𝑷𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑬𝑵𝑻, UNAFRAID OF 𝐓𝐎𝐈𝐋.

*✧ - with: @badgepuff

Gently, Andromeda pooled the liquid into her cup, keeping her focus on the bowl as best she could, trying not to ruin the table cloth underneath that would have no doubt been expensive. “Just like my family.” She replied almost reflexively, stunned the words had come out of her mouth as quickly as they had done. Looking to Ted she blinked once then cracked a smile. “I like it, but it tastes better with a bittle of giggle water in it.” Expertly, Andromeda picked up one of the tall glass bottles and topped up her glass before passing it towards Ted on the table. “Makes it a bit sweeter I find, plus the little titter you get after sipping it always makes it worth it.” It had been an experiment Adrasteia had been conducting at Hogwarts that had given her the idea to start using it in the Black family’s famed cocktail, a favourite secret addition of her’s and her best friend’s at events. 

It was strange seeing Ted at events such as these. Andromeda was always happy to see him but he felt odd here, a piece of a puzzle that didn’t fit or a little bird she longed to open a window to allow to fly free. Ted Tonks was too pure to be around the people in this room, she was only glad he had company to stop him from drowning amongst them. “Yes I’ve been reading. It’s terrible, poor man. I’m only glad the flowers reached him and far more from what I’ve been reading. Work has been busy as you might imagine, I’ve barley come up for air since that night, I’ve essentially been cut off from the rest of the world.” The tension between them was an odd one, as if they were forbidden from even looking at one another let alone touching. Andromeda had never been ashamed to be around Ted, though it felt as though he was perhaps now concious of being around her. 

“Would you like to go outside?” Andromeda asked suddenly. “I could do with a cigarette and a break from all this.”

Just like my family. That came unexpectedly to Ted. His head shot up in a shocked stupor. Speechless, his jaw fell slack, and any counter he could’ve envisioned never came to fruition. He could only offer a lopsided smile in response. It seemed her astonishment was as clear as his, maybe even more so, but neither of them dwelled on it for long. Ted was glad of it. He followed her word, inquisitive eyes watching as she poured a fresh addition into the cocktail medley. Still holding his own close, Ted accepted the drink. He took a deliberately large sip, sampling the flavour like he had done before, only this time he discovered something much sweeter, just as she said. It lessened the severity of its bitter aftertaste, therefore allowing for a better enjoyment altogether. He would make a note of that for the next event he had to attend. Never too fond of giggle water, he wouldn’t have thought to add it. Though, he’d be the first to admit there were never much that needed added to, especially where his choice of beverage was concerned. “It’s good.” Ted affirmed. He opened his mouth to speak then, but a trickle of laughter escaped instead. “It’s- it’s fantastic. Y’ might’uve jus’ saved my nigh’.” He set the glass down on the table, offering it back to her. “Not sure I can be done wi’ all th’ gigglin’, mind y’. I migh’ be at risk of seemin’ unprofessional. ” He added playfully.

The support for Benjy warmed Ted’s heart. People had been giving their condolences since the night happened, more and more coming forward as time went on. In a way, he was even more thankful for it, because it had meant that everything else had been forgotten. Mostly. And there was no part of Ted that wanted to relive that night more than he already did. Not when he still felt the pain beneath his fingernails. Not when he swore that every time he looked down in the shower, it was still circling down the drain. He remembered enough for everyone else. “Yeah, I know 'ow tha’ feels.” He sympathized, his head hanging low in thought. But at least they were working toward something. Doing good. At the end of the day, that’s what made it worth it. “Comes wi’ th’ job, don’t it? Jus’ one’uve th’ things we ‘ave t’ live wi’.”

He felt a sudden pang in his chest. While usually he wouldn’t hesitate in giving his answer, things were different. Ted had become more aware of the impact their relationship had. It was a frightening realization that there was something deeper to it. Something he’d been willingly blind to. Something bigger than the both of them. It plagued him and his thoughts. Now, especially now, there was a significant risk of them being seen together. He couldn’t challenge that, no matter how much he wanted to. Wanting nothing more than to take a walk outside with Andromeda. Just talking. Being in her company. Away from everything and everyone. He knew it wasn’t as simple as that. It couldn’t be. With a deep sorrow behind his eyes, Ted finally looked to her and smiled. A dismal, pained smile. “I don’t think tha’ would be a good idea.”

Eva’s fingers fiddled with the edge of the lace table cover that cladded the table. Listening to the man’s statement with a nod, she resonated with how he felt. Evangeline didn’t recognise the younger man from any of the pureblood dinners or galas that she was forced to attend by her family. Either this was one of his first events or he wasn’t from a similar background. Either way, Eva agreed with a small smile. “It isn’t for me either…much to my family’s disappointment.” Glancing around the room before taking a sip of her drink. “Frankly, I’d like to hear about how many of these engagements actually work.” 

That remark had earned a genuine smile. Light-hearted and full of amusement. Just what he needed in that moment, whether she knew it or not. Ted wasn’t all too familiar with how things worked in Pureblood households when it came to separation. He always thought it would be frowned upon, much like someone of his background marrying into a sacred family. It would be shameful. “Now tha’ is somethin’ I can drink t’.” He told her with a raise of his glass, the last few drops settled at the bottom of it. He downed the remainder, giving the woman a smile as he lowered his glass. “I think my mum would ‘ave a righ’ ball wi’ this lot if she were ‘ere. Jus’ in a much less... archaic sense, I suppose. But she’s eager all th’ same. Guess it’s in all parents t’ want their young ‘ens married an’ expectin’.”

with: @badgepuff​

She felt like a ghost. Moving around the halls unseen. But Andromeda Black was never quite unseen, not in the way she would prefer anyway. Her pale dress added to the illusion she had created in her head, the quiet rustling of her gown the perfect soundtrack as she walked. Andromeda longed invisability amongst all else, to be left alone to live her life freely and in peace, though the events of the past few weeks had shown her that many in the wizarding world also craved that in differnt ways. To be left alone but to be seen as she was. Ted Tonks always looked dashing at these events and despite every whisper or loud voice in her ear teeling her she was not meant to see people like him she always did. The slight uneveness of his smile, how he always had at least one eye on the room though he would divert his gaze when it all became too much. Andromeda Black saw him for him and it was a terrible pity that no one else did. 

A sudden bravery washed over her as though she was truly invisable, or perhaps simply someone who no longer cared about what her visability meant to her. It started with a slow walk across the room with the punch bowl in sight, then a hand on one of the crystal glasses, another on the ladle then came his voice. The sing-song melody she’d missed hearing whilst she’d been drown in work. “I think it’s something with rose undertones.” Andromeda replied with a warm smile, looking up briefly from the bowl. “My mother is fond of anything like this and as one of the chairs I’d imagine she had a hand in the drinks list.” The smile she wore as she spoke was completely natural and was reserved simply for him though she didn’t know that quite yet. “How are you?” She asked, ladling the drink into her cup. “I’ve seen your name a few times in the paper, Elias seems to have kept you very busy.”

Rose... that could be it, he thought. Ted brought the glass to his lips and took a generous mouthful, savouring it’s taste as it settled on his tongue. The floral notes became more apparent as he mulled it over. It was something he had only ever had experience with in his mother’s Turkish delight, or his grandmothers aged wines he would sample at festive dinners. It was not common for him to come across. That had explained it’s disconnect to anything remotely familiar. Then came the underlying flavour, strong and pungently. His expression contorted in a brief lapse of distaste as he swallowed it down. “Bitter an’ all.” He acknowledged. He could believe a family such as The Black’s would enjoy a beverage of such nature. Something only sweet on the surface. But not Andromeda. Her tastes always seemed worlds away. 

He stood holding the drink close to his chest, his eyes gazing down into his glass before glancing her way, so briefly that anyone could’ve missed it. A growing tension hung in the air, and it felt near impossible to not notice. No one could be staring, yet that’s precisely how it felt. Like the whole room had it’s eyes on him. “Yeah, good. Good. Y’know, considerin’.” Elias had been working him dry, and Benjy’s condition was changing every minute, it seemed. He was running circles around loose ends, grasping at whatever he could find. “He does. Been glad’uve it, though. It’s nice t’ keep busy.” He gave a quaint, tight-lipped smile. Ted avoided her gaze. Looking at her would be looking at the sun. It would blind him to his surroundings. Make him forget where he is. “An’ y? It’s gotta be ‘ectic ‘round th’ office. ‘ad any new breaks in cases?”

      her cousin’s arrival had been a highly anticipated one,   not only in celia’s own eyes but those of her father too.   only…   in typical augustus fashion,   it was scarcely the look the abbott patriach wanted to see from a young gentleman sporting their family’s name.   if the disgruntled expression he wore hadn’t given him away already,   his daughter could certainly tell as much in the way his thoughts flared with motions of distress  &  displeasure.   he wasn’t the only one.   similar sentiments found in other sacred twenty eight members dotted about the ballroom…   ted’s amusement quite the shining beacon amongst the disgust.   smiling brightly,   cecelia’s quick to shake her head,   the shock something she’d found to be quite habitual when dealing with gus,   ❛   no…   no,   i  hadn’t  a  clue  what  he  had  up  his  sleeve.   or…  lack  thereof.   but  he’s  definitely  made  an  impression!   ❜   she proclaims,   uncertain herself if it was entirely the right impression but there was no denying the sheer brilliance of the look.   pictures would have been just as brilliant.   ❛   he  and  sersh  certainly  look  quite  the  pair.   ❜   the healer adds,   cocking her head of honeycomb curls towards the irish witch in question,   dressed up as she is in her pastel pink suit.   the pair evidently on a quest to subvert expectations.

WHO: TED TONKS WHERE: BALLROOM OF EAST INDIA HOUSE

✩•̩̩͙*˚＊˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊*•̩̩͙✩ @badgepuff​ ✩•̩̩͙*˚＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊˚*•̩̩͙✩

“Is it sad wanting to get a picture on your own ??   Usually I’d call my friends over but I’m guessing they’re busy with boys or something…”   Doe immediately shook her head, hoping those thoughts would leave her mind quickly and quietly.   “I mean they can do them, and I’ll just drink and dance my night away.   Sounds good enough for me.”   Doe was finding her own upsides and spent most of her time doing so.   It was awkward when your only hype gal happened to be someone you wished looked at you differently but Doe had accepted that it wasn’t going to happen no matter how much that idea hurt.   “I just thought there’d be a little self love to go around and this dress wasn’t exactly cheap.”

“Ain’t no shame in tha’, love. Don’t let anyone tell yer otherwise.” He assured. During his time as a photographer, Ted had met a variety of people ranging from vain, self-absorbed narcissists to demure, humble folk that lacked a certain gleam in their eye that he liked helping them find. And then there were those in-between, and there was no shame in that. Quite the opposite. Confidence was one thing, but vanity was another entirely. “Don’t ‘alf leave a dent in y’ pocket, these things, don’t they? Y’ look great. For whatever it’s worth.”

He made a point of avoiding Andromeda the second he stepped foot into the establishment. Knowing what he was walking into, he couldn’t imagine being seen with him would do her any favours. In fact, that’s precisely what he thought himself to be doing, a favour. Narcissa had sought him out after the misunderstanding in the paper, and that had been the result of a humble conversation. There was no scenario that he could imagine would benefit from him being in the picture. Not at a grand event such as the Summer Solstice, where his attendance was considered taboo from the very beginning. Given how concerned Narcissa had been, he could only assume the great importance of such a ball. He did not want to jeopardize anything for her, despite how much he loathed the underlying nature of the event.

The moment that the Summer Solstice Ball had been announced, Emilia had known that she would be in attendance regardless of whether the Prophet wanted her there. It was the perfect place to get information on the Pureblood elite, and if the last ball was anything to go by, she was sure that there would be plenty of scandal to write about. She didn’t love the idea of going back to writing about petty scandals but all journalists had to start somewhere, and if she got another chance to be on the front page, well it would have been worth it then. And if she could get information that not even Rita had, well Emilia knew what she would do with it. 

Perhaps she had been too ambitious to try to get a comment out of Rosalie Flint to start the night off with, but Emilia was ambitious. And perhaps a little bit over her head, but she would never actually admit that to anybody. The look that she gave her before sweeping off into the crowd could have made anyone cry, but Emilia was used to it. Years as a muggle-born in Slytherin had steeled her for the rejections that came with journalism, that was for certain. Sighing, she glanced around, hoping to find someone else that would be more willing to be interviewed. But when she heard a familiar voice behind her, she smiled and turned to face Ted. “I didn’t realize who it was before I spoke,” Emilia admitted sheepishly with a shrug. “But it was worth a try. Next time I should look who it is before going for it, I suppose.” She nodded her head. “I remember her from Hogwarts, not the friendliest sort,” Emilia agreed. Nodding towards the second glass of wine she smirked. “I hope that’s for me,” she said. “Enjoying your evening, Ted?” She questioned. 

“That’ were one way t’ put it.” Ted commented. He had his sympathy for Rosalie, of course, after the tremendous amount she had endured with her disappearance and the media circling her like a vulture. It would make sense that she wouldn’t be the most cooperative with a member of the Prophet. She had probably dealt with a heinous amount of them by now... Ted included. A very cold individual, he recalled, but someone he took great care in respecting within the circumstance. “Well, of course. Y’ looked like y’ needed it.” He held out a glass to Emilia, giving her a playful nudge with his shoulder.

They worked in opposite fields at the Prophet, both investigative in their own way, and Ted couldn’t say he agreed with her work entirely, but he couldn’t base his judgements on that. “I’ve ‘ad worse nights, an’ I’ve ‘ad better, too. I can’t say yet. Th’ nigh’ is still young.” Full of promise. Perfectly balanced, not tipping the scales one way or the other. He hoped for the best. “An’ y’? ‘ad a bit’uve luck wit’ any of th’ other guests?”

where: east india house

who: fabian and @badgepuff

It was a bit of a surprise to find Ted here without a camera at the ready, but Fabian was happy to see his friend all the same. At the same time, he was a little impressed. He wouldn’t have blamed Ted for not coming to the event at all, considering its not so subtle emphasis on the so-called importance of purity. Still, the best possible way to tell those running the event to eat dung was to show up as a muggle born who didn’t give a damn about blood purity. “All right, Ted?” he greeted with a grin, not wanting to interrupt if his friend had other things to be doing at this event. It wouldn’t surprise him if Ted had some ulterior motive for being here.

It had occurred to Fabian on more than one occasion that Ted would be a good fit for the Order. Still, he hadn’t tried to recruit him just yet, simply because he knew Amelia was against the Order, and he didn’t want to be the cause of a row that, as of yet, wasn’t completely necessary. The Order already had plenty of support, after all, and Ted was two years younger than him. If he went out of his way and asked Fabian about it, that would be one thing. But for now, perhaps ignorance was bliss. Perhaps there was less of a target on his back as a muggle born if he was simply neutral. Protecting those closest to him was ultimately Fabian’s number one priority. Over work, over everything.

There wasn’t anything worth documenting in Ted’s opinion. If Elias had anything to say about it, they would deal with that later. No doubt Adrian would be there to hear it and worm his way into Elias’ good books. But Ted wasn’t concerned. It had been a statement above all. He had grown tired of publicising the meaningless endeavours of those favouring blood purity and traditions that aged like spoiled milk, regardless of the cost. Although, there was a part of him that wished he’d decided against it, after catching sight of the wide-eyed expressions of those around him when his friends made their entrance. That was priceless. He would be sure to remember it.

The grin Ted had worn only grew when greeted by one of his best friends. Maybe, he thought, the night couldn’t be so bad. Ted threw an arm around him, being careful not to spill the drink in his hand as he did. “‘iya, lad. No date tonigh’?” He asked, half-teasing and mostly curious. 

who: @badgepuff​

where : the ballroom of east india house

Evangeline hadn’t been excited for the evening ahead of her. Her parents seemed dead-set on organising a matches for her. Assumingly, the news of Evangeline running off to France and having her own relationship was too much for Harrelson and Saffron Selwyn to handle.  Ever since, they had been discussing ways for Evangeline to broaden her horizons in hopes of finding a good match.  Motivations which were only worsened with news of the Pura Sorores Ball. An announcement which saw her mother grab Eva by the hand and drag her to the nearest dress shop. 

Despite their best efforts, not even the fanciest of dresses could push Evangeline to seek a match. Sitting at one of the free tables, Evangeline rested her chin in her hand. Her eyes glancing over the dance floor. Looking for at least one familiar face to fill her hours with conversation. Eva was coming up empty until she felt the presence of someone else beside her, a man. He looked a few years younger than her. “Evening,” Eva smiled politely, taking a sip of her daisyroot draught. “Not having much luck in the match department?” 

It wasn’t one of the easiest situations to navigate. There was nothing at a ball this grand for the likes of him, and he wasn’t blind to it. He hadn’t known the extent of it’s severity, but there had been word going around for weeks prior that couldn’t go amiss. It became very clear the type of setting he was getting involved in, and Ted wasn’t all that thrilled. He had been keeping an eye out for acquaintances, friends. Anyone that could make the evening the slightest bit more bearable. But with every turn, he was grateful not to have found Emma. He couldn’t be sure if it was out of avoidance, embarrassment, or the deep rooted worry that she might appear on the arm of someone else.

He had slipped out of the grasp of an elderly woman, kindly making conversation with him by the bar before further adding that her granddaughter would be charmed to meet him. Thankfully, he evaded her as she disappeared into the crowd to find her. He went the opposite direction, sitting down at the first table he found with a sigh of relief and large gulp of his drink. “Nah, ‘s not tha’. It’s jus’- this... this ain’t fer me. I don’t reckon I’m made fer an occasion like this ‘en.” Ted admitted with an awkward grin. “Wha’ abou’ y’?”

Where: East India House ballroom Date: June 21st, 1983 Open

This wasn’t the first ball that Emilia had attended but she didn’t think that she would ever get used to the absolute excess that surrounded her. A woman in a flowing ballgown passed by her corner and Emilia didn’t doubt that she probably spent more on her dress than Emilia’s family spent in a year on their rent. She felt slightly breathless and out of place, much like she used to feel at Hogwarts among the Purebloods of her house. She reminded herself that she needed to get over herself, that she was here for the Prophet, and she was hoping to find something that would land her on the front page of the Prophet again. She was worried of her spotlight fading since she hadn’t been able to recreate that article since it came out. But she was Emilia Grey and she was determined to do it again, no matter what it took. Perhaps Cornelius would have a bit of information, she was sure that he was here somewhere. 

Plunging herself into the crowd, notepad and muggle pen in hand (she was sure the powers that be would be rather upset but pen’s were just so much more useful than a quill for an event like this), she stopped the first person she saw. “Hi! I’m Emilia Grey with the Daily Prophet and you look stunning. Would you like to comment on the evening?”

It was with great chagrin that Ted Tonks found himself within the walls of the East India House, maneuvering through the crowd of elegant gowns and impeccably refined robes. His superiors at the Prophet had given him no input in the matter of attendance, believing it a mandatory endeavour under the guise of growing suspicions, that of which Ted would follow-up on should anything go awry. He recognized their intentions, and perhaps that was the meaning behind the unspoken enticement drawing him toward the ball, an abiding wariness after all that had entailed when he was not there. He did not want to be absent again.

Ted was not in the celebratory spirit. A flute of delicate wine and a wave from acquaintances could not distract from it, but eventually, he acknowledged that he would have to converse with the guests. It was the polite thing to do, the right thing. The choice to take part reconciled him with an old friend from Hogwarts and they spoke amongst themselves for a good while until he heard the unmistakable chime of Emilia Grey’s voice nearing from behind them. He glanced around to witness her receiving an unsavoury glare from Rosalie Flint that read like something had greatly scorned her before she gracefully walked off into the crowd. It was an ambitious feat to attempt, even for the likes of Emilia. He had to give her his respect for trying. “Fat lot’uve good tha’ were goin’ t’ get yer.” Ted announced himself, approaching her with two fresh glasses of wine. “I wouldn’t take it personally. She ain’t th’ easiest’uve folk t’ get somethin’ out’uve. I’d say yer lucky she even gave y’ a glance.”

Augustus had met up with Edgar in the Fountain of Fair Fortune before returning home to their flat. With Edgar a tad worse for wear, they had both missed Charity’s speech and the subsequent attack on Benjy Fenwick. News that Augustus had found out from the next day’s daily prophet. A soft smile on his features as Ted entered Concordia, away from the bustle of Carkitt Market, which had been buzzing with aurors since the attack.  “I have a feeling he’ll pull through,’ Gus nodded, with an uneasy sigh.  It was more wishful thinking than actual certainty. “He has too, it’s Benjy.” @badgepuff​

“I jus’ don’t get it.” Ted admitted, leaning back against the nearest wall, all the while being mindful of their surroundings. He could never be too cautious. “Everythin’ were goin’ alrigh’.” At least, that’s what he thought. But reflecting on it, he realized that was naïve to think. It was the thinking that could cost him. “There were all kinds’uve stuff goin’ on tha’ shouldn’t ‘ave been, sure, but I-... it weren’t no more than wha’ us lot are used t’. An’ now they’re sayin’ it were a vampire attack an’ all?” He sighed. “Why would someone be out fer Benjy when all he were tryin’ t’ do were fight for ‘em?”

-

At Ted’s nod, Daisy led the way into the kitchen where she motioned to the sink. “Go on and lean your head over.” She instructed as she conjured a washcloth. She was concerned by Ted’s distant attitude. He was not usually like this, and while she had expected him to be upset, she hadn’t expected him to seem so defeated by it. She didn’t know what she could do that would help, and she wasn’t sure if he could tell her if she asked. All she knew to do was continue to love and support him as she always had, and hope that was enough.

As she wet her washcloth with warm water, Daisy continued their conversation. “Just because you’ve dealt with it before doesn’t mean it’s right. You’re still allowed to be upset, it shouldn’t have happened.” Daisy herself was angry, both that it had happened in the first place and that Ted had put himself in a position where such a thing could happen. Of course blood purity shouldn’t be such a controversial topic, but they lived in a world where it was.

@badgepuff​

He trailed behind Daisy until they reached the kitchen. Ted only leaned against the countertop at first, watching as she conjured the washcloth as his hands laid on the edge of the sink. Then he lowered his head to be over it, assuring no water could spill. Even with Mary bringing him home, and all of their help, there was no washing away what he had been through. He could scrub until his skin was raw. It wouldn’t be any different with Daisy.

He wasn’t going to oppose her kindness. He was thankful for it.

But unlike Mary, she didn’t understand what it had all truly meant.

“Do y’ think I don’t know tha’?” It was frustrating. And despite his exhaustion, he had felt it building up since Mary had brought him home. It became more prevalent as the shock wore off. His jaw tensed as he glanced down.

“I don’t need yer permission t’ be upset.”

Letting Ted go home without her after the march had been excruciating for Amelia, and she’d only allowed it because she felt the unbearable urge to check on Edgar too and knowing that her best friend was safe at home helped with that. She’d also been able to recognize that her frantic and worried anger wasn’t what he’d needed after what had happened to him. So she’d done her best to calm down on her own time, or at least compartmentalize her anger and hide it in a box that Ted wouldn’t have to face. She wanted to be a haven for him, a source of calm and comfort. She wanted to be better than the ‘I told you so’s and ‘why would you risk it’s bubbling under her skin.

As soon as she’d felt like she could be the friend he needed her to be, she’d headed to his flat with takeaway, her only expectation being to be there for him and a presence to ease his lonely day, whether or not he’d want to talk about any of it. “Ted. I brought food,” she said with a weak smile, holding up the plastic bags between them. @badgepuff​

He glanced between Amelia and the bags of food. After the previous night, he hadn’t touched a full meal. It was only the occasional snack, and even that hardly made a dent in his poor appetite. The familiar scent had made that lingering hunger obvious. She showed up at just the right time. Ted nodded his head in the kitchen's direction, motioning for Amelia to follow as he went and plucked some cutlery from the drawer. He wanted to talk, just not there. Not in front of everyone else. Privacy with Amelia was what he needed, above all.

“Come on,” Ted began palely. “We can eat in my room. I’ll even let y’ ‘ave th’ bed if y’ promise not t’ get any food on it.” He managed a weak smile, wanting to show his gratitude for her efforts. It meant a lot. She always walked into his life right when he needed her most.