HITCHCOCK BLONDE.

@traversing — my kingdom for a halfway decent poker competitor.

[viviantraversing]

ABOUT VIVIAN

NAME: Margeaux Vivian Travers 

AGE: 20

IDENTITY: questioning; she/her pronouns

BLOOD STATUS: pureblood

PRIMARY: Cork Wizardry College ‘77

HOGWARTS: Ravenclaw, Arithmancy Cohort ‘80

OCCUPATION: Unemployed 

LOCATION: Barnton, England

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Widowed 

ABOUT MARCEAUX

NAME: Marceaux Victor Travers

AGE: 21

IDENTITY: cis-male; he/him pronouns

BLOOD STATUS: unknown (publicly perceived as pureblood)

PRIMARY: Cork Wizardry College ‘77

HOGWARTS: Gryffindor, Pre-Auror Cohort (expelled ‘80)

OCCUPATION: Unemployed

LOCATION: Barnton, England

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Married to Jennifer Burke

EXPOSITION 

Vivian is the granddaughter of Torquil Travers, former head of the DMLE, and younger sister to Marceaux (born 11 months after). 

Her father, Troilus, was an abusive POS (what’s new with the Travers family). 

Her mother, Angelique Tremblay (very French, not the Veela kind though), sought companionship elsewhere and discovered she was pregnant by someone else (identity still a mystery). That child was Marceaux, who she passed off as the son of Troilus, and quickly got pregnant after his birth with Margeaux (she would eventually go by her middle name, Vivian). 

When Viv and Marceaux were 7/8, Troilus learned the truth and attacked Angelique, who managed to push him down the staircase and he died. She attempted to flee the country with the kiddos, but the dickbag that is Torquil Travers apprehended her, threw her in Azkaban, and raised the kids. Important to note that Viv didn’t learn about the affair and Marceaux’s paternity until April 1980. 

Viv grew up in the shadow of Marceaux, who was set to become an auror. She found herself talented with Arithmancy, and frequently likes to use her formulas to learn key events about others and manipulate them. 

RECAP

 In summer 1979, Torquil and Marceaux fought which left Marceaux comatose. Viv retaliated and did some nasty shit to Torquil. 

Believing that Marceaux would recover, Viv began taking Polyjuice to masquerade as her brother to ensure he went to the Academy and furthered his allegiance to Moldy Voldy.

The excessive use of the potion has, for a lack of better words, chipped away at Viv’s already minimal amount of sanity. She murdered Leigh Flint without remorse, and this was only the beginning. She also tried to mess around with Emma, but was ultimately caught the second time.

Since learning of Marceaux’s parentage, she’s felt distant from him. When she pinned the blame on him, which resulted in his expulsion from Hoggy and rejection from the Academy, it sort of cemented that while she loves her brother and wants to discover his true father to murder the dude, he’s not a Travers.

She also married Jennifer Burke (as Marceaux) and proceeded to sleep with her too (as Marceaux), which resulted in Jen getting knocked up with twins (that are Viv’s, not Marceaux). Viv is indifferent to having children, feeling strongly that they’re more Jen’s than hers, but will provide and protect them as they are part of her fucked up family of Traverses. 

UPDATES

Vivian herself graduated from Hoggy in 1980, and since then has been traveling across Europe and training—studying various fighting techniques, physical and magical, and testing them out through killing randos. She won’t stay for too long as she wants to be around when the twins are born. 

She doesn’t often present as Marceaux anymore, wanting to establish herself as the true head of the Travers family. She has been using Polyjuice to present as randos, though, during her killing sprees across Europe. 

DATING & HOOKUP HISTORY

Jennifer Burke / wife (Marceaux’s wife, technically) / 6 February, 1980 - present 

Joseph Nott / husband / 6 June - 30 July, 1979 

Adrian Vallancourt / (fake?) boyfriend / 16 January - 30 July, 1979 

[viviantraversing]

LUCIUS MALFOY.

A tray floated by, with Lucius taking a canapés in between his fingers. Vivian’s request was an interesting one. Something he hadn’t necessarily considered, but one he could find the usefulness in all the same. Hadn’t she already proven to be adept and smart? A force to be reckoned with? Lucius knew this wasn’t exactly his decision, but his voice could be one of great persuasion when used on the right person in the right way.

“I’ll put in a word with you to my father. He’s been dealing with most of the recruits these days, and I’m sure he’d be more than willing to have you step up.” In a few months time, Lucius was convinced he’d be the one calling the shots in these regards. But that was because he was audacious and ambitious, and failure was never on his radar.

Vivian’s lips curled upward into a satisfied smirk. “I shall wait patiently for a call.” Or, rather, she would continue stepping into her brother’s place without permission—until one day, it was her space by her own right. Either way, it would be hers to have. This, she believed to be true. 

[ fin ]

[viviantraversing]

LUCIUS MALFOY.

“Everyone always asks too much of me, the rest is for me to decide.” He could grant people most of their wishes, only most of the time, Lucius found no true desire to do so. Unless, of course, it somehow advanced his own goals that much further. Selfishness was just a part of the Malfoy brand, and he would never let that tradition die.

Vivian sighed, swirling the sparkling liquid in her glass a few times around. “You see, my brother is quite sick. I can’t imagine he will find himself well anytime soon, and I should hate for this to impact his— position in any capacity. Particularly as I’m more than capable of stepping into his shoes.” She proved that enough many times over, and at least once publicly.

[viviantraversing]

LUCIUS MALFOY.

“Or, perhaps my dear friend, you should be around more often.” Vivian did seem hard to pin down these days. Though she had always been separated in some degree, thanks to the close bond she shared with her brother. A matching set. “Tell me something you want. And I’ll offer the same.” An exchange. Nothing was free.

“I could, I suppose, but it is quite fun to be difficult to pin down,” Vivian added with a nonchalant shrug, then a sip of champagne. Her mind knew the answer, of course. It was just a matter of delivering it properly. “I’m afraid I may ask too much of you.”

[viviantraversing]

LUCIUS MALFOY.

He stared at Vivian, unconvinced, but flattered nonetheless. Lucius enjoyed the idea of everyone caring what he thought. Finding his opinion to be the height of society. That was where his fault truly lie. In his own adoration for self, and the blind spots that could so easily slip on by thanks to the desire to be powerful and be perceived as powerful.

“Do you? I consider myself surprised at that, though not displeased.” He wasn’t blind to Vivian. Especially not the power that she wielded. Something about her posture alone was impossible to gloss over.

“Are you truly surprised?” She arched a brow, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she mulled over the question. “You need to pay me better attention, I wager.”

[viviantraversing]

LUCIUS MALFOY.

“Just make sure they’re properly petrified first. Wouldn’t want them ruining antique furniture.” This was a conversation he wasn’t likely to have with most people in society. While most were more than happy to let others do the dirty work, they were usually less than pleased to have to hear about it over dinner. The trick was to understand who could stomach it and who couldn’t.

He grinned. “I’m not sure he’s fond of anyone anymore. But he’s good enough fun whenever he’s in the mood.” Death Eaters belonged to a brotherhood all their own. So long as Asher continued performing, Lucius would give him some slack. He did lose his family, and wasn’t that Lucius’ own worst nightmare? 

“I’m sure you don’t particularly care about whether he likes you or not. I doubt you care if most people like you.”

“Ah, so you have been blessed to find him in an agreeable mood. Do teach me your charismatic way, Lucius. Clearly I need a proper education.” Vivian brought the champagne to her lips, painted a violent shade of red. “Hmm,” she hummed again, mulling over the statement. Some time ago, she cared a great deal if people found her agreeable. Well, not agreeable—but, at the very least, worthy of attention from those who mattered. But what could be said of this Vivian? Maybe, she thought, this Vivian savored recognition, not adoration. 

“I care what you think of me.” 

[viviantraversing]

VIVIAN TRAVERS.

St. Armand had been constructed in honor of Armand Malfoy, who was as French as anyone could get. It stood within reason that the entire village had carried that culture over with him. Some squinting of the eyes and one might mistake themselves to be in a completely different country. The Manor, however, was all British Aristocracy. Proof of the fact that they belonged here. That while they were proud of their French heritage, they were more than just foreigners.

“Sounds to me like they’d be best kept behind glass, as all old things are want to do.” Shove them into a museum, let them rot. Family trees were meant to be plucked and pruned. The Black’s had been doing an excellent job of that. “I haven’t seen Asher, no. Though he does always like to make an entrance, doesn’t he.”

Lucius turned towards the table they had walked themselves towards and offered Vivian a glass of their finest champagne, grabbing the rest of the bottle for himself. He could never make a spectacle and get drunk. Not with so many guests. But he would indulge.

“Mm,” Vivian hummed. “And send my wretched house elf to dust them when it pleases me.” As if they were little trinkets. She hardly cared what happened with her cousins. Just like her mother rotting in Azkaban—if she was even there, still, after the breakout—Vivian only hoped their demise would bring forth entertainment. “Do you think so?” She reached for the coupe, bringing it to her lips and swallowing the liquid that felt like stars twinkling. “Between you and I, I don’t believe he’s rather fond of me.” There was a time when her grandfather sought to have them engaged. Now it was a laughable, forgettable moment of history. 

[viviantraversing]

LUCIUS MALFOY.

“You had better watch yourself, Vivian. You know my family has deep roots in France.” He quirked a brow, knowing when it came to her there was little intimidation to be had. But he couldn’t let the remark go unnoticed. Not when Lucius, above all else, valued his own family and their history. It was a legacy he was determined to make far grander than anyone might think possible. 

“Though, I’m sure the Tremblay’s lack the proper amount of intelligence if they’re so easily letting their home burn down. Almost as big of a disaster as the Avery’s. Everyone knew it was a mistake for him to marry that girl and look where it got him.” Dead and gone. Body burnt along with the house his family had built.

Vivian tsked, lips then curling upward in a manner that demonstrated her delicious amusement with this all. “Ah, yes, dove. How could I forget?” Didn’t most English purebloods claim at least some ties to French purebloods? If they wanted to stay pure, of course, and didn’t have an interest in gaining a reputation like the Carrows. Or worse, the Gaunts. Naturally, of course, Vivian didn’t see anything wrong with herself, even when considering that she impregnated Jennifer while using Polyjuice Potion to appear as Marceaux. Details, details. 

“They’re exquisite dolts, the Tremblays. Relics of another time all together.” Tradition, Vivian found, was regarded far too highly in their community. For legacies to endure, wixen had to adapt. “Speaking of, is our dearest Asher joining us this evening?” 

[viviantraversing]

LUCIUS MALFOY.

Lucius had no love lost when it came to Joseph Nott’s death. Though they ought to have been friends, Joseph never did have the brains for this sort of life. Nor the drive. He was dead weight, as far as Lucius was concerned, and since he actually was dead, there was no point in lingering on thoughts of him. “Such a gift you’ve given me, Vivian. Should I prod at you for what you’ve been up to these days?”

“You should, and I’ll give you only fragments so I can maintain a coy and mysterious demeanor.” Vivian smirked. “I visited my Tremblay cousins recently. Such dreadful luck. Their estate burnt to the ground, fortune disastrously mismanaged. A pity, really. But can we expect anything else from the French?” 

[viviantraversing]

LUCIUS MALFOY.

Lucius raised his glass with his free hand. One might wonder how a person could spend so much of their life while standing with only one hand to make use of. He had learned young how to balance. There was no weakness on his face then, and there was certainly no weakness now. Even if his leg were hurting tonight thanks to the chill outside, no one could’ve known. “Seems to me you need a drink, otherwise I’m just toasting myself.”

He extended his arm out. “Grab hold, we’ll get something to drink and plan our next move. Just don’t get too close. You might have already had the pleasure of marriage, but rumors circulate quickly.”

Vivian reached for his arm, intertwining their limbs as they waltzed further into the manor. She licked her lips, pleased with the eyes that drew to her. She felt powerful in this suit, cut perfectly to her form. Thank Merlin for her cousins’ fortune; such a shame that they found themselves destitute this time of year. “Don’t worry your pretty head, dove. I won’t let a soul think you’re in cahoots with Joseph Nott’s widow, Merlin rest his poor soul.” 

[viviantraversing]

LUCIUS MALFOY.

“Well, I’d take all of the credit, but you know my parents would hate to be left out of the equation.” They were still kicking. Still throwing parties and parading around their son, waiting for the best prospect to stumble into their mansion. “A shame Marceaux couldn’t join us. He, at the very least, can make parties more interesting.”

“Certainly.” There had been a time, decades before, when Vivian’s precious estate was open for grand balls such as these. She never experienced such a fête, with the gates closing sometime before her entrance into the world due to her grandfather’s irresponsibility with money. But Vivian pretended they were her memories. She found these journeys more entertaining than playing with dolls. Using a pensieve to live through her grandmother’s memories, a woman she never even met. Vivian dancing inside these moments as if they were her own. And so she let her gaze look wistfully inside Malfoy Manor, feeling an odd sense of nostalgia that was never quite hers. 

“Quite ill, I’m afraid. Dragon Pox. I have him quarantining, of course. We can’t have the girls falling ill.” The details hardly mattered. Vivian was tired of stepping into her brother’s shoes in the shadows. She wanted to shine. To demand the attention she deserved. “I shall have to be satisfactory enough for you tonight.” 

[viviantraversing]

LUCIUS MALFOY.

WHEN: Friday, 24 December, 1980; evening  WHERE: Malfoy Manor, St. Armand WHO: Vivian Travers & Lucius Malfoy​

“Ah, Vivian. I was wondering if you were going to grace us with your presence.” Lucius extended his hand towards her, ready to take hold and press a kiss to the back of her own. Manners, decorum, they were as integral to Lucius as breathing itself. There was no actual shock in seeing Vivian here, it was all a part of the game high society people played. Pointless to be sure, but still necessary in expertly maneuvering oneself around.

Vivian waltz into Malfoy Manor without an escort. Who could she take, anyway? A tongueless, senile grandfather? Torquil would certainly love to see the outside of the Travers’s estate, but Vivian could not be bothered to free him of his cage. And as for Marceaux—well, the public knew of his illness, at least in part. Dragon Pox, some speculated; a terrible sickness that kept him cooped up in bed. No, Vivian thought it best to make an appearance in St. Armand, by herself, donning a suit tailored perfectly to her body. 

“Lucius.” A smirk curled onto her face. “You’ve outdone yourself once again.” 

[viviantraversing]

NARCISSA BLACK.​

“You poor dear,” Cissa gushed again, tsking and tutting. “I meant it, I could use all the practice with babies a young girl can get. Any time you want a break, if Jenny is unfit…” This next, with disdain: “Since Trixy seems adamant on making me suffer niece-less another year.” She paused, thought about his, ignored the sting of her eyes and the name Nymphadora in Andromeda’s voice that played round and round in her head. “Or nephew-less,” she thought she’d better add.

“Only a call on the iFlown away.” Vivian patted the other witch’s hand, their arms entangled as they skated. “Merlin only knows what I would do without you, dove.” Oh, if only Narcissa Black truly knew how Vivian kept herself busy these days. If only. 

[ fin ]

[viviantraversing]

NARCISSA BLACK.

“Vivian, please!” Her entire face was an exclamation mark. She giggled. “It’s December. My dress has been ordered since August.” Along with about a dozen others, for varying occasions over the Winter months. Soon, after New Years, she would begin buying for the summer season. That was how it was in her world, there was always a trend to be ahead of.

“Then we will go shopping for me. I haven’t had much time for that these days.” Nor interest, but Vivian decided to omit that truth. 

[viviantraversing]

NARCISSA BLACK.

She couldn’t wait to say, “Lucius Malfoy.” Every time she did, she imagined it was a trial run for the day when she’d say it in front of all their gathered friends and family. “Oh isn’t he to die for, Vivian? Those eyes.” She twirled in the center of the rink and blushed, clutching her heart. “He’s so handsome,” and wealthy, and pure.

“Oh! Dove.” Vivian eyed her companion, feigning both shock and intrigue. “He certainly is handsome.” Vivian would have rather stuck a fire poker up her vulva than spend even one intimate second with Lucius Malfoy. With any man these days, really. Somehow, Adrian had been the only exception. Vivian was more than happy to let her attraction to men die with him. “Quite the pair you two would make.” She could see it now, clearly. A respectable brood of fair-headed purebloods. The two families would be elated. 

“We must go shopping for the perfect gown for the ball. He will be a fool to let his eyes wander elsewhere.” 

[viviantraversing]

NARCISSA BLACK.

“It’s the noblest work,” Narcissa insisted. The most noble and ancient, as far as she was concerned as a Black. 

Narcissa pretended, and pretended well, to think about whether or not she’d whisper to Vivian the one and only name it had ever, could ever be (this season, anyway): Lucius Malfoy. Her pretty pink lips pouted. “In confidence, of course?” She asked it because protocol dictated she did; in truth the more times Narcissa’s name reached Lucius Malfoy’s ears the better. Vivian would know that though, surely. It was a secret language, one only for the girls who ran in the circles they had grown up in. 

“Of course,” Vivian purred. Her lips curled upward into a satisfied smirk. How easy it was to play this role once more. It came as naturally as breathing. 

[viviantraversing]

NARICSSA BLACK.

Narcissa’s gasp was honest and beautifully sorrowed. “I’ve heard of it happening.” Even her tone was hushed, afraid to speak about things like that, lest it invite such an ailment into her own life. What she’d heard of, naturally, was post-partum depression. She saw it unlike anything it actually was, but as a woman’s sudden and violent unfitness for her role. Narcissa was terrified by the very idea. “You poor dear, having to keep an eye out.” The horror. No, the shame. “Oh, Vivian, you know I’d do anything for you. If I can pop by any time to make sure things are running smoothly, relieve some of the burden for you… Just say the word.”

Those babies were two precious purebloods; if she was taking up arms to polish the Carrows who were practically grown women now she could certainly invest in the future of the wizarding world for a set of Travers. 

“You’re right.” Narcissa hadn’t thought of it like that before, but she did now. “The entire winter ball season is the backbone of society.” How removed she was, to see this as fact indeed. “The business, the matchmaking, it’s integral now more than ever.” Merlin, she bristled that she had to say things like that now: now more than ever. It was so ugly a sentiment, so boorish. Before the Muggles, she’d never had to have such thoughts.  

“Thank you.” Vivian reached to squeeze the witch’s hand. “I know I can always count on you. It’s been dreadfully hard for me, keeping this family together. But now more than ever, when our very right to exist is being threatened, I must do everything I can.” Truly, all she hoped for was this ounce of gossip to compound, until everyone in their society doubted Jennifer’s sanity and her wife had no one to turn to but Vivian. It was thankless work, Vivian supposed, manipulating every little piece to her whim. 

She was happy to float along where the conversation flowed. “Thankfully, match-making can be fun.” Like a game of chess, and Vivian certainly remembered those days of naïveté. When she nearly found herself engaged to Asher. Ha! It was laughable now. “Will you tell me who’s caught your eye?”