secrets splashed on the news front page

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This was exactly why he never made it a habit of visiting his wife at work. She had a knack for not being in her office, and now he was wandering the halls in the one place he at one time wanted to work. But he was always quick to let his mind wander, and he was more willing to permit it in circumstances where he wasn’t the most comfortable. So, of course he wasn’t paying attention to where he was walking. 

Feeling himself bump into another made him snap out of his haze, eyes blinking as he let out a small sigh. “Sorry–that was my fault. I shouldn’t even be here.”

~

Brigitte had stopped into the Ministry to drop something off for Vincent. He had been in a rush that morning to get to the office and had left some paperwork alone in the office that he had requested she bring. She had only spent a few moments in his office before he was off to a meeting, and she was left alone in his office with a sigh. It was getting rather annoying that he was always so busy. She had hoped that he could join her for lunch.

Walking out of the empty office, she bumped into someone. “Oh no, that was my fault,” Brigitte replied. “Me neither,” she admitted with a conspiratorial smile. 

Lucinda looked off in the direction that Brigitte was pointing, suddenly slightly worried she didn’t actually know and would lead them to the wrong place. She had been there dozens of times, but she didn’t want to make a fool out of herself on the off chance she was wrong. “No, I don’t think its that way, but these streets sometimes feels like they’re charmed to be more confusing. Its like a maze isn’t it? I’m fairly sure its this direction, not out of my way at all.” She lead the way, glad that the path was familiar and letting her doubts melt away. 

“I’m Lucinda.” She recognised the name Brigitte unusual enough that she was sure she must be the woman she’d heard gossip about. “Brigitte, you’re married to Vincent?” She asked, although she was fairly sure on the answer. As far as Lucinda knew the pair had met abroad and married quickly - she imagined it must have been a whirlwind romance. It sounded fantastic. “Congratulations! You must be enjoying the honeymoon period, although, how long as it been now?”

~

Brigitte shrugged her shoulders. “I am sure that you know better than I do,” she agreed. “They do. I have never found such a confusing place,” she admitted. Everything in Paris felt so structured and easy to follow, she didn’t remember having such trouble finding her way around the city. But she hoped that one day she would feel as comfortable here as she did in Paris. It would just take some time. “Well, thank you for rescuing me, I am sure that I would have gotten even more lost if you hadn’t come along.” There was something about this girl that made Brigitte want to take her under her wings. 

“It’s lovely to meet you, Lucinda,” she replied. Her next words confirmed her suspicions that this girl was part of the society that she had married Vincent to get into. She smiled and nodded her head. “That would be me,” she confirmed. “Are you familiar with my husband, then?” Brigitte knew that their marriage had created some shockwaves and she was curious what people had heard about her. She suspected that Vincent’s mother was trying to spread less than great thing about her. “Thank you. It’s been a few months but we’ve been settling in well. I’ve been busy making the estate my own and making it into a home for the both of us.”

“I find that the workout you get from keeping up with three kids really helps you stay fit.” Molly hadn’t quite considered focusing on anything regarding her own figure. She knew there were women who had one kid and struggled to get back into shape, but Charlie was far from an easy child to start with. William came with more excitement and now Percy was learning everything from his older brothers and then some. 

She just wanted to have the help she had when she had Charlie. Her brothers were the best thing in her life next to her sons and husband, but she couldn’t see them. It broke her heart to have a decision made for her, especially when Arthur had hardly ever done that before. “If you ever decide on children just be sure it’s a decision you both want. It’s good to not go into it head first without knowing you’re ready to not sleep for a few years.”

Molly had found herself immune to the sounds that came from upstairs. The small crashes and giggles that only ever got her attention if they sounded larger than normal. “…Rodolphus bought them a train set.” She sighed, hearing it going off above their heads. “Don’t let Rodolphus buy your child gifts unless you can approve them first. He likes to pick the ones that make the most noise.”

Much like an uncle who knew he didn’t have to live with the noise. Upon hearing about the woman’s life, she was a bit impressed by it. She just doubted she’d ever have time to go on a vacation to someplace like Paris. “That sounds like a dream, really. London has it’s perks and charms to it but it’s not as romantic as France. You couldn’t even keep the apartment just for the hell of it?”

Not that she could say much, the house looked like it was magic alone keeping it attached. And, in a way, magic certainly was to thank for that. “Do you still model now? I always wanted to do something but then I had Charlie and it felt like raising him and then with William–well, I just kind of accepted being a Mother as my job.”

~

“Yes, you are probably right,” Brigitte agreed with a smile. She thought of her own mother and how quickly she had bounced back after each child, but she had never been one to take a break after having a baby. Going back to work within days of having one of her siblings had certainly helped, she thought. “I am sure that you keep quite busy with your three. I am glad that you could find time to have me over.”

Brigitte supposed that Vincent would want to have a child at some point, even though they hadn’t spoken of it yet. Most men wanted sons to leave their legacy to and she suspected that Vincent would want a child to pass his last name onto. “That’s a good point. I’m sure that the elves will be a great help whenever we do decide to have children. I think that I would be rather happy with one, especially if he’s a son. Do you find yourself wanting a daughter?” She asked curiously. It was the only reason that she could think of having three children.

Coming from a big family, Brigitte knew that she didn’t want that for herself. She saw the way that each child had run her mother more ragged and she wouldn’t do that. Glancing up at the ceiling at the noise, Molly’s home reminded her of her own home growing up. “Ah yes, noisy toys are the worst,” she said with a laugh. “That was kind of Rodolphus, though, to give your boys a girt. I met him recently, he helped me get out of Diagon Alley, I believe that he’s a friend of my husbands.” 

Brigitte missed Paris. She was sure that Vincent would want to send their child to Hogwarts like he had, but if they did have a daughter perhaps she could convince him that Beauxbatons was a suitable choice. “I am sure that England has its charms, I’m looking forward to seeing them. Vincent’s estate is rather charming, I must say, it’s certainly spacious. I probably could have if I had asked, but it was all a whirlwind. I’m not sure when I will be able to return to Paris and I hated the thought of the apartment being so lonely without myself in it.” 

“I am currently taking a break,” she lied smoothly. “I thought that getting used to a new country and a husband would be too overwhelming to do on top of my modeling. But I am hoping that I can continue it in the new year, perhaps,” she explained. “If I may, you should look for something outside of motherhood. It’s a great thing you are doing, but one day the boys will be grown. Do you have any hobbies?”

-

Lady of the Crabbe Estate, it was a far cry from the Brigitte that Evan seen and danced with in several risqué parties in France. But, it was a smart move, Crabbe had power, and a wife made such a nice accessory in their circles, of course, Evan’s perfect reputation and endless web of connections meant such a thing was hardly a priority for him, thus he could continue to engage in his nights of debauchery (and sadism) quietly. France was an ideal place for such things and to scout new talent, as well as engage in the odd duelling match to boast his profile.

Of course, what sort of perfect gentleman would he be to let the dear Mrs Crabbe venture into their society unprepared? It was an excellent opportunity to foster the woman’s power and, with a few correct moves, his own. He had no designs on the Crabbe estate, nothing so sinister. But here there was a connection to be made and favours to be earned; those were power all in themselves.

Seeing her approach a far less capable stranger in the street, Evan swept in, “Madame Crabbe! Bonjour,” Evan elegantly took the woman’s hand and brought it to his lips, “You recall me, I hope? Monsieur Rosier?” he smiled, all charm as he threaded the woman’s arm through his own and led her down the street, “So naughty of you to wed dear Vincent in secret and not invite me.” he chuckled, “England is far less beautiful than Paris but how are you finding the change?”      

~

Brigitte was shocked to see Evan standing there. Of course she knew that he lived in England, but he spent so much time in Paris that she didn’t expect to see him in Diagon Alley. He had only ever showed up to the risqué parties that she was always so fond of. Her stomach flipped nervously, if anybody in England knew her past than it was Evan. They had partied together enough for him to know her secrets that she didn’t want English society to know. She was doing her best to appear to be the perfect wife to Vincent, and he certainly didn’t know much of her past. 

“Monsieur Rosier!” She greeted with a smile that faltered for only a moment before her sunny smile returned. “I am so glad to see you, I have been telling Vincent that I would like to call on you one of these days,” she lied smoothly, going along with him when he took her arm, glancing up at him. He was certainly handsome and if she hadn’t married Vincent than perhaps she would have approached him. But she was rather glad that she had married Vincent.

~

“Oh, Xenny prefers his space untouched. I was only allowed to put one photo in there and even then he didn’t see why when the rest of the house has them.” She shrugged, but Pandora was quite persuasive when it came to Xenophilius. It was just obvious that the man had stress and worked better in a room that was more catered to his own liking. “I suppose our husbands are just very work-oriented, hm?” 

It was a bit amusing, really, and a bit of a relief to know Xenophilius wasn’t alone in how he reacted towards things. She’d even go as far as to offer they meet but Pandora was certain her husband would fight against it. Especially given Vincent worked for the Ministry, and Xenophilius had been declined his request to work there. All for the best, really. It led to her husband making the Quibbler, after all.

“I’m so glad that you are finding people friendly! It’ll get a bit easier, darling, it always gets to be overwhelming in a new home. But I am glad that you aren’t feeling like an outcast, I would feel awful if you did.” Pandora was quite familiar with other countries, and travelled as a child to them. It was a lovely experience, and she hoped she’d be able to offer it to her own children one day. 

“Well, given our husbands prefer their time alone, we could do things on our own. You could even come with me to one of Luinda’s performances! She always saves me the best seats to see her. I make it a point to always support her.” It didn’t quite matter that she was the guest, as Pandora took it upon herself to serve the tarts she had made. 

It was rather difficult to convince Pandora not to cater to others. She seemed to enjoy hosting and doting on anyone she could. “I made different flavors, so please do tell me if you have a preference, dear. I love to cook and bake so I will always use any excuse I can do to so.”

~

“I’m not surprised. Men certainly like that we leave their offices to them.” Brigitte couldn’t imagine touching Vincent’s office. He was very particular about how he wanted things and she wouldn’t dare do anything to touch it. She also had no idea what he kept in there she didn’t want to do anything that would get her into trouble. Smile on her lips, she nodded her head. “Vincent is a workaholic,” she said frankly. “Most nights he doesn’t get home until long after dark. I know he has a busy job but...” she trailed off with a shrug. 

She didn’t think that she would mind it so much when she had a group of friends and things to do in England. She was still in that strange position of not really having many friends or social obligations. She was hoping that in the new year that she would become busier. She was going to have to find something that occupied her time even if it was volunteer work somewhere. 

“I wasn’t sure how I would feel when I was getting ready to move here,” she admitted. “Paris has been my home for so long and I love it there. You should have seen my old apartment, it had the most beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower, I picked it specifically for the view. I miss it. But being in England is good too. I’m hoping that in the new year that I find something that I can do that occupies my days.” 

Vincent’s mother had mentioned that she needed to get involved with volunteer work, which sounded dreadful, but it was apparently what the women of status did here. She missed the Parisian parties that she used to attend, but that was a part of her past. If Vincent’s mother could have seen her then she would really be horrified. “That sounds like a great idea. I met Lucinda in Diagon Alley and I would like to see her again. She seems like a sweet girl.” 

Reaching for one of the pastries, Brigitte took a bite of it. “It’s very good,” she complimented. “I am hopeless at baking. I tend to just pick things up at bakeries. I need to find a French pastry shop here.” 

~

It sounded dreadful to have such a negative Mother-in-law. Pandora never did meet Xenophililus’ family, but from what he had explained, they wouldn’t have gotten along with her very well either. She was far too supportive of his dreams, and they only would have been disappointed that he allowed his ‘hobby’ to cost him a job within the Ministry. 

“Oh, that’s just awful! How could she not find this beautiful? It’s a wonderland! Surely she must have been in a foul mood to not see it. Perhaps her age has gotten to her eyes?” Pandora did have a habit of being a bit too blunt about her feelings, but she honestly didn’t see anything wrong with the decorations. Her own home was completely covered in Holiday cheer, save for her husband’s office. 

This whole season seemed to bring the absolute extreme out of people. Either they were full of cheer or just a Grinch. “Really, Brigite, your home looks wonderful. You needn’t worry over her lack of taste, some people are just not as creative when it comes to decorating. But this is all marvelous! Lucinda would simply adore it as well, it reminds me of a snow globe!”

Which was something Pandora always wanted to recreate since she was a child. A large living snow globe that would always be snowing and constantly full of the cheer she saw when she would shake the glass item. “I had to leave Xenny’s office alone and also couldn’t really touch Lucinda and Emmy’s rooms. I’m gifting them brand new bedrooms, you see, and I didn’t want it to be too cluttered since I wanted it to be a surprise for when the girls come to stay.”

“Shall we sit and enjoy some of the treats I brought? You need to tell me how you’ve been fairing since you’ve moved here. I hope everyone has been kind to you, darling.”

~

Pandora was determined to not let her mother-in-law get her down. She could think whatever it was that she thought about her and her decorations, so long as she liked them and Vincent liked them. But there were times that she did question whether or not her mother-in-law did have a point. It was ridiculous, perhaps, but she couldn’t help it. 

“It’s entirely possible that she’s senile,” Brigitte said with no concern for what Pandora would think. “It’s also possible that she just hates me and thinks that I’m no good for her precious son,” she rolled her eyes. “It’s a ridiculous notion, don’t you think? She thinks that Vincent needs a wallflower of an obedient wife that will take all of her orders but she is very mistaken. Vincent would have grown dreadfully bored of such a wife.”

It was reassuring to hear Pandora’s insistence that it looked beautiful. She knew that Paris was worlds away from London but this kind of decorating was what she was used to and she would continue to do it. “I appreciate the compliment. It took me a while to get everything just so. But I am very happy with it and that is all that matters, yes?” At the mention of Lucinda, she nodded her head. “I am sure she would. She is a very smart girl,” Brigitte agreed. She was already fond of the girl she had met in Diagon Alley that day. 

“I kept out of Vincent’s office as well. He doesn’t like me touching his things in there. Is your husband the same way?” She questioned. “That is rather kind of you, how many friends stay with you?” She questioned. Brigitte couldn’t stand the idea of having so many people in her home, and she was sure that Vincent wouldn’t like it either. They both needed their privacy and their own space. 

“Yes, please, take a seat,” She gestured to the seats in the sitting room and sat down in her favorite spot. “Things have been good, I’m starting to feel more settled and such. Everyone has been rather kind, but it’s still a tad overwhelming.”

~

“Oh! Gosh, that’s so sweet, thank you for that. You didn’t have to, love, I invited you over, after all.” Molly appreciated the gesture and was glad the woman was friendly. She just worried her own kids were going to scare the woman off. But if she was married to Vincent of all men, then maybe it’d take more than three energetic children to get her to run away. It sure didn’t seem to make most people run.

“The boys will love it, and I’m going to have to hide one so Arthur can at least enjoy one when he’s home.” She gestured for Brigitte to follow her, having already set the table for them and having the coffee pour itself into two cups for them to enjoy. “You can make yourself at home, and sorry about the boys before. Percy is too little to get into much trouble just yet but Charlie and Bill have lots of energy.”

Energy that she hoped they’d burn out of their system by bedtime. It usually wasn’t the case, but it was easier to get them to sleep if she had Arthur there to coax them. He had a way with the boys, and he could be just as mischievous as they were if he had the chance. 

“So, you’re new to this area, right? Tell me about where you guys moved from–it’s been so long since Arthur and I had a vacation that I’d love to hear about other areas.”

~

“Please, it’s only proper to bring your hostess a gift,” Brigitte replied. And well, she was rather picky about her pastries so she had decided to bring her own just in case. If this helped her to endear herself to the other woman than she was happy to do it. She just hadn’t expected for there to be so many children, Vincent hadn’t mentioned that to her, although she couldn’t be certain how friendly Vincent actually was with them. 

“Yes, you must, they are the best that I have found, I am sure that your husband will enjoy it,” she agreed. Walking behind her, she noticed the table was already set, and thought that it looked rather nice. She placed the pastry box down on the table and sat down at one of the spots. “That’s alright, I bet they keep you busy. You have an incredible figure for being a mother of three,” she complimented. “Vincent and I have not spoken of children yet but I am certain that I only want one, more than that seems like too much.”

She supposed that if they had a daughter, Vincent might want a second but the thought of multiple boys gave her a headache. She remembered how much her younger brothers were and she wasn’t looking to replicate that. 

“I am,” she nodded. “I grew up in a beautiful estate in the French countryside,” she lied smoothly. “And after I graduated from Beauxbatons I was signed with a modeling agency and moved to Paris. My apartment in Paris was gorgeous, it had the most magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower, I was so sad to let it go when I married Vincent. Paris is truly one of the greatest cities in the world, I highly suggest you visit sometime.” 

~

Pandora couldn’t help but giggle, looking around the home with interest. It looked beautiful, and despite never having been there before, she felt welcome none the less. Though, it was hard to ever get Pandora to feel unwanted in any situation. She seemed to take the phrase ‘kill them with kindness’ to all new highs when it came to her habit of befriending others. “Thank you for inviting me! I usually invite others to my home, it’s nice to be on the receiving end of an invitation for once.” 

It wasn’t that she wasn’t a welcomed guest per say, but Pandora wasn’t really someone that others were quick to bring around. It was more the case with new friends than her already established lot. All of those who knew her in Hogwarts were able to say with confidence that she was definitely one to welcome people without a second thought. “Your home is beautiful! Outside looks almost like a fantasy land! It’s darling; it makes me wish I had more help with decorating at home so things could be more magical.”

Coming from a woman whose decorating took new heights, that was almost like a joke. Xenophilius was still wondering where they were going to put half of the decor once the season was over. He was mostly glad she hadn’t attacked his office with the Christmas cheer. “Thank you again for inviting me. Next time, you simply must allow me to cook for you and your husband! Xenny wouldn’t mind meeting you both and I do love to host!”

~

Brigitte had always had an eye for design and she loved having the ability to do whatever she wanted to the manor. Vincent didn’t care what she did so long as it wasn’t too outrageous or expensive, so she had done what she wanted without much thought. She wasn’t about to live in a hideous manor. It wasn’t her fault that her mother-in-law liked decor from the previous century. “Of course, I’m happy that you could come,” she told Pandora. “Vincent works most of the time so it will be nice to have company.”

At her compliment, she smiled in thanks. “Thank you,” she replied. “It’s been a source of contention with Vincent’s mother. Of course she hates every little thing that I’ve done but I guess that’s just the way that things are,” Brigitte shrugged. “Would you like some tea?” She didn’t quite understand what it was about the English and their tea, but she had learned that not offering it was apparently rude. Turning back to Pandora, she pondered the room. “You really like it? Vincent says he doesn’t care and that he likes it but I wasn’t expecting her to hate it so much.”

At her insistence that her and Vincent come for dinner, she nodded. “I will check with Vincent to see when he is free. His schedule is so busy some nights I don’t see him until after nine,” she sighed. It could be lonely, when he worked every day until so late. “But I am hoping with the holidays coming up that he will slow down some.” She knew his job was important, and maybe when she was more established in London than she wouldn’t care so much.

@brigittecrabbe​ 

This was the first time Molly had been genuinely confused by how things worked in some marriages. She couldn’t really see Arthur trying to get friends for her, but there weren’t many people she could see Arthur being eager to pawn her off on. Regardless, she wasn’t one to lie and say she had enough friends of her own. Molly had been so busy trying to keep three sons from killing one another that she did neglect her own social life a bit.

She also doubted that Fenrir counted as more than one friend. To her credit, he was the size of about three men, so it should count as three. When Molly finally saw the woman, she seemed to snap out of her own head and offered a proper smile. “Brigitte, yes?” Almost on cue, a crash was heard and followed by it were her two boys running away.

“Charlie, William–would you two behave! We have company, don’t make me tell Santa to return your gifts!” In contrast to her small stature, she was very capable of having her voice travel through the area, causing the boys to apologize in unison.

“Sorry. I’m Molly Weasley, it’s nice to meet you. The two demons you just heard are my sons–Charlie and William. Percy is with his Father. I’m making some coffee right now, or do you want tea instead? Vincent said we’d get along.”

~

When Vincent had suggested that she go and spend the day with a woman named Molly that was the wife of a coworker of his, Brigitte had readily accepted. She missed having a large group of friends like she had in Paris and she was eager to start forming those friendships in London. Not being very familiar with the social etiquette of English pureblood society left her at a disadvantage when it came to the friends department. 

Arriving at the address that Vincent had told her, she waited patiently outside the door. She had brought chocolate eclairs from a bakery that specialized in French desserts that she had discovered in downtown London. When the door opened, she smiled and nodded her head. “Oui,” she replied.

Her eyes widened ever so slightly when she heard the crash behind Molly. Watching her as she turned around and dealt with the children, Brigitte was suddenly grateful that her and Vincent had yet to discuss matters of children, but she was certain that she only wanted one. It sounded like a zoo in there.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” she said. “I brought you some eclairs, I hope that the children like them as well. They’re not nearly as good as the ones in France but they will do,” she offered the pastry box to Molly. “Coffee would be marvelous. You have three children? All boys? You must be so busy,” Brigitte said. “Yes, my husband told me that as well.” 

—

Christmas was one of the few holidays that Rod actually cared about. He always bought too much and sent too much home. He just felt like it was one of the few times that he could go out of his way for people and it not seem out of character or just plain weird. He wasn’t the best when it came to expressing how he actually felt about people unless they had been forced to live with each other for years, ie. his wife and his brother. Outside of that it was hard to show that there was something for someone. There were others in his circle, but even they didn’t get the same small gifts that randomly appeared in the home like Rab and Bella had. That being said, he had some how adopted several additional people in the year that needed gifts and they needed to be checked off fast. He still wasn’t sure of his holiday plans with Bella, but he assumed it would require jumping between families several times and he didn’t want to worry about last minute shopping on top of that. At the mention of the Leaky Cauldron,Rod perked up. ‘ That is something I can help. Come on, I’ll just show you. I probably need to call it a day anyway. ‘ He sighed, shoving a loose hand into his coat pocket and allowing her to start following up as he walked. ‘ I am yes. I do business with Vincent occasionally. But don’t worry about it, I’m sure he hasn’t been super helpful in the introduction department. ‘ He reassured her kindly. If her husband was anything like himself then he knew she was probably struggling on that front of remembering every single pureblood that walked up to her. He had gotten off lightly marrying Bella, who already knew everyone from the start. ‘ You enjoy London? ‘ He asked as they walked together, trying to keep the conversation going.

~ 

It was strange that she wasn’t going to go home for the holidays this year, but she could just imagine Vincent’s face if he saw the home that she had grown up in. She had tried so hard to make him think that she came from a background of wealth, and it had been easy to believe when he saw her apartment in Paris and saw the clothing that she wore. He knew that she was driven, but he didn’t know how driven she was, and how hard she had worked to get to the place that she was currently standing in. Brigitte didn’t dream of losing it now that she had it. She had a wealthy husband, was the lady of a manor, and had more than she ever had before. She didn’t know when she would tell him the truth, if she ever would. She wasn’t so sure that it would change anything between them, but Brigitte wasn’t willing to test that theory, especially with his mother’s constant meddling. It was better that she stay in England this year, with her husband and his family, and perhaps next year she could invite her family to England for the holidays. 

She was relieved when he said that he could help her with that. “Then the Leaky Cauldron it is!” She said happily. Brigitte had done enough shopping, she could return to Diagon Alley another day if she needed to. As they began to walk, she nodded her head as he confirmed that he did business with her husband on occasion. “He’s trying to help but it’s a bit overwhelming. He’s known all of these people since birth, I think that he forgets that I am new,” she confided with a sigh, pushing a stray hair behind her ear as she glanced up at him. At his question, she nodded. “It’s nice here. It’s different from Paris but a little bit the same too. There’s not as much shopping to do here, but Vincent brought me to Hogsmeade a few weekends ago and it was the quaintest little village.”

—

Alecto felt like that she had a pretty decent memory. But, she did work in a bar that saw a lot of people come in and out. So it wouldn’t have been too surprising that she didn’t remember everyone that came into the bars. And of course she didn’t work every day of the year. That was the joy of running a business with her twin brother. There was nobody on this earth that she was closer to than Amycus. It made for taking days off quite easily. It meant that she sometimes missed when some individuals came into the bar though.

So she thought that she recognised the blonde in front of her. But maybe not. She knew a lot of blondes though. So maybe that was. “Oh. That’s a shame. At least you’re here now.” And now it was Alecto’s job to make sure that she came here more. That was what Alecto liked to do. She liked manipulating people out of spending their money. “Hmm. I’m not sure. I’m Alecto Carrow….. and you are?”

~

It was strange, this constant feeling that she knew people but couldn’t place them. She knew that Vincent meant well, that he was trying to get her involved and familiar with the people that he had known his entire life, but she was really struggling. Usually she was good with faces and names but it had been a lot harder. She suspected that it might have to do with not knowing anyone besides her husband. She hoped that going into the new year that she would begin to get her bearings and start feeling more at ease.

She nodded her head and glanced around the bar. It was crowded, but not so crowded that it felt uncomfortable. It reminded her a little bit of her favorite bar in Paris. “I’m Brigitte Crabbe,” she introduced. The last name sounded familiar, which just made her more certain that she had met this woman at least in passing at some point. “Perhaps you know my husband, Vincent?” 

Brigitte was bored. She hadn’t known what to expect from a Crabbe family dinner, but Vincent’s mother and the old aunts were in a corner sending her death stares on and off. If they thought that they could scare her off than they were sorely mistaken and it just made her latch onto Vincent that much more to make them mad. Two could play at their games, she wasn’t about to let Vincent’s mother win here. If she thought that they could scare her back to France than they were out of luck. She wasn’t going anywhere. She pouted when Vincent went to speak with a family friend in his office, leaving her to play host. She was about to go and check on someone when his mother rushed in and edged her out. Narrowing her eyes, she walked over to the bar and grabbed a bottle of wine and scanned the room looking for someone to entertain her.

That was when she spotted Igor. He was one of Vincent’s cousin’s, at least that was what she thought that he had said. He was about her age, closer than anyone else here, she thought, and made her way over to him, presenting the bottle. 

“Come join me? I’m bored,” she told him.

@brigittecrabbe

The Holidays were probably the only time Pandora’s usual giddy demeanor was warranted. She loved the lights and the cheer, and it gave her an excuse to dote on everyone she loved with gifts and parties. Of course, she tried to do this all year long, but was often met with less than eager participants given it could be considered a bit exhausting. None the less, rather than being within her own home, she was actually paying a visit to a dear friend. And, much like always, she wasn’t going to just go to someone’s home empty handed.

Xenophilius had told her time and time again that bringing something with her wasn’t always needed. But that was like talking to a brick wall, since the young woman was very much set in her ways. She had spent a good chunk of the evening before making the tarts she had tucked into the silver snow-flake studded box in her gloved hands. This was also the time of year where Pandora’s attire didn’t seem so outlandish. Though, she still argued that she’d much prefer to be caught dead than not dress her best when going out in public.

“Oh, Brigitte!” She cooed it rather lovingly, humming to herself cheerfully in her pale pink coat whose collar was of fluffy fur, same with the ends of the sleeves and bottom. Today felt more like a pink and white day for her, and it wasn’t like she didn’t have the clothes to support such a decision. “Such a pretty house…” Pandora couldn’t help but let her eyes wander as she waited, “Maybe I should have brought her present–Hm, No, it’s too early.” Dora shrugged, not caring if talking to herself was odd. Her husband wrote and owned the Quibbler, so any habits she showcased were minimal compared to what he was dishing out.

~

Brigitte wasn’t sure that Pandora Lovegood was who Vincent had meant that she befriend, but the woman was nice and amusing which was more than she could say of some of the high society women that she had met since moving. She missed having a large group of friends like she had in Paris, and it was frustrating that it was taking more time than she had hoped it would to settle in to things. She was used to things just happening and people wanting to be friends with her because of the parties that she threw and the people she knew. But she had none of that here, and that was difficult. 

After her disaster of a day with her mother-in-law the other day, Brigitte had been pouting. She thought that Vincent was going to handle it which was fine, but there was something off putting about her mother-in-law hating her so much. What did it matter to her who Vincent married? Couldn’t she just be happy for her son instead of being a hag? It was truly confusing. She didn’t like people not liking her, she wasn’t used to it. 

She had been glad when Pandora had asked if she wanted to spend some time together, so Brigitte had invited her over to her home. Perhaps she would have some non-biased thoughts on what she had done with the place. Before she had arrived it was a mess of decor styles and had no cohesive style. It had kept her busy. “Pandora, welcome to my home,” Brigitte greeted, a smile on her lips. She looked at her, amused when she began to speak to herself. “You are quite something, Pandora,” she said. “But come,” she took the other woman’s arm and lead her into the reception room. “Please, make yourself comfortable.”

.

Vincent had a gruesome day at work. But to be fair, every day was as gruesome as the one before when you managed to become such a prolific workaholic as himself, even if he got enough work done for the next day, there would always be more shit piling up his desk come morning. He really didn’t have to, but by now it was one of his habits he found harder to quit, like tobacco and cursing out his relatives. 

He wasn’t really used to having anyone waiting for him to come back, although he knew what would be better for both him and Brigitte, his routine was easy to follow. So when he stepped off the fireplace in his home office he only had time to evanesco himself off the Floo powder remnants before Brigitte opened the door. He opened the globe-shaped liquor cabinet 

“Good evening to you too, dear. What are you having?” He asked as he pulled out two cups and served himself with bourbon. He chuckled, not her being mad that was particularly funny to him, but the ongoing antagonizing his mother was directing her was bordering the absurd. “It’s definitely brighter than what I was used to, but it’s not bad at all, looks cleaner.” It was definitely better than the very lack of thematic decorations he himself would bother to deal with. Even though he was tired, the novelty of coming home to someone to talk to, even though his wife seemed livid, was very welcomed right then, especially when it was about, once again, his mothers attempts at putting his wedding in jeopardy. “Indulge me, what was it this time?”

~

Brigitte hadn’t realized what a workaholic Vincent was. She could respect it, she had been one to a point before she had gotten complacent and partied a bit too much. And she was used to living alone so it didn’t entirely bother her on most days. But it was incredibly annoying when she had something to complain to him about. It was like he was not coming home on purpose or something. 

She hoped that once she made some friends with the other women that Vincent kept trying to introduce her to, that things would get easier. That if she could fill up her own calendar than she wouldn’t have to spend time with his mother and she could have a believable excuse that she was just too busy. What was it that Pureblood wives did in England all day? They didn’t seem to work, and Vincent hadn’t suggested that she find a job. 

She sat down in the chair in his office and held back the desire to roll her eyes. “The bourbon is fine,” she told him. She glowered when he chuckled, not particularly amused that he thought that it was amusing. He couldn’t possibly understand the frustration of having to deal with his mother. Taking the glass from him, she took a sip of it and sighed. “Well I’m glad that you like it. That’s all that really matters anyways. But your mother has a lot to say about it. She thinks that it looks too ‘French’ whatever that means .She’s made it very clear that she thinks that our marriage is a mistake and that you should send me back to France,” she informed him. “That is what she said in no uncertain terms. I do not want to be disrespected in my own home, Vincent.”