purosangue

raffaella burke. 25. italian heiress. dark artefact collector.

[tillyvance]

where : Borgin and Burkes

who : @raffaellaburke

Fingers twisting the doorknob to Borgin and Burke's shop on Knockturn Alley. Phoebe's heart had sank into her stomach at her father's request to pick up a parcel from the store. The store where Phoebe used to spend her summers with Raffaella Burke. Phoebe and Raff were once intertwined in every aspect of each others lives. What started as dormmates turned to best friends into once starry-eyed lovers.

The pair were inseparable, whispered secrets and jokes in classrooms became kisses snuck in stairwells of the Slytherin Common Room. Adrenaline coursed through Phoebe's veins at even a though of the interactions that only they knew about. Phoebe didn't like to reminisce on when the world weighed a little less on her shoulders, when her stomach experienced butterflies and her lips tender kisses. Happiness always had an expiration date and eventually the last grain of sand slipped from Raff and Phoebe's hourglass in June of their seventh year. The harsh sting of reality had set in, a bleak future of betrothals and schmoozing loomed too close. Snuffing out the flame that once was effervescent.

Her hopes of another clerk crashed and burned at the sight of Raff behind the counter. Phoebe was about to turn on her heel and walk away, when a small item let out a deafening curdling scream sensing the motion of her passing. "Shit," Phoebe muttered to herself, wincing at the sound.

Turning on her heel, Phoebe caught the gaze of Raffaella. Hoping that her face displayed an amiable expression, rather than a depiction of heartbreak. "I have a few errands to run and I believe my father owled in an order."

[raffaellaburke]

There were very few people who could see past Raffaella’s carefree persona, and Phoebe Parkinson happened to be at the top of the list. Serra had left only an hour before, leaving Raff alone in the shop. It was happening more often than not, and she was doing what she could to change it.

Jeff would be receiving a bat-bogey hex the next time he came in to work for this one.

Though she saw Parkinson written on the filled orders, Raff had assumed Phoebe’s father would be the one to come in for it. With her luck as of late, she should’ve safely assumed that wouldn’t be the case. It wasn’t like the two had a falling out, either; their own circumstances dealt the final blow. They’d agree to remain friends, as they always had been, but it was difficult. Beyond difficult, really, when they’d accidentally fall into bed together just as they first had in their dorm room. Space was necessary for them to heal, but that came with unbearable pain.

When the screaming wand in the front of the shop startled her from filing paperwork, Raffaella looked up to see her childhood best friend and first love standing by the door. Because they were one and the same, Raff struggled to compose her facial expression. Surely she looked pathetic, staring with wide eyes, brows raised. It looked as if Phoebe was in the middle of sprinting from the shop, and Raff couldn’t blame her. If there weren’t anti-apparition wards in place, she was certain Phoebe would’ve already been gone with a brutal crack. Even when Phoebe mentioned her father’s order, Raff stared for a long moment, not yet saying anything. Her eyes searched hers, unsure of what she was looking for, but she came up empty. “He did.” The package was on the shelf near her feet, but she knew the girl would likely leave immediately if she simply handed it to her. “How’ve you been?” She asked quietly, eyes finally falling away to the parchment on the counter. “It’s been a while.”

[tonksxandromeda]

Andromeda didn’t know how to proceed in this moment, an awkward silence settling between the two of them. She was so use to harsh words and insults, even the occasional shouting. She didn’t know how to handle someone being cordial with her when she’d expected the opposite. She wasn’t sure she even expected an answer to her question. Finding it more likely that Raff may turn up her nose and go about her business as if she hadn’t seen her. She wouldn’t have blamed her either, she was aware she was more like a pariah than anything else to those she’d once considered near and dear.

Her expression softened when Raff assured her that she was fine. While they may not have relationships any longer, she still wished all of them well. She had no ill will against any of them. Andromeda was sure the surprise was obvious on her features when asked how she was doing. Raff looked like she may bolt at any moment, but Andi would take advantage of the niceties and the opportunity to perhaps make amends. “I am, yes.” She couldn’t help the smile that brightened her face at the mention of her daughter. “Dora is six…..she’s perfect.” She admitted with a small laugh. “I’m really happy.” She wasn’t sure Raff wanted to hear that, but it felt important to say. “Is there anyone special in your life?”

[raffaellaburke]

Unlike many of her peers, Raff took no pleasure in mocking blood traitors. Though she had trouble understanding them and—yes, despised what they did to their family lines, she struggled hating them. To her, most of them were the people she grew up with, the ones featured in her Hogwarts memories, and they were still purebloods. While she knew she’d have to keep her distance, that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt her. Andromeda had an entire life Raffaella knew nothing about. In no way was she even a part of it. Her daughter was still young, she knew, but she wondered if the young girl would grow up without even knowing Raffaella’s name.

“Six?” She repeated back, her eyes widening. Somehow it’d been that long already. At her former friend’s reassurance, she felt a mixture of relief and frustration. While she wanted Andromeda to be satisfied with her life, Raff couldn’t help but read into the possible slight. Perhaps there was a selfish side of her that desired to be missed by Andromeda. “I’m glad it was worth it.” Despite speaking genuinely, she wondered if the woman might take the ambiguous comment in another direction. “Ah, I’m sure you remember how it is.” Shrugging, she looked away, suddenly unsure about being seen with Andromeda in public. “Just waiting for that marriage contract.”

[serraborgin]

status: open to anyone

Ever since Raffaella had taken over for her father there had been questions directed at her asking when it her turn to join and work in the shop as well. It was called Borgin's & Burke's after all. What was the polite way to say absolutely not? She was way too pretty to work at a place with bad lighting, adding onto the fact of how stuffy it was. Even if the shop was fully renovated, it would have been a firm no. She was too pretty to work in general if you asked her. "Oh Salazar, no. My dad is not making me take over the shop. It's too dusty for me. I couldn't risk my hair to loose its shine and appear dull. It's one of my best features."

[raffaellaburke]

“Love, that makes two of us,” Raffaella chuckled as her lifelong friend and stand-in coworker pouted behind the counter. The customer she’d left Serra with was a loyal one who’d been coming there for years; she and her father knew him well, so there was no real harm done. Frankly, she’d only sent her to the front of the shop for her own amusement. “Corvus,” she called to the confused elderly man standing by the cursed silverware. “Your delivery will be in tomorrow,” she reassured him as he lowered his head and took his leave.

At the magical ding signaling the door closing, Raff turned to Serra, her mirth failing not to peek through. “Are you trying to say it’s dusty in here? In our shop?”

[emirselwyn]

He met her eyes and shook his head. "No. She does not and I would prefer to keep it this way. Her place is not on the front lines of this war. I do not want to see her be put in danger." While he believed in the cause and that he was doing the right thing, he wasn't disillusioned about the dangers of it. He knew that he was risking his life for a better future. Miray was on the sidelines not getting involved in the actual fighting which he could live with, but he couldn't live with either of his sisters being put in harms way. They were his to protect.

"She's my responsibility." Alara was still innocent and saw the good in people, he didn't want her to know what all of them had done, what he had done. He knew she wouldn't understand and he didn't want her innocence to be taken away from her. "I tried that and she wasn't very receptive. Perhaps Miray will get through to her better than I can." He wanted to avoid worrying her unnecessarily, but if there was anyone he trusted in the world it was her. "You would do that?" He was surprised, clearly, but grateful. Believing everything was transactional he continued. "What is in it for you?" If she was doing him a favor he would be in her debt and he didn't like the feeling of owing someone. "She can't know I asked you to keep an eye on her."

[raffaellaburke]

"As a fellow older sibling, I get it," she admitted, lost in her own thoughts. Though her own family was well aware of the cause, some of her younger relatives were not privy to the realities of it quite yet. It could be difficult to grasp, and she wanted to shelter them as much as possible. A slow introduction to it would be best, rather than becoming a regular at a known Death Eater pub.

"It's hardly an inconvenience," Raff reassured him, not wanting to seem so eager in helping. "The place is nearby, and I'm there often." Grabbing a piece of parchment to her right, she examined it for a moment, letting his works sink in. "What's in it for me, you say?" She gave it a moment, pretending to ponder. The top of the paper fell backward, and she caught his eye over top of it. "You tell me what your father is doing with his Pensieve potion, and I promise Alara will never know I'm watching her."

[jamesffleamont]

He had been scheduled to arrive eight minutes before closing; enough time to be able to scout out what dark artefacts were currently for sale (and, perhaps more importantly, which were not for sale, hence had been sold since the last Order reconnaissance mission), but not so much that the shopkeeper would have the time or patience to attend to him too thoroughly. However, practice had overrun, so he only had six minutes. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I thought you closed later," James said, in an attempt to look as though he had not been made to memorise the timings and happenings of every shop on Nocturn Alley, shooting her his signature, dazzling smile. "I don't mean to hold you up. Please, kick me out if you'd like."

[raffaellaburke]

"Potter." She eyed him suspiciously as he wandered through one of the aisles. They'd grown up around each other as similarly aged purebloods, but he and his families' beliefs differed greatly from her own. Despite him being in Gryffindor, James and Raff never had a particularly tense relationship. It was civil, she always believed, but she also knew that he'd likely have very little reason to be shopping there, let alone be in Knockturn Alley. "Are you looking for any specific artefacts today?"

[thelionshrtarchive]

Regulus honestly despised the goings on of Knockturn alley. He couldn't stand the atmosphere, not when everything felt dirty. Not dirty like illegal, dirty like dirt. Regulus always felt the need to shower 3 times when he would need to visit, so when he needed a specific tea leaf from The Starry Prophesier he was less than pleased to have to step into the shopping alley. He tried to make these trips quick for that reason. He had been in and out of the shop in a short moment, however, as much as Regulus tried not to, sometimes things in the display windows would catch his attention in a morbid curiosity, he has to stop and study it. In this case, it was an odd metal hand on the display of Cobb and Webbs. It had an eeriness to it that Regulus wouldn't be surprised if it had an actual hand in it. When he hears a familiar voice Regulus can't help but laugh at her attempt at a warning "Jump the heir to the heir to the Ancient and noble house of Black? Yeah, sure. I'm so scared I'm shaking in my boots." He responded sarcastically, finally looking away from the hand "Either way I'm not lost, just admiring the displays."

[raffaellaburke]

Raff groaned, wrapping a friendly arm around his shoulders and giving him a gentle shove. "Your family, I swear," she joked, forcing him to walk in step with her back to the shop. "The Cobb and Webbs displays?" Lifting a curious eyebrow, she tilted her head at Regulus, mirth practically seeping from her expression. "I'd hope we'd be getting your business for those sorts of needs."

With her being a few years older than him, Raffaella really shouldn't have been so comfortable around Regulus. Even if they weren't friends at Hogwarts, she'd been friends with his cousins growing up. The Sacred 28 stuck together, frankly, and his shy personality drew her to him. Especially after Sirius and Andromeda's disownment, Raff found it in herself to be there for him when she could. It was a turbulent world, especially for their pureblood circles, and it could eat one of their own alive. If he didn't have right the people and protection around him, Regulus wouldn't stand a chance. As he reminded her, he was the only male heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, and he'd have more pressure on him than ever before. "Are you looking for anything in particular? Because I hope you know our item quality puts Cobbs and Webbs," she spat the name of the rival shop with disdain, a smile fighting to overtake her lips, "to shame."

[emirselwyn]

The last time he'd been in a serious relationship it was with his Hogwarts sweetheart Agatha. They'd known each other since they were kids as was common in their circles, but got together when they were sixteen. It lasted a couple of years after that, but when time came to get serious and take the next step he got cold feet, not wanting to go through with a betrothal and subsequent marriage. He was 22 and had only had been with one woman. He had been immature and thought it was too soon to settle down.

"I'm just worried about her. It's not the kind of crowd that's right for her or would be a good influence, so I want to know what I'm dealing with." If she'd been there more frequently he would have to worry but from what Raffaella said Alara wasn't there that often. Perhaps he was overreacting, taking his big brother schtick too far, but he couldn't help but feel responsible for her.

[raffaellaburke]

Blinking, she stared ahead, letting his answer wash over her. He seemed openly worried, and Raff couldn't help the sigh that escaped her lips. "Emir," she softly murmured, eyes glancing around to make sure no one else had entered the shop. "Does she not know?" She let the question hang in the air, meaningfully nodding toward his covered right forearm. It wasn't surprising to her; there were far less female Death Eaters in the Dark Lord's inner circle than male. The high-born heirs were more prone to taking the Mark than the last-born women. Her peers were typically being prepared to marry one of the Death Eaters, not becoming one. Still, most at least knew what their nighttime activities consisted of— or the sort of company they were keeping.

"It's sweet you're looking after your sister," she admitted. "But..." she stopped, fiddling with a quill on the counter. "Well, I get it," Raff amended, letting her eyes meet his again. "She's younger, and if she's adamant about going there, perhaps you can advise her to never go alone." Thinking for a few moments, she set the quill back down and nodded. "It's close by, obviously. I could keep an eye out, if you look like? Go in with her and keep her company if I see her?"

[notjeffthompson]

Jeff was used to working with Raffaella's father, not her. She didn't share the same expertise and tenacity that he did, seemingly always in a good mood and making light of things. He didn't think she took this job seriously and while his dedication to the shop was fake, he would have to carry on working there even if the working conditions changed. It was valuable to gain her as an asset, for him to have her trust. "Are you going to elaborate on that, or am I meant to guess?" He joked, a smirk playing a tthe corners of his lips. "I put in a request for a portkey, so I'll be leaving you to your own devices for the week. I might cut it close, but I should still make it in time to catch the fireworks." He desperately needed a break from England, from pretending.

[raffaellaburke]

"Oh, surely you know how easy you are on the eyes." She snickered, walking in step beside him. When her father had asked her to help out with the shop, she'd been slightly irritated, of course, but she made do. Jeff was already working as a clerk there, and she remembered him only vaguely before she took over. Though she knew very little about the American's personal life, she knew he was attractive—and easy to rile up.

"A week?" She whined, though she was more than aware of his requested time off. "Thompson, you're so lucky I enjoy looking at you. I'm hoping our next hire will rival you in looks, at the very least." It was a jest, mostly. The Borgins had reached out to Raff's father recently, and they'd decided it was time to hire more staff. Unfortunately, that left her in charge of the hiring process. "You've been working for us for a bit, though. Is there anything you'd like to personally see in a coworker?" Raffaella asked, hoping to convey how genuine she was in her tone. Jeff had been a great worker for years now, and he was more than capable of managing their business. His input was valuable to her, even if she didn't take the management of the place seriously herself. After all, someone needed to be doing the grunt work.

[emirselwyn]

"It is." He smirked back, knowing she was checking him out. Emir never had a confidence problem, knowing that he worked hard to maintain his physique. Staying in shape was important to him as was looking put together. "Make sure that you do." She was a beautiful witch, even if she struggled with propriety and secrecy it took to work at a shop like her father's. Perhaps it would be something she would learn with time, but the question was if she wanted to do so in the first place.

"Alright." Emir allowed, keeping his doubts to himself. It would do no good to voice them when he'd just had her accept his apology a moment earlier. Switching the topic to one she might have insight on. He didn't want to talk to Miray about it and worry her unnecessarily. It was probably just him overreacting, but he would appreciate a second opinion. "I was getting a drink at the White Wyvern and ran into my little sister there. Have you seen her there before?"

[raffaellaburke]

She knew he was only joking. In their world, it was all well and fine to mess around casually, but serious relationships only came from betrothals. She'd be arranged sooner rather than later, she was sure, and Raff was simply trying to enjoy her time before it would happen. Shamelessly hitting on Emir was a good way to pass her time until the day came.

Noticing him hesitate a bit, her eyebrows furrowed, and she leaned forward on the counter. "Alara?" She thought about it for a moment, and though she went to the White Wyvern often, she could only count the number of times she'd ran into Alara Selwyn on one hand. "I suppose a couple of times." Raff frowned at his tone. "Why?"

[zabinixevelyn]

"Did you think I wouldn't be here when you came in? Or was it that I wouldn't have your drink waiting for you?" Evelyn rose an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips. "Either way, I'm wounded." She was teasing of course. Then again anyone who would have bailed on meeting Raffaella for a night cap was either an idiot or completely blind. "No? Well then whatever reason you had to come in for, I'm truly grateful." Her eyes remained locked on Raff as she lifted her own glass of brandy and took a drink.

The woman was certainly gorgeous, and she berated herself for not inviting her out sooner. They ran in the same circles, held the same beliefs, it truly was a shame she had waited. No matter, she intended to make up for it now. An amused smile played on her lips as she set her glass aside, sitting forward and closer to Raffaella. "Really? Only your sixteen your old self? What about you currently?" She was teasing, but she was also curious.

She waved off the thanks. "I believe I asked you to join me for a drink, so I think I should be thanking you for such delightful company." She assured her. "Lined up, is it? You know flattery will get you everywhere Raffaella." She flashed her a smile and a wink. "No matter, I only have an interest in spending the evening getting to know you better." Double meaning to her words? Perhaps. But she'd let Raff sort that out herself.

[raffaellaburke]

"I was wondering if you tossed it back yourself." She smiled softly, sipping more of her Ogden's as she settled onto her barstool. "No, it's true," Raff reassured, shrugging exaggeratedly. "My main clerk had to leave early and couldn't close up for me," she explained, eyeing Evelyn with more than a suggestive look down. "I was quite annoyed by it, honestly." Pausing for a moment, she kept her lips on the glass rim, remaining eye contact with Evelyn. "Until about twenty minutes ago, that is." Shooting her a wink, Raff's face broke out into a beaming grin, a feeling of contentment washing over her.

She wondered if Evelyn would read into her line, and her grin morphed into a smirk upon the other woman's question. "Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. At sixteen, I probably wouldn't have been able to speak to you without stuttering." Letting out a laugh, she continued, "My twenty five year old self has a tad more confidence."

Analyzing her drinking partner, Raff felt a point of pride. While figuring out her sexuality in her teens, she would've killed for an evening drinking with Evelyn Zabini. Here she was, almost a decade later, fulfilling her hormonal teenage fantasies. At her words, she felt her smirk grow, biting her bottom lip in anticipation. "Everywhere, is it? So glad you picked up on my plan," she jested only slightly until Evelyn spoke again. "I believe we should've gotten to know each other better years ago. Wouldn't you say?"

[tonksxandromeda]

Andromeda had pride herself at being handy with a wide assortment of spells. Anything she needed done around the house, she had found a charm or spell to take care of it. More often than not that included her, Ted, and Dora's own mending. Why spend the money taking it somewhere when she could easily do it at home? However, as of late her free time had begun to get away from her. Things that needed to be mended and replaced, set to the wayside. She should have known it would catch up with her soon enough.

It was how she found herself at Madam Malkin's on one of her only days free from the hospital. Ted was in need of more dress robes for work and even her own hospital robes were in need of some mending and replacement. She could accept spending the money on it, it was one more thing she could cross off her to do list. Freeing time for her to spend with her family without having to worry there were more important things that needed to be done. She had been busy speaking with the employee, not even noticing that someone had come in and come towards her.

She startled at the voice so close behind her, whirling at the sound of her own name. Of course it was ridiculous to believe that someone may come looking for her here, however she couldn't help her paranoia. "Raffaella..." She put her hand to her chest, a sigh slipping past her lips as she relaxed a degree. She was wary of anyone from her past, most hated her for the decisions she had made. She was always prepared for snide or nasty comments, and she wouldn't have expected any less from her former friend. "I didn't hear you..." Her hand dropped back down to her side. "It has been a long time. I hope you're well?"

[raffaellaburke]

She'd be lying if she said she never imagined this moment. The heated words she'd toss at her old friend. Forced casual body language. Maybe even a hair flip to rub salt in wounds. Despite her previously laid plans, Raffaella found herself frozen to the spot once Andromeda was facing her. No words were forming, she was tense to the point of slight pain, and her hair wasn't even shifting with her breathing.

Asking Raffaella if she was well? After everything that had occurred the last few years, how could that be the first thing she said to her? She wanted to curse the disgraced Black sister and storm out of Madam Malkin's. Why hadn't she just asked her mother to pick up her robe order for her?

"I... uh, I'm fine," she stumbled over her words, cringing at her shaky tone. Merlin, this was pathetic; Raff completely underestimated how difficult it would be standing across from Andromeda again. All of the Death Eater missions she'd been involved in should've easily prepared her for this. Unlike some of her pureblood peers, Raff had never been particularly skilled at schooling her emotions. Though her heart wasn't exactly worn on her sleeve, she tended to be less closed off than some of the others in her circle. It took her extra effort to hide her pain, especially. "And you?" She managed, her nerves running wild as she anxiously shifted her weight from foot to foot. How could she not stick to her aforementioned script? She truly wasn't able to put aside her personal feelings? "I hear you're a mum now."

[ggathena]

Chuckling, Athena took off her gloves and gave a quick look around the shop. "I'm not in the mood, Raff, so don't push me." She gave a warning, though her tone remained calm as ever. She did have a temper and most people knew about it, but the witch in front of her wasn't one of her targets and she could tell the difference. A shrug of her shoulders, she leaned over the counter to meet her fellow Death Eater's gaze. "Is the buyer worthy, would you say?" She wondered, fingers tapping on the counter. "You know me too well, I won't take any less than what it's actually worth."

[raffaellaburke]

Holding her hands up in mock innocence, Raffaella chuckled and leaned over the counter. "Noted." She was used to Athena's occasional attitude. Frankly, if she'd come skipping into the shop while whistling a high-pitched tune, Raff would've been far more concerned. "Normally, I'd say I can't tell you, but..." she trailed off, shrugging. "How does Amadeus Bulstrode sound to you? He's offered 500 galleons."

[emirselwyn]

"Now don't tell me I've offended you." He rolled his eyes as well, looking back over at the brunette. The smile on her lips told him all he needed to know. He had figured she wasn't that fickle and sensitive, but with some witches you never knew. "If I wanted to a charm a girl, she'd know." Emir had a few tricks up his sleeve, but recently he'd focused more on the cause and work, knowing that it would be futile to choose a wife himself. In their family betrothals were the norm. He hoped he would have some say in it, but in the end the decision would be made by his parents. "Technically being the keyword I see." It didn't surprise him, she didn't seem like one to enjoy working all day, every day. That's what she had her employees for after all. "I apologise. I've had a long day."

[raffaellaburke]

"Oh is that so?" She playfully grinned, eyeing him up and down. Emir was plenty to look at; she'd absolutely give him that, and a little harmless flirting never hurt anyone. "I'll keep an eye out then." If anything, she could make a game out of making him squirm.

"I know enough of what I'm talking about, thank you," she snarked back, tilting her head a bit while shooting him a look. "No need for apologies," Raff amended, softening only slightly at his words. "If you don't want to talk about your father's potion necessities, perhaps we can discuss your long day." Raffaella paused for a moment, letting the words sink in between them. "Up to you."

[raffaellaburke]

where: rosier manor who: @fcrox (leta rosier)

Let it be known that Raffaella didn't typically make deliveries for the store. Most were done by owl, or if discretion was required, one of the clerks would make the trek. However, the current item she had wrapped in her arms was fragile and her friend's name was scrawled on the order log. Frankly, the Borgin and Burke owls were nothing to write home about, no pun intended, and even her own owl, Calliope, could fumble an occasional package or two. Jeff had been in an awful mood for the majority of the day, so she figured she'd take it off his hands. Stepping out of the Rosier Floo, she made a mental note to hire more clerks.

She stood in the opulent parlor for a moment, waiting for one of the Rosier elves to greet her. When none came forward, she drew up the layout of the manor in her head and made way to Leta's atelier. When not at work, Raff knew she'd likely be found there. If she wasn't home, she supposed she could leave the package with the unresponsive house elves.

Tucking the package into her chest, she climbed the stairs two at a time, sending up a prayer to Merlin that she remembered exactly where she was going. After taking three lefts and a right, she arrived at what she believed to be the room. Thankfully, she was met with Leta herself, busy in her work. "Leta," she called out, stepping forward in caution. She remembered the woman being a mediocre dueler back in their school days, but it was still best not to get on her bad side while having a cursed delivery in her arms. "Sorry to barge in, darling, but I believe this is yours." Holding up the package, she held it over to her expectantly.

[ggathena]

It wasn’t the kind of day to pick a fight with her, all too ready to snap if pushed too hard. Still, Athena chose to remain calm, only there to collect her earnings and nothing more. “Funny way to treat your clients.” The witch observed, unable to hold back the comment, though careful to keep her unimpressed tone. “I’m here to get paid for the item I left for sale last week. The twin mirror with the emeralds on the rim, I trust you know what I’m speaking of.”

[raffaellaburke]

"Don't get your knickers in a twist, Greengrass," she lightly bit back, though her tone lacked any real malice. The two had been only a year apart at Hogwarts, and she remembered her well. Perhaps they hadn't been the best of friends, but they'd certainly been around each other often enough. The Slytherin Dungeons only had so much space, after all. Not to mention they shared current common... activities. "I do. I already have a buyer for it." Winking, Raffaella leaned forward on the counter. "I imagine you've upped your price for it, am I right?"

[raffaellaburke]

where: outside the betting shop (knockturn alley) who: @thelionshrt

As it turned out, luck was on her side. After the Magpies had crumbled in their last match, Raffaella ended up covering her parlay. Though she wouldn't say she was a degenerate gambler by any means, she did enjoy placing a few galleons on a match every now and then. It helped, of course, that the bookie was only a few storefronts down from her own place of work. It made it convenient when the urge would hit her. Tucking her newly earned five hundred galleons into her robe pocket, she opened the door leading back into the alley.

After walking only a few paces from the betting shop, she stopped dead in her tracks, a familiar figure standing nearby, too distracted to even notice her. "Hey, kid," she called out uncertainly, afraid to startle the shy boy. "I don't recommend looking that lost around here." Motioning to the seedy environment around them, she took in the state of him. "Even if you're a Black, they're all looking for an excuse to jump you."

[raffaellaburke]

where: madam malkin's who: @tonksxandromeda

Despite working so close to Diagon Alley, Raffaella found herself avoiding it most days. On occasion, she'd go shop, maybe grab something to eat—they had much better food than Knockturn Alley, frankly—but she would never stay long. Her reticence to be in the area was similar to the way people acted in her own workplace. Still, she was comfortable there in a way most wouldn't understand. It was different for her family. So when her mother had scolded her yesterday afternoon for nbeing late at picking up her new dress robes, she found it difficult to hold her tongue.

Yet here she was, opening the door to Madam Malkin's with all the eagerness of an elderly house elf. It wasn't exactly the right time of year for Hogwarts students to be having their fittings, at least, so she had that on her side. The last thing she needed was a bratty second year Ravenclaw stepping on her toes while he figured out how to put the bloody thing on. No, of course she wasn't speaking from experience.

However, her luck had clearly run dry. While there were no acne prone prepubescents in her sight, Andromeda Black—no, Tonks, she mentally corrected with a wince—stood only a few feet away. Though she hadn't seen her in years, Raffaella and Andi had been close once upon a time. The betrayal she felt likely didn't touch the sting her poor sisters had to carry around, but it did still bother her every once and a while. The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black sullied with a Mudblood. Her old friend didn't deserve such a fate, even if she'd been the one to strike it into stone. Taking a handful of steps forward, she was near the other woman's elbow. "Andromeda," she greeted, unsure if she'd be able to grin and bear it. "Long time, no see."