willabulstrode

[willabulstrode]

"That's true, although I also need to remember that we aren't in Hogwarts anymore." When she first joined Hogwarts, Willa was a shy girl, overly aware of the harsh stares and mocking jibes thrown in her direction. It wasn't easy to be on the crux of adolescence and have your name and picture thrust into the vicious hands of society. And being in Slytherin, Willa had to make the decision to become scrappy otherwise her school years would have been miserable.

Willa watched as Pandora's eyes went distant, recalling what the mirror had showed her. Her heart panged with emotion as her friend seemed so touched by the image reflected to her, a daughter. Pandora would make a great mother. "You'd make an excellent mother, Dora."

However, at the mention of her own desire, Willa shifted slightly. "It would be interesting to know...but slightly scary too." The woman had never been outwardly ambitious about a career, nor did a family seem in her future. Willa feared that the reflection would show something shallow, fickle, or the possibility of the mirror showing her something unattainable. "I don't have the foggiest idea what I might desire, and what if it shows me something bad?"

Pandora smiled, a bit amused by Willa’s fierce attitude. “Being scrappy isn’t such a bad thing, better to stand up for yourself than let people walk all over you.” She laughed softly. “And sometimes, yeah, irritating the right person does make things more interesting.”

She paused, eyes distant for a moment. “It showed me holding a baby, a little girl.” Pandora wasn’t sure she fully believed what the mirror had revealed. Marriage and family hadn’t seemed like likely chapters in her story, especially given how many found her... peculiar.

Leaning in slightly, she smiled softly. “If you ever want to see what the mirror might show you, or just need someone to hang out with, you know where to find me.”

She realised she really did need to get out more—spending time with friends was something she’d been neglecting lately.

[willabulstrode]

Willa had always approached her involvement in the Bulstrode family line through a negative light, she had been too young to come face to face with the harsh rejection. Overcome with shame of being a child born out of an extra-marital affair, how Agatha's mother eyes glossed over the young girl in pure disgust. Now that she was older, Willa could at least view Mrs Bulstrode with some understanding. Mrs Bulstrode had to deal with her personal life splashed across scandal sheets, but it was firmly her husband's mistake yet a majority of the blame seemed to land at Willa's feet. So it was fair to say that Willa felt as though she was balancing on a tightrope this evening, overtly aware that one wrong move or sway could result in further rejection. And often, her father was the one guiding her in the wrong direction for his own gain.

Willa accepted Agatha's invitation by taking her older sister's hand. You're my sister, words that Willa didn't ever think she would hear from Agatha's lips and definitely not with such a warmth. "I have been having fun," Willa reassured, omitting the pressure that had been lingering on her shoulders since Agatha first invited her to be bridesmaid. "How are you? The evening has went without a hitch, and you've well gotten hitched, and you're glowing. You're bound to be elated."

"Thank you," Willa smiled at the compliment, "No, just myself. There's somebody, but it's not quite wedding date levels yet." And their dad would not be pleased with her choice.

Agatha was determined not to let anything ruin her perfect day, it'd been years of planning and dreaming every detail and so far it was being as wonderful as she'd imagined. There were few that could go wrong and none of them had anything to do with the wedding itself, definitely related to her father's political intents instead, and she knew Willa was going to be targeted just as much as she could if she let it happen. The witch had kept a close eye on both her sister and her father throughout the night, stepping right in time when things looked as though they could get complicated to say the least. She wouldn't be told off, not today at least, and she had been honest when she'd said she wanted to give her sister an actual opportunity.

"It's my wedding and you're my sister, you're meant to be having a fun time too." The brunette stated with a bright smile, offering her hand to the other witch in hopes to put behind the uncomfortable moment their father had wanted to put her through. "You look really pretty, did you come with anyone to the party?"

[willabulstrode]

"It better be the good kind," she retorted, a clear glimmer of mischief in her eye. Of course, It wasn't the first time that Willa had heard that she made somebody nervous, but often the words were etched with negative connotations rather than positive. However, from Peter, the fact that she made him nervous brought a tinge of pink to her cheeks. If she was sat opposite anybody else, Willa would have cursed herself for giving too much away. Her blush was a physical indicator of the effect that Peter had on her, and Willa being Willa, she didn't quite want to show him her cards just yet.

Without a second thought, Willa allowed Peter to take her hand across the table. Glad to be in their own corner of the Three Broomsticks as they spoke. "I like you too," Willa reaffirmed, her tone soft. "Nerves are normal, Merlin even I'm nervous but...don't put so much pressure on yourself, Peter. Let's just enjoy it."

He was trying his hardest to play it cool, worried that if she noticed just how nervouse he was, it would have her thinking poorly of him. She was a strong and determined witch, gorgeous too, and he was certain there were many other wizards after her-- ones that surely had the upper hand as they knew what they were doing. Unfortunately, Peter had little experience when it came to girls or relationships, having only ever dated Greta before and that didn't even turn out well. He was awkward and a bit insecure, traits that didn't really caught girl's attention, not growing up and definitely not now. Still, he had asked advice from his friends, hoping he could do right by Willa because he truly liked her, he found her fascinating and never felt judged by her-- it was quite nice to spend time with her, feeling at ease when it came to opening up and just having a good while together.

A soft chuckle left his lips, doing his best to keep the blushing under control. "I'm nervous, alright? You make me nervous, but the good kind." Peter finally admitted, thinking it was best to be honest about it than keep trying so hard to act nonchalant and coming off as worse. He nodded his head in agreement, grateful that she'd picked a booth in the corner so they would be more comfortable to actually talk, a smile forming on his lips as he guided her over to the table. Once they were seated, he called on the barmaid to place their order and waited till the witch was gone to speak again. A small shrug of his shoulders, Peter reached out to take her hand, gently, asking for permission as he did so. "You're pretty, you know that? Too pretty, which is why I'm all nervous around you, and this might make me sound like a complete loser but I truly like you so I'm trying not to screw things up here really hard."

[willabulstrode]

For a St Mungos patient, Serra looked particularly stylish. Although, Willa knew her friend far to well, if there was a fashion statement to be made for hospital couture, Serra would be the pioneer. "Two days? I can bring you magazines if you like? To help with the boredom." Willa sat down at the side of Serra's bed, leaning back into the chair as she did so.

She sighed in relief when she saw that it was Willa and not someone annoying or someone she did not like. While she was excellent at pretending that she was touched by people coming to visit her, she did not like to be perceived as weak and laying in a hospital bed had that effect. Even if she made sure she looked her best, her and make up done perfectly, the air of the place made her look weaker. "I am stuck here for two more days. According to Healer Avery."

[willabulstrode]

"It seems genuine, more genuine than other attempts." Willa pointed out with a shrug, and that was true. Most of the time with the Bulstrode family, it was clear in their invitations if she was merely there for a quick photograph. Agatha and Emir's wedding seemed genuine. "I think I've always hope that out of all the madness, perhaps there would be a sister at the other side of it all." She shrugged, it was a truthful admission, a vulnerable one that Willa wouldn't make to other people.

Glancing at her watch, the end of her lunch was approaching, a shame. Willa was enjoying a catch-up with Marlene. "I'd love that, we should get something scheduled."

She adored Willa's mother to a fault, the witch had been close friends to her own parents growing up and had been like an aunt to Marlene throughout her life. She'd especially opened up the doors of her house to welcome the witch when tragedy hit, something she'd be forever grateful for. "Well, can't help but admire her." She offered with a smile dancing on her lips. "Can you ask?" The blonde wondered, though she was well aware of the tumultous relationship her friend had with that side of her family, she knew of her hopes too. "If it was her, perhaps it's a door opening and you should take it, darling. I know you want to." She reached out to squeeze the brunette's hand, a gentle but encouraging gesture. "Well, whenever you want to, we're old enough to have sleepovers even on week days."

[willabulstrode]

Willa had begun her week with a positive mindset, convinced that she was going to make strides to remain upbeat about work. But after a series of mundane tasks, Willa found herself jumping at the chance to get away from her desk and taking the longest possible route to the stationary cupboard at an extremely leisurely pace. She could always spin a tale about bumping into a patient, her manager always seemed to believe those stories. It was on her long-winded route back that she noticed Malcolm Parkinson, looking somewhat confused in the corridors of St Mungo’s.

“Oh?” Willa raised her eyebrow in slight amusement. “Are you visiting somebody in the Dai Llewelyn Dangerous Bites Ward? Or have you been bitten?”

location: st. mungo's status: open to all!

There was enough going on already but the necklace only added more calamity. It took everything in him not to lose his patience with the mindless games the healers were playing. There were too many questions, most were the same, and he should win an award for not wringing their necks, especially Avery as he knew that Nick didn’t like him. Malcolm left the room, the corridor, the ward; putting enough space between him and the room for a few minutes as he could. That’s how he found himself on a different floor. “No, I’m not lost. I know exactly where I am, thank you.”

[willabulstrode]

Willa had been flicking through patient files, sorting discharge paper work when she noticed Serra’s name amongst the patient files. Noted on the outside of the documents was Serra’s room number, which Willa had passed by numerous times earlier, completely unaware that her friend remained behind the door. On her lunch break, Willa had grabbed a quick bite and headed down to the room, knocking gently as to not startle Serra. Peeking into the room, glad to see that Serra was awake.

“Serra, hi.” Willa greeted, making her way into the room. “I didn’t know you were here, I was sorted paperwork at the front office and noticed your name.”

status: open location: st. mungos

Serra had been in St. Mungos 'for observation' for a few days now and she had grown terribly bored of this room and its decor - or lack thereof, already. It was incredibly bare, white walls, white sheets, white curtains, no decorations except for the many bouquets of flowers Malcolm and others had gotten her. The healers had forcibly removed him from her room saying she needed to rest for at least a few hours, despite the fact that she did not wish to be alone and he had not wanted to leave. Not that she had admitted that she wanted him here out loud, but she figured he already knew. So when her door opened less than an hour after he had stepped out she had assumed it was him, disappointment on her face when she saw that it wasn't, which she quickly schooled into a mask of indifference, looking as put together as one could laying in a hospital bed. She had changed into her own clothes, refusing to wear what everyone else was wearing, her hair smooth and her cheeks flushed. "Can I help you?"

[willabulstrode]

Willa blinked in surprise, Cressida had only been there a short time, and of course, she was already running rings around Willa in regards to job performance. But most shockingly, she had gumption to hold Willa accountable for her persistence feud with Beck. In all honesty, the young woman did hold some guilt for those being detrimentally effected by her feud with Beck Avery. "You're right, it's not fair on the clients." She agreed, "but I need something to keep him on his toes."

Cressida raised her eyebrows in surprise when the other woman admitted that she had double booked the healer simply because of his attitude. Okay... That was a bit too much. For a moment she was at a loss at words before finally speaking up. "You do know that there are different ways to tell him to stop with the attitude instead of booking him double? Because it also means that we are selling our client short?" Her voice was soft. She was only working there for a short while so it just felt wrong to say those words to start with.

[willabulstrode]

"It seems to be a talent of mine," Willa agreed, her first few years at Hogwarts hadn't been pleasant. Being the source of a scandal at such a young age hadn't been pretty. And the experience had made her scrappy, prepared to argue with anybody at one wrong word. It wasn't an honourable quality, but at least now Willa felt confident enough to defend herself. "He gets very irritated, which just makes it even more fun."

As Pandora detailed the heirloom that had recently been delivered to the shop, Willa raised her eyebrow in curiosity. Unsure of what would show up for her, of course, the young woman had desires but most of them were short-term and fleeting. What was her lifelong desire? Clearly, only the mirror would be able to answer that. Pandora had an immensely interesting job. "What did yours show?"

"Definitely, I think I might need a little bit of a guide in the right direction."

Pandora couldn’t help the soft laugh that escaped her lips, eyes gleaming with quiet amusement. “Of course it’s Beck,” she said, tone laced with something between fondness and exasperation. “You always did have a knack for poking at people just enough to get under their skin.”

As Willa leaned in, Pandora matched her posture, a smile tugging at her lips. “Actually, yes,” she said, lowering her voice just slightly for dramatic effect. “A few days ago, a collection came in from an estate up north. Most of it was junk, dusty tomes, broken heirlooms—but there was one piece…” Her voice trailed off, drawing the moment out. “An enchanted mirror. It doesn’t show your reflection,only your desires. I’m still studying the charmwork, but I have a feeling it’s older than it looks.”

She raised a brow, teasing, “Tempted to come and see what yours would show?”

[willabulstrode]

In her twenty-four years of life, Willa Bulstrode wasn't sure if she had met anyone quite as persistent or annoying as Beck Avery. She would have to make a suggestion to her line manager to have a shutter above the desks, or at least specific area for Beck Avery complaints, she would be sure to avoid it on her good days and make a detour to it on her bad days. Blinking slowly, Willa refrained from rolling her eyes at him, sure that he would have an issue with that too. Holding her palm up beside her, "I'm not going to walk you through anything."

"Make a complaint to my manager, I'll explain it to them and I owe the patient an apology, sure. " Willa evaluated him cooly. "I don't owe you a knut."

It wasn't as though Beck was empty with humor, but the idea that this was all possibly some illogical prank to tease him stood there in his mind. But then he remembered the actual real patients who didn't find it funny at all and the hospital would never sabotage its own reputation. "I just don't want to walk away without a solution because I feel like you're still not understanding the inconvenience so why don't you walk me through what you were thinking?"

[willabulstrode]

It was true, if there was one thing that Willa had to credit her mother for it was her sense of style. Her choice in men? Not such a strong suit but she had chosen rich. Throughout Willa's childhood, her mother used her father's hush money to maintain a lavish lifestyle, one that Willa was sure people questioned before the news broke. "That's a tool that my mother has hand under her belt for years," Willa commented, albeit lovingly.

Marlene had been there from the beginning, witnessing the fallout of the gossip and also overhearing snippets of her visits to Bulstrode Manor. She couldn't help the sigh that escaped her lips. Willa's relationship with her father was surface level, a one way street so to speak. Her father used Willa for photographs, opportunities to look like a family man even in their less than nuclear situation. Luckily for Willa, she had never been exceptionally bright, popular or talented, which meant her interactions with her father were limited to birthdays, holidays, and upcoming weddings. "I would like if it was from Agatha," Willa stated, matter-of-factly. "Partly, I think the only reason I still bother is out of hope of a better relationship with her."

Willa noticed the shift in topic, but decided not to push it. There was peace of mind that Marlene had moved in with Mary, a relief that her friend wasn't alone. That there would be somebody there for her. "I would love that, when would work?"

Marlene couldn't help but let out a soft laugh as her friend talked about her mother, shaking her head ever so slightly at her words. "Ah, you've got to give it to her, she has style." She joked, though she was very much fond of the woman. "Style can be a powerful tool, you know?"

"I hate that he thinks he can use you like this. You don't have to go, babe." The blonde offered kindly, concerned that the whole wedding invitation was just one more of her father's ploys to have his name spoken of highly. She shrugged her shoulders as she extended a hand to take Willa's and squeeze it gently. "Do you think it could've been Agatha, though? Would she want you there?"

"I know that and I love it. I've just moved in with mary though, so perhaps it's you who should stay over and meet my new room." The witch told her with a warm smile, changing the topic as smoothly as possible. "A sleepover like when we were younger."

[willabulstrode]

Willa had never had much luck on the dating scene, she could flirt and sometimes found herself going home with the odd guy after a night at the bar. Long-term though? Nobody ever seemed to be that keen on her, before Willa would have convinced herself that perhaps people were simply intimidated by her. But in recent years, Willa had come to terms with the fact that she wasn't the most likeable person. It took a while for her to open up, to trust people, a defence mechanism that Willa reckoned was in direct correlation with her childhood, and the event that resulted in her name and picture being splashed over the scandal sheets. Being the child of an affair wasn't the easiest way to grow up, nor was it easy having all your peers know about it. Things felt different with Peter, more natural and less performative, like the walls could slip away without any fear of him rejecting who he saw beneath them.

As Peter joked, Willa simply shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You're cute when you're nervous." Her eyes flickered over Peter as he paused in the doorway. Her breath hitching as she caught Peter's eyes flicking down to her lips for a second. A flutter in her chest in response, she couldn't help the slight blush that rose to her cheeks. Stepping through the door, Willa glanced around the pub. There were too seats beside the bar, and a booth in the corner, slightly out of the way from the noise. "Should we grab a drink and sit over there? It seems a bit more comfortable?"

It was hard not to feel as though he was constantly embarrassing himself in front of her, afraid for his words or expressions to show just how much he was into her and that it would scare her away. Peter really enjoyed the time they spent together and didn't want to spoil it with just how insecure he felt at times, not knowing if he was doing or saying the right thing at the right time. He felt his cheeks blushing slightly as she reassured him, letting out a simple sigh and shaking his head still a bit a nervous. "Ah, you definitely got me there. Must be fun to see me sweating it." He told her jokingly, though quite relieved she'd actually wanted to go out with him.

He was once again caught off guard though as her next words almost make him stop on his tracks. She liked him. Managing not to let himself lose it to his nerves, Peter tried to be as calm as he could be, trying to let himself relax around her. Turning his head to look at her as they walked up to The Three Broomsticks' entrance, the wizard offered her a warm smile. "Maybe it's because I like you too." He said smoothly, raising his brows the slightest bit as his words did hold more than he was letting on. He truly did like her, in a way that had his gaze flickering down to her lips for a split second before finding her eyes again. "Ladies first." He told her as he pulled the door open.

[willabulstrode]

Agatha and Emir’s wedding day had passed in the blink of an eye, perhaps Willa in a trance, trying her upmost to be on her best behaviour. Slightly apprehensive to breathe in the wrong way or smile wrong, Agatha and Willa’s relationship was fragile, and they were in a place where it was integral to build a strong foundation before it went from underneath them. As a bridesmaid, Willa had gotten to witness the key moments of her sister’s big day, and be by Agatha’s side, rather than ten tables back like she had expected just a few weeks prior. Willa had been cordial, even friendly, through multiple dress fittings, rehearsal evenings and high-fluent conversations. And as dusk fell, she was finally feeling a bit of relief, nothing she had done had drawn attention away from Agatha and Emir, and ruined the atmosphere of the wedding. Shaking her dark hair over her shoulders, Willa was standing at the bar when her father approached. An anxious feeling washed over her, as it so often did when he sought her out, typically her father only approached Willa when he had something to gain.

Their father had begun to ramble on about approaching a man across the bar, discussing the man’s high connections and potential career prospects that Willa could avail of. Willa could practically feel her eyes glazing over as he spoke. Searching for somebody who could drag her father’s attention away. It didn’t take long for her prayer to be answered as Agatha rushed over to grab her hand. Slightly taken aback, not quite used to the influx of warmth, Willa smiled brightly. “Thank Merlin, you saved me.” She mused with a playful eye roll. “Your sisterly dance has just saved me from an hour of dull networking,”

where: Blenheim Palace, Selwyn Wedding who: @willabulstrode

It was her day and so far it'd been as special and wonderful as she'd hoped for, she'd been delighted to see everyone showing up for her and Emir. She had been particularly excited to have her sister join her up on the party, remaining by her side as she said her vows. There was still a long road to travel with her to get to a somewhat good place, but recent events had made her value family more than ever, an olive branch that had worked wonders so far. Until that very moment, when she spotted her dad talking to Willa, the expression on his face one that she did not like at all. It seemed like he was demanding something from the younger witch and Agatha would take none of it, not on her wedding day. The brunette did not care for the topic of conversation, simply rushing over to grab Willa's hand and pulling her away from their father. "Come now, it's time for a sisterly dance." She chimed, turning to smile at the girl as she lead them both towards the dancefloor.

[willabulstrode]

Willa had never expected to have such a front and centre position at Agatha's wedding. Even a few months back Willa could never even imagine attending without her father forcing Agatha's hand, never mind Agatha willingly asking her to be bridesmaid. In all their years of estrangement, it felt odd that Willa hadn't even properly met the man who was now her brother-in-law.

At the thanks for coming, Willa shrugged, casting a glance over her shoulder to ensure they were out of earshot of other guests. "Well I'm considering myself lucky to even be here, never mind being a bridesmaid." She jested with a smile. "Well then, how does it feel to be Mr and Mrs Selwyn?"

location: Blenheim Palace, Selwyn Wedding status: open to everyone

The ceremony had been great, everything going off without a hitch. Agathas hard work had clearly paid off, the attention to detail on even the smallest things was noticeable. "Thank you for coming. It is good seeing you." He was making his rounds right now, greeting the guests, as any good host should.

[willabulstrode]

mikey madison promoting 'anora'

[willabulstrode]

Pandora knew Willa too well to mask the amusement in her voice at the questioning of who could hate her. Willa did have tendency to rub people up the wrong way. But those who truly knew her, recognised this as a defensive mechanism.

After years of scandal, and disapproval, Willa found it easier to become the person that many made her out to be. Life was too short to prove yourself to everybody, and Willa was quite happy with the circle she had. "Beck Avery," Willa retorted, with a drawl. "He complained that I double booked him, but I didn't appreciate his tone." She pointed out, "and as you know, I can hold a grudge. So I've been doing it purposefully a few times to bug him."

Willa was glad to hear that Pandora was doing well, and it had been a long time since Willa had visited Cobb and Webb's. "That's good, have you received anything interesting in recently? "She leaned forward, intrigued.

Pandora always took a genuine interest in her friends’ lives. She wanted to be someone they could count on, someone who showed up when it mattered. It also kept her from slipping too far into solitude. Most of the time, she didn’t mind being alone, but she knew it wasn’t the healthiest habit.

Her brows drew together, confused. "How could anyone possibly hate you?" she asked, though the subtle edge of amusement in their voice didn’t escape her. "Who is this person?" Now she was intrigued.

"Things are good," she added with a small smile. "Still working at Cobb and Webb’s, we’ve been seeing a lot more customers lately."

[willabulstrode]

Without realising it, Beck Avery had probably made his situation much more unfortunate. If he simply had of brought the issue to her attention, without the condescending tone, Willa could have perhaps looked past it and apologised. Now, well she would get great satisfaction out of irritating him. It wasn't a healthy habit but spite was perhaps one of Willa's greatest motivators.

"I did not mishear you," Willa retorted, in the same slow tone. Her eyes flicking over the man from head to toe. "And I would prefer you weren't standing here, bringing a dark cloud over my desk, but here we both are."

Beck could feel his patience thinning since the conversation started and wondered if this was a test by the hospital. He only blinked silently in response, dropping his gaze. The welcome witches were usually helpful, sometimes too helpful as they were eager to be an assistant in any way. "I think you misheard me," he said slowly. "Maybe if this were, really anywhere else, overbooking would be easier to correct-I'd just prefer that not happen here, right?"