No Day But Today

Grinning, he nodded, “It is. One of those uniquely Arthur traits that just makes you love him more,” he agreed. Arthur was one of his favorite people, and he’d learned early on to accept him and to take him as he was. He was a much more complex person than most people realized, and he was just grateful that he could consider him his best friend. Edgar had seen some of the cruelest parts of humanity, and yet, he saw the best in it as well. Every time his team helped take down smugglers, traders, and illegal farms, he saw how cruel people could be, but also how kind his people were when out in the field to the creatures that were being harmed. Edgar loved his job, and there was nothing else he could see himself doing. Nodding, he replied, “It will be,” he agreed, knowing that Hogwarts was one of the best places these beings could go. Smiling softly he agreed, “They’ll find a safe home.” 

“I get that honestly,” he mused, though after she continued, he added, “It might mean starting all over too. Another team might make you wait just as long before making you a season regular, whereas you’ve been with the Harpies long enough that you’ll be worked into that position sooner,” he considered. Laughing, Ed shook his head, “Patience is a virtue and all that, but I can definitely understand not having it. It’s something I still need to work on as well,” he mused, before adding, “Me too.” Shaking his head, Edgar grinned, “I’m glad you know he’s going to get away with everything. Cute puppies always do, honestly,” he teased. A wide smile formed as he nodded, “Good, I’m glad to hear it! I’m sure you two will be well suited for each other,” he started, before continuing, “a book would definitely help. There’s a lot to learn from those.” Edgar smiled warmly as he commented, “Brilliant, I would love that.”

She nodded her head. Arthur was definitely one of a kind and Doe wouldn’t have it any other way. He was so important to her, she couldn’t imagine her life without him. And she thanked whoever placed her with the Weasley’s for giving her Arthur. And from there, she had learned to love a lot more people, more people than she ever thought that she was capable of loving. Doe couldn’t imagine his job, couldn’t imagine having to deal with people’s cruelty towards animals. It was truthfully one of the most despicable things in the world. She truly believed that animals needed more protection then they were given, they were so vulnerable, and some of them were unable to defend themselves. That was why she had adopted Asher. It had been a whim, going to the shelter, but she had spotted him and his eyes just spoke to her. She had known that she couldn’t leave without him. And so she had adopted him on the spot and she didn’t regret it for a second. She nodded her head. “Good.”

“I know. That’s what I think about every time I get antsy and think about approaching another team. They could even be worse, and I could get old without ever getting to play the way that I want to. So I know I just need to stick it out, my time is coming. I just wish it would come a little bit faster,” she said with a laugh. “But I really shouldn’t even complain. I’m lucky that I have a job, that I love what I do. Not everyone can say that,” she said. She nodded her head. “I think we could all probably use some,” she admited. Dorcas nodded her head. “Oh, they do. It drives me crazy, how he just wants to get into everything but I know that it’s just because he’s little and still learning. Testing boundaries. Sounds like someone else I know,” she laughed, referring to herself. She nodded. “I figured. I thought that I had left books behind at Hogwarts ,but I guess not. At least this one will be more interesting, I hope,” she said with a laugh. She nodded. “Perfect.”

“Nice to meet you, Doe,” Emma said raising her glass and taking a drink. Finally, some good company. “How are you liking the party? You know, despite the whole Rodolphus sucks bit.”

“You too,” she replied. It was a good change, having someone to talk to that wasn’t so obsessed with Rodolphus and this campaign. “The alcohol is free and the food’s decent, I can’t complain. The company is a bit lacking, but I think that that’s going to change,” she said. “What about you? Enjoying yourself?”

Andromeda smirked. It was clear to her from the way the other woman acted that these kinds of events weren’t her thing, but there was no point in commenting that observation. “Of course, all forgiven. And this is definitely a very different vibe than a fun night in a bar.” Andromeda hadn’t spent many fun nights in bars, not having anyone to go with. With Bellatrix, they preferred to stay in, and Andromeda couldn’t be seen with Josie in public. Maybe Alice would be an idea, but when Andromeda had the opportunity to have Alice all to herself, she didn’t waste it by dragging her out to a bar where she was sure to run into one of her clients. “Though I can’t say I really know what that vibe is like,” she admitted with a laugh. “It seems I need to get out more.” 

Dorcas raised an eyebrow at her revelation that she didn’t know what the vibe of a bar was. Perhaps that was why she acted like she had a stick up her butt, she hadn’t had the chance to fully let loose. She had heard that these Pureblood girls were pretty boring, but maybe it was because they had never had the chance to have fun. “You need to go and try it,” she suggested. “Go to a dive bar in London, and get drunk and let loose. You won’t regret it. It’s nothing like this,” she gestured to the room. “It’s better, you don’t have to talk to boring guys for twenty minutes about nothing. And I’m sure guys would be lining up to buy you drinks.” Not that she couldn’t afford to buy them herself, Dorcas thought, but why pay for them if you didn’t have to? That had always been her motto. 

“I think I was following that advice way before you actually had to give it, Doe,” Emm teased, laughing still at the memory. She loved that about Doe– the fact that she could see easily make Emmeline feel like a girl again, instead of a schemer or a liar. “I need to introduce you to some of the men from the office. Can’t have a decent conversation with them, but they’re great in bed,” she grinned. 

“I am absolutely for going to the bars with you. They’re so boring by myself,” she bemoaned. 

Emmeline nibbled her bottom lip lightly, giving her shoulders a slight shrug, trying not to read too much into her conversation with Helena…she didn’t want to get her hopes too high up…or jinx herself. “I think it went well…we’re going to try this whole sisters thing. Which I am…completely in over my head with. I…I don’t think I’ve ever cared about anyone that wasn’t you or Thea before.”

“Okay, fair enough. But you know, sometimes you have to live and learn and I definitely lived. And I learned. So like, that’s all that you can ask for,” she said with a shrug and a laugh, taking a sip of her wine. “God, he was so awful too. Not worth it.” She scrunched up her nose. “Those boring assholes? Half of them would be intimidated that i’m living out their Hogwarts dreams of playing Quidditch professionally while they’re stuck behind a desk with two point five kids and a boring stuffy wife that he has sex with once a month on a schedule,” She said with a laugh. But at her revelation, she raised an eyebrow. “What men are you talking to at the office?” She asked with a laugh.

“I know, I’ve been going by myself but it’s not the same.”

She would have done anything to find her biological parents. The Weasley’s were amazing, but there was a part of her that would always wonder about them, especially her mother. She had never met her, and she wanted to know why. “Yeah? That’s amazing, Emmeline,” she said. “I’m so happy that she took it so well! And that you told her. That’s amazing. I would give you advice, but I’ve always been the little sister to Arthur’s big brother. But I guess I would say that you should just...listen to her, you know? Be there for her. But give her space when she needs it.”

A polite smile lifted the corners of her lips. She could respect those who were torn on who or what to believe. Besides, she knew more than anyone that politics was a lying game. You lied to get what and where you wanted in the race. Though as far as she was concerned nothing was a lie. Bellatrix meant everything she said. As did Rodolphus and Severus. They were a team and one built on firm beliefs and trust. While Bella had never been one for sports, she had admired those who were active participants. Going to the games when she was in school and supporting her respective house (or whatever house was going against Gryffindor.)

“I’ve never been one for the game,” she said, taking another drink of her champagne, “But I have a lot of respect for those who play. It takes a lot of courage and endurance to be able to keep up like that. What position and team do you play for?” Bellatrix had yet to meet this woman before now. Knowing little tidbits about her like these made it easier for her to gauge whether or not it would be easy for her to persuade this woman to her cause. She smiled at the compliment. A nod of her head following. “Alcohol makes everything lighter I find. Thank you,” she said with a glint of laughter in her eyes, “We’ve done what we can to make it hospitable for all over the years. I’m glad we have succeeded.”

Dorcas couldn’t imagine her life without Quidditch. Once she played for the first time at eleven she was hooked for life. She had a lot to thank Arthur for, but her love of Quidditch was the biggest. “When I played for the first time at eleven I was hooked,” she explained. Doe didn’t care if it made her sound like she was a muggleborn, In so many ways she had been, despite coming to find out that her mother had been a witch, she hadn’t learned of her nature until she was eleven. It had changed her life completely for the better. “But I know playing isn’t for everyone.”  Especially people like Bellatrix who was born in a house like this. She couldn’t imagine parents like that being supportive, but Doe didn’t know for sure. Although most people who didn’t play were definitely fans. “Oh, I’m a reserve chaser for the Holyhead Harpies,” she explained. She loved her team but she just wished that she could be a full chaser. She had to smile at her words. “It does,” she agreed, imagining many alcohol fueled nights that she had had over the years. They always seemed more fun when alcohol was involved. “Of course.”

Andromeda could tell by the look on Dorcas’ face that she wasn’t impressed by the grand opulence of the event, but Andromeda didn’t care what the other woman thought. She knew that the party was a raging success, and that those with any sense of taste would agree with that sentiment. “Yes, it was me,” she replied proudly, looking around eagerly to see the crowd of people breaking up to enjoy themselves as Rodolphus’ speech ended. 

“I had some help, but I planned the thing,” she elaborated, knowing that Severus and Bellatrix and Persephone deserved to be acknowledged, at least. 

“Well, it turned out nice,” she admitted. Even though this wasn’t her thing, would never be her thing, she could appreciate the effort that must’ve gone into something like this. She was glad when the speech was over, perhaps things could get a little bit better without Rodolphus’s droning. “Boring speeches aside,” she said with a smirk. “I hope you forgive me, parties like this,” she gestured. “Aren’t my thing. I’m more of a fun night in a bar kind of girl.”

“Cool.” Peter muttered before he lit his cigarette and took a long drag. Peter took a interest about her. It wasn’t everyday that he was hearing about a female quidditch player. He didn’t play but Sirius and James did back at Hogwarts so, he knew the game well. He looked over at her as he took another drag. “So, I take it it was a stressful day today?” Doe was particularly beautiful under the bar light, if he wasn’t gay he probably would have gone after her but they had laid that down on the table rather quickly. He had noticed her drink was getting low, “Can I get you another one?” he asked softly, pointing to her glass. 

Doe shrugged her shoulders slightly. “Not so much stressful, more annoying,” she explained. It was driving her crazy, being a reserve chaser. She felt like she had done her time and then some. “It’s just getting old, being a reserve chaser.” She knew that most people would be grateful for being on the team, and she honestly was, but she was just ready for a change, to get to play every game and not just when they needed to swap one of the others out. She downed her drink and looked over at him when he asked if he could buy her another one. “Sure,” she replied. Free alcohol was free alcohol she didn’t care who was paying for it. 

where: lestrange political fundraiser who: @doeeyedmeadowes

    Fish. That’s how he feels right now — like a fish out of water, as he looks down at the wine in his glass, swirling the dark fluid around just for something to keep his hands busy with. Up until two months ago, it had been years since he found himself at such a high-brow, high society event, where apparently, something as arbitrary as the state of his polished shoes mattered just as much as what he could bring to the table. Arthur knows that there’s no use bemoaning how things once were; all that matters is how things are now. Still, the thought does little to settle the unease in his stomach, and he halfway considers leaving early, without his desired prize of the evening, until he catches sight of a familiar brunette. Suddenly the weight lifts off of his chest. A smile grows on his face as he makes his way across the ballroom, his footsteps almost giddy in anticipation of seeing his sister again — the only person from his childhood home that he would ever be truly happy to see. He only catches the tail-end of one of her smart remarks about Rodolphus, and it’s only too easy for him to slip back into the role of a teasing older brother. “Oh dear, Miss Meadowes, are you speaking ill of the man of the hour?” he gasps, with an exaggerated expression of shock on his features. “Even worse — you didn’t invite me to join you?”

Dorcas really didn’t know what she was thinking about attending this thing other than the free booze. Events like this had never been her thing. As a child, she had never been forced to go to something like this, depending on what family she was changed whether she spent her Sundays at Church, which was usually the only reason that she got dressed up, usually in someone else’s dress that was either too small or too big. And then when she had moved in with the Weasley’s, events like this were rare, and she sometimes would just not go. She was standing with a few other people, in the middle of a criticism about Rodolphus when she heard him. For the first time tonight, a real smile formed on her lips as she turned to face him. Arthur. The one other person that she would drop everything to go to no matter what. “Arthur!” She exclaimed. It had been so long since she had seen him, they stayed in touch when he was gone, of course, but it wasn’t the same. She didn’t even care about his teasing, she launched herself into a hug and wrapped her arms around him. “You didn’t tell me you were going to be here!” She accused, a smile on her lips. “If I had known that you were here, I would have invited you to come and join me.” There was nobody else that she would want to be with at an event like this than Arthur. 

Grinning, Edgar nodded, “Oh absolutely. I wouldn’t doubt it for a second. Art has always been ridiculously good at making trouble out of the mundane,” he laughed. Truthfully, Arthur was brilliant in that way, if a little destructive, but Edgar had seen the brilliance that the other boy possessed. His smile softened at her words and he gave her a very sincere, “Thank you, that means a lot,” because it did. Dorcas had faith in him, and had faith that he would always act with the creatures best interests at heart. He loved his job more than anything, and he was just grateful that he got to pursue a career in something he was passionate about. If his years at Hogwarts had taught him anything, it was that people could be wholly cruel to beings that were different from them. Nodding, he gave a hum, “I couldn’t agree more. They’ll be well cared for there, and that’s all I can ask for,” he admitted. The hardest part of his job was letting them go when he knew it was past time for them to stay, but he knew it was important none the less. 

A smile formed as he shook his head lightly, “Not at all, luv. I think that’s a perfectly acceptable wish, especially given how underused you are on the team. In fairness, I think anyone of your talent would, and I’m sorry it hasn’t been quite so fulfilling lately,” he lamented. Dorcas was brilliant and she had a passion for Quidditch, as well as the skill. Waving his hand he laughed, “Please, patience can be overrated,” he teased. He knew it had to do partially with seniority, but he also knew that she was being undervalued in a lot of ways. Still, he smiled at the change of subject and added, “He sounds adorable. I can’t wait to meet him. Last minute pets are always the best, and I’m so glad you got one suited for you,” he grinned. Edgar was genuinely excited for the younger girl and had no doubt that they’d be perfect for each other. “No usually, though there’s a lot of ways to potty train - thankfully there’s a lot of books and articles on it these days,” he grinned. Nodding, he offered, “I would love that. I’ll be a day this week and swing by with dinner after work.” 

“I have always envied that ability of his. Tried to reproduce it on my own a few times to no avail, it seems. I think that it’s a trait that is solely Arthur.” She missed him and the way that things were when they were younger. He had quickly become one of the most important people in her life, the first person that had truly treated her like family. After everything that she had gone through, all of the foster homes, all of the shitty foster parents, having Arthur had been her saving grace. He introduced her to Quidditch and he welcomed her into his family when she needed it. She nodded her head in acknowledgement of his thanks. She had to respect Edgar’s career choice, it was hard work, taking care of the unwanted, and most people well, they didn’t want to do it. Whether it was children or animals, it was all the same. Hell, she almost thought that being an unwanted animal was worse, people were so cruel, after all. And there weren’t as many laws protecting animals as there were children. “It’ll be good for them,” She offered him a small smile. “They’ll find their home there and nobody can hurt them there.”

“I’ve thought of seeking out another team,” she admitted. “But then that would make my years with the Harpies wasted, I think. So I don’t know. Patience isn’t my strong suit. I need to learn to be patient.” She was sure that good things would come if she could just wait. But she hated the idea of having to wait much longer. She had already been waiting for so long. She smiled, though when Edgar said that patience was overrated. “I’ve always thought that,” she agreed, laughing. “Oh, he’s adorable and he knows it. He has those puppy dog eyes that means he can get away with anything,” she said, shaking her head. “Me too, though. I kind of love him so much already,” she laughed. She nodded her head. “I think i’m going to have to get a book or something, he’s been learning, but there’s still a ways to go.” She smiled. “That sounds perfect.”

Emmeline laughed, more overt than before, as she was filled with amusement at the memory that Doe brought up. “No, no, no! I can’t ever let that up! No hook up could ever become worse than that. That’s probably my worst nightmare that I hadn’t even realized until you told me that story,” Emmeline exclaimed, giving her head a shake. “But,” she began again, “Doggy school would be good. Could teach him all sorts of things.”

She clinked her glass to Doe’s and took a generous sip. “What’s new…hm. Not enough troublesome items. I’m in the need of more chaos in my life,” Emm remarked, but she paused after a moment and her expression softened. “I did talk to Helena recently…I actually told her about our mutual…father.”

Dorcas had plenty of stories to tell like the one she had just reminded Emm of. In the years after Hogwarts, she had gone a bit wild, but she liked to think that she was somewhat more settled. At least...sort of. But she liked seeing Emmeline let loose and laugh, even if it was at her expense. “Okay, it was one time, and I never talked to that guy ever again. It was such a mistake,” she said with a laugh, shaking her head. “Don’t bring random guys home from the Hogs Head. Just don’t do it.” She smiled. “That’s what I was thinking too. Might be good for me too,” she teased.

“If you’re looking for chaos, we should go to the bars again,” She said with a grin. It seemed like it had been forever since they had gone out drinking. Doe’s eyes widened at Emmeline’s words. “What?” She asked softly. “How did she take it? Are you okay?” She asked, worry etched on her face. She knew how much it weighed on Emm, how much she had thought about telling her.

Emma laughed, raising her glass as if to say Cheers to that. “I mean there is free drinks and those little cocktail foods that are honestly nicer than anything at a bar so…” Emma said with a laugh. “I’m Emma,” she said offering her hand.

Doe smiled and laughed, nodding in agreement. “It seems like we’re on the exact same page here,” she said. “I only came for the free drinks.” Who gave a shit what Rodolphus had to say. “I’m Doe,” she replied, taking her hand to shake it. “Nice to meet you,” she said. “It’s always nice to meet a fellow rebel,” she teased. 

Laughing, Edgar shook his head, “I’m sure it would be an utter waste. He’d probably charm it to do something entirely different, or gift it to someone else,” he teased. Dorcas had been a breath of fresh air in some respects. She was different from the people he’d grown up with, but she was absolutely someone he’d consider to be family. “Almost always are,” he grinned, teasing her gently. That wasn’t entirely true, but he found that they agreed with one another more often than they didn’t. His smile softened as he nodded, “It was heartbreaking,” he admitted, because it did nothing to sugar coat that aspect of his job to anyone. Edgar still had a difficult time dealing with babies that had been abandoned for some reason or another, but he’d gotten particularly good at taking care of them, and gaining their trust. “They will be, yes. We got to them early enough, and they seem to have taken a liking to myself and my partner. Once they’re fully grown, we’ll take them to Hogwarts where they’ll continue to be well cared for,” he explained. It would be hard to rehabilitate them into the wild, but Hogwarts would be the perfect middle ground for them. “Thank you, for that vote of confidence. I certainly try my best” he admitted. 

Frowning, he gave a hum, “That’s frustrating. I have no doubt you’re one of their strongest players,” he mused, and while he might be a little biased, he wasn’t entirely. He knew how good Dorcas was, and he had no doubt that he’d only make their team better. “It will. Your time will definitely come,” he agreed, smiling at her confidently. The brightest grin formed as she brought up her puppy, and Edgar excitedly answered, “I cannot wait to meet him. A boxer puppy? I’m sure he’s an angel. If he’s anything like training a dragon baby, I would be happy to help give advice,” he teased. “Puppies are definitely handfuls, but I have no doubt you can train him well. I”m going to have to visit soon,” he grinned.

Dorcas always spent entirely too long on trying to pick gifts for Arthur. How did you thank someone for taking them in and showing her the kindness that Arthur had? How could she ever thank him for everything that he had done. “Oh, i’m sure he would find some use for it and potentially get himself into trouble,” she laughed. “True,” she said with a grin. Before Edgar had taken his job, she had never paid much attention to magical creatures and their plights. She had always just focused on Quidditch. But it had been very eye opening, hearing his stories about the poor animals that he worked with. Perhaps she saw some of herself in them, the frequently orphaned magical creatures that he worked with. “They’re in good hands with you,” she told him. “If anyone can fix them up, it’s you.” At his explanation of what they were going to do, she smiled and nodded her head. Of course they would find a home at Hogwarts. It seemed like all lost souls, human and animal alike were drawn to Hogwarts. Other than the Weasley family, Hogwarts had been the first place that she had felt safe, had learned her place. Had met Emmeline and Olivia and her friends. Friends that she had never expected to have. She had so many fond memories there. “Of course they will be happy at Hogwarts,” she said. 

She nodded her head. “Oh, it is. Would it be bad to say that i’m waiting for one of them to retire? I’ve been patient for this long and I know that it’s just a little bit longer. But i’m starting to lose my patience,” she admitted. “Thank you,” she said with a smile. “I know. It’s just the waiting. Patience has never been my strong suit,” she said, shaking her head. She laughed and nodded her head. “His name is Asher, and he’s so cute. I adore him. It was kind of a last minute thing, but I definitely don’t regret it.” She smiled. “Well I’ll take all the advice I can get. I’ve never done this before. Do dragons pee all over the floor? Because he does that. It’s so gross,” she laughed, shaking her head. “Come over anytime, seriously. We would love the company.”

“Speeches are meant to drive a point,” she said with a drink of her champagne. In her youth, Bellatrix had never had the patience for speeches. Always finding them pointless and boring herself. Though as she got older and with her involvement in politics she grew to understand them more. She had spent hours with Rodolphus in his office and her father’s study. Pouring over the different ways they could approach his speech. As well as every direction he could go with it and how he could hold everyone’s attention. Though it seemed as though they had failed on that front. Another failure and Bella felt her heart sink. She was never very good at accepting failure.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that our alcohol selection makes it bearable,” she said with a polite smile, “May I inquire how it could have been improved?”

Perhaps the problem was that Doe didn’t really believe in anything that Rodolphus was saying. She didn’t know what side of things she stood on, if she could she would remain firmly neutral rather than pick a side. She had people she loved on both sides of the political spectrum, and she would much rather play Quidditch. “Perhaps,” she agreed. She wasn’t dumb enough to point out her lack of support to Bellatrix. “This has never been my thing. I would much rather be on a broom playing Quidditch,” she said with a shrug. This whole thing would never be her scene, and truthfully she was glad that it wasn’t. This had been Harrison’s thing, and she had never been close to him. Not like she was with Arthur. He had been so much older than she was, and already out of the house when she had arrived. They had never had the chance to grow close, and then he was dead. 

“Don’t worry about me, i’m perfectly content, boring speeches aside,” she said. “Your house is lovely,” she said, figuring that it was the proper thing to say. 

Despite how truly aggravated Andromeda had been a moment earlier by the other woman’s rudeness, she couldn’t help but let out a short laugh as Dorcas cheered her. Rudeness aside, this girl had some pluck, and Andromeda had to respect that. Besides, she had dealt with quite enough unpleasant interactions tonight, and she didn’t really have the energy for one more.

Raising her own glass of champagne, she smirked. “Cheers.” Taking a sip, she raised her eyebrow at the other woman, as if challenging her for a response. 

Glancing around the room, she thought that it was all too much. The entire manor was too much. She much preferred the Weasley’s style, she truthfully preferred the Weasley’s in general when it came to all of this nonsense. She had noticed it the moment that she had approached the manor. She didn’t understand why anybody needed to live in this level of excess. But she supposed that it was none of her business. 

“Am I correct in assuming that you put this all together?” She questioned with an eye raise. She had to be given how defensive she was of the entire thing. 

Emmeline practically beamed at her friend, “You know that I could never do that to you,” she hummed, quickly standing up to move toward the kitchen. She grabbed two wine glasses, listening to Doe’s story as she did so, making small responsive noises to let her know that she was still listening. 

She reentered the room, setting the glasses down on the table in front of the couch, grabbing the bottle as she said, “Absolutely. Usually I would say that anyone or anything that pees on your floor needs to go, but–” she poured the wine generously into the two cups. “Those eyes make me totally weak.”

“Fiiiine,” she drawled out, “I suppose I can channel my energy elsewhere and torture someone else.”

“I do,” she said with a smile. Sometimes she was amazed by the life that she currently had. It hit her that all of those people who thought that she would amount to nothing, those foster families that had tossed her out like she was nothing had no idea what she had done. That she had people in her life that cared. Emmeline and Arthur, Olivia. It was still a surprise, all these years later.

When Emm came back in with wine glasses, she offered her a smile. “Okay, are you ever going to let up about that guy? He was drunk,” she said with an eye roll. “His eyes are the sweetest, though. It’s how he keeps getting out of trouble. I think I need to bring him to some kind of doggy school,” she said, taking her wine glass and clinking it with Emm’s. She took a sip of it and closed her eyes, enjoying the way it went down.

“Let’s find someone else, yes?” She said with a smirk. “So, what is new in the fabulous world of Emmeline Vance?”

Peter shrugged and bit his lip. He easily understood what she meant, men could easily be pigs and he was a man. “Hey, no harm done. I totally get it.” Peter turned toward the bar once again, eyeing the barkeep and tapping on his now empty glass trying to get a refill. 

Peter looked back at her, remembering seeing her in the hallways. Though he never talked to her because of always being with the boys. “Well Doe,” He took a drink of his new refill. “you could call me a regular here.” He shrugged putting his drink down. “I can’t seem to stay away from here. What about you? What brought you here?” He pulled a cigarette out of his pocket and lit it. “You don’t mind do you?” He raised an eyebrow. 

Doe nodded her head and brought her glass to her lips, scanning the place again. She had been hoping it would be a bit busier, but she supposed that this was fine. Peter was good company, at least at the moment. She did feel a surge of curiosity about him, but didn’t ask. “Huh, I could say the same,” she replied with a smirk. She was a regular of anywhere that had alcohol and a good atmosphere. This wasn’t her favorite place, but it was good enough for her on a random weekday night. “Long day of practice,” she replied. “I’m a reserve chaser,” she explained before he could ask. “Sometimes I come here to relax after a particularly stressful day.” At his question, she waved his concern away. “It’s not my bar, go ahead,” she told him with a shrug. 

Alice smirked. “It’d be a failure if there wasn’t absolute buckets of the stuff,” she told Dorcas. “Barrells even,” she noted. “And I happen to know where their stores are,” she added, a playful edge to her voice, a brightness sitting behind her eyes. “They could host us for months,” she said with confidence. Of course, Alice couldn’t do months of political agenda. How utterly boring. She arched a brow. “Well sod the champagne then, let’s get some whiskey and find a corner somewhere away from speeches,” she uttered.

Dorcas raised an eyebrow when Alice said that she happened to know where their stores were. It must be nice to just have barrels of alcohol laying around. She thought that her alcohol collection at her flat was impressive. “Barrels, huh? Must be nice to just have all of that laying around,” she admitted. She would never feel jealousy for these people, but it did sound nice. “Well then, I say lead the way,” she said with a smirk. There was only so much of this speech that she could take. And it didn’t seem like Rodolphus was ever going to bloody stop talking.