double-edged sword

* ✧ ˚ ( kit young | cismale | he/him ) — i just saw BASIL CARROW in london! they say the PUREBLOOD is from ENGLAND, likely here for the season or that nasty business with travers, which explains them WORKING AS HIT WIZARD FOR THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC. i think i’ve heard it said that they are TWENTY SEVEN, and attended HOGWARTS / SLYTHERIN, but that’s not all too interesting, so let’s get into the nitty gritty. the rumors say that they are ATHLETIC & HIGHLY SKILLED, but i’ve also heard whispers of them being PRIDEFUL & DANGEROUS. i don’t mean to speculate, but from what i’ve heard, they seem to align with THE SACRED, isn’t that just interesting?

WANTED CONNECTIONS // PINTEREST.

closed starter for @carrowhitman​ setting: the park, midday

“it’s not like it was my choice,” aurora said with a huff as she walked along the stone path, beside her long-time friend. well, he was practically family. once married to her deceased cousin, which in itself was a tragedy they rarely liked to speak of. now, here he was in london, for reasons aurora knew were much to his displeasure. much like herself. “you know how i feel, bas, i rather choose a man for myself instead of … all this, this pomp and circumstance!”  she sighed dramatically, then quickly decided to backtrack, “not — not that it can’t work out, obviously, it worked out for you and belle, but …you were lucky. i fear i may not be so lucky in life anymore.” 

  xx

    it was a conversation that basil felt was an echo of the past - had he not griped to his own friends & family about his engagement to belle? in such a similar tone, too... he couldn’t help but feel his lips quirk up into a smile. “keep your expectations low then,” basil advised, an eyebrow raising as he walked, turning to look at her. “luck is not real. some people are just more realistic than others, that’s all,” he chuckled with a slight shake of his head. truthfully, he wished he could offer comfort, but he too found himself (once more) in a loveless engagement - and unlike his betrothal to belle, all those years ago, basil was pretty sure that love was not going to blossom for him this time around. “surely you like him a little, yes?”

closed starter for basil @carrowhitman

​location : abbott ball

Lillian preferred American balls, she thought firmly as she was waltzed around the room by a portly older gentleman. The Americans had moved on from stuffy dances, and instead joyfully swung around in merriment without any predetermined steps. It had been much better than forcing a pained smile at whatever this was. Lillian took a step back quickly when the dance was over, bowed slightly, and shuffled off the dance floor - and straight into Basil. 

“Oh, I’m so sorry - oh, it’s you,” Lillian muttered at the familiar face, who’d she’d seen often at the Ministry but hadn’t approached since her return. She had known Basil from Hogwarts, where they had been on friendly enough terms, but years in America had hardened her against purebloods, especially those who’d been in Slytherin. “I understand congratulations are in order,” Lillian continued, glancing around the room for Mariya Dolohov. “Is your fiancée not dancing tonight? I have not seen you two on the dance floor.”

   xx

    In truth, the recent years had made Basil’s mind up more than ever before - he’d been raised with almost strict rules about who he was allowed to befriend, and while it had been fun during his Hogwarts years to disregard the family pressure to conform, he’d found himself comfortable in the system now. Lillian was far from someone on his radar, which was why it took a delayed moment for recognition to cross his eyes. The frown appeared almost if by instinct. 

   An eyebrow quirked upwards. It’s you was usually never said with positive thought behind it, and Basil couldn’t help but feel the same in return. “Indeed,” Basil murmured, frown still in place. He, too, scanned the ballroom, though he knew Mariya would not appear before their eyes. “Are you concerned about my dance partners for any particular reason, Miss Stone?” Basil asked coldly instead of giving a true answer. It was easier than admitted his betrothed had avoided him the whole night. Since he took no personal offense to Mariya’s choices, he saw no reason why others should feel the need to form an opinion. “I have not seen you dancing much either.” 

closed | for @carrowhitman​

it wasn’t uncommon for vasilii to see his partner outside of work–in fact, it was frequent, considering their shared alignment and experiences. however, gazing upon basil carrow now, newly engaged to his littlest sister mariya, vasilii felt conflicted. he cared about basil, enough to keep working with him despite constantly having to rein him in, but he knew the two of them shared similar dark histories. he had yet to decide if he cared for his father’s choice in match. after a moment of just assessing basil from across the room, vasilii finally walked over to the other with a friendly smile and a hand out ready to shake the other’s. 

“mr. carrow, i heard we will be more than just work partners very soon. i believe congratulations are in order.” with the hand not waiting for basil’s, he patted the other firmly on the back in congratulations. “must feel like this ball is all for you.”

   xx

    though you may never hear him admit it by choice - basil would be nowhere had he not had vasilii at his side. more than once had his partner talked him down from bad decisions, reminded him of the rules when he got too eager, and was there to be a moral compass for basil. 

   he had, in turn, seen some of vasilii’s family; and as such, the arrangement was hatched, and before basil really knew it - he was betrothed. since they were currently off of assignments, basil had yet to see his partner in the wake of the news of his engagement, so the outstretched hand was a good sign. “ah, yes, brothers both in and out of uniform,” basil nodded with a tentative smile, but returned the friendly gesture and visibly relaxed. so, things were still smooth. “quite the opposite, actually. i hope lady mariya is enjoying herself, though. i have hardly seen her all night. i cannot quite remember the last time i went to... one of these.” basil was sure he was quite boring, in the eyes of vasilii’s youngest sister. 

After hearing his words, Yuliya briefly gave him a hint of a smile before frowning a bit.

She would take his words to heart, though she reacted indifferently towards them.

She blinked a bit before returning the smile a bit.

“Thank you, I’m sure I will as well.”

Yuliya gazed at him thoughtfully before nodding in agreement.

“That she is. Her emotions on her face make her a bit of an open book. I remember running around with her and playing a game of chase when we were children and I always knew when she was annoyed with me when I ran too fast for her to catch me… her face would be all pouty. Oh she was adorable when we were children.” Yuliya recalled with a giggle.

She loved her siblings immensely… maybe that’s why it was so difficult for her to watch them get betrothed while she wasn’t… perhaps she was a bit jealous too, but she’d never admit it.

Upon hearing Basil’s next words, Yuliya smirked… big and wide. Her smirk could rival the Cheshire Cat’s if it got any wider.

“It keeps you guessing does it not? It keeps unsuspecting lords on their toes, which I prefer. Being a challenge has it’s good parts and it’s bad parts, but I prefer to be challenging than to be a doe-eyed lady who is easily won. Not that there’s anything wrong with ladies who are easily won, it is just that if I was a lady who was easily won I’d be married with children by now, would I not? But the question remains… would I be happy with the first ever gentleman who pursued me? No. That is why I am challenging, I wish to find a lord who will not only respect me and protect me when I need it, but love me for who I am… no matter how… difficult… I can be.” She explained.

“I must ask you a question… are you ready for marriage, do you think you’re ready for marriage?” Yuliya asked as she gazed at him curiously.

    xx

      He wasn’t positive, but for a moment - he wondered if Yuliya was beginning to warm up to him; even if just by a bit. 

    The memory she shared made him chuckle - his eyes left his companion instinctively to search the room; but when they never found Mariya, they came back to rest on Yuliya. A younger Basil may have been annoyed at the disappearing act that the young Dolohov was pulling, but... Basil understood. He, too, had once ducked behind bookcases to avoid his pre-destined suitor. “Yes, and it is charming even now,” Basil agreed. 

    Lips parting- Basil was about to respond, but thought better of it, and they closed only moments after a breath in, ready to speak. If she were anyone else but the close sister of his betrothed... well, he may have given his true opinion. That if she continued to play games, she would find failure. That people aren’t good, they will always disappoint, and in the end, marriage is never what you hope it to be - dash her hopes & dreams without hesitation. 

   But Yuliya was a Dolohov. She was spared, for now, of Basil’s opinion. “To love you at your worst, not only at your best,” he echoed, instead, a small nod of understanding. The wizard doubted anyone would love him at his worst. 

    “For marriage?” Basil repeated, genuinely surprised, eyebrows raising on his face as he gave a little indifferent scoff - as if it were a silly inquiry, but even so, after a moment, he answered. “For marriage, yes. I was married for three years. I am good with responsibility, if that is what you wondered... the hard part, it isn’t the marriage, anyway. That is easy. The hard part is to remember to keep yourself in the process. When you share everything with another person, it blurs the lines. If you are asking if I am ready for marriage to Lady Mariya... well, you tell me. What do you think?” 

… 

“   daily   ,   ”   cora   echoed   back   ,   sighing   and   allowing   her   shoulders   to   slump   for   a   moment   before   holding   her   chin   proudly   .   “   my   mama   ,   is   .   .   .   ambitious   ,   to   say   the   lease   .   and   she   tells   me   the   malfoy   must   be   seen   but   ,   ”   she   rolled   her   eyes   .   “   i   know   of   the   gossips   since   my   brother   tragically   left   this   earth   .   ”   cora   often   wondered   if   it   was   because   of   that   her   mama   has   such   an   insistence   on   being   out   of   the   house   .   

   she   smiled   at   the   other   ,   wondering   why   it   had   taken   so   long   for   the   other   to   bring   up   their   days   at   hogwarts   ,   but   still   she   was   happy   he   had   ,   at   last   .   “   thank   you   ,   basil   ,   ”   she   returned   .   “   it   has   been   some   years   ,   have   they   been   kind   to   you   ?   ”

   xx

     “do you feel seen then?” basil couldn’t help but counter her statement with a question - glancing around the ball, at all the fine gowns and suits, the exquisite hair arrangements, carefully painted lips, the careful steps and calculated laughter. how was anyone truly seen at all? a crowded room of everyone dedicated to portraying their finest version of themselves; even if you were to be noticed, it felt all so shallow. 

   at least basil could understand the gossip that followed tragedy; he didn’t miss that part of france one bit, after his wife passed. tongues will always wag, and the loss of a loved one seemed to put you right in the danger zone when it came to speculation. basil gave an understanding smile. 

Yuliya nodded and understood his plans.

“It isn’t so simple for me… what I look for is a gentleman to impress me… woo me, fight for me, win my favor… he of course must be a pureblood but that is merely only a facet of it. I doubt anyone in the Ministry is capable of such.” She replied before smirking.

She was merely joking.

“Thank you for the offer, though I’m hoping I won’t need any help.”

The fact she had yet to find a husband was embarrassing but she wouldn’t want to be in a miserable marriage… she was picky for very valid reasons.

“Thus far, what do you like about Mariya?” She asked.

   xx

    Offering a thoughtful hum of understanding, Basil considered her words - he’d never put much thought towards what witches looked for in a partner. With his chosen before he even turned 16, there had been no need; but now, he assumed that every lady at the ball had a set of expectations to fulfill in their potential suitors.

  It was a miracle matches were made at all. So many conflicting interests. “Be careful when you put your knights up on those white horses,” Basil advised, though she hadn’t asked. “It is easy to slide from the steed, and harder yet to get back up there once they have.” 

    She was probably right, though, about the ministry, and Basil awarded a small smile. “You seem extremely capable, Lady Yuliya. I have no doubts in your success this season.” 

   Mariya... truly, Basil still only knew her very little, despite the close relationship he had with their brother, his partner in the ministry. “She is easy to read,” Basil answered, finally, selecting his words carefully. “Her thoughts are written across her face, if you care enough to notice-” Which he did. “I appreciate that about her. With others, it is... a challenge, at times, to know what they are thinking.” At least with Mariya, he could see the annoyance. She made no effort to hide the fact she avoided him. Yuliya, however, was a much harder concept to breach; she kept everything carefully collected behind closed eyes. “It is a challenge with you.” 

Estelle nodded, head cocked as her companion spoke. Certainly, she had proven herself long ago to be much more likely to recall faces over names, and while she had been far from what anyone might have considered popular during her time at Hogwarts, she had taken note of nearly everyone she came into contact with. Slowly, she nodded, the man’s name rolling through her mind as she attempted to attach it to any sort of memory. “Basil…” She repeated, eyes blinking. 

The reveal of his house, and his involvement in the school’s Quidditch teams brought a spark to her eyes, back straightening as she nodded with a bit more enthusiasm. “Basil, of course! I do remember you! That is to say, I remember your presence on campus, particularly so behind your talent on the Quidditch pitch. Dare I ask whether you find yourself playing such a sport frequently these days?” She laughed, tipping her head back a bit, eyes sparkling. “Tell me, Basil, how have you been?”

   xx

     The years spent in Hogwarts felt such a lifetime away - Basil was almost surprised when Estelle did remember him. He felt so much had happened; so much had changed, since those simplistic days... but perhaps, for her, life had unfolded uneventfully. 

   “Ah, I appreciate that,” Basil chuckled. He’d loved the sport, back in the day - he was a force of nature, using brute strength and reckless speed to his advantages, and struck fear into those on broomsticks in the pitch. “Not so much in the recent years, though I do love to spectate a rousing game. I try to attend tournaments, when work allows.” 

   He’d grown used to people asking how he was now. The smile never reached his eyes. “Quite well,” The Carrow twin lied. “And yourself, Lady Weasley? Do you often find yourself in London this time of year?” 

“Though there is no reason why I shouldn’t trust your words… actions do speak louder than words. I shall hold you to everything you said in regards to your future with my sister. Which means I expect nothing less but good things out of the union… moreso when you both start to warm up to each other, if that even happens. I know no union is perfect, of course there will be bumps in the road… but her happiness and well-being is all that matters to me in your betrothal.” Yuliya said as she gazed at him.

She took another sip of her gillywater, noticing that the glass was drained greatly from when she last took a sip. Luckily Yuliya had a high alcohol tolerance, not too high but she certainly wasn’t a lightweight.

A server came by and took her empty glass and gave her another glass of gillywater. She briefly nodded in thanks to the servant before gazing back at Basil.

“Even though that day is far into the future, where will you both be living after you’re married? Or rather where do you think you’ll be living after you’re married?” She asked.

   xx

     “Understood,” Basil answered simply, but let his eyes lay on her longer, watching as she traded out an empty glass for a full one, and made a little sound to indicate he, too, wanted a drink of gillywater and settled down with some for himself. 

   Expect nothing but good things... it could be taken as a threat; but looking at her again, Basil knew he was nowhere intimidated by the witch. Should he fail, what would she do about it? So often, all anyone had were their words. 

   The question was something Basil hadn’t yet considered. Of course, with his first wife, he had moved to France with the Potter family and lived there - but now, he was well set up in London. “We would stay here, I would imagine,” He answered after a long, thoughtful pause - would he be happy, in Russia? Would he even be happy here? “I travel for work often, you see... she could visit her home frequently when I am away for extended periods of time. I am sure that Lady Mariya will come to love London as I have.” Basil took a long drink of his gillywater, ending with a sigh. “I do plan on purchasing an estate, once it is all said and done for. She is welcome to have callers anytime as well. Perhaps you could even stay with us, if you do not find a suitor this season to your liking. I know many eligible suitors in the Ministry.” 

She knew she was cold, she was closed off. It wasn’t personal. There wasn’t anything wrong with Basil, but it was just who she was. This was a whole new territory for her, and she wasn’t sure what to expect. .   “Well, what can I say? I’m a very busy woman.”

“I wouldn’t be offended.” Mariya answered honestly. “Though you don’t have to go. Stay. The night is still young after all.”  She flashed him the smallest of smiles. She supposed she could put her pride aside for one night, a few dances.  Sipping the rest of the contents in her goblet, she glanced over at him. “Would you like to dance? Or we could just sit here.”

     xx

     Perhaps it was better this way - Basil knew there were walls that stretched tall and high around each of them; to break through any barriers opened his world (and hers) to a new opportunity for trouble & heartbreak. Basil had a goal for neither of those with this union, and was perfectly content to respect the distance between them, even if only in name of protection. 

    “I respect a Lady who can occupy her time easily and can defeat boredom on her own,” Basil commented in a favorable fashion, knowing that with his frequent traveling, there would be many times he would not be at home with her. It was good she found ways to stay busy- and could set her mind to a task, even if that task be to avoid him. Though her next offer did surprise a smile onto his features into return; a beautiful woman was often very contagious with her smiles and laughter, Basil had found. “I... suppose it is only right for us to dance, at least once,” He finally conceded. Many areas was Basil skilled in; but dance had yet to become one of them. Better on the Quidditch pitch than on the ballroom floor. 

   Standing, Basil gave a slight bow, and extended to hand to her to officially ask her to dance- it was only right. “Lady Dolohov, I would be honored to share your next dance.” 

Yuliya resisted the urge to roll her eyes at him after hearing his brief comment on her plans.

“Hm, provide and care for her? How? A marriage is a lot more than just providing for your partner and caring for them. If someone were to eavesdrop right now they’d think you were talking about taking in a pet.”

Providing and caring for a future partner was lovely, Yuliya would give him that. But by doing what? The last thing Yuliya wanted was for her little sister to be in a marriage that looked good on paper but was not good in reality. Due to all the promises that several lords and gentlemen had made to Yuliya herself previously, if she had a galleon everytime she heard that she’d be provided for and cared for she’d have enough to buy Hogwarts if it was for sale.

She sighed and turned towards him.

“Being civil is difficult to do when your mind is already made up about someone. For I cannot help it, I’m horribly stubborn. Not to mention I’ve heard it all before from several lords and gentlemen, about how they’ll provide and care for their betrothed. But yet they never explained how.” She admitted.

“As I said before, I trust Mariya’s judgement… and I hope after she gets to know you better as I hope you’ll get to know her… then maybe one day she’ll be able to convince me about the kind of man you are if everything goes well. Perhaps then I’ll ease up on you… that is unless you somehow manage to convince me yourself long before she convinces me.” She paused momentarily to take a sip of gillywater before continuing.

“And that can start by talking about my sister like the lady she is and proving that you stand out from the other gentlemen in some way, shape or form. By doing that, you shall need to tell me more about yourself. And do not worry, I intend on listening to your every word.”

   xx

     “You have every reason to not trust me,” Basil answered after a pause, leveling her with a gaze of his own. He’d done this before - he’d been wed, and while no love was shared between he and his bride at the time, it had grown. Basil knew what was expected of a husband, he knew the minimum requirements, and he’d also learned that it took more than the minimum to make a union work.

   But he didn’t speak of Belle, his former wife. Not ever. So he couldn’t explain to Yuliya why he would be good to Mariya, how he could prove his worth - nor did Basil feel the need to do so. 

   They were already betrothed. To back out now would cause scandal for the family, and he did not plan on letting Mariya do that. That said... he would like to grow close with her loved ones, just as he’d done with Belle’s family. If Yuliya wanted to be impressed by him, Basil could at least try. 

   He settled back into the lounge, growing more comfortable in the environment - he was a Carrow. He grew up at parties just like these. Rusty, but familiar. “I cannot promise to make her love me, for that is out of my hands, nor will I force it... but I will do everything in my power to not only protect but to please Lady Mariya. I am faithful, I am wealthy, I am diligent, and I am attentive to details. I will remember her favorite flowers and fabrics, and I will respect her sovereignty as an individual. I seek not to own your sister, but to serve as a partner. It is up to her how she chooses to accept my role in her life, but I am prepared to do whatever necessary for the success of the union.” 

she startled, and then composed herself, smoothing down the sudden wrinkle in her gown as she nodded at the stranger. “the seat is yours, sir.” she offered a smile, she was meant to find herself a husband this season, but this was new territory. at least she could admire her own handiwork on some of the attendees, which is where her eyes and her mind wandered to the gowns and the suits with such ease, she certainly loved her craft. “may i ask who it is you are waiting for? is it possible you have found yourself a partner already, how lucky.” she admired the speed, but she wanted to take her own courtship slowly. 

   xx

     “indeed, your assumption is correct,” basil nodded with a light smile, wondering if it were truly that uncommon to enter the season with a match already destined. he wouldn’t know; it had always been this way for him. if not to the young dolohov, then someone else. “but i have been in london for a couple of years now. you speak as if you are just joining us for the first time?” 

…

it   made   been   a   long   night   ,   and   cora’s   feet   were   starting   to   become   sore   .   she   almost   wished   she   was   one   of   the   married   women   who   would   wear   more   comfortable   shoes   .   but   the   thought   of   being   tied   down   made   her   regret   the   thought   entirely   .   but   she   was   able   to   sneak   away   ,   and   take   a   seat   in   one   of   the   vacant   chairs   .   she   sat   on   the   edge   to   make   it   seem   as   though   she   was   happy   to   take   another   dance   partner   .   

she   looked   up   ,   ready   to   give   the   other   a   small   decline   but   smiled   when   the   other   seemed   just   as   worn   as   she   .   “   of   course   ,   ”   she   said   ,   moving   over   for   the   other   .   “   i’m   afraid   i   am   at   one   of   these   balls   almost   daily   ,   they   do   become   a   bore   .   ”

   xx

     “Daily?” Basil echoed, some incredulousness in his tone. He felt he, too, had attended his fair shares of balls and gatherings of grand decadence, but perhaps having been betrothed before even finishing school had lessened the demand of such frequent activities. When on his own, Basil had chosen to forego the thought of parties entirely; until now. 

    He gave a light laugh. “Unfortunately, I am inclined to agree, Lady Malfoy,” Of course, Basil remembered her; both the same year at Hogwarts, both Slytherin’s, both on the quidditch team for their house- fated to have a story that intertwines. It dawned on him now, suddenly- it had been years since he’d last seen Cora. After his marriage, and then the end of it, and his return to London - well, Basil had all but lost contact with all of his former friends from his school days, once he’d moved to France. “You look lovely this evening. I cannot believe how long it has been, though time seems to have served you well.” 

this was the first time guangli ever experienced something like this. one of the important families had taken him and his family in when they came to england for safe haven. it was the first time out of china…. everything was so— different. the quidditch player was used to the loud crowds and the sound of the wind as he rushed around on his broom— but the sound of mingling– and dancing– and just— everything. it was overwhelming. did people noticed him sitting on the two-seater with eyes wide– like a startled deer. was that what brought the man over. “ah! of course. please.” he motioned for him to sit beside him. “it’s fine.. at least you are waiting on someone…. i have no idea… what to do..”

    xx

      interest caught, basil looked back over to him, trying to remember or place who he was - then again, he’d never been the best at faces. not unless they were plastered across wanted posters from the ministry. decadence had been the world a carrow was ushered in too, but for the last two years, basil had done his best to seclude himself from the glamor of it all; and now, to be trust in once more, he felt oddly outside. perhaps much like his fellow bystander there. “you watch everyone for a spell, wait until you feel comfortable. you find someone you like; someone pretty, or good at dancing. and then you ask them to dance. if they say no, you sulk, and then set your sights higher and ask someone better. then they’ll regret saying no in the first place.” 

––– * ✶

Aleksi hadn’t even realized who he was standing next to, but the relief he felt at the familiar face swept over him like a wave. “People don’t need personal flasks in Bulgaria,” he scoffed, but he glanced at Basil with forlorn longing. “But if you’d be obliged to share, I’d be grateful.” He quickly downed the punch and held out his empty cup to Basil. “I’m glad to call you a friend,” Aleks continued, laying it on just a little thick. “And glad to have your company at this ball. I admit, my parents seem hell bent on seeing their children married off within the first week, but I am determined to avoid their devious schemes. Care to be an accomplice in my goal?”

    xx

      “Then what are we doing in London?” Basil teased, smirking at the thought of how much more chaotic Bulgarian parties must be in the wizarding world; maybe, someday, he’d get to see it for himself. Even once married, Basil had no plans on halting in his traveling. A laugh escaped him as the begging intensified, and with a visible, playful cringe, Basil discreetly poured a generous portion of dragon barrel brandy, brewed strong, into the cup offered to him. After, he pressed the flask to his lips directly, and in one fluid motion (practiced, surely), he downed a gulp and slid the flask away and out of sight. “I can do nothing but cheer for you from the sidelines, my friend. I find myself betrothed already. Perhaps I could tell silly rumors to anyone who finds themselves to fancy you? Set them off your trail right fast.” 

“I do not blame my sister for wanting to explore partners either.” She said with a smirk.

The statement was rather backhanded and she knew that… in fact she meant it to be.

“Hm, no. I’m a Lady on a mission, sitting here scoping out gentlemen who catch my eyes and planning on when I’ll approach them.” Yuliya replied.

“I refuse to fail this season.” She said simply before sipping her gillywater.

“Tell me, what are some things you wish to accomplish with the betrothal to my sister?”

   xx

     Though the insult smarted, Basil kept his cool and didn’t miss a beat, not a wince or a blink out of place. Instead, he allowed humor to enter his eyes, a laid-back smile to grace his lips, and a small chuckle to escape his throat. 

   Ever the gentleman. Ever calm, ever collected. There were no cracks in his steely surface, and somehow, his smile never fully reached his eyes, despite Basil’s effort. “How romantic,” Basil countered, eyebrow raising as he commented on the methodical strategy of her evening plans. 

    “Well, goal number one, a marriage,” Basil retorted, figuring any answer in this situation would be the wrong one, somehow. After his sarcastic remark had a moment to bristle between them, his tone softened, and Basil gave him with a light sigh. “I hope to provide and care for Mariya to whatever level she will allow me too.” 

The ball was truly nothing short of gorgeous, and it seemed that no matter which way she looked, Estelle simply could not find one place for her eyes to land. The beauty of the mansion surrounding her far exceeded nearly everything she’d ever been exposed to- her own background rooted in a far less luxurious lifestyle and way of living. Already, it felt as though she had managed to dance more than she’d ever done in her life, and the night wasn’t nearly over. Aching feet and smarting ankles drew her momentarily to an unoccupied seat on the outskirts of the festivities, allowing her the reprieve she required. Sliding into the nearest empty space, she raised one foot and then the other, giving each ankle a squeeze before settling back against the seat.

Estelle nodded as her newfound companion took the space next to her, smiling brightly as he settled himself. “Not at all! Please, feel free!” Nodding, she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her hear. “Oh, how wonderful! Will they be arriving soon? Hopefully so. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to miss such a beautiful opportunity! Especially since this seems to be a rare treat for you. I am the same, mind you. I believe the last ball I attended was…My, it must have been when I was still in school. How funny. My name is Estelle Weasley, by the way. I must say, you look quite familiar to me…What is your name?”

    xx

      As soon as Basil’s shoulders released their tension and he sank into the comfortable velvet of the cushion, the woman was speaking brightly; and he recognized the tone very well. The flushed cheeks from hours of dancing, the adrenaline clipping at each word, and the beauty of it all infectious, making everyone seem like your dearest friend - Basil used to feel the same. 

   That was a long time ago, though. Now, he gave a patient but withdrawn half-smile in response. “Hopefully soon,” He confirmed, head tilting as she landed on recognition of her own. Basil hadn’t realized it was her at first, but from the moment she began speaking, he’d placed her as Estelle. “Basil Carrow,” The wizard answered easily, smile growing into more of a grin. He’d had a friend who had crushed on Estelle pretty hard, back in the school days; they’d mourned once she left Hogwarts, three years ahead of them. Ah, if they could see him now. “I was a couple of years behind you at Hogwarts. Slytherin, and I played quidditch.” Basil didn’t exactly expect for Estelle to remember him, in all honesty.