imagined beauty

MARY MACDONALD 18 years old. healer-in-training. former gryffindor. neutral.

[mxrymxcdonald]

Lily: It's so weird to think that James is the last person I kissed. Actually, Sirius is the last person I kissed.

Mary: Okay, what?

Lily: It was nothing. James was watching.

Mary: What is happening in this tower?

[jones--hestia]

a drink or ten

[jones--hestia]

Hestia kept her eyes timidly on the other girl, taking a note of her successful attempt of keeping it together. How brave, she was. How big of a heart it would require to hold all that agony in? And here she was, making chit chat. Hestia laughed softly as she held embraced the girl’s arm for a few seconds before allowing them to lay limp, linked.

“No, we shall not. I’ve missed your pretty face way too much.” She took light but hurried steps towards the exit, taking a deep breath as they stepped outside. Not because she had been enjoying the fresh air, but because she wasn’t quite sure how to summarize her current life in a way that didn’t sound absolutely mundane. “There’s nothing you’ve missed. I’m just working a lot, spending most of my time by myself. But the Chinese chomping cabbages are coming out so nicely!” She held her breath for a moment in realization she had failed, she was quite mundane especially compared to Mary, who saved lives everyday. And what about you?”

[mxrymxcdonald]

Mary laughed, her mood immeasurably better. Hestia always managed to make her feel good about herself and tonight was no exception. The girl was definitely an angel in disguise and she could only tighten her hold on the girl, not wanting to let go and absorb her positivity. If there was a time Mary needed it, it was right now. “Oh, those Chinese Chomping Cabbages,” she remarked with a hint of teasing in her voice, “You better make sure it doesn’t chomp up the rest of your plants or else we’ll have to look for another supplier of herbs.” She was joking, of course, knowing full well Hestia knew what she was doing. The older girl has always been quite brilliant, especially when it came to Herbology.

She sighed as the conversation returned back to her. “I knew  being a Healer was going to be difficult,” she answered with a shrug. “I knew what I was getting into and I love helping people, so I can’t complain.” It was the exhaustion Mary wasn’t quite prepared for as she found herself passing out the moment she got home and then waking up just to go to work again the next day, but she figured she’d get used to it eventually. Complaining, however, was never in Mary’s nature and she wasn’t about to start now.

“I’m thinking the Leaky Cauldron?” Mary suggested, turning left to the direction of the pub as it was the closest wizarding pub to them. “Besides, I think Tom fancies you quite a bit.”

[fckinprongs-blog]

James couldnt help the pleased feeling that engulfed inside of him as he watched her sullen expression turn into a smile. He sat down beside her and let the scent of her perfume fill his lungs before he held up his hand to signal the bartender. It took a moment but soon enough, the man noticed and nodded and so with that– James took his hand down and focused his attention back onto her. “First time, yeah?” James raised his eyebrows slightly before glancing down. His hands ran over the harsh wrinkles in the uniform before flashing her another grin. “Well, lets not catch Lils hearing you say that. Though of course, me looking dashing isnt exactly a new thing.” He then flashed her a quick wink before leaning back in his chair slightly.

James laughed at her antics before leaning in as well. “A talented auror never tells about the adventures that one has.” James responded with this smile still playing on his lips. He then shook his head and nudged her shoulder lightly. “Nah, I ended up taking a nap on my break. Apparently sleeping upright doesnt do much for the snazzy uniform, im afraid.” He then paused for a second before continuing. “Though enough about me. Tell me, what have you been up to Mary? Why are you here all by your lonesome?”

[mxrymxcdonald]

Mary shook her head, unable to prevent her laughter. Leave it to James to make her worries seem like a distant memory.  “You know, I’m still trying to figure out what love potion you used on Lily and how you managed to get her to consume it because it just can’t be that dazzling charm of yours,” she quipped with look of astonishment.

She watched as the bartender gave James the food he ordered as she took a sip of her own pumpkin juice and pushed her own plate of half-eaten sandwich in his direction if he wanted it as well. “Lunch break,” she answered with a shrug. “Had to get out of Mungo’s. As much as I love guessing what the secret ingredient is the cafeteria is, I needed some real food to get me through the my shift.” She leans in close to him as if to divulge a secret and whispers, “I think it’s troll bogeys.”

[fprewetts]

At the subject change, a much-welcomed grin appeared on the male’s face. Not that he didn’t want to dismiss the matters at hand. They were very important, after all. It honestly just didn’t make for good conversation.. especially with someone that you’ve just met. Plus, it seemed that the girl in front of him wanted to desperately get her mind off of it and Fabian was more than happy to oblidge. “Ah yes, "I’m Fabian,” He said with a nod. He bit his bottom lip as she introduced herself and tried to recall her from back in his Hogwarts years. With some difficulty, he did recall the familiar face and blonde hair that often hid behind a book in the Gryffindor Common Room. “Think I remember you. Sort of. You were always rather… on the quiet side,” He said.

[mxrymxcdonald]

“Guilty as charged,” Mary admitted with a little chuckle, not taking offense that he didn’t seem to remember her. With housemates as rowdy as the Gryffindors, who would take notice of the quiet and shy girl who loitered around in the Common Room? A voice in the back of her head quickly reminded her of a period when everyone knew who she was, or rather what had happened to her. The poor and defenseless girl who was attacked in the Forbidden Forest, but she slightly shook her head because that was for another time and place. ”It’s hard to compete when you have Sirius Black and James Potter in your year, so I just gave up trying.”

“How have you been since Hogwarts, Fabian?” she asks, flashing him a grin. “You’re looking quite well. I should know, I’m a Healer… or at least training to be one.”

[dailylizzieolsen]

[auror-madeye-blog]

The girl in front of him seemed to transform as she allowed herself to feel some hope. The idea that he could instil that feeling in someone made him proud. It was his duty to protect and for now restoring a semblance of hope was enough. At least he felt like he had earned that sandwich now. Alastor took another bite into it, chewing quickly. “Would you like a drink?” He asked, feeling his own thirst claw at his throat. He could certainly do with a cup of tea to wash down the bread. “I could get you a cake or something as well, to make up for stealing your lunch.” Alastor offered her a soft smile before finishing the chicken sandwich.

He wiped his mouth, brushing crumbs out of his beard as he listened to her. “A petition could help.” He said, though he remained unconvinced. The only way a petition could work was if they knew what men where pushing the muggleborn restriction movement forward. “We’d need big names for that.” He added, frowning.

“But a rally might turn some real heads. Get the moderates on side.” Alastor nodded this time, sounded much more certain. They did need people to play the political side before things got more militant. “If action is what’s needed though, there are people that will fight. It’s a cause worth bleeding for.” He added, absently rubbing a scar on his forearm. He’d received the scar while serving as an auror for the ministry. He’d fought for the wizarding world before and he’d damn well fight for it again. There was no use in thinking this was over. It was just the beginning.

“We need the order.” He stated boldly, his eyes glinting with rugged determined.

[mxrymxcdonald]

“I’ve never really been a fan of tea,” Mary shared but, as she glanced at the time on the wall, saw that she still had time to linger about, added, “I would appreciate a cup of coffee though.” She was working a twelve-hour shift at the hospital today and coffee always helped her stay alert and focused. She watched as he finished up her sandwich, glad that at least someone enjoyed her discarded meal. Her mother’s always taught her not to waste food after all. “And, please, no cake for me. You did me a favor finishing that off. I couldn’t eat another bite.” She rubbed her stomach to emphasize her point, though she knew that was far from the cause of her lack of appetite.

She listened intently as Alastor discussed her suggestions and, the moment he mentioned fighting and bleeding, she sat back in her chair, her brows furrowed in thought and worry. Of course, she wasn’t blind. She’s read the news. Attacks, murders, and threats seemed to be a common thing in the Daily Prophet these days. She’s seen firsthand what people could do to their fellowmen due to her job at St. Mungo’s, but a full-on war…. The thought just didn’t sit right with her, though she understood that sometimes you just had to fight fire with fire. “Maybe,” she said after awhile, thoughts jumbling in her head, “maybe, it won’t have to come to that.” Even she could hear how naive that statement sounded.

The Order. Mary has heard whispers of the organization that opposed of the Dark Lord and his followers, was pretty certain a few of her friends were members. She’d join in a heartbeat if it didn’t mean raising a wand against another human being. It was a cause she believed in after all, a fight for her rights, for her and others like her to be able to walk in the streets of the wizarding world and not feel scared. But Mary was never brave nor bold. She’s always wondered why she was put in Gryffindor in the first place.

“You’re a good man, Alastor,” she finally said, conveying her gratitude with a sincere smile. “I wish more people were like you.” The fact that she was referring to herself was left unspoken.

[jones--hestia]

a drink or ten

[jones--hestia]

Hestia had been waiting for a while now, but she couldn’t possibly blame her friend. She knew that with the recent attack, the hospital had double the work in their hands, and Mary was no exception. When she finally saw Mary walk down the hall, Hestia stood up from the seat she had been attached to, a wide smile on her face. She had really missed Mary and she was always happy to see Mary, no matter what the circumstances were.

“It’s been so long,” she barely made out as she enguled the other girl in a hug, pulling her to herself. She quickly let go, still smiling as she observed Mary’s face. She was beautiful as ever, but there were signs of very little sleep and lots of anxiety. Hestia’s giant grin subsided to a smaller one that was still warm, but it radiated sympathy. “Bad day?” She asked, her eyebrows furrowed a little against her will. “It’s busier than ever here, isn’t it?”

[mxrymxcdonald]

Hestia’s excitement was infectious and. when she pulled Mary into a hug, the blonde didn’t know how much she needed one until that moment. The exhaustion and worries started fading away and she felt herself feeling better already. Alas, the hug ended sooner than she wanted and she looked up to see the concern in her friend’s eyes. She probably looked a little a zombie, what with her lack of sleep and extra shifts at the hospital. “I’ve seen better days,” she replied with a shrug, not wanting to expand further and cause Hestia unnecessary worry for her.

“Anyway,” she continued, wanting to divert the subject to something lighter, “I haven’t talked to you in so long. I say we must not allow this to happen again.” Hooking her arm with the brunette’s, she directed her to the exit. “So, where to? I want to hear about all that you’ve been up to.”

[mxrymxcdonald]

hquicklyfirebrandflowers:

“We either leave him there… or we get the bloody fool down.” well she was one for leaving them if they were going to hang out up there, Lily closed her eyes for a moment as she grabbed her wand. “Should know better… that is not a spell to mess with off of school grounds, daft foool…” Hogwarts student on holiday were a PROBLEM in Hogsmead.

“As long as you’re sure,” Mary replied, as she gathered her wand from her pocket in case something might go wrong.  Which was highly doubtful, especially with Lily being on the end of the wand but one could never be too sure. She watched as the student slowly lowered and, once he was only a few feet from the ground, quickly dropped with a thud. Whether it was by accident due to his own struggling or Lily wanting to teach him a lesson, Mary wasn’t certain. Before she could check if he was hurt, he ran opposite the direction from the two witches. To avoid a scolding from the redhead most probably.

“Kids these days,” Mary rolled her eyes as she turned to her best friend, her eyes bright with amusement and a smile o her face. “Glad we didn’t know any troublemakers during our days at school, yeah?” 

[carrow-metohell]

Kings will fall | Amycus & Mary

The the night his father had informed him of had finally arrived. The senior Carrow’s excitement had been infectious. Amycus had been forbidden from attending the planned attack on King’s Cross but that wasn’t going to prevent him from going. He was ready and his father could not forbid him from attending his duty. Amycus was a Carrow, a man, and more then that, he was a loyal believer in the pureblood cause. He wanted to fight for their world not sit and cower in the family home like some domicile, powerless child. 

If Amycus was truly honest with himself, this wasn’t entirely just about fighting for a cause he believed in. It was about proving himself. He desired his fathers respect and he would earn it. Alvar might not think him capable but Amycus knew he was. He always was.

When Alvar slipped away into the night, Amycus made sure to follow. He stayed far enough away to not be detected, while keeping his father firmly in his sights. Alvar disappareted at the end of Carrow manor drive and Amycus knew exactly where to follow. He stood in the same place as his father, casting a glance back to his home before disapperating to King’s Cross station.

Amycus arrived and it was truly a sight to behold. The death eaters his father affiliated with had torn the place asunder. Amycus gasped, truly in awe of the attack. He drew his wand in a smooth motion, not wanting to miss out on any of the fun. “Incedio”, he whispered, urging his magic to do him proud. Flames erupted from his wand, careering across the muggle platforms in a terrifying display of destructive might.

That’s when he heard a voice call him from behind. The tone chilled his blood.

“Amycus.” Alvar called out, summoning his son to his side. Amycus crept from the shadows, his heart racing. Would his father finally be proud of him? Finally reward him for his efforts? Maybe he had seem the spell and been impressed or perhaps was simply impressed with Amycus’ determination to represent the Carrow house alongside his father. Whatever he thought might happen, he hadn’t expected to be rendered unconscious.

                                                          - - - 

The next thing Amycus knew, he was coming to on the cold platform floor. He had been reduced to nothing more but another statistic of the attack. Alvar had attacked him. Shot him down like a rabid dog. Amycus groaned in pain, pushing himself up off the ground. His body was on fire. Merlin, what had his father done to him? Amycus struggled against angry tears that threatened to spill from his eyes, stumbling forward. He stood amidst the embers of the attack, a mere victim.

Amycus Carrow had fallen. My god had he fallen.

[mxrymxcdonald]

Chaos. That was the only way to describe what was right in front of Mary’s eyes. It was a normal day in St. Mungo’s when they had suddenly received orders—all available units report to King’s Cross Station as soon as possible. That was all it said and Mary didn’t think twice before she apparated to an abandoned alley only a block away and, the moment she got there, all she could hear was screaming and sirens and she just ran to the sound. No amount of training could prepare her for what she was about to see.

It took her a few seconds, just standing there and staring. This was not supposed to happen. Not here, not now, not ever. Muggles mixed with wizards, she could barely tell which was which—hurt, in tears, dead.

Breathe in, breathe out. One more second. You can do this. Move, Mary.

She went to a little girl first, who was crying with her back flat to the ground. Once given a once-over, it was obvious that the girl had broken her arm. “It’s alright. You’re okay,” Mary tried to comfort her in her most soothing voice, though she herself could hear the tremor in it as she gently stroked her hair. She gave a quick glance to the people around them and, once she was sure nobody was paying attention to them, she whipped out her wand. It was risky, but she couldn’t not do anything. Besides, the girl was in hysterics and wouldn’t remember anything hopefully. “Ferula,” she whispered as she tapped the girl’s arm and watched as bandages started to wrap her arm. An EMT approached them just as the splint appeared and Mary let him take over.

She stood up, her legs shaky as she looked around. By that time, Obliviators had come, already performing Memory Charms on muggles as others tried to help the best way they could when her eyes landed on a man—visibly injured, most probably wizard if his clothes were any indicator, and seemingly in a state of shock. “Sir,” she addressed him as she soon as she reached him. She laid a hand lightly on his arm and waited for him to focus his attention on her. “My name is Mary. Your in King’s Cross Station. There was an attack. If you could just sit down, we could assess your injuries and I can then help you to the best of my abilities.”

[fprewetts]

Fabian, it was quite obvious that the girl wasn’t alright. The solemn look on her face had clearly told him that to begin with. It didn’t help, however, how her voice seemed to squeak when he questioned her. He’d noticed that she had been reading the paper when he called for her attention and could only assume that the words on the front cover was that that upset her. He wasn’t quite sure if she were a Muggleborn witch herself or someone that just knew someone in their life that would be affected greatly by the proclimation. That thought made him shake his head. It was all so silly. On the outside, you couldn’t tell a Muggleborn from a Pureblood. Actually, breaking it down further, you couldn’t tell much of a difference inside. As far as Fabian was concerned, his heart beat the same as any other muggle. It pumped veins through to his arteries that appeared to be just the same as any other person’s.. as far as he was concerned. He honestly hadn’t been the one much for comforting another person. Not that he was particularly heartless, Gideon was always just better when it came to being sensitive. So, unfortunately, all he had to offer up was a solemn look across the table. “Those bastards aren’t going to get away with all of this,” He stated.

[mxrymxcdonald]

It wasn’t much, but his reassuring words caused Mary to smile. It was sweet of him, to try to make someone who was practically a stranger feel better. They weren’t going to get away with this. She bit her tongue to prevent herself from saying they already have. Besides, she wasn’t supposed to think like that. Because then, they’ve already won. Giving up was never an option. If pureblood supremacists just listen to reason and see how much their ignorance was hurting people, then they would start making progress. But she was just little Mary. Nobody would listen to her, so she just kept quiet and watched as she let their ignorance attack her and 'her kind’ day by day.

“You’re Fabian Prewett, aren’t you?” she asks instead, wanting to change the topic. “I believe I was give or take a few years younger than you in Gryffindor. I’m Mary.” The least she could do was introduce herself, though she wasn’t sure he’d even recognize her as Mary usually kept to the people in her year.

[jones--hestia]

a drink or ten

A woman in Muggle clothes, carrying a giant trunk made her way through the crowd on the street. Anybody watching this woman would think she was a tourist with that big of a trunk, but she seemed to know exactly where she was going as she made her way towards a small alley next to a building. The building was a department store that bore a sign reading Purge and Dowse, Ltd. in a fashion that was almost as dull as the clothes displayed on its windows. The woman looked around to see if anyone was looking her way before she first shoved the trunk through the window, and then herself. 

 Hestia Jones stood in the white, clean environment of St. Mungo’s Hospital moments later. It seemed to be busier here than it was out on the street, but Hestia looked so much more at ease than she did outside. With sure steps, she pulled her trunk towards the lift, pressing the button implanted into the wall that read 3. After stopping at several floors, and after a witch that was hexed to make chicken noises every time she opened her mouth got off the elevator, “Third Floor, Potions And Plant Poisoning” announced the female voice politely, chiming across the lift. Unfortunately, Hestia was already out the lift halfway through the sentence, walking until she opened a door that revealed shelves and shelves of plants and potions supplies. She politely exchanged a few words with the supervisor, letting him inspect what she had brought him before he announced that her payment would be sent to her Gringotts account shortly. This was a trip she did regularly. 

What wasn’t so regular about today’s trip was that instead of leaving the hospital right after completing her weekly task, Hestia Jones sat onto a chair in the entrance, crossing her legs and waiting as she watched people move about. Today, she had agreed to meet with Mary after her shift was over, have a drink, or ten, and catch up. Hestia had always took a liking to the slightly younger girl, and was glad to be able to see her. On top of missing her, she did wonder what Mary had to say about the Registration Act, too. The wizarding world was in a tense state, almost no one left to trust, and Hestia would appreciate someone who could at least understand her.

[mxrymxcdonald]

It had been a long day at St. Mungo’s. It’s been only a few days since the attack on King’s Cross and there was a tenseness in the air since that awful day. They had attacked a muggle station with muggles and wizards murdered and injured at broad daylight. Each employee at the Hospital was holding their breath, preparing themselves for the next attack, because when they could attack a place so public with no fear of being arrested or found out, who knew what could happen next. After doing her last rounds and making sure everything was in place for the Healer or Trainee who was taking over her shift, she gathered her things and headed on her way.

”Bye, Martha.” She flashed the Welcome Witch behind the reception desk a small smile as she looked around the waiting area and finally spotted the familiar face she was searching for. She was glad they had made plans tonight. This way, she didn ’t have to come home to her empty apartment and have the gravity of the recent happenings weigh her down like its done the past few nights.

Hestia has always been someone she had looked up to, even in their Hogwarts years. Though she was only two years older than her, she looked to the girl for advice and felt she could talk to her without fear of being judged or criticized. “Sorry to have kept waiting, Hes. Busy day here at Mungo’s,” she apologised as she approached the brunette. “We picked the perfect night, by the way. I am in need of a drink.”

[firebrandflowers]

“What in the bloody— hell are you doing up there? Are you mad?! Really?! Right now!?”

[mxrymxcdonald]

“What’s going on?” Mary asks, standing right next to Lily and following the direction of her gaze. “Merlin’s beard. Really?”

[mxrymxcdonald]

                                               mary macdonald → personality assessment.

[auror-madeye-blog]

Alastor cocked a brow as the sandwich edged toward him. He felt a little guilty now for saying anything about it at all but it did look appetising. His stomach grumbled loudly and he sighed. Alastor wreched the chair opposite her, out from under the table and took a seat. The girl looked like she could use some company and Moody was nothing if not a people person. He almost laughed aloud at the thought. In all seriousness though, he knew that keeping all aspects of the community happy now was more important than it ever had before. He couldn’t stay quiet and let the segregation tear their society apart. They were better than this.

“Mind if I join you, or you expecting company?” He asked, picking up the chicken and lettuce sandwich. His stomach rumbbled again and he shot her an apologetic glance, “mans got to eat.” He said with a shrug, taking a large bite. It tasted just as good as they always did from here. That’s when he wondered how long ago had it been since he had last eaten? Alastor had been so busy following up leads on the Cassia Avery case the night before that he hadn’t actually had any supper. He woke up late, something he never did, which meant that he couldn’t even grab breakfast on the way to the office. It had all been a bit of a whirlwind for him.

“It’s come to this because the wrong people are in power and we have worms pushing to gain even more.” Alastor replied with a grunt, he’d sounded harsher than he intended. He took another bite of the sandwhich before scowling. “I mean…” He tried again, a little softer, “it won’t stay like this. I won’t be sitting back idle while they do. There’s enough people against this to make a difference. I’m sure of it.” Alastor’s brow drooped a little as he spoke, he was trying hard not to frown. Right now, he wasn’t really sure about anything. The cards were in the oppositions hands and he was powerless. He felt powerless.

[mxrymxcdonald]

"Not at all," Mary replied as she watched him take a seat. It would be nice to have some company, something she's admittedly been lacking after she started training to be a healer. It's just been long hours at St. Mungo's and, by the time she clocks out, she's too exhausted to meet up with her friends or do anything but crash in her bed. Which reminds her, she needed to be a better friend and give Lily a visit soon.

It was a rhetorical statement, Mary didn't really expect him to answer because then it would seem more real. His anger and frustration was evident in his voice and her heart felt heavy and something akin to hopelessness started to surface in her, yet she refused to acknowledge it. But then Alastor says he wasn't going to not do anything. That he wouldn't allow this change, and Mary believed him and, just like that, she felt hopeful again.

"You're right," she told him, because of course he was. "If people just understood what this was, what this actually meant… we could start petitions, have a political rally, something." She was smiling now, getting excited. There were so many ways they could overturn the Act. Don't get her wrong, Mary was far from a political person. She didn't know how exactly politics worked, but she had to believe this was possible. Even Moody thought so and, for now, it was enough to lift Mary's spirits.

[fatal-frontier-rp-blog]

It was lunch time and Bellatrix was starting to get hungry. Perhaps she would stop by the little bakery down the road, they did those quaint little lemon slices she enjoyed so much. Yes, that sounded like a brilliant idea. She wandered into the small, rustic looking store when she spotted a rather downhearted looking witch. A witch she recognised from her days at Hogwarts. The girl had been in one of the younger years when Bellatrix attended but she knew she was of questionable blood status. Bellatrix had made it her business to find out whom her cousin, Sirius Black, had been associating with.

“Perfection.” Bellatrix announced, picking up the newspaper from Mary’s table. “Oh I’m sorry,” she said, her voice mocking. “Were you reading this?” She asked before laughing.

[mxrymxcdonald]

A chill ran down Mary’s spine the moment her eyes laid on the Bellatrix Lestrange. Of course she recognized the eldest Black sister, infamous for her disdain for muggle-borns and those who associated with them. Her laugh malicious and her tone sarcastic, Mary knew she was far from sorry for interrupting her and and she glanced at the newspaper that was now in her hands. Oh, how Bellatrix probably reveled in the news.

“I’ve actually just finished,” the blonde replied in her most neutral, non-confrontational voice. Merlin forbid she’d be interpreted in the wrong way. If there was one thing Mary learned from Bellatrix in her years at Hogwarts, it was not desirable at the least to be on her bad side. Not that it mattered, once Bellatrix knew what her blood status was—if she didn’t already. “You can have it if you want.” Offering the older girl an attempt at a smile, Mary hoped she’d just get the paper and go on her way.

[auror-madeye-blog]

Alastor had been heading out for some lunch. He didn’t usually bring any with him to the office but he wasn’t willing to give the Minstry any of his money right now. He was too angry, too bitter about the new Registration Act. What right did they have? What right.

He bustled out of the Ministy building, taking the floo network to a little sandwich bar he was rather fond of.

Stepping into the bar he noticed a semi-familiar face pushing her plate aside. He walked over to her “you gunna eat that?” He asked, his attempt at humour falling flat on his own ears as he saw her face. That’s when he saw the newspaper on the table

“I can’t allow this.” He spoke softly, thinking it made his voice sound strange. But it was true. He couldn’t allow this to happen.

[mxrymxcdonald]

She couldn't quite place who owned the deep voice, so she wasn't even sure if the person was talking to her, but she turned her back just in case and saw Alastor Moody standing right behind her. "Mister Moody, sir," she straightened her back unconciously, surprised by his presence. "Please, help yourself," Mary replied, gesturing to the available spot right in front of hers and pushing the plate in that direction.

When he started talking again, she followed his line of vision and saw that he found what she was reading. Whether he was talking to her or more to himself was uncertain to her. Everything was pretty much set in stone now. Even Mary, optimist extraordinaire, couldn't see how he could fix this, but she wasn't going to argue with him about the matter. She felt pretty drained as it was.

"I can't believe it's actually come to this," was all she could say, her voice somber.

[fckinprongs-blog]

By noon, James was full and ready to go out fighting. With his auror uniform primped to perfection, by using his mothers old spells of course, he was beginning to feel the dire need to get the suit all torn up and muddied. What was the point in being an auror if he was going to sit on his ass all day and work on paperwork? With a slight scowl as another older auror dropped more papers on his desk, James ran his hands through his hair and stood up. He needed a small break, just to catch his breath. 10 minutes later, he pushed through the old oak doors and the smell of freshly cooked food hit him in the face. James smiled and as his stomach growled, his legs lurched forward. Upon finding a familiar face, James couldnt help the slow grin that overtook his features as he walked over to her. “’Lo Mary.” He greeted whilst grabbing the nearest chair and sitting down, without asking it is was alright with her. “Why the long face?”

[mxrymxcdonald]

Startled out of her thoughts, Mary turned to see who the intruder was and saw none other than James Potter. A smile instantly replaced the frown on her face. If there was ever a moment Mary needed a distraction, this was it. "James," she greeted, pushing all thoughts of the news in her hand forgotten for the time being as she gave her former housemate a once-over. "You know, I think this is the first time I've seen you in your Auror's uniform. I have to admit, you look quite dashing," she commented with a hint of teasing in her voice.

"Tell me," she began, propping her elbow on the table and focusing all her attention on the boy, "how did you manage not to wrinkle that uniform of yours and it's already lunch time?"