We Are All Mortal

Until the first kiss and the second glass of wine.

[winternott]

mollyweasels​:

molly agreed with winter. she hated being cold and would gladly be in the warmth of her house, next to a fire. but having children certainly changed that perspective. it was amazing seeing snow through the eyes of her children. “i’ve grown to enjoy the snow, if only to watch my kids play in it,” she replied to winter. “i don’t know how they do it, though. pregnancy is probably the only time i actually don’t mind being out in the snow,” she said as she laughed.

Winter looked over at the redhead witch and smiled. It was nice to think of watching children play in the snow. She’d once thought it was magical. Something special that was just for her, given her name. Even though she’d always been more fond of flowers blossoming. “Is it scary, being pregnant?” She asked before she could stop herself. The topic had been on her mind a lot since her betrothal had been announced. Since Lucius’s comment. Molly’s circumstances were different, but Winter still wondered. “I’m sorry, that was incredibly rude of me to ask.” She murmured, cheeks turning red.

[winternott]

crexswell​:

Chewing on his cheek as he shuffled on the spot for a moment, his heart sinking slightly when Barty’s name was mentioned. Which he then immediately felt guilty about. “I’m sorry, I meant to drop by sooner…”   His gaze flickered around the store for a moment, as he took in his surroundings.  A slow smile started to grow, something that tended to happen whenever he was greeted by anything that was clearly of Winter’s design.  

What is wrong with you, you absolute plank, why haven’t you been by before now?  He asked himself internally.  Managing to finally drop his gaze onto Winter’s face.  About to cross room, he was grateful when she did it instead. Not really knowing until that exact moment just how much he had needed a hug from her.  He hadn’t known what to do since their last encounter, since then he and Marlene had been spending alot of time together, which only made him feel more guilty about spending time with Winter.  It was a feeble reason and he knew that, they were afterall meant to be best friends before anything else. 

“I missed you too.”  He said softly, not quite ready to pull away.  “I’ve been alright, just working alot. I haven’t had a chance to visit my Dad this month.”  Laughing softly, mostly to soothe himself, because he was feeling incredibly awkward and immeasurably guilty.   Still not relenting from the hug, he momentarily held her tighter.  “I’m really sorry I haven’t been by.”

The urge to wring her hands together made her bony wrists ache. She hated how different things felt now and how it made her feel uneasy around him. More self-conscious than she already was.  “It’s okay, it’s been a busy month.” She returned with a smile of understanding, but her thoughts had moved to Jack and she wondered if Dirk could ever forgive her for what had happened with him. She certainly hadn’t forgiven herself, but there was nothing she could do to fix the situation, short of breaking him out of wherever he was being held. 

Winter caught the smile that formed on his lips as he looked around the shop, pride swelling inside of her. “Do you like it?” She asked, because while Barty’s opinion on the shop should matter the most to her, after her Grandfather’s of course, but it was Dirk’s approval that she desperately sought. “I hated how disorganized it used to be and the labels were never clear. And it was so dark and gloomy, I wanted it to be a bit more inviting. But not over the top. More like fresh mint and dried.” No sooner had the comparison had left her mouth, that she wished she could breathe it back in and go for something a little less...well, stupid. Winter folded herself slightly, as if trying to become even smaller; disappear all together.

His embrace felt warm and welcoming. Safe. It never ceased to surprise her how different his arms felt around her than anyone else’s. Like, home since her first year at Hogwarts. But still, her mind drifted to more unhealthy thoughts. How much overlap was there of his arms around her? Did he think she felt fat? These thoughts had begun to seep into her mind again, the more her mother spoke of wedding plans at home. “It’s alright, I’m sure both his and my plants are all the healthier for it.” The brunette teased lightly. It took a lot for her to be comfortable enough to do that, she never felt brave enough with her pureblood peers, always scared of the fall out. “You’re here now. That’s what matters.”

[winternott]

maraudingmoon​:

He tugged at his knit cap, a few loose snowflakes shaking out of his light hair. Though Cardiff typically had longer, windier, and wetter winters than they were to get here–snow still tended to make him miserable. Perhaps it could be blamed on the wear and tear his bones had taken from the hundred or so transformations, but cold weather only served to bring out every ache and pain. “I dunno why you wanted to meet out here anyway,” He said testily. “I’d much rather layabout your new shop with a Yorkshire”

Remus cupped his hands together and exhaled, trying to warm up his reddened fingers. “Are we picking some rare herb I’ve never heard of?” He bounced lightly on his heels, wishing he’d been clever enough to wear his woollens. “Nott, if you tell me we’re out here hunting yeti, I’m turning around right now." 

She was drowning slightly in her winter cloak, but pulled it tighter to her to gain some warmth. It had never taken much to make her cold, but she couldn’t deny the beauty of sparkling, unmarred snow. At his words and tone, she tensed a bit, trying to fold herself up smaller beneath the fabric. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. I had just wanted a change of scenery. I’ve been in there for most of the past month.” Winter answered quietly.

While the words would not pass her lips, part of the reason she’d wanted to meet him out there was because of what had happened on New Years Eve. Having her close friend turn on her, she was certain something had happened and it was because she’d been hanging around the journalist. That if anyone saw her with Remus; Barty, Lucius, one of her brothers or her father...well, they all fit the description for those that had attacked that night. Even if she wanted to believe her betrothed wasn’t just another pawn in the sick war. “No, I don’t believe there are any rare herbs out here.” She thought quickly for something useful they could be hunting for, but as Hawthorn passed her mind, she saw how cold he looked, different words bubbled from her lips. “Do you want to see my Green House?”

[winternott]

Despite her name, Winter was not fond of her namesake season. It was cold and wet. Dark. A months long wake for the plants she loved so much. Still, she’d been out walking, needing fresh air when she’d come across a beautiful snowy scene. Even with her lack of love for the cold substance, she couldn’t help but standing in awe of the sight. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” She noted as she heard someone approaching from behind. “Albeit, cold.”

@mxrsmxrdrestarters​

[winternott]

evxnrxier​:

The smile on Evan’s lips faltered slightly when took in how Winter looked.  He had always had a protective instinct towards the girl, maybe it was because she always seemed so little to him.  Where others might have seen something of an easy target, he never saw that, he only saw someone with a kind heart.  Kinder than his own.  

Nodding as he lowered into the stool across from her, his gaze flickered between Winter and the hot chocolate she had ordered.  “Definitely weather for it, can’t remember the last time I had one of these.”  The Rosier household wasn’t exactly one where you would stumble across comfort foods.  Not that it had hindered a young Evan from sneaking treats into his bedroom.   “How are you, Winter?  I heard about you and Barty.”   He wanted to congratulate her, but he knew abit too much about the younger Crouch male.  “Will he be joining us?”

Winter saw his expression waver and she felt her self-consciousness bubble up in her chest. She lifted her napkin and delicately wiped around her mouth. Had she gotten something on her cheeks? Or was he simply wondering why she was having such an indulgent treat. She paled, silently questioning her choice now. Maybe she should have just gotten a tea, like she normally did.

As he sat down, she chewed her lower lip, placing her spoon into her cup of hot cocoa. “Yeah, it’s definitely been a cold January.” She agreed. Had he not just ordered his own, she’d have pushed her mug towards him to have. Winter no longer wanted it. “At least you won’t be able to say that again for a while.” She felt awkward and didn’t know what to say, which felt odd as she could normally talk to anyone, especially her friends, about most anything. But she was fixating on the beverage. “I’m well. I’m opening my shop up tomorrow, actually. How are you?” She asked, forcing a smile. Winter adored Barty, truly. He’d saved her and allowed her freedom to do what she wanted. But...she still was worried that he would not come to love her the way she so desperately needed to be loved. “No, I think he’s at work. He’s been...much different than I had expected when my parents first told me. In the best way possible, I mean.” Winter offered, because she was a bit concerned by his lack of congratulations that Evan might be worried about the match. “I saw Avery, when I went to get my new wand a couple weeks ago. She seemed well.”

[winternott]

crexswell​:

It had been several weeks since Dirk had clapped eyes on Winter, he had been doing his best to stay out of the way.  It wasn’t fair for him to hang around feeling the way he felt when she had a soon to be husband, and anyway he ought to only have those feelings for Marlene. 

Somehow though, he still ended up outside of Winter’s shop, almost as if his heart had led him there before his head was even aware.  He had heard through the Wizarding grapevine that the store was near finished, and Dirk had been meaning to go over despite himself.  He had been feeling immensely guilty recently that he hadn’t checked her on in person since attacks, mostly just through owls.  

Through the window, which was frosted over he could make out the undeniable, at least to him, shape of his best friend. As his eyes settled on her, a smile grew on his lips.  Even that single moment of just looking at her was more than anything he had felt towards Marlene the entire time they had been dating.  Deep down within himself, Dirk had always known that was the case.  He dithered on the spot for a moment, debating with himself about what the right thing was…. Though again, his feet were being led by his heart, not his head.

“Not Barty, but i’m sure he’ll love it, it looks fantastic in here, brilliant job, Win.”

When she heard his voice, Winter’s heart lit up. She was surprised by his presence, but no unpleased. She quickly looked up at him in surprise, studying his face similarly to when she’d seen him a few months ago. Like she needed to absorb his features again, having gone much too long without seeing them. She smiled.

“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting you. Not that it’s not good to see you. Because it is.” She rambled slightly, her cheeks flushing red as they so often did around him. “I just mean I haven’t seen you in a while. And Barty was supposed to stop by today to see the shop. He’s a lot more open to me having my own things than I thought before Christmas.” Her blush only darkened when she thought back to that night, crying on the bench beside him. How she’d realized for the first time how much she wanted to kiss Dirk. She tried to push that memory away, but it lingered.

Hesitating for a second, but realizing that she was being an idiot, Winter moved across the shop to hug him. He was her best friend. Maybe she couldn’t do some of the things that she used to, but certainly she was allowed to hug him after not seeing him for a few weeks. “I missed you.” She admitted quietly, because she had. But, she didn’t know what to say after the attack. After learning about him and Marlene. And then his absence, mostly communicating by owl, had made her worried that something had changed. That they had changed. She was too scared to face that possibility, so she didn’t try to find him. “How’ve you been?”

[evxnrxier]

Evan hated January, it just felt like a never ending Monday afternoon, and this year seemed to be worst.  Somehow though, he had managed to keep his inner feelings from floating to the surface, so he didn’t look too dishevelled or tired. Perhaps the meetings he’d been having with Moody in private had helped, he was almost afraid to let himself go.   The only thing that made him feel any sense of freedom was taking walks through Hogsemeade and Diagon.  At some point, he had stumbled into a cafe, probably just following his nose because everything else was currently being blocked out.  

“I’ll have whatever they’re having, it looks great.”

@mxrsmxrdrestarters​

[winternott]

Trying. That’s what Winter was doing. She’d been so miserable the day she’d spoken to Lucius, but she’d had the right idea that she needed to take better care of herself. It wasn’t that easy, though. Expectations from her mother were still trying to suffocate her and she’d found so much work to be done at the new shop, that it’d been easy to put off eating once again. But she’d realized, that it’d been a few days again since she’d had a meal when she couldn’t cast a simple levitation charm on the first try that morning. January was leading Winter further down the path that she’d been doing well to recover from only a few months before. She had more light in her eyes than she had in the short time following the attack, but her body was more frail than it’d been in over a year. 

She ordered a hot chocolate and a pain au chocolat. Chocolate had always been her favorite. When they brought out her order, the familiar voice drew her attention and she gave her old friend a smile. He looked better than the last time they’d spoken. “Care to join me?” She asked, dipping her spoon into the cream that topped her drink and delicately eating it.

[winternott]

Pale hands wrung together as Winter waited patiently for Barty to arrive. He still had a while before he was due to meet her, but she was, as seemed to be her norm, a bundle of nerves. It’d be a lie to say she wasn’t excited to show him the completed shop. How organized every inch of the space was, pristine and clean, everything with a label and a place. Though, she still hadn’t made up her mind about the greenhouse. Of course, she wanted to want to share it with him, but his lack of excitement towards the flourishing plants would certainly diminish her pride in the space. Dirk would like it, though. She tried not to feel guilty for wishing her best friend was the one on his way, and then tried to shove the feeling of wanting him there deep down where she couldn’t feel it anymore.

Barty had a charm of his own, there was no denying that. And Winter did like him. He was handsome, educated, and offered her a freedom that she didn’t think would be allowed in a marriage arranged by her parents. He was closed off and cold in a way, but she had seen similar traits in her Grandfather. Maybe not towards her, but she’d seen it in the way he interacted with others. Surely, it would just take time for him to thaw a bit and warm up to her. Winter could see his potential to be a loving and caring man. This was all running through her mind as she straightened a few containers for the hundredth time that afternoon and the door finally opened. “Oh, Barty, you’re here!” Her voice was an ill harmony of joy and fear as she knocked over one of the jars of powdered asphodel root. As she righted the thing, she heard herself talking again, without leaving him much space to greet her. “What do you think? Is it ready for customers?” Finally, Winter turned to face the entrance with a nervous expression; always seeking approval.

@crexswell​ or @corruptedxbartemius​

[winternott]

crexswell​:

It felt like an age since he had last seen Winter, almost comparable to when he had returned home, the length of time wasn’t as long, but the ache to her was just as strong. He had just felt so useless and that he just wasn’t helping her at all.  Dirk also knew that not only was he no longer single, neither was Winter and part of him felt guilty for wanting to be there for his friend.  He told himself he was being stupid, that this is what best friends do. 

As Winter smiled, one of his own formed on Dirks face. He couldn’t remember the last time he had seen her smile, that smile…. well it was one of his favourite things.  Taking slow steps inside, he shifted his hands into his pockets, his head turning as he looked around. “Thats amazing Winter, I’m chuffed for you.”  His smile widened further, he found it endearing to see her so genuinely excited, the polar opposite of their last encounter.  He sort of shuffled on the spot for a moment as he wondered whether or not he should or could hug her.  Resting his gaze onto her face, he took another step and opened his arms to embrace her in a hug, because he felt as though he needed it.   “I’m so happy for you. You deserve it.”

The smile that mirrored her own on Dirk’s lips made her heart swoon softly. The feeling hurt, because she knew he was with someone else and her heart was meant to be growing fond of Barty. However, she wasn’t sure she could love her betrothed now that she truly understood her feelings for Dirk. Even while he’d been away, her heart pined for him. But, at least it’d been something she’d been able to deny; to hide from herself. And now he was with Marlene and she was nice. She was also beautiful and strong. Everything Dirk deserved, though, she wasn’t sure she’d ever think anyone truly worthy of her best friend.

The brunette hugged him back tightly, clinging a bit too hard, but her frail frame barely had the strength to show it. Winter wanted to tell him about how Barty had told her that she should have things of her own. How different he was than what she’d been raised to expect. The way she hoped his coldness was really just an outer layer of  ice like her grandfathers and that she would use all of her warmth to try and melt it away. “Thank you. I invited Marlene to the opening. I saw her earlier and told her that the two of you should come together.” She offered, trying to be okay with his new relationship. Winter would learn to care for Marlene if it meant keeping Dirk in her life, because she wasn’t willing to lose him. “I’m going to make up sample bags and I’ve organized everything in a manner that is less confusing than the previous owner had it. I’m just hoping old customers will still return knowing that the quality of the products are still the same.” The brunette rambled slightly, pulling back slightly to look at him. “How have you been? I’ve missed you.”

[winternott]

cvrrcws​:

— alecto laughed, wrapping her arms around winter to return the hug, even if she wasn’t fond of the things. she’d been gone long enough that a hug was probably deserved. she hadn’t intended to be gone so long, but after two weeks away for work and a mission, she hadn’t been able to help herself staying away longer just to relax. “ i’m not supposed to leave permanently without you. i promise to bring you on my next trip. i’m thinking the next trip will be a few weeks before school would get out. then we get to go right before all the family vacations start. ” she grinned. she squeezed winter a little tighter, “ sorry i left so quickly after all the… you know, ” she mumbled. she hummed, “ as if i’m going further than my apartment or work without you for longer than a few hours ever again. but we’ve got to add spain to our travel list. ” she really hadn’t thought through how much she’d miss winter. alecto pulled back slightly, “ what did i miss that your mood needed to be turned around ? ” she frowned, worry etching itself onto her features.

Hugs from the redhead were something Winter knew were a rarity, which made them that much more valuable. How she’d missed Alecto. She’d needed her friend, but hadn’t been in the right state of mind to write to her after the attack. “I think we should amend that to include anything longer than two weeks.” The brunette insisted. “Where are we going then? Somewhere warm, I hope. I think I’m over my namesake’s season for one year.” The witch listened to her friend, nodding at the idea of Spain. She’d never been before, it was one of the places her family hadn’t frequented on vacation. Her mother was much more fond of places further East and her father shared her own love for France. “It’s alright, I wasn’t really in any shape to be of good company anyway.” Her hands wrung together as she pulled back from Alecto, looking up at the new sign for her shop, avoiding the other’s eyes. “On New Years Eve, I...I was attacked.” Her tone was soft with shame and her gaze fell to her boots. “I got trapped in the apothecary while it burned down after. I wouldn’t have made it out if Barty hadn’t found me.”

[winternott]

crexswell​:

It wasn’t that Dirk had been avoiding Winter, it was more that he genuinely didn’t know what he could do to help.  He felt kind of useless, he also felt guilty for how much Winter lingered on his mind when he was now dating Marlene.  But then again, she was his best friend.  Yeah, thats probably all it was. He had dithered on visiting her for afew days, avoided thinking about it for longer than he should have.  He had learnt from aurors that Jack was still being held within the Ministry on site prison for questioning, and he wasn’t allowed any visitors.  So that was just another aspect of their lives that now seemed so uncertain. 

Sliding his hands into his pockets as he made his way down the bustling street, his lower lip held tightly between his teeth.  Maybe you shouldn’t go in, should you? Maybe she won’t want to see you.  Maybe Crouch is in there.  Yeah, you really don’t want to run into that knob.  He was still deciding if he should just turn and leave when his eyes caught Winter’s outline through the glass.  He could see something on her face that he hadn’t seen in such a long time, a smile.  His own features reflected what he was looking at, and a smile of his own formed on his lips.  So many unspoken words in that smile, so many firsts that never quite happened, would they ever?  No, they shouldn’t, should they?  You shouldn’t be thinking about that…...   Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.  “Hey.” 

The distance between the brunette and Dirk had never been so tangible. Even when he’d disappeared into the muggle world, it didn’t feel like this. Like they were both unable to handle the presence of the other. It was too much. Thoughts of Jack had been swirling around her head and she’d refused to take Lucius’s advice to go to the Aurors and report Jack. Though, he’d still ended up in their care. She hadn’t been able to see him, which she was reluctantly grateful for. What if he really did hate her? She wasn’t ready for that.

When Dirk came into the shop, her eyes fluttered up to meet his. She smiled in return, her cheeks reddening slightly. “Hey,” She responded, looking around the shop for a moment, her smile only brightening as she took in her space. The witch had wanted to share it with him, when her grandfather had first told her, but she’d gone to Barty instead. Tried to put the distance between her relationship could work. So that she could stay friends with Dirk despite how much his relationship with Marlene made her ache. “It’s all mine.” She said, gesturing around her. Winter had been so lost recently and this time, Dirk hadn’t been there to help her find herself. She’d been left to do it on her own this time, but her Grandfather’s gesture had been her saving grace. “My Grandfather bought it from my boss and it’s mine now. Can you believe it, Dirk? A place of my own.”

[winternott]

cvrrcws​:

@mxrsmxrdrestarters​

— alecto had been away first for work, and then for a mission, for longer than she’d really intended to be out of the country. and without really notifying anyone of her departure, other than a couple rather vague owls to winter and her brother. alecto had stopped home to shower and change, first, but then had been too restless to do anything at home to relax. so she’d wandered out, a small smile flitting across her lips at the sight of winter standing in front of what appeared to be her own new apothecary. the witch made her way to stand beside her friend, grinning as she regarded the shop. “ hmm, well if you want help with setting anything up, i have another week before i have to actually get back to office work, ” she offered. she nudged her friend’s shoulder with her own, “ congratulations, ” the redhead beamed at her.

Winter turned to face the redhead at the sound of her voice. She hadn’t seen Alecto in a while. Too long. She hugged her tightly, even though she was quite certain her friend would not appreciate it. “You’re not supposed to leave without me, Ally.” She scolded the other slightly. All of the pain and misery she’d been dealing with, the brunette had wanted her best female friend to help her through. Wanted to confirm that she was the one who’d sent Elsa to see her. She wanted to talk with her and cry to her. Have her make sense of everything with Barty. Even Dirk, though, she knew better than to talk about him with her. “And I would like help from you, if only to keep you around before you go back to work.” Winter teased, though, she did want her friend to stay around so they could catch up. “Thank you, my Grandfather knows how to turn my mood around at the very least.”

[winternott]

nar-cissablack​:

The moment she saw it was Winter, she felt something twist in her stomach. The memory of Lucius after the attack was still fresh in her mind, as much as she wished it wasn’t. “Narcissa, please.” She didn’t want someone like Winter addressing her so formally. It was still an adjustment being called that at all. She put some galleons on the counter as she nodded her head. “I am. Much better, truly.” There was no denying she had been rattled the last time she saw Winter. More frantic than anything. But that was a natural reaction to what had been happening. “I never did get a chance to thank you for your kindness that night. You did not need to do that.” The sentiment was meant even more now that she had seen some of the conversations Winter and Lucius had. “Please know it was very appreciated.” 

“Narcissa, then.” She smiled. This half of the newly wed Malfoys was certainly more pleasant than the other. At least in Winter’s opinion. Even if she did care for Lucius, she knew he was an ass. “I’m glad to hear it.” The brunette’s words were sincere. Winter picked up her arrangement, taking in the pretty flowers for a moment. The scent. They were quite refreshing. “I was doing what any decent person would, Narcissa. There is no need to thank me. I’m just glad you’re alright.” Glad that she hadn’t suffered a similar fate to her own. At least she could take solace in having helped others. “Well, this is much appreciated as well.” She nodded to the flowers.

[winternott]

wildheartmarls​:

“I’m not surprised. It seems like a fantastic opportunity!” In spite of the other witch’s last name, Marlene couldn’t help but like her. Perhaps Winter’s connection to Dirk played a part in that. Knowing of their friendship had certainly helped Marlene to trust her during the New Year attack, and it seemed the same was true for Winter. It had been a way to speed things up though; truthfully, she imagined she would have liked the woman with or without Dirk being a mutual friend.

“Yeah, of course,” she nodded, her smile enthusiastic. “I’m sure Dirk would love to see the place. And you, of course.” Personally she always loved to see her friends, and she imagined the same was true for her new boyfriend. Work seemed to keep everyone so busy these days that getting to truly spend time with one another was rather difficult, and they had to make an effort whenever they could. 

“I’ve been meaning to come and see you, actually. I thought you’d like to know about that boy from New Year.” Considering how she had taken care of him, it seemed only right that she be informed as to his condition. “He wasn’t in great shape, but you knew that anyway. They think that whatever you did probably saved his life, though. He’s back home with his parents now, and he’s doing really well.” 

Winter beamed, “It truly is.” One that many women in her position wouldn’t ever have. The chance for a real career while being born to and soon married into sacred 28 families. Practicing purist ones, though, she hadn’t thought Crouch Sr. was as much of a purist as his son was. Maybe she’d been wrong. But, Barty had a lot of redeeming qualities. Or, at least she’d convinced herself of that. He was like her grandfather. He wasn’t scared of allowing a woman to have her own life, her own success. He had saved her when no one else had cared enough to come looking for her that night. “I’m just beside myself with happiness.”

Her smile nearly faltered at the other’s words. Since the attack, things with Dirk had felt quite distant. She missed him, truly, but they didn’t feel like they were on the same page anymore. He had Marlene and she was trying to come to terms with her future with Barty. Not to mention her self worth. The darkness had taken over for a while and Dirk had not been able to pull her from it this time. Thankfully, her Grandfather had known what to do. He was truly the one family member she could always count on to love her. “I just hope he keeps his brown thumbs away from my greenhouse.” She joked, though her heart wasn’t in it. “He’s not got a good reputation with plants.”

The brunette listened eagerly to Marlene’s words about the boy, despite the fact that she’d left him a basket of sweets, Winter hadn’t really gotten any update on how he was doing. She smiled. “I’m glad he’s doing well and is home.” No children should have had to deal with that attack. With any attack. The guilt still gnawed at her stomach, much like her hunger pains. “Thank you, for telling me. It means a lot more than you know.”

[winternott]

sonofabraxas​:

Lucius pursed his rounded lips until they were nothing more than a thin line. Winter Nott kept about as steady a hand on her verbal lashings as she did her frail frame. He’d known for years that his treatment of the girl was careless bordering on cruel, but…so much of the heir was still such a boy. Was it truly his actions that ought to have been held in contempt or was her family not equally if not more severely to blame? “You speak as though you’ve waited for someone to come along and save you.” He said slowly, a pale hand already plunging into his deep pockets–reaching for the cardboard box inside. As long as he’d courted the girl, Lucius had kept a stream of chocolate frogs ordered from Honeydukes, whether or not they were speaking. Despite, or perhaps because of his unkindness, he’d often wondered what might come of the girl–would she fulfill her biological obligation and wed some other member of the aristocracy or would she finally allow herself to disappear completely. Often, even he wasn’t sure what she’d prefer. Certainly, the finality of a quick death must have seemed more gracious than the life she led. “Nobody can do that for you.” 

He slid the chocolate out, holding it aloft for the waif. It was a strange little talisman the barrister carried, particularly when he couldn’t stomach the sweet itself. Lucius carted at least one of the childish treats in his pocket every day for years and yet so few had actually gone into the fragile girl’s bony hands. “Narcissa’s presence here was a mistake.” He said, the explanation stinging his tongue. How could someone so articulate be so poor in terms of communication. “It will not surprise you to hear that I’ve made many.” She was so thin, he thought, her bones might’ve cracked with the slightest touch. “Will you at least take this before go? Consider it a parting gift if my visits truly plague you so.”

“Maybe I did.” She confessed softly. Finally, she stood. Her feet carried her away from him, back towards the exit. There was no more solace to be found in the bones of the building than there was in the blond that had accompanied her inside it. He wasn’t really her problem, anyway. Just one piece of a much larger puzzle. One she had been trying to carve herself to fit into. But now there was little left of her. “I think I’ve finally realized that.” She told him truthfully, but her tone was tired. She was tired. Winter had once been a vibrant girl who sparkled like fresh snow in the sun, despite her confidence lacking heavily. She’d been filled with smiles and laughter. A contagious sound. So unfit for the society she’d been born into. Like there was too much light in her to be a part of such darkness. But, now...well, now she was faded. Grey at best. Dull. The life that’d once been so clear in her was nearly quenched. 

Green eyes fell to the boxed sweet, but her hands didn’t move yet to take it. “I know it was. That’s why I brought her here, to leave.” She said slowly and looked up at him. “Think what you’d like of me, Lucius, but I cared for you. I always will. And I knew that she didn’t deserve to be here that night.” Finally, she took the chocolate from him. “And I didn’t either. I’m worth more than I’ve been permitted to believe.” Her hands shook as she opened the hexagon shaped packaging, catching the frog as it leapt. Winter took a bite. “I allowed you to do so.” Or she’d do her best not to. But Winter stepped closer to the exit and away from Lucius. “I won’t anymore. And I won’t beg for your friendship either.” And with that, she walked away from him and from the husk of her shop, still chewing on the sweet he’d given her.

[nar-cissablack]

Most of the time, Narcissa liked to have her flowers delivered. But every few weeks she needed to go into the shop to see what was in season. It made things much easier when she made her orders. While she was there, she often got what she needed for the next few weeks. There weren’t many homely things she enjoyed but flower arranging was one of them. Now the flowers meant even more to her. She was at the counter paying for her mass when she noticed someone behind her. She was feeling generous and nodded to the next customer in line. “I’ll pay for their order, too.” ​

[winternott]

Despite having her own new greenhouse full of plants, both flowering and otherwise, she didn’t have time to make herself arrangement with the opening of her newly acquired apothecary to focus on. Winter hardly even noticed the blonde while she looked over some of the blooms that surrounded them. Her order had been placed by owl a few days before. She wanted something to brighten up her room at home. The place was so suffocating since the attack that she’d avoided it as best as she could, but fresh flowers would make it more welcoming when she had to go home to sleep and such. “Oh, you needn’t-” The brunette began, but when she looked to see Narcissa, she smiled and dropped the protest. “Thank you, that’s very kind of you, Misses Malfoy.” That name felt strange on her tongue, but she didn’t let it show. Instead, a slight concern filled her green eyes. “Have you been well since I last saw you?” Winter had asked after her when she’d seen Lucius, but reassurance from the blonde, herself, would settle her mind much better than her husband’s glossed over niceties had.

[casshoward]

[crexswell]

@winternott