#year:1982

[murderousvance]

Washing Down the Ashes || Emmeline & OPEN

It was some hours since the explosion that had scorched Knockturn Alley. All the injured had long-since been cared for or sent to St. Mungo’s for more treatment; all the fires were out and the MLEP was searching the rubble for evidence (something that certainly upset the surviving owners of the blasted businesses nearly as much as the blast itself must have; there was no telling what else they might find as they sifted through the ruins). People either stood around gossiping or had fled to their homes and safety. Emmeline had a feeling that the Leaky Cauldron was doing a brisk business. Not feeling in the mood to sit anywhere quite so bustling, but also in no mood to return to Malfoy Manor and her temporary hosts, she had decided that what she really wanted was a sweet pick-me-up treat: one of Fortescue’s famed sundaes.

Maybe it was childish, craving such a treat as antidote to bolster her mood, but there was no one paying her any attention to scold or tease--or so she’d thought. Her little table was tucked in the corner of the small ice cream parlor, out of the way of anyone still flitting about on the street outside; everyone in the place was still talking about the explosion, a babble of worried talk that washed over her like an anxious wind. When a shadow crossed between her and the window Emmeline thought it must be the server bringing her the ice cream she had ordered (pistachio and rose with honey and marshmallow drizzle) but when she looked up she saw no tray nor bowl in the other’s hands. Her breath caught as they stepped forward and their face came into view against the light.

[murderousvance]

A Protective Poison || Selfpara

Emmeline was sweating. She knew that if Narcissa or Lucius ever found out that little Draco’s “upset tummy” had been caused deliberately--by her--that she would die in an exceptionally painful fashion. They didn’t seem to suspect anything though; an assumption she drew based on the fact that she was still breathing, free, and in possession of all her limbs and her wand.

The problem was that she wasn’t subtle. When Narcissa had said that she was going to take little Draco to Knockturn Alley to look at the new fire-lizards that Grimstoke’s had just got in, Emmeline had panicked. It was one thing to take action, even violent action, in a war and know that people might--would--get hurt. It was another thing entirely to look at a little boy you’d just spent the last few weeks getting to know and the parents who had so gracious (albeit not exactly selflessly) opened their home to you, and let them wander into danger. But she wasn’t the sort of person who could discreetly talk someone into changing their plans for the day without them catching-on that she was up to something, and both of the Malfoys were very good at subtlety.

So she’d poisoned the kid, just a small dose--also not one of her biggest talents, but a child of Draco’s age (even one raised by a Malfoy and a Black) was an easy target, and Draco was very fond of apples. All Emmeline had to do was get a little Gengroot Oil on the knife that the House Elf was using to cut up the apples he was having for a morning snack, and the poison did the rest. With Draco fussing that his tummy ached, his parents weren’t going to be taking him anywhere--including to Knockturn Alley and the sight of any imminent explosions. They also weren’t asking Emmeline why they shouldn’t be going there, which was a question she wasn’t prepared to answer.

Maybe she hadn’t quite sorted-out where she stood on the whole destiny-vs-free will thing just yet; maybe she was even starting to wonder if she’d chosen the wrong side. But that didn’t mean she was ready to betray her friends’ plans by risking the clever Malfoys meddling. Now all she had to do was find a way to dispose of the tainted knife without anyone noticing. Maybe she’d take it along with her to Knockturn Alley when she went to go have a look at all the action. No one would notice one tiny blade amongst all that rubble.