from the ashes...

"Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned."

[thevioletwilkes]

location: midsummer night’s fire celebration; wilkes estate with: @lusciousmalfxy​

The midsummer night’s fire celebration was going to last well into the early hours of the morning, though the guests had slowly begun to dwindle. Violet currently held a glass of mulled wine in her hands, a warm stole wrapped around her to keep warm as the English night became slightly more frigid. Though she had a responsibility to her guests, she felt the need for a short respite and so she entered the gardens. There were few in here, as the fire was taking place out on the large estate grounds and it was only when she heard footsteps behind her that Violet turned, her expression confused.

“Lucius,” she said softly, eyes flicking up to his own. “What are you doing here? I thought you left hours ago?”

[thevioletwilkes]

sirius black

After hearing about the Wilkes-Malfoy-Black triangle, Sirius wondered if he should be getting involved with Violet at all. It was a risk to start associating with her; the last thing he wanted to do was offend his cousin. However, he figured a brunch couldn’t hurt, and he took her up on her offer. The cafe is pleasant, much nicer than the joints he’s been going to for the past seven years. 

He takes a sip of his water, passing on the alcohol for now. Sirius has cut back significantly on alcohol since he resumed his life as pureblood heir. He’s afraid of slipping up and letting his tongue get too loose. “Seems I’ve missed more than I anticipated,” he muses. He’s relaxed in his chair, as if he hasn’t spent the past seven years as a social pariah. “I’m afraid I can’t comment much on the situation with Lucius. I’m expected to be a good cousin now.” He tilts his head slightly. “What are those two up to now?” 

Violet enjoyed Sirius’ company, if only because it was rather novel to spend a late morning brunch with the Black family heir, so recently returned to the family fold. She also wanted to irk Narcissa and she imagined that being seen in public with the woman’s cousin would do so easily. Still, the setting and the company were nice, even if Violet’s reasons for meeting were less than ideal.

The mimosa was good and she nodded as she set the glass back onto the table. “You have, I’m sure,” she agreed, her own lips curving upwards once more. “Oh, you are?” she inquired, her gaze narrowing. “Does being a good cousin mean ignoring all the awful things that they do then?” It was a question that was both genuine and rhetorical and Violet was not certain how he would take to it, if he took to it at all. “Nothing that’s fit for polite company,” she remarked. “There are simply rumors that the sister is not nearly as familial as one might think.”

[thevioletwilkes]

isla rosier

Isla was more aware than others about the uncomfortable tension that hung in the air around Violet and her cousin. However the blonde girl was always a true believer in not getting involved with drama that didn’t affect her directly. That rule had kept the Rosier daughter out of unnecessary arguments. Besides she happened to like Violet Wilkes, she appreciated any pureblood woman who dared to speak their mind, even if there was a veil of overlying facade from them both.

 “I wouldn’t have missed it.” She smiled politely looking around at the blooms Violet described. The array of colors was breath taking and if she hadn’t of mentioned something Isla would never have suspected that the party had a single hitch. “Your hydrangeas could rival all others, they’re simply beautiful.” She complimented the girl sincerely. “Honestly, I am missing my travels, but I am equally happy to be home. Besides someone needs to keep and eye on that brother of mine.”

Privately Violet thought that the Rosiers were much more interesting than the Blacks. Both Evan and Isla had always seemed to do things in their own certain way, which Violet could personally appreciate. Her lips quirked at the corners and though Isla’s words were polite, she wondered if the blonde woman had something else she’d have preferred to say. “I’m pleased to hear that. Mother is always saying that this is the one event no one turns down.” It was true, of course, though Violet wondered if it was because people enjoyed it or if they looked forward to whatever inevitable drama would come.

“Oh, thank you,” she looked over at the hydrangeas. “It’s a variety from the continent that is supposed to be ever-blooming. Much like the roses.” Of course, Violet wondered if the roses were too nice from time to time. And didn’t everyone have them? “Do you have anywhere you are looking forward to traveling?” she inquired, curious. She rather imagined Isla had a great many stories to tell. “Is it good to have him home?” she asked, hoping that Isla would not ask about Violet’s own brother who had mysteriously reappeared.

[thevioletwilkes]

coraline parkinson

Cora shook her head; after the things that had happened in the Black family, you would think the family might have learned some humility. Honestly Cora didn’t know if she could have held her head up in that sort of position but maybe it was simply that the Blacks felt so superior that nothing could touch them. “I’ll be glad to see that,” she muttered. It was probably not a proper way to feel about another pureblood family but Cora just didn’t much like them. “Oh, I don’t know really. Mostly just enjoy myself, I suppose. I didn’t have any real thoughts when I came to find you. Am I keeping you from something?”

Violet lifted her shoulder upwards in a soft shrug. “As will I,” she drawled. Personally she had little ill will against some of the Blacks, but the majority of them carried themselves with the entitlement that she found vapid and even more annoying. While Violet might believe in the superiority of blood, she found the superiority of names to be one of those things to ignore. “Not at all,” she said with a smile as she looked back over at the dog and gave her a pat on the head. “It’s good to get some fresh air anyway. I imagine tonight will become stuffy at some points.”

[briars-thorns]

when: april 29, 1979.  where: rappaport’s. who: briar avery & @thevioletwilkes​

Briar offered a smile and nod as thanks as she stepped away from the counter of the shop, finalizing details on a set of new robes to be sent home. After the event that was being pulled so unceremoniously from the Swedish retreat, she was glad to be returning back to a sense of normalcy, and even more, to be reunited with Violet. Finally, it felt like she was in her own skin.

She stepped away from the counter, and turned back to her friend. “Thank the heavens we’re back. I don’t know how much longer I could have gone on without you by my side.”

[thevioletwilkes]

The start of the season had certainly come quickly, Violet thought. And with it came the inevitable dramatics that the pureblood elite were fond of. Today, however, she was out shopping with Briar and while she had not ordered much of her own, she had enjoyed picking out a few things here and there. Her lips quirked. “I don’t know how much longer I could have stood for it,” she agreed with a shake of her head.

A small hum left Violet’s lips. “There has been quite an influx of dramatics. Did Cora get the chance to tell you about what happened with Lucius at the end of the retreat?”

[thevioletwilkes]

lucius malfoy

“He was not my choice,” he said, with a slight roll of his eyes like that should have been obvious. “And his father is an important donor to the Minister’s campaign fund. But I am quite certain that once this is done he plans to travel around England selling falafels from a van. So at least it won’t have been a wasted experience for all of us,” he shot Violet a wry smile. She would know he was joking. 

“And if you have improved the gardens it makes sense that the garden party should be your reward,” he said. He wasn’t entirely convinced that it was a good reward, but then he supposed that would depend on how much the party was enjoyed and how much prestige Violet could glean from its success. 

“They are doing well,” he said with a smile. He tended to smile when he thought of his parents. They were all quite close. “Though I am told Abraxas has been working far too many long hours and Adeline has been spending all of her free time looking for her next horse. Though she has talked of changing the gardens again. Perhaps I should recommend you to her for advice?”

Violet’s smile could be construed as a smirk, she knew that well, and the corners of her mouth flicked up as she reached for her drink to take a sip as she listened to Lucius. “You’re much more enterprising than that, Lucius,” she remarked, her brow rising. “Certainly you could find an effective way to replace him with someone much more competent.” Lips curved upwards at the corners and she allowed herself a small chuckle. “I don’t know what’s more muggle-sounding: falafels or a van.”

She nodded. The garden party was the best event the Wilkeses held each year and though it might not have been nearly as prominent as the Black Gala, it commanded respect and there were none who refused an invitation. “Of course. Mother has been quite pleased as of late.” ( It occurred to Violet that they were speaking of inanities as if they did so each day; it frustrated her more than she wished to admit. )

Another sip from her champagne glass. “I would be happy to meet with your mother at her convenience,” she said slowly, carefully, well aware that him even asking this could cause quite a stir with others. “Does she have a specific horse breed she is looking for?” she inquired.

[thevioletwilkes]

location: opaleye cafe with: @siriusly-okay​

When Violet had offered to spend time with Sirius to catch him up on some of the things he’d missed, she’d meant it. Of course her schedule was much fuller than she’d originally anticipated and it had taken a couple of weeks to find an acceptable time. Still, a date had finally been decided upon and now Violet sat across from him at brunch, sipping on her mimosa as she considered just where to begin.

“Well, as I’m sure it’s become clear to you,” she remarked. “My own engagement was dissolved and your cousin seems pleased to have Lucius in her clutches.” Lips curved dangerously upwards and her eyes crinkled at the corners. “There are also quite a few rumors about the Dolohov siblings, but I’m sure that’s just idle gossip.”

[thevioletwilkes]

isla rosier

@thevioletwilkes​

Although Isla hated the majority of the social stigma that came with being a pureblood she loved a good party. There was something about getting dressed up for a specific event that dared to even get her excited. There was also the hopeful promise that purchases conversations might venture past that of the mundane gossip. The Wilkes estate was something to marvel at it was clear to the blonde that much planning and decoration had gone into the garden party, she’d be sure to do the polite thing a note the effort when she eventually ran into the host.

She walked around with her usual perfect facade firmly intact. Surveying the grounds she took a glass of champagne off the nearest tray before finally spotting the woman on the hour.  It was a rare but welcoming sight to find Violet on her own. Isla had grown used to the brunette permanently surrounded by her cohorts. “Violet, I’m so glad I caught you. The party is a hit you must be delighted.”

Violet had worked for weeks on her family’s garden party; now that she lived at the Norfolk estate most of the time, she’d put a great deal of love into cultivating the rosebushes as well as the other flora and fauna that perpetuated the landscape. The drinks and canapes were carefully designed as well and the young woman found herself quite pleased with the turnout thus far. Holding a glass of champagne between her fingers, Violet’s eyes lit up as she saw Isla, the other woman someone she had always gotten on with better than her Black cousins.

“I’m so pleased you could make it,” she remarked, leaning in to give the other woman a kiss of greeting on her cheek. “It was a labor of love, I’m afraid. Mother allowed me to handle most of the logistics this year and I nearly fainted when I returned home from Sweden to find the hydrangeas yet to bloom.” Luckily a potion had taken care of that. “Tell me, how have you been?”

[thevioletwilkes]

coraline parkinson

Cora wrinkled her nose at the thought of Vi’s mother, although it was something that she had at least supported education. In Cora’s general opinion, life was better when one thought as little as possible about one’s parents - or one’s friend’s parents. Her expression softened as she watched Vi and Ellie; it was such a little thing but she was always  so glad that her friends liked her dog. Ellie had been one of the things to help her feel like a true adult, despite still living at home. “Well, I think it’s only fitting that she should avoid you.” If Narcissa didn’t realize how wrong she had been through this whole situation, and that Vi was planning her revenge, then the younger girl was far less clever than Cora assumed. “She thinks she’s so special and superior,” Cora added, frowning at the thought. It was one of the things she most disliked about Narcissa, that she seemed to think she was so much better than anyone else. That seemed to be rather a universal truth about the Black family though. 

Violet’s mother might not have been the best of them, though Violet thought she was a product of her environment more than anything else. And at least Violet had never felt unloved in the home she’d grown up in. “Fitting, perhaps, but it says nothing of her own sense of shame.” Then again, she wondered if she expected Narcissa to have shame for something that she’d been successful at. Certainly Violet would not have felt it. But that was a thought for another day, not a thought for a lazy walk around the estate grounds. Violet laughed again, shaking her head. “She does,” Violet agreed, shrugging her shoulders, as if the words mattered little. And perhaps that, at least, was true. “But she’s a Black. They all think that way. One day, though, they’ll learn to realize that it’s simply not true.” And, truly, she very much looked forward to the day when Narcissa Black realized that her surname would not be enough to get her everything she wanted. “What do you wish to do tonight?” she asked Cora, head turning back to look at her friend.

[thevioletwilkes]

sirius black

Sirius had gone to his grandfather for redemption for that very reason. His parents never would’ve heard him out but his grandfather? Sirius always sensed there was a soft spot in the old man for him. It seems he was right, considering he’s now standing amongst anyone who’s anyone in pureblood circles. “Yes, I suppose you’re right.” He has to stop himself from saying more, from commenting dryly on how his mother is just itching for his grandfather to keel over so that her husband can take his place. The old Sirius wouldn’t have refrained from those remarks, but now he has to learn how to hold back. To keep himself from being rude and improper. Slipping up, even in polite company, would surely lead to rumors and gossip about how he hasn’t changed a bit. 

He takes a sip from his own flute, listening as she comments sagely on his life. Difficulty. He wants to laugh. There’s a chasm between his family and his friends. He really must choose between them, walking in the middle simply isn’t an option for him. It’s a shame, really, that it has to be this way. Although, in hindsight, Sirius isn’t sure he’d choose any differently. He love the Marauders and Lily and all the others. They’re just as much his family as Narcissa and Bellatrix. Most times, James has felt more like a brother than Regulus ever was. Sirius doesn’t say any of that though, instead he sips from his champagne and nods, a rueful smile slipping onto his lips for just a moment. “Difficult seems too mild a word. But I appreciate your words.” That’s a polite enough answer. 

As Violet expertly shifts the conversation, Sirius latches onto her lead. He smiles gently, glancing at his glass before looking back to her. “Is it that obvious I’m out of touch? I’d greatly appreciate being caught up on what’s what in our world nowadays. I’m afraid that even before I left I wasn’t too keen on keeping up with the gossip.” 

Violet allowed herself a smirk at Sirius’ admission that she was correct, though she was surprised he didn’t say much more about it, about his change in opinion and then his change in tactics. Perhaps he had changed more than she thought. It occurred to Violet that maybe something had happened, had changed for him, which had resulted in this change of heart but she said little about it. There was just something about his countenance that told her a jibe about Potter would not be taken nearly as lightly as he might want her to think it would be. “I usually am,” she finally responded, eyebrow arched before she took another sip from the champagne flute dangling between her fingers.

She hummed, lightly, a sound so soft she wondered if he would hear it over the din of the ballroom, with others speaking and the music charmed to play at a sedate volume. “Perhaps, but difficult seemed the only word worth saying in polite company.” Her lips twitched at the corners with a hint of amusement and she tilted her head to the side. “Are you excited to see your brother again?” she inquired, the words curious and her eyes eager for the answer, for she had always thought that the two brothers were more alike than they wished to admit to.

She laughed, a tinkling sound, and shook her head. “Oh, there is much for you to know, but perhaps this is not the place for me to inform you.” She took another sip from her glass before she met his eyes. “Would you care to meet for drinks sometime soon? Or lunch? I am free most afternoons and would be pleased to catch you up on all that you’ve missed.” It would be a shame, after all, for Sirius to acclimate back to his life without any help.

[thevioletwilkes]

lucius malfoy

A more prudent man might have realised inviting Violet out for a meal was not the most prudent course of action. However, Lucius had been serious when he had told Narcissa that Violet was his friend. He told himself that he thought such a thing was possible now that some time had passed. 

Besides, it was a lunch date. There was nothing romantic about a lunch date. 

“It is as good of a place as any to be working in the Ministry. Though I do wish they would stop replacing the Junior Undersecretary every year. We are about to pick someone new and the old one is only just starting to be trained,” he said with a shrug. “I had planned to. You did mention that the garden is looking better than ever. I was looking forward to seeing it. Are you helping with the planning this year?”

Violet would probably know that was a bit of a lie. He didn’t have much interest in gardens. He did have an interest in keeping Violet happy. In an entirely platonic, friendly, way, of course.

Violet was uneasy as she sat across the table from Lucius in a way that she rarely wasn’t. She was pleased, of course, in the knowledge that she was the one sitting here, that he clearly wished to continue some sort of relationship. And yet given how she had left him in Sweden, she wondered if he’d had the time to think on the words she’d left in her wake.

But lunch was lunch, after all, and she enjoyed the food here so she said nothing about any lingering unease and instead offered him the smile she’d often practiced in front of her vanity mirror. “Perhaps you ought to pick someone more competent next time.” Her words were sharp, though her tone was not, and her head inclined at his question, though she did not believe him when he said he was looking forward to it. “I am doing most of the planning, actually. Mother’s been busy with some of her other commitments and since I live at the estate in Norfolk now it seemed more prudent.”

She ordered a glass of wine when the server came and turned her head back to him. “And how are your parents?” She’d always loved them.

[thevioletwilkes]

location: le canard with: @lusciousmalfxy​

When Violet had seen Lucius at the Black Gala, their conversation had been quick and perfunctory. When she’d suggested perhaps they ought to catch up to talk, she had expected the suggestion to be ignored. It had been quite a surprise when Violet had received an owl inviting her to lunch at Le Canard and she sat in the restaurant now, her legs crossed at the ankles as she lifted a glass of Burgundy to her lips.

“How are you enjoying the Minister’s office?” she inquired, well aware that small talk seemed appropriate given the situation they were in. She expected Lucius to be minister himself one day. There was a pause. “Will you be attending Mother’s garden party?” It was to be held in the country estate this year and she was rather hoping to receive an answer in the affirmative.

[thevioletwilkes]

lucius malfoy

“And the best way to learn is through immersion,” he pointed out, not bothering to disagree about her competence with the language. It would have been disingenuous at best. 

Lucius was quite certain that his appearance with Violet on the dance floor would cause a stir. He was equally certain that after his fight with Narcissa he could not have cared less. It would be a problem for the morning or another time. 

“You do remember how to dance, yes?” he asked, allowing himself to tease her a little. The reality was that it felt incredibly easy and natural to fall into a dance frame with Violet. They had danced together so many times before that stepping onto the dance floor with her now felt like no time had passed at all. 

He was going to have to be careful.

Her brow rose and she nearly asked what he was suggesting but instead it seemed much easier to take his hand and dance as if they had been doing so in the years they had been parted. Violet’s lips curved upwards. “Of course I do. I’ve not been out of practice, Lucius.” Her eyes flashed with a heat she hoped he would find familiar and as she looked up into his eyes, it was easy for Violet to get lost in the music and the sensation of being in Lucius’ arms.

She hadn’t wanted him back only for the sake of her pride, after all.

But as the song grew to a close and she could hear the familiar notes growing slower, her eyes flickered. Lips thinned and her eyes closed off as she pulled back. “Thank you for the dance, Lucius,” she said, her voice placid. “But in the future, please remember that I do not exist to be a stand-in for Narcissa.” And with that, she turned her head and moved through the ballroom, fixed smile back upon her face.

[thevioletwilkes]

coraline parkinson

“I almost would say that sounds like the ideal life but we both know that I’m too antsy to be happy staying in bed all day.” Even when she didn’t have anything to do, she rarely spent her time lazing around in bed . Or anywhere else. She had to keep busy, both physically and mentally, or should would lose her mind. “I do agree with that statement of your mother’s,” she said a little cautiously; she had rather mixed feelings about both Vi and Briar’s parents and their relationships with their daughters. Which was something that probably was universal for most purebloods. Although Cora herself got along fairly well with her parents, she had never been overly close to them. “At least you don’t have to see her constantly - right? I haven’t seen her constantly but I am at the office for a good portion of the day.” And Cora wasn’t overly worried about Narcissa either. If Narcissa had stolen Cora’s betrothed, then she would probably be far more attuned to the other girl’s presence.

Violet laughed, knowing well that Cora was not the type who could simply sit idly by and do nothing. While Violet herself preferred being somewhat productive, there were days she much preferred doing little; it helped to recharge, to plan for the future, and she was still rather curious about how to best move forward. “Mother was always supportive of learning.” That was a statement few pureblood daughters could make, as so many mothers seemed to think women should be seen and not heard, that learning would diminish their value to a man. Violet was inordinately thankful her own mother was not like that. She reached out to pet the dog once more before responding to Cora’s question, thinking how best to articulate what she felt in a way that would not be awful if it was overheard. “I do not. I could be wrong, but I believe she is avoiding me. I am incredibly amused by the thought.” Her smile was smug, the corners of her mouth flickering.

[thevioletwilkes]

sirius black

“I suppose I see the truth in that. But I do think you’re discounting exactly how much grandfather enjoys a good show.” Sirius chuckles. “I believe there were more than a few feathers he was hoping to ruffle with this reveal. I can only hope he was successful.” It looked like more feathers than intended, if the look on his mother’s face was anything to go by. Besides, those who Sirius had talked to tonight seemed rather upset with him as well. Of course it was all veiled behind polite smiles and handshakes and ‘welcome back’s. That’s the one thing he always despised about pureblood society almost as much as the whole blood purity thing: no one could say what they meant. It was torture, trying to decode all this language. 

“I’m glad you could make it to the show,” Sirius says a touch more genuinely than even he expected. 

Ah, the question of the hour. Sirius has lost count of how many times he’s been asked that tonight. Most were too polite to pry beyond his surface answer; he wondered if Violet would be the same, or if she’d try to dig deeper. Sirius takes a deep breath, expression becoming a bit more somber as he recounts the lie that’s come out of his mouth a million times tonight. “I missed my family. I started to grow up, and when I did, I realized all that I’d left behind. At the end of the day my friends are loyal, yes, but they’re just friends. It wasn’t worth sacrificing my family over and I never should’ve left.” He was hoping most people didn’t know the true extent of the differences between his family and himself. That it’d always been partially about blood purity. 

He glances away and clears his throat. “There’s more, of course. There’s always more, but that’s the basics of it. Realizing what I’d lost started to keep me up at night. I figured I couldn’t lose anymore by trying to come back.” 

Violet laughed, an amused tinkling sound that echoed around them. She took another small sip of her champagne and looked at Sirius, well aware that to the rest of the room they likely appeared to be in close conversation, that another had accepted Sirius so readily into their midst when he had spent so long shunning them. “At his age, he’s certainly earned it,” she pointed out, knowing well how the patriarchs and matriarchs of their society rather liked to put on their own theatricals and could become rather put out when few were as entertained as they. “And he is the patriarch of your family; it seems only prudent that he make that abundantly clear at times.” After all, most everyone knew just how vocal Walburga Black could be.

“I wouldn’t have missed it.” The words were genuine, the tone placid, and Violet knew that she would have been most put out if she’d chosen to forego the event simply because it was hosted by the Blacks. Then again, she supposed it was rather rude to take her anger at one Black out on the entire family. And Sirius had always been exceptionally entertaining.

Violet listened as he explained his reasons for returning, her lips curving upwards even as she took another small sip from the champagne flute that rested between her fingers. It was such a simple explanation and though she was not certain of its sincerity, he delivered it rather well. “There is difficulty,” she remarked. “When our friends and our families are at such odds.” Another sip of champagne gave her pause. “And so few seem to understand there can be a middle ground when it comes to the politics within our world.” But it would be rather uncouth to discuss them now.

“I am certain much has changed since you’ve been home; please don’t hesitate to let me know if there’s anything I can to make this transition easier.”

[thevioletwilkes]

lucius malfoy

“You know that isn’t what I meant,” he said with a slight roll of his eyes. Really he just wanted to be anywhere else at that moment and France with Violet seemed like a pretty good idea. 

He ignored the jibe about Narcissa. He was never going to agree with Violet on that point - they might have been fighting but he still liked Narcissa; he still thought she was perfect - but he didn’t feel like defending her at that moment, either. 

“We could stand here while you catalogue the various gifts I’ve given you over the years, or you could agree to dance with me. I know which one I would prefer, but I would so hate to deprive you of the chance to get some barbs in.”

Her response was to raise an eyebrow. “You know my French is atrocious,” she remarked, thinking of how she’d tried to learn it when they were together. It was not something she’d taken to easily and eventually Violet had begun using translation charms instead. She fiddled with the bracelet on her wrist, twirling it around the skin.

It was, on paper, an awful idea. But inside Violet felt gleeful, as if all that she’d worked for was finally coming to some sort of fruition. “You’re actually rather good at giving gifts,” she mused. “And I would hate to waste a good line simply because I can.”

The music was audible from where they stood and, try as she might, Violet could not imagine a more picturesque setting for the moment. She took his hand and pushed any wariness from her eyes.

[thevioletwilkes]

sirius black

Sirius had been greeting people ever since his grandfather made the announcement. It seemed that everyone wanted to take a shot at him, to press his loyalties and try to uncover the real reason he was back. He wasn’t trusted in these circles, but that was to be expected. One day he would be, it would just take a little bit of time. He saw Violet standing off by herself nearest to the floating tables with the food and drink. He politely excused himself from his current conversation with some distant aunt, approaching her with a broad smile on his face. 

“Violet Wilkes!” He returned the kiss with one of his own before taking a step back and plucking a flute off the table behind her. He had to be careful with his drinks though; too many and he’d sink his own ship. “Believe me, this wasn’t my idea. I wanted something small and private with the family, but grandfather insisted and, well, I’m hardly in any position to refuse.” There was an undeniable tension with every person he interacted with tonight, and it was here, with Violet, as well. 

“How have you been? It’s been a long time.” Sirius had always liked Violet well enough, especially considering where she comes from. She hadn’t been in Slytherin, which in general had helped his opinion of her. 

It would not be difficult, she thought, to ingratiate herself with the new Black heir. Violet had enjoyed him during childhood, before blood and war had ripped families apart. And though she expected Narcissa to assume family came first, she’d never thought the younger woman adept at keeping loyalty in the way Violet could. She accepted the kiss with a genuine smile upon her face, one that was evident in her eyes.

“If asked, I’d have told him to make the same decision,” she remarked, lips curved and eyes wide. “He needs the show, to make it clear that you’re back in the family instead of the rumors that would have permeated our society otherwise.” She shrugged. “Your cousins seemed pleased to see you.”

It had been a long time. The previous time Violet had seen Sirius Black she’d been engaged to Lucius and the idea of Narcissa taking him from her had been a fickle nightmare at best. And then Violet had lived through that exact thing and nothing would be the same. “I’m quite well, thank you for asking. I’ve just returned from a holiday in Sweden and was not expecting the first event of our season to be so dramatic.” She took a sip from her glass. “And what propelled you to return home?”