Freedom & Firewhiskey - Thursday, 22nd of December 1977

[Charles Selwyn]

It was hard to conceal his grin at Lydia’s words, always so attracted to her when she stood up for herself. While he did always defend her, he had learned a long time ago not to underestimate her. She was every bit as cunning as Meredith and ambitious as Bronwyn. But those two had their heads so far up their own asses they’d never even stopped to consider how wicked smart Lydia was. While he could do with less gossip, he tolerated it for her sake. He loved her, and those were her friends, and she tolerated his friends, like Evan. Although she did have a point, while those in the single room of this flat were their friends, they could sometimes stand to be in better company. While small talking with the likes of the Malfoy’s was one of the last things he would ever want to do, it wouldn’t hurt to be in their good graces. Both Lucius and Narcissa had their own power and influence.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a night without getting under Bronwyn’s skin a little, even though he did know it annoyed Lydia. But could she really blame him - he’d laughed for at least five minutes when he found out how that match had gone down. It had made him regret not going to the school to watch it, just to see Regulus make the same mistake he had in their game last year. Charles was a little surprised that a mess-up that big in their first game hadn’t ended his relationship with Bronwyn. But his smirk turned to a scowl as Wyn prodded back like he should have expected. Before he could continue the snide remarks though, his ever-loving girlfriend was diffusing the situation. It was personal, but at least he was far closer to his actual dream job than Bronwyn would ever be. Even if she got scouted, everyone knew that Cantankerous Nott wasn’t going to allow his daughter to play Quidditch professionally. Except, apparently, Bronwyn.

He wanted to stay in Lydia’s good graces though, so he shot her a smile and turned his attention to Dora enough to show that he was paying attention, but not enough to where it might look like he was ogling her. He didn’t particularly care to know how this whole situation came to be, and he wasn’t sure how much of a tour could actually be given, but he nodded along as Dora pointed out different places about the flat. Which took a total of 30 seconds, and was made far more amusing by Evan’s truthful comment. He was saved from having to make a nice comment about something in Dora’s home though by the arrival of another one of their friends, Violet. Admittedly, he was a little afraid of her during their years at school. But once they’d gotten to know each other, he appreciated her smarts and the way she took after Lydia and her friends. He gave her a nod, taking the moments she spent greeting everyone to sip his drink and wonder how long they’d have to stay a play nice. That was something both Lydia and Violet were far better at than him, as he smirked into his class as Violet greeted Evan. “Well, you just missed the grand tour, Violet.”

[Bronwyn Nott]

Perhaps if Charlie could keep his mouth shut, Bronwyn wouldn’t have had to take a jab at him. While it was foolish for her to still hold onto hope that her Quidditch dreams would become a reality, Charlie’s dreams had already been completely crushed. And she would be certain to remind him of that if he was going to be an arse. Lydia, of course, was not amused by the two of them, but what did her friend expect? That particular Quidditch game was a sensitive topic, even if she and Regulus had gotten past it. Still, she supposed she could play nice for tonight, given that they were here for better things than bickering with each other. Bronwyn turned her attention to Dora at Lydia’s words, more than happy to have the distraction of a tour of the flat to get them off the topic of Quidditch failures. It was a quick tour, given that it was really all one room, but Wyn smiled and nodded as Dora pointed out the different sections of her flat.

“It’s honestly perfect Dora, it suits you so well,” she said, ignoring Evan’s comment in favor of her friend. Sometimes she forgot that she dated him at point and that she’d even at one point felt that she loved him. Evan was fine, normally, but he could be a twat when he wanted to. It was clear she was much more suited for life with Regulus than her former boyfriend, and she was considering telling him off when the door opened and one of their dear friends made her appearance. Violet and Dora had been roommates in school, and honestly, Bronwyn had always had a bit of a crush on the older girl. The Fudge name wasn’t one that had carried a lot of weight, but Violet had never let that hold her back. She’d taken in all the younger Slytherin’s as if they were her siblings, which was understandable, as Rufus and Charlotte weren’t much to talk about. Violet just had a way about her, which was evident as she breezed into the flat and situated herself - even going as far as to engage Evan before she passed around hugs to Lydia and Bronwyn. “Oh ignore him Vi, it was quite a grand tour. It’s good to see you.”

[Lydia Avery]

"We should go see the terrace," she whispered, arm looped around Charlie in contentment as she followed their hostess with her eyes. She had to hope that a warming charm was in place, just as the muffling charm was - but that was where they could get a little privacy, while not abandoning the party, and she could almost feel her partner getting antsy. But it was so good to see Dora like this, he could acknowledge that too, right? Dora had worked hard since graduation, that was certain, and while Lydia had admittedly been quick to judge the location, she was starting to see its appeal. Not that it was on a muggle street, above muggle shops - but Dora could claim it as her own, and that was marvelous, commendable, wasn't it? 

"Agreed! It's beautiful love, just perfect for you," Lydia echoed her roommate, following Winnie's lead regarding Evan as well. And to think, there had been a time when those two had been a pair! She had to suppose, though, that it wouldn't be too long before something was properly arranged for the Rosier heir. Certainly the family would want that resolved before he was out in the world, left to his own devices? Must see if he's told Charlie anything... But for now, with Violet's arrival, she merely chuckled at her love's remark and returned the hug with glee. "Oh how I have missed you - you look incredible!" she squealed. While she'd sought out the older girl during their school years as she would a big sister, things hadn't been the same since Violet's graduation. Some distance was natural, of course, as Violet entered the Ministry and the younger Slytherin returned to school. But with Violet being so near and dear to the Malfoys...it had been safer to keep her at arm's length since her dalliance, hadn't it?

But that didn't mean she hadn't missed that kinship, and she smiled happily between their hostess and the newest arrival. Both Dora and Violet were making their own ways in the world, on their own merits, their own ambitions, and Lydia counted herself lucky to know witches of their caliber. While they were purebloods as well, they'd been raised under different circumstances and expectations, as the realities of their adulthoods showed. When she and her family, she and Charlie, were not getting on so well...she envied not only their beauty and wit, but their independence too. To be sure, with independence came responsibilities and stressors she hadn't had to consider, and she and her betrothed had grown to love each other - but to have grown up without knowing what her future would hold? Only that it would be what she made it? How differently would she have approached her time at Hogwarts? From friendships to courses to extracurricular activities, if less had been predestined for her, how would she have spent her energy, devoted her mind?

It would only ever be a thought experiment, Lydia knew...unless she rocked the boat so much that she could no longer count on her loved ones for support. But she did hope that Charlie seeing them around at work could help the case she planned to make, of doing something of her own. "You three must get to see each other every day," she said wistfully, returning to Charlie's side. "You were out on a case today, Vi?"

[Euphadora Parkinson]

The door opened again and a familiar voice sounded from the entry. Dora let out a squeal of delight and hopped up to hug her friend, interrupting whatever conversation had been about to spring up after her riveting flat tour. “It’s been a nightmare not asking for your help, but I wanted it to be a surprise.” She looked at Vi and smiled. “By the gods, you look amazing. Are you trying to show me up at my own soiree?” she asked with a laugh, pulling Violet into the lounge where the rest of the partygoers currently resided as soon as she had a drink in her hand. Charlie made a rather infuriating remark about the tour she’d just given but as he was smiling and Dora was already drinking, she only gaped at him in humored offense for a moment before turning her attention back to the girls, Wyn jumping in to support her. “Not many things can be considered grand when your ego is in the room, Charlie dear, but we manage.”

Conversation and liquor seemed to flow easily with this crowd and not long into the evening Dora managed to swap out her glass of wine for a mug of firewhiskey, though now she was eyeing the tequila Violet had brought. That would be a bad idea, Dora thought to herself, and yet she was still inclined toward it on her next trip to the tiny kitchen. Evan had found her music and, after complaining about the amount of disco and pop options, he seemed to find something palatable and there was now a much more party-like atmosphere buzzing around the little apartment.

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

[Evan Rosier II]

Evan faffed about with looking through Dora’s things, despite her clear instructions not to, and let the witches carry on with their clucking. Dora’s taste in music was about as generic as she was, but he perused the records until he heard his name and looked up. “Fresh meat,” he smirked, wiggling his eyebrows at her but not bothering to take the four steps it would have required to cross the flat to greet Violet properly. “Wouldn’t miss it, love,” he said in a tone that heavily implied the opposite, and then turned his attention back to his hunt to find something better than Voodoo Realm (akin to the muggle band ABBA) or Phantasm (which had a chart-topping hit that was accompanied by a sickening dance similar to the Hustle). At long last, and having ignored a lion’s share of the pleasantries, Evan managed to put on some wizard rock that he was sure Dora had only purchased while trying to flirt with some bloke with far better musical tastes than she.

Dipping into his own party offering before passing the joint over Lydia’s head to Charlie, Evan sat on the open windowsill between the space Dora optimistically referred to as the dining room and the terrace. He could see why Dora had made such a big fuss about the terrace, it was cozy and she’d actually done a pretty fine job on keeping the noise from below away. He could definitely see having a bit of fun with one of the ladies out there later.

Tagged: Violet Fudge Charles Selwyn & others
Outfit: sexy beast

[Violet Fudge]

It wasn’t a surprise that Dora was excited as Vi entered the flat, and she returned the hug from Dora with glee. Dora had been there for her when she had moved into her own flat in London, and they’d gone through plenty of wine while they unpacked. Violet wouldn’t have missed this night for anything, and she had to laugh at Dora’s compliment. “Me show you up? Love, I don’t think that’s even possible - you look ravishing,” she said as she motioned for Dora to give her a spin. “Remind me to borrow this outfit sometime.”

It was quite the group gathered in Dora’s new flat, and Violet was glad to see them all. Ever since her graduation, she had only been able to check in on Lydia and Bronwyn during Hogsmeade visits when she wasn’t working. She didn’t care too much for Charlie, but she tolerated him for Lydia’s sake. And Evan, well she didn’t know him that well, but he had certainly gotten more attractive over the years. Perhaps she would do something more than just distract him from bothering Dora all night. She gave Charlie a tight smile at his words, laughing at Dora’s accurate assessment, and was glad that Bronwyn stepped in. They couldn’t all afford luxury flats with their parents' money, and Violet was very proud of Dora for getting this place all by herself. Her dear friend had given up dreams to have a steady job and accomplish this, and it was worth celebrating. “It’s good to see you too Winnie, you look fantastic. Regulus joining us tonight?” Violet turned her attention to Lydia, giving her a bright smile at the compliment. While she always thought she looked incredible, it was nice to hear it from her friends. “I adore your dress, Lydia, you look fantastic! I won’t bore you with details of work though, but it was quite a busy day today.

Conversation continued and more drinks were poured, and Violet was a couple of glasses of wine in when she saw Dora eyeing the tequila. That would certainly liven up the night. Evan had finally picked some music and settled into the window while Charlie and Lydia were on the terrace. Taking Bronwyn’s hand, she pulled her into the kitchen area with Dora and only let go to open the bottle of tequila that her friend was eyeing. “We will have to scold Narcissa if she doesn’t show up this evening,” she teased as she poured tequila into three cups for them. “I know I’ve already said it but this place is wonderful, the location suits you perfectly. We will have to check out the nightlife sometime, even if it is a bunch of muggles. Free drinks from the boys will be even easier to get.” 

[Charles Selwyn]

He smiled down at Lydia, giving a nod to her words. She knew him well enough to know that parties such as this weren’t really his cup of tea, but that he would stay for as long as she wanted to. Still, escaping to the terrace for slightly more privacy didn’t sound like a bad idea. It would have to wait though, as Violet had arrived and the room was buzzing with excitement. He knew how much Lydia and Bronwyn adored the older girl, although he could have done without Dora’s squeal of excitement. He never understood why girls had to make such high pitch noises. His snarky comment earned him one in return, and he smirked at Dora. His ego wasn’t that big, and if it was it was well deserved. He had many fantastic qualities that were worth having a big ego. Even if he was starting to feel outnumbered by the girls at this party, and while Evan could be rude it was nice to have one of his friends here.

Arm around Lydia on the terrace, Charlie accepted the joint that Evan passed over to him and took a long hit. The evening was going well, and having escaped to the terrace made him feel more relaxed. Or perhaps that was the cannabis. Either way, the noise-dampening and heating charms were nice, and not having to make small talk with the girls was also pleasant. “So Evan, you and Vi. Something going on there?” he asked as he passed the joint back. As far as he knew Violet wasn’t dating anyone, but he rarely talked to her at the ministry. What he did know was that Violet had made a point to greet Evan specifically, and while it could be because they all knew how Evan could annoy Dora, Charlie felt perhaps something was there he hadn’t heard about.

[Bronwyn Nott]

Dora and Violet really were saints for putting up with the boys in attendance tonight. Charlie was a grouch on his best day and Evan was, well, Evan. It was hard to believe that she had been in love with him at one point in her life. Bronwyn could only hope that Regulus would arrive soon, so at least there would be one tolerable boy around. Besides, they could get ideas for the flat they’d have together once they were both out of school. They weren’t engaged - or betrothed even, but she loved him and had hopes that he would be in her future. While this place was a little small for her tastes, it suited Dora perfectly. And Wyn felt honored to have been invited to her housewarming party. Hogwarts wasn’t the same without Dora and Vi around, so it was grand to get to have this evening with them. “He will be here soon,” she assured Violet, and although she did wish Violet would tell them tales of her adventures as an Obliviator, tonight was about Dora.

It wasn’t long before she was a glass of wine in, and Violet was dragging her towards the kitchen where Dora was in the midst of getting another drink. Bronwyn wrinkled her nose at the smell of the tequila but knew quite well that if Violet wanted them to get that drunk there was no stopping her. Vi was one of the most persuasive people that she knew. Finishing her wine, she took up the cup Violet offered her in her free hand. It was far more tequila than a regular shot would be, but that didn’t surprise Wyn. “Here’s to paving our own paths and finding our freedom!” she said, tapping her glass to her two companions. The tequila burned, and she held out her wine glass for Violet to fill back up. She heard the door open, and look at it to see that her boyfriend had arrived. He was dressed incredibly nicely, which meant he had come straight from the Black family gathering that had been happening tonight. “Reg! You are just in time, Vi has started pouring out tequila.”

[Regulus Black]

One could say, extremely truthfully, that Regulus Black was preoccupied with his future.

It'd been high on his mind even before his brother's departure and disownment last year, to be fair, but since then - well, he hadn't had much of a choice, had he? As the sole heir of Orion and Walburga Black, the only one left to shoulder the name and pass it on in his own line - not that he was in any bit of a rush for that bit - he had to make something of himself. And so far? So far, things were going brilliantly, thanks in great part to his efforts and the support of the girl he was on his way to see.

There were things that were out of his control, and failures on the pitch that he'd like to forget - but in the long run, in the long run, if he had to pull himself up by the coattails of powerful relatives and their even more powerful connections until they stood shoulder-to-shoulder, the world at their feet? Regulus would cash in every favor he had to get close enough to grab hold. And while he was on his way to securing his own position, and their families made it known to others of favor that they were together, it would only assist Wyn in taking up the place of prominence she deserved. These last months had been filled with far too many disappointments for her, and although he couldn't take away the ones of his own doing, and didn't have pull with anyone within the Quidditch association - in circles of social importance, he could help, he could make some things right.

He exited the Knight Bus - there was no way he was arriving to a party that he likely was the youngest at, by way of side-along from his cousin or her husband - and chuckled to himself out on the muggle street. It was terribly surreal to be somewhere so - somewhere so normal after the conversation he'd just had with Bella. Was there anyone here, passing him by, who could tell that his life was about to change? Had any of them had such a night? Asking for her help was one of the bigger things he'd hoped to achieve over this holiday break, and he'd done it, and he couldn't remember the last time someone had looked at him with such pride. Besides his mother, that is, but she was a whole other story, and thankfully preoccupied with her duties as host...

He couldn't say he was close with the witch hosting tonight's event, but she'd told her friends they could bring their partners, and Reg was grateful. He couldn't very well show up at the Nott Estate at this time of night to fill Wyn in on the conversation with Bella, and he had to see her. He loosened the tie at his neck and, excitement fueling his steps, all but ran up the stairs, and entered the flat to find it packed, the party in full swing. Music blared and conversation flowed, and a broad grin split his face at Wyn's welcome. He gave a wave and a booming hello to the gathered many, and high-tailed it to the kitchen, squeezing in with the women. "Sorry, sorry I'm late - you've met my family," he said simply to the group by way of explanation, still all grins as he wrapped his arms around Wyn from behind and planted a hearty kiss on her cheek. "Speaking of - Cissa's on her way, sure she'll be here any minute, Lucius in tow. Do me a favor and get me one of those, Vi?" As drinks were poured, he swayed to the music and spoke in his girlfriend's ear, "Have big news, Wyn, you're not going to believe it - where can we talk?"

[Narcissa Malfoy]

Narcissa swept her dark velvet cloak around herself as she landed at her husband's side in the chill of the night, muting the eye-catching shine of her dress and looking, for all the world knew, her part of a couple on their way home from the opera, or a gala, or... No, no, there's no use pretending. We're just as out of place here as we truly are. She couldn't keep a brief look of distaste from her features, a slight pinch of her pert nose, as they stepped into the lamplight of Dora's street. "She did warn me that this was...quaint," Narcissa said under her breath, giving Lucius's gloved hand a squeeze with her own as she looked up at him. Her features softened as they were wont to when taking in the perfect specimen she got to call husband, and she smiled. "It will mean so much to her that we've come. Thank you, my love." 

Aunt Walburga's obligatory holiday soiree had dwindled down enough for them to politely take their leave, although Regulus could have made things easier for all of them had he allowed them to Apparate over together, instead of darting out at the earliest opportunity. She had many questions about her little cousin's eagerness to get to Dora's, and hoped they would be resolved on arrival. If not, she would be the second Black sister to have an extended conversation with him tonight, for he and Bella had certainly taken their time talking over something... She had extended such care to him when Sirius departed, as only one who had experienced the betrayal of a sibling could, and thought they had become the close ones. There was an explanation, surely, and if it wouldn't come from Regulus - why, it was the holiday season, and she had every excuse to see her sister!

Pausing on their next host's doorstep, she turned to her love, eyes alight with play, and leaned in to grant him a lingering kiss. "You will try to have fun, won't you? We can have some of our own when we're home," she smirked, and nodded for him to get the door. The flat was bustling, and a bemused smile lit her face as she hung up her cloak, until spying their hostess in the kitchen. She beamed, taking her husband's hand to say their hellos, and inhaled sharply, whispering to him through a smile of clenched teeth. "Regulus is with the Nott girl?" It would be a fine match, Narcissa reasoned quickly, if they had been matched. If not, and word got out... Thankfully, it seemed like she and Lucius were the primary ones in attendance who could damage reputations if they saw fit - and that would not be the case. "Oh! Look, Lucius, they were prepared for us," Narcissa said with a trilling laugh, waving towards the prime open bottle of Superior Red, and slinked into the kitchen to hug her dearest friends. "Hello, my beauties," she cooed, exchanging air kisses with Dora and Vi, and wondering if any of the men would have luck keeping their eyes in their heads tonight. "Cousin," she continued primly, thin brows raised, "won't you be a dear and introduce us?"

[Euphadora Parkinson]

As if her friend had read her mind, Violet appeared at her side, Wyn in tow, and pulled the lid off the tequila bottle. “They’re teaching you Occlumency on level three now, are they?” she teased. Dora finished off the last of her firewhiskey and extended her now empty mug for Vi to fill. “She promised to stop by after her family thing,” Dora remarked of Narcissa, “but we’ll see how long she and Lucius hang ‘round. I doubt he’ll be as gracious of my little shop flat as you lot have been.” She grinned at Bronwyn, knowing everyone currently in attendance thought the same of her wee flat and were just too polite to say otherwise. Except perhaps Evan, who had never been polite a day in his life.

Tequilla in hand, Wyn toasted to their freedom, and she happily clinked her mug against their cups. “Don’t worry, Wyn, Vi and I will scope out all the best clubs round here and save you from the shite ones by the time you’re graduated. Muggle blokes are so easily persuaded, we won’t even have to feign reaching for the bill,” which was helpful as Dora still struggled with understanding muggle money and had no idea whether she had overpaid for items at the nearby shops or not. Finding a younger lad working the till had proven to be her best option, as she could flirt while dropping some coins on the counter and if she were short, she’d simply play that she’d been too smitten with the bloke to bother paying attention. The muggle women on the other hand, particularly the older ones, were not as forgiving and likely just assumed Dora was a bit of a dullard, with the exception of the woman at the coffee shop who had given Dora a free scone and had written some numbers on a napkin when she’d brought out her tea.

Before long, her door was opened and Wyn’s boyfriend Regulus walked in. “Alright, Reg,” she greeted the younger lad. Dora entertained herself with tequila and talk of the local nightlife with Violet, as Reg seemed keen on whispering sweet nothings in Wyn’s ear. Two couples, that was alright. The rest of her guests weren’t partnered up, so there was no need to feel like a third wheel at her own party. The door opened again and this time Narcissa, in a gorgeous glittering gown that stuck out like a sore thumb in her little studio flat, and Lucius sauntered in. “Don’t you look a sight!” she cooed, returning Cissa’s air kisses. Okay, three couples, but surely they wouldn't all be cwtching all night like Charlie and Lydia. Dora looked to Lucius, handsomely dressed and looking like a million galleons. “Don’t worry, Lucius, I’ll only make Cissa bring you here the one time. You’re off the hook for future parties,” she said with a laugh, the warmth of her several drinks tonight making her much more relaxed than the posh Malfoy might have preferred.

[Evan Rosier II]

He and Vi? Evan wasn’t sure what Charlie was on about, but he wasn’t bothered by the idea. She was attractive, definitely the hottest of the Fudge siblings, and possibly single. “If she’s lucky,” he replied, reaching back out the window for the joint.

“Why? She been talking ‘bout me?” he asked his friend, but he was looking more at Lydia wondering if perhaps the hens had been clucking on their last Hogsmeade meet up, and Charlie had been burdened with the details. He took a long drag and looked back into the kitchen where Violet and Bronwyn now stood beside each other. From this position, he was able to admire their backsides, both looking rather spectacular, and began an internal debate about which would look the best naked. He exhaled, a small cloud of smoke wafting into the apartment instead of dispersing into the open air outside, as Wyn’s boyfriend arrived, blocking Evan’s view of the women’s bums, and began clinging to Bronwyn like a lifeline. Evan rolled his eyes and turned back to Charlie, more interested in hearing about Violet Fudge than watching Black drool over Wyn all evening.

[Lucius Malfoy]

One party with the Black family was enough, and yet he had let himself be talked into attending a housewarming party of one of his wife’s friends. It would make Narcissa happy if he attended, as much as he didn’t really care for Euphadora. He did care about his wife, and her happiness meant a great deal to him. If that meant one night schmoozing with whatever unsightly trash might be invited to this get together, then so be it. He was positive that there would be someone worth talking to there, he had to assume Violet was also invited. Other than that, he wasn’t sure who else Dora was friends with. Possibly some of the younger girls, and he knew Regulus had been ancy to attend this get-together. The reason behind his younger cousin's rush was not yet clear, but he was positive Narcissa and he could figure it out tonight. Right now, he was doing his best to not let his reaction to the place they’d arrived be evident on his face. “Quaint?” he questioned, motioning to the bustling muggle life around them. Quaint was an understatement if he was being honest. He smiled at her words, bringing her hand in his to his mouth to place a kiss on the back of it. “Anything for you, my love.”

Lucius did his best to not look disturbed as they moved through the muggle town, but he had to wonder why this was the place Dora had picked to live. His musings were short-lived as they paused on the doorstep, and he smiled into the kiss Narcissa gave him. “I will try to have fun, knowing what I get to look forward to,” he said with a grin before he opened the door to the flat. It was crowded, which wasn’t that surprising. Dora had many friends, but it was interesting how they all fit in such a small place. He took his wife’s hand and noticed the scene at the same time she did. Regulus was clearly involved with the Nott girl, and yet Lucius couldn’t recall hearing about them being matched up. “I wonder if Walburga knows,” he responded through his smile, entering what could barely be described as a kitchen.

He was glad to see the bottle of superior red and poured a glass for both him and Narcissa as she said her hellos to her friends. He handed a glass to his wife, letting out a laugh as Dora assured him he wouldn’t have to come back for any more parties. “Nonsense, it’s a pleasure to come and celebrate this achievement with you all,” he returned, although he hardly meant the words. But he could put on an act when he needed to. He turned his gaze to Regulus, and noticed the Nott girl seemed surprised to see them both here. Did she not know of Dora and Narcissa’s friendship, or did she not expect dignified people such as them to show up?

[Lydia Avery]

Lydia was slowly but surely coming to the realization that no one in attendance tonight wanted to talk of their work. It was some kind of cruel trick, wasn't it, that as soon as such important things struck her interest immensely, there was no one to exchange ideas with! No - like at school, they would taunt and tease and flaunt whoever was on their arm or toast to their freedoms, drink and be bawdy and merry and, unfortunately, likely break a thing or two and, hopefully, mend them properly. It was their right, and she would not deny it of them, but for all things good and decent - she wanted to shout that hearing of Vi's day as an Obliviator could not ever be boring. Did she not see that what she did allowed her challenge and thrill, kept the days from becoming the humdrum blur she worried her life at the Estate could become? To be sure, when the war was won and the muggles needn't forget them anymore, Vi's burgeoning career would be obsolete - but she could take what she learned and apply her skills elsewhere with hardly any learning curve, Lydia was certain. But for tonight, perhaps she should accept that this was not the space to get Charlie thinking more of the careers of her friends, in hopes of getting him to accept her new ideas. The women had been working all day, and they were done, and deserved to have fun, not deal with her nagging...

And so, for now, as the tour was done and she'd carefully stepped through the window and onto the terrace, Lydia would let the passing jibes go and content herself with the comfort of Charlie's arm around her. This was where she should be until she could be better company for the rest again. And if she couldn't, she didn't imagine Charlie would complain at leaving earlier than anticipated. Looking down at the muggle street from above was not much better than when they'd walked it themselves, or perhaps the girl was not holding her disappointment all that well, so she instead looked out and up. A few soft flakes of snow drifted down from the inky dark sky, melting as they connected with the warming charm around them. Her love was more at ease here in the air than in the crowd inside, and as she fought to relax, she let her false smile go. She sighed quietly, not the sort she gave when seeking attention, and leaned into him as she let herself stew, idly stroking the hand at her shoulder as the boys exchanged a smoke over her head. The tips of her fingers nimbly traced the fine edges of old scars and callouses, and she imagined the feel of the Mark, just hidden under his sleeve, which was slightly different, almost imperceptibly, to the touch of his other arm, if only in her mind...

But her attention was caught as Violet was brought up in connection with Evan, and she eyed her love in some disbelief. Stunning, stately, sharp Violet with that brute? In fairness, Evan had a bright future ahead of him if he played his cards right - he would come into wealth and status through his family's business, and further acclaim if he joined Charlie and the others in their work after hours. But surely the last thing Violet needed was to be accosted by Evan Rosier the Second. If her own brother wasn't so pig-headed, she would have sent him off to woo her friend, and the two of them could already be sisters. As Nicky was one of many who didn't know what was best for them, however, she unfortunately couldn't use that to dissuade her classmate. She raised her brow as Evan looked her way, so long, if ever, it had been that he'd looked for her opinion. And even if her friend had confided feelings of some kind towards Evan, there would be no letting on. "Not one word," she replied with a catlike smile, and followed his look to the kitchen behind them. Dora, Winnie, and Vi, laughing and toasting, and there was Regulus, finally, and...

She forced a light laugh and turned away, determined more than ever to grow comfortable on the terrace, if only to avoid being in close quarters with Lucius and his wife. "You should ask out one of the girls in the next year," she found herself suggesting, if only to keep conversation on Evan and not the newly arrived guests. "When they were together, Ethan always said the Zabini girl was fun, and she's only gotten prettier."

[Rabastan Lestrange]

Rabastan had only a few hopes for the evening.

That no one would be in attendance at Euphadora's who he'd faced on the field. She'd only just deemed the place presentable, it would be a shame for anything to happen.

That one way or another, Lucius would get his wife to leave before she tried to bestow any kind of lecture on him, as she liked to do even when she hadn't already had a few tall glasses of bubbles. It was out of respect for Bellatrix that he tried to not put the blonde down too harshly - but the business between him and her friend was no business of Cissy's, even if she had little better to do than try and butt in.

And that it wouldn't be too long before others cleared out, and he could celebrate the hostess on her successful first party privately. Until tonight, he'd only seen her new place with moving boxes littered around in ways that surely made sense to Euphadora, and was curious to see what she'd done with the limited space. He did not expect it to be too long before he had something of his own as well, and that she could do it on her own - even if it had been more of a must than a want, as her family seemed to have made much of the decision for her - fueled him.

Rab moved from the apparition point, bottle of firewhisky under his arm and eyes roving over her building as he passed, a satisfied smile lighted briefly as he saw a few party-goers on the balcony. Good - it would have been a pity if her guests hadn't started arriving yet. As he'd had an engagement with family until this point in the evening, Rabastan had made no promises about his own attendance - but felt confident in Euphadora taking this as a good surprise, unless she'd invited someone else she was currently shagging.

He made his way up, brushing snow from his hair and shoulders, and let himself in. Guests had arrived in force - a group sprawled out of the little kitchen, another few between the terrace and dining area, and he was pleased to see such like-minded company as he took in what she'd done with the place. The younger Slytherin girls that Euphadora was so fond of, their partners and other young men, at least one already Marked, along with the Malfoys and Violet. He rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt and, offering in hand, made for the kitchen. Euphadora was in next to nothing, delightful minx, a dress of black lace and little else, surrounded by girlfriends and his family, on no one's arm - and he drank her in with excitement. He gave Lucius a clap on the back and settled in beside him, reaching around the others in the close space to set the bottle on the counter as he gave nods of hello to the gathered many. To be sure, he had a wandering eye, and the other witches were stunning in their own rights - but there was no competing with Euphadora tonight. "I believe congratulations are in order," he grinned, beckoning the woman of the hour.