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Location: the Whispering Willow Who: @cosmiicchiild​

Arabella wore a sneaky grin as she approached Effie from behind, her flats digging into the uneven terrain created by the Whispering Willow’s sprawling roots. “Tell me,” she started, “as the expert on fortunetelling and divination – is it real?” Music and chatter served as background noise; excited and nervous pitches, a young couple not too far from them reaching for the willow. A small corner of her mind wondered what they hoped to hear from the tree, if it said anything at all. She put the couple out of her mind just as quickly as she noticed them. “And if it is real, how does it work?”

The tips of her eyebrows pulled upwards at Effie’s confession and a small hum left her throat. “I didn’t know that was something crystal balls could tell you.” Admittedly, she wasn’t sure she’d trust Effie’s answer if she said they could, but openly doubting her seemed beyond rude. Prophecy was her trade and Effie seemed like the honest type. Whether she was a type with good tastes remained to be seen as Arabella scrunched up her nose as she praised Bertie Bott’s Jellybeans. “I’m not sure why anyone would find that fun after their first earwax and ink-flavored ones, but I didn’t grow up with them,” she said, shrugging. She chocked a lot of things up to that. “I’d much prefer a chamomile or rosehip tea.”

it was clear that the inner eye had suffered in her absence, but persephone wasn’t worried. all she needed was some fresh incense and a new display and everything would be back to normal. so pointing her wand towards her radio, she waited for it to come to life, the sounds of pop music filling the store as she got to work. first she switched the incense to something more appropriate for spring, before shifting her focus to the more difficult tasks.

she was in the midst of assembling a shelving unit, the various pieces scattered across the floor when she heard the door open. though, it took a few minutes for it to register in her mind. and even longer for her to realize she wasn’t open. shoving the instructions aside, she quickly scrambled to her feet- brushing dust off of her clothes as she turned towards the intruder. though were they an intruder if she forgot to lock the door?

who: @cosmiicchiild​ where: a local coffee hsop. when: april 18, 1983.

Aleia, when close to someone, was as loyal as they came. It was hard, sometimes, then, to see Persephone and not think of Percy. It wasn’t hard for her; she would dislike Persephone if Percy did. She felt the same with Antonin. His enemies were hers. She had very little people in her life that she cared about, and Aleia would prefer to be on the side of the ones that she did.

Still, seeing Persephone in the coffee shop put her on edge, for some reason. She knew that the Death Eaters had orders to capture seers. Aleia knew that she was a seer. It was hard not to follow orders, but a part of her knew, also, that Percy would never forgive her. He might not like Persephone, but he wouldn’t want her to hand her over to the Death Eaters. Maybe, then, she could use this meeting to her advantage. She could use the fact that Persephone was here as a sign that she could get her on their side. Sway her.

“Persephone?” she asked, looking up at the woman and then at the full coffee shop. “Did you need a place to sit, dear? It seems that the rest of the cafe might be a bit full.”

with everything going on, persephone knew it was dangerous for her to be alone in public. but when in desperate need of caffiene, some people were willing to do just about anything. or maybe that was just her. either way, she couldn’t help but look over her shoulder every few seconds as she anxiously waited in the line. perhaps she should’ve worn a disguise, nothing too over the top- a pair of large sunglasses or a hat. but it was too late now, she’d already spent too much time in the line. she would just take her coffee to go,

“a hazlenut latte please, and a biscotti,” she managed to focus on the barista long enough to place her order, hastily sliding a handful of coins across the counter as she collected her order. she was turning to leave when someone called her name and persephone froze- terror immediately setting in. but when the attack didn’t come, she shifted focus to figuring out who had called her name. 

“What’s that face for?” Some days, he didn’t have the energy to start an argument. Those days, however, were few and far between. Much more common was Brenton seeking out a fight for nothing but the thrill of it. Whether it was by finding the perfect way to piss off someone he knew well or “accidentally” knocking a stranger over or just shooting curses at the beetles on the ground to pass the time until someone got irritated by it, it was an endless source of entertainment to him and even better when he did manage to catch someone’s attention.

persephone hadn’t stepped foot inside of her store in weeks. with everything going on, sybill’s death, it just hadn’t been safe. she’d left the store in the hands of her trusted employee, but she still couldn’t help but worry that it was falling to pieces. not to mention what kind of divination store doesn’t have someone on hand for readings? needless to say, her worries had finally gotten the better of her.

doning her stealthiest outfit- all black, down to the beanie and sunglasses, she’d left her apartment. it was an unnecessary precaution, as it was after hours and she was apparating directly to the store but it made her feel safe. and she’d do just about anything to feel safe. 

​

Moody never wanted to rush someone before they were ready. Sometimes, people were only as strong as their convictions and especially in a war, people needed to be sure of what they wanted. He wasn’t shocked when the youngest Pembroke came to him after the death of Trelawney. He hoped it would be for what they had been talking about months ago, but at the very least she seemed to trust him if she went to him during a time of tragedy and uncertainty.

Normally, he preferred to meet somewhere in public, somewhere more innocuous, but he could set up some wards while he was there. Persephone would need them. She was much different than the last time he saw her. He hoped that wouldn’t last. Panic wouldn’t get them anywhere. He nodded. They both seemed ready for business. He kept his hand on his wand as he entered the apartment. He set a ward up along the door, before continuing their conversation further. “I figured as much,” he said simply. He stayed near the door. He sucked in a breath as she asked for a promise. Promise was a hard word. “I’ll keep you safe in any way I can,” he said. “I won’t make promises, but I will take steps to prevent you from getting hurt.” He shuffled his feet slightly. “Did you see this coming? Were you well acquainted with Sybill?”

“would you like some tea?” persephone asked, not waiting for a response before moving towards her kitchen, “i’m going to make some tea,” she continued as she placed the kettle on the stove, a sigh escaping from her lips as she reluctantly turned to face alastor. she wasn’t rethinking her decision, no she’d made up her mind, but she wasn’t without worries. she had more than she’d care to admit, even to herself, but she tried her best to reassure herself, saying it was natural. but nothing about this felt natural. 

it wasn’t the answer she wanted to hear, but perhaps she had been asking for too much. but she found comfort in his reassurance, though she wasn’t sure it would last, she planned to cling to it as long as she could. it made her feel safe. 

Though Effie’s enthusiasm wasn’t contagious, it was pleasant. “I’m glad you thought of me,” she replied, smoothing out a wrinkle in her skirt as she hooked her ankles together. “I admit, it was a little exciting, since I didn’t have anything else planned for today.” Which was… Most days. A few investments and a stipend for her Order work left her comfortable. It wasn’t the luxury that she’d grown up in, but if that had been luxury than she didn’t want it. Not when it was accompanied by coldness and cruelty. She preferred her cats, the new garden she was eager to get to work on, and all of her books. And tea with friends, of course. “Specialty teas?” Arabella’s faced scrunched up with apprehension. “I hope they’re pleasant. Nothing like those jellybeans with the random flavors.”

@cosmiicchiild​

The holidays were over for another year, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t keep a bit of that giving spirit through the cold months of January and February.

He had probably passed this shop one hundred times, but today a few colorful items in the window caught his attention.  Without thinking too much about he stepped inside and glanced hesitantly at the display.  It had been months since he had first come across Artemis at that Quidditch game and he was still determined to make her feel like a part of his family – that the only ones she had lost were the bigotted ones.  So he when he saw something nice in the window he thought it might be nice to get Artemis a gift for when she came over for dinner later in that week.

The problem was that he was terrible at giving gifts, and enthusiasm could only make up for so much.  He paused, looking at a few bottles.  Maybe she’d like the purple one?  He could get Alice something too so Artemis didn’t suspect anything odd.

...

as always, persephone was preoccupied with something in the back of her shop, relying on her clerk to help with anyone who wandered through the door. on this particular day she was attempting and failing to understand the dynamics of a portable stool. so far she’d made almost no progress, having already crumpled the instructions out of frustration. she was ready to give up when she heard the door open, and upon not hearing her employee greet the patron, discarded the stool as she scurried into the front of the store. 

Where: Valentine’s carnival When: Between 2.15 and 5pm Who: Panda && Luna && open​

Pandora had quickly dismissed the idea of this being a Valentine’s Day celebration. It was, instead, a conveniently timed birthday party for the most special girl in the world. Luna sported a giant ‘I AM 2′ badge and an eclectic combination of new clothes she had been given the day before and Panda had already resigned herself to spending more money than she really had on her daughter at the carnival. At least she would have some help, though. Luna might not have really understood what it meant to have had a birthday but she understood that only something very good would mean she got to see both Uncle Percy and Aunt Effie at the same time. Panda didn’t want to make her siblings spend the whole afternoon pretending to get along with each other so she was determined to persuade them both to spend their fair amount of time elsewhere with other people but the day was also supposed to be for Luna. So whatever Luna wanted to do, they would do.

She changed her mind after the fifth Billywig Wings ride, by which time she was incredibly dizzy and Luna was demanding another through a fit of giggles. “No more, no more,” Pandora pleaded, though she too was laughing. “How about— Luna!” The toddler had pulled away from her and was smiling up at the next nearest adult with a trusting smile. ❝ Peepigs!❞

persephone was excited for the carnival, however, she was by far more excited for her niece’s birthday. there were plenty of carnivals throughout the year, luna’s birthday only happened once. and as luna grew older, birthdays became all the more important- as her niece would eventually remember them. and effie was determined to make sure that her niece would have good memories, which is part of the reason why she went all out. the other reason was that she just enjoyed it. 

after deciding against bringing all of luna’s presents to the carnival, she made a quick trip to pandora’s before going to meet her and luna at the carnival, a single package tucked under her arm. it wasn’t long before she spotted them, a wide smile appearing across her face as she frantically made her way through the crowd. it was unnecessary, but she was too excited to care. 

Where: General store Who: Dirk && @cosmiicchiild​

It was never too early to think about his friends’ birthday presents and February was always a busy month for Dirk. His own birthday was quickly followed by Bertram’s and both his dad and Barty would be celebrating a week or two later next month. He hadn’t made any decisions yet but now that the chaos of the holidays had settled and sales tat had gone to make way for new season products Dirk was taking some time to wander around the shops seeking inspiration. “Sorry,” he mumbled after a near-collision with another customer, around some kitchen utensils that he knew he shouldn’t be tempted by for Bertram, given they would end up being more a present for himself. Had he been a more confrontational person, he might have thrown up an accusation of them not paying attention but as it was he simply glanced over as he stepped out the way.

“Oh, it’s you,” he said, before he could remind himself she wasn’t someone he really wanted to engage in conversation. But he had commented on it now so he supposed he had to clarify in case she didn’t remember the time she had accosted him in the middle of Diagon Alley. After all, if that was her method for driving business into her shop, she probably hadn’t only done it to Dirk. “The psychic,” he said with a frown, not sure exactly what he could say in clarification.

persephone tried her best to avoid shopping- not out of hatred, rather, because she had a tendency to spend too much time browsing the stores, before ultimately coming home with things she didn’t need. but of course, that didn’t stop her- on this day in particular, what should have been a quick trip to the store for a new tea strainer had spiraled out of control. it was almost as if something was telling her to shop, which was silly, but she knew better than to ignore those feelings.

From Persephone’s response, Narcissa assumed that she didn’t remember her. It’s either that or the woman just really wanted to make a sale. That’s not too unlikely in Narcissa’s opinion. Either way, no mention was made about their past years in Hogwarts. It’s for the best, she thought.

Narcissa considered the options and gave it a thought. None of them particularly struck her fancy. Especially not freshly mowed grass or pumpkin juice. She’d rather not have any room at her house smell like the gardener just finished work or a drink for children. She was curious about what other scents the shop would have. “I suppose I can take a look,” she mused before stepping inside the shop.

The Inner Eye was one of the very last shops people would expect Narcissa to be in, yet there she was, perusing the things on the shelf. The other products from the shop didn’t interest Narcissa so she went straight for the candles. “Are these all of them?”

"i also have scents like cinnamon, peppermint, vanilla, you know- the more basic scents,” she continued, unaware of whether or not naricssa was still listening to her. once persephone was on a roll it was hard for her to stop, not to mention, she just had a lot of candles. some would say she had too many candles, but that was just an utterly ridiculous notion. how could someone have too many candles? 

Closed for @cosmiicchiild​

Percy was used to visitors in his office. He was used to other writers dropping by with questions or for a distraction. He was used to his editors dropping in with parchment covered with edits. He was used to interviewing subjects in the area and having them come to him. It was always easier to set things up from his office anyway. Not as much clean up. He was used to friends or family members popping in because “they were in the area.”

He had a feeling that Persephone would pop up some time. Even if he didn’t have the sight, he could at least predict that. He didn’t see her over the holidays, but he still had a small parcel stowed away in his desk drawer for her. Holidays were for family and even if he and Persephone were quite distant, she was still his family. 

He was looking for the name of one of the recent trades to the Cannons when he heard a small knock at his door. Without looking up, he spoke. “Persephone. I had a feeling you’d be here. You tend to have no trouble interrupting me while I’m on the payroll.”

...

although it was not uncommon for the pembroke siblings to go a significant amount of time without any contact, especially where perseus and persephone were concerned, it was the holiday season and the youngest sibling couldn’t help but feel a certain amount of guilt for not seeing her older brother. whether or not her brother returned the sentiment, was another story. all she knew was that no one should be alone on the holidays.

initially unsure of what to gift perseus, she had gone back and forth between various scented candles and gadgets, ultimately deciding that neither really seemed like something percy would enjoy. the idea of knitting had crossed her mind, but as a new hobby, she wasn’t quite confident in her abilities. still, it wasn’t long before she found herself crafting a beautiful ivory cable knit sweater. once it was complete she took the time to carefully wrap it, nestling it in a basket full of homemade muffins before she departed for the daily prophet offices.

A few steps into the café and Effie had already left her dead in tracks. Clutching her purse to her side, an amused grin tugged at her lips as a vase trembled and rolled, as Effie quickly rescued it, and patrons around the commotion grew quiet. Although their encounters had so far been few, Arabella was entirely unsurprised by the clumsy enthusiasm. “Thank you for inviting me,” she said in a measured tone. She had been surprised by said invitation, however. Seeing as none of their encounters had so far been planned, and they’d never discussed plans during those chance meetings, she hadn’t been expecting it. But it had been a pleasant surprise. As clumsy, eager, and even demanding as Effie could be, she was a good conversation. “That sounds delightful,” Arabella replied, taking a seat at the table Effie had held for them and hooking her purse over the arm of the chair. “Do they have any lemon-flavored sweets here? I’ve been craving it lately but haven’t had a chance to make anything yet.”

Narcissa was just walking along Diagon Alley mindlessly when a very loud woman appeared in front of her. A frown immediately appeared on her lips before she listened to what the other woman had to say. She remembered the woman very well. The two entered Hogwarts in the same year. While they never really interacted per se, both of their reputations preceded themselves. They couldn’t be more opposites if they tried. The rumor was that Pembroke was a seer. Therefore, she was a freak. Narcissa definitely called her that more than a few times behind her back.

A quick look at where the woman came from confirmed that she was, in fact, the then infamous Effie Pembroke. Normally, Narcissa has no interest in Divination nor the woman in front of her, but the promise of scented candles did catch her attention. “Scented candles?” she asked. “What kind exactly?”

persephone liked to think she was good with faces, and certainly the other blonde did look familiar- but that’s where her memory fell short. not only was she struggling to put a name to her face, she couldn’t figure out where she knew her. she’d figure it out eventually, hopefully before their conversation ended, but there was a strong chance it would come to her later. regardless, she managed to smile at narcissa- thankful the other was willing to give her the time of day.