a visionary

Noticing people were still staring, Emma walked over to sit with the woman, giving a middle finger to those that stared. “What did you do to piss off all the people in there?” she asked taking out a flask and offering it to her. “It’s vodka so… If you want, feel free to take a sip. I’m Emma, by the way.”

Lily had made an appearance because she knew it would be easier to get her eyes on where Ted was. Their operative was simple - the Order would cause chaos, and she would get ahold of Ted. To do that, she needed to know where he was. Given that it was a relatively open event, Lily had no issues getting through the door, especially when she had James’ cloak wrapped around her. She tucked it away once she was able to blend in with the crowd. It was going rather smoothly so far. 

Covertly, she’d had eyes on Ted most of the night, and moreover, she was fairly certain that no one had looked at her long enough to recognize who she was. Even if they did, Lily figured it would give her a fairly solid alibi for the attack that was going to happen. Not that the Death Eater’s could realistically press charges, given that they wouldn’t have a shred of proof. 

Hearing her name though, she halted on a dime. The last thing she wanted was it being shouted all about the place, but seeing as it was Sybill, she let it slide. She looked frantic and as though she desperately needed to talk with her. Lily raised her eyebrow, and greeted, “Sybill, what’s wrong?” her tone clearly worried, though also trying to convey and need to quiet their conversation. Lily used a quick charm to keep their words contained to only their ears, seeing that whatever needed to be discussed was something that should be done so privately. 

“How did you - ?” she asked, before a breath of understanding hit her, “You had a vision.” Despite the claims that Sybill was a fraud, she believed differently. It was difficult, the entire situation, but she knew divination was not always clear, and that visions came in pieces, could change, and sometimes came without context. “What is it, love? What do we need to know?”

A small smile lifted at the corners of her lips as Lily spoke. She still believed in her. It was that feeling alone that propelled her to race to find her in the first place. Knowing that she, and only she, wouldn’t turn her away. That her warnings would never go unnoticed when it came to the fiery red head. It made Sybill feel warm and confidant. More confidant than she had in years actually. Nodding her head, she looked in the other witch’s eyes and tried to calm herself down. Not knowing where to start or who it was she had seen making their way up the stairs to the Black sister’s rooms.

Alexander matched her laugh, finding himself charmed by Sybill in spite of what he had heard about her. She was obviously uncomfortable and nervous, very damsel-in-distress, and the part of Alexander that had been raised to be a gentleman felt drawn to that. “It is a pile of rubbish, as far as newspapers go,” he murmured confidentially to her, winking. In truth, he did prefer the Phoenix to the Prophet, but in order to care for the affairs of the family business, Alexander didn’t usually play favorites – he needed a good working relationship with every news outlet he could, and the Prophet was especially helpful to have in your pocket when you needed it. 

As Sybill looked back at him and folded her arms, he could tell before she even spoke that she was very uncomfortable in this environment. He supposed it wouldn’t be fun to be at an event where everyone around you seemed to have no qualms talking about you within earshot. At her question, he tilted his head. “Well, I find I have to be at this sort of thing often for work, but I can’t say that it’s my favorite scene.” He shrugged and gave her another charming grin. “How about we get you out of this crowd and I show you a part of the party you might actually enjoy?” He held out his hand to her, an offering. 

when: May 5th

Rita had been right. She had needed this night to relax. Alcohol was buzzing through her and Sybill was enjoying herself to the full extent that she could. At least the without getting fully wasted. Never really having a taste for alcohol in the first place seemed to always help her in that regard. With a deep breath, she began to sway with the sound of the music. It was jazzy and drifted through her. Leaving her feeling a little weightless with the help of the champagne and firewhiskey that she had ingested. Sybill was feeling almost at home. But then it hit her--the vision. Everything was happening so fast and it was all a massive blur of color and sound. Then something came into focus.

A black dress and mass of dark curls: Bellatrix. It was Bellatrix she saw bounding up the stairs. Her vision zoomed to the left where there was a figure in a cape. A golden mask present. The vision came to an end and Sybill was back on the edge of the ballroom floor. Her drink still in her hand. a cold sweat covered her body and she hastily placed her drink on a tray of one of the people walking around handing out samples. “I’m sorry,” she said almost breathless, “I’ll come back for it, I promise!” At that she took off, heading straight for the front door. But then there was a flash of ginger hair as she passed--Lily. There was that red cape she saw in the vision and all at once Sybill knew that it was the Order. They were attacking.

“Lily!” she called as she ran between people, “Lily wait!” Sybill pushed passed them all. Nearly being pushed to the floor herself. For being one that never really wore heels, she was doing remarkably well running in them. Each step the wings on the back of her shoes flapped and she was sure that they were working overtime as she ran. Finally, she came up to the witch she hoped was Lily. “Lily,” she said, a little out of breath, “Wait. You’re attacking the manor, yeah? There’s something you should know.”

Rita’s eyes darted in the direction of Sybill’s feet. She was definitely dressed to impress, and Sybill wasn’t the type to impress. Rita rolled her eyes at the comment towards the Prophet while she took a drink. “Sybill, honey. Forget the Prophet. Take a drink of your alcohol - I promise you’ll feel better.” Rita pushed the glass toward her mouth a little more. “The Prophet let you go, yes for a terrible reason.” She leaned in closer, and dropped her voice to a whisper. “Sometimes, someone else’s trash is another persons come up.” Rita let out laugh and took another drink. Sometimes, Rita could be a bit of a bitch, but she never really meant any of it. Especially if she was under the influence. 

Rita let go of Sybill’s hand, looking her up and down once more. “Go out and mingle honey, show off this beautiful dress, go drink some more. Go have fun.” Rita was serious, tonight was a celebration, it was celebrating Rodolphus’s successful campaign he’s be holding. “Leave the work to me. I’ll do my magic and I’ll give you my notes on Monday. Deal Sybill?” Rita lifted an eyebrow at her. She wanted her to know she was serious. This was an important event for her and she couldn’t have anyone spoiling it for her. 

If she were being honest, Sybill didn’t know if she knew how to have fun. Her entire life had been built around her visions and how to hone them. Up until recently, of course. Now her life revolved around trying to get others to stop being a bully for lack of a better word. She hardly left her house anymore otherwise she would be met with the same thing she was now--sneers and whispers. But Rita seemed to be genuine in her offer to let her take on the load this time. Sure she was a bit...out there and Sybill suspected that she was heavily drinking. Though it didn’t stop the smile that lit up her face at the words. Maybe this was the perfect time for her to forget that she was a Seer.

“It’s lovely to meet you as well,” Alexander replied, charm seeping through his tone in a way that was very familiar to the McKinnon heir. “Ah, well I have to say, good for you for hopping over to the Phoenix. It’s a much better establishment than the Prophet.” He wrinkled his nose as he said the last word before smiling and winking at her. Taking a sip of his champagne, he looked around the room, marveling at just how flawlessly the Blacks had pulled off this party. If only he could recruit Andromeda Black to come and work for the family business – she would definitely put a sophisticated spin on the way they did things.

“How are you enjoying the party?” He asked, turning back to the woman in front of him. Alexander looked her over subtly, noting that though she looked uncomfortable (and had good reason to, for the fact that so many people still eyed her scornfully), she had dressed perfectly for the event. 

Heat flushed her cheeks at his words. Never in her life had anyone regarded her as ‘lovely’ to have been met. No one had ever spoken to her he way he was. Sybill felt her cheeks warm even more as he winked at her. A small laugh escaped her at the comment about the Prophet. It was fairly well known that she was not in kind regard to most around her. It was also known that she had been fired from the Prophet. Though every time she heard the name (or thought it) she winced. It was almost too ironic for her and she was grateful she was out of that. “It’s too ironic for me to work there anyways,” she said with a laugh, stating her thoughts. Sybill followed his eyes. Taking in the extravagant decor and listened the to the gossiping of the people around her.

The woman’s face seemed familiar, but Emma couldn’t place her. Looking over, she wondered what made the other woman’s face look like someone had died. She supposed someone had. “Are you… Alright?” she asked. “Need something stronger than coffee?”

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Alexander had just finished his second glass of champagne when the crowd nearest him began to shift, a whisper running through them. Curious, he looked around to see what the source of the drama was, and his eyes landed on Sybill Trelawney. He had heard all of the rumors, of course – that she had shared a prophecy declaring that James Potter would be the salvation of the wizarding world in the midst of this conflict. And he also knew that following Potter’s death, life hadn’t been too kind to her. 

But now Sybill was a member of the press, and Alexander was never one to make enemies with the press. It was far better for him to have a good working relationship with them for the sake of his family’s company, so he knew that kindness was a far better approach than scorn. With this in mind, Alexander made his way towards her, calling out her name.

When she turned, he gave her a wide smile, putting out his hand to introduce himself. “I’m Alexander McKinnon, I’ve done some work with Rita for the Phoenix,” he said by way of introduction. “I heard that you’re her newest employee.” 

Sybill blinked and suddenly there he stood. McKinnon--she knew that name from somewhere just couldn’t place it. Pushing the unease she felt from the name given to the back of her mind, she smiled. Glad to have someone here that wasn’t whispering about her or avoiding her. No one wanted to associate with the weird girl who had the vision about the guy who died. No one wanted to associate with the girl who “lied” about the guy who died. Sybill nodded in acknowledgment. A polite smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. So he did work for Rita before. Of course there would be others who knew her through her job. She was the press after all. Working with the Prophet should have taught her that.

“Sybill!” Rita called out and waved with her third glass of champagne that night. She was honestly shocked to see Sybill here, she never specifically told her that she had to be here - Rita covering the event was more than enough. Rita made her way through the ballroom over to the terrified being standing there in shock. She grab a glass from a waiter that happened to be walking by to give to Sybill. 

“Sybill! Sweet little duck, what are you doing here?” Rita handed the drink to her. “Here, drink sweetie. It’ll make you feel better.” Rita bit the inside of her cheek as she looked at Sybill, she was beautiful. absolutely stunning tonight. “You look beautiful tonight.” Rita grabbed Sybill’s hand and squeezed. She let a little smile appear on her face.  

Sybill was uncomfortable as it was. Let alone the fact that her boss was now rushing towards her. She was never comfortable around Rita by herself. Getting a job there was a lick of luck. At least it was according to her gram. But in her eyes? It was out of pity. Pity that led her to a job she needed but pity nonetheless. Sybill hated that she needed that. She hated that she was such an outcast now. Granted she had been before but even more so now. Whispers followed her wherever she went and with a deep sigh she accepted Rita’s attention. Though she could smell the alcohol on her breath.

where: Lestrange Fundraiser, Black manor

Sybill had not planned on going to this fundraiser. She was planning on staying home with her cat. Knowing that the Daily Prophet was covering the event made her stomach churn After her vision had gone south they had let her go and Sybill was at a low that she hadn’t known existed. Losing her mother had been her lowest point but in losing her mother she had gained her gram. Someone who knew what it was like to be different. It was her gram who had made the dress that she wore. It was her gram who made sure that her curls were perfectly in place before she left the house and it was her gram who held Ambrosia as she walked out the door.

As she entered the Black manor, Sybill felt a waft of cold air and a shiver ran down her spine. She knew that Rita would be attending. Though whether it was for business or pleasure she didn’t know. Sybill didn’t know much about the Blacks. Though what she did know was that they were a powerful family and that they terrified her to her very soul. She stood in front of the doors, hands latched together. This was not the place for her to be. But Rita said that they needed to be there and to be on their best behavior. Not that she ever had a problem with her.

Sybill Trelawney-->Lestrange Political Fundraiser

“Nature hath framed strange fellows in her time.”

Hearing Sybill’s voice, she couldn’t help but turn around and give her a soft smile. In all of the business of the last couple weeks, Lily hadn’t seen Sybill at all. She knew that a good part of the Order blamed her in some way - or at the very least believed her to be a fraud, but Lily - she struggled with that. Sybill had been honest when she had given them the prophecy ‘It isn’t specific and it is always subject to change’, and those words hadn’t left Lily. Yes, James was supposed to be the savior, but maybe he still was. Maybe, and Lily knew full well it could be wishful thinking, or a way to calm her grief, but maybe his death was the catalyst - the tides changing in the war for their favor. Lily had to hold onto that, and the last thing she wanted to do was put the blame on Sybill. Despite her warnings, people were clearly doing enough of that. Lily couldn’t help it, she pulled the other girl into a hug. “I know - I’ve been so caught up. I’m sorry. Thank you, Sybill, but you don’t have to apologize for anything. Your condolences are more than enough. How are you doing with - well with everything? Is there anything I can do to help?” she asked. 

    He remembers it being… larger. (There’s a dirty joke toying at the back of his mind now, but he pushes the thought down even as a small smile tugs at the left corner of his lips.) The last time he had stepped foot inside of Flourish and Blotts was the August of 2007, the beginning of the end of his seven golden years at Hogwarts. He remembers purchasing the books he’d never read, quills that went unused, scrolls of parchment left in donation in the Gryffindor Common Room at the conclusion of the year. It brings a wistful smile to his lips as he browses the shelves, pondering which of his friends would crack the joke, I didn’t know you could read, Art!

    ( Alice. Definitely Alice. )

    And so, he finds himself inside of the bookstore of his childhood, not exactly sure what he’s looking for. All Arthur knows is that he needs something to prop open on his desk at the Ministry, to make it look like he’s at least trying to do work. In his distraction, he stands directly in between the shelves as his eyes peruse the titles, words swimming together as his mind wanders elsewhere. Arthur jumps as he feels another body collide into his, and he’s already opened his mouth to apologize, but the young woman beats him to it. As he hears her stammered apology and takes in her averted eyes, he shakes his head. “Don’t even worry about it, it’s my fault for standing here like an idiot,” he assures her, taking a step back and to the side as he offered up a kind smile. “Honestly, thank you for distracting me from looking at this garbage, uh–” His hand quickly grabs the first book off the shelf at random, as he almost desperately tries to set her at ease. “–Divination Basics for the Beginning Novice. Divination - complete bullshit, right?”

Sybill had known that going to brush up on her skills was a bad idea. She knew that there were skeptics around. Especially after everything that had happened. She just hadn’t accounted for the fact that there was good chance that she would run into one. Sybill was different. She always had been since she was young. It wasn’t anything new to her. Keeping her head down she shifted. Her curls falling in front of her face to mask the discomfort that clearly wrote across her face. She never was any good at hiding her emotions. Always wearing them plainly across her face. It had only been a few seconds that passed though it felt like hours before she finally looked up from her shoes. Pretending they were more interesting only worked for so long.

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