Theodore Aurelius Nott

  This is a RP account.   

[daphnesreign]

The Palladium Reunion

Stepping through the Floo into the Nott Manor, Daphne shook the soot from her hair and patted at her red shirtdress with a sigh before looking around the all too familar parlour.

As was customary, a house elf strode through the doors to the room, sporting a happy grin as she hurried to greet the newcomer at her arrival. “Good afternoon, Miss Daphne,” she bowed her head, clutching the periwinkle-coloured pillowcase she was wearing.

“Good afternoon, Cupcake,” Daphne greeted her, with a nod of acknowledgement, as she navigated her way to the kitchen. “Where is Theo?”

“Young master is in his bedroom. Should Cupcake bring him to you, Miss?”

“Yes, please.”

As the tiny elf scurried away, Daphne fluttered about in the kitchen gracefully, picking up different pots and pans and grabbing different ingredients from the cabinets. Everything piled together on the counter to the left of the unlit stove, looking like a chaotic mess — and yet, there was some order to her actions as she silently moved through her anxieties.

As the aroma of the meal began to fill the kitchen, Daphne felt her tension ebb gradually. Her mood had been deplorable ever since her mother had reminded her of her ultimatum, and it had reached to a point where she could not stand remaining within the confines of her own manor. Her mother's incessant nagging Daphne could handle, but navigating through a list of pretentious suitors?

Daphne Elizabeth Greengrass would much rather pry out her own ribs than parade around like a livestock for sale, thank you very much.

Fortunately, she had a little escapade planned from the hellhole the moment Blaise had owled her to inform his return from Italy. She could not wait to see her friends.

( @theodorenottrp @blaiseaaronzabini )

[theodorenottrp]

Theodore sighed as his lover above him littered his neck with kisses, the was nice, this kind of intimacy was nice, it made him feel safe and warm so he reached up to bring his lover’s lips against his own, instead he knocked his chin against their head causing him to let out a sting of curses ‘’Oww!’’ His lover smiled apologetically as they mumbled an apology and pressed a kiss on his chin, before Theo could respond he heard a knock on his door ‘’Yes?’ ‘’Miss Daphne is in the kitchen; she would like to see you.’’ Cupcake replied ‘’Should I let her know you are busy?’’ How could he forget?! Blaise was back from Italy, they were supposed to meet here, he was the one who offered his manor. He cursed under his breath and glanced at his lover who was looking at him with a raised brow ‘’I’m so sorry! I completely forget they were coming and when you owled, It was just so descriptive and I wanted you here doing all that to me and I…’’ His lover pecked his lips to stop him from his rambling ‘’It’s fine, go join them. I’ll see you later’’ and with that his lips caught his lips in another passionate kiss before rolling off the bed, quickly putting on their clothes and apparating. ‘’Tell her I’ll be joining her shortly!’’ Theo grumbled as he slowly pushed himself out of bed, he blindly grabbed his clothes and put them on, not caring how disheveled he must look like, if they commented on it, he could just tell them where to stick it. He couldn’t help but wince as he made his way to the kitchen, his body screaming at him to rest after the morning he had but he wasn’t complaining and he couldn’t wait to see his lover again to make them pay for what they have done to him. The smell of whatever Daphne was cooking had him almost drooling, once again he mentally patted himself on the back, his friends were the only reason he kept the kitchen stocked, he didn’t understand their interest in cooking but they seemed to enjoy it so he said nothing and let himself enjoy the free food. The sight that greeted him once he stepped inside made him smile but before his friend noticed his presence, he crossed his arms against his chest and let out an exaggerated sigh ‘’Look who is here planning to burn down my house’’

[daphnesreign]

“The one and only,” Daphne replied, with an easy smile, as she heard the sound of footsteps inching closer to where she stood behind the kitchen counter. It was during times like this that Daphne found refuge from the troubles that jabbed their edges into her ribs. Things always fell back together perfectly like pieces into place when it came to Daphne and her childhood friends. “I'm making lasagna, but I also brought scones. Fresh out of the oven.”

When she finally looked up at Theo approaching her and situating himself across from her, she couldn't help but narrow her eyes at him. “Why are you limping?” she asked, and almost imperceptibly her mouth parted in understanding. “Ah, nevermind. I think I am better off without the answer.”

She grabbed two plates from one of the cabinets and placed the warm scones on them neatly, offering one to Theo. “Did you get Blaise's owl?”

[theodorenottrp]

He smirked at her question but said nothing, let her come to her own conclusion, his lover would be proud once Theodore told them that someone noticed, he knows they don’t realize it yet but they have a knack for exhibitionism and loved leaving marks on his skin. ‘’Yeah but I got distracted so forgot you were coming’’ He waggled his eyebrows suggestively as he took the plate offered to him ‘’I haven’t seen or heard from him ever since before the war, I wonder how he is doing.’’ He may have not said it out loud but both friends worried for Blaise, they both knew very well that he will feel guilty for leaving. He remembers blaise trying to convince him to leave as well but it wasn’t as easy as his friend seemed to think. ‘’This is actually good’’ He said taking a bite trying to distract himself from his own thoughts, he hated thinking of that time.

[daphnesreign]

“He wrote to me last night,” Daphne informed him as her dainty fingers pinched off a piece of her scone and popped it between her lips, letting her tongue relish the taste. “He seems to be doing alright. He said both him and Mrs. Zabini have been well.”

Of course, the situation was a lot more tense than that. It did not require to be said out loud — both Daphne and Theodore had been aware of it. Blaise had been reluctant while leaving for Italy with his mother, especially when he knew his friends were staying back, but both Daphne and Theodore and pushed him to prioritise the safety of himself and his mother first. And they hadn't heard from him ever since.

The parting had been extremely difficult, none being able to promise if they would make it out alive. But they had, somehow. And Daphne could not wait to see him.

Theo's appraisal of her culinary skills broke her chain of thoughts and she threw him a smirk. “Of course they are good. I made them.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’We should visit her later, I’m sure she’ll appreciate seeing a face that isn’t Blaise’s ugly face.’’ Theodore absolutely loathed being reminded, he wished he could move on with his life without ever discussing this again, the trials the ministry are putting him through are more than enough. He placed his plate on the counter behind him then crouched down with a wince to reach the wine rack, he was doing better with his alcohol consumption, he doesn’t want to become his father, even the thought of that was enough to make him want to vomit. He closed his eyes to calm himself down before opening them again to grab a bottle. ‘’You know what will make it better?’’ He turned around with a smug look that quickly turned into another wince as his body kept reminding him to be gentler ‘’This!’’ He opened the bottle and took a swig without bothering to fetch a glass then offered the bottle to his friend

[daphnesreign]

Daphne rolled her eyes at Theodore's comment, but even then the corners of her lips tugged upwards in a smile. “I am sure she'd appreciate the thoughtful gesture,” she commented, before popping another piece of scone in her mouth.

As she cleaned her fingers, her eyes went across the room where a grandfather clock was situated. “Blaise should be here any minute now. I'm almost done cooking.”

She watched Theo as he manoeuvred his way around the kitchen to fetch a bottle of wine and rolled her eyes. “It's twelve in the afternoon. Too early for you to get rat-arsed,” she reminded, even as she accepted the bottle from him. It had been charmed to remain chilled. Raising the bottle to her lips, Daphne took a swig of the drink, feeling the citrusy flavour in the back of throat.

[blaiseaaronzabini]

Blaise kissed his mother’s cheek goodbye after she handed him a tray of cookies that they both made earlier today, to say he was nervous would be the understatement of the century. He has already spoken to his friends vie owl but meeting them in person felt different, he was still guilt ridden. He had confided in his mother, she told him that his friends will understand, he believed her, but it didn’t make him feel any better. He clenched his fingers around the tray and closed his eyes as he apparated to Nott Manor, when he opened his eyes again, he was standing on Theodore’s front door. He took a deep breath bracing himself for what is to come as he raised his hand to knock, he was aware that he did not require permission to enter but this somehow felt as the most appropriate action. He straightened his posture as the door creaked open, ‘’ Good afternoon, Mr Blaise’’ cupcake welcomed him, he smiled at the house elf ‘’Hello cupcake, how are you doing? And Can you please let theo know that I’m here?’’ The tiny house elf bowed, their head almost touching the ground ‘’I’m great Mr Blaise! Thank you for asking! Master asked cupcake to accompany you to the kitchen.’’ Blaise nodded and followed the elf to the kitchen, he didn’t need directions, but he knew it would make the house elf happy, so he followed and thanked them once they arrived at their destination and turned to survey his friends. Both look well and healthy, that calmed him, he didn’t know what to expect but seeing them helped ease the anxiety he felt. ‘’Isn’t too early to be drinking?’’ He grinned looking at his friends, it has been too long, and he has really missed them

[daphnesreign]

After handing the wine bottle back to Theodore, Daphne took out the layered dish from the oven and busied herself in garnishing the evenly baked lasagna with parsley. With a deft flick of her wrist, the mess that had accumulated in the kitchen all cleared out, leaving behind a picture-perfect amalgam of professionalism and dedication.

“All done,” she informed Theo, who might as well have emptied half of the bottle by then. “Now we just—”

She was interrupted by another voice — a voice that she was all too familiar with. It broke the ambience of the kitchen, and Daphne almost jumped back, her eyes automatically locating the figure of a smiling Blaise across from them almost instantly.

For a single moment there was a pregnant pause, but the next thing she knew was that she was striding off to him, taking the tray of cookies from his hand and placing them on the marble kitchen counter, and engulfing him the warmest hug.

She knew Blaise was going to drop by any minute. She had been waiting for the moment ever since he had written to her, almost counting the minutes till she got to see him again. And now, when he was finally in front of them, she couldn't find words. It felt surreal. How many months had it been?

“I almost threw the casserole at you,” she murmured, voice low and linen with a torrent of unnamed emotions.

[blaiseaaronzabini]

‘’Hello to you too, Daphne.’’ He laughed wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug ‘’And I’m sure I would have caught it anyway, I’m a chaser after all.’’ He loosened his grip so he could lean back and take a better look at his friend ‘’But you missy, have been up to no good. What’s that on your nose? Look at you! Your mother must have had a heart attack’’ He chuckled glancing at Theodore who inched closer to them but there was something wrong, did he get hurt during the war? His smile quickly turned into a frown as his attention turned to Theo ‘’Why are you limping?’ He glanced at Daphne once more then back at Theodore with narrowed eyes as it dawned on him slowly, his hair was a mess, his shirt was inside out and the love bite on his neck was suddenly obvious ‘’Eh, nevermind. I think I am better off without an answer. It’s good to see you haven’t changed, Man.’’ He freed one arm to pull theo into a hug. It felt as if it had been years since he had seen his friends, he just needed Draco and Pansy to be here to make this even better. However, seeing two of them healthy gave him hope that the other two are doing good as well.

[theodorenottrp]

Theodore took another swig from the bottle before leaning back against the counter and placing the bottle beside him, no more, he silently promised himself. He watched Daph work around his kitchen like she owned the place, he would never tell her, but he loved it when she came here and did this sort of thing. After their fifth year when his father was arrested due to his involvement at the ministry, he was relieved and convinced himself that he was will be locked away for a long time so he decided to remodel his entire house, he was finally free and he found himself suddenly with lots of free time so he designed every single room in his manor, he didn’t mention to his friends but he had a wing for each one of them, designed with their comfort in mind. He initially didn’t want a kitchen that was accessible to anyone but he quickly realized that two of his friends love working in one so he designed it in a way that will provide them with whatever was necessary, he was even consulted them and found unexpected joy in seeing their excited faces. He was pulled out by his thoughts by a familiar voice, a wave of relief washed over him, it shocked even him, he hadn’t realized the impact of Blaise’s disappearance had on them until now. ’What the…?’’ His eyes widened as he mouthed those words, he certainly did not miss how in synch Daphne and Blaise were, those were almost the exact same words she used. Was he really limping? He didn’t feel any pain, just a little uncomfortable with certain movements and he thought he walked normal but then again, it had been a while since his lover has taken him this way. He scoffed, slapping Blaise’s hand away ‘’And you haven’t changed either, ugly as ever. At least you brought cookies!’’ Without waiting for a response, he grabbed one from the tray and took a big bite ‘’And this is why I keep you around. You made my favorite!’’

[daphnesreign]

“Ah,” Daphne smiled languidly when Blaise pointed out to her nose piercing. “Maybe that was exactly the plan all along. You never know.”

Her tone was playful and yet, all that she said was brutally honest. The recent addition to her splendour was a little diamond, studded through her nose in a quiet act of rebellion against the autocratic, oppressive tradition of the Greengrass clan. While it was not anything radical, it made a statement bold enough: Daphne Greengrass was not meant to be controlled.

She could not help but snort at Blaise's assessment of Theodore's messy appearance, which in turn made the latter jab at him in the most Theo-esque fashion. As she chuckled at their antics, she wondered just how strong the bond had always been between the three. It was not something that required daily contact or saying. Even being separated from Blaise for months at an end could not break them and what they shared. To say that Daphne was grateful would have been an understatement.

“Oh, come on,” she drawled, rolling her eyes as she grabbed Theo's arm and dragged him into the hug. “Stop being so dramatic for a second, it's getting boring.”

[theodorenottrp]

Theo tried to get away but her grip along with Blaise’s was too strong to resist so he let himself be pulled forward into the hug ‘’I don’t know why I’m friends with you two, you both suck.’’ He sighed as he reluctantly wrapped arm around each friend and let himself melt into the hug. He was grateful to his friends for not pointing it out when he tightened his hold around them, pulling them closer. Despite his initial protests, this was actually nice but before he become softer, he needed to let go but he couldn’t bring himself to do so ‘Can we stop now? Pansy and Draco will be arriving anytime now, and I would like to fix my shirt at least before they arrive.’’ He mumbled whilst still holding on to his friends

[daphnesreign]

The Palladium Reunion

Stepping through the Floo into the Nott Manor, Daphne shook the soot from her hair and patted at her red shirtdress with a sigh before looking around the all too familar parlour.

As was customary, a house elf strode through the doors to the room, sporting a happy grin as she hurried to greet the newcomer at her arrival. “Good afternoon, Miss Daphne,” she bowed her head, clutching the periwinkle-coloured pillowcase she was wearing.

“Good afternoon, Cupcake,” Daphne greeted her, with a nod of acknowledgement, as she navigated her way to the kitchen. “Where is Theo?”

“Young master is in his bedroom. Should Cupcake bring him to you, Miss?”

“Yes, please.”

As the tiny elf scurried away, Daphne fluttered about in the kitchen gracefully, picking up different pots and pans and grabbing different ingredients from the cabinets. Everything piled together on the counter to the left of the unlit stove, looking like a chaotic mess — and yet, there was some order to her actions as she silently moved through her anxieties.

As the aroma of the meal began to fill the kitchen, Daphne felt her tension ebb gradually. Her mood had been deplorable ever since her mother had reminded her of her ultimatum, and it had reached to a point where she could not stand remaining within the confines of her own manor. Her mother's incessant nagging Daphne could handle, but navigating through a list of pretentious suitors?

Daphne Elizabeth Greengrass would much rather pry out her own ribs than parade around like a livestock for sale, thank you very much.

Fortunately, she had a little escapade planned from the hellhole the moment Blaise had owled her to inform his return from Italy. She could not wait to see her friends.

( @theodorenottrp @blaiseaaronzabini )

[theodorenottrp]

Theodore sighed as his lover above him littered his neck with kisses, the was nice, this kind of intimacy was nice, it made him feel safe and warm so he reached up to bring his lover’s lips against his own, instead he knocked his chin against their head causing him to let out a sting of curses ‘’Oww!’’ His lover smiled apologetically as they mumbled an apology and pressed a kiss on his chin, before Theo could respond he heard a knock on his door ‘’Yes?’ ‘’Miss Daphne is in the kitchen; she would like to see you.’’ Cupcake replied ‘’Should I let her know you are busy?’’ How could he forget?! Blaise was back from Italy, they were supposed to meet here, he was the one who offered his manor. He cursed under his breath and glanced at his lover who was looking at him with a raised brow ‘’I’m so sorry! I completely forget they were coming and when you owled, It was just so descriptive and I wanted you here doing all that to me and I…’’ His lover pecked his lips to stop him from his rambling ‘’It’s fine, go join them. I’ll see you later’’ and with that his lips caught his lips in another passionate kiss before rolling off the bed, quickly putting on their clothes and apparating. ‘’Tell her I’ll be joining her shortly!’’ Theo grumbled as he slowly pushed himself out of bed, he blindly grabbed his clothes and put them on, not caring how disheveled he must look like, if they commented on it, he could just tell them where to stick it. He couldn’t help but wince as he made his way to the kitchen, his body screaming at him to rest after the morning he had but he wasn’t complaining and he couldn’t wait to see his lover again to make them pay for what they have done to him. The smell of whatever Daphne was cooking had him almost drooling, once again he mentally patted himself on the back, his friends were the only reason he kept the kitchen stocked, he didn’t understand their interest in cooking but they seemed to enjoy it so he said nothing and let himself enjoy the free food. The sight that greeted him once he stepped inside made him smile but before his friend noticed his presence, he crossed his arms against his chest and let out an exaggerated sigh ‘’Look who is here planning to burn down my house’’

[daphnesreign]

“The one and only,” Daphne replied, with an easy smile, as she heard the sound of footsteps inching closer to where she stood behind the kitchen counter. It was during times like this that Daphne found refuge from the troubles that jabbed their edges into her ribs. Things always fell back together perfectly like pieces into place when it came to Daphne and her childhood friends. “I'm making lasagna, but I also brought scones. Fresh out of the oven.”

When she finally looked up at Theo approaching her and situating himself across from her, she couldn't help but narrow her eyes at him. “Why are you limping?” she asked, and almost imperceptibly her mouth parted in understanding. “Ah, nevermind. I think I am better off without the answer.”

She grabbed two plates from one of the cabinets and placed the warm scones on them neatly, offering one to Theo. “Did you get Blaise's owl?”

[theodorenottrp]

He smirked at her question but said nothing, let her come to her own conclusion, his lover would be proud once Theodore told them that someone noticed, he knows they don’t realize it yet but they have a knack for exhibitionism and loved leaving marks on his skin. ‘’Yeah but I got distracted so forgot you were coming’’ He waggled his eyebrows suggestively as he took the plate offered to him ‘’I haven’t seen or heard from him ever since before the war, I wonder how he is doing.’’ He may have not said it out loud but both friends worried for Blaise, they both knew very well that he will feel guilty for leaving. He remembers blaise trying to convince him to leave as well but it wasn’t as easy as his friend seemed to think. ‘’This is actually good’’ He said taking a bite trying to distract himself from his own thoughts, he hated thinking of that time.

[daphnesreign]

“He wrote to me last night,” Daphne informed him as her dainty fingers pinched off a piece of her scone and popped it between her lips, letting her tongue relish the taste. “He seems to be doing alright. He said both him and Mrs. Zabini have been well.”

Of course, the situation was a lot more tense than that. It did not require to be said out loud — both Daphne and Theodore had been aware of it. Blaise had been reluctant while leaving for Italy with his mother, especially when he knew his friends were staying back, but both Daphne and Theodore and pushed him to prioritise the safety of himself and his mother first. And they hadn't heard from him ever since.

The parting had been extremely difficult, none being able to promise if they would make it out alive. But they had, somehow. And Daphne could not wait to see him.

Theo's appraisal of her culinary skills broke her chain of thoughts and she threw him a smirk. “Of course they are good. I made them.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’We should visit her later, I’m sure she’ll appreciate seeing a face that isn’t Blaise’s ugly face.’’ Theodore absolutely loathed being reminded, he wished he could move on with his life without ever discussing this again, the trials the ministry are putting him through are more than enough. He placed his plate on the counter behind him then crouched down with a wince to reach the wine rack, he was doing better with his alcohol consumption, he doesn’t want to become his father, even the thought of that was enough to make him want to vomit. He closed his eyes to calm himself down before opening them again to grab a bottle. ‘’You know what will make it better?’’ He turned around with a smug look that quickly turned into another wince as his body kept reminding him to be gentler ‘’This!’’ He opened the bottle and took a swig without bothering to fetch a glass then offered the bottle to his friend

[daphnesreign]

Daphne rolled her eyes at Theodore's comment, but even then the corners of her lips tugged upwards in a smile. “I am sure she'd appreciate the thoughtful gesture,” she commented, before popping another piece of scone in her mouth.

As she cleaned her fingers, her eyes went across the room where a grandfather clock was situated. “Blaise should be here any minute now. I'm almost done cooking.”

She watched Theo as he manoeuvred his way around the kitchen to fetch a bottle of wine and rolled her eyes. “It's twelve in the afternoon. Too early for you to get rat-arsed,” she reminded, even as she accepted the bottle from him. It had been charmed to remain chilled. Raising the bottle to her lips, Daphne took a swig of the drink, feeling the citrusy flavour in the back of throat.

[blaiseaaronzabini]

Blaise kissed his mother’s cheek goodbye after she handed him a tray of cookies that they both made earlier today, to say he was nervous would be the understatement of the century. He has already spoken to his friends vie owl but meeting them in person felt different, he was still guilt ridden. He had confided in his mother, she told him that his friends will understand, he believed her, but it didn’t make him feel any better. He clenched his fingers around the tray and closed his eyes as he apparated to Nott Manor, when he opened his eyes again, he was standing on Theodore’s front door. He took a deep breath bracing himself for what is to come as he raised his hand to knock, he was aware that he did not require permission to enter but this somehow felt as the most appropriate action. He straightened his posture as the door creaked open, ‘’ Good afternoon, Mr Blaise’’ cupcake welcomed him, he smiled at the house elf ‘’Hello cupcake, how are you doing? And Can you please let theo know that I’m here?’’ The tiny house elf bowed, their head almost touching the ground ‘’I’m great Mr Blaise! Thank you for asking! Master asked cupcake to accompany you to the kitchen.’’ Blaise nodded and followed the elf to the kitchen, he didn’t need directions, but he knew it would make the house elf happy, so he followed and thanked them once they arrived at their destination and turned to survey his friends. Both look well and healthy, that calmed him, he didn’t know what to expect but seeing them helped ease the anxiety he felt. ‘’Isn’t too early to be drinking?’’ He grinned looking at his friends, it has been too long, and he has really missed them

[daphnesreign]

After handing the wine bottle back to Theodore, Daphne took out the layered dish from the oven and busied herself in garnishing the evenly baked lasagna with parsley. With a deft flick of her wrist, the mess that had accumulated in the kitchen all cleared out, leaving behind a picture-perfect amalgam of professionalism and dedication.

“All done,” she informed Theo, who might as well have emptied half of the bottle by then. “Now we just—”

She was interrupted by another voice — a voice that she was all too familiar with. It broke the ambience of the kitchen, and Daphne almost jumped back, her eyes automatically locating the figure of a smiling Blaise across from them almost instantly.

For a single moment there was a pregnant pause, but the next thing she knew was that she was striding off to him, taking the tray of cookies from his hand and placing them on the marble kitchen counter, and engulfing him the warmest hug.

She knew Blaise was going to drop by any minute. She had been waiting for the moment ever since he had written to her, almost counting the minutes till she got to see him again. And now, when he was finally in front of them, she couldn't find words. It felt surreal. How many months had it been?

“I almost threw the casserole at you,” she murmured, voice low and linen with a torrent of unnamed emotions.

[blaiseaaronzabini]

‘’Hello to you too, Daphne.’’ He laughed wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug ‘’And I’m sure I would have caught it anyway, I’m a chaser after all.’’ He loosened his grip so he could lean back and take a better look at his friend ‘’But you missy, have been up to no good. What’s that on your nose? Look at you! Your mother must have had a heart attack’’ He chuckled glancing at Theodore who inched closer to them but there was something wrong, did he get hurt during the war? His smile quickly turned into a frown as his attention turned to Theo ‘’Why are you limping?’ He glanced at Daphne once more then back at Theodore with narrowed eyes as it dawned on him slowly, his hair was a mess, his shirt was inside out and the love bite on his neck was suddenly obvious ‘’Eh, nevermind. I think I am better off without an answer. It’s good to see you haven’t changed, Man.’’ He freed one arm to pull theo into a hug. It felt as if it had been years since he had seen his friends, he just needed Draco and Pansy to be here to make this even better. However, seeing two of them healthy gave him hope that the other two are doing good as well.

[theodorenottrp]

Theodore took another swig from the bottle before leaning back against the counter and placing the bottle beside him, no more, he silently promised himself. He watched Daph work around his kitchen like she owned the place, he would never tell her, but he loved it when she came here and did this sort of thing. After their fifth year when his father was arrested due to his involvement at the ministry, he was relieved and convinced himself that he was will be locked away for a long time so he decided to remodel his entire house, he was finally free and he found himself suddenly with lots of free time so he designed every single room in his manor, he didn’t mention to his friends but he had a wing for each one of them, designed with their comfort in mind. He initially didn’t want a kitchen that was accessible to anyone but he quickly realized that two of his friends love working in one so he designed it in a way that will provide them with whatever was necessary, he was even consulted them and found unexpected joy in seeing their excited faces. He was pulled out by his thoughts by a familiar voice, a wave of relief washed over him, it shocked even him, he hadn’t realized the impact of Blaise’s disappearance had on them until now. ’What the…?’’ His eyes widened as he mouthed those words, he certainly did not miss how in synch Daphne and Blaise were, those were almost the exact same words she used. Was he really limping? He didn’t feel any pain, just a little uncomfortable with certain movements and he thought he walked normal but then again, it had been a while since his lover has taken him this way. He scoffed, slapping Blaise’s hand away ‘’And you haven’t changed either, ugly as ever. At least you brought cookies!’’ Without waiting for a response, he grabbed one from the tray and took a big bite ‘’And this is why I keep you around. You made my favorite!’’

[daphnesreign]

The Palladium Reunion

Stepping through the Floo into the Nott Manor, Daphne shook the soot from her hair and patted at her red shirtdress with a sigh before looking around the all too familar parlour.

As was customary, a house elf strode through the doors to the room, sporting a happy grin as she hurried to greet the newcomer at her arrival. “Good afternoon, Miss Daphne,” she bowed her head, clutching the periwinkle-coloured pillowcase she was wearing.

“Good afternoon, Cupcake,” Daphne greeted her, with a nod of acknowledgement, as she navigated her way to the kitchen. “Where is Theo?”

“Young master is in his bedroom. Should Cupcake bring him to you, Miss?”

“Yes, please.”

As the tiny elf scurried away, Daphne fluttered about in the kitchen gracefully, picking up different pots and pans and grabbing different ingredients from the cabinets. Everything piled together on the counter to the left of the unlit stove, looking like a chaotic mess — and yet, there was some order to her actions as she silently moved through her anxieties.

As the aroma of the meal began to fill the kitchen, Daphne felt her tension ebb gradually. Her mood had been deplorable ever since her mother had reminded her of her ultimatum, and it had reached to a point where she could not stand remaining within the confines of her own manor. Her mother's incessant nagging Daphne could handle, but navigating through a list of pretentious suitors?

Daphne Elizabeth Greengrass would much rather pry out her own ribs than parade around like a livestock for sale, thank you very much.

Fortunately, she had a little escapade planned from the hellhole the moment Blaise had owled her to inform his return from Italy. She could not wait to see her friends.

( @theodorenottrp @blaiseaaronzabini )

[theodorenottrp]

Theodore sighed as his lover above him littered his neck with kisses, the was nice, this kind of intimacy was nice, it made him feel safe and warm so he reached up to bring his lover’s lips against his own, instead he knocked his chin against their head causing him to let out a sting of curses ‘’Oww!’’ His lover smiled apologetically as they mumbled an apology and pressed a kiss on his chin, before Theo could respond he heard a knock on his door ‘’Yes?’ ‘’Miss Daphne is in the kitchen; she would like to see you.’’ Cupcake replied ‘’Should I let her know you are busy?’’ How could he forget?! Blaise was back from Italy, they were supposed to meet here, he was the one who offered his manor. He cursed under his breath and glanced at his lover who was looking at him with a raised brow ‘’I’m so sorry! I completely forget they were coming and when you owled, It was just so descriptive and I wanted you here doing all that to me and I…’’ His lover pecked his lips to stop him from his rambling ‘’It’s fine, go join them. I’ll see you later’’ and with that his lips caught his lips in another passionate kiss before rolling off the bed, quickly putting on their clothes and apparating. ‘’Tell her I’ll be joining her shortly!’’ Theo grumbled as he slowly pushed himself out of bed, he blindly grabbed his clothes and put them on, not caring how disheveled he must look like, if they commented on it, he could just tell them where to stick it. He couldn’t help but wince as he made his way to the kitchen, his body screaming at him to rest after the morning he had but he wasn’t complaining and he couldn’t wait to see his lover again to make them pay for what they have done to him. The smell of whatever Daphne was cooking had him almost drooling, once again he mentally patted himself on the back, his friends were the only reason he kept the kitchen stocked, he didn’t understand their interest in cooking but they seemed to enjoy it so he said nothing and let himself enjoy the free food. The sight that greeted him once he stepped inside made him smile but before his friend noticed his presence, he crossed his arms against his chest and let out an exaggerated sigh ‘’Look who is here planning to burn down my house’’

[daphnesreign]

“The one and only,” Daphne replied, with an easy smile, as she heard the sound of footsteps inching closer to where she stood behind the kitchen counter. It was during times like this that Daphne found refuge from the troubles that jabbed their edges into her ribs. Things always fell back together perfectly like pieces into place when it came to Daphne and her childhood friends. “I'm making lasagna, but I also brought scones. Fresh out of the oven.”

When she finally looked up at Theo approaching her and situating himself across from her, she couldn't help but narrow her eyes at him. “Why are you limping?” she asked, and almost imperceptibly her mouth parted in understanding. “Ah, nevermind. I think I am better off without the answer.”

She grabbed two plates from one of the cabinets and placed the warm scones on them neatly, offering one to Theo. “Did you get Blaise's owl?”

[theodorenottrp]

He smirked at her question but said nothing, let her come to her own conclusion, his lover would be proud once Theodore told them that someone noticed, he knows they don’t realize it yet but they have a knack for exhibitionism and loved leaving marks on his skin. ‘’Yeah but I got distracted so forgot you were coming’’ He waggled his eyebrows suggestively as he took the plate offered to him ‘’I haven’t seen or heard from him ever since before the war, I wonder how he is doing.’’ He may have not said it out loud but both friends worried for Blaise, they both knew very well that he will feel guilty for leaving. He remembers blaise trying to convince him to leave as well but it wasn’t as easy as his friend seemed to think. ‘’This is actually good’’ He said taking a bite trying to distract himself from his own thoughts, he hated thinking of that time.

[daphnesreign]

“He wrote to me last night,” Daphne informed him as her dainty fingers pinched off a piece of her scone and popped it between her lips, letting her tongue relish the taste. “He seems to be doing alright. He said both him and Mrs. Zabini have been well.”

Of course, the situation was a lot more tense than that. It did not require to be said out loud — both Daphne and Theodore had been aware of it. Blaise had been reluctant while leaving for Italy with his mother, especially when he knew his friends were staying back, but both Daphne and Theodore and pushed him to prioritise the safety of himself and his mother first. And they hadn't heard from him ever since.

The parting had been extremely difficult, none being able to promise if they would make it out alive. But they had, somehow. And Daphne could not wait to see him.

Theo's appraisal of her culinary skills broke her chain of thoughts and she threw him a smirk. “Of course they are good. I made them.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’We should visit her later, I’m sure she’ll appreciate seeing a face that isn’t Blaise’s ugly face.’’ Theodore absolutely loathed being reminded, he wished he could move on with his life without ever discussing this again, the trials the ministry are putting him through are more than enough. He placed his plate on the counter behind him then crouched down with a wince to reach the wine rack, he was doing better with his alcohol consumption, he doesn’t want to become his father, even the thought of that was enough to make him want to vomit. He closed his eyes to calm himself down before opening them again to grab a bottle. ‘’You know what will make it better?’’ He turned around with a smug look that quickly turned into another wince as his body kept reminding him to be gentler ‘’This!’’ He opened the bottle and took a swig without bothering to fetch a glass then offered the bottle to his friend

[daphnesreign]

The Palladium Reunion

Stepping through the Floo into the Nott Manor, Daphne shook the soot from her hair and patted at her red shirtdress with a sigh before looking around the all too familar parlour.

As was customary, a house elf strode through the doors to the room, sporting a happy grin as she hurried to greet the newcomer at her arrival. “Good afternoon, Miss Daphne,” she bowed her head, clutching the periwinkle-coloured pillowcase she was wearing.

“Good afternoon, Cupcake,” Daphne greeted her, with a nod of acknowledgement, as she navigated her way to the kitchen. “Where is Theo?”

“Young master is in his bedroom. Should Cupcake bring him to you, Miss?”

“Yes, please.”

As the tiny elf scurried away, Daphne fluttered about in the kitchen gracefully, picking up different pots and pans and grabbing different ingredients from the cabinets. Everything piled together on the counter to the left of the unlit stove, looking like a chaotic mess — and yet, there was some order to her actions as she silently moved through her anxieties.

As the aroma of the meal began to fill the kitchen, Daphne felt her tension ebb gradually. Her mood had been deplorable ever since her mother had reminded her of her ultimatum, and it had reached to a point where she could not stand remaining within the confines of her own manor. Her mother's incessant nagging Daphne could handle, but navigating through a list of pretentious suitors?

Daphne Elizabeth Greengrass would much rather pry out her own ribs than parade around like a livestock for sale, thank you very much.

Fortunately, she had a little escapade planned from the hellhole the moment Blaise had owled her to inform his return from Italy. She could not wait to see her friends.

( @theodorenottrp @blaiseaaronzabini )

[theodorenottrp]

Theodore sighed as his lover above him littered his neck with kisses, the was nice, this kind of intimacy was nice, it made him feel safe and warm so he reached up to bring his lover’s lips against his own, instead he knocked his chin against their head causing him to let out a sting of curses ‘’Oww!’’ His lover smiled apologetically as they mumbled an apology and pressed a kiss on his chin, before Theo could respond he heard a knock on his door ‘’Yes?’ ‘’Miss Daphne is in the kitchen; she would like to see you.’’ Cupcake replied ‘’Should I let her know you are busy?’’ How could he forget?! Blaise was back from Italy, they were supposed to meet here, he was the one who offered his manor. He cursed under his breath and glanced at his lover who was looking at him with a raised brow ‘’I’m so sorry! I completely forget they were coming and when you owled, It was just so descriptive and I wanted you here doing all that to me and I…’’ His lover pecked his lips to stop him from his rambling ‘’It’s fine, go join them. I’ll see you later’’ and with that his lips caught his lips in another passionate kiss before rolling off the bed, quickly putting on their clothes and apparating. ‘’Tell her I’ll be joining her shortly!’’ Theo grumbled as he slowly pushed himself out of bed, he blindly grabbed his clothes and put them on, not caring how disheveled he must look like, if they commented on it, he could just tell them where to stick it. He couldn’t help but wince as he made his way to the kitchen, his body screaming at him to rest after the morning he had but he wasn’t complaining and he couldn’t wait to see his lover again to make them pay for what they have done to him. The smell of whatever Daphne was cooking had him almost drooling, once again he mentally patted himself on the back, his friends were the only reason he kept the kitchen stocked, he didn’t understand their interest in cooking but they seemed to enjoy it so he said nothing and let himself enjoy the free food. The sight that greeted him once he stepped inside made him smile but before his friend noticed his presence, he crossed his arms against his chest and let out an exaggerated sigh ‘’Look who is here planning to burn down my house’’

[daphnesreign]

“The one and only,” Daphne replied, with an easy smile, as she heard the sound of footsteps inching closer to where she stood behind the kitchen counter. It was during times like this that Daphne found refuge from the troubles that jabbed their edges into her ribs. Things always fell back together perfectly like pieces into place when it came to Daphne and her childhood friends. “I'm making lasagna, but I also brought scones. Fresh out of the oven.”

When she finally looked up at Theo approaching her and situating himself across from her, she couldn't help but narrow her eyes at him. “Why are you limping?” she asked, and almost imperceptibly her mouth parted in understanding. “Ah, nevermind. I think I am better off without the answer.”

She grabbed two plates from one of the cabinets and placed the warm scones on them neatly, offering one to Theo. “Did you get Blaise's owl?”

[theodorenottrp]

He smirked at her question but said nothing, let her come to her own conclusion, his lover would be proud once Theodore told them that someone noticed, he knows they don’t realize it yet but they have a knack for exhibitionism and loved leaving marks on his skin. ‘’Yeah but I got distracted so forgot you were coming’’ He waggled his eyebrows suggestively as he took the plate offered to him ‘’I haven’t seen or heard from him ever since before the war, I wonder how he is doing.’’ He may have not said it out loud but both friends worried for Blaise, they both knew very well that he will feel guilty for leaving. He remembers blaise trying to convince him to leave as well but it wasn’t as easy as his friend seemed to think. ‘’This is actually good’’ He said taking a bite trying to distract himself from his own thoughts, he hated thinking of that time.

[daphnesreign]

The Palladium Reunion

Stepping through the Floo into the Nott Manor, Daphne shook the soot from her hair and patted at her red shirtdress with a sigh before looking around the all too familar parlour.

As was customary, a house elf strode through the doors to the room, sporting a happy grin as she hurried to greet the newcomer at her arrival. “Good afternoon, Miss Daphne,” she bowed her head, clutching the periwinkle-coloured pillowcase she was wearing.

“Good afternoon, Cupcake,” Daphne greeted her, with a nod of acknowledgement, as she navigated her way to the kitchen. “Where is Theo?”

“Young master is in his bedroom. Should Cupcake bring him to you, Miss?”

“Yes, please.”

As the tiny elf scurried away, Daphne fluttered about in the kitchen gracefully, picking up different pots and pans and grabbing different ingredients from the cabinets. Everything piled together on the counter to the left of the unlit stove, looking like a chaotic mess — and yet, there was some order to her actions as she silently moved through her anxieties.

As the aroma of the meal began to fill the kitchen, Daphne felt her tension ebb gradually. Her mood had been deplorable ever since her mother had reminded her of her ultimatum, and it had reached to a point where she could not stand remaining within the confines of her own manor. Her mother's incessant nagging Daphne could handle, but navigating through a list of pretentious suitors?

Daphne Elizabeth Greengrass would much rather pry out her own ribs than parade around like a livestock for sale, thank you very much.

Fortunately, she had a little escapade planned from the hellhole the moment Blaise had owled her to inform his return from Italy. She could not wait to see her friends.

( @theodorenottrp @blaiseaaronzabini )

[theodorenottrp]

Theodore sighed as his lover above him littered his neck with kisses, the was nice, this kind of intimacy was nice, it made him feel safe and warm so he reached up to bring his lover’s lips against his own, instead he knocked his chin against their head causing him to let out a sting of curses ‘’Oww!’’ His lover smiled apologetically as they mumbled an apology and pressed a kiss on his chin, before Theo could respond he heard a knock on his door ‘’Yes?’ ‘’Miss Daphne is in the kitchen; she would like to see you.’’ Cupcake replied ‘’Should I let her know you are busy?’’ How could he forget?! Blaise was back from Italy, they were supposed to meet here, he was the one who offered his manor. He cursed under his breath and glanced at his lover who was looking at him with a raised brow ‘’I’m so sorry! I completely forget they were coming and when you owled, It was just so descriptive and I wanted you here doing all that to me and I…’’ His lover pecked his lips to stop him from his rambling ‘’It’s fine, go join them. I’ll see you later’’ and with that his lips caught his lips in another passionate kiss before rolling off the bed, quickly putting on their clothes and apparating. ‘’Tell her I’ll be joining her shortly!’’ Theo grumbled as he slowly pushed himself out of bed, he blindly grabbed his clothes and put them on, not caring how disheveled he must look like, if they commented on it, he could just tell them where to stick it. He couldn’t help but wince as he made his way to the kitchen, his body screaming at him to rest after the morning he had but he wasn’t complaining and he couldn’t wait to see his lover again to make them pay for what they have done to him. The smell of whatever Daphne was cooking had him almost drooling, once again he mentally patted himself on the back, his friends were the only reason he kept the kitchen stocked, he didn’t understand their interest in cooking but they seemed to enjoy it so he said nothing and let himself enjoy the free food. The sight that greeted him once he stepped inside made him smile but before his friend noticed his presence, he crossed his arms against his chest and let out an exaggerated sigh ‘’Look who is here planning to burn down my house’’

[theodorenottrp]

ℑ𝔫𝔱𝔯𝔬

The last few months have been difficult, Theodore was relieved that the war was over, but it had left him alone once again to manage the destruction his father left behind. His father was in Azkaban but the ministry seemed to find joy in questioning him over and over again about his father, and no matter how many times Theo told them he had no idea since his father along with the rest of the death eaters moved to Malfoy manor to live with their master and do his bidding.

That angered him, ever since he was a child, his father had drilled it into him that he was a pureblood, he was superior to everyone but then he goes and follows a half blood like a lost puppy. Theo hated being reminded of his father, he had been trying to move forward ever since his father was captured for the first time in his 5th year. He didn’t need to think of a man that only remembered he had a son when he needed an outlet for his frustration.

Theodore came into his inheritance and was forced to manage his family business as soon as he turned 17, He initially resisted as he wanted to live his life to the fullest without having such a burden but after a while he realized that he didn’t have to choose, now that his father was out of his life for good, he did not need to be afraid, he could do anything he wanted so let himself loose. He went from the quiet boy who rarely spoke to the life of the party. There was no one in Hogwarts that didn’t know his name, he has spent at least one night in bed with half of Hogwarts.

[theodorenottrp]

Wanna rp?

Sure. Anything in mind?

[theodorenottrp]

House Party

Theodore threw his bag onto his bed and quickly changed into something more fitting for tonight’s event, it has been a while since he had a chance to relax or blow off some steam, he couldn’t wait. Once he made sure he looked good, he made his way downstairs to the common room where he was supposed to meet @daphnesreign

The corners of his lips turned upwards when he spotted her sitting on one of the couches, she didn’t look happy but she really does know how to dress for the occasion, ‘’Such a wasted opportunity, I was actually looking forward to dragging you to the party kicking and screaming, it would have made one hell of an entrance.’’  

He extended an arm for her to take ‘’Shall we?’’

[daphnesreign]

After Theodore left, Daphne had reluctantly paraded back to her dormitory in order to discard her Slytherin robes and change into something appropriate for the house party. She was in no mood to attend any social gathering — especially considering just how much the earlier events drained the energy out of her. Her four-poster bed had never looked more inviting than it did right then, but she knew her best friend enough to conclude that he would not go easy on her.

Her trek back to the common room was a relatively shorter one, and Theo managed to make it back not much later. It took a couple of minutes for him to freshen up and get ready before he assembled there as well.

“Too bad. You’re not getting to experience the ecstasy of that anytime soon.” Daphne rolled her eyes at his comment, waving a hand dismissively. “Well, at least this isn’t one of those countless Sacred 28 gatherings. Those are hellish. Smiling for hours and indulging pretentious elites for hours,” she reasoned.

You’re soon going to marry one, a voice inside her head reminded, unhelpfully. Daphne shook her head, trying to push those thoughts to the very back of her mind. Maybe she really needed to get away.

Getting up from her seat and latching an arm around his, she crisply enunciated, “I better not see you complaining if I end up drinking in a corner by myself.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’You never know, I might just pick you up now and carry you to the party, but I don’t want to ruin my jacket, just had the house elves press them.’’ To many they might think he is joking but both theo and daph knew that he wouldn’t hesitate to carry on his threat if he had to. He really wanted his friend to have a good time, she really deserved it, he understood more than anyone how it felt like to be helpless and hopeless.

Finding this alternative lifestyle has helped him cope with his life better, he realized it wasn’t very healthy but indulging every now and then wasn’t harmful either.

‘’And don’t worry, Blaise and Draco will be there, it’s in Blaise’s honor anyway so If I find better company than you, I’ll just throw you at them.’’

The trip to the Room of Requirements was a short one, once they arrived near the tapestry, theo closed his eyes thinking of the party until a door appeared across from them. He opened the door leading Daph inside, it looked just like the Slytherin common room but much bigger with what looked like a place for dance and a mini bar for alcohol, he grinned at the sight and made a beeline to the bar to get them a glass of whatever they were serving.

[daphnesreign]

Daphne let out a sigh for the umpteenth time, her free hand busying itself in smoothening the French lace of her dress as they arrived across the intricate tapestry. As the door to the Room of Requirement slowly appeared in front of them, the corners of mouth quirked up rather involuntarily in a dainty smile — bold in it’s entirety, but failing to reach her eyes regardless.

The room at once was buzzing with excitement as they stepped in. She let Theo shut the door behind them and lead her to the miniature bar. Daphne’s eyes lingered around the room’s interior where students danced around in merriment. Some busied themselves in drinking, while the rest seemed to be occupied in carrying active conversations with their peers. Her eyes hardened as she regarded the jovial mood of the entire venue.

“The man of honour is nowhere to be seen, though,” she replied to Theo nonchalantly as she fetched a bottle of Ogden’s finest old Firewhiskey from the shelf in front of her. She took a seat on one of the stools and helped herself with a glass of the drink, feeling the back of her throat burn deliciously as she downed it in one go.

[theodorenottrp]

He helped himself to a glass of malt whiskey, his eyes involuntarily closed as the alcohol made its way down his throat, he had been trying to cut back on his use of alcohol once he was made aware by one of his closest friends after he made a complete fool of himself. It hasn’t been easy, but he liked to think that he was doing a good job at it.

The idea of becoming a slave to alcohol terrified him, he did not want to become his father especially not after everything he put him through. He refused to become his father.

He was pulled out from his thoughts by Daphne’s voice, he scanned the room looking for Draco and Blaise ‘’He’s probably somewhere around here, all we need to do is look for a platinum blonde hair.’’ His eyes fell on said hair as soon as the words left his lips ‘’There!’’ He exclaimed pointing at his friends.

[davidavery-rp]

David stood awkwardly in a corner with his friends, almost all of them were in the quidditch team so it wasn’t even an option when they informed him about the party. He did not feel comfortable around large numbers of people, he rather spend his time preparing for his exams instead of nursing a glass of Berry Ocky Rot, it tasted sweet but if he wasn’t careful, it would get him drunk really fast.

Every now and then he would glance at the door, a certain someone still hasn’t come yet and he wondered when they will, he will never admit it to them but he missed them, he hasn’t been able to spend much time with them lately, he however hoped it would change tonight but he needed to be careful because his friends can’t find out, no one can.

A certain figure appeared in front of the door catching his attention, he frowned when he noticed them heading directly to the bar, he caught himself before anyone took notice and dawned his glass. His now empty glass gave him an excuse to make his way to the bar.

Once he reached his destination, he cleared his throat and politely asked theodore to pass him the bear, his lips curled into a half-smile as their eyes met.  

[arlenetravers]

Arlene stepped away from the dance floor, feeling her feet wobble slightly as she made her way past the swarm of buzzing partygoers. A layer of sweat sheathed her forehead and neck as she tried to regain her breath, using her hands to fan herself. She’d clearly underestimated the heat of the dance floor when she heard her favourite song being played and dragged @emmaaveryrp along with her.

She pulled her best friend away with her, raising her voice an octave higher over the blaring music, “Let’s go to the bar counter! I’m thirsty.”

Arlene was well aquainted with the fact that Emma wasn’t overly fond of parties — particularly the ones which didn’t involve activities which fit her idea of fun. However, it didn’t sit right with Arlene to leave her best friend fending for herself while she enjoyed alone — it would be boring without her bubbly presence. Besides, a little merrymaking once in a while never hurt.

As they reached the bar counter, Arlene quickly grabbed a mug of chilled bear and plopped down on the nearest stool, oblivious to David’s presence right behind her. Taking a rather long gulp of the malty concoction and visibly shivering at the crisp, citrusy flavour, she muttered to Emma with a dramatic flail of her hands, “I swear to Merlin, a single minute more on the dance floor would have made me pass out.”

[daphnesreign]

Daphne tossed her head around, using her free hand to tuck a loose strand of hair that somehow kept escaping her pristinely styled ponytail behind her ear. Her movements were practiced and meticulous as she let her eyes follow the direction Theodore pointed at. She could see a stolid Draco settled on a velvet sofa, much secluded from the rest of the company. Beside him was Blaise, who seemed to be engaged in a conversation with the former.

“Ah,” she drawled, turning her head back in Theo’s direction. She refilled her glass with the drink, clutching deftly in her hand and getting up from her seat. “It would only be appropriate to congratulate him, then. Stop drinking and come on!”

[theodorenottrp]

Theodore turned his head upon hearing a very familiar voice, a part of him wanted to grab him by his collar and kiss the living daylights out of him, it has been so long since they were able to spend time together and he missed it, they have been lovers for a year now but they have been friends for much longer. They have an understanding of each other that he doesn’t share with his other friends and he often found himself wanting to go to him, but David has made it very clear that he did not want anyone even thinking about the possibly of them let alone talk about it.

At times, he didn’t understand what was so wrong with being with him but then he realized it was much bigger than that, if his father was not in prison, he would have been terrified of the same thing, he had no one to please or worry about so it was easier to be himself and not worry on what it could lead to.

‘’Only because I’m feeling nice today, next time get your own damn beer.’’ He drawled as he passed him the bottle, ‘’I’m not your servant’’ he then winked discreetly  

It took all of his will power to not lean and whisper ‘But I can be…. under the circumstances’, instead he turned his attention back to daphne and reached for her hand ‘’Not now, I want to dance first!’’ Before she had a chance to reply, he pulled her in the direction of the dance floor and while making his way over, he made sure his hand brushed against David’s.

[theodorenottrp]

House Party

Theodore threw his bag onto his bed and quickly changed into something more fitting for tonight’s event, it has been a while since he had a chance to relax or blow off some steam, he couldn’t wait. Once he made sure he looked good, he made his way downstairs to the common room where he was supposed to meet @daphnesreign

The corners of his lips turned upwards when he spotted her sitting on one of the couches, she didn’t look happy but she really does know how to dress for the occasion, ‘’Such a wasted opportunity, I was actually looking forward to dragging you to the party kicking and screaming, it would have made one hell of an entrance.’’  

He extended an arm for her to take ‘’Shall we?’’

[daphnesreign]

After Theodore left, Daphne had reluctantly paraded back to her dormitory in order to discard her Slytherin robes and change into something appropriate for the house party. She was in no mood to attend any social gathering — especially considering just how much the earlier events drained the energy out of her. Her four-poster bed had never looked more inviting than it did right then, but she knew her best friend enough to conclude that he would not go easy on her.

Her trek back to the common room was a relatively shorter one, and Theo managed to make it back not much later. It took a couple of minutes for him to freshen up and get ready before he assembled there as well.

“Too bad. You’re not getting to experience the ecstasy of that anytime soon.” Daphne rolled her eyes at his comment, waving a hand dismissively. “Well, at least this isn’t one of those countless Sacred 28 gatherings. Those are hellish. Smiling for hours and indulging pretentious elites for hours,” she reasoned.

You’re soon going to marry one, a voice inside her head reminded, unhelpfully. Daphne shook her head, trying to push those thoughts to the very back of her mind. Maybe she really needed to get away.

Getting up from her seat and latching an arm around his, she crisply enunciated, “I better not see you complaining if I end up drinking in a corner by myself.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’You never know, I might just pick you up now and carry you to the party, but I don’t want to ruin my jacket, just had the house elves press them.’’ To many they might think he is joking but both theo and daph knew that he wouldn’t hesitate to carry on his threat if he had to. He really wanted his friend to have a good time, she really deserved it, he understood more than anyone how it felt like to be helpless and hopeless.

Finding this alternative lifestyle has helped him cope with his life better, he realized it wasn’t very healthy but indulging every now and then wasn’t harmful either.

‘’And don’t worry, Blaise and Draco will be there, it’s in Blaise’s honor anyway so If I find better company than you, I’ll just throw you at them.’’

The trip to the Room of Requirements was a short one, once they arrived near the tapestry, theo closed his eyes thinking of the party until a door appeared across from them. He opened the door leading Daph inside, it looked just like the Slytherin common room but much bigger with what looked like a place for dance and a mini bar for alcohol, he grinned at the sight and made a beeline to the bar to get them a glass of whatever they were serving.

[daphnesreign]

Daphne let out a sigh for the umpteenth time, her free hand busying itself in smoothening the French lace of her dress as they arrived across the intricate tapestry. As the door to the Room of Requirement slowly appeared in front of them, the corners of mouth quirked up rather involuntarily in a dainty smile — bold in it’s entirety, but failing to reach her eyes regardless.

The room at once was buzzing with excitement as they stepped in. She let Theo shut the door behind them and lead her to the miniature bar. Daphne’s eyes lingered around the room’s interior where students danced around in merriment. Some busied themselves in drinking, while the rest seemed to be occupied in carrying active conversations with their peers. Her eyes hardened as she regarded the jovial mood of the entire venue.

“The man of honour is nowhere to be seen, though,” she replied to Theo nonchalantly as she fetched a bottle of Ogden’s finest old Firewhiskey from the shelf in front of her. She took a seat on one of the stools and helped herself with a glass of the drink, feeling the back of her throat burn deliciously as she downed it in one go.

[theodorenottrp]

He helped himself to a glass of malt whiskey, his eyes involuntarily closed as the alcohol made its way down his throat, he had been trying to cut back on his use of alcohol once he was made aware by one of his closest friends after he made a complete fool of himself. It hasn’t been easy, but he liked to think that he was doing a good job at it.

The idea of becoming a slave to alcohol terrified him, he did not want to become his father especially not after everything he put him through. He refused to become his father.

He was pulled out from his thoughts by Daphne’s voice, he scanned the room looking for Draco and Blaise ‘’He’s probably somewhere around here, all we need to do is look for a platinum blonde hair.’’ His eyes fell on said hair as soon as the words left his lips ‘’There!’’ He exclaimed pointing at his friends.

[theodorenottrp]

House Party

Theodore threw his bag onto his bed and quickly changed into something more fitting for tonight’s event, it has been a while since he had a chance to relax or blow off some steam, he couldn’t wait. Once he made sure he looked good, he made his way downstairs to the common room where he was supposed to meet @daphnesreign

The corners of his lips turned upwards when he spotted her sitting on one of the couches, she didn’t look happy but she really does know how to dress for the occasion, ‘’Such a wasted opportunity, I was actually looking forward to dragging you to the party kicking and screaming, it would have made one hell of an entrance.’’  

He extended an arm for her to take ‘’Shall we?’’

[daphnesreign]

After Theodore left, Daphne had reluctantly paraded back to her dormitory in order to discard her Slytherin robes and change into something appropriate for the house party. She was in no mood to attend any social gathering — especially considering just how much the earlier events drained the energy out of her. Her four-poster bed had never looked more inviting than it did right then, but she knew her best friend enough to conclude that he would not go easy on her.

Her trek back to the common room was a relatively shorter one, and Theo managed to make it back not much later. It took a couple of minutes for him to freshen up and get ready before he assembled there as well.

“Too bad. You’re not getting to experience the ecstasy of that anytime soon.” Daphne rolled her eyes at his comment, waving a hand dismissively. “Well, at least this isn’t one of those countless Sacred 28 gatherings. Those are hellish. Smiling for hours and indulging pretentious elites for hours,” she reasoned.

You’re soon going to marry one, a voice inside her head reminded, unhelpfully. Daphne shook her head, trying to push those thoughts to the very back of her mind. Maybe she really needed to get away.

Getting up from her seat and latching an arm around his, she crisply enunciated, “I better not see you complaining if I end up drinking in a corner by myself.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’You never know, I might just pick you up now and carry you to the party, but I don’t want to ruin my jacket, just had the house elves press them.’’ To many they might think he is joking but both theo and daph knew that he wouldn’t hesitate to carry on his threat if he had to. He really wanted his friend to have a good time, she really deserved it, he understood more than anyone how it felt like to be helpless and hopeless.

Finding this alternative lifestyle has helped him cope with his life better, he realized it wasn’t very healthy but indulging every now and then wasn’t harmful either.

‘’And don’t worry, Blaise and Draco will be there, it’s in Blaise’s honor anyway so If I find better company than you, I’ll just throw you at them.’’

The trip to the Room of Requirements was a short one, once they arrived near the tapestry, theo closed his eyes thinking of the party until a door appeared across from them. He opened the door leading Daph inside, it looked just like the Slytherin common room but much bigger with what looked like a place for dance and a mini bar for alcohol, he grinned at the sight and made a beeline to the bar to get them a glass of whatever they were serving.

[theodorenottrp]

House Party

Theodore threw his bag onto his bed and quickly changed into something more fitting for tonight’s event, it has been a while since he had a chance to relax or blow off some steam, he couldn’t wait. Once he made sure he looked good, he made his way downstairs to the common room where he was supposed to meet @daphnesreign

The corners of his lips turned upwards when he spotted her sitting on one of the couches, she didn’t look happy but she really does know how to dress for the occasion, ‘’Such a wasted opportunity, I was actually looking forward to dragging you to the party kicking and screaming, it would have made one hell of an entrance.’’  

He extended an arm for her to take ‘’Shall we?’’

[daphnesreign]

The Will

Daphne,

Your recent behavior is not expected from a young witch of your fortune and blood status. You are a Greengrass, a pureblood — your lineage traces back hundreds of years! Surely you can be mindful to do better. Think of your younger sister. How would this reflect on her? You’d drag her name and reputation down with you!

As much as I want to be of help, your father’s will prevents me from doing so. The sooner you understand and accept this, the sooner will we be able to get this over with. Do not embarrass your deceased father, I, and your family name any further.

Enclosed is a list of the finest of candidates. You are required to make a decision and meet them in a fortnight from today. I hope you will come to a sound conclusion — as is expected from you.

Best Wishes,

Mother

Daphne reread the letter again and again, until she had almost memorized it. She didn’t realize that she’d been holding her breath until she felt something ugly stirring in her stomach. She folded the letter and placed it on the table in front of her, fighting the urge to scream.

She had been frequenting the Owlery lately, due to the incessant nagging of her mother. It had never occurred to her that an arranged marriage was the price she would have to pay — that, too, in order to inherit something that was rightfully hers.

Amidst war, a seemingly endless cycle of restitution meetings with the ministry, and formal apologies on her family’s behalf with the prophet, she had grown up to be cynical and shrewd. The rosy-eyed eyed views she had about a plethora of topics at the tender age of eleven had been slowly crushed by the male chauvinism and veiled misogyny of her bigoted father.

Viridian Greengrass had died in the Second Wizarding War.

Sometimes Daphne wished she was dead, too.

But no — she couldn’t do that. Now, she had Astoria to protect. She couldn’t leave the harsh politics of their tradition in the hands of her sweet younger sister. She needed to make sure Tori stayed innocent in a way Daphne herself hadn’t been able to.

Sighing, she ran a hand through her dark hair. She knew she had no choice but to deal with it.

(@theodorenottrp)

[theodorenottrp]

Theodore flung himself on the sofa beside Daphne and let out a sigh, it had been a long day and he still has two more classes left. He regretted staying up last night but like he always does, it won’t stop him from doing it again, he had a reputation to uphold after all.

He glanced beside him, Daphne didn’t seem to be in the present, it made him frown, what could be bothering her?

He nudged her shoulder but when he got no response,’’Daph?’’

[daphnesreign]

A sudden rasp and soft nudge at her shoulder made Daphne snap out of her reverie. Dropping her hand back to her lap and straightening her posture, she glanced beside her only to see Theodore sprawled there. A slight frown was etched on his face as he stared at her.

Blimey, how long had it been since he saw her like that? Get a grip, she reminded herself, turning to face him. Her smile was too bold as she regarded him.

“Theo,” she said, nodding at him in acknowledgement. “Sorry, I, uh—I didn’t see you there.”

[theodorenottrp]

“That I could tell.” He rolled his eyes, an idiot could have figured that out. “What’s going on? Everything okay?”

He pointedly glanced at what appears to be a letter in her hand, he didn’t know exactly what was going on but he had a vague idea. He had overheard Blaise discussing something about a contract with Draco. 

It made him feel bad but it wasn’t his issue to deal with so he pushed it to the back of his mind, it however made him grateful that he didn’t have to deal with his father anymore, he would have certainly forced into as contact if he were still here.

[daphnesreign]

Daphne’s eyes hardened at the inquisition, the imminent yet innocent question jabbing its edge into her ribs. It felt as though the knot was bubbling higher up to her chest. She picked up the letter from the table, watching the Greengrass wax seal at the top of the parchment stare at her — all too mocking in its own lifelessness.

“Well,” she drawled and smiled at him, a little forced and a little tremulous, and shrugged. “Dealing with the ramifications of being born a woman is never supposed to be easy, is it?”

She then handed the letter over to Theodore, nudging her chin in the direction of the enclosed list of candidates which she hadn’t even bothered skimming through yet. “Which of those names sound the least tragic to you?”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’You have never let that stop you ever and I doubt you will now.’’ He commented as he glanced down at the letter, his brows furrowed ‘’What is this for?’’

‘’Oh..’’ it quickly dawned on him what all these names mean, a potential suitor, another reason to be thankful that he has no father. He skipped over the names, his eyes widening in outrage, some of these people aren’t even worth the dirt underneath Daphne’s feet, he would be damned if he let her meet them.’

He blindly reached into his bag for a quill then started on crossed everyone he thought were unworthy. ‘’Okay, Abbott is out of the question, too boring..’’ he mumbled as he went through the list not realizing he was voicing his thoughts ‘’David Avery? Hell no, never going to happen. Tom is seeing someone so maybe james? He is funny at least. No to Bulstrode because too dumb, Burkes are even dumber, Carrows are misogynists pieces of shit so no but they really do know how to party. Crouch is an old weasel and disgusting. Fawley is decent, hot actually, really god in bed but not sure he is interested in girls? Mhmm I have to ask him next time I see him, Sullivan is not that bad either, might be a good choice? Macmillan is good looking but is a fumbling idiot without his clothes on. Rowle is ugly. No to the rest for obvious reasons, it’s not even a question.’’

After he was done with crossing almost every single name on the list, he returned it to Daphne with a proud smirk, after all,  he had narrowed down the list to only few names and this way, she didn’t have to meet every single one of them and waste her time.  

[daphnesreign]

Daphne blinked, stunned for a fleetingly short moment. She watched Theodore as he began working his way through the deceptively long list, striking out almost every single name and proudly enunciating his reasons for doing so. For a second, she rest her fingers together in her lap, shifting on the edge of the sofa as she peered at him — patronizing and speculative.

To anyone else, Theo’s thick stack of factual information and judgment of character would have seemed strange. Ominous, even, but Daphne knew better.

When he handed the parchment back to her, her lips quirked. The list was simultaneously everything and nothing like she was expecting it to be, and she wasn’t sure what she thought of it. Only a handful of suitors had survived the bloodbath.

“This is to say,” Daphne began, slowly, “how… ruthlessly inspiring of you.” Two Averys, two Fawleys, and a Rosier. How he had managed to narrow down a list of almost fifty candidates to just five was a question she wasn’t even sure she wanted the answer for. She looked up, a humourless snort escaping her lips. “I was half expecting you to strike out all the names and suggest running away.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’But where is the fun in that? Seducing some unsuspecting bachelor for what rightfully belongs to you then murdering them in their sleep sounds like a dream come true.’’ He was half-expecting Daphne to tell him to sod off, but he couldn’t resist, the entire situation was ridiculous.  

‘’In all seriousness though, we could still do that if you don’t like any of them, you know my manor is always open to you.’’ He added, he realized many didn’t think highly of him, but he was a Slytherin above everything else, he was loyal to a fault. ‘’Now stop your moping and get to work! We have suitors to meet!’’

[daphnesreign]

Daphne couldn’t help but snort again at his remark, despite herself. “I’m glad that the prospect of me being a haughty black widow entertains you,” she replied dispassionately, non-committal and rather apathetic, then sniffed with the lingering remnants of her aching unbridled rage and disdain.

“But, at the end of the day, my freedom is nothing but a joke,” she pressed, tone souring into something wistful and caustic. Too raw, too resentful. There was the dully conspicuous ache pulling at her chest again, disruptive enough to her breathing that she had to pause, collect, and instruct herself — because Daphne’s responsibilities included a lot more than just her own self.

She reached for Theodore’s hand and gave it a friendly squeeze, a plaintive smile playing at the corner of her lips at his suggestion. “You know I would, if I could have,” she said, low and insistent, her eyes holding his gaze. “As much as I am not looking forward to meeting any suitors, however, I can’t do this to Tori.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’You do realize that you only need to marry one, right? There is nothing in the contract about you marrying again after your first husband is dead so it might be something you can consider if your husband turned out to be awful’’ Theodore knew very well how it felt to trapped and yearn for freedom but he didn’t think Daphne’s situation was as horrid as she thought of it, it of course sucked but there were solutions around it.

He was an only child so he didn’t understand siblings but he knew if he did have a sibling, then he would have given everything in the world for them to not experience what he had, his friends were the closest he had to a family. ‘’But if all fails, we could just get married instead but I can’t promise you that I will stay faithful because I enjoy my bachelor life too much.‘’

[daphnesreign]

“So, you think I should be complacent with the fact that I’m being traded like livestock?” Daphne’s eyebrows rose, burying themselves underneath the dark abyss of her fringes. Her voice was deathly low, and the telltale wrinkle on her forehead was alone enough to foreshadow her anger. “Theo, this is atrocious. A woman is a lot more than a womb waiting to be impregnated. Marriage is not supposed to be my ultimatum. It's— it's—”

Her voice shook, her hazel eyes wide with blazing passion. She sucked in a breath, trying to hold on to the remnants of her aching pride. “Well, it’s dictatorial! A marriage pact takes away your freedom of choice even before you’re born. It’s been an existing factor in the pureblood politics for hundreds of years, but that doesn’t make it right.”

Her head hung low, a hand automatically rising to massage a surging headache. “Waiting for my husband to die, in order to get my rightfully deserved freedom back, isn’t quite what I want to dedicate my life to.” It was frustrating; even after studying her father’s will a couple of times, she could find no loophole. But she couldn’t give up just yet. There had to be something — anything for her to work on, and if it required her to unearth facts and figures which were decades old, she’d do it in a heartbeat.

Theo’s voice broke her chain of thoughts and, despite herself, she couldn’t contain the half-smile from etching on her lips at his remark. Theodore was someone Daphne considered her best friend — her closest ally, apart from her little sister. He could often be scathing, but he was honest — and that was rare. He’d had his fair share of experience to know how gruesome oppression tasted, but at the end of the day, he was still just a boy. The complexities of a woman’s world was never something he had to deal with, which would, no doubt, make it difficult for him to understand the situation completely. Nonetheless, his calming presence and playful retorts never failed to provide a much needed escape from the dark confines of her own mind.

She turned her head to look at him and nudged his arm gently. “Your loyalty makes you faithful enough as it is,” she replied, amiably. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dream of letting your freedom sink along with mine. You deserve better than that.”

[theodorenottrp]

He raised his brows and raised his hands in surrender ‘’I never said you should, and I didn’t say you have to wait for him to die either, I’m sure I can figure something out. It is awful, yes, but is there anything you can do about it? The answer is no so instead of hating the entire situation and blaming our ancestors who by the way are idiots, we should think of how to make it better. If you want, I can ask my lawyers to look at the contract to see if there is some kind of a loophole.’’

The entire situation was ridiculous, after everything the wizarding world has been through, they still haven’t seemed to learn their lesson but he still firmly believed that there is no point in dwelling in the past because it led nowhere, he has done enough of that to last him a lifetime and he just wished to move on and have fun for his remaining days on this earth.

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders pulling her into a side hug ‘’I’m serious, I don’t mind it but it comes to that, we can figure out some kind of arrangement that works for both of us. Just quit worrying because you are starting to bore me.’’

[daphnesreign]

When Theo pulled her into a hug, she caved in easily, resting her head on his shoulder and latching an arm around his waist. “And yet, you are here,” she retorted, with a roll of her eyes, snorting at his comment. “You are endlessly optimistic about this.” Her mind, however, did all but ease as she pondered over his words. Perhaps Theodore was right to some extent — after all, no change could begin without any initiative.

“I’m just—I don’t know—I am livid,” she mumbled. “I can’t let my life slip out of my hands like this. I’d never be able to forgive myself that way.”

A liability, as it had been ingrained in her brain from a very tender age, Daphne regardlessly valued nothing above her ambition and self-respect. She had spent her whole life trying to prove something to her parents, to the society at large, and, in the process, to herself. She ran away from her emotions and betrayed her own self, trying to fit into the societal description of an ideal woman — but no more.

Amidst the war, destruction, and limitless casualties, the old Daphne had died, too. She was sick and tired of the endless drabble about her responsibilities to the magical world — she’d paid her dues; paid more than her share, if anyone asked her. She couldn’t be bothered to please the patriarchy anymore.

“I have to do something. I’d be damned if I went down without a fight,” she said, “If it requires me to eradicate this damned law myself, I’ll do it.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’I know, and you won’t, you will find a way around this, I’ll make sure of it but there is no point in sitting here and fuming about it.’’ He gently squeezed her arm before standing up, pulling her up with him ‘’Now let’s go have some fun, you need something to get your mind off this and I know the best way!’’

He needed to get back to his classes, he had only two left before he is free for the day. Few of the older years decided to throw a party in the room of requirements, only Slytherins were invited to avoid trouble and he couldn’t wait!

‘’Go get ready, I’ll pick you up here after my classes.’’ He didn’t wait for her to answer, she needed a break from everything that is going on her life. He picked up his bag and swung it over his shoulder ‘’If I don’t find you here, I will track you down and carry you myself. So be here!’’

[daphnesreign]

The sudden change of topic threw Daphne off track, catching her off-guard for a short moment. “Wait, what?” She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion at Theodore’s random burst of enthusiasm as he pulled her up along him himself.

“Get ready for what?” she asked, as she bent down to gather her mother’s letter along with the list which Theo had very cordially vandalized earlier. She quickly shoved them inside her her bag before turning to face her best friend.

She tilted her head to study his face intently as he picked up his own back. “Oh, what a threat,” she said, deadpan, before squinting her eyes in a skeptical fashion. “It is one of those house parties again, isn’t it?”

[theodorenottrp]

He grinned sheepishly and leaned down to peck her cheeks ‘’What else can it be? And you are coming with me, I’m not taking no for an answer. Besides, you need a little fun before you start on your quest to become a black widow.’’

Theodore realized Daphne might not be happy with him, but he wanted her to have fun, she deserved a break from her situation, and this was the best he can do inside the school walls. He might even properly introduce her to Dave, his brothers were on that stupid list.

‘’I really need to go to class or I’ll be late.’’ He waved at her rushing to the door ‘’I’ll see you after! Be Ready!’’

[daphnesreign]

The Will

Daphne,

Your recent behavior is not expected from a young witch of your fortune and blood status. You are a Greengrass, a pureblood — your lineage traces back hundreds of years! Surely you can be mindful to do better. Think of your younger sister. How would this reflect on her? You’d drag her name and reputation down with you!

As much as I want to be of help, your father’s will prevents me from doing so. The sooner you understand and accept this, the sooner will we be able to get this over with. Do not embarrass your deceased father, I, and your family name any further.

Enclosed is a list of the finest of candidates. You are required to make a decision and meet them in a fortnight from today. I hope you will come to a sound conclusion — as is expected from you.

Best Wishes,

Mother

Daphne reread the letter again and again, until she had almost memorized it. She didn’t realize that she’d been holding her breath until she felt something ugly stirring in her stomach. She folded the letter and placed it on the table in front of her, fighting the urge to scream.

She had been frequenting the Owlery lately, due to the incessant nagging of her mother. It had never occurred to her that an arranged marriage was the price she would have to pay — that, too, in order to inherit something that was rightfully hers.

Amidst war, a seemingly endless cycle of restitution meetings with the ministry, and formal apologies on her family’s behalf with the prophet, she had grown up to be cynical and shrewd. The rosy-eyed eyed views she had about a plethora of topics at the tender age of eleven had been slowly crushed by the male chauvinism and veiled misogyny of her bigoted father.

Viridian Greengrass had died in the Second Wizarding War.

Sometimes Daphne wished she was dead, too.

But no — she couldn’t do that. Now, she had Astoria to protect. She couldn’t leave the harsh politics of their tradition in the hands of her sweet younger sister. She needed to make sure Tori stayed innocent in a way Daphne herself hadn’t been able to.

Sighing, she ran a hand through her dark hair. She knew she had no choice but to deal with it.

(@theodorenottrp)

[theodorenottrp]

Theodore flung himself on the sofa beside Daphne and let out a sigh, it had been a long day and he still has two more classes left. He regretted staying up last night but like he always does, it won’t stop him from doing it again, he had a reputation to uphold after all.

He glanced beside him, Daphne didn’t seem to be in the present, it made him frown, what could be bothering her?

He nudged her shoulder but when he got no response,’’Daph?’’

[daphnesreign]

A sudden rasp and soft nudge at her shoulder made Daphne snap out of her reverie. Dropping her hand back to her lap and straightening her posture, she glanced beside her only to see Theodore sprawled there. A slight frown was etched on his face as he stared at her.

Blimey, how long had it been since he saw her like that? Get a grip, she reminded herself, turning to face him. Her smile was too bold as she regarded him.

“Theo,” she said, nodding at him in acknowledgement. “Sorry, I, uh—I didn’t see you there.”

[theodorenottrp]

“That I could tell.” He rolled his eyes, an idiot could have figured that out. “What’s going on? Everything okay?”

He pointedly glanced at what appears to be a letter in her hand, he didn’t know exactly what was going on but he had a vague idea. He had overheard Blaise discussing something about a contract with Draco. 

It made him feel bad but it wasn’t his issue to deal with so he pushed it to the back of his mind, it however made him grateful that he didn’t have to deal with his father anymore, he would have certainly forced into as contact if he were still here.

[daphnesreign]

Daphne’s eyes hardened at the inquisition, the imminent yet innocent question jabbing its edge into her ribs. It felt as though the knot was bubbling higher up to her chest. She picked up the letter from the table, watching the Greengrass wax seal at the top of the parchment stare at her — all too mocking in its own lifelessness.

“Well,” she drawled and smiled at him, a little forced and a little tremulous, and shrugged. “Dealing with the ramifications of being born a woman is never supposed to be easy, is it?”

She then handed the letter over to Theodore, nudging her chin in the direction of the enclosed list of candidates which she hadn’t even bothered skimming through yet. “Which of those names sound the least tragic to you?”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’You have never let that stop you ever and I doubt you will now.’’ He commented as he glanced down at the letter, his brows furrowed ‘’What is this for?’’

‘’Oh..’’ it quickly dawned on him what all these names mean, a potential suitor, another reason to be thankful that he has no father. He skipped over the names, his eyes widening in outrage, some of these people aren’t even worth the dirt underneath Daphne’s feet, he would be damned if he let her meet them.’

He blindly reached into his bag for a quill then started on crossed everyone he thought were unworthy. ‘’Okay, Abbott is out of the question, too boring..’’ he mumbled as he went through the list not realizing he was voicing his thoughts ‘’David Avery? Hell no, never going to happen. Tom is seeing someone so maybe james? He is funny at least. No to Bulstrode because too dumb, Burkes are even dumber, Carrows are misogynists pieces of shit so no but they really do know how to party. Crouch is an old weasel and disgusting. Fawley is decent, hot actually, really god in bed but not sure he is interested in girls? Mhmm I have to ask him next time I see him, Sullivan is not that bad either, might be a good choice? Macmillan is good looking but is a fumbling idiot without his clothes on. Rowle is ugly. No to the rest for obvious reasons, it’s not even a question.’’

After he was done with crossing almost every single name on the list, he returned it to Daphne with a proud smirk, after all,  he had narrowed down the list to only few names and this way, she didn’t have to meet every single one of them and waste her time.  

[daphnesreign]

Daphne blinked, stunned for a fleetingly short moment. She watched Theodore as he began working his way through the deceptively long list, striking out almost every single name and proudly enunciating his reasons for doing so. For a second, she rest her fingers together in her lap, shifting on the edge of the sofa as she peered at him — patronizing and speculative.

To anyone else, Theo’s thick stack of factual information and judgment of character would have seemed strange. Ominous, even, but Daphne knew better.

When he handed the parchment back to her, her lips quirked. The list was simultaneously everything and nothing like she was expecting it to be, and she wasn’t sure what she thought of it. Only a handful of suitors had survived the bloodbath.

“This is to say,” Daphne began, slowly, “how… ruthlessly inspiring of you.” Two Averys, two Fawleys, and a Rosier. How he had managed to narrow down a list of almost fifty candidates to just five was a question she wasn’t even sure she wanted the answer for. She looked up, a humourless snort escaping her lips. “I was half expecting you to strike out all the names and suggest running away.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’But where is the fun in that? Seducing some unsuspecting bachelor for what rightfully belongs to you then murdering them in their sleep sounds like a dream come true.’’ He was half-expecting Daphne to tell him to sod off, but he couldn’t resist, the entire situation was ridiculous.  

‘’In all seriousness though, we could still do that if you don’t like any of them, you know my manor is always open to you.’’ He added, he realized many didn’t think highly of him, but he was a Slytherin above everything else, he was loyal to a fault. ‘’Now stop your moping and get to work! We have suitors to meet!’’

[daphnesreign]

Daphne couldn’t help but snort again at his remark, despite herself. “I’m glad that the prospect of me being a haughty black widow entertains you,” she replied dispassionately, non-committal and rather apathetic, then sniffed with the lingering remnants of her aching unbridled rage and disdain.

“But, at the end of the day, my freedom is nothing but a joke,” she pressed, tone souring into something wistful and caustic. Too raw, too resentful. There was the dully conspicuous ache pulling at her chest again, disruptive enough to her breathing that she had to pause, collect, and instruct herself — because Daphne’s responsibilities included a lot more than just her own self.

She reached for Theodore’s hand and gave it a friendly squeeze, a plaintive smile playing at the corner of her lips at his suggestion. “You know I would, if I could have,” she said, low and insistent, her eyes holding his gaze. “As much as I am not looking forward to meeting any suitors, however, I can’t do this to Tori.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’You do realize that you only need to marry one, right? There is nothing in the contract about you marrying again after your first husband is dead so it might be something you can consider if your husband turned out to be awful’’ Theodore knew very well how it felt to trapped and yearn for freedom but he didn’t think Daphne’s situation was as horrid as she thought of it, it of course sucked but there were solutions around it.

He was an only child so he didn’t understand siblings but he knew if he did have a sibling, then he would have given everything in the world for them to not experience what he had, his friends were the closest he had to a family. ‘’But if all fails, we could just get married instead but I can’t promise you that I will stay faithful because I enjoy my bachelor life too much.‘’

[daphnesreign]

“So, you think I should be complacent with the fact that I’m being traded like livestock?” Daphne’s eyebrows rose, burying themselves underneath the dark abyss of her fringes. Her voice was deathly low, and the telltale wrinkle on her forehead was alone enough to foreshadow her anger. “Theo, this is atrocious. A woman is a lot more than a womb waiting to be impregnated. Marriage is not supposed to be my ultimatum. It's— it's—”

Her voice shook, her hazel eyes wide with blazing passion. She sucked in a breath, trying to hold on to the remnants of her aching pride. “Well, it’s dictatorial! A marriage pact takes away your freedom of choice even before you’re born. It’s been an existing factor in the pureblood politics for hundreds of years, but that doesn’t make it right.”

Her head hung low, a hand automatically rising to massage a surging headache. “Waiting for my husband to die, in order to get my rightfully deserved freedom back, isn’t quite what I want to dedicate my life to.” It was frustrating; even after studying her father’s will a couple of times, she could find no loophole. But she couldn’t give up just yet. There had to be something — anything for her to work on, and if it required her to unearth facts and figures which were decades old, she’d do it in a heartbeat.

Theo’s voice broke her chain of thoughts and, despite herself, she couldn’t contain the half-smile from etching on her lips at his remark. Theodore was someone Daphne considered her best friend — her closest ally, apart from her little sister. He could often be scathing, but he was honest — and that was rare. He’d had his fair share of experience to know how gruesome oppression tasted, but at the end of the day, he was still just a boy. The complexities of a woman’s world was never something he had to deal with, which would, no doubt, make it difficult for him to understand the situation completely. Nonetheless, his calming presence and playful retorts never failed to provide a much needed escape from the dark confines of her own mind.

She turned her head to look at him and nudged his arm gently. “Your loyalty makes you faithful enough as it is,” she replied, amiably. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dream of letting your freedom sink along with mine. You deserve better than that.”

[theodorenottrp]

He raised his brows and raised his hands in surrender ‘’I never said you should, and I didn’t say you have to wait for him to die either, I’m sure I can figure something out. It is awful, yes, but is there anything you can do about it? The answer is no so instead of hating the entire situation and blaming our ancestors who by the way are idiots, we should think of how to make it better. If you want, I can ask my lawyers to look at the contract to see if there is some kind of a loophole.’’

The entire situation was ridiculous, after everything the wizarding world has been through, they still haven’t seemed to learn their lesson but he still firmly believed that there is no point in dwelling in the past because it led nowhere, he has done enough of that to last him a lifetime and he just wished to move on and have fun for his remaining days on this earth.

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders pulling her into a side hug ‘’I’m serious, I don’t mind it but it comes to that, we can figure out some kind of arrangement that works for both of us. Just quit worrying because you are starting to bore me.’’

[daphnesreign]

When Theo pulled her into a hug, she caved in easily, resting her head on his shoulder and latching an arm around his waist. “And yet, you are here,” she retorted, with a roll of her eyes, snorting at his comment. “You are endlessly optimistic about this.” Her mind, however, did all but ease as she pondered over his words. Perhaps Theodore was right to some extent — after all, no change could begin without any initiative.

“I’m just—I don’t know—I am livid,” she mumbled. “I can’t let my life slip out of my hands like this. I’d never be able to forgive myself that way.”

A liability, as it had been ingrained in her brain from a very tender age, Daphne regardlessly valued nothing above her ambition and self-respect. She had spent her whole life trying to prove something to her parents, to the society at large, and, in the process, to herself. She ran away from her emotions and betrayed her own self, trying to fit into the societal description of an ideal woman — but no more.

Amidst the war, destruction, and limitless casualties, the old Daphne had died, too. She was sick and tired of the endless drabble about her responsibilities to the magical world — she’d paid her dues; paid more than her share, if anyone asked her. She couldn’t be bothered to please the patriarchy anymore.

“I have to do something. I’d be damned if I went down without a fight,” she said, “If it requires me to eradicate this damned law myself, I’ll do it.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’I know, and you won’t, you will find a way around this, I’ll make sure of it but there is no point in sitting here and fuming about it.’’ He gently squeezed her arm before standing up, pulling her up with him ‘’Now let’s go have some fun, you need something to get your mind off this and I know the best way!’’

He needed to get back to his classes, he had only two left before he is free for the day. Few of the older years decided to throw a party in the room of requirements, only Slytherins were invited to avoid trouble and he couldn’t wait!

‘’Go get ready, I’ll pick you up here after my classes.’’ He didn’t wait for her to answer, she needed a break from everything that is going on her life. He picked up his bag and swung it over his shoulder ‘’If I don’t find you here, I will track you down and carry you myself. So be here!’’

[daphnesreign]

The Will

Daphne,

Your recent behavior is not expected from a young witch of your fortune and blood status. You are a Greengrass, a pureblood — your lineage traces back hundreds of years! Surely you can be mindful to do better. Think of your younger sister. How would this reflect on her? You’d drag her name and reputation down with you!

As much as I want to be of help, your father’s will prevents me from doing so. The sooner you understand and accept this, the sooner will we be able to get this over with. Do not embarrass your deceased father, I, and your family name any further.

Enclosed is a list of the finest of candidates. You are required to make a decision and meet them in a fortnight from today. I hope you will come to a sound conclusion — as is expected from you.

Best Wishes,

Mother

Daphne reread the letter again and again, until she had almost memorized it. She didn’t realize that she’d been holding her breath until she felt something ugly stirring in her stomach. She folded the letter and placed it on the table in front of her, fighting the urge to scream.

She had been frequenting the Owlery lately, due to the incessant nagging of her mother. It had never occurred to her that an arranged marriage was the price she would have to pay — that, too, in order to inherit something that was rightfully hers.

Amidst war, a seemingly endless cycle of restitution meetings with the ministry, and formal apologies on her family’s behalf with the prophet, she had grown up to be cynical and shrewd. The rosy-eyed eyed views she had about a plethora of topics at the tender age of eleven had been slowly crushed by the male chauvinism and veiled misogyny of her bigoted father.

Viridian Greengrass had died in the Second Wizarding War.

Sometimes Daphne wished she was dead, too.

But no — she couldn’t do that. Now, she had Astoria to protect. She couldn’t leave the harsh politics of their tradition in the hands of her sweet younger sister. She needed to make sure Tori stayed innocent in a way Daphne herself hadn’t been able to.

Sighing, she ran a hand through her dark hair. She knew she had no choice but to deal with it.

(@theodorenottrp)

[theodorenottrp]

Theodore flung himself on the sofa beside Daphne and let out a sigh, it had been a long day and he still has two more classes left. He regretted staying up last night but like he always does, it won’t stop him from doing it again, he had a reputation to uphold after all.

He glanced beside him, Daphne didn’t seem to be in the present, it made him frown, what could be bothering her?

He nudged her shoulder but when he got no response,’’Daph?’’

[daphnesreign]

A sudden rasp and soft nudge at her shoulder made Daphne snap out of her reverie. Dropping her hand back to her lap and straightening her posture, she glanced beside her only to see Theodore sprawled there. A slight frown was etched on his face as he stared at her.

Blimey, how long had it been since he saw her like that? Get a grip, she reminded herself, turning to face him. Her smile was too bold as she regarded him.

“Theo,” she said, nodding at him in acknowledgement. “Sorry, I, uh—I didn’t see you there.”

[theodorenottrp]

“That I could tell.” He rolled his eyes, an idiot could have figured that out. “What’s going on? Everything okay?”

He pointedly glanced at what appears to be a letter in her hand, he didn’t know exactly what was going on but he had a vague idea. He had overheard Blaise discussing something about a contract with Draco. 

It made him feel bad but it wasn’t his issue to deal with so he pushed it to the back of his mind, it however made him grateful that he didn’t have to deal with his father anymore, he would have certainly forced into as contact if he were still here.

[daphnesreign]

Daphne’s eyes hardened at the inquisition, the imminent yet innocent question jabbing its edge into her ribs. It felt as though the knot was bubbling higher up to her chest. She picked up the letter from the table, watching the Greengrass wax seal at the top of the parchment stare at her — all too mocking in its own lifelessness.

“Well,” she drawled and smiled at him, a little forced and a little tremulous, and shrugged. “Dealing with the ramifications of being born a woman is never supposed to be easy, is it?”

She then handed the letter over to Theodore, nudging her chin in the direction of the enclosed list of candidates which she hadn’t even bothered skimming through yet. “Which of those names sound the least tragic to you?”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’You have never let that stop you ever and I doubt you will now.’’ He commented as he glanced down at the letter, his brows furrowed ‘’What is this for?’’

‘’Oh..’’ it quickly dawned on him what all these names mean, a potential suitor, another reason to be thankful that he has no father. He skipped over the names, his eyes widening in outrage, some of these people aren’t even worth the dirt underneath Daphne’s feet, he would be damned if he let her meet them.’

He blindly reached into his bag for a quill then started on crossed everyone he thought were unworthy. ‘’Okay, Abbott is out of the question, too boring..’’ he mumbled as he went through the list not realizing he was voicing his thoughts ‘’David Avery? Hell no, never going to happen. Tom is seeing someone so maybe james? He is funny at least. No to Bulstrode because too dumb, Burkes are even dumber, Carrows are misogynists pieces of shit so no but they really do know how to party. Crouch is an old weasel and disgusting. Fawley is decent, hot actually, really god in bed but not sure he is interested in girls? Mhmm I have to ask him next time I see him, Sullivan is not that bad either, might be a good choice? Macmillan is good looking but is a fumbling idiot without his clothes on. Rowle is ugly. No to the rest for obvious reasons, it’s not even a question.’’

After he was done with crossing almost every single name on the list, he returned it to Daphne with a proud smirk, after all,  he had narrowed down the list to only few names and this way, she didn’t have to meet every single one of them and waste her time.  

[daphnesreign]

Daphne blinked, stunned for a fleetingly short moment. She watched Theodore as he began working his way through the deceptively long list, striking out almost every single name and proudly enunciating his reasons for doing so. For a second, she rest her fingers together in her lap, shifting on the edge of the sofa as she peered at him — patronizing and speculative.

To anyone else, Theo’s thick stack of factual information and judgment of character would have seemed strange. Ominous, even, but Daphne knew better.

When he handed the parchment back to her, her lips quirked. The list was simultaneously everything and nothing like she was expecting it to be, and she wasn’t sure what she thought of it. Only a handful of suitors had survived the bloodbath.

“This is to say,” Daphne began, slowly, “how… ruthlessly inspiring of you.” Two Averys, two Fawleys, and a Rosier. How he had managed to narrow down a list of almost fifty candidates to just five was a question she wasn’t even sure she wanted the answer for. She looked up, a humourless snort escaping her lips. “I was half expecting you to strike out all the names and suggest running away.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’But where is the fun in that? Seducing some unsuspecting bachelor for what rightfully belongs to you then murdering them in their sleep sounds like a dream come true.’’ He was half-expecting Daphne to tell him to sod off, but he couldn’t resist, the entire situation was ridiculous.  

‘’In all seriousness though, we could still do that if you don’t like any of them, you know my manor is always open to you.’’ He added, he realized many didn’t think highly of him, but he was a Slytherin above everything else, he was loyal to a fault. ‘’Now stop your moping and get to work! We have suitors to meet!’’

[daphnesreign]

Daphne couldn’t help but snort again at his remark, despite herself. “I’m glad that the prospect of me being a haughty black widow entertains you,” she replied dispassionately, non-committal and rather apathetic, then sniffed with the lingering remnants of her aching unbridled rage and disdain.

“But, at the end of the day, my freedom is nothing but a joke,” she pressed, tone souring into something wistful and caustic. Too raw, too resentful. There was the dully conspicuous ache pulling at her chest again, disruptive enough to her breathing that she had to pause, collect, and instruct herself — because Daphne’s responsibilities included a lot more than just her own self.

She reached for Theodore’s hand and gave it a friendly squeeze, a plaintive smile playing at the corner of her lips at his suggestion. “You know I would, if I could have,” she said, low and insistent, her eyes holding his gaze. “As much as I am not looking forward to meeting any suitors, however, I can’t do this to Tori.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’You do realize that you only need to marry one, right? There is nothing in the contract about you marrying again after your first husband is dead so it might be something you can consider if your husband turned out to be awful’’ Theodore knew very well how it felt to trapped and yearn for freedom but he didn’t think Daphne’s situation was as horrid as she thought of it, it of course sucked but there were solutions around it.

He was an only child so he didn’t understand siblings but he knew if he did have a sibling, then he would have given everything in the world for them to not experience what he had, his friends were the closest he had to a family. ‘’But if all fails, we could just get married instead but I can’t promise you that I will stay faithful because I enjoy my bachelor life too much.‘’

[daphnesreign]

“So, you think I should be complacent with the fact that I’m being traded like livestock?” Daphne’s eyebrows rose, burying themselves underneath the dark abyss of her fringes. Her voice was deathly low, and the telltale wrinkle on her forehead was alone enough to foreshadow her anger. “Theo, this is atrocious. A woman is a lot more than a womb waiting to be impregnated. Marriage is not supposed to be my ultimatum. It's— it's—”

Her voice shook, her hazel eyes wide with blazing passion. She sucked in a breath, trying to hold on to the remnants of her aching pride. “Well, it’s dictatorial! A marriage pact takes away your freedom of choice even before you’re born. It’s been an existing factor in the pureblood politics for hundreds of years, but that doesn’t make it right.”

Her head hung low, a hand automatically rising to massage a surging headache. “Waiting for my husband to die, in order to get my rightfully deserved freedom back, isn’t quite what I want to dedicate my life to.” It was frustrating; even after studying her father’s will a couple of times, she could find no loophole. But she couldn’t give up just yet. There had to be something — anything for her to work on, and if it required her to unearth facts and figures which were decades old, she’d do it in a heartbeat.

Theo’s voice broke her chain of thoughts and, despite herself, she couldn’t contain the half-smile from etching on her lips at his remark. Theodore was someone Daphne considered her best friend — her closest ally, apart from her little sister. He could often be scathing, but he was honest — and that was rare. He’d had his fair share of experience to know how gruesome oppression tasted, but at the end of the day, he was still just a boy. The complexities of a woman’s world was never something he had to deal with, which would, no doubt, make it difficult for him to understand the situation completely. Nonetheless, his calming presence and playful retorts never failed to provide a much needed escape from the dark confines of her own mind.

She turned her head to look at him and nudged his arm gently. “Your loyalty makes you faithful enough as it is,” she replied, amiably. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dream of letting your freedom sink along with mine. You deserve better than that.”

[theodorenottrp]

He raised his brows and raised his hands in surrender ‘’I never said you should, and I didn’t say you have to wait for him to die either, I’m sure I can figure something out. It is awful, yes, but is there anything you can do about it? The answer is no so instead of hating the entire situation and blaming our ancestors who by the way are idiots, we should think of how to make it better. If you want, I can ask my lawyers to look at the contract to see if there is some kind of a loophole.’’

The entire situation was ridiculous, after everything the wizarding world has been through, they still haven’t seemed to learn their lesson but he still firmly believed that there is no point in dwelling in the past because it led nowhere, he has done enough of that to last him a lifetime and he just wished to move on and have fun for his remaining days on this earth.

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders pulling her into a side hug ‘’I’m serious, I don’t mind it but it comes to that, we can figure out some kind of arrangement that works for both of us. Just quit worrying because you are starting to bore me.’’

[daphnesreign]

The Will

Daphne,

Your recent behavior is not expected from a young witch of your fortune and blood status. You are a Greengrass, a pureblood — your lineage traces back hundreds of years! Surely you can be mindful to do better. Think of your younger sister. How would this reflect on her? You’d drag her name and reputation down with you!

As much as I want to be of help, your father’s will prevents me from doing so. The sooner you understand and accept this, the sooner will we be able to get this over with. Do not embarrass your deceased father, I, and your family name any further.

Enclosed is a list of the finest of candidates. You are required to make a decision and meet them in a fortnight from today. I hope you will come to a sound conclusion — as is expected from you.

Best Wishes,

Mother

Daphne reread the letter again and again, until she had almost memorized it. She didn’t realize that she’d been holding her breath until she felt something ugly stirring in her stomach. She folded the letter and placed it on the table in front of her, fighting the urge to scream.

She had been frequenting the Owlery lately, due to the incessant nagging of her mother. It had never occurred to her that an arranged marriage was the price she would have to pay — that, too, in order to inherit something that was rightfully hers.

Amidst war, a seemingly endless cycle of restitution meetings with the ministry, and formal apologies on her family’s behalf with the prophet, she had grown up to be cynical and shrewd. The rosy-eyed eyed views she had about a plethora of topics at the tender age of eleven had been slowly crushed by the male chauvinism and veiled misogyny of her bigoted father.

Viridian Greengrass had died in the Second Wizarding War.

Sometimes Daphne wished she was dead, too.

But no — she couldn’t do that. Now, she had Astoria to protect. She couldn’t leave the harsh politics of their tradition in the hands of her sweet younger sister. She needed to make sure Tori stayed innocent in a way Daphne herself hadn’t been able to.

Sighing, she ran a hand through her dark hair. She knew she had no choice but to deal with it.

(@theodorenottrp)

[theodorenottrp]

Theodore flung himself on the sofa beside Daphne and let out a sigh, it had been a long day and he still has two more classes left. He regretted staying up last night but like he always does, it won’t stop him from doing it again, he had a reputation to uphold after all.

He glanced beside him, Daphne didn’t seem to be in the present, it made him frown, what could be bothering her?

He nudged her shoulder but when he got no response,’’Daph?’’

[daphnesreign]

A sudden rasp and soft nudge at her shoulder made Daphne snap out of her reverie. Dropping her hand back to her lap and straightening her posture, she glanced beside her only to see Theodore sprawled there. A slight frown was etched on his face as he stared at her.

Blimey, how long had it been since he saw her like that? Get a grip, she reminded herself, turning to face him. Her smile was too bold as she regarded him.

“Theo,” she said, nodding at him in acknowledgement. “Sorry, I, uh—I didn’t see you there.”

[theodorenottrp]

“That I could tell.” He rolled his eyes, an idiot could have figured that out. “What’s going on? Everything okay?”

He pointedly glanced at what appears to be a letter in her hand, he didn’t know exactly what was going on but he had a vague idea. He had overheard Blaise discussing something about a contract with Draco. 

It made him feel bad but it wasn’t his issue to deal with so he pushed it to the back of his mind, it however made him grateful that he didn’t have to deal with his father anymore, he would have certainly forced into as contact if he were still here.

[daphnesreign]

Daphne’s eyes hardened at the inquisition, the imminent yet innocent question jabbing its edge into her ribs. It felt as though the knot was bubbling higher up to her chest. She picked up the letter from the table, watching the Greengrass wax seal at the top of the parchment stare at her — all too mocking in its own lifelessness.

“Well,” she drawled and smiled at him, a little forced and a little tremulous, and shrugged. “Dealing with the ramifications of being born a woman is never supposed to be easy, is it?”

She then handed the letter over to Theodore, nudging her chin in the direction of the enclosed list of candidates which she hadn’t even bothered skimming through yet. “Which of those names sound the least tragic to you?”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’You have never let that stop you ever and I doubt you will now.’’ He commented as he glanced down at the letter, his brows furrowed ‘’What is this for?’’

‘’Oh..’’ it quickly dawned on him what all these names mean, a potential suitor, another reason to be thankful that he has no father. He skipped over the names, his eyes widening in outrage, some of these people aren’t even worth the dirt underneath Daphne’s feet, he would be damned if he let her meet them.’

He blindly reached into his bag for a quill then started on crossed everyone he thought were unworthy. ‘’Okay, Abbott is out of the question, too boring..’’ he mumbled as he went through the list not realizing he was voicing his thoughts ‘’David Avery? Hell no, never going to happen. Tom is seeing someone so maybe james? He is funny at least. No to Bulstrode because too dumb, Burkes are even dumber, Carrows are misogynists pieces of shit so no but they really do know how to party. Crouch is an old weasel and disgusting. Fawley is decent, hot actually, really god in bed but not sure he is interested in girls? Mhmm I have to ask him next time I see him, Sullivan is not that bad either, might be a good choice? Macmillan is good looking but is a fumbling idiot without his clothes on. Rowle is ugly. No to the rest for obvious reasons, it’s not even a question.’’

After he was done with crossing almost every single name on the list, he returned it to Daphne with a proud smirk, after all,  he had narrowed down the list to only few names and this way, she didn’t have to meet every single one of them and waste her time.  

[daphnesreign]

Daphne blinked, stunned for a fleetingly short moment. She watched Theodore as he began working his way through the deceptively long list, striking out almost every single name and proudly enunciating his reasons for doing so. For a second, she rest her fingers together in her lap, shifting on the edge of the sofa as she peered at him — patronizing and speculative.

To anyone else, Theo’s thick stack of factual information and judgment of character would have seemed strange. Ominous, even, but Daphne knew better.

When he handed the parchment back to her, her lips quirked. The list was simultaneously everything and nothing like she was expecting it to be, and she wasn’t sure what she thought of it. Only a handful of suitors had survived the bloodbath.

“This is to say,” Daphne began, slowly, “how… ruthlessly inspiring of you.” Two Averys, two Fawleys, and a Rosier. How he had managed to narrow down a list of almost fifty candidates to just five was a question she wasn’t even sure she wanted the answer for. She looked up, a humourless snort escaping her lips. “I was half expecting you to strike out all the names and suggest running away.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’But where is the fun in that? Seducing some unsuspecting bachelor for what rightfully belongs to you then murdering them in their sleep sounds like a dream come true.’’ He was half-expecting Daphne to tell him to sod off, but he couldn’t resist, the entire situation was ridiculous.  

‘’In all seriousness though, we could still do that if you don’t like any of them, you know my manor is always open to you.’’ He added, he realized many didn’t think highly of him, but he was a Slytherin above everything else, he was loyal to a fault. ‘’Now stop your moping and get to work! We have suitors to meet!’’

[daphnesreign]

Daphne couldn’t help but snort again at his remark, despite herself. “I’m glad that the prospect of me being a haughty black widow entertains you,” she replied dispassionately, non-committal and rather apathetic, then sniffed with the lingering remnants of her aching unbridled rage and disdain.

“But, at the end of the day, my freedom is nothing but a joke,” she pressed, tone souring into something wistful and caustic. Too raw, too resentful. There was the dully conspicuous ache pulling at her chest again, disruptive enough to her breathing that she had to pause, collect, and instruct herself — because Daphne’s responsibilities included a lot more than just her own self.

She reached for Theodore’s hand and gave it a friendly squeeze, a plaintive smile playing at the corner of her lips at his suggestion. “You know I would, if I could have,” she said, low and insistent, her eyes holding his gaze. “As much as I am not looking forward to meeting any suitors, however, I can’t do this to Tori.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’You do realize that you only need to marry one, right? There is nothing in the contract about you marrying again after your first husband is dead so it might be something you can consider if your husband turned out to be awful’’ Theodore knew very well how it felt to trapped and yearn for freedom but he didn’t think Daphne’s situation was as horrid as she thought of it, it of course sucked but there were solutions around it.

He was an only child so he didn’t understand siblings but he knew if he did have a sibling, then he would have given everything in the world for them to not experience what he had, his friends were the closest he had to a family. ‘’But if all fails, we could just get married instead but I can’t promise you that I will stay faithful because I enjoy my bachelor life too much.'’

[daphnesreign]

The Will

Daphne,

Your recent behavior is not expected from a young witch of your fortune and blood status. You are a Greengrass, a pureblood — your lineage traces back hundreds of years! Surely you can be mindful to do better. Think of your younger sister. How would this reflect on her? You’d drag her name and reputation down with you!

As much as I want to be of help, your father’s will prevents me from doing so. The sooner you understand and accept this, the sooner will we be able to get this over with. Do not embarrass your deceased father, I, and your family name any further.

Enclosed is a list of the finest of candidates. You are required to make a decision and meet them in a fortnight from today. I hope you will come to a sound conclusion — as is expected from you.

Best Wishes,

Mother

Daphne reread the letter again and again, until she had almost memorized it. She didn’t realize that she’d been holding her breath until she felt something ugly stirring in her stomach. She folded the letter and placed it on the table in front of her, fighting the urge to scream.

She had been frequenting the Owlery lately, due to the incessant nagging of her mother. It had never occurred to her that an arranged marriage was the price she would have to pay — that, too, in order to inherit something that was rightfully hers.

Amidst war, a seemingly endless cycle of restitution meetings with the ministry, and formal apologies on her family’s behalf with the prophet, she had grown up to be cynical and shrewd. The rosy-eyed eyed views she had about a plethora of topics at the tender age of eleven had been slowly crushed by the male chauvinism and veiled misogyny of her bigoted father.

Viridian Greengrass had died in the Second Wizarding War.

Sometimes Daphne wished she was dead, too.

But no — she couldn’t do that. Now, she had Astoria to protect. She couldn’t leave the harsh politics of their tradition in the hands of her sweet younger sister. She needed to make sure Tori stayed innocent in a way Daphne herself hadn’t been able to.

Sighing, she ran a hand through her dark hair. She knew she had no choice but to deal with it.

(@theodorenottrp)

[theodorenottrp]

Theodore flung himself on the sofa beside Daphne and let out a sigh, it had been a long day and he still has two more classes left. He regretted staying up last night but like he always does, it won’t stop him from doing it again, he had a reputation to uphold after all.

He glanced beside him, Daphne didn’t seem to be in the present, it made him frown, what could be bothering her?

He nudged her shoulder but when he got no response,’’Daph?’’

[daphnesreign]

A sudden rasp and soft nudge at her shoulder made Daphne snap out of her reverie. Dropping her hand back to her lap and straightening her posture, she glanced beside her only to see Theodore sprawled there. A slight frown was etched on his face as he stared at her.

Blimey, how long had it been since he saw her like that? Get a grip, she reminded herself, turning to face him. Her smile was too bold as she regarded him.

“Theo,” she said, nodding at him in acknowledgement. “Sorry, I, uh—I didn’t see you there.”

[theodorenottrp]

“That I could tell.” He rolled his eyes, an idiot could have figured that out. “What’s going on? Everything okay?”

He pointedly glanced at what appears to be a letter in her hand, he didn’t know exactly what was going on but he had a vague idea. He had overheard Blaise discussing something about a contract with Draco. 

It made him feel bad but it wasn’t his issue to deal with so he pushed it to the back of his mind, it however made him grateful that he didn’t have to deal with his father anymore, he would have certainly forced into as contact if he were still here.

[daphnesreign]

Daphne’s eyes hardened at the inquisition, the imminent yet innocent question jabbing its edge into her ribs. It felt as though the knot was bubbling higher up to her chest. She picked up the letter from the table, watching the Greengrass wax seal at the top of the parchment stare at her — all too mocking in its own lifelessness.

“Well,” she drawled and smiled at him, a little forced and a little tremulous, and shrugged. “Dealing with the ramifications of being born a woman is never supposed to be easy, is it?”

She then handed the letter over to Theodore, nudging her chin in the direction of the enclosed list of candidates which she hadn’t even bothered skimming through yet. “Which of those names sound the least tragic to you?”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’You have never let that stop you ever and I doubt you will now.’’ He commented as he glanced down at the letter, his brows furrowed ‘’What is this for?’’

‘’Oh..’’ it quickly dawned on him what all these names mean, a potential suitor, another reason to be thankful that he has no father. He skipped over the names, his eyes widening in outrage, some of these people aren’t even worth the dirt underneath Daphne’s feet, he would be damned if he let her meet them.’

He blindly reached into his bag for a quill then started on crossed everyone he thought were unworthy. ‘’Okay, Abbott is out of the question, too boring..’’ he mumbled as he went through the list not realizing he was voicing his thoughts ‘’David Avery? Hell no, never going to happen. Tom is seeing someone so maybe james? He is funny at least. No to Bulstrode because too dumb, Burkes are even dumber, Carrows are misogynists pieces of shit so no but they really do know how to party. Crouch is an old weasel and disgusting. Fawley is decent, hot actually, really god in bed but not sure he is interested in girls? Mhmm I have to ask him next time I see him, Sullivan is not that bad either, might be a good choice? Macmillan is good looking but is a fumbling idiot without his clothes on. Rowle is ugly. No to the rest for obvious reasons, it’s not even a question.’’

After he was done with crossing almost every single name on the list, he returned it to Daphne with a proud smirk, after all,  he had narrowed down the list to only few names and this way, she didn’t have to meet every single one of them and waste her time.  

[daphnesreign]

Daphne blinked, stunned for a fleetingly short moment. She watched Theodore as he began working his way through the deceptively long list, striking out almost every single name and proudly enunciating his reasons for doing so. For a second, she rest her fingers together in her lap, shifting on the edge of the sofa as she peered at him — patronizing and speculative.

To anyone else, Theo’s thick stack of factual information and judgment of character would have seemed strange. Ominous, even, but Daphne knew better.

When he handed the parchment back to her, her lips quirked. The list was simultaneously everything and nothing like she was expecting it to be, and she wasn’t sure what she thought of it. Only a handful of suitors had survived the bloodbath.

“This is to say,” Daphne began, slowly, “how… ruthlessly inspiring of you.” Two Averys, two Fawleys, and a Rosier. How he had managed to narrow down a list of almost fifty candidates to just five was a question she wasn’t even sure she wanted the answer for. She looked up, a humourless snort escaping her lips. “I was half expecting you to strike out all the names and suggest running away.”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’But where is the fun in that? Seducing some unsuspecting bachelor for what rightfully belongs to you then murdering them in their sleep sounds like a dream come true.’’ He was half-expecting Daphne to tell him to sod off, but he couldn’t resist, the entire situation was ridiculous.  

‘’In all seriousness though, we could still do that if you don’t like any of them, you know my manor is always open to you.’’ He added, he realized many didn’t think highly of him, but he was a Slytherin above everything else, he was loyal to a fault. ‘’Now stop your moping and get to work! We have suitors to meet!’’

[daphnesreign]

The Will

Daphne,

Your recent behavior is not expected from a young witch of your fortune and blood status. You are a Greengrass, a pureblood — your lineage traces back hundreds of years! Surely you can be mindful to do better. Think of your younger sister. How would this reflect on her? You’d drag her name and reputation down with you!

As much as I want to be of help, your father’s will prevents me from doing so. The sooner you understand and accept this, the sooner will we be able to get this over with. Do not embarrass your deceased father, I, and your family name any further.

Enclosed is a list of the finest of candidates. You are required to make a decision and meet them in a fortnight from today. I hope you will come to a sound conclusion — as is expected from you.

Best Wishes,

Mother

Daphne reread the letter again and again, until she had almost memorized it. She didn’t realize that she’d been holding her breath until she felt something ugly stirring in her stomach. She folded the letter and placed it on the table in front of her, fighting the urge to scream.

She had been frequenting the Owlery lately, due to the incessant nagging of her mother. It had never occurred to her that an arranged marriage was the price she would have to pay — that, too, in order to inherit something that was rightfully hers.

Amidst war, a seemingly endless cycle of restitution meetings with the ministry, and formal apologies on her family’s behalf with the prophet, she had grown up to be cynical and shrewd. The rosy-eyed eyed views she had about a plethora of topics at the tender age of eleven had been slowly crushed by the male chauvinism and veiled misogyny of her bigoted father.

Viridian Greengrass had died in the Second Wizarding War.

Sometimes Daphne wished she was dead, too.

But no — she couldn’t do that. Now, she had Astoria to protect. She couldn’t leave the harsh politics of their tradition in the hands of her sweet younger sister. She needed to make sure Tori stayed innocent in a way Daphne herself hadn’t been able to.

Sighing, she ran a hand through her dark hair. She knew she had no choice but to deal with it.

(@theodorenottrp)

[theodorenottrp]

Theodore flung himself on the sofa beside Daphne and let out a sigh, it had been a long day and he still has two more classes left. He regretted staying up last night but like he always does, it won’t stop him from doing it again, he had a reputation to uphold after all.

He glanced beside him, Daphne didn’t seem to be in the present, it made him frown, what could be bothering her?

He nudged her shoulder but when he got no response,’’Daph?’’

[daphnesreign]

A sudden rasp and soft nudge at her shoulder made Daphne snap out of her reverie. Dropping her hand back to her lap and straightening her posture, she glanced beside her only to see Theodore sprawled there. A slight frown was etched on his face as he stared at her.

Blimey, how long had it been since he saw her like that? Get a grip, she reminded herself, turning to face him. Her smile was too bold as she regarded him.

“Theo,” she said, nodding at him in acknowledgement. “Sorry, I, uh—I didn’t see you there.”

[theodorenottrp]

“That I could tell.” He rolled his eyes, an idiot could have figured that out. “What’s going on? Everything okay?”

He pointedly glanced at what appears to be a letter in her hand, he didn’t know exactly what was going on but he had a vague idea. He had overheard Blaise discussing something about a contract with Draco. 

It made him feel bad but it wasn’t his issue to deal with so he pushed it to the back of his mind, it however made him grateful that he didn’t have to deal with his father anymore, he would have certainly forced into as contact if he were still here.

[daphnesreign]

Daphne’s eyes hardened at the inquisition, the imminent yet innocent question jabbing its edge into her ribs. It felt as though the knot was bubbling higher up to her chest. She picked up the letter from the table, watching the Greengrass wax seal at the top of the parchment stare at her — all too mocking in its own lifelessness.

“Well,” she drawled and smiled at him, a little forced and a little tremulous, and shrugged. “Dealing with the ramifications of being born a woman is never supposed to be easy, is it?”

She then handed the letter over to Theodore, nudging her chin in the direction of the enclosed list of candidates which she hadn’t even bothered skimming through yet. “Which of those names sound the least tragic to you?”

[theodorenottrp]

‘’You have never let that stop you ever and I doubt you will now.’’ He commented as he glanced down at the letter, his brows furrowed ‘’What is this for?’’

‘’Oh..’’ it quickly dawned on him what all these names mean, a potential suitor, another reason to be thankful that he has no father. He skipped over the names, his eyes widening in outrage, some of these people aren’t even worth the dirt underneath Daphne’s feet, he would be damned if he let her meet them.’

He blindly reached into his bag for a quill then started on crossed everyone he thought were unworthy. ‘’Okay, Abbott is out of the question, too boring..’’ he mumbled as he went through the list not realizing he was voicing his thoughts ‘’David Avery? Hell no, never going to happen. Tom is seeing someone so maybe james? He is funny at least. No to Bulstrode because too dumb, Burkes are even dumber, Carrows are misogynists pieces of shit so no but they really do know how to party. Crouch is an old weasel and disgusting. Fawley is decent, hot actually, really god in bed but not sure he is interested in girls? Mhmm I have to ask him next time I see him, Sullivan is not that bad either, might be a good choice? Macmillan is good looking but is a fumbling idiot without his clothes on. Rowle is ugly. No to the rest for obvious reasons, it’s not even a question.’’

After he was done with crossing almost every single name on the list, he returned it to Daphne with a proud smirk, after all,  he had narrowed down the list to only few names and this way, she didn’t have to meet every single one of them and waste her time.