a touch of poison

Laughing as she hears the words coming out of the other witch’s mouth, Bellatrix didn’t expect anything less. She knew it wouldn’t be an easy fight nor did she want one. Easy had never been something she enjoyed. “Well, well. Didn’t expect you to be such a disbeliever, Williams.” Raising her hand in the air, as if she was waiting to receive something, she carries on. “But go on, don’t shy now. I want to hear all about your grandiose plan.”

Marina cast her eyes over the other witch, watching for signs of confrontation - she was sure they’d come. “I wouldn’t say disbeliever, more... Realist.” She had spoken to the others, plenty of other Death Eaters, and she knew that as much as Bellatrix may want to take his place, there others were more popular than she. “I don’t have any big plans or even small agendas. I’m just stating a fact.”

“Well I don’t know if he’s running but personally I think Zabini would be a good candidate.” Thoughts were already running through Alecto’s head of how best to manipulate the situation in order for it to work in her favour and the outcome to go her way.

Marina wasn’t sure that she agreed that Zabini would be a good candidate, but she could see why people would vote for him. Literally see. Even Death Eaters liked a pretty face. “I’m sure he would be,” Marina mused. “Are you running?” 

“Well that’s rather boring. Don’t you want a little excitement?”

“Why would I need a guy to have some excitement?” 

“Hey, I’m not complaining. Merlin knows someone needs to. Are you vying for a seat at the table with the big boys? Now the Dark Lord has gone everyone seems to be fighting to get to the top, you’d certainly have my support.” 

“Why would I want a seat at the big table? It’ll all be meetings and planning. Life is way more fun when you get to be spontaneous.” 

“That’s painful to hear, Williams – really.” James said, overplaying the disappointment somewhat.  

“Well someone had to burst your big head sooner or later.” 

“Looks like someone has been skipping their anger management class.”

“What can I say? I just love teaching those mudbloods a lesson.” 

The tops of Lily’s cheekbones began to blush scarlet, whether from rage or shame, she didn’t know. She knew how essential it was for people like her these days to lay low- she’d seen too many in St. Mungos assaulted for looking at the wrong person the wrong way. But try as she might, she just couldn’t seem to stay out of trouble. “And maybe you should try removing the wand up your arse, then you wouldn’t be such a tosser.“ Another potential confrontation averted, Lily! Great job.

Marina almost laughed as she watched the witch’s face turn the same colour as her hair and, really, it was quite funny to look at. But then, all of a sudden, the conversation was shifting and really this was what Marina was looking for all along. “You mean this wand?” She asked, pulling it out of her pocket. And just like that the redhead was at a disadvantage, unless she wanted to throw more of her things on the floor. 

“So in that case, who would your vote go to?” That wasn’t to say that Alecto was definitely going to put herself forward for leadership, instead the curiosity got the better of her. 

“It’s a difficult choice...” Marina said, with a shrug. “I guess I can’t really decide until I know everyone who’s running.” 

“Aw, c’mon Williams we both know that it’s your perfect guy too.”

“Who said I want a perfect guy?” 

“If you’re so inclined. But, only if it’s less than a page. I couldn’t take knowing that there were more people than that.” Of course, he was joking. He knew there were many more than just the one sheet. 

“Maybe it’s better I don’t even start if you want less than a page,” Marina said with a laugh. “You might be disappointed.”

The grocery bags floating alongside her were rivaled only by the bags under her eyes- long shifts followed by marathon study sessions were taking a toll on her sleep schedule (hardly taking into account the nights of tossing and turning from the stress). If it was easy to become a Healer, then everyone would be doing it, Lily reasoned. She hardly noticed a rogue parcel had whacked into a passerby. “Sorry about that,” she offered weakly, “long week.”

It wasn’t often that Marina went into Diagon’s Alley, in fact she did her very best to avoid the repulsive area. The wizards there were just devastating, squandering their powers on menial things. But she had needed some robes fixing and had dropped them off the previous week. She was just heading towards Madam Malkin's when she was suddenly assaulted by a flying parcel coming out of nowhere. She whirled angrily to face her attacker. “You are a witch, aren’t you? Not some awful squib?” She asked. “Maybe you should try actually using magic, then you wouldn’t be such a clutz.” 

“Not me, per se. Just our countless Gryffindor achievements.” He shrugged. “But that throws me for a loop… Who wouldn’t be desperate to be my friend?” His tone still maintained a hint of playfulness. 

“Would you like a list?” She asked with a smile.

“Merlin, Williams, you’re pretty much describing my dream guy. He sounds perfect.”

“Well your perfect guy would.” 

“Oh lovely, I can just feel the sincerity in your words. I’m flattered Marina, you say the sweetest words and your faith in me is outstanding.” A scoff fell from her lips. “You really think that you would be able to do a better job?” 

“I don’t think anything of the sort. Frankly I’m not made to be a leader, but I do know who I’d like to take orders from. Bellatrix is not one of them.”

“But a dashing self-obsessed ass, right?”

“Sure, a dash of narcissism.” 

“I merely said it would be in everyone’s favour to decide promptly. I wasn’t exactly implying I deserve the position.” Granted, he believed that he’d do a better job than the current in-fighting was accomplishing. The Ministry and The Order of the Phoenix should be finished by now.

“Well I think we all know it’s in everyone’s decision to decide promptly. The issue is that the decision consists of a psychopathic crazy woman and that smooth talking coward.” 

Pandora looked up at the brunette. “Marina.” She greeted with a small yet friendly smile. “It’s been a while since I saw you last.” She statedrocking back onto the balls of her feet as she played with a strand of her hair.

Marina frowned, nose scrunching slightly as she looked at the other girl. “Sorry, do I know you?”