Freedom & Firewhiskey - Thursday, 22nd of December 1977

[Euphadora Parkinson]

The keys had been in her possession for a few weeks now, but her tiny little flat had not been presentable until this week. She'd spent several months saving up to afford a place of her own, encouraged by her grandmother's gift after a well plotted tea. Knowing Dora lacked any real talent in the kitchen, her gran had offered to cook tea for their chat, which freed up Dora to determine the best way to spin her request for a sum of galleons she knew her parents would never have given her. Charming as always, Dora had managed to secure a deposit and with her own savings she found a lovely wee studio flat above some shops in Cardiff. She had considered moving away from her hometown, but she was certain her father would be sad to have her leaving their family home at all, even if he was hiding his feelings rather well, and didn't want to disappoint him. She felt comfortable in Cardiff besides, she knew the good parts as well as the areas to avoid (overrun with muggles or crime, often both) and since learning to apparate in her sixth year, the distance to London for work or leisure wouldn't be the issue it once would have been. Now with the place as well put together as possible, Dora had invited a few friends over for a drink, with plans to move the party somewhere larger as the evening progressed.

Setting a tray of meats and cheeses on the little table in her dining nook, Dora pushed in one of the mismatched chairs to keep the walkway clear. There were bottles of liquor on the kitchen counter with an assortment of glassware in the cupboard above. She wasn't expecting people to stay long, knowing the studio flat wasn't the most comfortable for even a small crowd and she had said her friends could bring guests if they liked, but there were bars nearby they could wander to and even a few dance clubs if they didn't mind a bit of a walk. Her fireplace was already connected to the Floo Network, so if anyone wasn't up for walking they could still travel without risking apparating while pissed. Dora was certain this was not to be the site of her most brilliant party as a proper adult, but she hoped to have a nice evening with a few mates, and if it did somehow get a bit crowded, guests could always escape to her tiny balcony via the window from her dining nook.

Invited: Narcissa Malfoy Bronwyn Nott Charles Selwyn Lydia Avery @kingsley @beatricemalkin Elliott Thomas Rabastan Lestrange Ethan Vanderhyde and anyone else!
Outfit: a proper adult

[Lydia Avery]

"I'm glad you stole me away tonight," Lydia beamed and snuggled closer as she walked, gloved hand-in-hand with her partner, on their way from the apparition point to Dora's new flat. It was exciting to be out-and-about with Charlie, even if they had to go all the way to Wales in the dead of winter to accomplish it, and their friend's change of scenery was worth celebrating. Dora had had to work for this, and Lydia was determined to be supportive, even if they were Merlin-knew-where and the air reeked of petrol. "Tomorrow though, let's get dinner. The Spiny Serpent? We deserve some time for just the two of us." And my ideas. Please be amiable. It had been an eventful day full of presents and friends and schemes, and it was all Lydia could do to keep her news inside. But blurting out to her love that she wanted to postpone their happily ever after so that she could have a career of her own? In the middle of another friend's party? Disaster. Even if Winnie had so dearly offered her own home should Charlie and her family decide she no longer had a place with them, Lydia would prefer to keep her station, her love, her family, and her newfound goals.

It wasn't that much to ask.

"This...this cannot be right." Lydia paused dubiously, doing a double-take at the signage for the apartments, even though they had followed Euphadora's instructions to the letter. It seemed that they had found the place, but it was so - so loud, and on top of shops, and there were muggles everywhere! She exchanged a look with her partner, feeling a slight trepidation in her blood - If they feel it's too much to ask, you could end up in a much worse situation. - as they found the stairs. She knocked the door labeled #23, putting on a grin that only faltered slightly when the woman of the hour opened the door and both she and her betrothed could see almost all of her. "Hello darling, thank you so much for having us! And aren't you simply magnificent!" she exclaimed, shortly cheek-to-cheek as she exchanged air kisses with their host. "Charlie, the wine?" She was in need of a glass of Superior Red - a house gift, and no need for anyone to know why she could always find the best bottle - as she took off her coat, folding it over her arms as she looked around the room.

[Euphadora Parkinson]

The endearing moniker of the small complex, situated above noisy shops on a busy street, was really just for show, as the light pollution from the city cloaked any romantic notions of watching the night's sky appear at twilight from the petite balcony. Dora had been apprehensive about the place upon first viewing, as she was sure her friends would be, but after seeing the selection of homes she could afford, not to mention the price tags on even the smallest homes in wizarding-only neighborhoods, this really was her best option for living on her own. Her family was not as well off as many of her friends, and Lydia, Mere, and Wynnie were still in school and thus unfamiliar with the challenges of being an adult in the real world, but perhaps Charlie could understand at least the position Dora faced. And besides, Dora had succeeded, in her mind, in turning the little flat into a cozy place where she could hang her wand at the end of the day. She had no notions of this ever becoming the regular meeting grounds for any of her friend groups, though she wouldn't be shy about entertaining a bloke here when it suited her needs. 

"Charlie! Lydia!" The first of her guests had arrived, and Dora was at the door only moments after they had knocked. She kissed Lydia on the cheek and stepped back, opening the door further to allow the witch to enter before she gave Charlie a hug at the door. He was quickly summoned by his fiancee, and Dora released him to get Lydia her wine before she started in on him. "I'm so pleased you could make it. I know you've a busy holiday, Lydie. I feel quite special you've carved out time for me." She pointed Charles in the direction of the kitchen, "glasses are in the first cupboard," and moved to Lydia with a beaming grin. "I'm rather chuffed at how it's turned out," she said, taking the witch's coat and heading to the first of two wardrobes that flanked her nooked bed which she used as a cloak closet. Coat hung and out of the way, Dora assessed her younger friend. "This dress is stunning, love. Charlie, doesn't she look gorgeous?" she asked, raising her voice slightly, though there wasn't a need. "He better have fawned all over you before your arrival here, or I'll let him have it." Dora grinned, assured that Charlie had been more than complimentary of his bird, as he had always been quite free with the compliments back when he and Dora had their own little tryst. 

Tagged: Lydia Avery Charles Selwyn
Outfit: a proper adult

[Charles Selwyn]

“I don’t get to see you as often as I’d like, of course I’m stealing you when I can,” he said with a smile to her, bringing her gloved hand he was holding to his lips to press a kiss to the back of it. Time with his beloved was so limited these days, with her still being at Hogwarts. Yes, he went to Hogsmeade trips, but it wasn’t the same as having time together in the castle. His work at the Ministry was filled with mostly boring days, making small talk with Diggory and the others in the department, keeping his eyes and ears pealed for those who expressed sympathy towards the cause. He was good at it, both of his jobs, although the mark bore into his arm was yet another reminder that his parents had always decided his fate. At least they had done well though, in terms of pairing him off. Lydia had grown on him, and he loved her, and he missed having her by his side. It was only a few more months though, and by next year they’d be married.

He nodded at her suggestion, giving her hand a squeeze, “I’ll get us a table, and you can catch me up on anything I’ve missed.” That was another thing he missed from school, being in on the gossip between the Medusas. He even occasionally missed Bronwyn’s snide remarks about his Quidditch abilities. Which was rich, coming from the team that kept losing to Ravenclaw. He hoped the Slytherin girl would be at the party tonight, so he could torment her on inability to do well at the sport. They paused outside of apartments, and while he said nothing, he did have to agree with Lydia’s concerns. This was where Dora was living? It was so…muggle. With shops, and people everywhere. And in Cardiff, who wanted to live out in Wales anyway? Still, he weaved through the crowded area with Lydia to the stairs, feeling that keeping his opinions about it to himself was probably the better option. He hoped they were wrong about the place, but when Dora answered the door - Merlin, help me. - he suddenly decided that anywhere but looking at Dora or Lydia directly was probably his better option when it came down to it.

He followed Lydia in, Dora pulling him into a hug. Focus on where you put your hands, mate. He returned the squeeze, glad that his love was summoning him. Getting wine and not being in the room right now seemed like a much better option than continuing to find the small area that was Dora’s apartment so interesting, and he was thankful when she directed him to the glasses, glad to have something to focus on. Glasses, opening the wine, he could handle that. He was half listening to the conversation, the other half of him wondering if he was expected to know open to open the bottle without his wand, which he decided wasn’t worth asking, he’d risk the magic. “She’s always gorgeous, but I do think that dress is one of my favorites,” he said back to the other side of the room, pocketing his wand to pour the wine before he picked up the three glasses to bring them over. “Here you go Lydia, Dora. Your new place is cool, Cardiff huh?”

[Bronwyn Nott]

A night out was just what she needed, and walking through the cool air in Wales on her way to Dora’s flat for a get-together, she felt free. Going into 7th year she had had so many expectations and goals, only to have her father shut them down. She was thankful she had Regulus, a person to who she could voice her frustrations too about things. While their plan to get their parents to arrange a match between them had worked - and as of these next few days, would be public - but everything else had blown up in her face over the summer. Her father had forbid her from trying out for Quidditch teams, and she planned to do it anyway. Assuming their season wasn’t as terrible as it had already been, her boyfriend was very much the target of her anger for the reason they were so behind in the sport. But tonight was about friends and freedom, and Bronwyn was so ready for that. If she made a team, her dad would kick her out. She’d already started saving money in case she needed to find a place to live. Much like Dora had done, and as Bronwyn turned the corner she stopped in her tracks.

Trekking out to Cardiff was one thing, she didn’t mind the change of scenery from London. But there were muggles everywhere, and so many shops, and she had to wonder if she’d gotten the address right. Regulus had promised to meet her here tonight, business with his mother keeping him from coming with her. Keeping her head down, she walked down the crowded street until she spotted the place, and forced a smile onto her face as she set about finding Dora’s apartment. She was shortly knocking on the door, and hearing voices from inside decided to let herself in, grinning as she saw Lydia and Charlie had already arrived. Their chat earlier about Lydia’s future was still on her mind, already prepared to hex her friend’s betrothed if he chose to oppose her. “Dora! You look fantastic, as always,” she said, hugging the older girl before she pulled a bottle from the bag in her hands. “Knotgrass Mead, goes great in some tea.”

[Evan Rosier II]

Dora had always managed to be around, though Evan never really thought of her as a friend. She basically leeched on to anything with a dick, and considering his friend group was mostly blokes, Dora was around a lot. It came in handy at times, like at his birthday just this summer when she gave him his birthday present on all fours, but mostly Evan found her annoying. Of course, if all his mates were going to be at her party tonight then he wasn't going to turn down the invite. She was obnoxious, but she was still a half decent lay, if the night led that direction.

Apparating in an alley nearby, Evan sneered at the passersby on the street. Was she living in a sodding shopping centre? He shouldn't have been surprised that Dora chose to stay somewhere with loads of potential one night stands strolling past her door nightly, but it made perfect sense that she was surrounded by muggles. There was no way the Parkinsons could afford to buy their trollop of a daughter a home in any respectable wizarding neighborhoods, but from the rumors that had spread through Hogwarts in her time, Evan suspected they weren't overly fond of their own children, either. It made sense, having spent a wee bit of time with Dora on several occasions and having judged it to be far more time than necessary. Luckily for Dora's party, Evan had quickly grown tired of his family's company and he was willing to go anywhere with booze and a chance to get laid.

Evan sneaked in just behind Bronwyn, who's arse was looking absolutely perfect tonight, and surveyed the space while the others all cooed over Whora's outfit. "Brilliant, we've got wine and mead; tonight's going to be a real banger, Dor." He smirked at the brunette over Bronwyn's head as he turned the corner into the smallest bloody kitchen he'd ever seen. He made a show of leaving a plastic baggie of his own party offering on her counter, something much more exciting that red wine in mismatched wine glasses Dora seemingly picked up at a second hand shop, then helped himself to a glass of firewhiskey. "Alright, mate?" he said in greeting to Charlie, looking over at his friend's girlfriend and giving the obligatory nod.

Tagged: party people
Outfit: sexy beast

[Euphadora Parkinson]

Taking the glass from Charlie, Dora's fingers lingered teasingly on his hand before their separation. She was happy Charles was happy with Lydia, but secretly she felt her friend could do better than the bossy brunette. Lydia was delightful on her own but Dora thought rather highly of her friends; they could always do better. "I knew daddy would hate it if I moved too far from home," she said of her father, the man she adored and whom she believed adored her in return without any proof at all. "Besides, it's not like this is forever. I'm sure at some point I'll move somewhere more exotic, but at least I'm not living in my parents' home anymore." Dora was rather pleased with herself. It was a big step to move out of her childhood bedroom, and although she still lived in the same city as her parents, she was on her own for the first time in her life. It was exciting, and only intermittently scary.

The door opened again and this time a vivacious blonde came bounding in. "Wynnie!" Dora squealed as she turned away from the engaged couple with her glass of wine and moved the few steps to give her friend a hug. The girls were a few years apart in age, but Bronwyn was one of Dora's closest friends - if you excluded the blokes, she might have been considered Dora's best friend. "Ta," she said cheekily as Bronwyn complimented her party look. "You never know who's going to show up, and I need to be ready to impress." She easily spotted Evan Rosier letting himself inside, the attractive loudmouth, and Dora teased "case in point," as she ignored the bag of what was sure to be drugs of some sort that Evan was setting out among the drinks, and instead focused back on Bron. "Brilliant. Thanks, love." She took the bottle and added it to the growing collection in the kitchen. "Don't be rude, Rosier, fix Wynnie a drink while you're in there."

Tagged: Lydia Avery Charles Selwyn Bronwyn Nott Evan Rosier II  
Outfit: a proper adult

[Lydia Avery]

He was being good to her, so good to her, that she wondered whether their difference in age - and the forced distance it had brought them this year - wasn't the best thing that could have happened for them. When they were together at Hogsmeade, and now that she was on break, Charlie was nothing less than attentive. He missed her daily presence in his life, just as she missed his. Now that he was growing into the man she needed him to be instead of the child all too quick to pick fights and otherwise embarrass her, Lydia did wonder if the time had come to cut off a certain affair... "Perfect. I've got a new dress to try out that I think you'll love...Maybe we can find some time for us after dinner?" She was wary to continue following the directions they were given, but follow they did, to end up finding Dora. Thankfully, Charlie handled himself as she needed him too, seeming relieved even at her giving him an out. We do make a good team these days, don't we?

"Happy to be here, Dora, the timing couldn't be better," Lydia returned, sweetness incarnate as she wondered if there was something lurking under the other's words, or if she was simply feeling particularly paranoid tonight after having such an illuminating chat with her friends. Transparency among their kind was as rare as implicit trust, and having experienced both through the girls earlier, she felt oddly energetic. That energy meant she was on higher alert than she perhaps needed to be, though, as Dora continued to be nothing but complimentary - and demand compliments for her, which Lydia was all too ready to receive. She exchanged a laugh with their host before looking to her love, who wasted no time in affirming her.

When Charlie looked at her like that, eyes only for her even when there were temptations galore in plain view - how could she ask him to delay their future? You will have to be strong. You can do it. She just needed time enough to entrench herself at Mungo's before they started their family. Many of their fellows waited to have children, it wouldn't be entirely unusual! Just look at the Malfoys! Terrible example. "Thank you, my love - positively dashing himself, isn't he," she smiled as Charlie returned, slipping her arm around his hips before taking a steadying drink. You have to relax. You always have secrets, this is nothing new. "You've done splendidly, really made this your own. It's so...cute!" Her grin broadened at Winnie's arrival and she called out a hello to her dear friend, although her cheery face froze at Evan's entrance. Her yearmate was one of Charlie's closest companions and a teammate of Wyn's, so she did try to get along with him, but he could be terribly crude. And the way he watched Potter...He the reason you're so angry all the time? What a waste of feeling. She returned his nod with a smile and raise of her glass. "Certainly you can find something to suit your standards, Evan, high as they are. Winnie, is Regulus joining us?"

[Evan Rosier II]

Oh Lydia. Already with the snide remarks. His mate's bird was far too outspoken for his liking, which was strange given his affinity for mouthy broads, but he did enjoy goading her when the opportunity arose. "Are you offering, love? I don't think your bloke would like that much, but if you're game..." He waggled his eyebrows in a false ploy of seduction but instantly rolled his eyes and continued to scan the wee flat that Whora seemed so proud of. Was her bed in the sodding sitting room?! Bloody hell, he knew she was a trollop but to throw away all pretense of inviting a bloke up for a cuppa by just tossing a mattress in the middle of the living room was a step farther than even he would have expected of her. He skirted the clucking hens in favor of snooping further around the place, firewhiskey in hand.

Tagged: Lydia Avery Charles Selwyn
Outfit: sexy beast

[Charles Selwyn]

“Promise love, I’m all yours tomorrow night,” he told her with a grin, attention pulled from thoughts of what time for them after dinner meant when as they were surrounded by muggles. And then pulled again, into thinking about anything other than how Dora looked in her dress because that was not an argument he wanted to have tonight. Getting wine was better, and he could only hope that some more of their mutual friends showed up soon. He smiled at Lydia as he returned with the wine, pleased to be called positively dashing. He didn’t miss the way Dora’s finger lingered on his as he passed her a glass, and he wondered how much of this he was going to have to ignore tonight. Or how much more fake pleasantries about the tiny flat in a muggle town he was going to have to spill. As luck would have it, the front door was opening, and Charles had never been happier in his life to see Bronwyn Nott.

Truthfully, Bronwyn was at least one of the more tolerable friends Lydia had - with the added benefit that Dora and Wyn were incredibly close. Dora’s attention shifted to her new guest, and he was even more relieved to see that Evan was here. Thank f*ck. It was nice to know one of his own friends was at the party, and he gave a nod in greeting as Evan helped himself to a drink, rolling his eyes at the other man as Dora insisted he make Bronwyn a drink. Frankly, Charles was more interested in what was in the bag that Evan brought, and wondered how long they would have to stay at this get-together. “Good mate, you?” he said in greeting as Evan came to join their group.

Of course, nothing was ever simple with Evan, was it? Charles liked that mostly, but not when it was Lydia and Evan exchanging snide remarks to each other. There was a small part of him that wanted to side with Evan because it was kind of funny and Lydia had sort of set that up well. But the part of him that was absolutely whipped for his girl won out, and he scowled at Evan. “Watch it.” Not that he had any actual plans to deck Evan, mostly because his friend already looked bored of the conversation. He was barely listening to Bronwyn as she spoke about Regulus, having grown bored in school of seeing the two of them obviously into each other and not acknowledging it. At least they’d worked that out this year. Instead, he waited until Wyn went to get her own drink before casually commenting, “Heard you lost to Ravenclaw again this year, and it’s not like you had any real competition with the Beaters this year.”

[Bronwyn Nott]

Gods, how she had missed Dora! Hearing her name squealed with such excitement as she came through the door reminded her of their years at school together. While Bronwyn was so close to freedom of her own like this, it was still months away. And more arguments with her father, that she was sure. She wanted away from it all, a life of her own, like Dora, had. Although, as she took in the apartment while they shared a hug, she did have to hope that something like this wasn’t her future. “Well, consider me impressed,” she teased, turning to follow Dora’s gaze to the door. Another friendly face, although she wouldn’t say that she was delighted to see Evan. They made a good team on the pitch, but she also knew he got under Regulus’ skin - and her boyfriend was dealing with enough right now.

Evan, as she had expected, did not make her drink - and only lingered around them long enough to be his typical self before he decided to ignore them all, which Bronwyn found that she preferred. “He will be by later, he had some family matters to attend to.” Seeing as she was the only one without something to drink, she took the moment to walk into the oh-so-small kitchen, pouring herself some wine when Charles decided to speak up. And damn him, of course, this would be the first thing he says to her after not seeing each other for months, the cocky asshole. He knew damn well that game had nothing to do with her or Evan’s ability as beaters. And while she was past putting all of the blame on her boyfriend, it really wasn’t her fault their chasers had been playing like absolute sh*t. The only one of them that had ended up bloody that game on their team had been Evan, and that was part of the job as a beater. She smiled at him sweetly as she came back with her drink, taking a moment to take a sip before she responded, “Have you gotten to work with any dragons yet, in your thrilling Ministry job?”

[Lydia Avery]

Charlie seemed to relax as more guests arrived, she noted with a pleased smile at Winnie's entrance, and an accepting one at Evan's. While Lydia was glad Charlie would have one of the boys to talk to tonight, did it have to be Evan? At least Regulus was only running late, not planning to skip out on the evening entirely. She let out a sound of pure disgust as her classmate spoke, fingers digging into Charlie's side as they clenched. Her beau provided a menacing threat Evan deserved - while surely the younger boy was jesting, did he have to be so horrid? in such otherwise good company? - but his words and eyes on her made her skin crawl, and Lydia didn't have to work to pull a face, natural reaction that it was to the insinuation. "Never. You are a vile creature, Evan Rosier the Second," she grimaced, not sorry at all to see him go. There wasn't a far way to go, any way you sliced it, but at least he was less bothersome when his back was turned.

"We need to make new friends," she muttered to Charlie in their moment alone, turning her smile back on in time for Winnie's return, only to have it strain almost instantly. Quidditch and dragons, each a dagger in the heart of the other. If she wasn't in this company, she couldn't have cared less about the topics. But of course they had to go there, these two, two of her nearest and dearest, right away! Peacemaker was Lydia's accepted role, generally, but it was a tiresome burden to bear. If she didn't, though, they'd always be at each other's throats, wouldn't they? She wished someone else would take it on, but - alas.

"Come, come," she cajoled, "there's no need for all that. We know how you feel, and although this is deeply personal, try not to take it personally. We can let bygones be bygones and enjoy tonight, can't we? You're each doing beautiful, important work right where you are, and let's not forget it!" While Winnie was a brilliant Quidditch player, her friend knew that wasn't her future, so why must she behave as if it was? And Charlie, he would have his chance to work with his beloved beasts, he just had to stick things out in the office for a while longer! "Or forget why we're here," Lydia guided, turning her smile to their patient hostess. "Dora, darling! Please, won't you show us around? Tell us all about how this came to be?"

[Euphadora Parkinson]

A slow start to a party, but a start, nonetheless. A few friends, the expectation of a few more, and plenty of alcohol. It wasn’t a half bad attempt for such a dwt space, and Dora even managed to keep a pleasant expression on her face as Lydia, true to form, gently started telling off Charlie and Bronwyn as if she were a mum breaking up a fight between her children. Merlin forbid people be allowed a chinwag occasionally. Dora sipped her wine, calico eyes darting over to Evan who was peeking in a trinket box on her shelf in the sitting room like a nosey git, then returned her focus to the little group as Lydia brought the attention back to its rightful place; Dora herself.

There wasn’t much to do in the way of a tour of her studio flat, but Dora was proud of it regardless. She was living on her own, not even her sometime lover Rabastan could claim that level of independence yet, let alone anyone currently in the room. And whether or not Lydia was attempting to needle Dora with her remark or not, the brunette was unphased. “I thought you’d never ask.”

“Kitchen, obviously,” she said pointing behind her to the tiny little nook that managed to fit all manner of gadgets Dora had not yet learned to properly operate. “And if you’re in need of a bit of air, the terrace is lovely,” she directed them to the window that led to her tiny balcony on which she’d managed to squeeze a little seat and some flowerpots. “I’m still working out the kinks on the muffling charm, but it’s a gorgeous view even with a bit of noise. The toilet is over there,” another gesture toward a narrow nook, this time on her left, as she walked into the sitting room and sat at the edge of her bed. “And the lounge. It’s small, I know, but I don’t need much space aside from my closets and my gram was practically begging for me to let her buy me something, but I really wanted to do it on my own, you know.” Evan caught her eye and she snapped, “unless you’re looking for my knickers, there’s nothing in there for you.”

Tagged: Lydia Avery Charles Selwyn Bronwyn Nott Evan Rosier II
Outfit: a proper adult

[Evan Rosier II]

Evan made a gesture at Charles that insinuated he was whipped by his fiancée but didn’t push the joke any further. At least for the time being. He was too busy listening to Wyn explain why her “perfect” sodding boyfriend hadn’t accompanied her, and he muttered a cruel remark about the Black family not quite under his breath as he continued snooping around Dora’s sad excuse for a home. Resting his glass on the mantle over the fireplace, he picked up a frame and studied the photograph inside. Whora, Wyn, and few other witches in their Hogwarts uniforms were posing in front of the Black Lake. Another photo showed Parkinson with Lucius’s wife, Narcissa, with their bags of shopping and in yet another she was with a slew of men, Charles among them. Her shelves were essentially a shrine to herself, but had he really been expecting anything less from the vapid witch? Not in the slightest.

Evan hadn’t bothered paying any mind to Dora’s little flat tour, but when he opened a door that turned out to be nothing more exciting than her wardrobe, Dora snapped at him. “Come off it, Parkinson, we all know you don’t wear knickers.” He shut the door and found his firewhiskey on the mantle behind him.


Tagged: Euphadora Parkinson
Outfit: sexy beast

[Violet Fudge]

Arriving at a party on time was a social faux pas, if you knew anything about parties. Besides, it really wasn’t her fault that she’d gotten held up at work - memories weren’t going to wipe themselves from the minds of muggles. It also wasn’t her fault that Vance was insistent on paperwork being completed before she left, even though he’d also been on the scene and was perfectly capable of doing the reports himself. Still, Dora wouldn’t be upset with her for being on time, not with the housewarming gifts Violet was bringing for her dear friend. A bottle of their favorite tequila, and the most charming little lights that would bring a sparkle to the terrace her friend had mentioned was attached to her place. Checking her appearance once more in the mirror before leaving her flat, and made her way to the apparition point near her downtown London building. The nightlife was already buzzing, and while she normally only frequented wizarding nightclubs, it was fascinating to watch the muggles as she walked. A few minutes later, she was a quick pop away to Cardiff, and as she turned the corner to where the flat was she couldn’t help but grin.

Normally, people didn’t like to be around the muggle world. But it seemed Dora had the same free spirit as always, as the area reminded Violet of her own little section of muggle London that she lived in. It was brilliant, and as she took the steps two at a time, she was already planning her next trip out to Cardiff to experience the nightlife with Dora. Violet let herself in, pleased to see that many of her friends had already arrived. Lydia and Charlie were there, looking like a perfect couple as always. As was Bronwyn, although her boyfriend was notably missing. “Well, if it isn’t all my favorite people,” she said with a laugh, before giving her full attention to Dora. “Love, you look fabulous. And this place is wonderful, I can’t believe you haven’t had me over sooner!” She wrapped Dora in a hug, before moving to set her gift bag on the counter and help herself to a glass of something strong. There was firewhiskey, and while not her favorite would suffice until they opened the tequila later. She hadn’t noticed Evan until then, and she sent him a smirk. She’d always thought he was attractive, but he’d mostly dated her friends and so she’d never given him too much thought. But he looked good tonight, and she knew he had a tendency to annoy Dora. “Evan, how nice of you to join us tonight,” she spoke to him as she joined the group from the kitchen, giving hugs to Lydia and Wyn.