bow down to the queen

He couldn't help but scoff at the suggestion of catching the creature. "Is there an actual plan, or is it a case of talking out of her arse in the hope of continuing to keep the public's favor?" He questioned. "I'm kicking myself for not having gotten a good look at the thing."

Bella let her eyes wander around the room, gaze shifting to the door leading to the hallway of the hospital for a moment before she returned her attention to the man. "No, don't suppose many people like being told to do by someone wearing that hideous of a uniform," She mused, attempting to make a joke of the situation, Merlin only knew she would've put up a fight if they tried to get her to be confined to a measly little hospital bed. "At least you aren't the only one suffering the mediocre level of care here." The witch couldn't speak completely on how the Davis family nor the Parkinson's was reacting to such a travesty of healers but one could only assume.

Raising a hand to her face, hiding her small bit of amusement at his words, a bit thankful her opinions on the Bagnolds were echoed in the rest of the community. "So far she hasn't spoken clearly of a plan," She supplied, though she was curious if the silence was a good thing or a bad thing. "Not like you could've helped even if you did. It was a creature in full transformation, who knows what they look like without the effect of the full moon."

"They were idiots to trust the ministry in the first place." Andra had a lot of personal reasons to distrust them, but she was sure even without it she wouldn't have trusted them either. Andra rolled her eyes though. "Like they'll ever be equal to them." Like most people would be equal to them. "Doesn't mean we can't use them to our advantage though.... which I suppose is exactly what you are planning for?"

Bella found herself grinning at her cousin's words, this was quite possibly the worse way for things to go their way but in order to be successful in their plans, she had to adapt. "Exactly," It was better to play up the idea she had no idea about this, leave the freak out and anger for when she spoke with Rabastan and Severus next. Both boys still needed to pull their heads out of their asses and move on locating their little problem before she started blurting out a story.

Though she attempted to hide her expression of agreement behind the rim of her glass, Bella knew her own opinions resonated with Alexandra's without heistation. She knew better than to voice it though seeing as their aim at the moment was gathering the neglected creatures to their cause, it wouldn't do well to the right hand woman to this mission was speaking out about the values they were offering. "Something like that," She mused, grabbing the paper and shifting it back before her. "A proper empire is built with the use of allies, makes things more difficult when you make enemies in the wrong places."

“I can admit,” he holds his hands up as he speaks, in a gesture of mock humility, “That some of their tailoring rivals ours. Some.” He adds, a smile flashing across his features before he glances around, lowering his voice somewhat before continuing. “I must say though things are only just getting back to normal in the shop after this werewolf attack. I hadn’t expected the full moon to make quite as much of an impact.” 

"That's just what you have to say, they're a rival for you," The brunette witch replied with a playful eyeroll. There wasn't much compeition really, to her clothing was clothing, as long as the quality was high just as the price was she'd go for either store. She wasn't Narcissa who picked specific colors for specific moods or because one complimented her more, her color palatte wasn't that extreme. "I suppose theres things I prefer there, things I prefer at Gladrags," Bella responded with a shrug of her shoulders.

Her first response to his words was a simple arch of one eyebrow, feigning what she hoped was an uncertain expression. "I'm sure the lack of action from the Ministry helped prolong the lack of normalcy the community wished for after something like that." Her personal thoughts leaking through into her words, the idea she thought little of the Ministry quite clear. "Though, glad to hear the shop hasn't suffered much more as a result of the people's fear of this reckless creature that's still running loose."

Where: Gladrags Wizardwear

Who: Claudette + Open

After the way spring solstice unfolded, Claudette had taken herself off to France for a couple of weeks to destress. Something which seemed like a good idea at the start; enjoying glasses of wine in the evening sun, chatting with her friends from home and eating food that she couldn’t get in England. The reality was quiet different. As excited as she had been to see her siblings - or some of them anyway she seemed to have forgotten she would have to see her parents too. While her mother had warmed after Claudette gave in and married Alexander, Claude still couldn’t forgive her for it. She disliked her more than ever before, especially because all she ever did was remind her of how small and powerless she could be. Because of the necessary time spent with her mother, Claudette’s mood wasn’t improved all that much when she returned.

Still, when almost ran into someone as she was walking into the shop she smiled politely and apologetically. “Oh I’m sorry, I just needed to hurry out of that rain.”

There weren't many high quality fashion shops that Bella would venture into in the Alleys, so her options were always limited when she needed new robes. But she had always liked the quality and service she received from Gladrags so it had become her preference for any future purchases. Having made a quick stop by the shop after running to Gringotts for a despoit, she had just finished placing a future order for herself and something for her sisters when she was bumped into. Most of the clientele had seemed to be good enough but even as annoyed as she was to be interrupted, it was stictly bad manners to be rude to the owner's wife. "Claudette, go right ahead," She spoke, her hand gesturing ahead of her as though the path was now open for the blonde.

If she took into account the anger and hatred Corin must be feeling right now, then maybe Bella would've realized it would be better to have someone near her just on the off chance of an encounter. The last person she would've wanted would be Sirius, more so because he was a blood traitor and a betrayer to their family. "Hm, dangerous, right," She spoke, her tone full of disbelief as though she thought it was funny to see people scared to leave their homes now. "I can hold my own, thank you very much, even against a werewolf or creature like that one they're looking for. Don't need your concern for me, I've never had any in regards to you."

His conversations with Bellatrix were some of the ones he found most difficult. Lucius always felt that she was like a panther, ready to pounce that moment you put a foot wrong. She unnerved him but equally he respected that high position she'd managed to manoeuvre herself to within the Death Eaters. He'd invited her over for information, he didn't see the need to pretend any different with her. No need for small talk or frivolities this time.

Finding out what Harrison's friends knew would be a fairly simple task. One that he was more than qualified to complete. But he wanted to know why it was so important. What was this specific werewolf to the Death Eaters, why was it so important. He knew he might not get any answers but he had to try. She was the daughter of Silas, and could cause them problems but his intuition told him it was more than. "Evening Bellatrix" he greeted her when she arrived "I won't waste too much of your time- no doubt you are busy, but can I offer you a drink before we get started."

Aside from her close friends, many of the other Death Eaters Bella simply saw as servants to do the dirty work if she didn't want to. People she could boss around for the sake of the cause and she'd rather intimidate them than befriend them. But there were a few like Lucius, that had more of a friendship. It helped a bit knowing they grew up together and ran many of the social circles together, there also was the fact that Narcissa and Druella had their eyes set on making him family as well. So when she received an invitation to chat not too long after she had sent the missions, she accepted.

Following the elf as she arrived at his family's home, the brunette didn't have to wait long before she found Lucius. "Always the proper host, I see," The witch mused, walking into the room, eyes roaming around before falling onto the wizard. "A glass of whisky is fine with me." Her favorite drink choice when discussing business so it seemed.

"Or if they do they just set themself up for a even greater fall" There was an amused smirk on her face. Anything that involved the ministry falling flat on their faces was a good thing in her books. "And luckily for us we can use the panic to our advantage. Oh how I adore when things work out perfectly."

Bella raised her drink to her lips for a sip, the formation of a cruel smile on her lips as the glass was placed back on the table, "You and everyone else." Even with many in their ranks holding positions of power, there was always an underlying desire to see the current Ministry fall. Slipping the latest paper from her stack of information, she slid it towards her cousin. "This right here," She referred pointed to Minister Bagnold's latest statement, "Is what just lead them right into the palm of our hands."

"Word on the street is they're about to start cracking down on creatures. And stricter rules is going to turn people away," Bella explained, leaning back in her chair as she crossed her arms over her chest. "People feeling the distrust in the Ministry will lead those creatures right into our hands, into the world were they believe they'll finally be equal to us."

“Scratches and potential of picking up wolflike tendencies,” He grimaced. Even with the semi-thorough explanation from the head healer, he was still left feeling defeated on that matter. There was no knowing what would accompany the latter. What sort of partner would put up with the scarred appearance and a craving for raw meat? At least the scars were easily dismissible. The thought was enough to earn a groan of annoyance. “The last healer threatened to hold me the whole week if I keep being difficult,” Rodolphus admitted, neglecting to mention having been annoyed enough to refer to the healer as the one that was being difficult.

“Likely an additional day to make sure the deeper wound didn’t cause an infection, then a few weeks off from work.” There was no hiding the eye roll at work being brought up. “Not at my insistence, but the Ministry’s. I presume they’ll want to follow up closer to the next full moon.”

"Could be worse," Bella shrugged her shoulders, she wasn't quite at her mother's incredible worry about the victims' looks and lack of marriage aspects now. But being a werewolf was not something she'd wish on them, even if she would've exploited their condition for her own benefit. "Rodolphus Lestrange? Being difficult? Never would've seen that coming," She rolled her eyes, though she supposed she would be acting rather difficult here if places were switched. Rather take up the healing on her own than be in the care of these ridiculous healers.

"Doubt there will be too much to come out near the full moon, but suppose they're just being cautious," Bella spoke, shifting in the seat, "Heard they don't have much leads on the werewolf that ran off. But Minister Bagnold has already made it well known she's breaking into all sorts of methods to get the creature."

While she didn't care where or what Sirius did in his life without the Black family, she had been forced to keep a few tabs as the war grew on. More than likely expecting him and his little friends to be in league with Dumbledore. "Ah yes, the meager job of serving to the masses," She spoke, her tone clear that she related his bartending to the service of those inferior to her. Like elves. "Why would I need your company?" The witch spoke, one eye brow raised at the idea of willingly letting her estranged cousin be her 'protection'. "I'm a far more experienced witch than you are, dear cousin, I don't need protection. Especially not from you."

Fear had swelled among the community in the days following the werewolf attack. Xander had watched those around him skittering between shops, eyes darting from side to side, never lingering in one place for too long. It had been quiet.  He had tried to ignore the niggling feeling in the pit of his stomach, never quite able to pin down what aspects of what happened had him on edge. In truth, he wasn’t sure he wanted to know. 

There were a handful of witches and wizards out and about today as he strolled along the streets of Knockturn Alley. Noggin and Bonce was his destination. His eye caught a few of the faded wanted posters on the way, drawing the corner of his mouth downward for a moment. Xander forced his focus back to the handful of people around him, landing on a familiar face. 

Familiar faces, truth be told, were always in abundance, particularly among the pure blooded members of society and, even more so, when part of his job relied on knowing everyone there was to know. “Bellatrix, what a pleasant surprise,” he greets, inclining his head toward her, “Don’t tell me you’re shopping at other wizardwear boutiques, you might break my heart.” He’s joking… partially, though it would be hard to argue otherwise with the glint of amusement that sparked in his stare.

Maybe it was just her insider knowledge about the whole 'anonymous werewolf' story or maybe it was just because she was overly confident in her magical ability after learning from the Dark Lord, but Bella found that she wasn't scared of the streets like everyone else. She'd much rather take the chance and explore the Alleys, hoping to catch a clue, hoping to catch a glance of Corin coming back, anything to keep their search up. But today she was doing her usual shopping like any other citizen when Alexander came across her.

It wasn't like he was a stranger to her, growing up in the heart of pureblood society all her life allowed her to be introudced to all the proper families and the Tremblays had been one of them. But years went, it was more Mason who stuck out to Bella more than the rest of them though she could still be polite enough to the rest of them in public. "Alexander," She greeted, jokingly gesturing over her shoulder down the Alley, "Of course, had to give Cobb & Webb it's time to shine, they've had a recent shipment in."

"Finally getting what they deserve." Her tone of voice was full of malice. Andra's battle had always been with the ministry. She was never going to get over her father's death, but if they would acknowledge that his death was not an accident, then maybe it would have been a little easy. "I've been waiting nearly 15 years. Justice will be worth it. Even it takes years." They would get what they deserved, and Andra would take pleasure in watching it happen.

Once a dreamer that had wanted to follow in her father's footsteps, Bella had long since disregarded any idea of being apart of the Ministry. The politics had run every single individual into the ground and no one had a back bone for anything, especially when they elected Millicent Bagnold into power. She wanted to be in the position of all power and Tom's vision was going to make that possible for her. They just had to break their competition down from the very center.

"It may not be an immediate destruction, but I doubt it'll take years," The witch waved off, overly confident that with their hand at raising chaos in society, it would be sooner rather than later. "Especially with the way things are headed for them now. It's not like they can ignore the panic and worry about creatures now." And it helped them even more to have people like the Malfoys and her father on their side, more voices to stir the pot.

Hazel eyes regarded him over the rim of her glass, half interested in what he was saying and half looking for any sign he was distrustful. "It's highly likely people have kept to themselves after all that," She nodded, returning her glass to the table before crossing her arms over her chest. "We'll I'm all ears to any and all information you can gather from loose lips, anything of interest yet or just mindless mumbling about how terrified they all are?"

"Good." The brunette sat down opposite her cousin, not saying anything else, but taking a sip of her wine. Was she taking Bella's confirmation as gospel truth? Of course not. But she wasn't going to let Bellatrix know that. In fact, she was being pretty guarded with what she thought, and what she would say. "The only decent way to benefit from anything the ministry does." Andra said a few moments later, a little smirk on her lips. "The sooner we take them down the better"

Bella had learend early in life there was only so few of people she could ever trust, her family always being high on the list until Sirius was banished. Then she turned to her friends, Rabastan, Castor, and Natalia being the close knit grew she needed. But then the Dark Lord came into the picture and there was no one else that really mattered to her. She began keeping secrets from her family, keeping personal missions from her friends, all in favor of being the Dark Lord's start pupil. That was the only person that mattered now and she didn't want to tell him she had failed by letting someone else ensure their captive was secure.

Sipping from the drink in front of her, she smirked behind the rim of the glass, "Don't worry they'll come crashing down soon enough. That she had no doubt about, but things took time or so Tom had told her. "These things take time and we have to wait for the right moment they're vulnerable if we want anything to be successful."

Bella could only shrug her shoulders, raising her wine glass again to take a sip, "Could be better but I've got this so I'm doing well." Lifting her glass up in reference as she gestured to the seat before her, offering the empty chair if he wished to join. Gorkem wasn't her first choice of company but it was good enough for the time being. There was always soemthing about him that interested her, coming from a family like the Polats was one thing but having a blood traitor for a sister was a bit supicious. "What brings you here besides locating mischief?"