Yuletide at Moredell Closed

ℙ𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕐𝕦𝕝𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕣𝕚𝕥

Astra ∆ Raymond ∆ Aces

Reducio

Astra

Raymond

Astra was not nervous, per se, but she was. Currently at the Lerian Estate, the young Slytherin sat in the parlor, waiting for her uncle. Aunt Aces had helped her pick a dress, something elegant but simple, sleek and easy to move in. Under the dress, she had her wand in a sheath, loathe to leave it, though Uncle Raymond was plenty capable and a landslide more competent than herself. Last time she had gone to an event- well, she could've been in a lot more danger than she already was.

“I don't like this, Ray,” Aces’ voice could be heard drifting from the corridor. Then Ray's.

“I did it for Roderick and I'll do it for her. I think-” and here he lowered his voice. Astra snuck as quietly as she could to the door to catch what he was saying- “Slytherin. This will be a good thing for her. There's a reason she got put in that house, but if she doesn't wise up it'll kill her.”

Astra had a few seconds to resume a regularly seated position and pick up the nearest book (which so happened to be on snakes). “I see we have a herpetologist in our midst,” Ray said as he entered, adjusting his green tie. His recent beard had disappeared, only the graying mustache remaining, and his hair was coiffed well. Raymond Lerian was a pureblood, and he looked the part. He offered his hand to Astra and helped her out of her seat. “No jewelry? That simply won't do.”

Aces stepped forward from her position at the doorway, a slight worry still on her features but also smiling. In her hand, she held a plain silver chain with a small pendant of emerald and silver. She clasped the simple yet beautiful piece around Astra's neck and gently arranged it. “There we are. You look wonderful, Asa.”

Astra just looked down at the green stone wrapped in a shining, delicate embrace. “Thank you,” she said softly before looking up at her aunt and uncle.

“Shall we go?” Raymond asked, gesturing in the direction of the floo hearth.
---
As they walked the halls to the drawing room, where the floo hearth was located, Astra fidgeted. She fought the questions for as long as she could, but eventually blurted “Why isn't Aunt Aces coming? And Roderick?”

Raymond sighed, so slightly, so quietly that his young charge thought she’d imagined it. "Your aunt doesn't like these types of things. She... often feels looked down upon, you could say."

Astra knew about blood prejudice. Of course she did. Her father was knee-deep in the ministry himself, and Aces was up to her eyeballs. She'd seen these things play out at Hogwarts, too. Play out against her, even.

"Astra, the event we are attending tonight is an important one. The Leverets... have had a bad run of luck, but Cadence- well, it's special." Astra had never seen her uncle so tongue-tied. She'd never seen him tongue-tied at all, to tell the truth. "You must understand, they're blood purists. And high society. And you have to learn how to navigate these situations. To... integrate, if you will. In Slytherin especially. That's why I didn't bring Roderick."

"Is he not going to run into the same thing?" Astra questioned.

"Not as much as you," Ray admitted. His voice dropped to a whisper as they came to a halt in front of the floo hearth. "Don't tell your aunt. But I fear for you in that den of vipers. You're like her, bright and vibrant and intuitive. And none of that is bad. But you don't have the tools of deception, or protecting against."

Was he... Was he calling her gullible? Astra was offended at first, but- well, he wasn't exactly wrong. Astra was naïve, the naïveté that came with youth. With a childhood devoid of tragedy. Any traumatic instances locked behind the door of forgetfulness. The inability to tell when to stop.

"So. You and I, I hope we will attend a lot of these events. They'll be fun, but they'll also be teachable experiences."

And then he took her hand and placed it on his arm. There must have been something in her expression or her eyes, because he said, "Courage now. Let's have the best time we can, hm?" before tossing a pinch of the powder and calling out Moredell.
--
Merlin, it was beautiful. Lavishly decorated for the festive event, the hall seemed to sparkle in the eyes of the young redhead. As soon as Ray and Astra stepped out of the floo hearth, they were met with a staff member with glasses of champagne for each. Raymond took one, sipped his drink, and walked over towards two immaculately dressed people.

Astra could only assume they were Willard and Cadence Leveret. The adults conversed, and Astra surveyed the room. She spotted none other than Avery Leveret in the corner. Ah. She had, of course been expecting this, seeing as, well, you see.

So Astra discreetly slipped away from whatever the adults were doing and glided over the tiled floor to Leveret. She hadn't had the pleasure of meeting him in person yet.

As she reached the boy, she slowed, taking her first good look at the Christmas tree. It was glorious, shining and filling the room with the sweet scent of pine. Her cerulean eyes shifted to the boy again. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure to make your acquaintance yet, Mr. Leveret," she said in a pleasant tone, but not too cheerful, as that would portray an over-eagerness. Introductions were important, she remembered Raymond saying, important to stay polite but reserved. "Astra Norrick." Do they... Do they handshake? Yeah, sure, go for it. She held out her hand to Avery, offering the aforementioned handshake.

· · ─▪───────────── ·· ─────────────▪─ · ·

• YULETIDE, A DAY LATE •

“After the longest night, tomorrow we sing up the dawn.”

─▪────────────────────────▪─

┏		┓
	December 23rd | Moredell Manor, Bath Avery's Hex #136b5c Cadence's Hex #6d80ab ─▪──────────────▪─ ----- It wasn’t unlike the adults to talk and talk as though their lives depended upon it. Some, likely did, given the influence in the room. A ministry department official here, a foreign dignitary here; there was even an international superstar in attendance; Macey Mountbatten made sure she was seen, in a sparkling white dress and her distinctive peach coloured hair. Thankfully, there were no closed off gatherings or cliques; as this entire gathering was the clique. This was the place to be if you were anyone worth knowing, or at least that’s how it felt. The house hadn’t seen this much life in years, and it shone particularly well when it was filled with this much potential. Bright smiles were traded across the room, familiars exchanged polite shakes and cheek kisses; the hosting family were of the French stock after all; and the merriment was well under way. Willard was doing well; a charming smile and polite laugh playing off a joke from one of the guests he had welcomed. Cadence was in her own rhythm for the evening, as she was; as she had learned to be for over a decade; and amongst the beat and thrum of the affair she managed to make her way over to Raymond with a perfect smile. "Raymond!" Cadence hummed with a familiarty in her tone, approaching with a glass of something that looked golden and expensive. "It's so good to see you!" She gave, squeezing his upper arm in reassurance; her knack with people being that no matter who she was speaking with; she made feel as if they were the only person in the room. "It's so good to see you, looking so well too! - It's always nice to catch up with school friends, especially those that are exceptional with their numbers. - In fact, I may need your help with something..." Avery didn't make out any of that conversation, and it likely developed following the natural and polite flows and rules of these things. He rather enjoyed observing for the short time he was able, thinking about how some of the attending guests might relate to each other; what they shared in common, what they wanted from one another. That was key in all this, even as the hosts there was something in it for them; that's how these things worked. He, had no personal stakes in this. Avery's job was to make his own fun for the evening; represent the family well and be seen to do so as long as he could. As always, he was in a finely made suit, grey this time, and on his breast lapel he wore a shimmering gem broach in the shape of a star; similar to his mother and grandmother who he had not yet seen arrive. It was a symbol of rank, a mark of their house that stemmed from the ancient tradition of adorning marks of peerage. Many present were of some royal or noble blood; Macey Mountbatten most notably. Idly, and in an attempt at discretion, he straightened it in the hopes that no one had seen it lopsided, and by the time he drew his dark eyes up; he was approached. He didn't know the girl, but she appeared the part, and if she was here then surely she was to be befriended. The black-topped head dipped politely as he offered her a smile. "I don't believe so! - You have me at a disadvantage--" he replied, brows raising at her manners. It bought him a moment; Norrick, it wasn't a name that he was familiar with but he curled a smile anyway. "Glad we've changed that, then. - Well met, Miss Norick. As you well know; Leveret, Avery Leveret. He shook her hand, he wasn't a savage. "This might be ignorant but, you're not in my school year, are you?" wc: 671
┗		┛

Interacting with invited guests: @Remedy Norden, @Astra Norrick, @Xailah Alptraum, @June Selwyn, @Madison Bennett, @ Beatrice Langstreth, @Argahlon Vexius & @Ulysses Drake

Date and Place: December 23rd Moredell Manor, Bath

Mentioning: @Remedy Norden @Avery Leveret

Madison's Dress

Hairstyle

It felt strange for Madison, getting ready to leave for an event without her family, though she didn’t particularly want to be around her family right now. Madison had been staying with the Nordens, which included the mother Hyacinth, the father Derrick and their daughter Remedy, at one of their estates. Madison and Remedy were good friends and Madison really enjoyed her company.
Tonight though, was the night of the Yuletide event at Moredell Manor, home of the Leveret family. Their youngest son, Avery, was someone with whom, Madison was acquainted with both at and outside of Hogwarts. She knew that Remedy and Avery were cousins, Remedy had told her a few days ago whilst they were talking together about the dresses they were going to wear for the Yule. The last time Madison had met Avery at an event, he’d helped her when her mother had come looking for her. However as Madison finished putting on her dress and shoes which were nude in colour with a small heel, she decided that she’d have fun at this event, afterall it was two days before Christmas. Ok Madi, let's go have some fun she thinks to herself, doing a final check in the mirror.

Once downstairs, Madison and the Nordens were all ready to leave. Hyacinth complimented her dress, to which Madison paid the compliment back to both her and Remedy, giving Remedy a smile as they lined up to leave, for which Madison went after Remedy.
Once Madison arrived at Mordell Manor, she smiled and composed herself. The place was decorated beautifully for Christmas, which made Madison smile even more. As Madison made her way outdoors with Remedy and her family, she spotted Avery, his mother and many other guests, though her own mother, older brother and dad were yet to arrive.

As Madison walked down to the lawn with Remedy and her parents, she could feel eyes draw to her. This was something Madison was quite used to, as she was quite beautiful for her age, putting her in a ballgown, heels and having her hair done nicely, she knew would draw more attention to her, however she just smiled sweetly as the group made their way to the hosts to do the formal greetings. As she was greeted by Cadence, Madison explained that she’d been staying at the Nordens for Christmas, however she knew that her mother would make an appearance at some point throughout the evening, though she didn’t say so out loud.

After becoming acquainted with Willard Leveret, Madison spotted Avery speaking to a girl with red curly hair. She thought that the girl was a first year, since she didn’t recognise her from her own year group. Madison smiled and made her way over towards where Avery was, smiling at him softly whilst contending with the glances she was getting from others in the crowd, waiting for him to finish talking with the red headed girl as she sipped on some water, whilst also getting reassuring smiles from Hyacinth Norden too.

Permission given to godmod Remedy and her parents by the writer

ℙ𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕐𝕦𝕝𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕣𝕚𝕥

Astra ∆ Raymond

Reducio

Astra

Raymond

Astra's sensitive ears picked up her uncle's name said by a refined and smooth voice which Raymond later addressed as "Cadence." She had known Raymond had friends in high places, and was fairly renowned for his ability with finances, but it was odd to hear someone address him in this manner, like an old friend. Which, she supposed, was exactly what he was to the esteemed Cadence Leveret.

But, she did not dwell on the whereabouts or doings of her uncle, instead focused on her interaction with Avery Leveret.

The young man looked smart, in his tailored suit. Dapper, she could say. Her interest was drawn to his brooch, and his dark eyes. They seemed to study her before he spoke, which was fair. Astra, too, was studying him. An eye for an eye.

"Ah, no, I am not," she answered his inquiry. "I am in my first year at Hogwarts."

Astra noted others in the room out of the corner of her eye, namely a girl who seemed the same age as Avery, though the Slytherin did not recognize her as a member of the green and silver ranks. She did not recognize her at all, actually.

Astra mentally indexed the blonde's face as pureblood, another piece of useful information. The Slytherin had learned to collect that in the months since she had come to Hogwarts, amplifying her previous tendency to eavesdrop and squirrel away little facts by tenfold.

Ah, but her attention must be diverted back to the present moment. "Sure to be an exciting night, aye?" She spared a glance around the room once more. "Good to see your mum and dad getting back on their feet after... everything."

The girl realized this may be a little heavy for a conversation starter, and she laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Sorry. I'm sure you'd rather not discuss it. Say, how has your break been so far?"

@Avery Leveret ∆ @Madison Bennet

The Vexius family was mostly known for their love of magical creatures and politics. Wynne Vexius, also known as Argahlon’s mother, was an ex-magizoologist and now just dipping their toes into Philanthropy, which gave them enough respect to be invited to the Yuletide at Moredell by the Leveret family. Drogo Vexius on the other hand was a Dragonologist. He spent a lot of his time researching every type of dragon, which led to spending less time with their family in the long run, but this did not have a huge effect on Argahlon in the least. In fact, Arg understood what they had to do in order to provide, so he spent a lot of his time reading certain books his parents kept.

Argahlon Vexius didn’t know the Leveret family at all, but it seemed that both his parents knew them all too well. Meeting new people was not Arg’s forte and had little desire for pointless conversation, so he planned to not put any attention on himself. Taking the spotlight in events like this was not the attention he enjoyed, only because there was no real competition in their meeting. It was a simple event for mingling with the purest, something Arg himself had yet to experience.

Once the Vexius family was decked out in all dark maroon, they prepared themselves for the floo travel, which was something that Argahlon did not particularly care for. It may have been quick and easy, yes, but it always made him feel dizzy when they were finished traveling. The thought of being sick itself made the young Gryffindor feel a bit uneasy about the whole situation. But Wynne and Drogo both made sure Argahlon knew exactly what to do, and he followed suit as each of them vanished into thin air with a flick of the floo powder and a simple word such as Moredell, which is where they were all currently traveling to for the event held by the Leveret family.

When Argahlon finally made it to the center on the manor where the Leveret’s had their floo station set, he began to cough a few times while the stomach began to make its way back. "Bloody hell." He stated in a disgusted tone. Wynne Vexius was near and heard her son cuss, which caused the woman to jerk her neck in Arg’s direction. She glared at him with that evil stare that made Argahlon instantly turn and make their way through the manor itself. The beauty of the structure was amazing and could barely be put into words from how elegant it was. The young Gryffindor lived outside the city of Croydon in a smaller home, so this was something Argahlon was not used to. "Hmm." He hummed, while making his way through one of the corridors within the manor.

Word Count: 470

Mentions: @ @

[quote]Christmas day was glorious.

June and her father celebrated alone, exchanging gifts, riding mattresses down the grand staircase, listening to their favourite wizarding radio station while sitting by the cozy fire. It was beautiful and bittersweet. For the first time in a long time, June missed her mother. And it didn't surprise her, she saw it coming.

Why?

Because Avery Leveret told her it would.

Here it was, perfectly planned and predicted. The sting wasn't nearly as bad when you knew it was coming, when you had ample time to prepare yourself. The clear knowledge of the future, the door that allowed her to remain in control of her thoughts, her emotions, what an indulgence it was.

Alas, Christmas was over. To the relief of the Selwyns, there were only two events for the pair to attend during June's winter break, rather than the scrolls-long itinerary that usually took up holidays past. There was the auction held by Remedy's family in a few days, and plans to bring Finn along were already in motion. After all, that invitation was for three people, and so if three people came it wouldn't be an issue, right? And, for some reason, June's father was particularly keen on the idea of bringing the Gryffindor boy. Especially after June told him about their date while they were sipping cocoa on Christmas Eve.

Cadence knew better, though. An invitation addressed specifically to Phinehas and June Selwyn was given, no mention of Louise anywhere. Perhaps it was simple courtesy, perhaps reminder that the Leveret family knew something about them that wasn't public knowledge just yet. Likely both.

The trip to Moredell was made via floo, and June was grateful to avoid the trickle of sleet that had been falling from the sky all that day. She wore an elegant black cocktail dress, formal enough to fit the event, but still flowy and fun, not suffocating the poor girl. Gold and pearl earrings hung from her newly-pierced ears, the skin around them still slightly red and irritated (that's what happens when you make impulsive decisions late at night when your roommate isn't in the room).

The first greeting was, of course, to Cadence Leveret herself. There was something about the matriarch that drew June to her, and something in June that seemed to spark Cadence's eyes. Perhaps she saw June as the daughter she never had, and the young Slytherin saw her as a beacon of hope that she desperately needed.

June was surprised to see a man beside Cadence. Willard, she soon learned his name was. Avery's father. Interesting. For the first time, June decided to inquire of her father for more information about the Leveret family when they returned home. For now, however, introductions and polite smiles would suffice. She excused herself from the conversation when she spotted an all too familiar ebony-haired boy, quickly making her way over to him. The pair were become quite good friends, after all. And June didn't particularly have many other friends in these circles, not since the Bellamy girls had passed away, as well as having distanced themselves from Louise. It was she who advocated the most for connections, after all.

Avery was... not alone. Interesting. An only slightly familiar figure stood next to him, a red-headed girl who must have been a first-year. For a moment, June paid her no mind. "Avery!" She entered the conversation with a genuine smile on her face, happy for her friend. Although hosting parties could be a bore and a weight... you'd be lying if you said you didn't enjoy it at all. There was always a rush in showing off your life, being in the spotlight and allowing others to ooh and aah over your life. "I can't stop looking out at those hills outside. They're simply majestic."

And now it was the girl's turn. "Sorry if I interrupted. I'm Selwyn," she stuck her hand out in greeting, "June Selwyn. You're a first year, aren't you?"

· · ─▪───────────── ·· ─────────────▪─ · ·

• YULETIDE, A DAY LATE •

“After the longest night, tomorrow we sing up the dawn.”

─▪────────────────────────▪─

┏		┓
	December 23rd | Moredell Manor, Bath Avery's Hex #136b5c Cadence's Hex #6d80ab ─▪──────────────▪─ ----- In thirteen years, Avery had never been so directly confounded and the past year or so had surely tested him in this regard. Clark Baird and his mysterious letter, the shadowy stranger on the quidditch pitch, the prophecy supposedly tied to his name; Finnegan Connor’s gall— all of it, not one moment staggered him just like this. The merriment of the occasion continued around them, laughter and the clinkling of expensive glasses; served to the gentry by footmen that accompanied hovering silverware; all a representation of the kind of distance and progress the family had made. The contrast of now to just a few months ago was something immense and hard to grasp, as it was bound to be. To him it was even more jarring, as he wasn’t privy to what went on whilst he was at school; to him it was as if the family had just decided it was okay to begin their lives anew. It wasn’t anew though, not really. They had lived with a black stain upon their legacy, and even now it haunts. Such was often unspoken, worked through. That was the way of these events, a dance of words, double meanings and the like. This one held promise of a ‘hit-the-ground-running’ kind of kick off, given the invite list, and yet that didn’t make Avery feel any less than he did when Miss Norick’s third sentence to him was as uncouth and as improper as it got. His anger didn’t register on his features, but nor was it directed to her. Of course people would say such stupid things; this was the life he was cursed to thanks to the inadequacies of his father. Between his thoughts, and almost at her direction, he turned his ink filled eyes towards the charming chap who looked far too like him to not be related. Willard was conversing with Madison when Avery looked, to his curiosity. He was undoubtedly trying to keep up with his mothers’ scheme, Avery figured. How would his mother tactfully negotiate this? How should he choose to? “An exciting night indeed.” Avery said to Astra; a single sharp thin brow arched in query of her later remark; brain still trying to pin her, her motive. He was playing from the back-foot, and he didn’t like it. He had to hand it to Astra, the temerity of the girl; and the very nature of her question was enough to shift her from an unknown to a notable and that was surely something worth delving deeper into; when he wasn’t hosting. Determining people’s usefulness, and thus their worth, was important to him; and it wasn’t proper for her to hold the cards of their interaction afterall, but this wasn’t the scene, and from the corner of his eye he saw a radiant Selwyn approaching. Owing to his nature, he attempted to probe for more but found himself interrupted. “Norick you said? - Say, I can’t say I am fami—-” He had begun. It was innocent enough, but those versed in pureblood speech would know that such words were a sharp weapon even if they seemed concealed in a pleasant smile as he took up a canepé; a quail egg with asparagus and hollandaise. Avery’s smile grew to a grin as June interrupted, how fortunate for Astra. He couldn’t help shoot her an impressed look; not that he wasn’t expecting her to look so refined. “June!” He mirrored, nodding curtly at her. “And you’ve not even seen them from horseback yet, or broom come to think of it knowing Slytherin’s broom racing savant and captain. - Yes, yes. This is Miss Astra Norrick, an unseen first year. - She was just asking how the break went.” He paused. “Mine’s happening, I guess. - We go to the Edinburgh house tomorrow, and then we’re back in time for my Uncle’s estate auction. - What of your break?” he asked between them, taking his moment to eat the canepé in one as they were designed to do. It was only then he realised Madison was a short distance away, and they shared a glance right in the middle of his mouth being full. It was the kind of look you share when you know you look particularly funny; or you were caught at the scene of a crime. Elsewhere, Avery’s mother Cadence cast a look over the quartet and held a small smile as she and Willard greeted Argahlon’s parents in a manner that always honoured their guests and made them feel welcome. The reputation of pureblood families wasn’t present in their candour; as Cadence and Wynne traded compliments on their attire, and Willard got talking to Drogo about the native species of dragons in France and various other countries he’d travelled ‘before’. Argahlon was mostly left alone in the opulent, palace-like home. This was considered a ‘small’ affair, but small to the Leveret’s must have meant something different, as there were enough people that there were people in every room that wasn’t cordoned off with black velvet rope. He found himself in a corridor that connected the ballroom that had been turned into a hosting hall, and a glass-topped atrium that let in the evening sky above; star-light just about making it through the evening clouds. He was surrounded by reminders of wealth; statues, polished flagstones, portraits… “Now that there, is more like it. - Not like that pot-bellied moustached man who passed by earlier!” called a feminine voice to Arghalon, who at the second was the only person in this corridor. If he would turn to look, he’d see an ornate portrait of a beautiful young lady dressed in classy robes that reminded him of older times. On her shoulder, was a bejewelled metal pauldron, decorative in nature and connected via chain to a flashy star broach; reminding him of military rank. A small gold plaque denoted this as being a portrait of ‘Octavia Norden’, with the small subtext of: ‘the light of whose smile, shall never leave us…’ which hinted at a history and a half. wc: 1038
┗		┛

Interacting with invited guests: @Remedy Norden, @Astra Norrick, @Xailah Alptraum, @June Selwyn, @Madison Bennett, @ Beatrice Langstreth, @Argahlon Vexius & @Ulysses Drake

Argahlon had no idea where he was, but the view inside the lovely manner was absolutely stunning and there was so much decor, it was as if whoever did it spent many hours doing so. The young Gryffindor continued down the corridor slowly with their eyes looking upward at the atrium. The night sky was visible along with the scattered stars that shined brightly through the glass. That was when the sound of a voice came from Argahlon’s right, so he quickly turned to see one of the portraits speaking to him. His cheeks instantly began to turn pink because of what the female had said to him, so he came to a halt with a slight smile.

There was a short moment of silence because Arg wasn’t sure what to make of the situation. Part of him wanted to keep walking to find others within the manor, but another part of him wanted to pry and ask questions. "Oi, I don’t know anybody at this place. My parents dragged me here and they don’t like to explain anything. Who does this place belong to? And where is everyone?" He asked in a curious tone, while shifting their focus on the many other portraits hanging around. It was rather odd in a sense, because it always felt like someone was watching your every move, which is exactly what a lot of them did.

Meanwhile, Wynne and Drogo were greeted by Cadence and Willard Leveret. They seemed to be enjoying themselves with simple conversations, while most of the younger children mingled with their friends. It was nice to have these social events every once in a while, as it brought not only joy to most, but in a sense it also brought knowledge to everyone present. Argahlon didn’t really know the Leveret family so this was his chance to do exactly that, except the young Gryffindor was distracted by one of the portraits in another corridor of the manor.

Word Count: 329
Mentions: @Avery Leveret

Date and Place: December 23rd Moredell Manor, Bath

Mentioning: @Remedy Norden @Avery Leveret

Madison's Dress

Victoria's Dress

Madison's Hairstyle

Madison noticed Avery with his mouth full and a soft giggle left her lips. Once she had composed herself, she softly smiled and started walking to see if she could find Remedy. As she was walking through the sea of adults, she heard a very familiar voice echoing through the air. As she walked into a slight area of space, she saw her mother Victoria, adorned in tight red dress with silver detailing on the neckline. Her dad and older brother James, accompanied her in their suits. Madison gave her dad and brother a sweet smile each, however as it turned to her mother, the air seemed to grow colder.

As Madison tried to walk away and find Remedy, she realised her mother was following her, now with a glass in her hand. Madison stopped, turned to face her mother and smiled, "Mother, you look lovely" she said cordially, though her mother, in hushed tones, did not reciprocate the same cordiality. "Thank you" Victoria said, though with a fair bit of discreet spite, one would say. "I must say I'm surprised by your dress colour Madison, I thought you'd be wearing red like myself, your father and brother" her mother continued. Madison just took it on the chin and smiled through it, her mother was being polite and it felt strange to Madison, "Well I was going to wear the red dress you got me at Madam Malkin's mother, however, Hyacinth got me this dress for Christmas, so i thought I'd wear it instead. I tried on both the red dress and this one with Hyacinth and Remedy, and we both agreed that the blue suited me better. She's been really sweet and kind to me whilst I've been staying with them mother, she's very caring and treats me almost like a second daughter" she said with a soft smile. She could see her the reaction on her mothers face as she said those word. Knowing her mother, she always had to have the last word. She looked towards her mothers cold and dark eyes, knowing exactly what was coming next. Victoria leaned closer to Madison, and Madison got ready to feel those words strike through her heart like a knife, however Hyacinth soon swooped in gracefully and told Madison to go find Remedy, wanting to protect the girl from anymore hurt or harm. "Oh of course, thank you for letting me know Hyacinth, I'll go find her. Enjoy the party mother" Madison said sweetly, giving Hyacinth a hug before walking off to find Remedy.

She smiled at the Raven haired girl, dressed in a dark blue dress, that was accompanied by a 3 star broach, something she had told Madison about a few nights ago. She knew Avery adorned a similar badge, and that the higher in the family you are, the prettier and bigger your badge was. The two girls talked for a while, with Madison noticing that her mother was now knee deep in an intimate conversation with Cadence and Hyacinth, whilst her father was talking with Derrick, Remedy's father. Madison giggled with Remedy as they told jokes and shared giggles together, whilst waiting to be shown in for dinner. The two girls had grown quite close due to Madison staying with the Norden's, though now having her mother around, Madison felt very strange, in a way she couldn't quite put her finger on. Her mother wouldn't make a scene publically surely, though right now Madison didn't really know what to think. "You really do look beautiful in that dress Remedy, it suits you perfectly and I'm so glad that your mother got me this dress to match you all" Madison said with a smile. "Also, thank you for letting me stay with you these past few weeks, I've really enjoyed getting to know you outside of Hogwarts and enjoying Christmas without my mother breathing down my neck" Madison said with a giggle to Remedy.

Madison soon shook any thoughts of her mother out of her head and concentrated on talking with Remedy, who was one of the main people she felt truly connected to, other than her brother and dad. She wanted to try and avoid her mother as much as possible, thankfully the constant access to drinks, food and gossip kept her mother very occupied, something Madison, at the moment, was very grateful for.

Permission given to godmod Remedy and Hyacinth by the characters writer