evelyn abbott

scrappy underneath the polish, but don't let the cameras see

[eveabbott]

golden-hearted-gil​:

…

Gilderoy was prepared for things like this. He knew that with his rising popularity in the literature world that more and more opportunities such as this event would slowly start to pour in. It was crucial to him that he take advantage of them as they came, which was why he cleared his schedule for the day to attend. Of course, he also admired that it was being held for charity, and wanted to assure that he dressed and presented himself appropriately. 

He had made sure to introduce himself to a few people already, building connections with others who may potentially be able to assist him down the line. Though as they waited now for their food to arrive, Gilderoy was slightly surprised by the sudden conversation with the woman next to him. Intrigued however, he engaged. “I think I would have to agree, they do look stunning. I wouldn’t be surprised, though, honestly,” he sighed, giving a small shrug. He knew how columns like that worked, and a lot of the time they did things such as that to stir up controversy. 

“It’s almost like an additional advertising plan, though. For example, if they were to focus on someone who clearly did not compare to Veronica, the people would be outraged, sure, but it would get them talking. It sort of stems from the any publicity is good publicity mindset.”

Evelyn was familiar with the any publicity is good publicity mindset. It wasn’t one she personally subscribed too, but many of her friends had, especially in their early twenties. Nights out that ended in disaster were fun in the moment and should’ve been horrific the next morning, but drew more attention and so her friends made the ‘mistakes’ again a few months later and whenever they needed a boost after that. The bad did have to be balanced out with some good, otherwise the whole image went to shit, but there were PR people for that if you couldn’t manufacture it yourself.

Framing it as an additional advertising plan though... he was absolutely right, and Evelyn was a bit put off by the fact that she hadn’t thought of it herself. She was more impressed than put off though, leaving a small smile to form on her face. “You’re not wrong, unfortunately. Still, I can hope that truth will prevail, even if that’s not what Witch Weekly is known for.”

Evelyn took a sip of her water and held onto the glass, hoping that if she consumed enough it would bide her over until the food arrived. After drinking, she recomposed herself and smiled directly at him. “Evelyn, by the way.” Even though introductions weren’t usually needed, people seemed to prefer them. It wasn’t normal to be able to assume that most people knew who you were.

[eveabbott]

lil-samson​:

.

Lil liked when the world seemed a little more quiet than normal. It wasn’t the woods - really she was still around people but with the rain people were less likely to look at her. After all she was just picking up bits and pieces she didn’t really want to get stared at today. Even though it was cold enough that most of her scars were covered, it never hurt that there were less wix to perceive her. 

She was focused on the shelves, knowing that at least this shopkeeper didn’t mind her as she tried to find the bottles she needed. She even waved slightly at them and saw a nodded back. Maybe it was the weather, or the fact of routine but Lil barely heard the bell jingle of another customer. She probably wouldn’t have noticed them unless they had come closer really so engaged with the finding the potion ingredient she wanted. 

 Moving to pick up a bottle she heard her name ring out and for a moment she was confused still turning to face the other. 

Lil stilled as she saw the other woman. She probably wouldn’t have recognized her if she hadn’t seen the daily prophet. When Brenton had said she was over her - well Lil had checked and seen the other in the paper. She had said it was so she could have avoided her - from this very reason but really she wanted to see her little cousin. Still there were things she could see that made her remember Evie. Age didn’t change how postured she was or the look in her eyes.

She supposed she had been an adult last time she’d seen her, so really she shouldn’t have been surprised she’d recognized her. 

“ - Evie?” Lil didn’t know what else to say suddenly feeling her scars again and the years that were between them as she quickly put the bottle down.

Eve was glad in that moment that there was no one around. She was glad that there were no cameras or gawking spectators because it allowed her to be Eve instead of Evelyn Abbott. Or, as Lillian had put it, Evie.

She had been called Evie a few times over the years - it wasn’t a stretch for those who were familiar enough to call her Eve - but it hit differently hearing it in Lil’s voice again. Tears began to well up in Eve’s eyes, but none fell. There were a million questions that probably should’ve been filling up her head in that moment, but instead of questioning how or why, Eve simply stepped forward and hugged her cousin. Not the gentle, polite hug that she usually gave when greeting old friends, but the kind where she held on so tightly she couldn’t help but bury her face into Lil’s hair. There, in the comfort of Lillian’s brown curls, a few tears slipped out.

It took her a few minutes, but she did eventually pull away. As she did, she wiped her cheeks to clear whatever was left. An undeniably gleeful smile was plastered on her face as she chose to focus on the present rather than the lost time. “What, um-” Eve shook her head slightly to refocus and her gaze shifted to the bottles. “What are you here for?”

[eveabbott]

saoirsemckxnnon​:

…

Saoirse had never met someone from Canada before, at least they didn’t think so. Given what they knew about the country, they supposed it made sense when the other referenced it. “Oh, I see. So you’re not from around here, then? How long have you been in the UK?” 

They hoped that the stranger beside them didn’t think it rude to ask such questions. Saoirse was just a naturally curious person. Though, they supposed if their company was really not wanted, the other would have just ran away and not engaged in conversation at all. “I always find it interesting when people from other countries move here. Sorry, probably not the best way to introduce oneself ey?” Chuckling, they gave a shrug of their shoulders and looked at the woman. “Saoirse. You?”

It was a question that most people knew the answer to, because the tabloids reported on it. However, there were those that didn’t pay attention even those who considered the magazines she appeared a wasteful use of paper and ink. Eve didn’t come across either type of person often, but it did happen from time to time, and apparently just had.

“No worries. I’m Evelyn. I’ve been here for just over a year now.” As they’d kept a good pace, the two were now approaching the end of the forest path. Eve began to slow her pace in the last ten metres until she reached a gentle stop as the trees and dirt ended and paved path began.

“I moved here for a change of pace, a fresh start.” Normally Eve didn’t volunteer information, but it wasn’t anything the papers didn’t already know. If the other person recognized her face somewhere in the future, it wasn’t anything they couldn’t find out on their own.

“I’m still not perfect with accents, but Ireland, right?”

[eveabbott]

who: @lil-samson​ where: Carkitt Market when: late afternoon, January 22nd, 1983

Eve wished it was a day where people were moving all around her. She would’ve loved to have seen the market full of bustling patrons, humming around as she strolled through the crowd in a dreamlike pace. On certain days she used a cloaking spell and did just that in order to enjoy the simply pleasures of meandering and eavesdropping without having to worry about press, but that wasn’t the case today.

Today rain poured down heavily, as it did often on the great island, leading to few patrons and a empty Carkitt Market. It only lead to Eve watching them closer as she peered out from under her heavily enchanted pitch black umbrella. As her hazel eyes poked out from their place of safety, Eve came across a sight she'd only imagined in her dreams over the years.

She kept her distance as she followed the brunette into the shop. After all the time that had passed, she had to be sure it was her before she said anything. The shop door closed behind her and Eve closed her umbrella, giving her an unobstructed view of the woman that was now mindfully engaging in browsing a nearby isle.

“Lil?”

[eveabbott]

who: @golden-hearted-gil​ where: a charity luncheon when: January 17th, 1983

Eve brushed the piece of hair that had fallen in front of her face back into its proper place behind her ear. The look her stylist had gone with that afternoon was effortless waves, and while it looked fantastic, it came with the occasional task of having to reposition the loose strands that ventured away from their camera ready positions.

The most annoying part of luncheons wasn’t the awkward way they fit into the day, making morning plans virtually impossible and making late afternoon ones difficult to keep, but the fact that the food always seemed to take so long to arrive. Evelyn’s day usually started early, which meant she ate early, and when lunch rolled around, she did not care to be kept waiting. However, she was not in control at events like this, so there wasn’t much she could do other than politely smile and bury any annoyance she felt deep down where it couldn’t infect her expression.

In an attempt to distract herself she turned to the person in the assigned seat next to her. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’ve seen any outfit this afternoon more stunning than what Veronica Rose walked in wearing.” There were a number of guests who could’ve been featured on a worst dressed list, but Eve decided to concentrate on the positives. “If Witch Weekly focuses their fashion column on anyone else here, they’ve been paid off. Although it wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened.”

[eveabbott]

saoirsemckxnnon​:

Being a fitness instructor, Saoirse had seen just about everything one could expect from clients. From people arriving in brightly colored matching track suits to those who threw on their oldest most worn down t-shirt and slacks with holes in them. However, they never understood why some people insisted in working out outdoors when it was below freezing in hardly any clothing.  On their daily run, they happened to catch up to someone who appeared to be doing just that. “You know how cold it is, right mate? I mean, I get it, right? But you’ll freeze your arse off like that.”

Evelyn had settled into a workout routine years ago that suited her, and while she did try the latest trend from time to time for fun, she always kept up with what worked. She knew there would come a day when she’d have to change things up in order to keep up with her body as it aged, but until that day came she wasn’t going to worry about it.

Evelyn swallowed, doing her best to avoid starting with ‘um’ or ‘uh’ as she noticed the person who was now running beside her. “I do know how cold it is. This is just like I what to wear when I run.”

Now that she’d spoken she was sure it was obvious, but she’d give it anyways as an explanation. “Maybe it’s just a Canadian thing? The weather here doesn’t seem so bad in comparison.”

[eveabbott]

kit-shafiq​:

Kit just wanted to go home, but his mom had invited him to dinner so when he finished his work he had gone to the restaurant. They had a usual table, a perk of their last name - and  because of that he quickly realized that his mother had set him up on another blind date. 

He should have seen it coming, but now that he knew someone was there he felt bad of just ghosting completely but sitting through another blind date sounded awful. It wasn’t anything against the stranger he just didn’t want to deal with it right now. 

Still he couldn’t just leave her there waiting for him not to come, so he turned to someone near him as he tried to put a plan together.

“Hey this sounds weird but could you tell the lady over there that Kit got stuck in a meeting and that he is sorry for missing. I’ll give you twenty gallons for the trouble. Merlin my mom set me up on another blind date or I wouldn’t ask.” 

Evelyn sat quietly at the bar as the restaurant buzzed around her. Waiters carrying trays elegantly presented meals and fancy, enchanted desserts rushed through the open spaces as patrons sat firmly at their tables. Every so often new customers would arrive and satisfied ones left, but for the most part they stood still as the staff moved around them, proving that miracles did exist by the fact that there hadn’t been a collision since Evelyn arrived.

There wasn’t a particularly good reason why she was there. Unlike most her social outings that were either for pleasure or had an express, photographable purpose, this one was simply to kill time. She had a function scheduled for later that evening, and while she did enjoy the silence her apartment offered, she didn’t like the opportunity it provided for her assistant to bombard her with information and queries about the upcoming week’s events.

The man’s voice caught Evelyn off guard, but she caught everything he said nonetheless. She turned around her high walnut bar stool to face him. “That does sound weird.” Evelyn paused and smiled, keeping him waiting just a moment before cutting the suspense he was surely feeling. “But sure, I’ll go over and tell her you couldn’t make it. Just don’t give me the 20 galleons - I don’t need it. Order me another Blood and Sand instead.”

Eve hopped down from where she sat and made her way over to the poor soul she was helping the man stand up. She delivered the news with a trademark sweetness and then promptly left, leaving the other woman no opportunity to investigate further. Aside from the fact that she was potentially confused about what meeting caused Kit to miss their date, the woman was also potentially wondering why Evelyn Abbott of all people was the one to tell her that her date wasn’t going to show. The woman’s confusion, however, was none of Evelyn’s concern.

As she reclaimed her seat at the bar, it appeared that Kit had complied with her request. “It’s all taken care of,” Eve assured before taking her first sip of her new drink.

[eveabbott]

ashton-richardson​:

Ash was trying to be mild with his own opinions, but he wasn’t sure how well he was doing. It was weird, standing next to Eve wanting to - make her comfortable in a sense. It wasn’t something he usually cared about for most people. After all, no one tried to make him comfortable and even though Eve wasn’t exactly trying either and probably didn’t expect it out of him. 

So he hesitated slightly realizing that she must think that he was going to put her in the news. He didn’t have the intention too - it wouldn’t help with what he was trying to do and if he was honest he didn’t want too. 

“True enough. It’s hard to be in the discussion,” He said trying not to show that he knew the feeling. Having eyes on you that were calculating your worth. As he grown unassuming with age it had gotten better but Ana and him had always felt eyes on them. They were inherently inferior even though they were apart of this world. They had followed the rules and still ended up on the heap pile of scandals. 

Maybe that’s why he didn’t want to subject her to one. He knew first hand how it could wreck someone, and for some reason he’d rather Eve not have to deal with it. 

“Lucky enough,” Ash said with a smile putting his own glass down and leaning on the counter looking at the ballroom with all the dancing people. “Yes, but doesn’t it look like something out of a fairy tale though? With all the gowns and everything. You couldn’t have had a magical picture like this without the crowd. The gardens are lovely too. I just came in from out there, if you were hoping for a breather or if the crowds get too much you should visit. And - just so you know I’m press, but I’m not on the record. If you were worried about that you don’t have to be. I personally am not one for pulling out individuals into scandals. My earlier comment was more so for the entirety of the party not for individuals.” 

“I suppose...”

Eve looked out over the crowd as Ash spoke. If someone had asked her what the room looked like, what her impression of the party was, she would’ve said disorganized. Sure, some people, like herself, looked put together. She, the Blacks, the Malfoys, the Rosiers, and the likes made the crowd sparkle with oversized, teaming gowns and shining gold and silver accents. But this year, unlike the years before it, there were flaws.

At his suggestion, Eve tried to see what he saw. She tried to see the crowd of people in front of her not as individuals, each with their own worth, but as a whole. She supposed that even with the new additions, it was still quite spectacular. And princes and princesses weren’t the only characters in fairy tales. There were townspeople and paupers too. The stories would be rather dull without them.

Eve smiled at the reassurance. It hadn’t been at the forefront of her mind, but the thought had certainly been hovering in the background. The press was supposed stay true to their word and not write about what was off the record, but Evelyn knew that wasn’t always the case. Gossip columns were rarely made without breaking that rule. However, Evelyn had a feeling he wasn’t going to do that. She wasn’t sure exactly what it was - perhaps the personal declaration - but Ash didn’t seem like the kind.

“I haven’t had a chance to see the gardens yet this year.” She looked at Ash, still smiling from before. “Let’s go.”

Evelyn walked away, heading towards the proper exit. She hadn’t been outside, but assumed that much hadn’t changed from the year prior. A normal, less self-assured person might’ve looked back to see if the other person was following them. Evelyn just assumed Ash was, not turning to face him again until they were outside.

There weren’t many people taking a breather from the ballroom, but regardless, Evelyn didn’t linger by the door. She began to descend down the stone steps, towards the hedges and floral beds that laid below.

“One of the nicest things about being out here in the country is getting to see the stars. You can barely even see them at night in London.”

[eveabbott]

ambrxsse​:

.

Ambrose paused when Evelyn mentioned Barbara missing him. He badly wanted to cast her a doubtful look, but he knew that it wouldn’t be appropriate. Ambrose perfectly knew that his wife was doing just fine. She did send him letters, but it was always about updates on her own business that she managed to put up with the Kennedys’ money. Occasionally, she would also ask if there is any progress to Amrbose’s true agenda in England. But there were no mentions of anyone missing anyone of any kind. “That’s very thoughtful of you to send it forward. I’m sure Barbara would appreciate it too.” Ambrose’s words were polite, but his eyes were wary, asking Evelyn what was the point to this entire farce.

“I do plan to visit. Christmas perhaps. Spending the holidays here alone seems kind of lonely.” That, at least, was true. Even though their relationship lacked love or any sort of compassion, Barbara was the longest companion Ambrose has ever had. In one way or another, he did, in fact, miss her. “How about you? Surely, you haven’t left everything behind in America.”

If every time Eve was thoughtful was actually sincere, then thoughtful would be her middle name. That was rarely the case though, so perhaps mirage would fit better.

Lilith was the middle name her parents had given her at birth. When she was young she’d seen it as dark and inspiring. In her early twenties it felt passe and too on the nose. If her mother had wanted to say something with it, she could’ve chosen something less obvious. Now, as Evelyn approached thirty, she didn’t really think about it anymore. Whether her parents had chosen it haphazardly or with intention didn’t matter. It fit and it wasn’t boring like ‘Marie’ or ‘Ann’.

Eve had fabricated that Barbara missed him, but even so it was sweet, the idea that he’d be lonely without her. Even if he didn’t mean it, it struck a warm feeling in Eve’s chest.

“No, of course not, but I’m not sure if I’ll go back. Most of the people I know are moving parts. It’s more likely that they’ll come here for Christmas, or we’ll all meet up somewhere warm instead.” Eve didn’t actually remember the last time her whole family had spent Christmas together at their Bridle Path home. There were only three of them, but for some reason they could never all be pinned down in the same place at the same time.

[eveabbott]

ashton-richardson​:

Ash had to admit the party was more interesting than it had been.People were whispering and going on about who did what and the new people that were suddenly demanding attention. It was a change of pace, but getting to talk to Eve was nicer than that.  Maybe it was because he hadn’t planned on her wanting to talk to him, or because she was more of a mystery to him but his focus went more to her than anyone else now. 

He snorted at the  idea looking at her and back at the ball for a moment. “No I would still have to report something. People always love a scandal and the first ball opened to everyone - or nearly? I would have to make it somewhat scandalous.” 

Not that he cared. He wasn’t interested in any of the politics going on the surface level of tonight. He’d rather overhear something, but everyone was on their guard with others here. 

At the comment Ash nodded slightly and sipped at the drink. “ Everyone is tense at least a little but it should calm down soon enough. I think that was the point of this. To show that we aren’t so different from others. Or at least that’s how they presented it to the press. I rather think that they just wanted to see what happened personally.” 

He said it almost as if he was a conspirator, knowing that Eve would probably hesitate talking to him casually. He wasn’t going to put anything she said in the press but he figured she wouldn’t know that. 

“Attendance to the party was low last year I think and now it’s packed.” 

Eve listened to what Ash said, wishing it weren’t true. It didn’t phase her anymore, the requirement for scandal. Everyone around her lapped for it constantly, as if they needed something salacious with every meal. At this point, Eve simply found the truth of the industry tiring. Gossip made her world go round. What people couldn’t believe was what sold, no matter the emotional and mental toll the false headlines and exaggerated articles took on their subjects.

Whenever she felt like voicing her distaste for it, Evelyn kept her mouth shut. She felt, whether it was true or not, that after all of her years in the spotlight, after everything it had given her, she couldn’t really say anything. It wasn’t like she was one of the poor souls who was born in the middle of the ring. Yes, her family was old and well-known, bound to attract some attention, but for the most part she brought it on herself. She had pushed at the beginning of her career to go bigger and bolder. She had thrown herself into the international spotlight. If a tabloid printed something harsh or cruel about her, it was simply the karma for whatever good press she’d gotten the cycle before. It was the cost of doing business.

At his use of ‘we’, Evelyn wasn’t sure what to feel. She initially took it as including both of them, that they were there, observing the expanse together. However, as he went on, the distance between them grew until she wasn’t a part of his ‘we’ anymore. She was an outsider, closer to the ‘they’ that presented a pretty face and bolstered false good intentions to the press than to his ‘we’. She was one of the others.

“Well, it certainly would give them all something new to talk about. Keep them from shooting the same old insults at whatever target’s at the top of this week’s cycle.” Evelyn had meant to be sincere, but as she began to speak, her words came out flat. Part of her wanted to hop to the other side momentarily, to be a part of the ‘we’, but she wasn’t. She was the ‘them’, waiting to see what disaster might befall those who felt out of place or, crosswise, to see what disaster might befall the aristocrats who risked heart attacks each time they found out they’d just danced beside a mudblood. She was one of the ones who would watch and, if she wanted to, could enjoy it all, knowing she’d be unscathed at the end of the night, no matter what happened.

At his second comment Eve couldn’t disagree. Attendance was up, but honestly, with the length of the guest list last year, it would’ve been impossible to attain these numbers. Even if every single person invited had showed up, they wouldn’t have been able to pack the ballroom as it was now.

“That’s true. Thankfully, it’s not any harder to get a drink.” Eve finished hers and set it down on the counter behind them. Flutes, for all their aesthetic advantages, didn’t hold a lot of liquid. “It is harder to find space to dance though. Apparently everyone came wanting to make a show of it.”

[eveabbott]

ashton-richardson​:

Ash gave a grin and a wink at her comment not mentioning it further. It had been a bit silly for him to say, but it had at least amusing to see her reaction. He supposed she had figured out it was him which, was interesting in itself. 

He would have figured she would have steer clear of him, but maybe he had been right that he’d amused her enough not to make her see him as a threat. For some reason that made him feel a little - glad.

Taking a sip of his own flute he nodded slightly. “Yes. Although not usually as a guest. This year I was extended an invitation not contingent on me writing a story, although I’m sure that they are hoping I do anyway. I would ask you the same, but it seems a bit silly off a question for you.” He said with smile.

“Are you enjoying your night?”

Evelyn smiled. Attending events like this one were supposed to be her pleasure. That’s how she and her publicist presented it. How could a girl not love dressing up in sparkly ballgowns to pose for pictures and dance at lavish events? However, after a certain number, they became work.

That’s how part of her expected to feel about Prospero’s event before she arrived. But, rather than make the party a bore and therefore require more effort on her part to look enthused, the new guests actually made thing easier. The gossip being passed around wasn’t the same old rivalries between petty aristocrats with nothing better to squabble about. Instead, the rich housewives of London seemed to be on the same side for once, banded together against the abhorrent attendees they never would’ve invited if they’d decided the guest list.

Her date though, as she had hoped wouldn’t be the case, was less than thrilling. He was very pretty for pictures, but not a great conversationalist. The excitement that the new gossip brought was mellowed when Eve realized just how uninteresting things would be if she stuck with her date all night.

“Still, you don’t have to - that must be nice. The pressure is off if tonight turns out to be boring and completely devoid of anything newsworthy.” She doubted it would be, but there was always the chance.

“I am. There are a lot of familiar faces, of course. They’re great to see even if I can’t actually see them tonight. And the new faces... they’ve certainly set a new tone. I know some people are less than thrilled, but I’m waiting until the end of the night to pass judgement on the new guest list.”

Most of the first-time attendees Eve would’ve rather had kicked out, but some of them she didn’t mind.

[lilyjcollins-news]

Lily Collins for Backstage Magazine

[eveabbott]

who: anyone! (friends, family, and other socialites were invited, but anyone could’ve been brought as a plus one or somehow could’ve gotten past security) where: a field in rural, southern England when: 8 p.m. or later on November 13th, 1982 attire: Evelyn, black tie optional

Evelyn had thought about hosting her twenty-ninth birthday party in a hotel ballroom or maybe at a room in the Oxford Magic Library, but eventually settled on outdoor festivities. Towering white tents were magically constructed in the early afternoon, and in the hours since the event planner Eve hired had transformed what was once the middle of a field into a dazzling landscape. As the party began, waiters in all white or all black ensembles circled the five joined tents, serving a variety of appetizers and desserts. Evelyn specifically requested that there be an open bar in each tent so that no one had to wait in line to hydrate, and while she had kept the guest list small by her standards, an hour after the party began all five tents were at capacity. There was room to move around and space enough on the dance floor, but if anyone else showed up, even if the were on the list, they would probably have to be turned away.

The theme was technically the classic black and white ball, but to keep things interesting, Eve threw silver into the event’s colour scheme as well. She wanted to keep it classic, she couldn’t deny that it was her intention given her chosen theme, but if she didn’t add something of her own to it, it’d be utterly forgettable. A little twist on the theme, killer signature cocktails, and the most recent up and coming caterers and she was sure to crush it in the next week’s news cycle.

As Eve made her rounds the largest smile was plastered across her face. She was sure something was bound not to be perfect sooner or later, every event had its hiccups, but for now, things were supreme and she wasn’t going to question it.

Evelyn said her goodbyes to the group she was talking to and turned around to check in on the rest of her guests, only to gently bump into someone. It wasn’t very hard, it wouldn’t have even been possible for one of them to have spilled their drink, but she apologized nonetheless.

“I am so sorry. It’s a bit crowded in here,” Eve laughed. “I hope you’re having a good time.”

[eveabbott]

beeavery​:

Where: Bonfire party; Isle of Harris When: 5th November 1982, evening Who: Brenton && open (friends and family invited specifically)

It was a tradition started when he was but a child. The Avery family (still very much a family, a unit) had been walking through the city on the way back from a meal in celebration of the eldest child’s sixth birthday when a display of fireworks lit the sky. Brenton was fascinated by the show, amazed that it appeared to be in his honour, being on his birthday like this.

He never got to grips with what the holiday actually was but he soon learned that it was very much a thing in Muggle Britain. Some of them called it Bonfire Night. A whole night just for bonfires and fireworks and some other weird and crazy Muggle traditions like throwing fake people onto the bonfires all of which sounded utterly exhilarating. Maybe he had no interest in celebrating some failed attack on the Muggle government but he quickly decided that having a fire and explosions to celebrate his birthday sounded pretty perfect to him and it was the one night of the year they could do that without drawing unwanted attention from Glaswegian Muggles.

It was still his favourite way to ring in a new year of life and as he had grown older it gained guests from different schools and phases of his life and sometimes even strangers who had somehow stumbled their way in. Alcohol flowed a little too close to the roaring fire, which was better than its muggle counterparts because it was sustained by magic. This year, for his thirtieth, it was bigger than ever. The flames reflected in his eyes as he grinned at the next person he saw. “So where’s my present, then?”

Evelyn wasn’t used to the kind of parties that Brenton threw. Normally, if she was invited to an even there was a dress code and proper time to arrive. Depending on the setting, she may have to watch out for cameras or she might be expected to willingly pose for them. Regardless, the expectations were rigid, the people were fake, and the glamour was the main aim. Here, things were very different.

In the forty minutes she’d been there, Eve had already had several conversations with people she’d never met before and probably wouldn’t see again until Brenton’s next gathering. Not only was she drinking from a red cup, but she’d refilled it twice, and the bit of food she’d had she’d eaten off of a paper plate. Things were strange, but Eve was glad they were. It was refreshing to be at an event where perhaps people recognized her, but they didn’t really care. She was just another person there to celebrate Brenton turning the big three oh.

Eve was standing in front of the fire, letting it warm her when Brenton approached. She was already in an oversized sweater, but for some reason, Eve had found herself tending to run cold since arriving in the UK.

“They’re both on your bed already. You’ll have to try them out tomorrow though, when you’re a bit more sober.” The spell she’d created for him was a bit too dangerous to try for the first time when drunk, and Eve figured Brenton wasn’t likely to want to change into a custom suit with the party already started.

[eveabbott]

aleiadolohov​:

…

A laugh escaped Aleia, free, for once, from the idea that she had to be perfect for the world around her. Evelyn was the one person she truly felt as though she could let her guard around; a person who felt like family, even though she’d never quite known what family was. “Vous voulez dire que vous n'aimez pas parler comme si la lettre ‘r’ n'existait pas?” she asked, raising a brow at her Canadian friend ( you mean you don’t enjoy speaking as if the letter “r” doesn’t exist? ). Of course, Eve knew how she felt about the country. France was her home away from home, and while Aleia missed Paris, she missed the countryside more. 

Really, she missed the beaches, and the sunshine on the water. England was nothing if not predictable in its weather, so sometimes it was nice to soak in some sunshine. Of course, Aleia should never have doubted that Eve would try to bring her a bit of Paris. With wide eyes, she took the box, and gently unwrapped it to see her favorite macarons. “Oh, Eve,” she said, quietly, genuinely at a loss for words. 

Aleia wasn’t used to getting presents this way. Sure, she’d gotten gifts, had never truly had to want for anything. But having someone who knew what you’d like and brought it home without a second thought? No, she’d never had that. “Thank you,” she said, finally. “But I have to insist you share after lunch because there’s no way I would ever be able to eat all of these.” That was a lie, and they’d both know it, but Aleia couldn’t help but offer. 

Eve laughed as Aleia spoke French. Would she ever respond in French? Absolutely not. The only time Evelyn spoke French was when she was in Quebec or France and felt that the francophone she was about to converse with was particularly hostile. If she felt the person opposite her was amicable, she’d respond in English every time.

“You’re welcome, and absolutely. Sharing macarons is an offer I can never turn down.” While she had been thinking of Aleia when she’d decided to make the trip to get the macarons, Eve had caved and bought a box for herself as well when she was there. They were just too good not to.

END

[eveabbott]

dolohovant​:

..

It wasn’t how he expected to spend time with the woman who married his brother. Sure, the Dolohovs had never been a conventional family, but it felt strange that the most time he’d ever spent with Evelyn was after Alexander was dead. But of course. His brother would have never let Antonin within a step of his wife. He wasn’t sure how much time he’d spend with Eve. He hardly expected them all to turn into a big happy family, but it felt like the first chapter now that Alexander and Nikolai were dead. He could breathe now.

He wished he could speed up this process. They really should have met somewhere else. “Why don’t we just try it out while I have you? Save us both some time.” He folded up his notes. “Maybe I should have foreseen this happening.” He caught glimpse of her face. “Not here. We’ll go somewhere. I hardly want to set this place on fire, even if that does sound quite enjoyable.”

“Sure.” It wasn’t what Eve had planned, but she was amenable to a change of scenery. While she was happy to meet with Antonin in public and their meeting so far was going well, she wasn’t exactly ready to go to a second location of his choosing just yet. Evelyn picked up her purse and stood up, preparing to exit. “Let’s go to my place.”

Once outside, Eve extended her arm to Antonin to apparate them both to her apartment. Eventually she might think of it as her flat, but for now penthouse and apartment both came to mind quicker than the preferred British term.

Normally Eve would’ve offered him something to drink, but they hadn’t begun at the restaurant, and this was rather a continuation of that. If things went well, maybe they could celebrate with cocktails after, but for now, sobriety was better.

“Follow me.” Evelyn walked from the living area where they had landed and over to a glossy, midnight black door. With a quick swish and flick of her wand, the door dissolved to reveal her testing room. The entire room appeared to be painted concrete, the walls a pristine white while the floor matched the midnight black door. If she needed to test upon something, she could always bring it in, but aside from a test subject, what was the point of decorating? In her line of work, arson, explosions, flooding, and more, were all occupational hazards. Evelyn didn’t put in the effort she usually did when curating a space only for it to potentially be destroyed by one wayward spell.

Evelyn walked inside, not pressuring Antonin to take the first steps into foreign territory. “This is where I test everything I create. If you need a subject of some kind, the house elf can get it for you.” As Evelyn spoke, the small creature appeared in the doorway behind them.

[eveabbott]

pembrokesseeker​:

..

Percy knew he had seen her somewhere, but for an uncommon time, he couldn’t remember how he knew her face. It wasn’t polite to ask, but perhaps it would come up if he asked the right questions.

“I like suits and parties, but tuxedos can be quite constricting.” He paused. “Harder to get off.” It was an inappropriate comment in some contexts, but he didn’t seem to mind.

“Ah, yes,” he said at her introduction. “I’ve heard the name.” He felt silly for not recognising it sooner. “I write for the Prophet so I tend to have an ear for names.”

And the cover was broken. In truth, Evelyn had hoped it would last, but she wasn’t expecting it to.

She smiled at his comment. “That is a problem with these gatherings. And unfortunately this,” she gestured to her ensemble. “Is no easier. You’d think dresses would be simple to slide on and off, but not ballgowns.” Especially not those with corsets, but thankfully Eve wasn’t in one of those prisons tonight.

“The Prophet’s a great publication. What do you usually cover?” Evelyn hoped it wasn’t fashion or entertainment. Otherwise the possibility that he’d written something about her would be nagging at the back of her mind the rest of their conversation.