23 June '76: Shake Until The Bitter End: Open House

[Bilius Weasley]

▶︎ Me and all my friends

Our parents were right

And we're growing up faster than

We ever thought we might

Well, I say me and all my friends
We can shake until the bitter end...

Open to: St. Mungo's staff, Bones and Weasley family and friends, and friends of friends - open house!

Posting order: Bill + Ted + Roderick + Gracie + Annette + Andromeda + Amelia...

"You can tell that says 'Gracie,' right?" It may have been more than a week after the Healer's half birthday, but they were just lucky to find a night that none of their friends were on call, even if that was a Wednesday. No one seemed to complain that their parties - while always leaning on some kind of theme - usually didn't line up perfectly with what they were aiming to celebrate. But finding an excuse to celebrate was one of Bill's top priorities, and maybe the half birthday girl herself could help them make a new party banner one of these days. The once-bright-and-shining thing had been hung up and taken down, words charmed over, so often that eventually he and Rod had just left it up in the living room to ease up on its wear and tear. It just needed some love, as did most of their place, but - priorities being what priorities were, the fridge was stocked with beer, they'd made an attempt at a bug-themed cake, the place was clean enough, music was on and the door was unlocked, their friends arriving at any minute.

And with any luck, maybe tonight would be the night that got his roommate properly out of his head. Bilius didn't understand getting hung up on a girl for so long - hell, the party was for his ex-girlfriend, what a laugh they had had together! - but dear sweet Roderick Bones had been in love. With a girl still at Hogwarts. He wanted to shake the feelings out of the bloke, honestly, but maybe one more full house would do it? There were always surprises at their parties, and with Hogwarts graduation last weekend, maybe more unexpected friends-of-friends would come too.

Wand pocketed, Bill squinted at the window, making a face at his reflection as he mussed his shower-wet hair. He needed tonight too, loathe as he'd ever be to admit it, after the long stretch of calls. The work never got old, but it drained, and nights like these shocked his system back into its natural state. All he needed was a full house, new faces to tell his stories to, a few drinks, and to sleep tomorrow away. Wasn't too much to ask for!

[Roderick Bones]

Grinning to his roommate, Roderick looked back up at the banner hanging in their flat, “I can tell it says Gracie, but this poor thing may be on it’s last charm.” While finding a night they were all off work the same day was a challenge with them all working at the Hospital, luck had prevailed. And after one year of healer training for him and Grace, they certainly needed a night off to celebrate. They were Junior Healer’s now, assigned to their own floors and everything. Mostly responsible for patients on their own, with the help of the Senior Healers when they needed it. It was great, but it wasn’t what had been on his mind in the past week. Hogwarts was out for the summer, noted by the fresh face graduates that had shown up for orientation at the hospital this week. This also meant that Mary MacDonald was home for the summer, and probably at the shop in Diagon Alley behind the counter if he were to pop in. Roderick knew it was ridiculous to be so hung up on a girl he hadn’t seen since last September, but there had just been something so special about Mary.

But the party was supposed to be a distraction, and they were all set - all they needed was guests. Especially the guest of honor, who - “You don’t think she’s going to bring her bugs to the party with her, do you?” - had promised she’d stop and get some more snacks for them on her way. Typical of her, although admittedly when she hadn’t brought extra snacks at the last party Roderick had been sent to the store mid game of flip cup to retrieve more. Although if Edgar and Phoebe showed up tonight, he was sure to get an earful from his sister-in-law about the lack of real substantial food in their place. Then again, with baby number two coming in the next few weeks for his older brother and Phoebe, who knew if they’d be able to stop by tonight.

The front door - already unlocked for guests - opened and closed, and soon Gracie appeared, snacks in hand, and with another guest. He hadn’t seen Annette since last year, but he was quick to give both Hufflepuffs a hug. “Right on time Gracie, and Annette, freshly graduated huh? How’s life outside the castle walls treating you so far?”

[Gracie Peasegood]

“We’re celebrating my half birthday, I believe. But we can celebrate your 18th, it was barely a month ago,” Grace said, looking back at Annette as they climbed the stairs to the world's worst - or best, depending on who you asked - bachelor pad. But a party at Rodericks and Bilius’ place never failed to disappoint, and a night where the whole gang was off work and not on call, was a rare occurrence. She wanted to drink, and forget about being the big responsible older sister for the night. She had her own place now, and as much as she missed her brothers it was bliss being able to not be a good example. For instance, here she was bringing her younger friend to her first post-school party - an adult party. Annette already knew Roderick from badger days, but she would get along great with the Tonks and Bilius, and anyone else that showed up to celebrate with them.

They reached the landing to the boy's floor, what a day for the lift to be occupied by someone moving in, and Grace stopped to wait for Annette to catch up before continuing down the hall. While she loved both Roderick and Bilius dearly, their idea of acceptable party food had once included a few days old cold pizzas because “it doesn't smell funny”, which had made her want to hurl. As such, they'd stopped by the muggle grocery down the street to get crisps and some mixers for whatever merlin-awful liquor was sitting around the flat. Grace let them in, laughing as she came into view of their sign, which seemed to have her name on it. She returned Roderick's hug, moving past him to the kitchen to set her bags down. “Oh my gosh, is this a bug cake? You guys, that's so sweet!” she exclaimed, popping back into the living space, “Oh Bilius, this is my dear friend Annette. Nettie, this is Bilius, Mediwizard extraordinaire.”

[Annette Greengrass]

Annette gave a roll of her eyes as she followed Grace up the stairs, excited and nervous. She’d known the older Hufflepuffs in school of course, and she’d been to plenty of parties in their cozy common room. But an adult party, with other adults and not a group of teenagers. “It’s been over a month, besides your half birthday is worth its own celebration,” she said to her friend, hoping that Grace wouldn't also try and make her the center of attention. She'd already celebrated while with her friends at school, and that was enough. It was daunting enough going to a party where she didn't know anyone, it was a whole other ordeal to have people she just met celebrating her. She just wanted a good time and a drink with someone who wasn't her parents or Rabastan. She almost shuddered, thinking about her fiancé, still not sure how to get out of the arrangement her parents had so carefully crafted. Now that they were both done with school, her parents were wanting a marriage to take place in the desire to raise their own status in society. They cared and knew little of her plans to work at the Ministry, and Rabastan had already failed to talk her out of applying for every position at the Ministry that dealt with muggles.

They reached a landing, and she hurried to catch up with Grace, who was soon leading them into a flat. She was glad to see Roderick, returning the enthusiastic hug he gave her with a smile. "Tt's nice to be free, but N.E.W.T.S were killer." It was clear that this flat was the place for parties, the sign hung up for Grace looking like it might fall at any given moment. It was endearing though, that the two boys cared so much for Grace. Her friend was a sweetheart, even if she had disappeared into the kitchen without a proper introduction. Grace seemed to sense her hesitancy to introduce herself though because she was back within only a few moments to do just that.

“Oh, Mediwizard extraordinaire?” she teased with a laugh, holding on her hand to Bilius, “You were in the Prophet a couple of weeks back, weren’t you?” She was sure she had read his name in a section of the newspaper, talking about a good save in the field he'd done. Grace had always spoken highly of Bilius, so Annette was sure they would get along grand. “I am a little scared to ask, but there are not actual bugs on the cake right?”

[Andromeda Tonks]

While she loved being a Mediwizard, sometimes she hated the paperwork that came with it all. Bilius always seemed to get through his quickly. Today was an off day, but she was behind - because parenting a three-year-old and attending medical emergencies took the majority of her time. That, and the time spent helping the Order, and she was in on her day off. Thankfully, the day of paperwork would soon be over - and a night out for her and Ted was close. In fact, as she looked up from her report to find Ted coming into the cramped office she shared with Bill. She was more than happy to close it up and grab her bag, gladly tucked into his side as they headed out of the hospital together. She loved this, being married to Ted, having their daughter, and a social life with friends who understood a parent’s need to unwind, even if it was the middle of the week.

Ted could tell she was worrying, and she smiled up at him, knowing that after booze and Chinese food and celebrating Gracie, they’d be going home to a childless house. Even with a war, and being in opposition to her whole family, there was some good. Like her husband sneaking a kiss before they got off the lift, on their way to acquire contributions for a half birthday party. She was sure that while the night was young, it would be the few of them that were family to each other. But knowing Rod and Bill, it was likely that they’d invited anyone in the hospital who wasn’t working or on-call tonight. It seemed they were right on time though as they headed into the flat, their close friends gathered together. “Hey Gracie, happy half birthday. I made sure to get extra of those spring rolls you like.”

Roderick was wrapping her in a hug, and she peered over his shoulder at a girl she recognized talking with Bill, and she grinned to herself before looking to her husband to exchange a knowing look. A, look at Bill, flirting before the parties even really started. “Alright, why does no one have a drink in their hand yet? We need to fix that.” Taking Grace by the hand, she steered the guest of honor into the kitchen, surveying the cheap liquor options. “Ted! Do you think it’s a tequila kind of night?”

[Bilius Weasley]

"I hate it when you're right," Bill joked, trading a laugh with his roommate at the sorry state of their banner. Fine, next on the list of home improvements - proper permanent sign. Something solid, made of wood? There had to be something in Arthur's garage that they could re-purpose, and the bloke made a mental note to do just that the next time he visited his family. "I hope not, more for their sake than for ours." The last thing he wanted was to sour the night by accidentally destroying a carefully constructed habitat or something of the like, by way of rogue ball or flailing arm. If Gracie had brought extra guests, maybe they could live in the spare bedroom for the night? Under lock and key?

Bill was shortly beaming at hearing the guest of honor's laughter - just like Gracie to be right on time - and turned to see Rod hugging not one but two women. So Grace had brought a guest. One much more welcome than any in her usual collection, Merlin almighty. Rod knew her well enough to greet her familiarly, maybe they'd all been housemates? Something to get to the bottom of, absolutely, and soon. "Only the best for you, Gracie P," he declared, picking the tiny Junior Healer up in a hug as she returned. His friend was bolstering his confidence already with that introduction - What're you up to, sweetheart? - and he set her down with a laugh. He grinned to the newcomer and her extended hand - A formal Hufflepuff? - grin stretching as she brought up his most recent headline.

"Annette," Bill laughed, fingers clasping hers and lifting her hand, he leaned in to place a chaste kiss to the back of it, "you're gonna make me blush. I hate talking about myself, just ask any of them." At her question, he drew closer in excitement, lowering his voice under the music. "No - but help me convince someone that there are, and I'll owe you one. And I always pay back my favors in full." He let go of her hand as the flat grew louder, hollering greetings overhead - "Teddy, Andy, glad you made it!" - as their mates arrived, surprises and food with all. The kitchen had to be full to bursting, but that was just how Bill loved it, and he nodded that way. "Can I get you a drink? We've got a bit of everything, sure we can find something you like."

[Roderick Bones]

With a grin to his mate, he gave Bill’s shoulder a punch, “It’s because I’m always right mate.” That wasn’t the truth, Gracie was the one that was usually right when there was a disagreement. Which was infuriating, because the bubbly girl didn’t have to try. She was just smart, quick to pick up any skill, and the one who was constantly taking care of them. Bill was right about her bugs though, the party was likely to get rowdy at some point and any carefully crafted habitats for bugs that could rot your skill would not be good to have out in the open. The spare bedroom - which if Danny was down, hopefully wouldn’t be spare for long - would be the best place for any of the creatures she liked to bring. Grace was as timely as ever, and it was good to see snacks and not bugs in her hand. It was also good to see Annette, the girl one of the last of their group to graduate along with Danny. It seemed all was forgiven for abandoning them though as she returned his hug. His smile grew at Gracie’s excitement of the cake, before more voices from the door drew his attention.

Ted and Andy were here, which was delightful and he raised an hand to greet them, the smell of chinese food hit him. It was typical of all their friends to bring food, Roderick hadn’t learned how to cook because it hadn’t really seemed necessary, and he was sure Bill had a just as lame excuse. He pulled Andromeda into a hug, after she said hello to Gracie, just as Danny came through with a casserole, which Rod would have to send a thank you owl to Maggie Robbins later for. He followed his best friend into the kitchen, glad for the bear hug from his friend. “Missed you too brother,” he said, before laughing as Andy came into the kitchen wondering if it was a tequila night. It certainly could be, they had a bit of everything around. “Alright, tequila for Andy - with Ted’s approval of course - and Gracie, you’re doing at least one shot because it’s your half-birthday.” He was moving about the kitchen, wand work going to get cups and alcohol going. “Danny and Ted, what are we drinking tonight?”

[Gracie Peasegood]

They hadn’t heard the end of it after graduation last when Annette and Danny had realized they were some of the final ones remaining at Hogwarts. The two of them had practically grown up together with the Bones and Prewetts, and besides Amelia, they were the only ones left. Grace had tried to make them feel better, seeing as both of her younger brothers were still at Hogwarts, but then she’d moved away from home, and she’d heard from her Mum that things weren’t the same without her around. She never wanted anyone to feel abandoned by her, and she’d made a promise to come and see them on her next weekend off. Weekend, that was the key. Her schedule was unpredictable at best, and more often than not her days off fell in the middle of the week. Like today, for instance, when she wanted to get drunk with her friends for her half-birthday. She could have invited Wes and Arnie, she supposed but she didn’t want to set a bad example for them. Thankfully, she did also have this Saturday off and had plans to spend it at home.

She grinned as Bill picked her up in a hug, and smiled to herself as she introduced Annette. Bill was very good at his job, and he deserved the recognition he got. Even if he let it go to his head, which was only going to get bigger when Annette brought up the Prophet. She rolled her eyes as she moved to greet Ted with a hug, followed by Andy and the promise of extra spring rolls. She caught Danny moving around the crowd, food in hand, and she had to laugh, because surely now the boys would be fed for at least the next few days. Andy was quickly asking the right question, why weren’t they drinking, she gladly let herself be dragged into the kitchen. She was greeted with a tight hug and a present from Danny, which made her grin, and she sat it on the counter, “Thank you Danny, and tell her mum we said thanks as well!”

Andy was declaring a tequila night, and Grace groaned. Maybe the Tonks had tomorrow off work, but she certainly didn’t. She was expected there for the second shift, which was at least a blessing in the sense that she got to sleep in. She really didn’t want to be living in a hangover world in the morning though. There were no potions left in her flat, which meant she’d have to nurse a headache until she got to work. Roderick didn’t seem to care though, as he declared a shot for her because she was the birthday girl. “Fine fine, but only one. I don’t want to get sick.” Grace loved this, a full kitchen of her friends together to just live and be young, something that didn’t always happen at work. Not when you were dealing with the things they dealt with. “Ick, hurry up with those shots so I can get into those spring rolls.”

[Annette Greengrass]

Out of everyone that Gracie had said would be at the party, she only knew two. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. Technically she knew Andromeda Tonks, but that seemed like a lifetime ago. She’d left the family, and the Blacks had done everything they could to act like she’d never even existed. She’d felt for Andromeda then, because she knew exactly what it was like to live with a family who you fundamentally disagree with. Her parents liked to act like her marriage arrangement and their sympathy towards the Dark Lord were all just politics, but was it really? Or was it morals - being a good or bad person. She knew what the Lestranges could get up to in their spare time, she’d spent enough time around Bellatrix to know a bad person when she met one. School, and Hufflepuff, had been her escape from it. It had been easy to forget what waited for her outside the walls. The only good she’d ever felt from being betrothed to Rabastan was knowing she wouldn’t be expected to have a kid with him, being the second born son and all.

Tonight was another chance to forget about it all, and a chance to catch up with an old friend. She figured whoever else was at the party was good company as well, knowing Gracie. But also, handsome and charming? Bilius was certainly all three of those things, and she grinned at him as he kissed her hand, giving a laugh. The only thing she knew about Bilius, besides that he was a mediwizard extraordinaire, was that he was a former Gryffindor. Which explained a lot about his career choice. Not that she was judgy him for either, the sort of work and effort that went into healing, especially emergency healing, was beyond her. Her grin grew as Bilius drew closer to her, lowering her voice for only her to hear. “A favor? I am so down, I’ve got a great poker face,” she teased, turning as the room got more crowded. She gave a wave to Andromeda and her husband, who Bilius had called Teddy. And she noticed Danny darting around them all, famous casserole dish in hand. Danny had gotten her the recipe this last year, but she still hadn’t managed to make it as good as Maggie Robbins did.

“I would love a drink, admittedly though,” she paused, hearing Andromeda from the kitchen, “I think I’m going to pass on tequila. But I hear you and Roderick make a great cocktail, so I suppose surprise me.” Most of what she’d drank in the past had been rich pureblood wines, which she supposed were good, but it was so nice to not be at a stuffy pureblood party sipping wine and debating with someone one why their view was wrong. She followed Bilius into the kitchen, grinning as she saw Roderick was already playing bartender. He’d been the one to do that during their common room parties at school, although usually she’d been with those smoking and not drinking. The kitchen was crowded, but it felt like a home with everyone gathered together like this. “Hi Andy, it’s been a while. You look great. And Danny! Hows your mum?” she asked as she joined the group.

[Andromeda Tonks]

Andy had known that Ted would agree to a tequila night because they both knew how a tequila not ended. With an after-party that would be all that more exciting knowing there was no toddler to burst in on them. Which hadn’t happened yet, they were good about locking the door, but there’d been some close calls. Lots of tequila and a few days to themselves was something they needed, and she rolled her eyes at Roderick as he looked to Ted for approval, while already pouring out the shots. Gracie, always one to be responsible, was insisting she was only having one shot, and Andromeda laughed. They’d been friends long enough now that they all knew if you got Gracie two shots in - on anything - she’d forget about being responsible and actually have fun. Ted was passing over their carefully crafted gift (nothing quite like a good hangover potion), and then returned only a few seconds later with two shots for them.

She turned her attention to the new kid who introduced himself, giving him a wave with her free hand before she reached out to shake his hand, “Andromeda Tonks, but you can call me Andy. I’m Ted’s wife, and Bill’s partner at work.” Before Gracie could escape, Andy grabbed her arm, clinking their shot glasses and downing the clear liquid. “Okay, this tequila is gross.” She sat the shot down, turning to find Annette and Bill had joined them in the kitchen, and she pulled the girl into a hug when she said hello, before happily leaning into her husband’s hug at his tease. “Oh yes Ted, you should be quite jealous. Annette here has almost spent as much time with Bella as I have, poor thing. Please tell me you aren’t still betrothed to Lestrange number two?”

They’d spent plenty of time together over the years at official pureblood events, Annette had always been outspoken about her feelings towards muggles, and for a long time, Andromeda had judged her for it. She regretted that now, just like she regretted a lot of the views she’d had when she was younger. And to be so vocal against the Lestranges? She was never mean to Rabastan, and Andy had spent enough time with Rab to know that he wasn’t the most pleasant person to be around. “Okay, more shots for Gracie and I please!” she called out, finding the shot glasses to pass them to Roderick, who was passing her a drink for Ted that she took a sip of before she passed it along to her husband. “Bill and Roderick, please tell me one of you washed plates so that we can eat some of this food.”

[Amelia Bones]

This party might have been in celebration of Gracie's half birthday or whatever crock of shite her brother and his mate had cooked up, Amelia was set on it being her freedom party. She was officially graduated from Hogwarts - passing all six of her N.E.W.T.S. with Es and Os, and just this morning she'd had an interview for a internship as a clerical assistant for the Magical Law Enforcement division at the Ministry of Magic where her eldest brother was currently showing off as an Auror. She had applied for the Auror Academy as well, but it would be a few months before she heard anything about that opportunity, so she was focusing herself on the internship...and now the party. She was a bit late, which actually meant she'd be early as far as parties go, but her brother and his mates were all posh healers and whatnot and probably actually arrived at the time stated on the invitation, so she'd practically be early by normal party goer standards. 

Amy let herself into her brother's flat and announced her arrival by shouting "wotcher Rod!" to the room without having bothered to locate her brother, and headed straight for the drinks and snacks table. Amy, ever the avid party goer, was not without her offering, and deposited a bowl of spinach dip that she'd begged her mum to make for her on the table, pulling the cellophane wrap off the top and letting it mingle between the haphazardly placed dishes. Next, Amy perused the drinks on offer, empty cup in hand, looking for something that seemed like it would get the night off on the right foot while bopping to the music.

Tagged: someone fun!
Outfit: freedom

[Bilius Weasley]

While he was most definitely a fan of good surprises, Bill had quite a few questions for Grace regarding the friend she'd brought along, made a point of introducing him to, and left with him as she went off to greet the others. He was far from complaining - Annette was cute as a button, recognized him from the Prophet, had a grand laugh, and jumped right in at his offer of making the night more interesting. But he did wonder if Gracie was up to anything in particular, or if the Junior Healer simply didn't want to hear his newest story for the umpteenth time. Whatever her reasons, purposely or inadvertently, she'd given him an opportunity. And from that grin on Annette's face, he knew that they were in for a night.

"I can see that," he said, meeting her eye with a grin, "how could anyone not trust you?" Moving to stand beside her, all the better to survey the group gathering in the open kitchen, he subtly pointed people out as he went on, not sure if she knew any of the others. "Rod helped me make it, so he's out, and Gracie will be able to tell...Ted may be a good target, though. Keep sharp." Bill sent her another grin and, as they headed into the kitchen, he continued in excitement, "Great cocktail it is, my pleasure. And you and Grace, how do you know each other? If you were at Mungo's, I know we'd've already met. Would've made sure of that."

He was shortly side-by-side with his co-host in the bustling kitchen, while Andy and Annette...embraced? He nudged Roderick, confusion plain on his face - which turned to shock at his work partner's words. For a number of reasons, not the least of which that Annette was betrothed to one of the 'stranges, but also that, evidently, all of his closest friends knew her already. "Hold on, hold on," Bill proclaimed with a burst of a laugh, gesturing around the gathered group, "you all know each other? What, my invitations got lost? I've half a mind to think there's a conspiracy going on here." He kept laughing as he gathered ingredients for Annette's drink, ears perked for her answer to Andy's question. He swept up a pair of glasses, pineapple run punch in the making, as talk continued - "We're not animals, Andy - there's one clean plate, just for you." - and slid them to the half-birthday girl and Annette when complete. "The promise was great, so if this doesn't make the bar, I'll fix it." Bill was shortly laughing anew as another guest arrived in a burst of energy and, what was that, fur? Rod's little sister knew how to make an entrance, make no mistake. "Ames! What d'you like, love?"

[Roderick Bones]

“Keep calm Gracie, I’m working on it. Here ya go,” he said, passing the shots over to Ted to pass along. Playing bartender was one of his favorite past times at parties, and they had quite a selection of half-opened liquor to choose from tonight. However, if they were declaring this a tequila night, they might run out of that pretty quickly. Andy could drink with the best of them, and after a couple of shots, Gracie tended to loosen up and drink more. He didn’t bother to wait for Ted’s approval - he knew he didn’t need it and would also simultaneously get it - and poured the two shots for the half-birthday girl and his second favorite mediwizard. The party was rearing to life in the kitchen, with enough food to hopefully keep everyone satisfied and plenty of different drinks to go around. Danny and Ted wanted a beer, which was solved with a quick flick of his wand to the fridge, and he had a moment to pause and take it all in. Bill and Annette were joining them in the kitchen, and he could hear others making their way into the flat. Even when they didn’t invite the whole hospital, those who weren’t on call or working tended to hear about the party and show up.

He busied himself making his own drink, listening to everyone introduce each other and talk. He had to hold back a laugh at Andy’s remarks regarding Annette’s unfortunate situation with the Lestranges. It had been a well-known fact in Hufflepuff house, but everyone loved Annette and had been on her side of things. The newly graduated Hufflepuff had lived with his sister for seven years, so he knew that she was a hit at parties. And their ever-sweet Gracie was clearly trying to set something up between Bill and Annette, otherwise, she wouldn’t have introduced them the way that she did. He was busy opening up the spring rolls for the half-birthday girl when Bill joined him at the counter and laughed at his friend’s jest. “Oh you haven’t heard? We used to have massive parties without you, all the time,” he teased. In truth, it probably did seem odd that they all knew each other and Bill was the odd one out, especially when Annette was a newcomer to their group. Hopefully, one that would be around, as Bill already seemed to like her.

He heard his sister before he saw her, and he waved enthusiastically at her as she entered the kitchen, pouring two more shots of tequila for Grace and Andy. His baby sister was finally free of Hogwarts, and while he knew his mum was worried, he had every idea of keeping his eye out for Amelia. Not that she needed it, with two older brothers she had always been able to hold her own and put them both in their place when needed. “Here ‘Melia, a shot of tequila for you. Congrats on joining the rest of us in the free world,” he said as he passed over a shot to her, before raising his own and draining it. Andy was right, this tequila was pretty awful, and he made a mental note to buy a better brand after they finished this bottle.

[Gracie Peasegood]

She hadn’t missed the way Bill and Roderick had glanced at her, but she really didn’t have an ulterior motive in introducing Annette to Bill. She thought they would get along well, and she knew that her former Hufflepuff friend would know others at the party. Really she was just trying to get Annette out of her shell, and it seemed to be working. Bill and Annette were in conversation as Andy dragged her to the kitchen, and Grace was soon swept up in the fun of it all. Especially as she was handed a gift of hangover potions, which meant that just maybe she could let herself drink tonight. Their group was growing as Annette came to join them, and Grace took the shot Ted handed her as he returned to them. She drank it quickly, setting down the glass and shaking her head to get through the taste.

Ted and Danny struck up a conversation, and Grace had to laugh as Andromeda brought up Annette’s misfortune of a future husband. Now that her friend was out of school, they would find a way to get her out of that. There was no way that Grace, or any of their friends, were going to let Annette become one of the Lestranges. And perhaps Andy would have some ideas, she’d escaped the insanity of the Blacks. She had to laugh though, as Bill apparently was feeling left out. It wasn’t her fault that the group around them had either been in school together or grown up together. But she didn’t want anyone to feel left out, although Roderick was egging their dear friend on with his teasing. “You didn’t hear about Friday night parties in the Hufflepuff common room? Guess Gryffindor’s don’t have all the fun.”

She took the offered drink from Bill, glad to have something that wasn’t tequila to sip on - though Andy was demanding more shots - and gave her friend a thumbs-up of approval as one of their other freshly graduated Hufflepuffs made an appearance. “Amelia! You look fabulous!” she exclaimed with a wave before Andy was placing yet another tequila shot in her hand. “Oh god, you’re going to be the death of me, Andy.”

[Annette Greengrass]

While Annette wasn’t the type to consider herself a prankster, she couldn’t pass up a good opportunity that had just presented itself, and she grinned at Bill. “Oh yes, I’m very trustworthy.” Roderick and Grace wouldn’t be good targets, that she could agree with. Besides the fact they knew the truth about the cake, they knew her well enough to know when she was lying. But Ted? She didn’t know him well, which meant that he would be a good target for this bug cake prank. She nodded at Bill, giving him a thumbs up as they joined the others in the kitchen, letting out a laugh when he asked her how he knew Gracie, and hoped she wasn’t blushing. “We were in Hufflepuff together, so lots of good years of shenanigans together,” she said, before they split and she went to go see Gracie and Andromeda.

Andy gave her a tight hug, and Annette returned it. Of course, she’d heard all the drama when Andromeda had run off to marry Ted, who she was introducing. They looked happy together, and that made Annette smile, only for her to laugh loudly at Andy’s inquiry. “Unfortunately yes, that ridiculous betrothal is still on. But I feel like I know Rabastan well enough to know he’s also trying to figure out a way out of it,” she said with a sigh. She had to hope that he found some way to get them both out of this because they would make each other miserable for the rest of their lives. Turning towards Bill as he spoke, she smirked through Roderick and Gracie’s obvious teasing before she answered, “I grew up in Barking with the Bones, and I’ve had plenty of days spent with the Blacks over the years. It was quite an experience.” She took the drink offered to her by Bill and took a sip, giving a nod of approval as she waved to their newest arrival at the party.