FADING LIGHT;

[goldenerahq]

s. black·

Charing Cross Event One || Open Starter

it was almost humorous, the way the other party goers clumped together in groups chatting away in an attempt at hushed voices thought they were being subtle. sirius had always possessed the typical black family traits physically, but between the dress robes and the scotch pressed firmly into his palm he was a dead ringer for orion at his age. he hadn’t been to a party like this since before he left home so perhaps he misremembered he didn’t think he ever felt like this before. The guests of his aunt and uncle knew who he was, knew that even though he shared a name he was no longer considered a Black and made sure to treat him as such. Of course many lower level guests of the ministry saw nothing more than another pureblood member of the 28 in robes that cost more than they made in a month. (thank you uncle alphard). it didn’t matter what side you spoke to, he was an outcast either way. to pure for half and to accepting for the rest- it had become his entire being since leaving school and it made his stomach churn in a way he didn’t recognize or understand. 

he finished his drink quickly as he got lost in his internal monologue and was headed towards the bar when a tap on his shoulder got his attention. “what? can’t you see i’m doing something?” great job sirius. give the room one more reason to think your a dick.

Mary hadn’t been to anything like this before. The closest she had ever come to anything close was her mother’s work parties but those were infinitely more casual than what Mary had saw before her. She felt so out of place in the sea of finery and besides Zara, who she had accompanied, she couldn’t find anyone that she knew. She hung back and decided to focus more on the museum around her. It was her first time there and what it had to offer astounded her. Idly, she wandered through until she had spotted him out of the corner of her eye and a relieved smile graced her features.

Quickly, she made her way behind him and had tapped him on the shoulder only to withdraw at the sound of his tone. Her brows rose in surprise, “Hello to you too, Sirius. Would have thought you’d be happy to see me.”

[goldenerahq]

z. zabini

closed starter for @mmvcdonvld​

Zara had quite enjoyed Mary’s presence. Ever since their rather unfortunate run-in where she’d been in the midst of a mood swing, she had found herself seeing the girl around a few times. Now, with a soiree as huge as she knew it would be with the Blacks in charge, she asked Mary if she would be interested in tagging along. After all, she saw so much of herself in that girl. What a wonder it would be to watch her bloom as Zara had. “Oh, you look absolutely stunning,” Zara said, looking at Mary with approval. It had taken a bit of back and forth, but they finally settled on a dress for her. And wow, it had paid off. “Would you like a drink? They keep handing me glasses and I keep having to pass them off.” 

---- Mary felt out of place and even though she was there at the event, she couldn’t believe that she had agreed. She was in a room full of some of the most important people in the Magical Community and she was just a book shop clerk all dressed up. “Oh thanks, you as well,” she flushed as she looked down at her dress. She wore white opposed to Zara who was dressed in a beautiful black gown. “Yes, I would love a drink, I’ll take all the ones you can’t have,” she chuckled and was a little glad for all the parties she had attended in the gryffindor common room. It had prepared her well for large alcohol consumption.

[goldenerahq]

mary macdonald entered the ceremony to celebrate the birthday of the Minister of magic as zara zabini’s plus one.

[basketcasemp3]

[goldenerahq]

r. cattermole·

Reginald beamed as Mary sat down in front of him. Mary MacDonald. What a woman. Despite differences in age and houses at Hogwarts, they had gotten to know one another after many afternoons spent in the library at different tables. They always seemed to be in at the same time, and finally Reginald had asked if he could sit with her, and they had quickly become friends and study buddies. But ever since he had graduated from Hogwarts, he hadn’t seen her much, and for her to be here now, in front of him, was a huge gift to Reg. 

“Oh, I forgot you always insisted on calling me that,” he said with a laugh, shaking his head. “Yeah, I help Tom out as his second-in-command and he gives me a flat upstairs to live in, plus a decent paycheck.” He smiled at the younger witch. He had forgotten how pretty she was. Shaking the thought out of his head, he leaned forward. “Well, can I get you something to drink?”

---- This was a pleasant turn of events for Mary. She had no idea that she was going to run into him again but it was a surprise that she was more than happy to receive. “Well, no one else used that nickname for you,” Mary spoke up as she rested her chin on top of her hands and looked over at her old friend. For them, it had been awhile since they had seen each other. He graduated two years before her and her fast few years at Hogwarts had been trying to say the least. He still looked the same. Still handsome as ever. That smile of his was still kind and charming, and it may still put that small flutter in the pit of her stomach. She ignored it though.

---- “Second in command you say? Do friends get a discount,” Mary asked teasingly before she nodded at his question. “May I have a glass of elder flower wine, please? I unfortunately have to work in the morning, so I can’t have too much fun.”

[goldenerahq]

z. zabini·

Letting out a soft, sad sigh,  Zara glanced downwards for a moment. “Oh, thank you. It really was a tragedy. I only wish he’d gone peacefully but-” She forced tears to her eyes, fanning herself. “Sorry, I’m sorry. The hormones don’t make it any easier.” She laughed, fanning herself again. It made her sad to see such a beautiful young girl who had seemingly accepted everyone’s behavior towards her. So she sighed again. “You know, my mother taught me, beautiful girls like the two of us… People will walk all over us if we let them. So I learned a long time ago not to let him… I mean, them.” A small laugh, a little smile in her direction. “But it took a very long time for me to learn that. And a lot of practice. Should you ever need, or even want, a little help… fighting those fights, even the little ones,” another smile crept across her face. “Well, I’d be happy to help. Because winning the little fights… that might seem like nothing. But it gives you respect. Power. All the things a pretty girl like us deserves.” Another laugh. This one lighter. “Sorry. What a heavy conversation for the sweets line. Hormones.” 

---- Each time that Zara referred to her as a beautiful girl, a girl at the same level as Zara herself, Mary could feel her cheeks grow more red. The heat rose from her toes and she hated it. She never knew how to take a compliment even at the best of times. She quickly cleared her throat and moved forward as the line did. “You shouldn’t apologize for hormones,” she murmured and glanced back at Zara. She noticed the woman’s misstep with her words-- him and them. Most wouldn’t have caught on but Mary had made that mistake before, stumbling over her words. “What kind of help,” she asked softly.

[cammiegoodes]

[abbeycowens]

abbeycowen: *holds invisible telephone to ear*

[goldenerahq]

r. cattermole‌

Reginald stood behind the bar at the Leaky Cauldron, his chin resting on his hands as he surveyed the pub. It had been a quiet Tuesday afternoon, and he had already checked the inventory, wiped all the tables, and cleaned all the dishes that had stacked up in the back. Some days he appreciated it when it was slow, but other days it seemed to drag on. This was one of those dragging days. He wished he had thought to grab a book when he came downstairs to start his shift, but he hadn’t, and he couldn’t leave the bar to run all the way upstairs now. He’d just have to wait it out and hope for a rush.

As he was considering all of this, the door from Diagon Alley swung open and a pretty young witch entered the pub, looking around before making her way to the bar. Reg straightened up and put a smile on his face, ready to welcome her. But when he looked fully into her face, his smile turned from professional to authentic. “Mary MacDonald? Is that you?”

---- Tuesday was an odd day for a book shop to be busy but Flourish and Blotts had decided that Tuesday was the day they did their discounts. Not only was Mary busy keeping up with customers but she had to make sure all the proper books were in the right places. Making sure not to find any of the new best sellers were in the discount pile, as some of their customers tried to sneak them in there in an attempt to get a good deal. By the time her shift was over, Mary was tired and there was a dull ache in her lower back. It served her right for wearing her boots that day but they were the best for the skirt that she opted to put on with her jumper.

---- The Leaking Cauldron was a nice reprieve from her day and she felt a little more relaxed. She looked around the room and didn’t see who she was supposed be meeting, so she made her way to the bar to wait. Once she reached it, her brows rose in surprise. “Hello to you too, Reggie,” She smiled and took a seat right in front of him. “It’s been awhile. I didn’t know you worked here.”

[goldenerahq]

z. zabini

As the girl stepped to the side and gestured for her to go in front, Zara finally felt that guilt settle in. Damn these mood swings. Damn these hormones for making her forget that the target of her anger should never be a small, demure, beautiful little thing. She sighed. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I’ve just - I’ve just lost my husband, and this baby is all I have of him. I’m a bit… all over the place,” Zara explained. Lost her husband. The sentence made her giggle inside. She couldn’t have gotten rid of that last one fast enough. But that was beside the point. “Please, I don’t need to cut in. I’m patient. I just… had a moment.” She was quiet for a beat. “You ought to stand up for yourself a bit more, though,” she said, trying to smile. “If you backed down that easily for little old me? I’m not that scary, am I?” 

---- Mary’s brow furrowed and she looked at Zara unable to hide her confusion. She wasn’t use to anyone apologizing to her, at least not in the wizarding world. Most just demanded that she accepted their behavior towards her and she had learned that was how it was going to be. “It’s alright,” she said as the nerves in her stomach dissipated a little. “I can’t really blame you, I am sorry to hear about your husband, no one should have to deal with that kind of loss.” She inched back into her place though she turned her attention more to the woman beside her. At her question, her fingers brushed against the scar that lingered on her right brow before she gently tucked her hair behind her ear. “No, I’ve just learned there are some fights that don’t need to be fought.”

[goldenerahq]

r. lupin·

Remus looked up as Mary softened her tone, endeared by the sound of her voice but also by the way she didn’t try to convince him everything was okay. She knew it wasn’t, and she never had been the type of person to pretend otherwise. “Oh… I’ll have a scoop of salted caramel.” He told the cashier, politely shaking his head when he was offered a cone or another scoop. It was a miracle he was even considering eating one scoop, in his opinion. Not to mention the fact that he was supposed to be saving money. He could allow Dee to pay for his medicines because his boyfriend managed to bring home so many supplies from St Mungos after work. He had often asked about whether it was against any rules and had been assured his boss knew how badly he needed them. This wasn’t a necessity though, so he made a mental note to pay him back when he was given the chance. “Too long.” He admitted, accepting his meager paper tub of ice cream with a tired smile. “You’re okay though, right?”

---- Mary took her cone when it was prepared for her and stepped out of the way so the other patrons could make their orders. She collected them both paper napkins and held out his for him. At his question, she shrugged. Was she ever fully okay? The answer was no, she wasn’t. She was able to go about her day functioning at what was considered a normal level. But some days, like today, were better than others. She took a bite of her treat and savored the sugary sweetness before she replied, “I’m okay, Remus. I’ll let you know when I’m not. I keep to myself and don’t bother anyone. That’s how I plan to keep it.”

[goldenerahq]

z. zabini

“I don’t care about your apology, I’m expecting a child,” she spat back, glaring at the girl. “You don’t need to be rude, I’m the one who almost broke their ankle because of you,” she said, holding a hand over her stomach and screwing her face up into a scowl. “Acta non verba,” she murmured. Actions, not words. “After everything else I’ve gone through this week, it would be my luck to break a heel,” she said, repairing her shoe with a quick wave of her wand. “Whatever. It didn’t sound like you meant it to me, but it’s fine. I’m fine now. Lucky for you.” 

---- Mary could have pointed out that she wasn’t in fact, rude as the woman behind her had said she was. She could have pointed out that she did mean as she said but what would be the point of it? Years of bullying and torment from the likes of this woman had taught Mary one thing, they didn’t care for what she had to say. And to honest, she had lost her taste for sweets. She took a step to the side and held out her hand in front of her to let Zara go ahead of her. She simply wanted to go home.

[goldenerahq]

s. black

Sirius had let one of the younger artists close up the shop for the night so he could leave early after his last appointment and go meet Mary, a half grin on his face as he arrived. He looked around for a moment, looking to find where in the small crowd she was and walked over. 

“Well, if it isn’t Miss Mary Mac in the flesh.” he chuckled, allowing an arm to rest teasingly on top of her head. 

---- “All dressed up in Black.” Mary wrinkled her nose and she playfully swatted at the arm that he had rested on her head. “Watch out for the hair,” she said through her giggles as she stepped away and smoothed her hands over her curls. “It’s actually agreeable for me today, don’t ruin it.”

[goldenerahq]

z. zabini

Zara was still playing the grieving wife… sometimes. Only sometimes she forgot to play it well. After all, she’s been ‘sad’ for a whole 8 days. Do you know how exhausting that was for someone who didn’t even know how to feel emotions on a normal day? So, for doing such a great job pulling off that interaction at the lingerie store (where she’d dropped loads of her late husband’s money on new pieces), she was treating herself to a Cauldron Cake. Not one to be discouraged by a line, nor one to cut to the front like some of her more brash colleagues might, she took her place behind a shock of red hair. She was enjoying herself just fine, soaking the sun into her dark skin, until she had to catch said redhead in front of her so that they both didn’t go flying to the ground. “Ugh,” Zara hissed, clenching her jaw and finding her balance again. “Did you skip balance lessons as an infant? I’m expecting. You nearly took me out.” 

---- Mary managed to shuffle back to her feet. Her cheeks were bright red from embarrassment and it only worsened when she realized who she had bumped into. Only her luck would bring her in front of someone who was more than certainly to dislike her. Not for anything that Mary herself can control but she wasn’t going to dwell on that. “I did apologize,” she pointed out as she straightened her jacket and cleared her throat. “And I meant it. I didn’t see you and I’ll pay better attention next time.”

[goldenerahq]

r. lupin

Remus laughed, shaking his head. “I think that might be a you thing.” He assured Mary, following her as she led the way into the shop. Ducking inside as she held the door for him, the smell of sugar hit him suddenly, comforting him, making him feel at home. “Get both?” He suggested, moving to stand beside her so that he could look down at the collection. He liked to pretend he was debating another flavour, but no matter how long he looked, he always, always ended up with salted caramel. He was a creature of habit, apparently. “We could all use a reason to smile… especially now.”

---- “It might be,” Mary laughed and looked over the sweets that presented before them. Fortescue always had something different on the menu, something interesting to try, but Mary was a creature of habit and so she stepped up to the counter and ordered a scoop of mint chocolate chip on a sugar cone before she looked back at Remus. “Especially now,” she repeated softly and paid for her treat. It seemed that the topic of everything that was happening was unavoidable no matter how much she wished for the opposite. “All of this has been happening for awhile.”

[goldenerahq]

l. evans

Lily looked around at the scene of her living room, her hands on the hips as she surveyed her work. Mary was coming over for a girl’s night, and Lily had set up the living room in such a way that they could both settle in for good talk but also jump around and have a dance party should the mood strike. She had set out a bottle of wine with two glasses, some of her and Mary’s favorite snacks, and lots of the candy that Lily was not so secretly addicted to. Satisfied with her handiwork, Lily nodded and then jumped as the bell rang. Scurrying over to the door, Lily pulled it open, beaming. “Mary! You’re here!”

---- Mary beamed up at her friend once the door was answered. She held up the bag she had brought with her and nodded. “No where else I would want to be,” she replied as she stepped up to her friend’s door. “I brought mini cakes and biscuits for us to devour.” She made her way inside and looked around feeling instantly at home. There was no doubt that this was much needed, just the two of them acting their age for once. “Tell me everything, how was your week?”

[goldenerahq]

@sriusblaack​ // s. black

---- Happily, Mary clocked off from her shift and waved the shop goodbye. Today was her Friday and she was going to spend it with one of her most favourite people. Once she was clear from the sight of others, Mary apparated close to the part of town where she had told Sirius she was going to meet them. She had no idea what they were going to do-- not that they really ever had a plan whenever they got together-- and she didn’t really mind. She just wanted to relax and forget about everything that was going on. 

---- With her hands tucked into the pockets of her jacket, Mary leaned against the light post and idly looked up at it as she waited.