closed Auction & Afflictions PV

J U N Ex🙵iF I N N

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ᴡith a sputter, the car engine died down. Owen Conner peered over his steering wheel into the distance. Unable to make out much through the fog, he glanced down to check the navigation system on the family Honda Civic. "Strange place to meet," he grumbled, but Finnegan had already popped the door open and hurried outside.

Grunting, Owen pulled the keys and followed his son back around to the trunk. It was an amusing sight, his bubbly son dressed in a suit, pulling out a large broomstick from the back of the car before slipping on a long, dark robe and a pair of fluffy earmuffs. Any passerby would be forgiven for thinking that there was some belated Halloween-themed children's party waiting just around the bend, though it seemed a most unlikely place for it. People only came upon Crow hill by accident after taking a wrong turn down the hiking path that went in a wide berth around it. Even the crows after which the site had been named avoided the jagged cliffside in winter.

Once the trunk had been emptied, they followed the gravel path that snaked up the incline. Cloaked in fog and flanked by leafless trees, the frost crunched underfoot and Owen wondered if they might find a graveyard or tomb at the top of the hill, it seemed the kind of place wizards might meet. Humming to himself, he swung a large arm around Finnegan's square, bony shoulders and pulled his son close. "Nervous?"

Finnegan nodded stiffly. Being with June wasn't what he was worried about thought. Rather, it was everyone else who'd be there. He could make friends easily enough, but with these kind of people? At least he wasn't going to be alone.

"We can still take the car..." his father tried one last time. All the way there his dad had gone through a long laundry list of arguments why taking the car to this high-brow party was an excellent idea. The most compelling argument had been that cars unlike brooms, had heating. "Dad, no, I'm fine."

Showing up in a car would be the most surefire way to turn himself into the day's laughing stock. Sticking a post-it reading MUGGLE to his forehead would have been the epitome of subtletly in comparison. He'd tried to explain, but his dad just didn't get it. To him, Wizards and witches were just people who liked to dress funny and Finnegan had avoided mentioning anything about blood purity, for fear of being disallowed to attend.

Trailed by tiny, breathed clouds, they reached the top of the hill and were greeted by a lone, sagged stone bench overlooking the farmland below. Some shrubbery grew between the rocks, but it was neither tall nor full enough to hide a young, blonde witch and her animated father.

"Strange place to meet," Owen repeated, letting the implication hang in the air for a while. He turned then and smiled warmly at his son who had taken to shifting his weight uneasily from one leg to the other. "You'll be fine, you look dashing, you sure you got everything?"

Whatever was the point of car heating if his dad started calling him dashing? It was horrible enough when his mother had fretted over him for the better part of an hour, but she knew not to call him sweet or cute or dashing (though she had insisted of taking pictures before he'd gotten in the car with his dad). Finnegan averted his gaze and prayed that the Selwyn's wouldn't be much longer. "Yeah, I've got it all here," he mumbled while he scuffed the ground with his feet. Aside from his Silver Arrow under one arm he held a small, gift-wrapped package under the other.

"And your wand?"

Finnegan patted himself down one last time. The hard, pencil-like shape of his wand tucked away safely inside his robes brought a faint smile to his face. They weren't allowed magic outside of school, but leaving his wand behind would be like going with an arm and a leg missing. Besides, should anyone smell the muggleness on him, he would at least be able to prove he wasn't a squib that had gotten horribly lost. "Got it right here."

"Good. Ah, I think we've got company."

Finnegan came up beside his father to look down another side of the hill where two figures carrying brooms had appeared. There was no telling if they'd come flying down or if Phinehas and his daughter had apparated there, but it didn't much matter. "Hey!" Finnegan called while ambling down the hillside "over here!"

They met somewhere halfway up the incline and after Owen had given both Selwyns a firm handshake and wished them a belated merry Christmas, the adults stood aside. While they engaged in small talk and Owen passed on an invitation for the Selwyns to come visit sometime in the new year, Finnegan greeted June with a flighty hug. "I saved us from having to go by car," he grinned, recalling just how sickly pale June had looked at the end of their last car ride together. June let out a breath of relief. "I might have left without you if I had to ride in one again."

Finnegan chuckled. "I'm glad I brought these though," he added, pointing to his earmuffs, and showing his woolen mittens. "I lost my cap the other day but I've still got my gloves at least. The weatherman said it might start snowing today, he's like a muggle soothsayer," he explained, "except he gets it right more often. Is it true that you've got to read pigeon entrails in divination class?" He sounded rather disgusted.

June's face flushed. "If you do, we haven't gotten to it yet. I swear though, if I have to spend another lecture holding hands with people attempting to do palmestry, I might elect to become a squib."

"I wish I'd thought of that," he mumbled before quickly moving on. "I wouldn't be surprised if Professor Bonnet @Winifred Bonnet would have us do that, honestly, she's what us muggles think of when we read about witches, except she hasn't got any warts, which is a shame, I think it would've made her even scarier. Do you reckon she'd mind me telling her?" he concluded with a mischievous grin.

"Telling her that you think she should grow warts?" She thought for a moment."I truly can not predict what she'd do if you did. Tells you how good of a professor she is."

"Yeah, I mean, she's got the attitude but doesn't quite look the part, you know? Some might consider the warts an improvement." Finnegan snickered, "She'd probably start throwing teacups at me, or crystal balls. I've been to the divination tower once, she's got all kinds of weird stuff in the-"

A suprise farewell hug from behind choked whatever he was going to say next. His father gave him a quick ruffle of his hair, undoing all the effort his mother had put into getting it down, which was a losing battle anyway. "Please look after him," Owen said warmly to June, "make sure he doesn't smash into anything or break any bones, that sort of thing."

June nodded. "Don't worry, sir, he's in good hands. I'm a racing captain, after all." Probably best to leave out the details of what exactly broom racing entailed.

Finnegan's eyes nearly rolled out of their sockets but he managed to stay his tongue. A wave and a handshake later his father walked back to the car and was soon swallowed up by the fog. Relieved, Finnegan swung his legs over his broom and gave a curt nod in Phinehas's direction. "I'm ready Mr. Selwyn."

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By the time they were high up in the air, soaring over the countryside, Finnegan knew he'd treasure the memory forever. Winter had a charm and magic all of its own, but flying next to the person he admired the most in the whole world was unlike anything else. The wind beat against his face and with his earmuffs on, he could hardly hear anything, but it didn't matter. They played a little game of speeding up and slowing down, as though trying to race each other before Phinehas inevitably signaled for them to quit their antics. If June's father hadn't been there, he would've most certainly raced her and have proven once and for all that he was the better flier. Alas, visiting this Rhinelander Manor came with having to bring some supervision, and frankly Phinehas Selwyn's presence was the only reason he'd been allowed to go at all.

The extent to which the cold had seeped into his bones became apparent the moment they touched down just outside the looming manor. More than a little sore from flying, Finnegan gladly handed his broom, earmuffs, and travelling robes over to the capable hands of a house-elf that came scurrying their way. He tried smiling at the small, nameless servant, which seemed to terrify the poor creature.

From above the Rhinelander manor had seemed like a large estate surrounded by fields and woodland, but up close the manor's true size became apparent. Marbled floors and arched hallways lined with busts and paintings of esteemed witches and wizards seemed to be around every corner, and getting to the ballroom was a tiny journey in of itself. The closer they got to the ballroom, the louder the buzz of voices grew and with it, every pretense of ease melted away. He stuck close to June's side and grasped her hand moments before stepping into the ballroom.

"June..." he leaned down to whisper into her ear, his voice laced with mild panic, "they're not expecting us to dance, are they?" June leaned over, whispering back. "Hard to tell. Don't worry, though, I'll walk you through it if we need to."

Despite not being in the least bit relieved by her hushed answer, his feet carried him down the length of the ballroom and up to a familiar face. Remedy Norden was the very image of a composed young lady, but she wasn't the only young lady dressed for the occasion. It was her signature smug look however, thinly veiled behind a veneer of courtesy, that set her apart from the others. It should have been no suprise to find her here, but he would've liked it better if she had been part of the guests instead of the hosts. Had June told him the Rhinelander Manor was Norden property? He couldn't remember half of all the the rules and etiquette she'd tried to explain to him before Christmas break, nevermind the bombardment of important family names to remember.

Nothing had prepared him for being a visitor to Remedy and her family. From the corner of his eye he spotted Remedy's cousin, the ever-brooding @Avery Leveret wearing an elegant black tailcoat with a star-shaped broached pinned to the expensive fabric. The same relentless look shone in his eyes as they did in Remedy's, a fiery ambition, an unquenchable thirst that went far beyond mere competitiveness. As always the dark-haired boy walked around with his chin up and his eyes cast down on all things lesser than himself, like he owned the place. Maybe by the end of the day, he would.

@Remedy Norden, in turn, had made an unforgettable impression of her own with her confidence and bravery, and if she hadn't been so smug, he might've actually liked her for it. As it stood however, he regarded her with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity. There was something secretive about her that he couldn't put his finger on but desperately wanted to know.

Too long his eyes rested on hers, taking her in, and when he finally dragged his gaze away from her, he found himself standing opposite their host, Remedy's father. What was he supposed to do again? Bow? Shake hands? Maybe both? But in what order? He gave June an alarmed squeeze with his hand, signaling her to please take over before the penetrating gaze of their host could burn a hole through him.

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Note for moderators:

Reducio

This post was written in a collaborative fashion with @June Selwyn. June's dialogue was written by her player in a shared document, there is no godmoding of her dialogue here. All other written descriptions of June and her father were also reviewed and approved by her player. Likewise, the description of Avery's appearance was agreed upon beforehand with Avery's writer through discord.

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• AVERY & THE NORDENS •

“Families are nothing other than the idolatry of duty.”

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	----- The patriciate were on full show for the days’ affairs, what with its significance. It was hard to blame anyone at all should they find themselves awed by the decadence of their hosts; not least reinforced by the locale of the sale being held within the grand estate itself. It was an exquisite, and undoubtedly purposeful, choice. Customarily, the beau monde that was the entire family were dressed to impress. No matter the subtle and delicate separations between the relatives, each of them understood their role and the importance of the event, and were dressed thusly. The most uniting feature they shared, beyond genetics, was the adoption of blacks, whites and deep blues within their attire, which in and of itself was exquisite; never quite business but something more. Those of the family were also awarded precious broaches made of silver and white gems; which made them out during many of their social affairs, an old tradition akin to a mark of peerage that carried through the powerful roots of the Norden line. Ordelia was most notable of all, the venerable matriarch of the entire family, who had descended from an upper level that led to other parts of the grand estate. Behind her, on a grand mahogany staircase, was Cadence and a rather rugged looking, yet put together, man that seemed to walk in step with her; behind them, Avery. Once at the bottom, the man offered a wolfish grin and departed down a corridor leading away from the ballroom, as the storm-grey eyes of both Ordelia and Cadence followed him; positing small favour of his impression amongst them. Unspeaking, the trio that remained made for the ballroom, where guests were already being welcomed. Naturally, Ordelia led. She was a paragon of health, wisdom and power even at her rumoured age, and she seemed to glide across the marble flagstones with the poise and elegance suitable to her status; an esteemed, accomplished and formidable witch who was very much still a player in the game. Her gown was a deep sapphire, rimmed and hemmed with intricate silver thread that shimmered like starlight with each measured step that commanded attention. On her shoulder lay an equally shimmering pauldron of status, linked by chain to the elaborate star-shaped broach affixed to her front; the tradition and sign of her rank. Her presence drew nods and acknowledgement from across the room; welcomed with a perfected smile that could cut should it be necessary; and despite the gravity of her presence her gaze held a glint of kindness and a subtle twinkle in her keen, storm-grey eyes. Everything about her spoke of her wisdom that was tempered by both age and benevolence and she would undoubtedly make use of these tonight. They would reach Hyacinth and Madison first; custom to seek the comfort of family just as things were kicking off. Cadence followed behind her, ever the dutiful daughter, right up until she saw something that caused her to address Avery. "Darling, the Marquise de Canet is here, she's an old friend." She smiled to him, and he could only smile back. Already the game was at play, and he both loved and loathed it. "Nathalie Levesque." He muttered, a habit he'd developed from countless events; he'd met her before; vapid and vacant but rich, and rich was to be respected today, especially today. Before his mother noticed or made comment he continued: "I'll be fine mum, look see, Madison is there. Go..." He grinned, and she gave him a knowing look and made off. She'd not let him forget the night at the Fairfaxes, and he knew that Cadence just needed a little push to leave him alone for the night and that was all it took. To cement the image for her, he waved at Madison to get her attention and greeted her with a smile. Cadence squinted her eyes suspiciously before raising her palms to him and smiling; eyes finding the glinting star broach pinned to the breast of his tailcoat. Avery and Madison shared a brief, and friendly moment before Avery introduced her to his grandmother respectfully, who had collected a flute of glistening liquid from a sommelier, and made small talk with Hyacinth briefly, before Avery stole her attention during a natural lull in conversation. Her kind smile shifted to Madison, and she gave her a customary handshake, soft and elegant as she took a shine to the girl, owing to the plotting of Cadence and Victoria, Avery wagered. Mid-thought, black eyes flitted; perceptive as ever; smile growing. June. Brows knitted. Finn. He excused himself for a second, likely to the later scorn of his Grandmother for leaving Madison alone but something in him drew him forward. His smile returned to a toothy grin, he couldn't quite believe it. A niggle of admiration nestled into the crook of his mouth and he just couldn't shake it. Finn too, could dance, and it was refreshing indeed; as though Avery had just been promised more than an interesting night. Internally, he hadn't quite walked through the exercise of justifying his presence here, what it meant to June, what it meant to their friendship. This was all impulse. He waited, a short distance behind his Uncle and Remedy, lying in wait, poised for a pounce.
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29th Dec | Rhinelander
Avery's Hex #136b5c
wc: 897

Interacting with: @Madison Bennett, @Remedy Norden, @Ulysses Drake, @June Selwyn & @Finnegan Conner.

Permission to God-Mod Madison was given.

FLIGHT OF THE DRAKES u l y s s e s —d r a k e . ——— date. [ 12/29/23 ]—— word count. [ 806 ] ————————

The radical energy of the Drake residence had the eldest son of Perseus and Beatrice witnessing the spark between electricity and dry ice at work. His parents were the complete opposites in demeanor and personality but there was a chemistry that seemed to be able to harness the explosive power their reaction created to propel the entire family forward. Ulysses didn't quite have the keen eye to catch on how Beatrice had concocted a formula of both absoluteness and dynamism to led the Drakes along the path lined in icebergs and tundra that she had raised to keep them aimed at true north.

His mother focused on a cousin babysitter for the younger two of the Drakes who couldn't make it to such an important soirée. As a first year at Hogwarts, Ulysses had barely made himself eligible knowing that the other Pureblood elitists would bring their children as well. Uly had no idea who would show up but he promised to be on his best behavior, as they were attending in absolute support of the Nordens with Perseus being Derrick's best friend from Hogwarts.

While home, both pried about new friends, sports, Remedy and even Helena. Ulysses couldn't help if he seemed to be a bit wild and eclectic to the others. Even Helena's poor showing in Hufflepuff might've been a blessing in disguise with how open and accepting the badgers seemed to be. Remedy seemed to be in a similar boat to him, but she was brilliantly maniacal and without shame in her ambition. Perseus laughed at the analysis which had Beatrice shooting daggers at his father, something Uly missed the context of entirely but would be reminded surely when he was older.

Now, the trio had finished getting ready as Bea couldn't help but fidget with both Percy and Uly's fits so that they looked perfect.

" Remember boys, we're there to support the Nordens so behave yourselves and let's keep a limit on the firewhiskey, Hmm? " With a cold, frigid look, the woman looked directly at a certain dragon tamer up and down before she turned to Ulysses with a closed smile and a hand moving to his back to gesture him forward towards the cauldron that they'd use to Floo Powder over.

" You haven't missed much at all, Ul. She's as keen as ever on reputation. " Perseus couldn't help but mock his wife by making childlike faces. " They all revel at the circus that I bring into their spaces. They don't have the b—. "

" PERSEUS DRAKE. " Ulysses' mother stopped the conversation in its track before he could get out exactly what he was trying to say to his eldest son.

" Bestest behavior, my love. Right, Uls? " Perseus looked over at his son and gave a knowing nod as Ulysses followed his father in gesture and tone. " Best behavior, Mom. Merlin's honour. "

In rigidity and in reason, Perseus would be the first to floo himself to the Norden's gathering room, followed by Ulysses and then his mother would follow to ensure safety and protection for the group as the Slytherin first year did as he had done numerous times as he now stood in a lavish room that had even more polish and vanity as the hosts of such an illustrious party.

The Drakes took off in flight as they all in step and unison entered the queue of being welcomed into the party as they were a few parties in front of them. While his father and mother spoke with the others that they had known through various means, Ulysses was quick to spot the vipress of Slytherin on display next to the man who was practically like a second father to Ulysses, the young wizard already beaming at the thought of seeing Mr. Norden, or Uncle Derrick when the wives weren't around.

With a few more moments settling, his eyes set onto Avery Leveret, a second year that Ulysses had his eye on but never having the chance to properly or formally meet. All Ulysses knew was that he was as prim and proper as it came and Remedy's cousin. There were a few others who he somewhat recognized until his eyes laid on what looked like a frazzled ferret breathing too hard until he realized it was one of those kids who threw rocks at him during the Broom Racing match in November!

" Bloody Hell. " Ulysses murmured to himself curious as to why the hell a Gryffindor punk would be at an event like this, his mind buzzing inquisitively while they waited their turn for their greetings and hello while Uly paid attention to how Remedy would receive the lion cub in particular. Perhaps, this night got far more interesting than he imagined it to be.

" Percy Speaking. " / " Bea Speaking. " / " Uly Speaking. "

mentions. @Remedy Norden @Avery Leveret @June Selwyn@Finnegan Conner @Madison Bennett

notes. no notes, i promise to be faster with this ~