hey now we'll be okay

[silenciomary]

━━ ˟ ⊰ ✰ closed starter for @shesall

It’s no secret that Mary’s close to Minerva McGonagall. Mary has made that clear to everyone through her years at Hogwarts, excelling at Transfiguration when Minerva became her professor. She owes Minerva her life, and she loves the older woman dearly. More than words could possibly describe. She’s in awe at how she’s turned out and she has so much admiration for the woman. She keeps it a secret, probably a worst kept one, but Minerva is her role model. Over a decade year old role model and it only grows deeper.

So it’s no surprise that Mary is at Hogsmeade, slipping into the Three Broomsticks to meet with Minnie. She stops at the entrance, taking a look around, and quickly spots the other woman. A smile instantly lights up Mary’s face and she’s quickly walking over to the table Minerva is at. She places her bag on the table, first, and then slides the chair out and sits down on it. “I made you something,” she says in lieu of a greeting. She’s opening her bag and pulling out a circular tin box, and opens the lid. There’s a bunch of Minnie’s favorite cookies in there, freshly baked, and Mary’s looking up at the older woman with a smile.

“I had the day off today so I kept myself busy. Wanted to make something nice for you.” She’s proud of it, and she hopes that Minnie will enjoy them, too. 

[the-underestimated-amelia-bones]

sunnily disposed

[silenciomary]

the-underestimated-amelia-bones‌:

Amelia was no stranger to taking lunch at her desk, and working through the hour. She found herself able to focus better when there were fewer people around–at the beginning of the day, at noon, and in the evening. Today, though, there was sunshine, actual sunshine, and Amelia had been unable to resist.

Going to the park, Amelia sat on the bench, tea in one hand, a sandwich next to her. Here, one could almost forget there was a war on. The Muggles mixed with the Magical, brushing shoulders with beings from their myths, totally and blissfully unaware. Some hurried on their ways. Others stopped to enjoy the weather as Amelia was.

Her umbrella sat hooked on the back of the bench. For all her delight in the sunshine, Amelia didn’t trust London’s mercurial moods. And while she could dry herself off in an instant afterwards, she did not fancy being caught in a downpour.

As she sipped her tea, a shadow fell across her face. For a moment, the person was backlit by the sun, their face thrown into darkness. She raised an eyebrow, feeling a twinge of awareness, but not alarm. “Came out to enjoy the sun as well?” she asked, the corner of her mouth curling up in a half smile.

Mary loves the park. She loves the sunshine, she loves the fresh air, and whenever it’s sunny and nice out, she takes advantage of it. She had an early shift today, which was over just in time for lunch, and she grabbed some food from one of her favorite muggle stores. Something quick and easy that she can take outside to the park with her to eat. 

She’s trying to find the perfect spot, when she sees Amelia. Her eyes widen, shocked to see the woman out when she normally works herself to the bone, and she quickly makes her way over to her, a small smile on her face. She’s glad to see her friend, and she’s glad to see her enjoying the sunshine like she is.

“Great minds think alike, ‘Melia,” she says, cheerfully, and sits down right next to her. She closes her eyes for a moment, tilting her face up towards the sun to feel the heat, before she looks back at Amelia. “I’m glad to see you out enjoying the sun. It’s also really good to see you, too.” 

[silenciomary]

━━ ˟ ⊰ ✰ open 

Mary wanted to curse at the mischievous (arsehole) teenager who thought it would be funny to let the rats out of their cage. The creatures were contained in one area, except for the most curious one, who took off towards the door just as it opened. Mary was lucky that she was able to see it, and since she had just clocked off for the day, was getting ready to leave. She let her coworkers gather the rats that were inside, while she decided to head after and get the rat that had escaped. 

She’s always had a soft spot for animals. She hadn’t been able to have any pets growing up, due to her mother being allergic to them, so she lived vicariously through her friend’s animals. She never wants to see any of them in pain, and she spends quality time with as many creatures in the menagerie as possible, wanting them to feel cared about. Sure, it lands some weird looks from her coworkers, but she ignores it. She cares for these creatures, just like she cares about her cat and her bunny at home. 

Mary hasn’t been out on the streets very long, but she’s still worried. The streets aren’t as hectic as usual, which is good for her as she can rush without having to stop and weed through people. She can spot the tiny little tracks that the rat has made and she’s following them, hoping that the rat will eventually come to a stop and she can catch it. Magic would probably help, but she’s too frantic at the moment to even think about that.

She’s so caught up in looking down at the tracks that she doesn’t even realize that there’s someone right ahead of her. That is, until it’s too late and she’s bumped right into them. She’s squeaking, stumbling backwards, and then looks up at the person. “I’m so sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going. You see, someone let the rats out of their cages at the Magical Menagerie and one got out because someone opened the door and she’s curious and ran out. So I went after the rat and now I’m here, and I wasn’t paying attention at all,” she rambles. She sucks in a deep breath after it, having lost her breath, but then she’s quickly looking around. 

“You... haven’t happened to see an rat around here, have you?” She turns her eyes back up at the person, so filled with hope. She just wants to find the rat unharmed and take it back to where it belongs. 

[silenciomary]

alioness‌:

It wasn’t necessarily her goal to be out so late — work had run long at Gringott’s and she hadn’t wanted to leave before she’d finished — but the moon was high in the sky as she finally trotted down the steps of the large wizarding bank and left behind her daily work both completed and, if she were allowed to brag a little, perfectly manifested.

There was a low level of fog — a mid-afternoon rain had left the air damp and the plummeting temperatures had caused a fog to roll in early — as she finally touched down upon the cobbles and made her way down Diagon Alley on her way home; she wasn’t afraid of the dark, but that didn’t mean the dark wasn’t a terrifying thing, especially in this day and age.

As much as she relished the chance to walk in the open air, there was a slight prickling along the back of her neck that made her tense, and though her hand did not immediately fall beneath her robe (and against leather pants that were very much a muggle fashion choice) to grasp near her wand, she did become more keenly aware of her surroundings in that moment.

“I really don’t like to be followed.” came her voice, as calm as she could manage and without directing her attention in any direction; were someone there, she wouldn’t give away that she hadn’t known exactly where, and if no one were, well, no harm, no foul.

Mary wasn’t expecting to come across Lily tonight. This hadn’t been intentional. She had just finished up closing up The Magical Menagerie, and was starting to head out, walking through Diagon Alley, which is what she likes to do. She could’ve just apparated back to her house, but she likes walking. She likes to keep some sort of muggle activities in her life. She doesn’t want to completely forget her original identity, even if it doesn’t really matter. Besides, walking helps clear her head. 

She hadn’t meant to come across anyone, and she wasn’t expecting Lily. But now that she sees her beloved redheaded friend, she hangs back, keeping an eye on her. She should’ve just run to catch up with her and make sure she got home okay with Lily knowing that she’s there. She knows Lily is intuitive, and it’s no surprise that she speaks up. She feels guilt rise up inside of her when she hears the words and it makes her feel bad that she worried one of her best friends. 

“It’s just me, Lils,” Mary speaks up, loud and clear, and starts to close the distance between the two of them. “Sorry, I just... wasn’t expecting you out here tonight and I was just going to follow you to make sure you got home okay. Not sure why I didn’t just catch up to you.” She pauses for a moment, and then rests her hand on Lily’s arm. “I’m sorry if I scared you.”

[silenciomary]

toujourscissa‌:

Narcissa was used to dealing with stressful situations in her own, dignified way. She had been taught by her mother to stand firm, to not let anyone know that she was thinking. It had not been the first time that Narcissa had been harassed, let alone by a so-called ‘man’ of that caliber. Humiliation was part of weaponry, something that she was close to unleashing on this man after every instance of distinguished refusal did not work. 

Instead, the moment had shifted once the other girl had stepped in. It was precisely the moment that had always, unknown to those around her, brought her a touch of anxiety. Knowing that she could not thank this woman, or that she couldn’t even entertain her or else. The pressures that her mother had put upon her shoulders, the standards … It was conflicting, and even if, perhaps, Narcissa did wish to show gratitude toward the woman who had managed to send the man on his way, Narcissa knew, deep down, that she never could.

“You should not have helped. I did not need help.” Perhaps she did need a touch of help, however. Narcissa’s lips formed a thin line, struggling to meet the girl’s eye while hoping that they hadn’t attracted an audience. “I am … glad that the man left, as well.” That was as close as the woman was likely to come to a ‘thank you,’ given all of the circumstances. “Mary Macdonald, correct?”

Mary almost opens her mouth to argue with Narcissa. Yes, she did need help and Mary knew it. But she doesn’t argue with Narcissa. She knows how the balances work around here. And she knows how the Blacks are. It won’t help to argue. And it won’t look good to argue with a pureblood. She’s already had enough issues just from being muggleborn, so she doesn’t want to get into anymore trouble. “I’m sorry...” is what Mary whispers instead, even though she doesn’t mean it. 

She should honestly just leave. She helped the blonde and that was that. She did what she needed to do. Mary was just about to turn on her heel and leave, but Narcissa speaks up. It surprises her, and Mary looks up, eyes widened in the said surprise as she looks at Narcissa. She knew this was as good of a thank you as she was going to get, and Mary was going to take it. 

She’s even more surprised that Narcissa knows her name. “I... yes, that’s me.” She’s sure the surprise of everything is written clear across her face. And she hates that, so she tries to school her face into a more neutral one. “I’m... surprised you know my name.” She admits, even though she’s not sure why she does that. Mary fiddles with her sleeves and then glances away. “Would... you like me to leave? I don’t want to make things more... well, challenging for you.” She wonders if Narcissa is like Marlene, and she’s surprised that she hasn’t thought about that before. So Mary might as well make things easier for her.

[siriusmistakes]

Memories & Misdirection

[silenciomary]

siriusmistakes‌:

It had come to a shock, really, to find the young, dark-haired girl to be the figure that had startled him so badly. Almost reluctantly, he found himself smiling at her – his metaphorical hackles flattening themselves once again. It was only Mary. Nothing to worry about. Nothing wrong in the slightest. 

So, he looked down at the small girl in front of him, who had already begun to laugh at his skittishness and overreaction. In hindsight, it probably was funny, but he’d had a strange feeling all the while, an intuition perhaps. Not about Mary, the girl wouldn’t hurt a fly – she’d certainly helped him out of a few tight spots in his youth – but just the situations nowadays. And lurking didn’t exactly pair well with his already present paranoia. 

“Yeah, maybe not, Mare,” he said, resisting the brotherly urge to ruffle her hair as he spoke. “Or, at least, if you’re gonna skulk around, do a better job at it.” There was a forced bit of laughter in his voice, as he added, “Good thing you’re not a auror, you would have absolutely failed the stealth and tracking portion.”

A second thought occurred to him, genuine for once, “It’s good to see you.”

Mary has a feeling that Sirius isn’t completely himself. It wouldn’t be noticeable to anyone other than Mary or people who are close to him, but she can tell by the tense shoulders, even though they’ve relaxed just a little. His laughter seemed off, too, and Mary keeps note of that. She wants to ask if he’s okay right out, but instead, she keeps the smile on her face, and the joking going, figuring that he needs that right now more than anything else.

“I would completely fail as an auror, and you and I both know that,” she says with a laugh, although hers isn’t forced like his was. “Wouldn’t even make it past first day of training.” Once upon a time there had been a thought that she could do something like that. But there was no way that she could even begin to go through anything that James and Sirius, and all others in the auror position, went through. She’d much rather stay at her job she has, with the only dangers being what animal is going to try and bite or try and light her on fire that day. 

Her smile grows soft once he says it’s good to see her and she has to hold herself back from rushing forward and hugging him tightly. “It’s really good to see you too, Auror Black.” His title is a slight tease, just to make him smile and relax even more, and her smile grows wider after she says it. “I hope you’re able to enjoy some time to yourself and not constantly keep an eye out.” She pauses, looking around the crowd for a moment, before looking back at him. “Maybe you can even keep your lonely friend some company?” Maybe not the best idea to keep him from work, but even if it’s for a little bit, she wants to be able to see him. To help him relax a little bit before he moves on. 

[silenciomary]

C H A R A C T E R: S T A T S

FULL NAME: Mary May MacDonald NICKNAME(S): Mare, Mack DATE OF BIRTH: September 21st NATIONALITY: Irish OCCUPATION: Store Clerk at The Magical Menagerie RELIGION: Agnostic GENDER IDENTITY: Cisgender (female) SEXUAL ORIENTATION: Pansexual ETHNICITY: Korean

C H A R A C T E R: A P P E A R A N C E

FACE CLAIM: Sooyoung Park HEIGHT: 5′6 WEIGHT: 120 HAIR COLOR: Black EYE COLOR: Brown DOMINANT HAND: Right SCARS: a couple across her hands and fingers and legs from childhood and teenage years, nothing notable. TATTOOS: two butterflies on her left shoulder (representing her parents), three small stars on her right wrist (representing Lily, Marlene, and Dorcas), and a rabbit in a moon with flowers on her left forearm (representing her patronus) PIERCINGS: Ears (lobe)

C H A R A C T E R: B A C K G R O U N D

HOMETOWN: Connemara, County Galway, Ireland CURRENT RESIDENCE: London, England BLOOD STATUS: Muggleborn EDUCATION LEVEL: Hogwarts, Gryffindor 

[silenciorosier]

Step Right Up ||

[silenciomary]

silenciorosier‌:

What a fragile looking little flower. She struck him as the kind of bloom who would wilt under the weight of a single butterfly, and here he was, the snake within the garden. Still, he was always ready to charm another little bloom into his thrall and it seemed this one had been offered up for him by his adoring crowd no less. Evan was not so callous as to reject the will of the people who gave him such power and at the girl’s somewhat pathetic attempt to refuse he chuckled and took a step towards the little thing. His eyes heavy as the met and locked on with her own.

“I am certain you possible can.” he chuckled, hand reaching forward, effortlessly graceful to gently clasp her own and lead her forwards, “You needn’t be alarmed beautiful stranger. This is not a battle so much as it as a dance, a little two-step with me to keep these good people entertained on a night of celebration.” The words flew off his tongue like the bubbliest of water flowing to a brook. “You can dance for them if you’re willing to let me lead, can’t you?”

It was a loaded question. She could duel with him or against him, either way she’d be swept up under his flow. Evan’s killer instinct came through as he duelled and this girl didn’t strike him as possessing the same lust for victory. Perhaps, deep down something slumbered but by the time she’d come to awaken it he’d have sunk his teeth into the jugular and bitten down. When it came to the art of duelling Evan would never risk being overtaken by overconfidence; a few moments of flair, kill, move on to the next threat.

“Would you do me this honour? Duel me under the moon on this night we witches and wizards won our freedom?” her asked, having moved her to the duelling runway as he continued to gaze into her eyes.    

Mary wasn’t expecting the smooth words, charming looks, the hand taking her own. She pretty much expected him to let her slide back, find someone more worthy to face him. But now she feels even more like a deer in headlights, and she’s staring at him, eyes wide, cheeks flushing. It’s a combination of embarrassment and the flattery, which she’s not really used to, as she likes to stay towards the sidelines and not be noticed. To be called beautiful, well, it’s not something she hears often, and she doesn’t get caught up in someone as charming as him.

She doesn’t even notice that she’s followed him, but she has, and once he finishes his question, she’s blinking at him, trying to come back from the little trance that she’s fallen in. “Oh, I...” she trails off, glancing down at their conjoined hands. Now that she’s not being brushed to the side, instead being enticed to join him, she finds some courage and strength rising up inside of her. There were people in the crowd that wanted her to duel him, and now? Well, she feels like maybe, just maybe, she can actually do it. Encouragement always helps her, and this, even though she doesn’t even know him, helps her make her decision. 

“Okay. Yes. I will duel with you.” Her hand squeezes around his, and she looks back up into his eyes, giving him a small smile. The flush doesn’t leave her face, as she’s not really used to giving much eye contact, but she is doing it here. The courage that she’s found is growing and she can feel some excitement well up inside of her. She may not do well, but she’s going to do her best. After all, it’ll be some good practice, right?

[silenciomary]

marskitten‌:

Seeing Mary wasn’t apart of the plan –

In fact, it seems run rather contrary to all that they’re trying to do. To scrape together knowledge and understanding of just who might be playing on the other side, to know their plans before their set, to save as many lives as they’re able to. The Order is meant to restore balance; to REIMAGINE a world in which everyone was equal, not simply in name. How now, there are rumblings of discontent, how people disappear, how they die, how people like Mary are left without the kind of love and support that any young witch ought to have by now in what is, by all accounts, turbulent times.

But it’s also a holiday in which they typically would have gotten together. Drinks, laughs, old stories and thoughts about the what ifs and could have beens from their childhood. The game’s changed, but it didn’t mean that THEY HAD TO. So while she’s not meant to be seen, associating with all those of her old, Hogwarts chums save secretive letters penned in code, she can’t help it as she spots the other woman, wondering, almost a little bit absent through the crowds. She’s having a hard time, Marlene things, as she reaches out to touch her shoulder, just missing as Mary catches at the edge of a pounding heart and whips about.

How she just wants to HUG HER and say she knows why she’s so lost in a daze; but they can’t be seen like that, her hands slotted coolly within her robe pockets, even if her words are anything but. “Darling, darling, darling.” the words are a trip, the posh accent mixing with the Scottish in her. “I know we shouldn’t but – are you okay? You’re looking a right mess right now and I reckon a good pint or two might be the solution. Do you have Lily and Dorcas around here somewhere with you, love?” she misses them – she hates this. Playing the part of the pureblood princess, too good for them, even if they were her whole bloody world. Blue eyes all soft, at the edges. “… I wish I could come, but I’ve got Narcissa about, and she’s likely waiting for the slightest slip up to go running home to tell daddy and mummy.”

It makes her heart pang to not instantly rush into Marlene’s arms. She just wants one of her best friends back, to be able to been seen together, to not have to worry about everything. Everything seemed so much more simple in Hogwarts, and she craves to go back to experience peace just for a little bit. She just wants everything to be okay again, to have everything be right. But it’s not, and Marlene’s feeling far away, and then she’s asking if she’s okay and Mary honestly just wants to burst into tears. They’ve seen every part of each other, bare, honest, cried on each other’s shoulders, but there’s a time and place for it, and here, out in the open, where everyone can see, is not one of them. And Mary hates it.

She doesn’t want Marlene to worry more than she probably already is, so she sucks it up, forces the tears back, straightens up and nods. “I always look a mess,” she says, skipping over the fact that it’s obvious that she’s not okay. Her heart hurts with every word that comes out of Marlene’s mouth and she just wants to take her far away from everything and gather Lily and Dorcas and just be the four of them, away from the world, being happy together. “I can find Dorcas. You should go find Narcissa. I don’t want you getting into any trouble, Marlene.” 

She’s silent for a moment, looking down at the ground, and then glances back up to Marlene. “I’m glad to see you. I wish you could come too. I’ll make sure to drink an extra pint just for you.” She gives Marlene a small, hopefully comforting smile, wanting her to know that everything will be okay. Even if it doesn’t seem like it is. 

[silenciomary]

obliviatorprewett‌:

With a cup of hot spiced cider in hand, Gideon rejoined the heavy crowds enjoying the holiday festivities.  Unlike many of the people around him though, led in this direction or that by the enthusiastic guidance of their friends or children, Gideon was alone and his progress appeared directionless.  The temporary market stalls selling everything from small toys to potions and the many varied games held equal interest but he never stayed anywhere long.  He’d played a few games that caught his interest but his time in Hogsmeade was to be short and the Order needed the benefit of another set of eyes.

Despite the logistical nightmare of crowds, Gideon felt more confident in the safety here in Hogsmeade than he did elsewhere tonight.   The town had the benefit of the Ministry’s best aurors as well as the Order and Gideon believed that, if Death Eaters were planning to make their feelings about the Statute known, it was more likely that it would be in full view of muggles.  It was enough to make any Obliviator apprehensive tonight but in the midst of the laughter and joy of the assembled crowd, worries seemed far away.

Gideon might have missed Mary in the river of people but her solitary spot on the sidelines caught his attention.  With some trouble, he worked his way around the crowd to reach her.  “I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to startle you,” he said, holding his hands up in a gesture of no-harm.  Unlike his approach of Alastor earlier, Gideon hadn’t meant to take the woman by surprise.  He listened to Mary’s explanation and nodded.  “Thinking is bound to make one jumpy.  It’s why I try not to do it,” he said, giving her a playful smile.  “Can I interest you in joining me?  I’ve spotted candyfloss in the crowd and I’m determined to find where to buy it.”

Her heart manages to stop racing, and she feels more at ease around him in just a few short moments. His joking helps, and she can’t help but to let out a soft giggle, lifting her hand up to cover her mouth for a brief moment before it drops. “I try not to think either, but I always end up over thinking. I just think my brain hates me,” she says, her smile growing wider and her tone steady. She wishes her mind would stop racing at all times, but sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s bad. She just needs places to apply her mind, keep busy, and the bad thoughts won’t come. 

Mary is in slight surprise for a moment when he asks her to join him. They’ve not had a lot of time to spend together, but she likes Gideon, and she’s glad that he’s on the good side. So she’s going to take a chance to jump at this, get to know him better, and focus on good things instead. Being around people always helps calm her racing thoughts down so she can just focus on them. “I would love to,” she says, softly, and then glances around. “I’m sure we can find out. Two heads are better than one, right?” She looks back at him and lets out another giggle.

[silenciomary]

toujourscissa‌:

It wasn’t that Narcissa would complain of her place in life; she was well-cared for and comfortable, content with being among the top of her society. However, there were times when she wished she had a bit of the spark that her sister held, one that allowed her to do whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted. Narcissa had no choice but to rein in any fleeting emotion and keep herself stoic, pristine. Statuesque. It was not her place to lose her temper or, for instance, tell a drunken fool exactly what she was thinking the more that he continued to harass her for recognition. Even if the man deserved to be cursed and slapped it would be turned against Narcissa, and she would bring shame to her family for even being so uncouthly. 

But oh, did she wish more than anything that her dainty palm could swiftly meet his cheek.

Narcissa had been looking for someone that she knew, someone whom she could find refuge with; a muggleborn certainly had not been the savior that she was expecting. The blonde stepped away as Mary MacDonald stepped forward, putting herself in the middle. Her words certainly had not been so forceful, leaving Narcissa to question why this girl even intervened in the first place, but it appeared to do the trick as the man suddenly turned in retreat, mumbling under his breath in frustration. Narcissa silently released a breath, grateful that the man was gone, but tense. that she was now left with another problem. A muggleborn had intervened, coming to her defense. What if someone saw? What would people say?

“I could have handled that interaction myself,” Narcissa stated rather sharply, not wishing to give the girl any ideas. Perhaps she was grateful for what she had done, but Narcissa was not in the habit of fraternizing with muggleborns. She bristled, lips forming a thin, tight line. “I don’t know what gave you the impression that I was in need of your assistance.”

Mary can feel the anxiety leave her body just a little bit when the man walks away. She had expected more of a fight, and had tried to mentally prepare herself for it, but apparently all that was needed was someone to step up. And Mary was incredibly thankful for that. She did not want to deal with a drunk and an angry man. So that was one situation finished. But now... well, now she had another one entirely. Which came in the form of Narcissa Black. And that’s when all the anxiety came rushing back in at full force.

Mary turns towards Narcissa as the other woman starts to chastise her. She feels like a small child, being scolded for taking from the cookie jar. She just wants to sink into the ground, like a puddle, and never return from it. This is why she didn’t really branch out, especially to purebloods, because then she’d get treated like this, when all she wanted to do was help someone in need. 

She blanches, and then looks down at the ground, fiddling with her sleeves. “I couldn’t just leave you there to deal with someone who wouldn’t leave you alone. I know what it’s like and I wanted to help.” Her words are soft, but she speaks more confidently than she did while speaking to the man. “I’m sorry for not being the perfect person to do it, but I’m glad it worked.”

[silenciorosier]

Step Right Up ||

[silenciomary]

silenciorosier‌:

There was a whole menagerie of different events and stalls. It was a night of revelry that would soon lead to carelessness for some poor soul. Evan planned on having some more… select fun, when that time came. But for now he’d settle on something a less entertaining but flashy enough to grab attention: a duelling stand. While he’d not become a professional, despite easily having the talent, he was well regarded in duelling circles and had already laid two people out flat in the little sparring runway that had been erected on the street next to a large bonfire that consistently changed colours. 

His black robes seemed to shine in the fluttering firelight, the pants were tight, the shoes shiny and his shirt sleeveless, instead having long folds of material that barely covered his arms, a little movement and a toned forearm of thick bicep was easily visible. Was he a little cold? Perhaps. But he looked good and sometimes one had to make sacrifices for beauty. 

“Whoooooo’s next!?” Cried the host of the event while Evan stood there, his smile a perfect mix between between sheepish and charming. “Oh I wouldn’t want to monopolise your event.” he chuckled, “I’m quite happy stepping down unless someone would like to indulge?” He was happy either way at this point, the two previous victories had been fun enough.  

While Mary wasn’t like Dorcas in the fact that everything shouldn’t be violent, it didn’t mean that Mary herself was fond of violence. She tried to stray far away from it, but sometimes it was necessary. Or sometimes it was for fun. She’s not saying that dueling was violent, but sometimes it could be. She had been peeking the first time, watching as the first person Evan dueled was laid out. She moved closer into the crowd to watch the second one, getting a little bit entranced by watching the dueling, taking in the spells, the stances, the game of it all.

Someone must’ve noticed how interested she was, because when the host of the event asked who was next, someone pushed her up towards the front. She stumbles out of the crowd, towards Evan and the host, and someone pipes up from behind her. “We’d like to see her duel!” Mary stands there, frozen, eyes wide, like a deer in headlights as her mind catches up to what had just happened and then she’s lifting up her arms to wave them in a no fashion, shaking her head as well.

“Oh, no, no, no I couldn’t possibly duel!” Her voice is slightly high pitched with nerves, and she’s feeling anxiety for being out in the open and having all of the attention on her. She’s not sure why someone would volunteer her, as she was sure she had just been part of the crowd, insignificant, but apparently someone had their eyes set on her. Is it part of a cruel joke? She’s not sure, but she knows, a deeper part of her, she wants to take part in a duel. See if she can measure up. 

“Surely there’s someone else,” she says, again, taking a step backwards towards the crowd. 

[mostlyfate]

[silenciomary]

━━ ˟ ⊰ ✰ the stillness of silence  ｢ open ｣

One would think that after over a decade of her parents’ murder that she still wouldn’t get emotional about watching families together. But Mary still finds it difficult to look at families, especially with children around the age that she was when they died. Seeing children look so happy with their parents make her wish that they were still around. She had a good childhood, full of laughter and love, before they were murdered, but she still wishes that they could be here now. They missed out on so much, and she still misses them. Grief doesn’t just go away, and she still mourns them, especially with the way their lives were lost. It’s hard to get over something like that. 

So she doesn’t know why she’s watching the families together. She doesn’t even know why she’s here, honestly. She’s had fun at these events before, but that’s when she was surrounded with friends. Now she’s here by herself, standing off to the sidelines, just watching everything around her. While she tries to keep her gaze from families, she can’t help but to notice them, especially when they’re around everywhere. 

With her parents on her mind, it’s no surprise that she’s jumpy. So that’s why she gets startled when she hears footsteps behind her. She lets out a squeak of surprise, her body quickly turning around to see who was approaching her from behind. Her hand flies to her heart and she’s trying to calm it, and her anxiety, down. “Oh, Merlin, you scared me,” Mary breathes out, and then lets out a little laugh, mostly just to give her some relief. “I probably shouldn’t be so jumpy, but I was just thinking and wasn’t expecting anyone to come up behind me,” she explains, giving a soft smile to the person. 

[siriusmistakes]

Memories & Misdirection

[silenciomary]

siriusmistakes‌:

Secrecy Sunday.. That always brought back memories. From walking hand in hand with his mother and little brother, then running off after all the other children while Walburga screeched in protest. Because Blacks, of course, did not behave in such a manner. They were to be poised and polite, with not a hair out of place. His childhood memories were not his favorite, but Secrecy Sunday had always been a laugh while they were at school – sneaking out to join the festivities, and sneaking back in to avoid capture and detentions. 

The fond memories brought a smile to his handsome face, so bright and full of life, and a bark of laughter escaped his lips at a man standing on a table pretending to eat fire (when it was really all just a bit of fancy wandwork – Sirius had tried it before). He supposed he should have told the man to quit the fire gag, especially when he dropped his wand and set the brittle grass aflame– but that only caused a few dead spots, no harm, no foul. 

On the outside, Sirius seemed to have matured, as he wasn’t rushing up there to try and outdo the man, but really that wasn’t the case. It was more the idea that he didn’t want to lose the respect of his superiors, lose face. So, he stuck to his job, patrolling the perimeter, though perhaps being a bit more lax than he should have, but really a bit of underage drinking couldn’t really hurt anyone. Though, in the back of his mind, he knew he should keep an eye out, that this shindig was different from previous years, if not for the general public, then him personally. 

A copy of The Daily Prophet had been tossed two feet from the bin, so Sirius stooped to pick it up, scanning the headlines for anything that might stand out at him (and besides, the previous owner hadn’t done their crossword). Yet, The Prophet gave him no solace, as no mention of his bosom-pal’s reappearance had been reported – but then he shouldn’t have been so surprised, as there was nothing in The Prophet about Peter missing initially. Sirius had to admit, he missed the little guy. 

Perhaps it was the slightest bit of disappointment due to lack of information that caused Sirius’ guard to be immediately up, snapping at the figure who stood with their back towards him, “Oi, what do you think you’re doing?”

Mary probably should stop lurking around corners and people watching. Sure, most of the times it’s just brushed off, like she’s a fly on the wall, but sometimes people would think she’s suspicious. She can’t help that she’s always preferred to be on the sidelines and towards the walls. She feels more comfort in that, rather than being out in the crowd. She can watch, notice things, and right now she’s just watching as families have fun, laughing and talking and enjoying themselves. She’s on the sidelines again, so it really comes as no surprise that someone probably thinks that she’s being suspicious. 

She turns instantly, when she hears the words, anxiety already forming in her gut just from tone. But it quells when she sees it’s Sirius, and she’s letting out a soft laugh. At least she won’t get into any trouble now. It’s just Sirius. But she still wonders why he snapped at her. “People watching?” She’s shrugging her shoulders, and she’s not sure why she phrased it as a question, as it’s exactly what she was doing. She lifts a hand to brush some hair behind her ear, and then lets out a little laugh. “Probably should do it where I don’t look as suspicious, shouldn’t I?”

[silenciomary]

toujourscissa‌:

Lights and magic surrounded her at every turn, but the only thing that Narcissa could think about was that she was terribly overdressed. Most of the attendees for this ‘festival’ looked as if they had just rolled out of bed without a care for their appearance, seemingly too enthralled with this gathering to even care. Young children kept bumping into her, creasing the smooth lines of her dress each time she was forced to jump from harm’s way. Her mother had insisted that she show her face, represent the family. For a gathering was a gathering, and Druella had never been one to allow Narcissa to sit at home when there was potential for the girl to be seen.

Thus, Narcissa represented her family, though quite miserably compared to all of the other guests. It was difficult not to grimace, feeling entirely out of place. She didn’t play games, she didn’t care for fried foods. And why did her mother insist that she wear this beautiful dress if its very state was threatened by sticky children? The cherry on top had come when a wizard about her age had decided to strike up a conversation with her. Despite the fact that she didn’t answer his requests to buy her food or drink he kept rambling, evidently drunk. He was dirty, sweaty. Distasteful. “No,” Narcissa said rather simply, an edge to her voice as she pointedly avoided the wizard’s eye. “Stop asking, please.” Her tone was rather monotonous as she searched for any sign of a person that she may know. “My answer isn’t going to change the seventh time.”

It was rather rare for Mary to voluntarily be out at big events. And even so, she’s off towards the sides, watching, listening. It’s where she preferred to be. Even in Hogwarts, she always tended to stay towards the sides, in the corners, not wanting the attention to be on her. That was the last thing she ever wanted; attention. So that’s where she stayed, out of the way, brown eyes taking in all the movement around her. It made it easier to know things, being on the sidelines. She can seek out and know and hear more than she probably should, being so quiet the way she is.

And that’s how she notices the confrontation with the drunken man and the pristine blonde. While she normally tries to avoid the Black Sisters, her heart aches for someone in need. She could very well let Narcissa deal with the man, but she can’t leave any woman alone with someone who couldn’t take no for an answer. Mary feels anxiety crawl up inside of her, almost threatening to make her run and hide, but she’s made her decision. She takes a page out of Marlene’s book, and straightens her spine as she begins to walk towards Narcissa and the man.

She started to plan out what to say to the man as she approached them, but the nerves got the better of her as soon as she reached them. She wanted to open her mouth, swoop in and save the day, but what came out was an “Um.” That gets the attention of the man, and her hands come up to fiddle with the hem of her jacket. Great, way to go, Mary, doing great so far, she thinks to herself, but then she takes a deep breath and starts again. “She said no.” Her voice becomes firm, and she stares up at the man. “Very politely, by the way. So you need to leave her alone. And you need to go away.” She moves to put herself between the man and Narcissa, even though her hands are shaking. She hopes that it’s enough to get the man to leave, and that he won’t continue to bother them.