amelia bones

Jae quirked an eyebrow, admittedly a bit annoyed she hadn’t taken the bait and entertained him. “I thought you would have had a date is all, then again you also do seem rather independent,” he sipped at his drink. “Hm I suppose you’re correct but Ms. Bones, I believe the matchmaking would belong to that of the purebloods who want their children to be matched with the same caliber,” Jae looked her up and down, the suit was a nice touch and wasn’t surprised Amelia had chosen to come in one rather than a dress. “Something I’m sure you’re happy about, since I assume you’d want a choice in who you marry,” something Jae was happy he had a choice in as well, though now that he was older he assumed that would be changing as well.

@jaemulciber​

It always made Amelia laugh when the younger generations of old pureblood families tried to pretend like they understood the world around them and wanted to venture into popular wizarding culture, trying to seem relatable. You could always tell how clueless they actually were about real life, their movements awkward and their phrasing unnecessarily haughty. In this case, she simply laughed it off. “You’re speaking as if my goal itself is to marry someone, and the only leniency I’ll be afforded is in getting to choose who that will be,” she said with a quirked brow, unsure as to why she was joking around with someone who would surely be doing her head in by Monday morning. “Perhaps I am planning on remaining dateless and spouseless for a while longer.” She had a few more bity remarks up her sleeve, but suddenly remembering from the depths of her mind that he was a widower, she thought it best to stop herself there lest she become the villain of the two by being as mean as people like him probably thought was normal. 

With the Ministry still on the hunt for Silas Crump and Benjy Fenwick’s attacker, Bella knew that with her connections to both matters she needed to stay on alert. She didn’t think she would be discovered quickly as she did her best not to leave any traces but one can never be sure. And no doubt those who were investigating the cases were here tonight expecting something to go wrong, all eyes pinned all on the purists unfortunately. Many things could go wrong but the brunette was going to make sure it wouldn’t be happening because of her. Raised eyebrows met the snarky remark that fell out of Amelia’s mouth, a bit surprised based on how polite she had been previously, “If you’re under the impression this party was thrown with just a wave of a hand, you’d be heavily mistaken.” She replied, truly she never was sure what went into the planning the solstice ball but she knew from avoiding Brideswater Manor at this time of year, that her mother, aunt, and Narcissa spent months deciding every little detail to the party themselves. Someone who would have that much patience and creativity to put together a whole event just for one night was surely talented enough to her.

@wickedbellax​

“Oh, of course not. It does take a lot of talent to organize a believable distraction for an entire society to look the other way for one night,” she conceded. Granted, she did not actually believe her own words. While something in her bones was telling her that tragedy would most likely strike again tonight, she didn’t believe the ball was a masquerade to a dark plan, or at least not knowingly. It would simply be the perfect opportunity to instill even more terror in the wizarding world. Perhaps it was the optimist in her, but from her earlier conversation with Walburga, Amelia didn’t think that the woman was among those actively working against the Ministry and everything it stood for, despite the reputation of her family name. Nonetheless, she wanted to make sure Bellatrix knew that tonight, all eyes would be on her family and their associates. 

“Well if you do want to join, i’ll give you a fast pass to the front” Alice joked with smile “you’re the only eligible one so far.” Alice knew Amelia wasn’t being serious, she was just the kind of person who rose other people up and made them feel special. It was part of why Alice had gained a crush on her in the first place. That and of course she was absolutely stunning. Alice didn’t quite know why she hadn’t tried to see if there could be anything there between them. Maybe it was just the difference between having a little crush on someone and having actual feelings for them. “Ah thank you” Alice grinned. She had watched a few of the muggle princess movies, they were the kind of happy ending stories that she loved. “I mean so far so good- I think I might have worn Frank out already though- I replaced drinking with dancing and well I thought I should give him a break”  Alice explained, momentarily searching the room for him “in terms of being on duty, not officially but it is the reason i’m not drinking- don’t want a repeat of last time and these days you just never seem to know what’s round the corner”

@alicexyen​​​

Amelia rolled her eyes good-heartedly. She liked how quick to match her tone Alice always was, but sometimes she had trouble deciphering whether or not the other woman was entirely joking. Which was dangerous territory for them both. “Now Miss Wen, be careful what you wish for is all I’ll say,” she answered with a smile. The mention of Frank brought them back to safe territory and Amelia jumped on the opportunity. “Oh, Frank, is it? And how’s that going?” she asked with a grin. Alice already knew this, but if there was one person she would accept to lose Alice to, it was Longbottom. Admittedly, she would never say that to his face. But the time she’d spent with him at Hogwarts and among the Aurors had consistently shown her that he was one of the better people out there. “Any more wearing each other out planned in the near future? I have to admit I would support it entirely.” 

Walburga just laughed, shaking her head. She knew that a lot of their world didn’t appreciate the old traditional ways. She got some of it. Walburga adored a positve, strong, independent woman as much as the next person. In actual fact, she kind of liked the idea that women should rule the world. It was why she was so concerned with making sure that Bellatrix was succesful in being the Dark Lord’s closest aid. Women were going to rule this world. “Mm. Maybe. Maybe not.” She murmured, a little smirk on her lips. “I do love a strong independent woman” Although, she wasn’t sure how much she approved of Amelia. But that was not needed to be vocalised.

“We shall see….” She was certainly hoping it wouldn’t. There had been a risk of opening up to everyone, but if it helped, then she was sure would be worthful. She intedended on reverting back to her old ways for the next ball. She wasn’t going to be ruining any future balls. The brunette smiled as she looked at Amelia. “You’re very welcome” She murmured with a nod. “It’s lovely to have you here” Less of the truth, but that was okay.

@mamablack​

Amelia was admittedly very surprised by Walburga’s tone. While the woman didn’t seem too old-fashioned, she wouldn’t have taken her for a dormant feminist. Her statement certainly clashed with the very ball they were now attending and its initial purpose. “It’s lovely to be here,” she said with a smile, deciding that it was perhaps time to quit while they were ahead and leave their conversation where it was before they found a way to ruin the interaction with an ill-placed word. “I hope you have a wonderful night,” she said with a smile, grabbing a hold of her large skirt and heading towards the music – and the champagne. 

Initially believing that he wanted to remain out in the gardens alone, Augustus was surprised at how comforted he felt by the presence of Amelia Bones. Her company didn’t feel intrusive or judgemental, she was just simply lending an ear.  A much needed one, judging by his negative demeanour. Augustus Abbott had been swept up in the excitement of planning his outfit and seeing his friends this evening, but upon arriving. He couldn’t help the empty feeling that swept him up. Perhaps he should have sat this one out, it probably would’ve been for the best. “Dating a member of the so-called, ‘elite’ hasn’t worked out for me thus far.” Air-quoting his fingers around the word elite. Like they were any better than anyone, but they seemed to get off on thinking they were. A small smile on his face as he shrugged off Amelia’s apology. “That’s true….it seems they are holding all these balls hoping that there’ll be another Booker. Nothing quite says romance like an untimely death.” It wasn’t his usual humour, but he couldn’t help the defeated laugh. Gus knew Booker would have laughed, his late friend always did have a biting wit. “I though it would be entertaining, coming without a date but it’s actually quite underwhelming.” He nodded, before glancing back to Amelia. “Are you at least having a decent evening? You look…wow…” @ameliabcnes· 

@augustusmabbott​

Amelia’s brows shot up, but she tried her best not to react too obviously to the news. There was no reason she would know about his dating history, but between all the friends they had in common and Skeeter’s nosiness, she was surprised that she hadn’t heard about him dating some elite pureblood. “Yeah. I can relate to that,” she answered with a deep sigh, although she wasn’t ready to tell him about Alecto. “I don’t know who you’re talking about or what happened, but if you ever want to talk about it, I’m happy to listen. Whatever happened, I’m sorry you have to go through it.” She made her voice softer. “And most importantly, I hope you’re not blaming yourself for loving someone who didn’t deserve it. It’s never wrong to love and give people a chance.’’ She tried to catch Gus’ eyes. “Even bad people. No one’s all bad, and sometimes you’re the only person who gets to see the good, and I know that’s a lonely place to be. But someone being good only to you is never enough, not in this world, not with everything going on.’’ Realizing she was speaking too much and almost to herself, she shrugged it off. “Sorry. Might not even apply to your situation. Just wanted you to know that whoever they are, it wasn’t wrong to give them a chance. Especially if you managed to hold on to what matters to you instead of getting lost in them.’’ She tried to give him a reassuring smile, slightly embarrassed by her little outburst. 

Even though he hadn’t mentioned it exactly, Amelia remembered that was the guilt was what she’d struggled with the most in the aftermath of the years she spent loving Alecto. While all the other breakup advice applied and was welcome, she would have needed someone to tell her to stop beating herself up for loving someone who thought her friends deserved to die. If Augustus’ pureblood shared purist ideas, she figured he might need to hear it, too.

She snorted at his harsh comment about Booker. It already seemed so far away. Granted, no one had died since Booker, yet so many tragedies had happened. Booker’s death felt like the beginning of the very dark times she was currently drowning in. She blushed at his compliment, looking down at her own dress as if to assess his words. “Thank you. I also came without a date, hoping to have some fun. But I can’t seem to. Too much on my mind, and even champagne isn’t doing the trick.” Another sigh escaped her.

Almost immediately the mans nose screwed up. “Why on earth would you wear muggle attire to such a grand Wizarding event? It’s practically spitting in the face of the hosts,” His features relaxed again after a roll of his eyes. “That’s like saying it’s prejudiced to say a Dragon is more powerful than a Bowtruckle. It’s not prejudice. It’s just facts, Amelia.”

@lxciuss​

Amelia had very much expected this reaction and didn’t let it phase her. She simply smiled. “Then why on earth would you compliment a muggle outfit, Lucius? It’s almost like you couldn’t tell the difference,” she added, looking at her nails with a distracted air. She let out a sigh. “If you really think that waving a wooden stick around to get your tea to make itself makes you more powerful than millions of people who have won countless wars and created entire civilizations, Lucius, then maybe we should rethink our education system after all,” she finished with a quirked brow. “Perspective, and all that.” 

Walburga already knew that this conversation wasn’t going to be the best. Or well, not the best for her evenings. Amelia Bones might have been a talented witch at work, but Walburga didn’t think she was all that great. Certainly not when compared against her nieces. Of course, she wasn’t going to actually say that out loud. She wasn’t in the mood to offend people tonight. Walburga wanted the event to run smoothly. She wasn’t super happy with having to invite all these idiots, but it was good for their image. Only if nothing bad happened, and she was hoping that was how things would go.

“Mm. Maybe.” She mused, a little smirk on her lips. Of course, never for the Black family. They only married purebloods. But she was sure that some of the other families wouldn’t be so against marrying half bloods. “Are you looking to get married Miss Bones?” She mused, still smirking. She figured that the woman didn’t want to get get married, but it wasn’t going to stop her from teasing. “This might be your only opportunity” Because Walburga was certainly going to return to being picky about whom she invited to her events. “But…. I also figured that people could do with a nice distraction after everything that has happened lately.”

@mamablack​

Amelia let out a smile, trying hard to ensure it didn’t turn into a laugh. She had no intention of getting married whatsoever, and somehow she thought Walburga probably knew that. While she’d made the choice of sticking to the pureblood way of doing things, getting married young and staying home carrying the family legacy, one couldn’t be a Black matriarch without being a strong woman. And although they would never be friends, she thought they could both recognize a strong woman when they met one. Still, it was funny to think about the amount of Walburga’s friends’ daughters she’d had in her bed over the years. Sons, too, but somehow Amelia took less pride in that. Men weren’t all that much of an achievement, after all. “You may be right,” she answered almost teasingly. “Perhaps I should quit admiring the decor and start finding myself a husband.” 

Obviously, hoping to go through more than ten minutes of small talk without ‘everything that’s been happening’ being mentioned had been too optimistic, but the woman’s words still made her scowl. “Sure. Hopefully none of it infiltrates this party,” she said neutrally. She didn’t even want to go through the banalities of discussing these past few weeks’ events when she suspected so many of the people close to Walburga Black knew about, were involved in, or at least pleased by some of them. “Anywho. I just wanted to thank you for having me tonight,” she concluded, her polite society tone firmly back in place. 

“Thank you. Fitting color for the summer, I thought.” Gideon had gone more on brand with the pastel theme, from what Fabian had seen in passing. Fabian was certainly not the twin that would even attempt to pull off pink, so it was best left to him. When they got to the bar, Fabian simply told the person working it that he’d have what she was having. “Not bad,” he admitted. “It’s nice when these bigger events are scheduled in advance. Can sort of prepare for how much I’m meant to socialize,” Fabian said. Coming home to an unexpected party at the flat orchestrated by Gideon wasn’t always his favorite thing, but he could usually manage. And if not, well, there was always a room for him to escape to.

“And you?” This was just as much of an invitation to talk about Alecto as much as it was to talk about literally anything else. He could relate, albeit only loosely. He had already caved and asked someone else if they had seen Walden, only to be embarrassed immediately after the fact. It was a fling long over with, and Fabian should know better. Know to leave well enough alone. Still, there was no point dwelling on it. Even though it had happened this evening, technically, it was in the past. Not something that needed to be rehashed. “Oh, and if you’re looking for a dance partner, I bet Gideon I could get through one without stepping on anyone’s toes,” he joked, hoping to lighten the mood a bit more. 

@fabianprcwett​

Always weak for expensive champagne, Amelia asked for two flutes and passed one to her friend. Being there with him was a lot more familiar, and comfortable, territory. Although she’d done most of her getting blackout drunk and partying with Gideon, there was a sense of peace and happiness that always accompanied the time she spent with Fabian. With everything going on inside and out, she was glad to have time with the more understanding twin tonight. “Fair enough,” she admitted. 

As she started drinking, she shrugged, somehow feeling too tired to fake an enthusiastic answer about being glad to have fun. She wasn’t, not really. She felt like she was drowning in work at the Ministry, which was all the more frustrating when all her current cases felt unimportant in the face of what was going on in the wizarding world. She didn’t have as much time as she wished to work on Moody’s assignment and her own investigation. And last time she had, it had led her straight to Alecto which had been a lot harder to cope with than she would have thought for someone she’d broken up with years ago. 

“I would love to dance with you when we’re done with these,” she said with a genuine smile. “I’m okay. A bit overwhelmed, I guess, but you know me.” Indeed, he did; he’d been her friends since even before she was Prefect and Head Girl. He’d known her when she’d come home to her parents divorcing and her mother moving away with every child but her; he’d known her when she’d struggled through Auror training alone, and then through the decision of quitting to start over in another department. And through that entire time, he’d witnesses as she rarely complained, always trying to put a smile on her face and everyone else’s, hoping to be the life of the party, the one people looked up to, the motherly figure her friends came to for comfort and optimism and joy. It was getting harder and harder to be that woman, but she didn’t know how to be any other way. “I’ll get over myself soon enough.” 

It hadn’t taken long for Claudette to regret coming tonight at all. She had never particularly loved these pureblood events, and this one just seemed worse than others. From the society that was hosting it, to the particular colour scheme, the pompous guests and the expensive drinks; it really wasn’t her cup of tea. After quite a few - boring - chats, she decided it was about time to go get herself another drink. She ordered a gin martini and finished it rather quickly, hoping it would make the night a little more bearable. She was just turning away from the bar when she spotted Amelia making her way towards her. She smiled in hello as she came near, leaning into her as she pulled her into a half hug. She gave a tinkling laugh at Amelia’s greeting, just as glad to see someone she could be a lot more relaxed around. “Thank you,” she grinned. “You look beautiful, I love your flowers,” she commented, gesturing to her cheek. “Gladly, I need an excuse to hide from them all too. While we’re here, do you want a drink?” she asked, half nodding towards the bar.

@claudettedelacour​

“Thank you!” Amelia answered with a grin. “I hand-painted them myself, actually.” She blushed slightly at the compliment before casting another look at her own outfit. “The whole thing is muggle,” she explained, giving Claudette a cheeky look as she raised her voice to say the last word, as a middle finger to everything this evening stood for. “Got the dress on the high street, and did my make-up myself. Don’t know how muggles do this every day,” she sighed. “The whole thing was incredibly challenging and took about two hours,” she added with a feigned shudder. “My respect for muggle women never ceases to grow. Anyway,” she continued, realizing from the amount she’d talked that perhaps she didn’t need another drink – not that that would stop her. “Yes, absolutely. If I have to endure this all night, you best believe I’m going to make it worth their money on champagne,” she said with a giggle as they headed towards the bar with their arms linked. “How’s your night been so far?” 

To Bellatrix, the summer solstice ball was normal to her, just another night that she’d have to play the perfect heiress to her parents while watching them attempt to make connections with other families through a marriage contract. Obviously tonight they had to deal with more than just those in the society and it was quite clear that even with the formal invitation and required dress code, people still chose to do their own thing. As she was entering with Dahlia, she had spotted an atrocious orange number that was definitely more of a neon than a pastel. She partially wondered what Druella and Walburga would do about that when they caught sight of it when her thoughts were interrupted by a voice she wasn’t expecting to greet her. “It’s quite remarkable the talent and creativitiy they have,” She nodded, knowing she had made a promise to behave tonight. “I’ll be sure to pass the sentiments along to them.”

@wickedbellax​

Amelia hoped that her face showed the smile she was trying to muster instead of being contorted in the anger that she felt. She’d promised many people that tonight wouldn’t be a repeat of what had happened with Little Lestrange at the march. But she’d underestimated the anger that would fill her whole being at the sight of Bellatrix, her mind immediately taking her back to that dark night, comforting Ted after what had happened to him, while also looking for Edgar and worrying about Benjy. No matter what anyone said, she was glad she’d knocked the Slytherin unconscious, attributed it to a welcome bout of anticipated revenge. “I said they outdid themselves compared to their usual standard. I don’t know that I would go as far as calling throwing a party ‘talent,’” she couldn’t help but answer. Her words were followed with a sigh, at herself, because she’d truly told herself she wouldn’t ruin her own night by engaging with the people who represented everything she spent her days fighting against. 

Alice noticed Amelia dancing away in the middle of the room and smiled at the image. Though Alice wished she felt relaxed enough to let her hair down like that tonight, she was happy to see Amelia having fun. Alice wandered over to her, only to immediately blush at Amelia, as was commonplace these days. She wondered if Amelia would ever not have that effect on her. “Oh stop it” she brushed off the compliment with a smile. “Seven, last time I checked” Alice joked “eight if you count the guy who proposed twice.” Alice knew that she was pretty but she doubted she was the most eligible women in the room, not by a long shot. “Clearly great minds think alike” Alice said gesturing to Amelia’s outfit “figured everybody would go with the gold and well when I saw this dress I just fell in love”

@alicexyen​

Amelia laughed, feeling suddenly glad to have come to the ball in the end. Who was she to complain? Here she was, surrounded by friends, a glass of champagne in her hand, laughing with a beautiful woman. “Well, make it nine, because I’d like to join the queue, if you please,” she said with a grin. She knew that flirting was probably as far as it would ever go with Alice Yen; the woman was too intimidating, too smart, too attractive to risk getting close to. Every one of their conversations brought a kind of apprehension that felt something like standing at the edge of a cliff, with the wind blowing in your back and sharp rocks waiting for you at the bottom. It felt dangerous and important; and Amelia did not have the space to feel this way for anyone else in her life. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t flirt a little bit. “Well, not that you wouldn’t look superb in a bin bag, but I do have to agree with your choice. Very Disney princess-y.” She looked around at the crowd which seemed to be having fun. “How’s the evening going so far? Are you on duty?” she asked, sober attention coming back to her body as she remembered that despite appearances, every Ministry worker was probably tense in apprehension of what would happen tonight. 

His hands continued to fidget around the edges of the book, folding and unfolding the corners as he glanced up at Amelia Bones. His lips twitching with a small smile as she called him out. It was ridiculous. How Gus had taken himself off to sit with a book during such an occasion. Especially after putting so much hard work into his outfit, Gus was hoping the night would be an escape, rather than another night of counting down the minutes until he got home. Maybe a chat with Amelia was just what he needed to perk up his spirits. Setting his book down on the ground, Gus scooted over. Tapping the wall for Amelia to sit. “Ah, what can I say?” Augustus’ eyes glancing forward at the gardens. “I don’t really feel like I want a match made…” His gaze returning to Amelia before quirking an eyebrow. “Now, what brings you out of such a fantastic occasion?” @ameliabcnes

@augustusmabbott​

As she maneuvered herself and her dress on the wall to sit next to him, Amelia couldn’t help but notice that the usual enthusiastic air that enveloped Augustus, the one she’d known him for all these years, seemed to be lacking tonight. His mood seemed to be in sharp contrast with the bright outfits and the noise of laughter carried in the wind. She didn’t say anything, instead adjusting her own tone so that her presence could hopefully be a comfort, if anything. “Is that so?” she asked. She didn’t know much about Augustus’ dating life, but he didn’t look like a cynic to her, so perhaps something was weighing on his heart tonight. “Oh, just thought I’d show up, so I’m already here in case there’s another body-dropping-from-a-balcony situation,” she said curtly. “Sorry,” she caught herself for her crudeness, trying to paint a small smile on her lips. “Why are you here yourself? You know it’s okay to sit this one out if you’d rather be home reading a book... Merlin knows I’d understand, and it’s not like these balls are ever different from one another.” 

An immediate laugh fell from Lucius’ lips as he was greeted with Amelia’s words. “Oh Amelia, like I’d be so naive to let that happen again,” He nodded his head before looking her dress over. “Pain is beauty and beauty is pain,” Lucius waved a hand. “There’s a reason muggle’s never look this good. They’re too weak to bear it.”

@lxciuss​

Amelia was very surprised by his laugh and admittedly positive reaction to her speaking to him, but she didn’t let it phase her short of a slight quirk of her brows. “Muggles are too weak to wear dresses?” she asked dubiously. “It’s funny you should say that considering this entire outfit is straight from the muggle high street. Don’t be so basely prejudiced, Lucius, it doesn’t suit you,” she said with her wave of her hand.