The Chain

“Something about quidditch or something?” Halley paused before giving her a smile, “Yeah, you’re gonna have to repeat it.”

“If something about quidditch means me talking about the hottest quidditch players, then you are at least somewhat close. Any you fancy?”

“ – I promise I was not asleep and was listening to every word you said.” 

She paused, “What were you saying again?”

“If you were listening, what words did I just say?”

“Yes, so much pressure to see everyone, get presents for all your family members, spend quality time… and people call me a scrooge when I mention that the holidays stress me out.” He tilted his head and smirked, “It would be the first time I’ve ever got one. I was a well behaved Hogwarts lad.”

“It’s the holidays. You can’t just tell people you’re stressed.” She teased before grinning. “You? A well behaved Hogwarts lad? Now that just doesn’t seem true. You seem the type that would’ve given all your professors and professors’ aides hell.”

Alice grinned with a giggle, “Ah you’re so lucky. Cute boys never give me their number. Anyway I’d be to shy to even text them.” She laughed, a slight blush on her cheeks. 

“Now I find that hard to believe.” She mused. “Surely they’re too shy then. You’re beautiful.” She paused. “Anyone you’re hoping to meet under the mistletoe this year?”

“You have no idea. Or maybe you do. Is everyone’s family so insane?” He shook his head, sipping his drink, “Sounds like your dad might be hitting the eggnog a little hard. Maybe sending him a howler announcing your itinerary might help drive it into his memory. Regardless, it would be funny.”

“I think it’s the holidays that brings it out in most. Although some people’s are certainly insane year round.” She nodded along. “I think you’re about half right. He misses his brother most of all during this time. From what I’ve heard, he was quite the photographer. I think I’ll hold off on the howler although you may find yourself with one if you find it so funny.” She mused with a waggle of her brows to lighten the mood.

“My mum just put out her Menorah, obviously without candles yet. My dad put up the tree and lights. Those two are going to drive me insane. Happy holidays and all that, I suppose.” 

“It isn’t truly the holidays without your parents driving you crazy. Dad keeps owling me asking when I’ll be home... it’s been just about every day this December and no matter how many times I tell him when I’m coming... he just keeps asking.”

“Oh!” She said with wide eyes, a grin quickly forming on her face. “Well I guess it’s a good thing I picked this up, wouldn’t want to disappoint him.” Alice smiled, before taking a moment. “Or would you? Is he cute at least?”

“He’s definitely cute. It’s why I would’ve been rather upset had I gotten all the way home without it.” She said with a grin. “Although if I disappoint him, it’s more on him than me.”

@creeveyd​ 

Alice had previously been in a daze, only coming out of it when she noticed the paper falling on the floor in front of her. “Oh!” She said, quickly going to pick it up. “Did you drop this?” She asked, tapping the shoulder of the girl in front of her. 

“I...” She looked at the paper. “You know,” She went to look through her pockets. “I did.” Doe took it back. “It’s actually rather important. The fellow who gave me this would be wondering where my call was.”

“Nooo, don’t say that, Doe!” Marcie shook her head with a chuckle. “Come on, show me your Tinder. We’ll get you some!”

“I’m not on Tinder. Believe it or not, I’d like to meet my future beau the old fashioned way... by having someone set me up with him.” She teased with a wink.

Dom laughed before winking at the other, “Don’t tell anyone,” she mused. “Ugh, tell me about it. Can we vacation in South America or something?”

“You paying for my trip?” She teased before letting out a sigh. “I really wish we could. At least we have each other, although I could go for a bloke to keep me warm and buy me things.”

“I have just what you need,” she said, showing the other cup she had in her hand to the other. “A hot cup of green tea to keep you warm on this horribly freezing day.”

“Well look at that. Are you a legilimens by any chance?” She said with a grin as she accepted the cup. “Why is it so fucking cold?”

“Come on Doe, it’s almost the weekend! You’ve got to let loose a little or these gremlins will eat you alive!” Marcie exclaimed with a bright smile and handed Doe her drink.

“I think the gremlins may have won.” She said with a laugh before taking the drink. “Then again, there still might be some fight left in me. I can’t exactly die as a spinster teacher.”

Lily immediately put her hand up, effectively stopping the person who’d just walked up to her. “If you’re not here to acknowledge my birthday in some way, then walk away.” 

“That’s certainly a way to go about things.” She said with a laugh. “How many people have walked away?”

“Well, you’ve got to work a lot harder to get any dark secrets out of me.” Elliott gestured to his fake fangs. “A lost boy. Old 80s vampire thing.” He smirked, “And what about you?”

“And where does one start if they’re willing to work hard?” She mused, cocking a brow. “I should’ve known. You’ve got an 80s heartthrob face.” Doe motioned to her outfit before doing a light curtsy. “Black swan. Thought I’d bust out my old ballet gear. Yes, yes. I know. Surprising.”

Vivienne beamed, “Thank you, I’m so glad you like it!” She placed her hand over her heart. “I’m digging the whole Black Swan thing, truly. I think you look great.”

“Thanks. It’s a little more revealing than I’d like but... if it gets me compliments like that, who cares.” She said with a laugh. “You having a good time?”

“I think Halloween is my favorite holiday.” Elliott mused, “No presents, no obligations, just a time to dress up and drink large amounts of alcohol.”

“That’s probably the least surprising thing I’ve learned about you.” She mused. “Speaking of which... you’re dressed as?”