.” Alice had always had a habit of talking about objects like they had a mind of their own, and it didn’t matter if they were magical or not, but she’d worked with Emmeline often enough at this point for her to understand what Alice meant.