if i had to give it all up again....

[mrs-mblack]

location: white wyvern 

It wasn’t the most busy of nights at the pub. But Maria still felt the need to stay to help out her staff. The bartender had needed the night off and she had granted it. The last thing she wanted to be was a mean boss. She had no real plans and well…it’s her business after all. Someone took a seat at the end of the bar, settling in while Maria walked over to them. “What can I get you?”

[x-alphardashes-x]

“Hopefully an accepted apology by a beautiful, generous, charming, incredibly understanding and no doubt exasperated wife from her husband who’s an arse and can’t stop working sometimes to realise just what a treasure he has waiting for him at home.” he responded, batting his eyes dramatically as he brought out a bouquet of Asiatic lilies.  He had been absent more than usual since the new year, the bank of course also facing it’s own crisis and the accounts were all over the place. It had torn him away from Maria for long hours, sometimes not coming home until past the early hours of the morning and neglecting his other duties to the wyvern. 

[zariakarkaroff]

where: diagon alley

status: open to anyone interested

It wasn’t like the eyes of the world clung to Zaria anymore. The world and the people in it no longer expected much from her, if they expected anything at all. Perhaps it would have been a shock, something painful that dug at her and settled into her skin and heart like an infection, if she hadn’t already gone down under the stink of that wound and came out the other side uncaring and indifferent to its marks.

That same indifference led her head to hold itself proudly as she walked through Diagon Alley, gaze locked firmly ahead on the path before her, uncaring and indifferent to the looks she could feel haunt her footsteps from the shadowed, protected corners of shopfronts. It was always such a shame that the Prophet was read so widely, that her name had been plastered on the front of it far more than she ever wished. And yet, it seemed to have a great benefit as well, as no one had tried to stop her yet as she made her way to Gringotts.

That trend held until it didn’t, when a hand gently tapped her shoulder, causing Zaria to whirl around, a half-formed snarl on her face before she smoothed it away underneath years of practice. “What,” she asked curtly, a slight Russian accent clinging to her words as her chin jutted forward. She looked through the person that had stopped her and not at them. “I’m do have other things to do today than talk with you.”

[x-alphardashes-x]

He might not be the king of it any more, but it didn’t mean he was out of the loop and of course gossip had reached him of Zaria’s return once more. His thoughts towards the entire thing were indifferent, if anything, perhaps he could understand a lot more than most. He had never excluded anyone, nor made it his mission to demean or insult those who others deemed beneath them. 

She had a rough go of it, not that he would say it to her face. She held it all with grace and with a confidence people should’ve admired more. Not everyone was programmed to handle the public as well as she. So when he saw her just before the entrance to Gringott’s he couldn’t help but reach out and grab her attention. 

And just like the ice princess he knew her to be, didn’t balk at the way she stared through him. “I was going to ask if I could help, but if you’re happy to do your business alone I’m not going to stop you. Just know my office is only upstairs if you do need anything.” he said, his tone light and courteous as he inclined his head slightly in a small nod of acknowledgement. 

[x-alphardashes-x]

isamacmillan​:

   Isa nearly dropped the box of Frosties she’d picked up. Her lips parted in surprise, eyes widening as she took in the sight of her elder cousin. She truly had not expected to run into anyone she knew in the muggle grocery shop, but she certainly didn’t expect to see Alphard, period. It wasn’t that he’d be against such things, after all, he’d married Maria and she no doubt had a large presence in muggle affairs, or at least Isa assumed as much, but Alphard looked even more out of sorts than she did. She closed her mouth, a grin spreading across her lips instead. Unexpected as it was, it wasn’t unwelcome. This wasn’t a cousin that would run back to her brother, or who would berate her for wandering all alone.

    “Alphard?” She greeted breathlessly in return, shaking her head as she put the box of Frosties back quickly. She moved with haste, arms wrapping around his middle as she gave him a big squeeze, voice only slightly muffled with the motion. “What are you doing here? Where’s Maria?” She questioned, thinking there was no way he was here by himself. She pulled back to look up at him, eyes warm and creased at the edges. “Are you alright? You look, well, I’m afraid to say this but you look very much out of sorts, Alphard. I feel the same way,” She gestured to the shelves again. “It’s all so much, isn’t it? I’m not even sure what half of these things are, and I’m not sure I brought the correct amount of currency.” She prattled on, nerves getting the best of her. She’d been trying to be better about that, learning when to shut up, and when to keep talking, but it was more difficult when she was worked up, and she’d been feeling it building up even before his unexpected arrival. 

He looked slightly abashed but returned the hug, eternally grateful he at least had someone else around him who knew what he was and just how out of depth he felt. “I got lost.” he muttered, shaking his head as a nervous laugh escaped him. “And I promised I wouldn’t wonder off again but there were all these people marching and before I knew it, I was gone and I don’t know where she is.” he admitted, running a hand across the back of his neck. He always felt sort of sick being in muggle land without Maria. 

And no wonder Isa was out of sorts. The whole arrays of goods ahead of them looked weirdly appetising yet scary at the same time. He had no idea what items cost, but he also knew whenever he and Maria ventured out, he carried the currency. “I’m sure whatever you buy, I can cover you if you’re short. What are you even wanting to buy? And since when did you come to muggle land?” he was full of questions, afterall, not really knowing Isa’s personal life or how she spent her spare time. He didn’t even know who she knew who would be so in touch with the muggle world. 

“Ooh. Chocolate.” he spotted the array of paper wrapped goodies and his mouth dropped slightly at the amount available. 

[x-alphardashes-x]

mrs-mblack​:

To some, his words would seem harsh. Almost cruel. But that wasn’t the case at all. It had started a joke, something Al had said after one too many drinks at the Wyvern. Now it was only reserved for moments like this. Sadly, usually because her emotions got the best of her. She put her hand on his chest, looking up at him. She was too short, always too short. “I didn’t mean to upset you,” she said softly. “I know you don’t care. I mean you do care. I don’t mean it that way.” She hid her face in his chest. She could always talk to her husband. He loved her in a way she never thought anyone would. It was the same way she felt about him. Her arms wrapped around his waist before speaking once more. 

“I love you. Completely. I never thought I would even want children. I…you know it wasn’t easy for me growing up. And you will be the best father. I do not think there is a man alive who would be a better father.” She could see it now…them running in the garden, teaching a little one to ride a broom. Or a bicycle. Both, really. Raising them to love both the magic and muggle world. “I know we could do it. I want that. I want it for you. I want it for us. So much, Al.”

She was so strong and he wished she could see it like he could. She was so different to the dozen of women his parents had paraded in front of him. He only wanted her to have the best of things and if children were it, he would move heaven and earth to make it happen. “You haven’t upset me, I’m upset at my mother and how cruel she can be. And I will make sure she knows of my displeasure.” he warned, knowing a meeting was needed and it wasn’t going to be pleasant. 

His hold tightened around her, staring down at her with eyes full of love and adoration. “And I love you. And I know you will be the fiercest, most loving mother around and nothing would give me more joy than to go on this adventure with you. We can and we will do this. And everything we went through growing up, our kids will never be put through that and only know a house full of love.” 

[isamacmillan]

    Muggle grocery shops were overwhelming. Isa never thought she’d think such a thing, but here she was. She hadn’t been to muggle London in a little while, not since her last trip with Winter, but she was more confident now in navigating it. She’d only gotten a little lost on her way to the shop, and she remembered to bring with her the correct currency this time. She could have easily shopped in the Diagon, or Carkitt, or anywhere else, but she found she liked muggles and their strange shopping habits. It also meant there was practically zero chance of running into anyone she knew, and while she loved being social, everyone needed a break. 

     She frowned at the shelves in front of her, the boxes and brands all staring back at her. So many of them were brightly colored, promising more value for your money, new flavors, increased sizes. Some of the items she’d never even heard of. She inhaled through her nose as she put back yet another box of cereal. She’d never had cereal, not like that anyway. A few of the boxes seemed more like sweets, promising frosted bits. It was confusing. Did muggles eat sugar for breakfast? Her brows furrowed as she sighed. Maybe this had been a bad idea, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to find everything on her list, and while she didn’t have to cook for her cousins, she enjoyed the routine of it. She needed to get back sooner rather than later, if she wanted to have dinner ready at a reasonable time. 

     “Is this truly food for breakfast?” She asked aloud, perplexed, and visibly so. 

[x-alphardashes-x]

He’d done it again. He couldn’t help it, he got distracted with a passing march of union workers and it was with interest he had started following them, wondering how it all worked and what the outcome would be. It seemed muggles were very set on protests and it was a sight rarely seen back home. Mainly, because wix weren’t inclined to gather in such large groups and also because there weren’t that many of them compared to muggles. And upon following them, he forgot temporarily about Maria caught looking at something else and followed. 

Until he realised he’d been walking for more than ten minutes and had absolutely no idea where he was. Again. “My wife is going to kill me.” he muttered, stepping out of the mass crowd. “You and me both mate-” came a disgruntled reply as a man passed him, throwing him a quick look of suspicion. Despite being in muggle clothing, it was high end- tailored and especially not fitting in with the other styles around him. Alphard didn’t even know how to respond and it was too late to engage in conversation when the man faded into the crowd. 

Further down the street he saw a sign for a muggle convenience. He knew that was a public place. Someone could direct him back to a statue. And he ducked in, throwing his hands into his pockets to hide the clammy feeling of nervousness. Whatever happened, he could not let the muggle aurors find him again. But then he heard a voice- a voice he recognised and of all the gin joints in all the world, he moved to the next aisle and saw who he thought it was. 

“Isa?!” he exclaimed, looking bewildered. 

[x-alphardashes-x]

miragoshawk​:

   Miranda noted the awkward silence as Alphard regarded her, as if he momentarily forgot he needed to actually respond to her. Merlin bless him, he must have it bad. Her eyes softened around the edges as she waited, patiently, until he finally spoke again. “I see that,” She teased, not mincing words to save his feelings. He was certainly not there a moment ago, his mind somewhere else, somewhere she wasn’t privy to know or understand. Her hand remained in place, resting against her abdomen as she held the dress bag close. “It is,” She confirmed again. It wasn’t, perhaps, her own personal style but she liked the choice well enough, she liked the stars, and it suited him somehow. 

    “I see,” She murmured, noting the way his voice broke, just barely. He’d stated if, first, it was notable. If the time came, it implied that he wanted a child, but as of yet that hadn’t happened, and he didn’t know if it would. If that were the case, he wasn’t foolish in putting the mobile back. She couldn’t imagine how painful it would be to have items for a baby around one’s home when they weren’t expecting, and perhaps wanted to. It wasn’t her place to pry, so she continued instead, smile friendly. “No doubt, women tend to want a hand in those things, but you know it’s very endearing you have interest as well. You’ll make a good father, should that be the interest you continue to take.” She complimented. If he was already involved in such a way, she could imagine it would continue to be that way. 

    She paused, “Oh, thank you but no. I’ve no need for a mobile.” She admitted, though there was a hint of something stirring in her gut. Did she want to? She pushed the thoughts away, smile growing. “When the time comes,” She began, careful to be the optimist, careful to say when it came, “I have a charm you may like.” She offered, thinking already of the enchantment that would make the mobile move on it’s own, gentle music accompanying it, and if he wanted to, they could explore bringing the night sky idea further to life. 

He might be married to a muggleborn, but the years of lessons of Pureblood behaviour were still drummed into him and he had already broken one of the most coveted rules. Never show your emotions. But being so caught in a moment and then put off guard, he had momentarily let it slip. Problems weren’t discussed or shown in public. They were for closed doors and away from wagging tongues and prying eyes. 

So he corrected himself, clearing his throat and standing up straighter. It was just enough to trick himself into being fine. Because he didn’t need gossip spreading more than it usually did around him and his wife. “Yes, it is an interest still. There’s no rush in the grand scheme of things thought and we’re both equally busy with work.” work was a good excuse to use and it wasn’t as if they didn’t work hard to keep the lifestyle he and now Maria were accustomed too. Even if he did feel slightly grateful at her own optimistic view of her future, he couldn’t help but look down to her stomach quickly before his eyes snapped back up. 

“I’m sure the charm would be lovely, but of course, all your spells are amazing. I’m sure you can’t wait to pass it all down to your own children? How fantastic would it be, going to Hogwarts and learning from your own mother’s textbook? You’d be a great example of an inspirational woman.” he complimented, with a genuine warm smile. 

[x-alphardashes-x]

mrs-mblack​:

She loved him. Painfully so. Al was everything she could ever want. They knew their relationship wouldn’t be without struggles but this was different. This was something she knew Al wanted. What if she was being selfish? What if something was wrong and they’d never have children? “I know,” she admitted softly. “I know you’re not going anywhere. But that doesn’t mean I want you unhappy. Or feeling like something is missing.” She pulled back enough to look up at her husband. Gods above, he was just as handsome as the first time they met. He always would be in her eyes. “I want us to have kids. I want you to be a father. I want to show that a marriage out of love is its own kind of magic and your mother made me realize how terrified I am that I can’t give you that.” 

She said it. It wasn’t like she hadn’t thought about it before. “You’ve given up so much for me. I want to give you something. I know it’s not a replacement or anything like that but I just…” A deep breath. She could do this. She had already said the tough part. “I want to be able to do this with you. I’ve never had much but I know this is something I could give you. Or at least I think I can. And somehow, for some silly reason, I still want your family to like me. I want to be able to show them we can do this.” She let herself hide her face once more. “I don’t want to disappoint you.”

Children were always the plan, at least in his eyes. Why would they not want to see their already beautiful home full with the pitter patter’s of miniature them? Maybe being caught up in their life and their workloads he had neglected recognising how long they had been together without sight of a baby. But being in this position with her now, it was harshly clear if something were to happen, surely it should’ve. But that was his worry to hold, he didn’t need Maria doubting him nor their marriage. He only hoped his worry didn’t show in his eyes as they stared at each other, even through tears with uttermost devotion. “I want us to have kids also, and it will happen Maria. It might just mean we have to try a little harder than others, and that’s okay.” he murmured. There were lots of different things they could try and he would try every single potion, old wives tale and superstitious ritual under the sun before admitting that maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. 

And he could feel his heart break at how earnest and sincere she was in giving him something. But in truth, she didn’t need too. “You give me enough just by being my wife. Every day with you is a blessing. Kids or not kids, getting to wake up beside you every morning and look at you at every moment is enough, okay? And if we have too, we’ll go to someone okay? We will cover all bases before we let a single bad thought enter our heads, you hear me woman?” he said, sincerely, pressing another kiss to the top of her head. 

[x-alphardashes-x]

miragoshawk​:

   Miranda thanked the shop keeper at Twilfitt and Tattings, the gown she’d purchased easily her most favorite of all time. She didn’t often spend so much on a gown, but she’d see the fabric in the window and she had to have it. It was okay to spend some of the royalties from her recent publication, wasn’t it? It didn’t matter if she’d done very little in the most recent days to promote it, let alone speak of it in passing. The dressmaker hadn’t brought it up, and her coin was as good as anyone else’s. Her purse several galleons lighter, she decided she would head home for lunch rather than her original plan to drop into a shop in the Alley for a quick bite to eat. 

   The alley was crowded though, and Mira felt like taking the scenic route. She wasn’t particularly famished, and she enjoyed the warmth of the sun as much as anyone else. She walked slowly, keeping out of other’s way as she continued, but the street was crowded enough to push her gently into Alphard’s back. She steadied herself, stopping as she immediately turned to him. “I’m sorry,” She apologized, but quickly realized he hadn’t heard her or even seemed to notice. He was too busy inspecting the wicker mobile toy the peddler was offering. She softened, feeling as though she’d interrupted a special moment for him. 

    She shifted her dress bag to the other arm, “I said I was sorry for bumping into you, but I see no harm has been done.” She explained again, her eyes moving from him to the item he’d been looking at. A longing bloomed in her chest so suddenly it nearly took her breath away as her hand unknowingly moved to rest gently over her stomach. She hadn’t even noticed she had, though the longing was felt strongly. She’d grown up with eight sisters, it wasn’t surprising that she wanted a large family of her own. She wasn’t sure she wanted as many as her parents, but two or three? Absolutely. “That’s beautiful,” She complimented, her hand still resting against her abdomen. “If you’re trying to decide if you like it, I’d say you seem to be quite taken with it. You should buy it,” She urged, assuming there was a reason for his fixation. 

If Alphard had to choose someone he proudly admired, he was sure others would say a reputable Black family member, or a previous Minister or an actor. Most people did admire talented and personable people. And he? He would proudly say he was a massive fan of Miranda. He had a shelve in the library dedicated fully to spell-work and pride of place were Miranda’s books. She was talented, self-reliant and a woman making her mark in what had, for so long, been a man’s world.

So when he was broken out of his spell, pun maybe slightly intended, by her arrival he had a brief moment of his brain freezing- as if he had just drank an ice potion down in one and was teetering at the moment of jarred consciousness- she was speaking with him. 

“Oh, no, you’re fine. It’s me on another planet.” if he noted the way she placed a hand over her stomach and the way her face softened, he wouldn’t comment on it. Women did get soft over such things, right? Maybe she was pregnant. But that wasn’t polite to question a woman’s situation. “Isn’t it?” he agreed, turning to look at her, unable to fully commit to looking at it and risk accidentally releasing the internal struggle he was going through. “I’m sure the wife would want her say if- when the time comes, so probably best not.” if his voice was slightly broken, he would deny it. “Did you want to look here, I can move-” 

[x-alphardashes-x]

lucreciablack​:

It wasn’t exactly the time of year for extensive redecoration, but for once Lucrecia could not have cared less. It seemed odd that out of every possible season, the one where most people were unwilling to spend even a few moments outside was the one where it was in poor form to see fit to redecorate. Besides, the wallpaper that had decided to make its peeling escape from the third-floor parlor was not going to wait around for warmer weather. Something had to be done, and when that wallpaper went, so must most of the furniture so it wouldn’t overwhelm the new room. That, more than anything, had pulled Lucrecia from her home and into the shopping district.

Very little had caught her eye that day, though. It seemed as if wicker was currently on trend, which was a style of furniture that would make its way into her house over her dead body. Lucrecia supposed she shouldn’t have been too disappointed, not when her standards were exactingly high, even among the societal circles she ran in. Perhaps if she had any other form of control in her life, the standards might be lower. That, however, was not the case and such thoughts did nothing to change the situation. Best they lay discarded alongside the old wallpaper.

The entire trip was shaping up to be a bust by the time she spotted her cousin. He seemed about as focused as a baby krup offered a toy and by the time he noticed her, she was standing beside him and looking at the mobile. “You were just looking,” Lucrecia repeated with a note of something she didn’t care to define in her voice. “Dear cousin, are congratulations in order? You really should have let me know, you know how these kinds of events ought to be celebrated and I would be honored to host for you and Maria.” She couldn’t stop the smile across her face if she tried, and she certainly wasn’t. 

It was the trouble, being caught up in a moment in a place so public. And it wasn’t as if he were someone to be overlooked with his presence. Half admired him, half despised him and it only made sense he would be met with one of his illustrious family members. Seemed everywhere he went there was a Black or a cousin from the fold. To be hated by your family and surrounded was a curse. Although there were always exceptions to the cause. Lucrecia being one of them. Always so pleasant and accepting towards his choice of wife and break for freedom. Best it was her to catch him than someone who would not be so affable. 

He only hoped she wouldn’t take this for something it wasn’t. The last thing he needed was that spread like wildfire. But at the same time, would it only feed the chatter and rumours surrounding him and Maria? So instead he let out a awkward laugh, before clearing his throat as he worded his reply properly. “I hate to dampen your excitement dear, but I am indeed just looking. Although, I wouldn’t rule it out for the upcoming future. I suppose the baby fever has struck me the past couple of months, that’s all.” he replied, amicably. 

There. That was tactful and not enough to give things away that maybe there were issues. As much as he hated to think it. “Although, I assure you if we indeed were expecting you my darling would be the first to know.” he added, ignoring the way his heart ached. He wanted to confirm the news, more than anything. 

[x-alphardashes-x]

blackestwalburga​:

Walburga snorted her heart and disbelief. Sure, sure Alphie had wanted to take them away. He’d barely given them a second glance. He hadn’t even said goodbye. That didn’t really scream ‘I’d take you with me’ to her.

There was no way in a thousand years her parents would let her come back in the house if she step foot near Alphard’s house on social call. Not in a million years. But she could dream about it. That’s what dreams were for wasn’t it?

When he put a hand on her shoulder to stop her, Walburga couldn’t decide if she wanted to push him away or just crumble entirely and fold herself into his coat. This was too much. She’d started it, sure, but it was too much and now she just wanted Mercutio or one of the Foxes to pet her hair and tell her she didn’t need her useless big brother. Then Alphard said he was proud of her and maybe sober Walburga would’ve snapped or hit him but drunk Walburga missed her older brother like an ache.

She hugged him. She couldn’t help it.

“I love you Alphie.” She mumbled. “You’re a jerk and I love you.”

–

It had taken him aback, suddenly finding himself with an armful of Walburga in a hug which they hadn’t shared for many moons and years. Astounded so much, it took him a good few seconds to process, but once his brain had kicked into gear his own arms came up to wrap tightly around her. It almost made his heart break, that it took her being intoxicated to show this kind of love and a selfish part of him never wanted her sober if it meant they could have any type of relationship. 

It felt like the room had melted into the distance, the rumbles of music and chatter drowned out in that moment and is if it were the two of them, younger, like before. He would hate when this ended. “Yeah. I am.” he murmured, eyes clenched shut as he tried to commit this to memory. “And I will always love you, Wallabee.” how long had it been since he’d called her that? It had only ever been his nickname for her and it felt like a different lifetime when he would call her it alone. When she was much younger, or when she was sad. God, he missed this. “And just consider it, okay? Whenever you’re ready, that door is waiting for you. And you don’t have to be a stranger here, okay? Ever.”

[yourdancers]

[x-alphardashes-x]

                                                       Alphard & Maria Muse

[x-alphardashes-x]

Extended lunch for Alphard, normally meant either he going to Maria or vice versa. But when Maria had meetings or prior business, it afforded him the chance to escape the marbled building an enjoy some natural lighting. It was even better when the sun was out, which today it was. There was a nip in the air, but the sun made it comfortable enough to walk out in just his robes and no overcloak. He strolled down the cobbled path, greeting a few people he recognised along his path and slowly began to look at all the outside stalls and wares- just seeing if inspiration spoke to him or if he could grab something maybe for their home. 

And it was then, he found himself stopped outside a weavers stall, with numerous different wicker items. And one thing in particular caught his eye. He couldn’t help it, ever since Maria had come to him a couple days back in tears he had the idea plagued in his mind. He wanted children, there was no denying it. But what if they weren’t able to conceive? It was a worry he wouldn’t put across to his wife, because there was no way he did blame her a second for their lack of children. Many factors played into it and as his hand reached out to brush against the wicker cot mobile- woven stars, moons and suns mixed among little bells- was it tempting luck or fate if he got it just as an investment. 

He was so enamored with it, he didn't’ realise another person was beside him, not until he heard a voice and his hand suddenly dropped- “merlin, sorry, I was just looking-” and it wasn’t even the stall holder who had spoke. 

[x-alphardashes-x]

mrs-mblack​:

There were very few people who were allowed to see Maria cry. That’s what she told herself anyway. She was good at playing strong. Excellent, really. But she knew that if she waited too long, she couldn’t control what happened. Or how it came out. Sometimes it had been bursts of magic. Sometimes it was pure anger. Sometimes, and the worst in her opinion, it was completely breaking down. Which is what she felt on the edge of now. “I was at the Leaky,” she all but whispered, hiding her face in Al’s chest. “I wasn’t doing anything other than sitting there. I was waiting to interview the installer. It….” He said not to sugarcoat it. She knew she should. She should make something up but she couldn’t. Not this quickly. Not without Al knowing she was lying. 

“It was your mother and her friends. They….she didn’t say anything at first. I didn’t expect anything, truly. I thought maybe she’d just walk away or not speak to me at all.” Why was this so hard to say? It wasn’t like they hadn’t talked about kids. They wanted them. They weren’t not trying but they weren’t really trying. It was something for later. Right? “One made a comment about how at least there wasn’t a child involved so it would be easier for you to find a proper wife. And your mother said it was my blood. It was my fault. And that she was thankful because it would be easier for you to leave me that way. I didn’t say anything so they got bored so….” She couldn’t look at him. It would be too much. She was barely holding back her tears as it was. “I just want to go home.” 

He continued his gentle motion as she began to speak, his mind already whirring with possibilities and suspects and he hated seeing how defeated Maria was. Whoever or whatever it was, had a lot to answer for. They didn’t have it easy, not even by half. But they had decided long ago to be in it together, through thick and thin. Even though some days were exceedingly bad. He loved Maria’s confidence, she was one of the fiercest, bravest people he knew- and it showed by how much she fought for him and for their relationship. And as soon as his mother was mentioned, he felt a rush of hatred flush through him. No wonder she had gotten to a breaking point. His mother was a vile, malicious witch at the best of times and he hated that she had been so brazen in her ignorance and comments. 

“Her rancour has gone on unchallenged long enough. I’m so sorry, Maria.” and he was, incredibly so. Children was a dream of theirs, there were no denying their maternal and paternal personalities and although they hadn’t actively began trying, they weren’t entirely against things happening unplanned. But to know his own mother and her group of banshee’s had actively discussed their lack of children was enough to make Alphard realise something had to be said. But he wouldn’t put that on Maria now. This would be for a later time, when Alphard could get the Black matriarch alone. “You know, I will never, ever leave you. Especially not over a matter such as this. Whether we’ll be blessed or not, you will always be my wife.” he assured, tone soft and adoring as he placed a kiss atop her head. “It will happen, okay? and if it doesn’t, well, we’ll approach it when we need to.” he sighed. “Come on, let’s get you home, hmm?” 

[clarkgriffon]

[x-alphardashes-x]

   @mrs-mblack​

[k-leemac]

[x-alphardashes-x]

blackestwalburga​:

In her eyes, Alphard had always been perfect. If he’d been crumbling, if he’d known the same weight of it all she felt sometimes, Walburga couldn’t remember. All she chose to remember about her brother was how fiercely she had loved him and how lonely it all had seemed. Nothing had ever seemed to touch him, not the brother she idolized. Apparently she’d been wrong.

She had a thousand and ten things she could say, a thousand and ten things she wanted to say to him— that she’d been there, that she knew, that he could’ve just done the noble pureblood thing and made Maria a mistress and had a loveless marriage with some degree of cousin, that she’d stolen some of the things from his room, that she’d set some (but not all) of those things on fire with Cygnus later while they cried, that she’d watched their mother cut him out of the family tree in silence, that Orion was gone now too— only none of that came out of her mouth. She wasn’t that brave. Not like him. He’d been brave even if he was the worst person alive for it.

“You could’ve taken us with you! You could’ve! If you didn’t want to leave us, y’could’ve taken us too.” 

Why had she said that? Of all her silly, foolish dreams, that was the worst. Of course he couldn’t have taken her and Cygnus anywhere. What a stupid dream, what a stupid girl.

She went red and turned away. “I got a job. Less shut doors.”

–

He should’ve done more. He knew that, and he would regret that until his dying day. Maybe if he had broke away sooner, or made more of an effort to spend time with his siblings outside of the family home, things wouldn’t be as they were now. And he was thrown completely at her request of him taking them with him. The thought had crossed his mind once, however fleeting, as part of him feared that they wouldn’t or laugh in his face or his main fear, were so caught in their mother’s vines that they wouldn’t of seen sense. 

But hearing it now, from Walburga’s mouth filled him with regret. He missed his siblings, his parents could go to Hades for all he cared. But Walburga? Cygnus? He wanted them involved with his life. “You didn’t think I wanted too? Everything happened so quick I had no idea where you both stood or how I would support you two- but I regret not giving you both the option. Because you might not see it, Walburga but I do care about you. About both of you. And if that is what it took, I would give anything to go back and change how that night ended.” family did mean the world to him, so if there was even a minute chance he could regain that relationship back- he would grab it. 

And the knowledge she had a job? That was a good step into being able to see her. If she wanted it. But again, she was drunk and how much of this would she remember come the morning? “Walburga-” he didn’t want her to leave and he gently reached out to place a hand on her shoulder to stop her moving away. “-wait, I’m proud of you, okay? And maybe, if you wanted too after work- come to dinner at ours,I’m speaking for both of us when I say we’d love to have you.” 

[mrs-mblack]

It wasn’t that it didn’t happen anymore. It did. She had a feeling it would always happen. What she didn’t expect was to have to hear it so flippantly. It had been innocent enough, lunch at the Leaky to meet a potential employee to help with instal. She had gotten there a little early to get a seat. What she hadn’t expected was her mother-in-law and her friends to also think lunch would be a good idea. Or at least it had been an idea until one of the friends made the usual disparaging comments about the clientele while looking straight at Maria. It wasn’t that she expected anyone to defend her but maybe a suggestion of leaving or something. That the other Mrs. Black would at least try and leave. Instead, she made a comment about her blood clearly being the cause of why she wasn’t pregnant yet and that it would be easy for Al to get out of the marriage that way. Somehow, Maria kept her cool. Barely. She could feel the magic in her fingertips as they laughed. They left after a few more under the breath comments and it was then her potential employee showed up. She hastily made her excuses and left the pub, hoping the offer to reschedule was going to work out. 

Without really thinking, she found herself at Gringots. It made sense, really. The only person she wanted to see was Al. That was true most of the time but whenever someone made comments about her inability to do anything, he was all she wanted. One of the goblins recognized her and allowed her back to Al’s office. It only took a moment of looking at him before the tears welled up. “Please tell me you don’t have anything to do for the rest of the day. I need to go home but I don’t want to be there by myself.” 

@x-alphardashes-x​

[x-alphardashes-x]

He had what he called an admin day, poring over accounts and paperwork and tracing any magical flags on transactions. It was dull work, but work which needed to be done and it gave him time to also add to a surprise he was planning for Maria. It wasn’t rare for them to sometimes have lunch together during the week, it almost felt like their little ‘me’ moments to break up the day but he was surprised when the wards on his office triggered a non-bank worker incoming and he placed down his quill just as Maria appeared at his door. He didn’t need to be a genius to figure out something had happened, just by the way she looked at him. He couldn’t even question her reason before she spoke. 

And his calm aura soon began to bubble into blind rage. So much he jumped up from his seat and in an instant strode across the office and bring her tightly into his arms and held her against him. “Nothing which can’t wait until tomorrow, I might ave to bring a couple of accounts home which need to be completed but I’ll inform Gragnok I’ll be taking a half day.” he said, tone soothing as his hand gently stroked up and down her back. “But tell me, please, what’s happened? And don’t sugarcoat it.”