( lucy boynton | cisfemale | she/her ) — was that bryony parkinson nee wilkes passing through diagon alley? those close to them say they remind them of children should be seen but never heard, empty promises, hiding your manipulations behind saccharine smiles, your back aching from upholding traditions, the clinking of champagne flutes and a flurry of beautiful ball gowns, welcoming yourself to your own cage which i suppose seems to fit that slytherin alumnus. they’re actually pretty haughty, insecure, and clever for a twenty-six year old, but i wonder if it serves them well when working as a socialite. rumor has it that the pureblood has stayed neutral… for now. i wouldn’t have guessed… but this is a conversation we should be having somewhere else.
Basics
Character name: Bryony Isobel Wilkes Parkinson
Nicknames: Bry, B
Age & Birthday: 26 & July 27th
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Gender & Pronouns: Cisfemale & she/her
Occupation: Socialite
Blood Status: Pureblood
Previous House: Slytherin
Affiliation: Neutral with a Death Eater lean
Wand: Hawthorn Wood with a dragon heartstring core. Rigid. 9 1/2 inches long.
Boggart: Bry's biggest fear is being ridiculed and people learning that her family was truly broke, so her boggart takes form of herself holding a newspaper detailing her family's ruin, and her new husband walking away from her.
Patronus: A crow. The crow is resourceful, cunning, and ambitious, and are often an omen of dark magic. Once a crow sets its goal it gets what it wants and it doesn't let anything get in it's way. Crows will push things out of it's way.
Biography:
Bryony Isobel Wilkes was born in the early morning of one of the hottest days of the summer to Poppy and Hawthorn Wilkes. Poppy was overjoyed with the birth of a daughter, already having their heir and son, and Poppy immediately set about spoiling and molding her daughter into what she wanted, rather than what Bryony wanted. Growing up, Bryony loved being spoiled, dressing up, and her ballet lessons. Her mother poured everything into nurturing Brynony into being a well-bred and well-brought-up Pureblood daughter, and Bryony never resisted, enjoying being spoiled and having her mothers undivided attention, especially when her younger brother was born.
Her childhood was rather unremarkable, passing by with Pureblood parties, spending time with her brothers and the other children of Pureblood couples, and etiquette classes. She was taught to speak French and Latin, and her mother insisted that she take ballet and piano lessons. Bryony would say that she had a worry free childhood and that she was a happy child.
That all changed when Bryony and her brothers were sat down at the dining room table in late August by their parents and told that their fortune was gone. The tension between her parents had been palpable, and Bryony didn't think that she would ever forget the look of loathing on her mother's face and the shame in her father's words. Hawthorn Wilkes had always been a prideful man and having to tell his children that the money was gone changed him. Her brother's inheritances were gone, and any money that Bryony would have for a marriage was gone too. He had many excuses for what had happened, blaming a muggleborn for the dealing, but Bryony secretly thought that he just didn't want to admit what had truly happened.
Going to Hogwarts should have been her happiest moment, but armed with the knowledge that she was broke, but expected to keep up appearances that nothing would change made her time at Hogwarts difficult. She was sorted into Slytherin, as was expected, but Bryony never felt completely comfortable among her peers. Constant worry about keeping up with the others, about someone finding out the truth took its toll and sometimes it seemed like Bryony was trying too hard.
After Hogwarts, Bryony settled into the role of a socialite. She got very good at charming her own clothing to look far fancier than they were, and making up stories about the places that she hadn't really gone to, but wished that she could. Keeping up appearances was even more important as she and Poppy dedicated themselves to finding the perfect match for Bry. That match came in the form of the Parkinson heir. The match was perfect, and the marriage came rather quickly. Bryony finally has what she had always wanted, and she couldn't be happier or luckier.
“I do,” he quipped, so efficient at lying whether it was a big or a small one. “You will not know until you try,” he offered the common statement with such a casual air that is really did seem that he truly believed it, nearly having himself convinced. And her confirmation that her home had the high enough ceiling to accommodate such a ridiculous idea had him smirking with some sort of jester’s delight. It was a stupid thing to find pleasure in, as Corban would say of anyone else in his shoes, but he thought it plenty of innocent fun then. He doubted Bryony would get such a massive tree. Purebloods could be excessively decadent, but they could be sensible when style was being figured in. “I’m so honored to be considered in high standard. Whatever day it is, I’ll make sure my schedule is clear.” Perhaps the one true thing he had said in a moment. While most of his acquaintances came with the caveat of being useful to him, Corban did like some of his peers. Bryony was one of them. “Well I’m curious what names are making the list. After all — you did mention matchmaking at that dreaded event, before things went south. Curious to see who you’d attempt to push me towards.” Corban was not sure if he would take it all seriously, even after an interesting conversation with another Pureblood heir at that recent event. But he was willing to humor her if she actually did attempt to set him up with one of their peers. If only for the fun of it.
Bryony wasn't entirely sure that a tree that was larger than fourteen feet would be a good use of her time, she planned on decorating the entire downstairs of her home, and she worried that a larger tree would take away from the rest of her plans. But it was certainly an idea, and she didn't mind considering it. She would have to speak with her husband about it. "Good, I was hoping that you would say that. The invitations should be going out soon, we just need to settle on our date and then we are going to get things started. With his work he can be so busy we want to make sure it's on a good date," she mused, looking across the table at Corban. "It will be a good evening. I think that it's exactly what we need. There has been a lack of truly exclusive events lately, don't you think?" She asked, shaking her head. "All of the big names will be there, of course. The Notts, and unfortunately the Carrows due to my brother's choices lately, but I digress," she rolled her eyes. "The Blacks will be there as well, and the Malfoy's, of course. I have some ideas of who I'd like to fix you up with, but I am going to keep them close for now. I need to do a little more work. But fear not, I have been working on it."
"Well, if it's not a concern, fourteen feet feels like a holiday feat. One that would be incredible to see." Polly had always loved a fully decorated tree for the holidays, especially ones with tinsel and lights and ornaments that weren't all matching. The more eclectic yet organized, the better. "I didn't either! But one day someone mentioned a crazy number to me and then I found myself going down a rabbit hole discovering all the different kinds." But only of pine trees. Any other plants? She had no idea. "I think the best one I've heard of is the Scotch Pine, but Douglas Fir is a close second. I'm actually not sure which are here...there may be a better one I don't know about."
"Yes, well, it's mine and my husband's first holiday season together, so we would like to make a splash," she explained. It was important to her to show everyone just how happy they were together, even though her heart often screamed at her that she had married the wrong man. "How interesting. I have never thought about the types of trees that exist; they just exist. But I suppose if there are different types of flowers there would be different types of trees." Bryony was quiet for a moment as she considered her words. "I think that I recall my father saying that the best tree to get is a Norway Spruce, but I am not entirely sure if that is just his opinion or if there is some other reason for it."
vespera looked over a bryony with an expression of confusion and judgement. "a list of who to never hire for your own events, i hope." while there had been ebbs and flows with her and bryony's relationship over the year, the one thing vespera would never deny is that bryony had style. she hoped that hadn't changed.
she couldn't help but chuckle in agreement at bryony's words, finishing off her drink shortly thereafter. "all they seem to talk about is work, rather boring if you ask me. surely there are other topics that are more exciting..." she shrugged, as if to say she couldn't understand the thoughts of men. when bryony spoke of her marriage, vespera couldn't help but watch her in an almost analytical fashion. was bryony just telling her what she suspected she wanted to hear, or did she and valerian actually succeed in creating a healthy and loving marriage? "have you felt any shift since the union? as if you're autonomy is still yours?" she couldn't help but wonder. it was something she had feared, ever since the talks of marriage had started between her and her brother. "and yes, lucius has begun talking about it. he feels it's time i start considering my options and move onto the next stage in my life... have children no doubt. and while i'm not opposed to the idea, it's leaving me with plenty of questions."
"I thought that went without saying," she replied. "I was thinking of trying to get them blacklisted. You know that I have my connections, I probably could succeed if I put some effort in." She certainly thought that they should never plan an event for a party like this. Perhaps they could stick to children's birthday parties.
Bryony had never had to work a day in her life, and she didn't know why people were so obsessed with talking about it. Wasn't it enough to have to work at work? "That's what I've always thought. Don't they spend enough time there? What more is there to talk about?" She sighed. It was all so boring. She was glad that Valerian couldn't talk about work with her. Although then maybe their dinner table wouldn't be so quiet all the time. At Vespera's question, she paused. In a lot of ways, she had more autonomy now than when she was single. Valerian didn't ask what she did all day, and she had access to the money that she had always dreamed of. Why wouldn't she be happy? "I think that I feel freer now than when I lived at home. You know how my mother is. Valerian doesn't mind what I do during the day." Bryony nodded thoughtfully. "What are your questions?" She asked. "You would make a great wife. And any man would be lucky to have you."
Arden wasn't the sort of person who went out of his way to make his mother unhappy, the thing was that it was just too easy to do so, he barely had to move a finger and his mother had Words. So it was obvious that he avoided her and his father as long as he could get away with it. What Arden failed to consider in his grand plans for anything, was that if he wasn't there to listen to Mother's opinions, that role would fall onto Bryony. And her he couldn't and wouldn't avoid. Even if it pained him.
Like when he found himself being dragged from a conversation with a few ministry acquaintances, he knew it would be bad. He should've guessed it was bad, Arden was the worse at sharing his own information around, it never ended well for him. "Really, I don't see what warrants such a fuss." He said, rolling his eyes at the dramatics, "I'm raising your blood pressure? Really? Please, Bry, everything is fine, trust me." That place was certainly not the one to talk about it, maybe Arden was growing paranoid, but he was sure his mother would hear him if he told Bryony about the true nature of that engagement. "I'm not doing anything rash, okay?"
Men had it so easy. Arden could disappear for days, and nobody batted an eye, but Bryony? If she didn't check in with their mother at least once in the morning and once at night, it was like the world was ending. She had long had to suffer through their mother's fits and listen to all of her rants about society and the like. It got rather exhausting. She had thought that once she married Valerian,it would be better, but somehow it seemed worse sometimes.
She didn't know what was worse--that her brother hadn't even told her about Alecto or that it had upset their mother so much. She was being petulant, but Bryony felt like she had a right to be. "Don't see what warrants such a fuss? Have you met Alecto Carrow? Do you think she is going to get along well with me and Mother?" She raised an eyebrow. "Are you really going to subject us to that for family dinners?" She questioned him. What had he been thinking? "Why didn't you tell me?" She demanded, a slight pout to her lips. "Not doing anything rash? I think this is the definition of rash."
Honestly the mood of most of the wixen world was pretty draining right now. It was putting Alecto in a right mood. Which when she was often feeling pretty bitchy, wasn't the best thing in the world. And so, paired with the moods of everyone else, it wasn't a great time. She was heading down Diagon Alley as she headed towards Knockturn. That alley was much more her style, hence why her bar was on there. It worked well, and she really could not imagine her bar being anywhere else.
She wasn't expecting Bryony Parkinson to talk to her, as had been paused. "Do you care what anyone thinks?" The red head mused, a little grin on her lips. She equally did not care what most people thought. Her opinion was the most important right of all. "Hope you have enough decorations for all that tree"
If Bryony had realized that she was about to start a conversation with Alecto Carrow, she would have turned the other way. What her brother saw in a match with her, she would never understand. Their family wasn't so desperate as to need the Carrows! Not when she had married Valerian. She was going to have to try to talk some sense into Arden. She just...couldn't imagine having Alecto at Christmas. If Arden married her she would have to play nice, and Bryony wasn't good at that.
"No," she replied without thinking. But it was farther from the truth than she would care to admit. She put on the appearance of not caring, but Bryony cared too much. "Don't you worry, Valerian and I have plenty of decorations. And we can always get more." She paused. "Alecto," she greeted cooly.
Dinner was always hard. There was nowhere for him and Bryony to hide. More often than not the table between them seemed to stretch as the night went on, pulling them further and further away from each other. Every topic adding to the distance. But this. This was easy, a topic he didn't have to think twice about. "Is it terrible for me to admit I have a lot of feelings towards it?" He asked her. He still did not know Bryony as well as he should, but he knew enough to suspect she wasn't going to allow their Christmas to be anything other than exceptional. "It was my mother's favorite time of year." It probably still is, he thought, wherever she now lived. "Decorating the tree, the house sparkling with lights..." He cleared his throat rather awkwardly. "I think I would like that to be the case again." It had all stopped once it was just him and his father.
"Besides, it wouldn't do for us to be shown up by other families. The Parkinsons should always be known as the best! Even when it comes to Christmas."
For a moment, she was worried that perhaps, Valerian was going to turn out to be a Christmas hating grinch. What would she do then? Her dreams of reviving the Wilkes family soiree tradition were so close she could practically taste the champagne. But she had been wrong to worry. A genuine smile formed on her lips as he shared that it had been his mother's favorite holiday. "It was ours as well. We used to throw a huge Christmas party until father went and ruined our lives," she said, her voice careful to not let any emotion show. Valerian knew the truth of their family, and it was almost...nice to be able to say something like that without worrying. "We will reclaim our family traditions then. Make them better than they were," she suggested.
She nodded her head in agreement. "I was thinking the same thing. It would be a great way to invite our friends to see the house now that it's ready for guests. It could become a tradition."
Elowen nodded in agreement, "The true tragedy is that some of the staff here are truly quite a sight...but these robes," she pulled a face she hid behind a sip of her glass keeping her illusion of a well mannered young wix in society. She had learned long ago that imagery mattered more than substance in the world she had been born into. It did not matter much what she thought or felt or even what she wanted to do with her life. It mattered what it looked like for her to do those things. Her identity was tangled with the Nott name, a fact of life she could not escape and if she had done as her father wanted years ago and married her identity would belong to her husbands family name. Elowen's shoulders tensed upwards, "I could have been in Romania hunting down this locket that apparently gives the wearer intense mania and delusions when worn. Seemed more interesting than watching ruddy faced men self-congratulate themselves for doing the bare minimum for society," Elowen replied wistfully, "It is something tho. Seeing everyone all dressed up- Maybe I'll throw a proper party in the spring,"
Elowen rose her glass, smiling in agreement with some quip poised on her tongue falling over the edge of her present flash of a frown. Elowen attempted to keep her surprise masked, the aching twist of something like betrayal for reasons she could not fathom. "Oh?" she breathed in answer, eyes looking quickly for a familiar flash of red hair but then a more sought out blend of brunette. She blinked back to Bryony a hollow smile on her lips, "Every mothers dream," she managed to force the words out, "I had no idea they were even seeing one another...what do you think of the happy couple? Doe he love her?"
"I wouldn't be caught dead wearing them. It's why I didn't want to be a healer," Bryony mused, as if she had ever wanted to be anything more than a kept woman. And she was sure that Elowen knew that. But it sounded better to say it that way than to admit the truth. If her mother had not put such a huge importance on marriage to save the family name, would she have wanted to work? No, she didn't think so. She had never aspired to be a writer, or healer, or curse breaker. Bryony was quite content with things the way that they were. But she knew that Elowen thought differently, but somehow, she didn't look at her differently for her aspirations. Not the way she thought of some of the other working Pureblood women. "If you were in Romania then we couldn't spend the night judging the less fortunate," she pointed out. "That does sound rather intriguing, though. Do you have any ideas of what is causing it?" Bryony didn't quite understand what it was that Elowen did on those trips, but she tried to be supportive.
Bryony was oblivious to Elowen's reaction to the news. She was rather wrapped up in her own thoughts on her brothers apparent betrothed. She didn't understand what they were thinking. They had all lost their damned minds, as far as she was concerned. At her question, Bryony let out a laugh. "Merlin, I hope not!" Perhaps it was cruel, but she didn't want the likes of Alecto Carrow as her sister-in-law. Not when she could have Elowen or someone similar. "I don't know what is going through his mind lately; I really don't. I had no idea, either. Mother was in a fit about it this morning; that was how I found out."
"Oh - um," Polly had been more than ready to share her opinion and, actually, wasn't going to be put off by her opinion no longer being needed. "I think if the ceiling is high enough, there's no reason not to." It wasn't like height would be a problem decorating wise, not when they could flick a wand and either make ornaments appear or raise them to the right height. It had taken her some time to get used to that. "Do you know what kind of tree you're going to get? I didn't realize there were so many species , even back in the US there are about one hundred and thirty different types and those are just pine trees."
"Oh, my ceilings are plenty high. It's not a concern for us." The high ceilings had been something that she had first noticed when she moved in with Valerian after the wedding. She had measured months ago to make sure that it would fit. She had just been waiting for the holidays to come around. At the second question, Bryony paused. She hadn't quite thought that far. Of course, she knew that there were different types, but she had never been particularly picky about the species of trees. "I didn't realize there were so many different types of pine trees. I'm usually fond of whichever one is the fullest and has the best look to it, you know? It wouldn't do to get a subpar tree. Doesn't quite matter the actual type. But since you are so knowledgeable, do you have a suggestion?"
“I think fourteen feet is barely enough,” Corban replied following a long sip of tea, arching a brow at her. It wasn’t entirely true, even Corban would admit anything above 7 feet felt incredibly excessive, but he would rather challenge her notion by thinking bigger than talking her down. For one, the idea of an even larger tree was incredibly hilarious, but he also figured that she was already resolute in her choice. When she confirmed his theory moments later, he hid an amused smirk against the rim of his tea cup, taking one final sip before setting it down indefinitely. “Can your married house accommodate such a tall tree? High enough ceilings? You know, come to think of it — I don’t believe I’ve been around to see the space you and Valerian call home.” He faux frowned at Bryony, “And I thought we were friends. Nevertheless, I expect an invite to whatever soirée you’re planning for the holidays. Hopefully one less, hm, eventful than the last?” Corban quirked a brow, the implication of his words quite clear. He had no doubt Bryony and Valerian could host a magnificent Yuletide celebration, one that would inevitably be the talk of the town, but he suspected it would be less… murderous than the last social gathering.
"You think?" Bryony asked curiously. Having tea with Corban Yaxley had been a surprise, but she certainly didn't mind. She knew that it was important to keep up contacts with other families, and she knew Valerian wouldn't mind. "I could go bigger but I just don't know that it will be a good use of the space." At his question about the space, she nodded. "Of course it can. The ceilings are plenty high. But don't you worry, we have not been hosting very much yet. I've been so busy getting it up to standard. But I finally feel ready to host, and you are at the top of the list," she promised. She laughed. "I certainly hope that it is appropriately eventful." No murders were allowed in the Parkinson residence. "I've been working on the guest list, and deciding on the perfect date. It's going to be exactly what we need." An exclusive event where they didn't have to worry about other people listening in to their conversations.
he’d never been interested in christmas. in his family, there was no such thing as christmas spirit. winky, his house-elf, took care of the decorations, but no one really paid much attention to it. the poison that ran through his family was hard to ignore.
“ to be honest, buying a christmas tree is already too much for me, ” he admitted, frowning slightly. “ but, what does it matter? ” it wasn’t as if anyone was really paying attention anyway. “ do you have much christmas spirit at your house? ” he asked, not sure whether it was out of genuine curiosity or just to make conversation.
Bryony supposed that the holidays weren't always happy for some families, but some of her best memories as a child were around the holidays. The Wilkes family used to have a huge Christmas party before her father went and ruined it all. She was excited to bring the tradition back with Valerian.
"Does your family not have a tree?" She questioned, raising an eyebrow. It was rather strange, but she supposed she had heard stranger things before. "Of course I do. My husband loves Christmas as much as I do. We're having a huge party. You should come; maybe you'll learn the true meaning of a Wilkes-Parkinson Christmas."
dirk barely reacts at first, just blinking at bryony with the slow amusement of someone who can’t quite believe what he’s hearing. then, after a beat, he lets out a soft, incredulous laugh, pretending he isn't seething underneath. ❝ well, i was going to say yes, but clearly my opinion doesn’t matter, ❞ he drawls, slipping his hands into his pockets. ❝ and honestly ? go big. if you’re going to be excessive, be properly excessive. ❞
he tilts his head, studying her with that ever-present glint of curiosity. ❝ tragic deaths, ruined parties, and now christmas trees the size of small houses — your priorities are fascinating, bryony. ❞ he smirks, then, all teasing but with a sharpness underneath. ❝ tell me, does anything actually rattle you, or is life just one big holiday spread for you to plan ? ❞
Bryony certainly didn't appreciate the others tone, and she raised an eyebrow. "Well, it's clear that you at least have good taste," she commented. It wasn't like Bryony particularly cared what Dirk had to say; she remembered him from Hogwarts, and he didn't particularly matter to her. Perhaps next year Bryony wouldn't feel so drawn to having such an excessive holiday, but after years of losing out on her family's holiday traditions, she was excited to finally get to be back to how things were. "Exactly my thoughts," she replied, aware that he was being sarcastic but not particularly caring.
"I'm not sure that I owe you an explanation for my joy this holiday season, but if you must know, I am excited to have the holidays with my new husband. Is that so horrible?" She retorted. The audacity to make her sound so heartless, even if it were true. She didn't care about the death, sue her, she didn't know the girl.
dante could care less that a life was taken, but he had put on a neutral face the past week, as custom. he wasn't ready for yuletide if he was being honest, the amount of parties that he and elowen would have to go too. he often wondered what his mother was doing back home, if they had the same kind of prestigious parties that he so far had grown up in, and what he was actually missing. but it would be years of him wondering this and he knew that he needed to let it go. "it's a bit excessive, bry," he says with a smirk, shaking his head. "then again, i wouldn't be surprised if i go home and see that big of a tree at the manor myself." he rolls his eyes gently in joking. "of course, my mistake thinking you'd listen to anything i had to say." he snorts. "well, at least we're wizards. i might as well help you bring it home." her home. their home.
Bryony had seen Dante since their breakup; hell, she was married to a different man, but it was still difficult to run into him. How was she supposed to act around someone that she had been so sure she would marry? Even now, it hurt to think about how things had ended between them, but Bryony hadn't been willing to wait forever for him; she had had to think of her family. "When have I ever cared if something was excessive?" She retorted, raising an eyebrow. Despite the pain of seeing him, Bry was still glad to see him. "A fourteen foot tree would look lovely in your foyer." She paused. "That's obviously your mistake," she teased. At his suggestion that he help her bring it home, she paused before nodding her head. "That would be acceptable. Thank you. How have you been, Dante?"
Who: Bryony & Valerian @xsecretkeepers
Where: Parkinson Townhouse
When: Evening of December 2nd
Ever since the calendar had turned to December, Bryony had been itching to start decorating for Christmas. The only problem was that she had no idea how Valerian felt about the holiday. For all she knew he was a Christmas hater. The thought was almost impossible to bear, but she would suffer through if she must. But she had long imagined bringing the family tradition of throwing a lavish Christmas party to her marriage with Valerian. She just...needed to bring it up.
Dinner between the two tended to be rather awkward, with them making small talk as if they were strangers or acquaintances rather than husband and wife. She lifted her wine glass and looked at Valerian across the table. "So. It's December. I...have been thinking about decorating for Christmas. Do you have any particular feelings towards it?"
Who: Bryony & Open
Where: Diagon Alley
When: Middle of the Week
It had been terribly tragic, the death of the Fudge girl. It had ruined a subpar party, which was tragic in itself. But Bryony hadn't put much more thought into what had happened and instead had started to focus in on Christmas. She had been delighted to discover that her husband loved Christmas as much as she did. She couldn't wait for their big Christmas party at the end of the month, and she had begun decorating and planning for the holiday. There had been a time when the Wilkes family Christmas party was legendary, but after her father's terrible decisions, they had had to stop hosting, so she was properly excited.
"Do we think that a fourteen foot Christmas tree is too excessive?" Bryony paused. "Now that I think of ti, I don't care what you think I'm going to get the tree."
vespera followed bryony's gaze up to the ceiling where the fairies flew. as a young girl she would have been enchanted, but now as a woman she just considered where the budget for the event could've been better spent. "poor planning on their part. i wonder if they hired someone... if so, they should never use the again."
looking back to her old classmate, vespera tried not to show any surprise at the invitation for drinks. "i would like that." she said with a nod, already making a mental note to send an owl to bryony later in the week to schedule a dinner date with her. humming, vespera took a sip of her drink and tried not to grimace at the sweetness. "ahhh. while i can not relate to having a spouse, there have been plenty of times i've left my brother to talk amongst his coworkers. i'd rather not pretend to be interested in such dull topics. how is married life treating you?" she was curious, considering the fact that she and her brother had decided it was time to start vetting potential matches for her.
"I should find out who their planner was and then make sure to add them to a list," she agreed. It was rather pathetic, the way that St. Mungo's had tried to create a specific atmosphere, but it had just failed spectacularly. But what could you expect from a bunch of healers? Their expertise certainly wasn't party planning.
It wasn't often that Bryony was the bigger person, but with the Malfoy's she felt that perhaps it would be prudent to at least try. "Me too," she agreed, smiling. She would make sure to pencil something into her calendar soon. Of course she would wait a few days to make the arrangement, but if she didn't hear from Vespera by midweek she would send an owl. "I'm sure it's all the same, I've walked away from my own brother plenty of times. Men and their boring talk amongst themselves," she rolled her eyes. At her question, Bryony brought her champagne flute to her lips and considered her words for a moment. "It's everything that I had ever hoped for. Valerian is a perfect husband, and I couldn't be happier," she smiled. "And what about you? Thinking about marriage?" She questioned.
"It's been nearly three months," she explained. It had somehow felt like forever, but also the blink of an eye. She had kept herself busy since the wedding getting the townhouse in order and buying a new wardrobe that she hadn't thought much about things. Bryony never understood how Mrs. Fawcett could teach Muggle Studies, she had never taken the class, of course, it would be so improper. But she was a little curious. "The fairies are a nice touch," she agreed, her eyes finding them near the ceiling. "But besides that...it still smells like we're in a hospital, you know?" She shook her head. "They tried, though, so we can give them that." Her mind immediately went to Morcant, but that wasn't her news to share. "I've been busy getting our townhouse in order. And I've been working with a few charities, but I am afraid I have been rather boring as late. Just settling into married life. How about you? How is Hogwarts?"
"Three months already, how time flies." These days, three months felt like no time at all but in the measure of a year, it felt like a large part of it. A quarter of a year...and Felicity couldn't be bothered to remember. It was good though, she knew that, but when it came to anything that didn't directly affect her, it was hard to remember. Inhaling softly, her eyes widened at the statement, giving the other a wide, appreciative look. "That's what it is! I was wondering what felt so off about this room and you're right. It still smells like a hospital." Regardless of how much they decorated it, how many fairies they bought to distract everyone, there was no denying the fact of where they were. "How good of you, I'm sure those charities are very thankful they have you helping now." Couldn't be Felicity. Charitable was never an adjective used to describe her. "Hogwarts is as it always is. I fear to admit that most students start to blend together after so many years."
"I know, it's truly flown by. That's what they always say about the first year, it's all wedded bliss and settling in." She couldn't say that they had the bliss part, down, things were still much too awkward between them, but nobody needed to know that. She hoped that eventually their walls might come down, and they could bond, but if not...the Parkinson wealth kept her busy enough. "It's rather disturbing, really. They could have tried a little harder to mask the smell. It would have been more successful that way. But we can't leave event planning to the healers and such," she rolled her eyes. "Thank you. I try my best." She wasn't really the charitable type, but she needed something to fill her days and she refused to work a job. Charity work was much more her speed. "I can only imagine. There are so many of them. I don't know how you do it. Does it ever get old?" She asked curiously.
