[alionwithoutitsroar]

Bittersweet Symphony | Mary and Remus

[wolfxwithin-blog]

Remus smiled at her dismissal of his apology. He had a feeling she would have done so even if he had left her waiting far longer. Mary always was one of the nicest people he knew. Her refusal of his offer only going to prove that to him once more. “Well then, if you are fine here would you mind if I got myself a drink right quick?”

He asked knowing she would like say it was fine but still feeling the need to be as polite as possible. Manners were somewhat important to him. Just because he became a beast due to his furry little secret didn’t mean he had to act like one all the time.

He stood from the table but didn’t head to the bar right away. He smiled at once more. The war was wearing on them all and it was comforting to get a small moment like this. “It’s really good to see you again Mary.” He said softly then turned to get a drink.

He knew the bartender well here and greeted the man with a nod. He placed his drink order, waiting as the man set to work. Remus glanced back at Mary to make sure she was alright. Turning back to the bar tender he pulled out a few notes paying for the drinks as the man set them down. When he returned to the table he held a firewhiskey for himself and two cups of tea. Setting it all down he sat across from Mary once more. “I thought you might like this better. I hope it wasn’t too forward of me.”

[alionwithoutitsroar]

“Of course I don’t mind, go, go.” Still holding a soft smile on her lips, Mary playfully shooed Remus away with her hand, ignoring the way her fingers still held the faintest of trembles to them as she did so. 

Taking another reluctant swig of her drink, Mary tried her best to remain calm. She really couldn’t afford to mess up something as simple as a casual meeting between two friends; if she did, she doubted she would ever plan to leave her home again. Silently scolding herself, the blonde tried her best to get control over herself, taking a few deep breaths when Remus’ back was turned in an attempt to better get a control over her emotions.

“It’s good to see you too, Remus.” Smiling much more warmly at her old friend, Mary felt herself slowly begin to unravel at those words alone. Simply knowing that Remus wanted her there was enough to make the blonde feel ever so slightly calmer; suddenly she felt less like a burden, and more like  friend.

When Remus came back with two cups of tea alongside his own bottle of whiskey, Mary’s grin only grew. Gratefully, she tugged one of the mugs towards, wrapping her hands around the cup, her whiskey already forgotten. “Thank you; it wasn’t too forward at all.” To back up her point, Mary was quick to take a small sip of the tea, her smile now threatening to become a permanent fixture on her face; a rare feat by any means.

“So tell me; how are you doing, Remus?”

[transfiguringfeline-blog]

{Carrying On || Mary + Minerva} 22 August 1978

[transfiguringfeline-blog]

A soft smile flits over Minerva’s face at the sight of the kitten. It’s hard not to find a kindred appreciation for those who welcome felines into their home, given her own identity as an animagus. The moment that the purring ball of fluff is set down, he scampers over to rub himself between Minerva’s legs. She reaches down to pet him as she answers Mary.

“I always look forward to it and also dread it.” The grin she offers Mary speaks of the dichotomous nature that amuses her to no end. “Students such as you were make my profession a great joy but even if James Potter and friends have left the castle, other energetic ruffians will always take their place and challenge my patience.”

Minerva doesn’t add that the burgeoning darkness of war adds a new layer of dread to her usually mild reservations about greeting students and embracing the tedium of being a Hogwarts professor. It goes without saying and there’s no need to sully their time together by touching on such a delicate and painful subject. Instead, Minerva takes her own teacup in hand, dripping a spoonful of honey into it before giving it a careful sip. Her green gaze gentle on Mary.

“I’m happy to hear that you are learning in your chosen career, but no doubt it comes with its own challenges. And not just from testy patients being uncooperative.” As she sets the cup down, she adds, “Don’t forget to make time for yourself, Mary. Being a healer comes with so many demands and it can easily wear you down. A new kitten to share your home with is a good start but don’t close yourself off in pursuit of your profession, dear.”

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Mary can only smile as Tobias makes quick work with Minerva, and as the kitten and her old teacher and friend become acquainted, May moves to fill up her pet’s two bowls; one with water, the other with muggle-branded cat food. Only then does she grab her own drink, gratefully wrapping her hands around the warm mug and taking a small sip, hissing a little when the boiling liquid causes her tongue to sting for a moment or two.

The description of the two types of students Minerva expects to have to deal with only makes the young blonde giggle, as she makes her way over to the sofa and curls up at one end, staring at Minerva over the back of the seat with a large grin settling on her lips. “Mini James Potters; oh the horror.”

A soft chuckle rolls effortlessly from her lips, but then Mary is growing quiet, the sudden realisation that she will not be returning home to Hogwarts an idea that both terrifies and relieves her. Hogwarts had once bee the blonde’s ultimate safe place, but that had all gone downhill in the aftermath of her brutal attack. Having said that, Hogwarts was still a damn sight safer than anywhere else in the Wizarding world at the minute, and so Mary couldn’t decide whether she was better or worse off now that she was left to face the world on her own.

Shaking her head a little in an attempt to rid herself of the thoughts that had entered, Mary took another small sip of her drink before resting the mug against the small coffee table in front of her sofa, her gaze once more moving to land on Minerva when she had done. “I know, but I am afraid it is easier said than done. I am often not the best company when I have finished off at work; the problem with working at a hospital as well-known as St Mungo’s is that everyone goes there for cures to their ailments; blood-traitors and blood-supremacists alike.” There is an edge of unease to Mary’s voice as she reveals this, her mind flickering back to her most recent encounter with Orion. “Then again, I suppose I knew that when I signed up for the position.”

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Bittersweet Symphony | Mary and Remus

[wolfxwithin-blog]

Remus made his way to the Hog’s Head as quickly as possible. He was already running a little behind schedule. Something he could only partially blame on Sirius. Walking in he was greeted by the bartender with what could be considered a friendly nod. It was at least friendly by the Hog’s Head standards. Remus returned the gesture before scanning the room for Mary. Spotting her tucked away in a corner he felt a rush of guilt for making her wait.

He headed straight for the table not wanting to be any more rude than he already had been. When she asked to meet he had been a little surprised. Though with the state of things and the war one never knew if they would be alive much longer. So Remus had agreed grateful at the time that she allowed him to choose the location. Now he wondered if somewhere else might have been better. He chosen the Hog’s Head because it was somewhere he felt comfortable but seeing Mary it was clear she stood out a good bit.

“Hello Mary, so sorry to keep you waiting like that. It was very rude of me. I got a bit tied up with something.” Remus said taking the seat across from her. Seeing the untouched drink on the table he chuckled softly. “Would you like me to get you something else or maybe go somewhere else?”

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Mary couldn’t have been waiting for more than ten minutes in the pub, but to the petite blonde every second spent alone was a nightmare. By the time her friend had arrived she wasn’t sure she possessed the capability to tense up any more, and her knuckles were white from how tightly her hand was wrapped around her still otherwise untouched bottle of whiskey.

At the sight of Remus, however, Mary was quick to smile, forcing herself to relax at least a little bit as her old friend approached her. “Don’t be daft, Remus; I haven’t been waiting that long, there’s no need to apologise.” Reassuring her friend with a gentle laugh, Mary was soon forcing herself to take a small swig of her drink, not wanting it to seem as though she didn’t want to be there.

The blonde found that just seeing Remus in the same place as her made her feel slightly calmer, if only because she was no longer on her own in an unfamiliar place. Because of this - and as she didn’t want to seem a burden - Mary was quick to shake her head when Remus offered for them to move elsewhere, her smile growing a little warmer. “No, no, there’s no need. Honestly, here is fine, I suppose I just felt a bit awkward whilst I was here alone.” 

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Bittersweet Symphony | Mary and Remus

Mary doesn’t like the Hog’s Head - she never has. It’s the wrong sort of quiet for her; eerie as opposed to calming, and every time she dares to step foot in the place, she immediately wants to leave again. Unfortunately, that isn’t something she can do on this particular occasion, having reluctantly arranged to meet Remus and allowing him to choose the location for their catch-up, and so Mary has no choice but to continue forwards, her gaze downcast and her shoulders slumped forwards as she headed for the bar, fully aware that all eyes were on her due to how unnatural she looked in such a setting.

It is with the air of a very small, very timid mouse that Mary places her order for an orange juice, her cheeks flushing pink as the bartender begins to laugh at such a request, causing her to backtrack and ask for a firewhiskey instead. Once the grimy bottle has been placed in front of her and she has paid, the blonde is quick to scurry over to a table in the corner, her soon to be forgotten bottle placed on the table before she curls up in her seat, head kept down and gaze fixed on the table as she waits for her friend to arrive.

{ @wolfxwithin }

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Let’s cause a riot | December 2nd, 1976 | Mary and Sirius

[toujourspunk-blog]

-

Scarred souls will always recognize one another. Will feel the magnetic pull of understanding, seeing beneath the veneer of normalcy to the chaos beneath. Mary could hide all she wanted, but Sirius saw how fractured and fragmented she had become. The shadows that lingered in her eyes were mirrored in his own; they were survivors and yet they had not escaped from their separate horrors unscathed. One thing he admired about her was the ability to handle all inquiries with such a quiet dignity. Unlike him, she embraced what had happened and moved on with her life, whereas he spent far too much time hiding behind joviality to heal. But then, quite unexpectedly, she had begun to unravel. It was as though invisible fingers plucked at the loose thread, tugging until the once composed and dignified young woman was reduced to little more than a shadow of the bright and bubbly soul she had once been. In the business of scheming, Sirius had come up with an adequate distraction enough for them both. James’ fixation with Lily Evans, far from being the passing fancy he had hoped, was instead blossoming into stalker territory. Yet, for whatever reason, it appeared as if she was starting to soften on him. Still, Potter had yet to close the deal and watching the constant back and forth was enough to give even the most patient person a migraine.   So he resolved to do something about it. Help give both of the berks the little push they needed to realize they were two smitten kittens and end the torture that was their awkward pseudo courtship. The only issue was finding a partner in crime. Someone who he could trust to carry out his plan with very little objection, actually serving as an asset to the whole affair. His initial instinct had been to go to Marlene McKinnon, his usual accomplice for such affairs, but as she had recently begun a fledgling romance of her own she was currently out of commission. Amelia Bones was too honest and might just give the game away which left only one girl for the job.

Mary MacDonald.

Given that she’d been through a lot recently, she had been rather low on the list. That was until he decided she was in dire need of a decent distraction. So it was with that thought in mind that he approached her, down by the lake at their arranged rendezvous point. “Seems pointless to ask how you are, all things considered, but…I may have something to cheer you up.”

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Mary had been hiding; had become quite good at it, actually. Every moment outside of lessons had been spent on her own; always somewhere public so that she couldn’t be harmed by another, but never with the company of others. Mary couldn’t remember the last time she had stepped foot in the great hall until it was all but empty. 

The feasts in the evenings she could no longer stomach, much preferring to grab a few leftovers from the few friends she had made down in the kitchen when the corridors of Hogwarts had grown quiet again. Breakfast something she was most mornings able to go without, and lunch something she tended to grab when the great hall had all but emptied out entirely, no more than the scraps of food left.

It had been a good month now, and Mary had the art of not existing perfected to the finest detail, hence why the letter from Sirius had come as such a shock to the petite blonde. Why, after all, would Sirius want to see her? Why would he want to bother, when she had tried so hard to make sure that nobody did? 

Mary didn’t understand it, and wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about the idea of someone making the effort with her when she had forced herself to believe that she didn’t want anyone to. It was too late now, however, to be dwelling on why something was happening. The point was that it was, and all Mary could do was suck it up and deal with it, and simply pray that her meeting with Sirius would end quickly.

The sound of his voice, it caused the blonde to jump, her heart thrumming loud and fast as for a moment, she forgot to breathe. Squeezing her eyes shut, Mary took a few deep breaths before forcing herself to look up at Sirus, her cheeks flushing pink as she realised that within mere seconds of her old friend arriving, Mary had already shown herself to be far weaker than she would have cared to admit.

 “Oh?” Mary wasn’t sure that anything could cheer her up, but she supposed she owed it to Sirius to listen.

[transfiguringfeline-blog]

{Carrying On || Mary + Minerva} 22 August 1978

[transfiguringfeline-blog]

By now, Minerva shows no surprise at the number of locks on Mary’s front door–muggle and magical both–and she simply waits until the door is opened and she is allowed in. If it makes the young woman feel safer in her home, the professor would not deny her that comfort or attempt to criticise it. Merlin knows Alastor’s townhouse has its own wealth of spells and protections surrounding it. For some, it takes more measures to make them feel secure and no one should be judged for that.

“I have been rather restless, truth be told,” she answers as she lets her shawl slip free from her shoulders. “I always feel rather caught between two worlds in the weeks leading up to the beginning of a new school term but that’s neither here nor there. I’ve adjusted over the years.”

Minerva gives Mary a small nod as she adds, “Tea would be lovely, dear.”

Knowing the layout of the former Gryffindor’s home, Minerva does not hesitate to enter the small kitchen and draw out her preferred tea cup from the cupboard, along with the one Mary so often drank from when she was over for a visit. It’s nearly rote for them now; Minerva setting out the teabags and the fixings while Mary puts the kettle on. Dividing the work in a rather muggle fashion without any awkward atmosphere or questions about why one wouldn’t just summon the necessary items with a flick of the wand. Then the older woman settles herself into a chair and waits patiently for the water to reach a boil. “Are you enjoying your work, though?”

[alionwithoutitsroar]

“Of course, I forgot you would be returning.” Mary spoke softly, shrugging off her coat and hanging it on the row of hooks to the left of her door. Kicking off her ankle boots - the most comfortable pair of shoes she owned and perfect for when she was on her feet all day at work - and slipping her feet into the pair of soft, purple slippers that lay on the floor beneath the coat hooks. Only then did she turn towards Minerva, who had already made herself quite at home, a soft smile appearing at the sight of such a motherly figure stood quite happily in her kitchen, pottering around as though the home is her own.

Moving to join Minerva, Mary is quick to turn on the kettle, her gaze seeking out her newest addition as she does so. Finally, she finds her little bundle of fur, curled up on one of the kitchen chairs, and Mary is quick to scoop him up, greatly appreciating the comfort that comes with holding her kitten. “It seems odd to me, that I shall not be getting on the train this September.” Chuckling, Mary ruffles Tobias under his collar, before placing the kitten back down as the kettle comes to the boil.

“Work? Work is fine; a few more difficult patients have appeared recently, but I’m learning more by the day so who can complain, really?” Forcing a smile, Mary moved to pour the kettle, filling each mug before grabbing a spoon from the drawer and giving each drink a quick stir. “Are you looking forward to going back?”

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Get me out of here || Mary and Regulus

[at-the-bitter-end]

Tiny nods accompanied the beats of her speech, each one marking a set of words stored in memory, to be fully comprehended later. For now, Regulus was simply glad that she had not reprimanded him, had in fact understood, although the thing he had said had sounded to absurdly horrifying when it left his lips. He swallowed what felt like a rock in his throat, and he felt his shoulders relax a little. Had it not been for the wall behind his back, he likely would have crumpled to the floor.

“Thank you. Mary.” He breathed a small sigh, letting his hands drop once more to his sides (why could he never quite figure out what to do with his hands?).

With that, he turned towards the door to his father’s room, fingers grasping for the cold, silver knob, pausing before turning it completely. His father’s presence loomed behind it, a burden for Regulus as much as it must have been for Mary.

“I-I know my father isn’t… easy.” Cautious eyes wafted towards Mary’s face. “He’s always been opinionated, but with his illness… he just doesn’t…” Have patience? Have a filter? The words seemed to fall away from him, no single explanation doing justice to either the man or the situation.

“Well anyway. Don’t – don’t take it too hard. I – we all really appreciate what you’re doing for him.”

[alionwithoutitsroar]

At the murmur of thanks that Regulus offered, Mary could only give a small smile in return, almost wanting to reach out and squeeze his arm to comfort him, though not quite daring to make such a move. 

“No need to thank me, Mr Black; I promise, what you are feeling is completely natural.” Offering up another warm smile, Mary tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear, her shoulders sagging slightly as Regulus moved back towards the door, clearly intending to rejoin his father. There was nothing wrong with Regulus, nothing at all, it was just that every interaction with Orion and his family tended to knock it out of Mary, and so she couldn’t help but look forward to the end of each meeting.

“You don’t have to explain.” Once more, Mary was quick to stop Regulus, not wanting him to apologise on behalf of his father. She couldn’t help but wonder if he knew the extent of his father’s reactions to her, or if he did know, did he agree with them? Orion Black despised the fact that lowly muggleborn was helping to care for his well-being - something he voiced daily. Did Regulus agree? Was he just playing nice with her to keep the peace? Mary wasn’t sure she’d ever know, and frankly she didn’t care to find out.

“I’ll leave you to get back to him; if you need anything, I shall be around reception.” Another small smile, and then Mary was walking away, already beginning to feel the relief that was washing over her as she moved further away from the one patient that never failed to make her feel dread.

[vigilantconstantly-blog]

What Are Moodys Made Of? {Mary & Alastor}

[vigilantconstantly-blog]

He was slowly peeling his shirt away from the wound when she stepped into the courtyard. The pain that shot through his nerves barely registered. There’d been enough curses and open wounds over the years to dull his senses when they occurred. When MacDonald didn’t approach him further a growl rolled up from deep in his chest.

“If ye intend ta just stand there ye may as well ‘ave stayed where’er it was ye were,” he said. If she was going to be useless she could have just let him bleed out in silence. With none but the damned House Elf desperate to contact Minerva but not wanting to leave him alone.

Managing to get his shirt off, he threw it aside and levered himself up on the garden ledge. Stretching out his side allowed him to see what they were working with. A nasty gash ripped downward from below his rib to the curve of his hip. “Dinnae care how ye do it, just get it done,” he growled.

[alionwithoutitsroar]

The slight rant from Moody was enough to make Mary reluctantly move closer to the elder man, though the wariness that the blonde felt was very much still present. Once she was closer to Alastor, Mary gingerly dropped her bag to the floor before drawing her wand, her brows furrowing as she took in the sight of him, deciding how best to start.

“What happened, Mr Moody?” Another step was taken towards him, her teeth digging lightly into her lower lip.With Alastor, Mary was never quite sure how to act - whether they be in a room full of people, or just the two of them. She never quite felt comfortable enough to be informal with him, to laugh and joke as though they were anything more than distant colleagues, if that. 

She almost wanted to wince at the sight, the gash being as nasty in it’s nature as it was. But she refrained, instead pointing her wand at the wound and beginning to siphon away the drying blood tat surrounded the wound, allowing her to better see what she was dealing with. 

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Take a deep breath || Open

[the-bellis-perennis]

Daisy, for her part, had no idea the direction of Mary’s thoughts and assumed the other girl was on her side. She was a muggleborn as well, she had to know how much one’s life changed once magic was introduced to it and to be told that you were to start ignoring that part of yourself…well, it shouldn’t be anyone’s decision but hers. 

“Pretend I’m not here?” Daisy repeated with false indigence, “Do you see what I have to put up with? Merlin’s beard, try to do something nice for someone and they want to pretend you’re not even here.” She shook her head but gave in, taking a small step back. “I’m going to get a table. Come find me when I start existing again.” She shook her head and turned on her heel, muttering under her breath as she made her way to an empty table nearby. For a moment she debated leaving Mary’s side, but she seemed calmer now. It was only for a moment or two anyway, she didn’t anticipate it being an issue.

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Mary could only laugh as the comedic faux-argument between herself and Daisy continued, though she felt just a little bit guilty on the behalf of the waitress, who looked as bemused as ever. Flashing a grin in the redhead’s direction as Daisy finally backed away, Mary forced herself to remain calm, hands trembling only slightly as she paid before moving to wait for her drinks to be made, refusing to look around the room and instead focussing intently on the drinks machine. Once the drinks were made Mary added a spoonful of sugar to hers before carrying the tray over to Daisy, a wobbly smile in place as she placed them down before her new-found friend. “There you go.”

[moonysmind-blog]

Dig a little deeper.

Do you prefer writing with black or blue pen?

Would you prefer to live in the country or the city?

If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?

Do you drink your tea or coffee with sugar?

What was your favourite book as a child?

Do you prefer baths or showers?

If you could be a mythical creature, which would you choose?

Do you prefer reading paper or electronic books?

What is your favourite item of clothing?

Do you like your name? Would you ever change it?

Who is a mentor to you?

Would you ever want to be famous? If so, what for?

Are you a restless sleeper?

Do you consider yourself a romantic?

Which element best represents you?

Who do you want to be closer to?

Do you miss someone at the moment?

Tell us about an early childhood memory.

What is the strangest thing you have eaten?

What can you see outside your bedroom window?

What are you most thankful for?

Do you like spicy food?

Have you ever met someone famous?

Do you keep a diary or journal?

Do you prefer to use pen or pencil?

What is your star sign?

Do you like your cereal crunchy or soggy?

What would you want your legacy to be?

Do you like reading? What was the last thing you read?

How do you show someone you love them?

Do you like ice in your drinks?

What are you afraid of?

What is your favourite scent?

Do you address older people by their first or last name?

If money was not a factor, how would you live your life?

Do you prefer swimming in pools or in the ocean?

What would you do if you found $50 on the ground? [[Admin note: by an extremely rough estimate, $50 is equivalent to ~7 galleons.]]

Have you ever seen a shooting star? Did you make a wish?

What is one thing you would want to teach your children?

If you had to have a tattoo, what would it be and where would you get it?

What can you hear right now?

Where do you feel the safest?

What is one thing you want to overcome/conquer?

If you could travel back to any era, which would you choose?

What is your most used emoji?

What is your favourite season? Why?

How would you spend your ideal day?

Describe yourself using one word.

What do you regret the most?

Invent your own word. What does it mean?

[vigilantconstantly-blog]

What Are Moodys Made Of? {Mary & Alastor}

[vigilantconstantly-blog]

The large door opened but rather than reveal a rather intimidating Scotsman a three foot tall Elf stood before her, beckoning her in. “Yes,” he declared enthusiastically. “Come!” Scurrying behind her, he pushed against her legs. Once she was in the door he clicked his fingers to close it. Though his attention was on her the whole time. He ushered her to the stairs leading down to the kitchen. As soon as he was certain she was headed in the right direction he disapparated.

Alastor was outside in the courtyard. He’d only managed to apparate there and call for his House Elf. The fact that Minerva wasn’t home was a blessing in disguise. The last thing he needed was her fussing over him. Or, worse, Poppy arriving. Summoning MacDonald seemed like the best choice. As he waited he had shrugged off his coat and his braces in an attempt to get his shirt off. His whole side was bloody. There would be no saving the shirt, he just hoped his coat wasn’t harmed.

[alionwithoutitsroar]

To be greeted not by Alastor, but his house-elf, was something Mary hadn’t been expecting, though now she wished she had been. After all, it wasn’t exactly unnatural for house-elves to be present, and with Alastor Moody holding the position in society that he did, she shouldn’t have been surprised by the sight of such a creature. As Mary was guided through to the stairs - or rather, shoved - she couldn’t help but feel undeniably awkward. She knew the house only vaguely after all, and felt extremely uncomfortable walking around it on her own. Still, needs must, and so it was with wary steps and a cautious gaze that the blonde descended into the kitchen, at first confused as to why the elf had suggested she enter the empty room, until she saw Alastor out in the courtyard.

Even from where she stood in the kitchen, Mary could see the blood that was coating Alastor’s side, and it was worrying for the girl. After ll, she was still in training, and had only started the job a few months previous; was she really prepared for something that looked as serious as Alastor’s injury did? Taking a deep breath, Mary stepped out into the courtyard, not entirely sure how best to approach the situation and so simply staying by the kitchen doors, her voice soft as she called out to him.

“Mr Moody? Are you okay?”

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Take a deep breath || Open

[the-bellis-perennis]

It was a good thing that Mary did not express her opinion on Hogwarts to Daisy, or their afternoon would likely have been ruined. While the younger girl had faced some prejudice at Hogwarts, she’d never been up against the kind of bullying Mary had to deal with and therefore had a rather different opinion of the situation. The girl refused to be without magic. It was too much a part of who she was and she refused to let someone who couldn’t possibly understand that take it from her, even if that someone was her own flesh and blood. 

“The drink was a part of the cheering up,” she protested again, well aware of the fact that they were both being utterly ridiculous. It was good to see Mary acting silly, though, it meant that whatever had gotten her so upset before wasn’t an issue in this particular moment. “Don’t even give her a total! Come on now, I’m a loyal customer, you should be on my side!”

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Mary didn’t really know what she could say to Daisy without giving away just how much the blonde agreed with the other girl’s parents, and so she rather reluctantly chose to simply keep quiet instead, her hand still gingerly rubbing Daisy’s arm in the hopes of bringing the redhead some sort of comfort, brow still furrowed as she tried to keep her own feelings on the matter at bay.

“The drink will cheer me up much more if I know that I have brought them both.” Chuckling to herself, Mary all but turned her back on Daisy, now completely focussed on the rather confused looking woman that stood behind the till, clearly unsure as to which customer she should listen to. Still grinning, Mary cocked her head to the side, held one hand up towards Daisy in the implication that she should keep quiet, and attempted to pay for the drinks once more. “I will be paying for these, no matter what she says, okay? Just pretend she’s not there.”

[vigilantconstantly-blog]

What Are Moodys Made Of? {Mary & Alastor}

A rather dangerous looking owl, with an unfortunately intimidating wingspan swooped through the open window at St. Mungo’s. It cared little for the group of Healers and Mediwitches that caused all sorts of chaos getting out of the way as it circled the room and dropped down sharply to drop a piece of parchment before Mary MacDonald. The bird, Lugus as he was known, continued on to perch at the end of the table, watching the girl with eyes that seemed determined to bore right into her.

The parchment rolled out to reveal the perfunctory scrawl of the Head of the Auror Department. Each word was printed in what could only be called chicken scratchings, and that was high praise. The fact that anyone could read it at all was beyond the comprehension of even the brightest minds of the Scripting Authority of Greater Wizarding Britain. In Muggle terms, he had the handwriting of a Doctor in the late stages of Parkinson’s.

The note, as it was, stated simply;

Ye’re needed urgently.

The terrace house where the last meeting was held.

Come alone and bring yer kit.

Lugus waited for her to get moving and when she didn’t he ran at her, in a sort of menacing waddle, along the table before soaring into the air again and disappearing out the window. A Healer was quick to run and shut it lest the creature come back.

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Mary was sat in her staff-room when Lugus first entered the room, a mug of lukewarm, incredibly milky tea in one hand and her half-packed bag in the other. She had just finished her shift, and was desperately looking forward to the prospect of returning home, where she could drink a much more worthwhile hot drink, and cuddle up with Tobias and a good book. And then the parchment rolled into her lap, and Mary groaned, the sight of one Alastor Moody’s impatient scrawl enough to make the young blonde want to hide.

Placing her mug back down on the table, Mary picked up the piece of parchment and allowed her eyes to scan over the letter, her fear of the creepy looking owl second to the fear that came with her second boss. Mary wasn’t sure what was wrong with Alastor, though as he tended to downplay everything the blonde knew that it was likely to be a lot worse than his rather laid-back letter suggested. And so, despite preferring to travel like  muggle, Mary sighed before collecting up her things, stepping out of the Hospital, and apparating from the alley that ran along the back of the charmed building, pausing outside Alastor’s house as she took a moment to collect herself.

Cautiously, the blonde took a step towards the door, relieved to see that there were no wards in place to prevent her from entering. She curled her hand into a fist, and placed three light, quick taps against the door, schooling her expression into something neutral but welcoming as she waited for one of the many people who scared her witless with their mere presence to open up the door.

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Take a deep breath || Open

[the-bellis-perennis]

Daisy sighed. “Dumbledore gave all the parents of muggleborns too much information. Told them how bad things were getting and mine freaked out. They also were looking over all my OWLs and decided that there wasn’t enough ‘proper’ schooling being taught. Who cares about that, though? So I haven’t taken maths recently, why does that even matter?” she whined. “Ugh, it’s just stupid and I’m not going along with it. I’ll figure it out.” She shook her head dismissively and waved her hand. Just because she didn’t have the answer yet didn’t mean she was giving up on it. 

“You’re not paying!” she protested after Mary made her order, turning to the girl behind the counter and repeating, “She’s not paying. I am. Don’t even look at her money.” Daisy moved in front of Mary as she fished in her pocket for some coins, trying to block her from the counter. She was trying to make Mary feel better by taking her out for a quick drink, not the other way around. “I thought I was very clear in the instructions, how did you miss the fact that I’m paying?”

[alionwithoutitsroar]

As Daisy explained what had happened, Mary couldn’t help but sympathise - though more so with Daisy’s parents than the girl herself. As far as Mary was concerned, they were right to take Daisy out of Hogwarts; the school wasn’t safe, in Mary’s eyes it never had been, and just because Daisy didn’t see that didn’t mean her parents were in the wrong. But Mary couldn’t very well say that, now could she? Somehow, she couldn’t really see Daisy wanting to stay near her for much longer if she admitted that she thought her parents to be right. And so she simply frowned a little, rested her hand against Daisy’s upper arm, and forced an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Daisy, I hope you manage to sort it out with them.”

“Why ever not? You cheered me up, consider the drinks my thank you.” Chuckling at the carefree silliness of it all, Mary tugged her own purse out of her back pocket, her free hand going to give Daisy an entirely friendly push so that Mary could step in front and claim the attention of the cashier. “How much?” 

[transfiguringfeline-blog]

{Carrying On || Mary + Minerva} 22 August 1978

[transfiguringfeline-blog]

At Mary’s appearance, Minerva pushes up to her feet and hugs her shawl closer around her chest. The evenings are still long but the English summer never comes without a chilly drop as night approaches. The professor offers a gentle smile to her former student as she comes to stand before her.

“Hello, Mary. It’s good to see you.” The older woman’s gaze, while kind, moves over the blonde’s appearance. No matter the glamour or painted face for a day of work, the exhaustion bleeds through. Not unsurprising as a healer in training. Minerva has no doubt that the hint of exhaustion behind Mary’s eyes will only grow deeper as her career progresses. What always worries Minerva is what lies beneath that physical exhaustion and what the girl’s career may bring to bear on her. Still, she appears well and that’s most important.

Stepping aside to allow Mary the path to open her own front door, Minerva tucks stray tendrils of the young woman’s blonde hair behind her ear before allowing her hand to move down and rub down her back. “A long day for you, dear?” she offers. Though Minerva rarely considers herself a motherly figure, with Mary, it often borders near to such a dynamic. It’s a rather nice feeling, if the professor is perfectly honest.

[alionwithoutitsroar]

The sight of Minerva, it caused a wave of calm to fall over Mary. Suddenly, everything that had happened that day, and the tiredness she felt, it all seemed irrelevant, easily forgotten. At first, Mary almost considers pulling her old teacher into a gentle embrace, but the idea seems a silly one, almost inappropriate, and so instead the blonde simply offers the other woman a smile as she moves to let Mary past, and gets to work opening her front door, three keys being placed into three locks before the door will open, at which point Mary draws her wand, mumbling  'Homenum Revelio’ to herself and only then allowing Minerva into her home, once she knows the building to be clear. 

The touch of Minerva’s hand to Mary’s back, it causes the younger girl to sag, her eyes fluttering every so slightly and a smile of sheer contentment curving at her lips. “Long enough, but I’m home now. How have you been?” Each time there is an urge for Mary to call her Professor McGonagall, and each time the blonde has to hesitate so as to not let herself refer to Minerva as such.

Once inside, Mary is quick to shut the door, slamming the deadbolt across, re-locking the three muggle locks, before adding two charms to her door for extra measures. Only then does she feel comfortable enough to actually step properly into her own home, her smile returning as she once more lays eyes on her old teacher. “Tea?”

[transfiguringfeline-blog]

{Carrying On || Mary + Minerva} 22 August 1978

After receiving confirmation from Mary that she is comfortable with a visit, Minerva quickly dons a pair of sensible shoes and a warm shawl to keep the nearing chill of autumn at bay before departing from Alastor’s flat. She apparates to her destination and when she reappears a block away from the young woman’s home, Minerva takes her time walking the short distance to arrive at the doorstep.

No doubt as a training healer, Mary may be a bit late and the professor is just a tad bit early besides. The woman settles herself down onto the front stoop and patiently waits for Mary’s arrival.

@alionwithoutitsroar

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Mary was exhausted. To be perfectly honest, she had been since she first woke up at precisely 5.45 that morning, and had almost deliberated calling in sick to work, though had soon scolded herself for even thinking of the idea. As the day had dragged on, Mary’s mood and her need to return home had only worsened, the only thing able to pull her out of her misery and provide her with the motivation to finish her working day on a high, being the owl she received from one Minerva McGonagall, requesting a catch up for the two ex-Gryffindors. 

It was with this meeting in mind that Mary had all but bounded home, pushing through the door to her block of flats at precisely 6.13pm, and climbing up the stairs two at a time. Turning the corner and being faced with Minerva sat on her doorstep was something that caused the petite blonde to beam, and before too long she was standing right in front of her old teacher, her delight clear at the sight of the elder woman no matter how much she tried to play it down.

“Hello, Minerva.”

[alionwithoutitsroar]

Take a deep breath || Open

[the-bellis-perennis]

“Thank you, but I’ve talked about it til I’m blue in the face and it didn’t do a damn bit of good, so I have to come up with a new plan, I guess. It’s alright. Well, no, it’s not alright. It’s not actually alright at all but I’m still a minor and apparently there’s nothing I can do about it. My parents can just pull me out of Hogwarts and that’s that. Even though they don’t understand Hogwarts or magic or me. Those are the ‘rules’ Clearly those in charge of making the rules have never met me.” Never once did it cross her mind that she’d just spoken at length about the thing she claimed not to want to talk about anymore. 

Daisy grinned at Mary, giving the hand on her arm a quick squeeze. “Not to fret, Mare, we’re good here. And the regular hot cocoa is a solid choice.” 

When they made it to the counter to order, Daisy took the lead again, ordering her own beverage before adding that she’d also be getting whatever it was that Mary wanted. 

[alionwithoutitsroar]

At first, Mary was all too ready to let it go for Daisy’s sake, knowing full too well how frustrating it could be when someone pushed you to reveal something you didn’t want to talk about. But evidently, this proved to be more important to Daisy than Mary had originally thought, and so as it all came tumbling out of the redhead, Mary could only stare, a little taken aback by her further outburst. “They’ve banned you from going back? Oh, Daisy, I’m so sorry... What made them do that?”

Daisy’s attempt to reassure Mary was something that warmed the blonde down to the very core, the fact that the younger girl had even picked up on Mary's unease something that both surprised and comforted the ex-Gryffindor. Suddenly, Mary felt rather silly for ever feeling tense in somewhere as normal as a coffee shop, and so it was with the slightest shake of her head that she took a step closer to the till, her brows furring at Daisy’s offer to buy her drink. “I’ll have a hot chocolate, please; marshmallows, no whipped cream. And I shall be paying for both, ignore her.”