Day 02: The Welcome Ball III
an event by @endlessly-cursed
characters: malcolm stolberg-burke, primrose gray, lavinia wakefield, harlan rowle
briefly mentioned: elian goldcrest by @potionboy3, atticus doherty by @hphmmatthewluther, the kenways and the northmoors by @legilimenace, simon battersea by @unfortunate-arrow, cecilia balinor by @endlessly-cursed
December 5th, 1900
The Ball
The ballroom was decorated beautifully with silver and gold and the mood, Malcolm thought, seemed to be rather jubilant. He and Primrose swayed to the music and Malcolm couldn’t help but think of how far he had come with his dancing lessons. He still wasn’t anything as graceful as a swan but at least there was no fear of him stepping on anybody’s toes. This year he had to manage for himself though, since Elian wasn’t around for secret dancing lessons. The memory of the previous year amused him, and he had to admit he missed his friend’s presence dearly.
December 5th, 1900
The Ball
The ballroom was decorated beautifully with silver and gold and the mood, Malcolm thought, seemed to be rather jubilant. He and Primrose swayed to the music and Malcolm couldn’t help but think of how far he had come with his dancing lessons. He still wasn’t anything as graceful as a swan but at least there was no fear of him stepping on anybody’s toes. This year he had to manage for himself though, since Elian wasn’t around for secret dancing lessons. The memory of the previous year amused him, and he had to admit he missed his friend’s presence dearly.
“Are you having fun?” he asked Primrose in a low voice.
“Yes,” said Primrose. “Though I can’t help but feel like something is bound to go terribly wrong.”
“Well,” mused Malcolm. “If it does, then we’ll deal with it then, but for now, I’m rather enjoying myself.”
“You’re awfully optimistic tonight.”
“I have a good reason.”
“What’s that?”
“You see, my wife is the most capable, charming, and beautiful lady in all of England,” said Malcolm.
“Oh, you must introduce us,” Primrose said and finally smiled.
“I think you might be rather well-acquainted already.”
Primrose laughed, and really, that was always enough to put Malcolm in good spirits.
“I’m glad to see so many of our friends, though,” Primrose continued.
“Me too, especially Atticus,” said Malcolm.
“Yes, and some new faces too,” Primrose mused. “The Kenways and the Northmoors are attending this year.”
“Oh, yes. And Mr. Rowle decided to grace us with his presence,” said Malcolm.
“He’s not all that bad.”
“He’s like a peacock.”
“Well, yes, but Vinnie likes him.”
“Why she does is beyond me…” muttered Malcolm.
“How’s the book coming along Lav?” Vinnie’s current dancing partner Harlan Rowle asked.
“I’ve got half of it written, I think,” Vinnie said. “The wrong half though, I’m afraid. Beginnings are difficult.”
“I’m sure you’ll crack it,” Harlan assured her. “Or if not, then you can always start working as The Viscountess’ cleaning lady.”
Vinnie punched him gently in the arm. “That’s an important job, you snob.”
“I’m sure it is. I wouldn’t do it, though.”
“You’ve never done a day’s worth of honest work in your entire life so no one’s asking you,” Vinnie reprimanded him. Harlan was some years older (and several thousands of galleons richer) than her and thus they hadn’t known each other at Hogwarts, but since graduating, Vinnie and Harlan had become something that one might generously call friends. It was a bit of a surprise, since Harlan was mostly an utter snob, not to mention a complete arsehole, but he could also be rather amusing.
“Alright, alright,” Harlan said. “I’m actually surprised I get invited at all.”
“It’s because Prim–, Lady Gray isn’t as judgmental as some people.”
“No, I’m pretty sure it’s because Malcolm and I are mates.”
“No you’re not.”
“Well, we could be, if he wasn’t such a stuck-up.”
Vinnie punched his arm again and a couple dancing nearby gave them long looks. “Stop being horrible.”
“I can’t, it’s my second nature.”
Vinnie let out a long-suffering sigh.
“I’m just kidding, Lav, I’m so very grateful to our gracious hosts.”
“Good, you had better be.”
“Have you seen a lot of friends?” asked Harlan, changing the subject.
“Well Simon’s here, which is nice, he was on my year,” Vinnie said.
Weekend With The Grays 2023 Day 7 Prompt - It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Hey everyone! Hope the weekend went well. This is the conclusion for my part in the 2023 Weekend With The Grays event for Hogwarts Legacy organized by @endlessly-cursed. Her OC Prim is featured in this story, as well as Malcolm, belonging to @gaygryffindorgal, with @mjs-oc-corner's gals Bella and Roxie also involved. Tysm Noe for hosting this wonderful event! 😊 Everyone now has to say goodbye to Winbourne and the Somersets for now, but it's not truly goodbye after all<3
The young couple worked to clean up their spaces and pack their belongings. It had been a week since the Christmas fun and festivities at Winbourne had begun, and it was now time to go home. Danny and Bella looked back fondly on the past few days as they got ready. This was not the first nor the last stay of theirs, but goodbyes weren't easy. That was just natural, and they well knew not to fret over it. All the guests had to prepare for their departures and make sure their areas were in order before they left. All the while, they traded goodbyes, season's greetings, merry Christmas, and happy holiday wishes.
Danny and Bella met up with Roxie on their way out.
“I'm sad that this year's celebration is ending but I'm also glad to get back to our auror training together, Danny.”
He nodded and smiled at Roxie. “Me too. In a way It'll cancel out some of the regrets about leaving here after the party's over.
“That's a smart way to think about it. We can't have no regrets though, otherwise we won't miss this place and want to come back as much.”
Bella added “Then me and Danny are going back together with one broom. It's the good little things that matter.”
“It all works out on its own.” he concluded.
Roxie grinned warmly.
“Me and Danny were talking about going back to my mum and dad's for supper later this evening. Do you want to come over, Roxie?” asked Bella.
“Aw, that's very nice! I'll be happy to join you all. We'll be making our own way out and see you there then.”
“That sounds great, Roxie. See you soon. Merry Christmas.” said Danny. “Merry Christmas. Talk to you later.” Bella remarked in goodbye.
“Merry Christmas to you both. Be safe in your travels, alright?” The three exchanged hugs.
-
Bags and broom in hand, Danny and Bella were a couple feet away from the gates leading out of Winbourne where they encountered Lady Prim and Lord Malcolm.
“Hello, I hope you all had a wonderful time here for the holidays.” greeted Prim.
“Amazing attire you had as well last night, Danny.” commented Malcolm.
“Many thanks, my lady Prim, my lord Malcolm. The hospitality you offer together never ceases to be grand and greatly warming.”
Bella added “I'm gratified for you both as well as my dear Danny.” She ran her arm around her love's. “The week would never have been this splendid without my love and my friends.”
“Of course.” said Prim. “We do our best Winbourne a place of comfort and happy memories. I'm so glad every everyone enjoyed themselves.”
With a positive outlook, Malcolm also noted assuredly “We have it all in us to keep going no matter what. This place is strong in it's heart, soul and body.”
“That's very thoughtful.” Bella told Malcolm.
“You two are amazing for each other.” complimented Danny.
“Thank you, Danny. We've worked together to overcome a lot of challenges over the past year.”
Malcolm nodded. “I hope we can keep on going and be successful next year. We cannot worry about the coming days though. Ourselves belong in the present, here and now.”
“That's good advice. We'll also keep it in mind moving forward.” Danny said as he smiled.”
“So,” then asked Prim “What do you and Bella have planned later? Other fun gatherings, parties, anything on your minds?”
Bella looked at Danny and then back at Prim and Malcolm. “We and Roxie are going to my parent's for supper.”
“That's wonderful, I hope it also turns out fun for you all. Anything on what your mum and dad are cooking?”
“Bella told me they want to keep it a surprise.” Danny said as they chuckled.
Prim grinned. “Guess you all will have to find out then.”
“This estate isn't gonna get itself back together, so we must get back to it.” Malcolm reminded her wife.
“There are other friends we have to make sure we say goodbye to, as well as see that the grounds and halls are tidied up.” she explained. “We'll talk to you both later, okay? Safe journey home.” Danny and Bella hugged Prim and Malcolm, the pairs wishing each other “Merry Christmas.”
Day 01: Back at Winbourne
an event by @endlessly-cursed
characters: malcolm and estelle stolberg-burke, primrose gray, elian and theo goldcrest (briefly mentioned), märta the owl
December 4th, 1900
Morning
The house was awash with anticipation when the morning of the 4th dawned. Christmastime had historically been one of Malcolm’s favourite holidays. His fondest childhood memories were of those Christmases spent in the north of Sweden, at his father’s family’s retreat. Now he was looking at quite a different view, with the sprawling gardens of Winbourne opening up for admiration from the window.
December 4th, 1900
Morning
The house was awash with anticipation when the morning of the 4th dawned. Christmastime had historically been one of Malcolm’s favourite holidays. His fondest childhood memories were of those Christmases spent in the north of Sweden, at his father’s family’s retreat. Now he was looking at quite a different view, with the sprawling gardens of Winbourne opening up for admiration from the window. The weather was cool but not freezing and the sun shone faintly, creating a rather picturesque morning. Malcolm dipped his quill back into the ink gently and added a few words at the end of the letter to his sister.
Estelle was in Sweden and while Malcolm missed her, he knew how highly she prized spending the holiday season in the north. It would altogether be different this year, with Henry and Elian in Scotland and the solstice falling on the 9th. Malcolm knew well the potency of old magic such as solstices, so he wasn’t as quick to dismiss the beliefs laid upon it by the people of Winbourne as some. He suspected the solstice had something to do with Theo and Elian’s conspicuous absence, too.
Malcolm wasn’t fond of big celebrations, though he had grown accustomed to them in the years since his parents’ passing. Estelle had always been the star, the born leader who enjoyed attention and fit into any situation. There had ben a time when Malcolm had sorely wished she would have been the heir, and he could have just faded into the background like a glorified house plant. The thought made him chuckle.
~
He was pulled from his thoughts by a gentle knock on the doorframe. Primrose stood there, regarding him with a smile. She looked perfectly serene, but Malcolm knew she was nervous about the oncoming celebrations.
“Is that to Estelle?” she inquired.
Malcolm nodded and put away the quill.
“Use my owl, she is sturdier than Märta,” said Primrose.
Malcolm smiled. “Don’t let Märta hear you say that.”
Märta was an older owl, gifted to him by Estelle, and she had an ego larger than life. In fact, Estelle had named her after their late grandmother who had shown similar characteristics in life.
“Never,” Primrose assured him. “Will you join me for tea?”
“Actually, I could do with a coffee,” said Malcolm and sealed his letter. He would drop it off at the owlery on the way. Sometimes he wondered what the muggles of the area made of the viscountess owning several owls but then again, it was certainly not the strangest hobby among the aristocracy.
“Coffee it is,” said Primrose and extended her hand. Malcolm stood up and walked over to her, grasping her hand in his. "It's going to be a long week."
"At least we'll get to see so many of our friends again," Malcolm offered.
"You're right, that will be lovely."
Malcolm pressed a kiss on the top of his wife's head and they headed towards the morning room for tea (and coffee).
Day 09: The Winter Masquerade
an event by @endlessly-cursed
characters: malcolm stolberg-burke, primrose gray, lavinia wakefield, cecilia balinor
The Masquerade Ball
It was late, and the celebrations had all gone splendidly, or so Malcolm thought. The day of the solstice had arrived and in honour of it, Primrose had arranged a masquerade ball in the spirit of the late 1700s. Malcolm found the idea of a masked ball rather entertaining, so he had made sure his outfit was convincing. Though it was to be said, that he was rather recognizable due to his height. He peered through his mask to see the guests mingling and dancing in the redecorated ballroom, this time made fit to house any royalty from 1710s. Primrose seemed relieved about the solstice and that made Malcolm happy. He was relieved after the conversation they’d had earlier. He didn’t want Primrose to think he had any reservations about such things as having a past. He spotted his wife talking to some of their mutual friends and headed her way. Maybe one more dance? Or perhaps it was time to retire already…
~
Vinnie had had an immense amount of fun during the weekend. She felt like writing, which was not the best thing to feel when one had to be sociable and dance through the night but the glittering costumes and beautiful masks all around had inspired her.
“You seem in your thoughts,” said Cecilia, having walked up to her quite without Vinnie noticing.
“Oh, I was,” said Vinnie with a smile and grasped Cecilia’s hand. “I think I’ve come up with a beginning for my book.”
“That’s wonderful!” Cecilia exclaimed.
Vinnie, digging through the pockets of her skirts, produced a tiny notebook along with a quill.
“You did not,” said Cecilia with a laugh.
Vinnie scribbled a few notes down, the quill being charmed as to not need any ink. “I brought it just in case the solstice would bestow a blessing upon me.”
Cecilia leaned in to kiss her cheek. “It seems it has.”
elian smacked him in the head and said "you're in love" and he was like, oh merlin yes i am
honestly though, i feel like he falls for her slowly and there isn't a grand moment of realization, more of a growing certainty that he loves her. he's probably quite convinced by their seventh year? obviously he has had a crush on her for a long time by that point.
