ғᴇᴍᴍᴇ ғᴀᴛᴀʟᴇ

“oi, don’t look so surprised. just because i take down dangerous criminals for a living doesn’t mean i can’t put on a nice dress for a good time.” the dress had been her mother’s choice, of course but it fit her like a glove nonetheless. persephone took a rather large gulp of her beverage before continuing to speak. “you look lovely as ever, rita. i’m surprised your date can keep their hands off you. have they left you to your own devices so early in the evening?”

“now you’re speaking my love language, sykes.” grabbing ahold of her dear friend, persephone glided through the crowd towards one of the many bars that had been set up in the great hall of hogwarts. she motioned politely for the bartender and requested, “two shots of firewhiskey please.” the brunette turned to face the other witch and continued stating, “i don’t want to hear any complaints about this bloody shot. am i understood valda?”

location: hogwarts

@ncrcissy-black​

formal events had never been persephone selwyn’s thing. sure, she’d been to many growing up. it was a requirement nearly every pureblood wix was accustomed to, but it didn’t mean she had to enjoy it. of course, her mother had picked out her dress for the evening. a crimson fitted gown with a rather daring slit. she knew it was the older witch’s desperate attempt at hoping her daughter would garner the attention of an available pureblood suitor. and as the brunette made her entrance into the familiar halls of hogwarts, she felt several sets of eyes burning holes into the back of her. 

without wasting anytime the hit witch made a beeline for the bar. she ordered herself a cocktail and marked her territory by sitting at one of the few empty tables left, glaring at whoever even tried to come closer than ten feet. her features only softened at the sight of her younger friend. “tell me, narcissa. how come i don’t see you out on the dance floor” 

location: unnamed coffee shop

while as of late persephone had been frequenting work, her second favorite spot had become the small shop located just beyond the entrance to the ministry. it was there she had found herself in a corner booth reading the most recent edition of the daily prophet while enjoying a cup of tea and biscuits. her attention only faltered when she noticed a familiar face make their way into the establishment. holding up the newspaper she called out, “could i get your autograph on my copy, mx. skeeter? i’m sure if i hold onto it for a decade it’ll rack up quite the value.”

@selwynpersephone​

Evie’s eyes averted from what she had been doing to look at her friend, raising an eyebrow with a shrug. “Probably not.” She stated before a small smirk slipped onto her lips. “Good thing I don’t. Surely you know that. Besides, it’s not like anyone is going to get hurt or anything. Everything will be just fine.” She assured, though she was only sure about that first part. 

persephone couldn’t help but giggle as she whisked her wand towards another wixen seated at the bar, their drink slowly disappearing from their cup entirely. “what?? it’s not like that person really needs anymore. i’m almost positive they were going to be cut off after this one anyways.” focusing her attention back on evie she added, “then i’m assuming you won’t be turning me in. i’ve been awfully bored the last few days, i needed a little excitement in my life.”

location: red goblin

persephone as of late had found herself being a blithering idiot around the wizard bartender she visited multiple times in the evenings. she was determined that evening to change things. sure they had had a nice outing at the quidditch opening, but the vast majority of their time spent together was spent making conversation across the wooden bartop. 

she watched him work, waiting till the night slowed down a bit more to be able to catch up with him. once he made his way to her she inquired, “do you get off soon? i know it’s totally lame but i was thinking of taking a walk down to the canal and would love some company.”

Their smile faltered slightly at her words, not wanting to upset her, and yet not quite knowing how Remus would feel about him talking behind his back. “Well, you know, gotta change things up to keep people on their toes,” he offered with a laugh. “But honestly, I just wanted a break from it all, and these are delicious. You have to tell me what you think!”

“yeah, of course.” persephone refused to allow her mind to wander elsewhere, knowing that thinking of him would do her no good. she thanked her lucky stars above when her drink arrived and instantly pressed it to her lips. whilst sour at first it slowly turned into something more sweet and manageable. “whoever made this thing should be rich. i can’t even taste the alcohol in it!” the witch took one more gulp followed by saying, “you enjoyed yourself today i’m assuming?”

“I hope free drinks isn’t the only reason you’re here, just flashing a flirtatious smile is usually enough to get some horny bastard to buy a drink. It’s even worked for me a few times,” Sirius joked, a lopsided grin rested on his features. “But I get it, I’m here because I owe James and he unfortunately enjoys quidditch.” Sirius honestly didn’t mind the getting into fights and drunk aspect, but having to sit and pay attention to a game? That was exhausting, and often, he’d use any excuse he could find to sneak away from it. “Seems like a good excuse to get the largest portion or two, if you ask me, maybe even a dessert to top it all off.” Sirius glanced over her shoulder and grimaced. “Or if you’re up for it, we can ditch this place and head off to a place with better and less pricey fries. I’ll bet we’ll even make it back before the game finishes.” 

“see, that never works for me. according to my mother i scare any type of horny bastard away when i tell them what I do for a living.” while persephone never openly broadcasted her career choice, most people already were aware of what she was capable of. an appearance on the cover of witch weekly sealed that fate for her. with a silly grin she nodded in agreement saying, “only if you promise me your partnership in crime. if james or my friend discovers we left, i’m sure we’ll be getting earfuls for weeks.” without waiting for his answer she stepped out of the lengthy line to face him more fully. “lead the way, my good sir.”

Narcissa took a look at the girls seat, shaking her head. “Oh no.” She stated simply and pulled at her own ticket. “If you actually enjoy watching the matches then you should come sit with me- I have better seats.” She told her simply. “At least I think.” Truthfully she’d only been to a few other matches, mostly when she was younger and it was private seating at the time so it was hard to tell. But the ticket she had was expensive and supposed to be closer up. Pulling out said ticket, she showed Persephone. 

persephone caught a glimpse of the ticket, and immediately her jaw dropped open. “bloody hell, narcissa! you shagging someone on the team, eh?” with an innocent elbow jab she giggled, “come on, let’s go.” she grabbed her acquaintance by the hand and began pulling the other witch through the stands. they weaved in and out of the crowds of people until the brunette found the seats that practically had narcissa’s name written on them. “i think if i get on my tip toes i can shoulder tap that guy on the opposing team.”

she offers her friend a wink before grinning crookedly, “you best know what you’re getting into if you accept mr connor here for a sleepover, seph.  he’s a grown boy now, he stays up ‘til eight thirty.”  connor puffs out his chest at the proclamation as his mother chuckles softly. “oh, are you scared you’ll mess up if you go first, selwyn? want to watch a pro?”  

“merlin, i don’t know how i’m going to be keeping up with him. but challenge accepted.” she ruffled the small child’s hair before motioning for valda to step forward. “frankly sykes, i think you’re full of s-h-i-t-e.” careful to spell out the curse word she smirked and sat down at the nearest table that had the card game laid out.

“Who says I’m not?” James offered with a mischievous grin. “Maybe I’m just here to create an alibi, maybe this is part of my ‘no good’,” he added for good measure, even though none of it was true. Truthfully, he was happy to simply relax, but keeping people on their toes never hurt.

with raised eyebrows she retorted, “somehow, i have a feeling remus would have practically begged the lot of you to be the one creating an alibi.” although she nearly cringed saying his name, she knew him. he was careful and always looking out for his friends. persehpone cleared her throat before continuing, “i think i want one of whatever you’re having.” she waved the server over and politely asked for a fresh drink whilst subtly hoping to change the subject. 

Drink in hand, Morgana smiled, “Well, I’m better now that I have this.” She drank a big gulp from her black and silver lined Montrose Magpies cup. “Life’s a little less exciting right now, even with this festive occasion happening around us, but I am 100% okay with that. Lord knows we all need a break from reality.. Still though, I would’ve preferred if that break happened on a private sunny beach somewhere in the Caribbean. I honestly believe that Quidditch is overrated. But to each’s own,” she shrugged.

“i don’t mind the sport, i suppose i’m here more for a good time with some friends if anything. i could care less about who wins or loses.” with a shrug she looked out at the people surrounding them, relieved to see very few familiar faces. persephone was far from a social butterfly, avoiding run-ins with her pureblood friends more and more as of late. not feeling like she’d belonged with that crowd was a feeling growing more and more prominent in recent days. “do you care if i sit with you for a bit?”

the auror watches her friend with a lopsided smile, knowing connor will likely side with persephone. “you be careful, selwyn, that boy will switch sides as quick as a snap of the fingers,” chuckling softly, valda ruffles her son’s her with her free hand.  “exploding snaps, and that is a very big if, seph.”  though she was rusty, valda was sure she would give her friend a fair game battle. 

hands up in mock defense the brunette replied, “listen, all i’m saying is i’ve gotta keep my ‘best aunt’ status in good standing. and if he gets a sugar high after we’re all said and done, he can come home with me for a sleepover. problem solved.” once the three had arrived at the game booth she turned to valda and asked, “do you care to go first? show connor how it’s done?” 

@selwynpersephone​ - (tw: alcohol)

“I bet they have some awesome name for it,” James pondered, taking a sip from the magical cocktail contentedly as he sat down at the small bench.

persephone peered over at the wizard’s glass, curious as to what was inside. the color appearing to change every minute or say prompted her to tease, “i sure hope that’s safe to drink. who knows what kind of potions they threw in there.” with a smirk, the witch took a heft sip from her own cup before adding, “you know potter, i’m surprised you’re not with your posse up to no good at this thing.”