turn into something beautiful.

[andromedhs]

badgepuff​:

Just like my family. That came unexpectedly to Ted. His head shot up in a shocked stupor. Speechless, his jaw fell slack, and any counter he could’ve envisioned never came to fruition. He could only offer a lopsided smile in response. It seemed her astonishment was as clear as his, maybe even more so, but neither of them dwelled on it for long. Ted was glad of it. He followed her word, inquisitive eyes watching as she poured a fresh addition into the cocktail medley. Still holding his own close, Ted accepted the drink. He took a deliberately large sip, sampling the flavour like he had done before, only this time he discovered something much sweeter, just as she said. It lessened the severity of its bitter aftertaste, therefore allowing for a better enjoyment altogether. He would make a note of that for the next event he had to attend. Never too fond of giggle water, he wouldn’t have thought to add it. Though, he’d be the first to admit there were never much that needed added to, especially where his choice of beverage was concerned. “It’s good.” Ted affirmed. He opened his mouth to speak then, but a trickle of laughter escaped instead. “It’s- it’s fantastic. Y’ might’uve jus’ saved my nigh’.” He set the glass down on the table, offering it back to her. “Not sure I can be done wi’ all th’ gigglin’, mind y’. I migh’ be at risk of seemin’ unprofessional. ” He added playfully.

The support for Benjy warmed Ted’s heart. People had been giving their condolences since the night happened, more and more coming forward as time went on. In a way, he was even more thankful for it, because it had meant that everything else had been forgotten. Mostly. And there was no part of Ted that wanted to relive that night more than he already did. Not when he still felt the pain beneath his fingernails. Not when he swore that every time he looked down in the shower, it was still circling down the drain. He remembered enough for everyone else. “Yeah, I know ‘ow tha’ feels.” He sympathized, his head hanging low in thought. But at least they were working toward something. Doing good. At the end of the day, that’s what made it worth it. “Comes wi’ th’ job, don’t it? Jus’ one’uve th’ things we ‘ave t’ live wi’.”

He felt a sudden pang in his chest. While usually he wouldn’t hesitate in giving his answer, things were different. Ted had become more aware of the impact their relationship had. It was a frightening realization that there was something deeper to it. Something he’d been willingly blind to. Something bigger than the both of them. It plagued him and his thoughts. Now, especially now, there was a significant risk of them being seen together. He couldn’t challenge that, no matter how much he wanted to. Wanting nothing more than to take a walk outside with Andromeda. Just talking. Being in her company. Away from everything and everyone. He knew it wasn’t as simple as that. It couldn’t be. With a deep sorrow behind his eyes, Ted finally looked to her and smiled. A dismal, pained smile. “I don’t think tha’ would be a good idea.”

*✧ - with: @badgepuff​

“Well when attending such functions you leard your way around the less delighteful beverages.” She smiled delicately, taking a sip of her own drink before speaking again. “I think the world could do with more laughter, even if it as of the result of quite a silly drink.” The effects of giggle water had never been lost on her, the sudden burst of laughter which escaped people as they drank it was almost as funny as what the drink had intended for the person drinking it. Happily Andromeda smiled at Ted, taking in his boyish stature, his shy yet polite nature as he stood on the other side of the table. One moment they were smiling and joking quietly before she felt the mood shift, like a rug had suddenly been pulled out from under both of them. 

“I don’t think tha’ would be a good idea.” - Andromeda had gotten so used of the idea of pretending in their world they could be friends without boundries that she hadn’t stopped to think of the moment that Ted would no longer what to do that too. “Oh...” Was all she managed, staring down at her drink for a second, worried the look on her face might give her away. The smile on his face had changed when she looked back up, no longer playful but pained. Sad. 

“I’m sorry Edward, I shouldn’t have suggested anything untoward.” Andromeda replied quickly, her posture suddenly shifting back into the high society witch she’d been raised to be. She curtsied once, nodding her head as she did so, eyes trained on the floor. “I hope you enjoy your evening and the drink is too your liking.” She hovered for a moment, not sure if she should stay or walk away. What would be worse? What would make things better? Andromeda was too fond of Ted to see him get into trouble, which was exactly what her presense in his life caused. 

Trouble. 

“Please excuse me.”

[andromedhs]

badgepuff​:

Rose… that could be it, he thought. Ted brought the glass to his lips and took a generous mouthful, savouring it’s taste as it settled on his tongue. The floral notes became more apparent as he mulled it over. It was something he had only ever had experience with in his mother’s Turkish delight, or his grandmothers aged wines he would sample at festive dinners. It was not common for him to come across. That had explained it’s disconnect to anything remotely familiar. Then came the underlying flavour, strong and pungently. His expression contorted in a brief lapse of distaste as he swallowed it down. “Bitter an’ all.” He acknowledged. He could believe a family such as The Black’s would enjoy a beverage of such nature. Something only sweet on the surface. But not Andromeda. Her tastes always seemed worlds away. 

He stood holding the drink close to his chest, his eyes gazing down into his glass before glancing her way, so briefly that anyone could’ve missed it. A growing tension hung in the air, and it felt near impossible to not notice. No one could be staring, yet that’s precisely how it felt. Like the whole room had it’s eyes on him. “Yeah, good. Good. Y’know, considerin’.” Elias had been working him dry, and Benjy’s condition was changing every minute, it seemed. He was running circles around loose ends, grasping at whatever he could find. “He does. Been glad’uve it, though. It’s nice t’ keep busy.” He gave a quaint, tight-lipped smile. Ted avoided her gaze. Looking at her would be looking at the sun. It would blind him to his surroundings. Make him forget where he is. “An’ y? It’s gotta be ‘ectic ‘round th’ office. ‘ad any new breaks in cases?”

*✧ - with: @badgepuff

Gently, Andromeda pooled the liquid into her cup, keeping her focus on the bowl as best she could, trying not to ruin the table cloth underneath that would have no doubt been expensive. “Just like my family.” She replied almost reflexively, stunned the words had come out of her mouth as quickly as they had done. Looking to Ted she blinked once then cracked a smile. “I like it, but it tastes better with a bittle of giggle water in it.” Expertly, Andromeda picked up one of the tall glass bottles and topped up her glass before passing it towards Ted on the table. “Makes it a bit sweeter I find, plus the little titter you get after sipping it always makes it worth it.” It had been an experiment Adrasteia had been conducting at Hogwarts that had given her the idea to start using it in the Black family’s famed cocktail, a favourite secret addition of her’s and her best friend’s at events. 

It was strange seeing Ted at events such as these. Andromeda was always happy to see him but he felt odd here, a piece of a puzzle that didn’t fit or a little bird she longed to open a window to allow to fly free. Ted Tonks was too pure to be around the people in this room, she was only glad he had company to stop him from drowning amongst them. “Yes I’ve been reading. It’s terrible, poor man. I’m only glad the flowers reached him and far more from what I’ve been reading. Work has been busy as you might imagine, I’ve barley come up for air since that night, I’ve essentially been cut off from the rest of the world.” The tension between them was an odd one, as if they were forbidden from even looking at one another let alone touching. Andromeda had never been ashamed to be around Ted, though it felt as though he was perhaps now concious of being around her. 

“Would you like to go outside?” Andromeda asked suddenly. “I could do with a cigarette and a break from all this.”

[always-overthinking-at2am]

gotta keep dancing when the lights go out..

[dailynetflix]

“I just love Netflix. The platform gives us a lot of freedom, we can watch what we want anytime and anywhere.” 

[andromedhs]

evan-rapture​:

Who: Open!! After an hour or so of nodding at people he knew and silent judgment regarding outfits, Evan decided he had more than deserved a break, and had settled on one of the outdoor staircases near the entrance to sit down and pull out a cigarette.  He was interrupted from his movement towards a lighter when he noticed a presence take a seat next to him. Not yet turning his head towards the individual, he spoke up, a rather monotone sound to his voice. “All the pretty pastel colours are driving me absolutely crazy. Dress code palettes are idiotic.”

*✧ - with: @evan-rapture​

Quitting the room as quietly as possible, Andromeda could sense within herself she required a break from being watched. Though she had done her best to not attract any attention to herself after her arrival, Druella had barley taken her eyes off her, no doubt irritated she hadn’t made as much of an effort to work the room as Narcissa had. Walking down the long and confusing pastel pink corridor, Andromeda placed her hand on a handle she hoped would open to reveal the garden, instead finding herself on one of the pattios close to the enterance and her cousin sitting on the staircase. A small chuckle rose in her throat, instantly making her feel comfertable in his presence. “The only reason I got away with my dress was because it used to be my mother’s otherwise I would have been penalised for the white not being as pure as our familiy blood.” Dropping down next to Evan, Andromeda took a set beside him, tucking her dress neatly around herself before turning to him. “Do you have any more of those you’re willing to share? I’ve been trying to quit but I think the evening may have driven me to reconsider that.”

[andromedhs]

mamablack​:

Walburga adored events like this. Whilst sometimes she missed being out by the sea, and listening to the waves, she couldn’t deny that she loved balls. Of course, tonight was an important night. Not only for the society, but also for her family. She had intended on making two engagements tonight, but she wasn’t too sure now. Not wen she had seen Lyra Burke arrive on the arm of Rodolphus Lestrange. Now that did put a spanner in her plans. She smiled though, as she made her way towards Andromeda. “Andie, my love” She murmured, embracing her niece but pulling back and smiling at her. “Of course. Can’t let anyone outshine me.” She mused, with a smirk. “You look lovely too dear, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, nor your sisters. Are you enjoying yourself?”

*✧ - with: @mamablack

“You’re too kind.” A natural smile lit up her face as her gaze drifted from her aunt down to her gown. “Thank you, it’s mother’s one from her coming out days, Narcissa and I had it reworked for the event. Mother wanted us all to really make an effort this year.” Druella Black was a woman fond of a scheme and with all three of her daughters in various stages of her their lives but none married or entertaining someone, she had gathered there would be a reason she had wanted them to make an extra special effort. "Anything for the family.” She added with a playful shrug of her shoulders. “Speaking of which, Regulus looks dashing. I spoke with him earlier in the evening, I’m sure his dance card must already be filling up with names.” The dance card was a staple for any of these events, a halmark of who was most desired whilst also keeping everything orderly. So far Andromeda hadn’t had any names on hers, something she was glad of but knew she needed to change before the evening was over least she face the wrath of Druella. “Yes, as best I can. Are you having a pleasent time? The event looks magnificent, you and mother have done a splendid job of it all.”

[andromedhs]

youngestxlestrange​:

Taking Andromeda’s hand and gently kissing it, Rabastan found himself on autopilot. The manners had been so ingrained in him from when he was a child that the actions had become muscle memory. “Thank you, Green seems to be my colour.” Although he did prefer a darker shade than the mint green he had on. The compliment felt like more of a formality than anything genuine. Andromeda was the only Black sister than he wasn’t so close to. Perhaps because she was too deceptive for his sly manipulations and he knew that Andromeda would see right through him.

Rabastan almost rolled his eyes at the mention of a suitors card. “I tore that thing off a long time ago.” He muttered, “Don’t let my mother know, she’d tie me down and force another one on me.” that was his attempt at a joke but he honestly hoped to Merlin that his mother wouldn’t find out. “Besides, technically I came with a date and there’s only one person in this whole room I’d want to dance with anyway.” His heart ached as the sentence passed through his lips. There was only one person he wanted to dance with and she was currently at his brother’s side. “As good as one of these evening could go.” He nodded. “How about you? Anyone signed your card for a dance?” || @andromedhs​

with: @youngestxlestrange​​

At the mention of tearing his card Andromeda’s eyes widened suddenly. “You’re far braver than I.” She replied through an exhale. “My mother would have my head and my sister wouldn’t be far behind for that matter.” The Black family had a reputation to uphold and whilst she was sure her eldest sister would more likely put the card in her bag and never look at it again, Andromeda dutifuly held hers whilst hiding amongst the onlookers who stood at the side of the floor hoping no one would catch notice of her. “Your secret is safe with me.” Andromeda and Rabastan were never close despite the similarity in age, he had always gravitated more to her sisters, something which she understood given how quiet she was comparitively. His sudden honesty as he spoke of dancing and duty took her back for a single second, though with how close their families were perhaps it shouldn’t have. Andromeda had wanted to be better friends with Rabastan for some time now, he was a mystery she had long been interested in solving.

Instinctively, Andromeda extended a gloved hand toward his arm and smiled warmly at him. “You’re more than welcome to hide with me should you wish. I  understand how it feels to be forced to do things you don’t want to do for the sake of family.” Seeing Rodolphus with Lyra had evoked feelings Andromeda wasn’t certain she had been ready to confront, but the pang of sandess she had felt as she watched Marie and Kratista joyfully watching them had been a feeling in her heart Andromeda hadn’t been able to simply brush away. Shaking her head, she grinned softly. “No I’ve kept it in my pocket and managed to skate around the room reletively undetected. I’ll do anything for my family, but I only truly feel comfertable dancing with people I know well. Being paraded around and adored is more my youngest sister’s bread and butter rather than mine, I much prefer sampling the cocktail menu and watching the evening unfold from the safety of a corner or a drinks table.”

[andromedhs]

ellingtonrichard​:

closed starter with @andromedhs

Richard was not really the type to stare, much preferring to be on the receiving end of a lustful, envious, or otherwise longing gaze, but he found himself doing just that, eyeing a fellow wallflower. Standing on the periphery of the socialization, he’d eventually grown bored with people-watching, less than impressed with the artificial pageantry of the evening, and his eyes had fallen on a face he knew - but didn’t. A few names flickered through his mind, all fizzling when they didn’t quite fit. Ordinarily, he would have let it go, unbothered by not knowing the name of a random someone-or-other in favor of those who actually had something to offer him, but she must have felt him looking, and he was caught mid-stare. Well, now it was a thing. With an internal sigh, he easily closed the distance between them, not bothering with a greeting beyond: “Why do I know you?”

with: @ellingtonrichard​

Clutching onto her champagne as though it were an anchor, Andromeda watched the people move in time with the music, twirling and smiling at one another politely. She prefered it here, at the side of the room just watching. Despite the things she wore to such functions Andromeda didn’t enjoy being the centre of attention, she just simply enjoyed some form of release in the form of her clothing. Her whole life she had wanted to fade mostly into the background of society and was glad of the chance to do so at present. So content in her own company she had not noticed another spectator casting his gaze over her, until he was in her eyeline. They exchanged a brief glance, a smirk on his face as he made his way towards her. 

“Why do I know you?”-not the typical greeting for these sorts of events. 

“Maybe I just have one of those faces.” Andromeda replied with a playful smile, taking a sip of her drink. She looked very similar to her family, Bellatrix in particular she could never deny the resemblence to. “I’ve not seen you at one of these before I don’t believe, I rarley forget a face.” Something that certainly helped with her job. “Is this your first time coming to one of these, or have I just been not looking hard enough?” 

[andromedhs]

regulus7​:

It was always a relief to break up the day with family. People who Regulus did not have to pretend with. He quickly changed direction and headed over to Andromeda, a stray thought reminding him that he still needed to discover her exact feelings on restoring the Sacred Twenty-Eight to their place of rulership. He returned the embrace and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

“Yes, these colours are rather… strange to wear. Although I’ve received more than my fair share of compliments. No doubt out of pity.” He said with a laugh. He knew he looked fine. He was a Black - they all looked marvelous.  “You certainly wear them a lot better than I do. No doubt you’ve had many dashing young men or women coming to sweep you off your feet with sweet whispers of golden futures.”  His tone was light and joking, knowing that last they spoke, they had spoken of how work took up all their time.  “It is rather fun, seeing who’s ended up with who.” He smiled, thinking of Yen and Longbottom insisting they were just friends. More concerning, he’d noticed Rodolphus had come with Lyra and could not deny that that had him curious how Andromeda felt.

~ @andromedhs​ ~

with: @regulus7​​

Her laugh rang like a tinkling bell as she surveyed her cousin’s outfit once more. “Out of pity? Surley not Reglus, you are always one of the most impeccably dressed gentleman at a function, with or without your trademark colours.” It was quite the change to see her family donning such different attire, paler hues were normally reserved for Narcissa, though all of her family thought so highly of purity it would have been fitting for them all to wear white constantly. “You’re very kind Regulus.” Andromeda replied, stepping backwards slightly to allow Regulus to take in her dress. “It was mother’s actually, one of her older coming out gowns I had reworked for the occasion, as you might imagine she was somewhat overjoyed to see it out of her wardrobe and one of her children, though I am sorry to report it’s not quite having the intended effect.” Quirking her eyebrow at her cousin she took a sip of her champagne. “I’m sure mother and Aunt Walburga are beaming that I have not yet shared a single dance with a gentleman and that I’ve potentially let the very one they desired for me slip through my fingers and into that of my friend’s.” The opinions of her family in the matter of marriage did not concern Andromeda, though privately her own feelings had been wounded by the pairing she had not seen coming. “Have you come with anyone cousin, or just hoping to make a turn of the room and keep your arm free should you want to call upon someone?” 

[andromedhs]

badgepuff​:

LOCATION: East India House. FEATURING: Andromeda Black. @andromedhs​

He made a point of avoiding Andromeda the second he stepped foot into the establishment. Knowing what he was walking into, he couldn’t imagine being seen with him would do her any favours. In fact, that’s precisely what he thought himself to be doing, a favour. Narcissa had sought him out after the misunderstanding in the paper, and that had been the result of a humble conversation. There was no scenario that he could imagine would benefit from him being in the picture. Not at a grand event such as the Summer Solstice, where his attendance was considered taboo from the very beginning. Given how concerned Narcissa had been, he could only assume the great importance of such a ball. He did not want to jeopardize anything for her, despite how much he loathed the underlying nature of the event.

But that didn’t mean his eyes would not search the room. It didn’t mean that he would not smile when he caught the smallest glimpse of her. She shun bright wherever she was, standing out in the crowd like a beacon of joyous light. This night was no different. It was in her eyes, he thought. Always her eyes. The same eyes that he could not bring himself to meet when he stood beside her, pouring himself a glass of their speciality medley at the punch stand. He had noticed her coming, and simply lowered his head as a means of discretion. Ted shuffled along with careful steps, the sole of his shoes softly dragging against the hard floor. “Do y’ ‘ave th’ faintest abou’ what’s meant t’ be in this stuff?” He began with quaint small talk, meant to nurture further conversation. “I could never tell y’. I’m clueless wi’ drinks, me.”

with: @badgepuff​

She felt like a ghost. Moving around the halls unseen. But Andromeda Black was never quite unseen, not in the way she would prefer anyway. Her pale dress added to the illusion she had created in her head, the quiet rustling of her gown the perfect soundtrack as she walked. Andromeda longed invisability amongst all else, to be left alone to live her life freely and in peace, though the events of the past few weeks had shown her that many in the wizarding world also craved that in differnt ways. To be left alone but to be seen as she was. Ted Tonks always looked dashing at these events and despite every whisper or loud voice in her ear teeling her she was not meant to see people like him she always did. The slight uneveness of his smile, how he always had at least one eye on the room though he would divert his gaze when it all became too much. Andromeda Black saw him for him and it was a terrible pity that no one else did. 

A sudden bravery washed over her as though she was truly invisable, or perhaps simply someone who no longer cared about what her visability meant to her. It started with a slow walk across the room with the punch bowl in sight, then a hand on one of the crystal glasses, another on the ladle then came his voice. The sing-song melody she’d missed hearing whilst she’d been drown in work. “I think it’s something with rose undertones.” Andromeda replied with a warm smile, looking up briefly from the bowl. “My mother is fond of anything like this and as one of the chairs I’d imagine she had a hand in the drinks list.” The smile she wore as she spoke was completely natural and was reserved simply for him though she didn’t know that quite yet. “How are you?” She asked, ladling the drink into her cup. “I’ve seen your name a few times in the paper, Elias seems to have kept you very busy.”

[scarlessxlestrange]

CLOSED STARTER WITH @andromedhs

where: the foyer outside the restrooms when: the solstice ball

It was only when the toilet stall behind him flushed and a figure emerged that Rabastan realised that he had been staring at himself in the mirror for far too long. He bent down and splashed water across his face to attempt to wash away any signs that he had shed a tear or two. Sometimes he caught glimpses of his current self, wondering how he had become the cruel person he was today. How did the young boy who grew up in the serenity of their gothic style chateaux become the man that was reflected back at him. He patted his face dry with a hand towel and made a swift exit hoping that the other person in the room hadn’t noticed too much. 

As he exited and the roar of chatter filled his ears, he found himself hesitant to rejoin society just yet. He paused and took a seat on a deep red couch placed decoratively in the foyer between the restrooms and the main ballroom. He heard footsteps approach and he looked up, not really sure who he was expecting to see. “Andromeda,” recognising her striking features immediately he rose to his feet like his mother had always taught him to do in the presence of a lady. Offering a half-hearted smile he continued, “You look lovely as always.”

[andromedhs]

with: @youngestxlestrange

Leaning in toward the mirror, Andromeda studied her features briefly before running the wand over her lips. High society events bored her usually but never had they irritated her as much as this one in particular, though she excerised patience each coming out ball she had been encourged to attend after turning eighteen. Her normal soft brown eyes seemed more narrowed than usual, prompting her to wipe the scowl from her face she hadn’t been aware she had been wearing. Tonight was one evening and the rest would be her and her papers just as she liked it. 

Nodding once, Andromeda turned on her heel, pushing the lipgloss into the inside pocket she’d had fitted and making off in the direction of the dancefloor to hopefully find someone willing to help her pass the time more easily. She had not made it far past the bathroom before Rabasta had stepped in her way, his face kind as he rose from the velvet couch he had been purchasing on, suddenly standing to attention to greet her. 

“Rabastan.” Andromeda replied, her voice ringing in it’s usual sweet yet polite tone she reserved for company she intended to impress. Sliding her heel behind the other she courtesied slightly, holding her hand out for him to take gently as they always were instructed to do during public events. “You look equally as dashing, I find it quite diffuclt to believe you haven’t got a card full of suitors demanding you lead them in a waltz.” Rabastan had always had attracted that sort of attention, even at school she’d heard whispers ad giggles whenever he wandered round the common room. “How are you finding the evening, are you quite well?” She added, her eyes scanning the room for a waiter who might be passing with a few glasses of champagne for them to steal. 

[andromedhs]

where: East India House, Wizarding London   with: @mamablack​​​​

Eyes trained on Rodolphus and Lyra engaing in yet another waltz, Andromeda sighed deeply and took a long sip of her champagne. It shouldn’t have bothered her, why would it? Rodolphus was her boss, Lyra was her friend. Why would that have bothered her? Shaking her head lightly, she tried to dislodge the thoughts, her gaze flitting to her Aunt Walburga who was working the room with ease. A natural in these sorts of enviroments just like Regulus and Narcissa. Her mood lightened somewhat as her aunt moved towards her, a warm smile on her face as she embraced her. “Aunt Walburga.” Andromeda replied, kissing each of her aunt’s cheeks and smiling brightly. “You look beautiful, very on theme both for the family and the ball.” She added, nodding towards her aunt’s crown, befitting of the matriach of their family. 

[andromedhs]

where: East India House, Wizarding London   with: @wickedbellax​​​

Amongst the sea of partygoers Andromeda could at least be certain of one thing. Bellatrix would be having just as much fun she was. Her elder sister was a vision in gold, a departure from her usual fondness for dark or plainer colours which suggested Druella had just as much of a hand in choosing her sister’s outfit as she had Andromeda’s. Plucking two full champagne glasses from a nearby tray, Andromeda wandered over to her sister, handing her the glass as she stood beside her, the pair casting their eyes over the ballroom floor. “Mother strongly suggest an outfit for you as well?” Andromeda asked with a knowing smirk, her gaze briefly shifting to their mother who was deep in conversation with their younger sister. “I’m only glad Narcissa is keeping her entertained for now, though I have no doubt when she’s filled her dance card she’ll be over here asking us why we’re not mingling as well as our sister.” 

[ramblingsapphic]

what if we were in a library and i was sitting on the ground reading a book and you knelt beside me and put your fingers under my chin and kissed me?

[regulus7]

Location: The Grande ballroom of East India House

With: OPEN!

As the son and nephew of the two organisers, Regulus felt it was important to make certain his presentation went well and that all saw him as the epitome of the son of good hosts. This was despite the discrepancy he felt with the light colours of white and gold that clad his body and the lack of weight that came from garments made solely of silk leaving him feeling a tad too bright and open. At least his robes embraced traditional wizarding dress rather than the muggle styles that were so pervasive, even at formal occasions. It was coming to his notice that robes were becoming a minority but Regulus had been raised in them and held himself as such. He moved tall and proud, as if he were a prince among men, as he greeted sorcerers accordingly to their station and relation to the family and giving courteous nods to those he did not know.

[andromedhs]

with: @regulus7​​​

Seeing her cousin move across the floor filled Andromeda’s heart with joy, finally someone she did not have to playact for. Raising one hand in the air, Andromeda attempted to gain his attention, waving him over in a dainty fashion that even despite her best effort she knew her mother would sitll call undignified. “Regulus!” she called lightly, beaming as he walked toward her, embacing him in her hand free of champagne. “My love how are you?” She inquired, a new smile worn on her features as she basked in the familiarity of being beside a member of her family. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in pale hues, quite a departure from your usual favoured black and green, I trust you did not have a hand in choosing the colour palette this evening? Mother it seems thought about which colours most resemble that of those favoured at weddings rather than considering the ones mostly worn by her family. I can’t imagine Aunt Walburga favouring anything other than black.” She added with a light chuckle. “You do look dashing all the same however.” 

[andromedhs]

where: East India House, Wizarding London   with: @rodolphus-lestranges​​

Lyra had been very clear on how the situation had come about. The classic meddling of Pure-Blood mothers had been the reason she and Rodolphus had attended the ball together, nothing more. Andromeda trusted Lyra with her life, her secrets and her whole vault in Gringotts, she seldom lied but especially not to Andromeda. Rationality was something above all else she prided herself on but as she watched the pair spin into yet another waltz Andromeda coudn’t help but feel a pang of something close to sadness that she hadn’t quite expected. She hadn’t expected to be asked to the ball by anyone let alone Rodolphus, but a small part of her hoped she might be seen by someone.

Lace gloves came together suddely, her hands clapping in tandem with the rest of the room almost in a hypnotic movement as the dance ended. The floor dispursed suddenly, some couples breaking up to find new partners whilst others went in search of refreshment or waited for another song to play. As Rodolphus moved toward her, Andromeda instinctively moved her head away from him, her attention seemingly captivated by some art hanging on the wall behind her rather than on her boss dancing with her best friend. As he spoke her head turned, a quick smile flashing on her face out of politeness which quickly fell away. “Mr Lestrange, what a pleasure, I trust you’re having a pleasent evening.” She replied her tone icer than usual.

[andromedhs]

where: East India House, Wizarding London   with: @lyraburke​

A glass of champagne held in her gloved hand, Andromeda sat at one of the tables surveying the dancefloor. Idly she crossed one leg over the other, causing the many layers of tulle to rustle as she did so, her mother keeping a careful eye on her as she did so. This would no doubt be the tone of the evening, Andromeda smiling politely pretending to be having fun when really she had wished she had brought a book to pass the time. 

The flash of gold caught her eye before the sound of Lyra’s voice diverted her attention to the suddenly taken seat next to her. “Having fun?” She asked with a slight yet warm smile, taking the champagne glass to her lips before turning in her chair to better face her best friend. “Is the evening everything both you and mother Burke hoped it would be?” Humourous references to the crushing weight of society placed on their shoulders was a favoured one of Andromeda and Lyra and something no one savour their house would truly understand from their perspective. “She sledom left Marie’s side I’ve noticed.”