susansbones

[susansbones]

“He’s hasn’t extended the offer for a conversation either,” Susan pointed out sharply, holding back the thought that he probably did not apologize to anyone for the years at Hogwarts either. No one was the same person they were while they were in school, but that did not excuse the fact that he was once a bully. “That doesn’t mean you should jump into everything without thinking it through.” She simply couldn’t understand, and maybe that was the thing that was bothering her the most. How Hannah was so willing to take these risks for something Susan considered empty promises. “I think I should go,” she began to say as she got up from her seat, “I have a lot of work to do.” She hated leaving on a sour note, especially with Hannah but she was yet willing to compromise. “Have fun at the match. I’ll see you around.”

“I tried not to have an opinion of him in the first place. You’ve never had a conversation with him and your opinion of him is horrid” Noticing that Susan took a deep breath, Hannah did the same, she definitely didn’t want to get in the middle of a yelling match with Susan in the middle of Roasted, plus, they never yelled at each other, and she didn’t want to start now. “If I get hurt then I get hurt. But I don’t think Draco has any intention of hurting me in the first place.” she said honestly. “Suze, thats the thing though, how am I going to know that they’ll make me happy unless I go out with those people? You can’t just know these things, you have to find it out”

[susansbones]

Had Justin been staring at her, Susan wouldn’t have noticed. She was too self-conscious and self-aware of every little thing she was doing wrong. The faster the wine came out, the faster she could calm her nerves and give her something to do with her hands. “Oh my flat is terribly messy. There are stacks of paperwork everywhere... but you already know that,” she said realizing that basic information that she would normally share with strangers was fruitless. There was no use for filter and noise and perhaps in the long run that would be better. 

“Did you meet any famous quidditch players?” she cracked a joke and a smile for the first time in the night. “I forget, are you doing more of general practice or more a speciality? Or will they assign you a ward after your exams?” She felt she should have known or at least known something with her mum being a nurse. “I’ve been working on a case. The plaintiff suing his friend under the pretense that the friend's kneazle had viciously attacked him while he was watching it.” She wanted to shake her head at how almost ridiculous it sounded and at how much time and effort they had worked to defend their client. 

“Just a bit,” he grinned, his eyes glancing over the page. All of it seemed appeasing, setting it next to him. “That must have been nice. Working from home sounds far better than being on your feet all day.” The fact that he was on a date with his friend he had known since school that was making him fidget, but that he was actually nervous. There was nothing to hide with her even though the way they had met was slightly embarrassing. The waiter came by, pulling Justin out of a trance. He did not realize that he had been staring at her silently and immediately averted his eyes away from her. 

“Two glasses of wine. Whatever reds you have,” Justin said, smiling up at the waiter. When he left Justin looked back at her, feeling guilt wash over him as he stared at her. She looked beautiful to put it lightly and didn’t know how long that she had been sitting there waiting for someone. If it had been anyone else they would have left or expressed their impatience with him, but Susan wasn’t that type of person.

At the mention of work Justin sighed, a tired grin crept on his face as he leaned back in his chair. “Work. Well, it wasn’t the worst day. Just a few check ups with some regulars and a few quidditch injuries. Trainees don’t get too much severe injuries only the basic scratches and easy to fix incidents,” Justin explained, tilting his head to the side. “How about you? What all did you do today?”

[susansbones]

Send me a ♠ for what my character thinks of yours in three words

Send me a ♤ for what I think of YOU in three words

Send me a ❖ for my character’s personal thoughts about yours

Send me a ♣ for my characters thoughts during any general conversation between your and my character

Send me a ♧ for my character’s reaction if your character were to express romantic interest in my character

Send me a ♙ for what my character originally thought your character’s name was before learning their actual name, and why

Send me a ♖ for a hastily written ‘good-bye’ letter from my character to yours

Send me a ♔ for a word that I think sums up our character’s relationship

Send me a ⊗ for my thoughts OOC on your character

Send me a ▲ if you’ve ever wanted to talk to me, but have been too nervous to do so. (Now’s a good a time as any!)

(credit goes to niquetamereencore)

[susansbones]

Susan had learned a lot from her dad about being cautious. It was a method for survival and protection from harm, and while she had a big heart for forgiveness, she didn’t give out second chances freely and did not easily forget about the past either. “I’m not crossed at you, I’m more concerned that it seems like one encounter with Malfoy has changed your entire opinion about him. I’m not saying someone people don’t deserve second chances, but I at least would have been more wary.” She then had to take a deep breath in trying to process Hannah’s words. At some point she figured dating was going to be one of the things she would never understand because all relationships either end or last forever. “What if you get hurt? What’s the point of going out with those next people if they’re not going to make you happy?”

“Not really. But I’m willing to get to know him. But yes, after one coffee date I realised that he’s not the same person he was at Hogwarts.” Hannah frowned, knowing that Susan was right to some extent, Hannah didn’t know Draco well, they’d only had one conversation, but she knew that he wasn’t like he was back in Hogwarts, he’d made that very clear. “Because I believe in second chances thats why. And I don’t know, something might happen, something might not. I’m not going to just shut him down am I?” Hannah sat back in her seat, her arms crossed, She hated when Susan started interrogating her, going all lawyer on her. “I know you are, but this isn’t looking out for me, you’re just getting angry at me. I don’t know if he’ll make me happy, I don’t know if the next ten people I go on a date with will make me happy, but how am I supposed to find out unless I actually get to know them?”

[susansbones]

“They’re well. I see them once a week, but they still say I don’t visit enough.” Susan had to crack a smile thinking about her parents. Truly she was lucky and privileged to have two living and caring parents. She remember how some of her classmates had chosen not to tell their parents about the realities of the war happening within castle walls, but she was all her parents had left of their family and legacy. “You should definitely contact them, especially since your exams are coming up so soon.” 

Justin hummed in response as he finished his cup of tea, setting it on the counter. “How did that go? I haven’t seen my parents in a while. I should send them an owl about getting together,” he said thoughtfully. Justin sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. “Two days from now. It’s a bit scary, but I think I’m prepared.”

[susansbones]

“I always did love it in here.”

Susan Bones in the Hogwarts greenhouses, taken by Hannah Abbott while they were on a visit to see Neville.

[susansbones]

“No, I want to know what your intentions are with Hannah.”

“If you’re here to criticize me like everyone else in this bloody world, just leave me alone. Crazy how people always assume rumors are true.”’ 

[susansbones]

Susan had decided to spend her day off not at home doing work but visiting Hogwarts. She wanted to see all of her favorite professors and check out the reconstruction of the castle. It was a kind of visit she didn’t need the necessity to tell her friends. They would have been happy to hear that she was getting out of her flat but would have probably would have asked to come along as well. While she loved the company of her friends, she preferred this time to be alone walking through the Battle of Hogwarts Memorial. It was odd thing to find perhaps not comfort but a sense of sobriety walking through graveyards - that she understood death more than living.

Some time ago she had learned the difference between a cemetery and a graveyard was a cemetery was a burial ground within a churchyard, but she was a witch with little knowledge about muggle religion. She didn’t think much of it, but with Hogwarts Castle looming in the background she had to wonder if this plot of land near Hogwarts indeed was a cemetery instead of a graveyard. Had they not devoted themselves to someone and a higher cause for the greater good? Had they not found a sacred place inside to learn and be themselves? Had they not worshipped the ground they walked on and tried to protect it? She murmured the names of the casualties like a prayer. Were the fallen not saints? Was that what would be made of them inside of the castle? The stories teachings to younger generations who did not know.

She stopped by each and every grave, reading the writing on the tombstones out loud to give some life to the lost. It was difficult not to think about the lives they could had have as children, siblings, friends, lovers, brilliant minds, hearts, and souls who could have done so much more. “Orchideous.” There was nothing said as a bouquet of flowers began appearing at every grave at the tip of her wand, all coming from a place of love instead of an incantation. Her offering was not the first of the seasoning nor the last as the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts was approaching in the upcoming month and soon the graves will be decorated. She just hoped they would be tended to all year long instead of once a year.

So lost in a different world and a different mind, she barely registered someone bumping into her. She turned slowly, her disposition unaffected by his presence. “It’s quite alright Michael. You’re welcome to stay,” she said calmly not so much looking at him but looking past him, looking through him. “There’s no need for you to go unless you want to.” She turned back and looked at the tombstone in front of her. There was no need to ask questions because why else would anyone decide to be here? She had come to most terms with the war and was now focused on rebuilding for the future, but she had to pay her tributes before planting the new seeds.

Weary Memory -- Susan and Michael

@susansbones

The mood struck him every so often. Especially when he hadn’t been to visit in a few months. The place had been home for 8 years, after all - and was the resting place of more than a few names he sincerely wished were still above ground. Still, the trip to the Battle of Hogwarts memorial and ceremony on the edge of the grounds of the school was never a truly pleasant one, regardless of it’s importance. He’d considered asking Lisa to come along - or Terry, or Sue, or any mate for that matter. But, as always, it was a pilgrimage he needed to do alone. Despite his desire for company, the need for quiet reflection always seemed to win out.

So with a sunny April day without work, Michael apparated into Hogsmeade and picked up a bundle of daisies before walking up the familiar sloping path towards the castle gate. His mother, always keen on herbological knowledge in her trade as a Potioneer, had told him as a child that each flower held meaning and should be selected carefully given the occasion. The traditional red rose was meant for lovers; Peonies to be brought to the sick as a sign of healing. Daisies, she’d told him, were for innocence and new beginnings - two qualities that, in his estimation, Michael felt were most important in the continuation of education at Hogwarts School.

The cemetery wasn’t a large one, though it was particularly well-adorned. No expense had been spared in it’s layout, with thick foliage providing a measure of privacy from the eyes of the school itself which sat upon the hill. Though the tombs themselves kept their air of humility, the place had a grandeur that seemed to indicate it’s importance to the school and the Wizarding World at large. To pay respects to those that gave their lives without reserve to fight against the overwhelming tide of evil was not something that should ever be minimized, least by the generations who benefited from their actions. As silently and reverently as he could, Michael slid the latch on the gate open, and with eyes downcast stepped across the threshold into the space. At once, the sounds from outside seemed like a distant memory - he wondered if the cemetery itself had a silencing charm surrounding it, another added layer of privacy for any mourners or well-wishers. The young man’s dark eyes slid slowly from side to side as he walked, the familiar names washing across his memory. Being in the place brought back such keen memories, many of which he’d tried hard over the last few years to forget. Weeks spent in the darkness of the dungeon under the lash of the Carrows. Open, festering wounds that lay before him, desperate students begging him to provide whatever meagre assistance he could. It all seemed so vivid, as though he were once more standing in the dank air under the castle, tending once more to the fallen. He’d become so caught up in his thoughts that, despite being subconsciously aware that he wasn’t alone in the cemetery, he hadn’t noticed he’d managed to trundle up to the other person.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there -” He muttered, his eyes only catching a glimpse of the person’s feet before he looked up from his reverie. At once, the girl’s brilliant red hair caught the sunlight, meaning it could only be one of two people. Not Ginny. “- Susan,” he added, his expression a mixture of surprise and sorrow. “I didn’t know you were – or that you came here,” Michael explained, keen to lay out a reason for his absent-mindedness that didn’t involve describing the images that continued to flood his mind. His hands gripped the stems of the flowers tightly, hoping to ground himself in the moment as he tried a weak smile. “I can come back later, if you’d like to be alone,” he offered, already taking a slow step backwards.

[susansbones]

“Do you even know him? After just one coffee date he’s suddenly changed in spite of all the years at Hogwarts?” Susan had to ask back. Some girls back during their days had Hogwarts had fancied him for being some kind of bad boy, but she didn’t trust him and his charming words back then or now. “Why would you become friends with him? Wh-what do you mean becoming more?” She had to pause and knit her brows wondering if either of them had suddenly gone mad. This couldn’t have been happening that Hannah fancied Draco Malfoy and that she was interrogating her in the middle of a cafe. “You’re my best friend and I’m trying to look out for you.” She was ready to say that their other friends would have agreed with her if she wasn’t already making a scene. “Is he of all people really going to make you happy?” 

Hannah’s face turned to a frown as Susan said she didn’t trust him. “What do you mean you don’t trust him. You don’t even know him” Hannah pushed, still wanting Susan to come along, her words kind of hurt, even though Hannah knew that they weren’t directed at her at all. “I will be going. I’ve already said I’d go, I thought it would be fun for us Suze, but fine. Whatever.” she was getting angry, it felt like Susan was being unnecessarily harsh. “Him or his team? Don’t you think thats a bit far? What if I become good friends with him. Or more possibly. Will you not be acquainted with me either?” she snapped, mirroring her tone.

[susansbones]

Susan pursed her lips as Hannah spoke who had missed her tone and discomfort at the mere thought of Malfoy. She hated how she thought about how suspicious the entire thing sounded because they weren’t some kind of quidditch fangirls and box seat tickets were very generous. Yet she couldn’t lie to herself and Hannah and pretend to have fun if they went. “I don’t trust him,” she finally said. “You can go, but I’m going to have to pass. I don’t want to be acquainted with him or his team.” Her words were almost too curt and harsh for her own ears. She wanted Hannah to be happy, but there were some things she wasn’t going to compromise on.

Hannah’s eyebrows furrowed as Susan spoke, she still wasn’t sure why knowing him or not was the issue “Don’t feel uncomfortable” she smiled, oblivious to the fact that Susan was probably sugarcoating her reasons. “I bumped into him the other day and we had coffee, he invited me to a game, it’s no big deal, just something to do you know?” she said plainly, “He offered the tickets and I got them, I said I’d go, you don’t have to if you feel uncomfortable about it.” Hannah was aware that she had not brought up the fact that she was going to be wearing his jersey, it felt, kind of private, although she knew that once she was wearing it, everyone would have something to say about it.

[susansbones]

“Hey, you don’t need to guilt me into spending time with friends. That’s a brilliant idea though, Wayne. We could have a picnic depending on the weather or take a day trip somewhere. I’ll just need to check my schedule first.”

“Oh you are definitely one of the good ones, and vastly helpful in contrast to the sorts of lazy bones like me. But free time is good for your mind, your soul. I’d say venture out and just enjoy a brisk walk or a chat with old friends! In fact, the lot of us ‘puffs ought to get together again some time when we’re all free. Now wouldn’t that be grand?” 

[susansbones]

Susan felt like totally and utterly like a flustered school girl though to be honest, her dating and romantic skills had not changed much since Hogwarts. If anything they had gotten worse due to her busy work schedule. “Oh you must be starved. I ate a bit early since I was working from home today,” she said reaching over for the menu after him to take a full look of their selections. She wasn’t too hungry or picky about food, but she needed to stop herself from wondering if he was disappointed that she was his date or if he had certain hopes for tonight. Anyone else would have been lucky to have been matched with him.

“Right.” She jerked her head up from the menu and nodded vigorously feeling almost ridiculous that she had a need to create a barrier between the two of them. She didn’t come with any expectations other than a reason to never use the mirrors again, but that didn’t mean that she didn’t care about Justin. They were in this situation together, and she needed to relax and make the best of it. “Wine sounds nice,” she replied trying to ignore the part of her brain that was deeming this too serious and too real about getting wine instead of a cocktail or firewhisky. Really she just needed a any sort of drink since she had nervously rambled earlier and now was at a loss for words. 

“How was work?” Of course in any dire times she would redirect the conversation back to work. Not only could she well listen to his day, but she could talk endlessly about her own work.

There were two things to be embarrassed about, but Justin tried to not show it. He had come in looking for his date for the evening and instead found Susan who coincidentally was his date. “Looks like it,” he said with a tight smile. He had never thought about Susan in that way before. Of course she was beautiful and knew all the guys loved her, but he never imagined him sitting across from her like this. 

It was also comforting to be there with a friend instead of a complete stranger who could judge him endlessly. Susan already knew everything there was to know and even his flaws. It wasn’t the ideal person to go on a date with, but he listed out more pros than cons and found himself relaxing in his seat. As he looked across the table at her he could sense that she felt the same. There was strong tension at the moment, but he hoped that it faded away by the time their food arrived. 

“Dinner would be perfect,” he said weakly, clearing his throat. “I actually just got off work so I haven’t had anything to eat yet.” Justin leaned forward for the menu, opening it up and glancing over the selections. There was no reason for him to look at the menu since he’s been to the restaurant several times before, but keeping his gaze somewhere else was reassuring him and causing a small distraction. It was just Susan, he reminded himself. There is no need to be nervous even though the setting was different than what he was used to. “How about a glass of wine to start it off?” He said, smiling up at her. He did have to admit that she did look nice tonight and wondered if had she known who her date would be if it would be any different.

[susansbones]

Susan Amelia Bones. Born with a name haunted by ghosts she couldn't see. The quizzical eyes and the angular jaw, the remarkable features of all Bones, but she doesn't feel remarkable. Simply an ordinary girl with heavy shoulders carrying her family’s legacy who fancies cozy jumpers and sharp button downs and too often wears her hair in a plait. 

[susansbones]

“No, it’s not about work,” Susan began slowly. She was nothing but an honest person, and the last thing she wanted to do was lie to her best friend. “It’s about Draco Malfoy.” The name awkward and unsavory in her mouth. “I don’t know him, and I feel uncomfortable taking his tickets.” She wasn’t ready to say it yet but she didn’t trust him either. Any crueler person would have called Hannah naive, but Susan didn't want to be cross with her even if there was disagreement.

Hannah sat up a little more at Susan’s quipped answer, What was that about? She looked at her friends face trying to read whatever had just gone on in her head but failing miserably. “Woah okay what is that about?” she asked, a frown on her face. “Is something wrong at work? Can I help?” Hannah worried that maybe there was a case that was proving too stressful or something, but Susan could handle pretty much anything, so Hannah as definitely worried.

[susansbones]

“I do try to be social, but what am I supposed to do with free time anyway? We have lots of work to do in order to rebuild.”

“Why does that sound like you’re doing exactly that- overworking. Alright, alright. So it is hard work- and that’s great. But work life balance, Susan. That is a thing!”

[susansbones]

Susan still could not entirely believe it. While she knew that people could change, Malfoy was still a bully in her mind. One part of her was happy for Hannah and knew she was putting in the effort for them to hang out, but another part of her wondered why Hannah had been won over by free quidditch tickets. Not-guilty didn’t meant the same as innocent and that was the hardest part to understand. “Work’s been fine,” she replied more tersely than she meant to. 

Hannah nodded, holding her hot cup in her hands, warming them. “Yeah Malfoy.” She nodded, looking down at her coffee as she stirred some sugar into it. “I bumped into him as I was getting coffee the other day. He invited me to a game.” She laughed at Susan’s comment. “No I don’t think they’re the same. But let’s stop talking about me. How’s work, how are you?”

[susansbones]

“Well someone has to do the work, right? No matter how difficult or time consuming, hard work always pays off in the end.” Susan firmly believed in the notion even if she was losing nights of sleep.

“Sorry, sorry. But then again, your perspective of work life balance could be immensely different from mine. Based on the contrast in our study habits, I’m sure I would view your life as very imbalanced.” Precisely why she was in the legal department and not he.