#alevent02

Date: October 18, 1986

Starter: Open

Once upon a time Alice had loved gala’s like this. She’d loved nothing more than dressing up, putting on expensive and jewellery. To be honest, a big part of that Alice still loved. She loved being able to dress up, but big galas like this weren’t something she enjoyed that much anymore. Alice much preferred more informal, and cosy gatherings. To be honest the only time she really dressed up these days was when she went on date nights with Frank, and even then she preferred to be cuddled up on the couch with him.

She hadn’t really wanted to come to the Gala tonight. She still struggled with the whole celebration thing, especially when she knew Frank had lost his mother in all of this. Sure, it was great that they weren’t at war anymore, but it has cost a lot. But she was here, mostly because it was expected of them. Luckily Frank’s father was babysitting Neville. There weren’t a lot of people she trusted to babysit her little boy.

It felt ridiculous to be here. Not just because of how insensitive the choice of venue seemed to be, but to be here. Celebrating, as if there truly was anything to celebrate. Poppy had intended to spend the night like most others- in her study with a glass of wine and a fat book to keep her company, but Poppy was sure that Minerva would’ve had her guts for garters if she sat another event out. 

A PLAN IS FORMED

The Order of the Phoenix, still operating secretly with only a few members still in the know, have heard whispers of the Death Eaters being on the move once more. Concerned by these rumors and suspicious that there might be a plan to ambush the last event in the month’s celebrations, Minerva McGonagall forms a plan. 

During the St. Mungo’s Remembrance Ball, conveniently held at the home of one of the most likely suspects for Death Eater ringleaders Elizabeth Nott, the remaining active members of the Order will sneak away and see if they can find any information hidden in Elizabeth Nott’s personal affairs. 

With only five members still active, the group splits into two. Minerva and Sirius Black will search the downstairs, particularly any room that looks like it might be an office. Kingsley Shacklebolt, Marlene McKinnon, and Alastor Moody will search upstairs, seeing if they can find anything in the hostess’ private rooms.

No one else at the party is any the wiser about this plan, but that doesn’t mean that these five can sneak away completely unnoticed. It may be a large group, but Remus Lupin, Alice Longbottom, and Lucinda Talkalot have all taken note of at least one of the group’s absence or exit from the main ballroom. And they aren’t the only ones who have snuck away from the main event. Unbeknownst to the group of Order members, Emma Vanity and Sophia Burke are also lurking around upstairs, having a private conversation. 

Date: October 18, 1986

Starter: closed for @purestpeacock

Alice had attended many galas as she had grown up. In fact her parents had held many. The Rosier’s had been pretty well known for throwing impressive galas. To be honest, whilst Alice did love getting to dress up in pretty dresses, she didn’t miss the galas. They had all been about people pleasing, and she hadn’t really enjoyed the company of many of the pureblood elite. This gala was different she supposed, but she didn’t want to be here for another reason. Alice put a smile on her face though. It was one night. She could do that.

She sipped at the champagne as she looked around for her husband. She had to admit it was nice to be out for once, and not have to think about getting home to Neville. Of course she loved her little boy, but it was nice to spend some time with Frank. When she saw Lucius in front of her, she almost turned around, but decided she needed to be a little social.

“Oh. Hello. Lucius. Lovely gala right?”

Date: October 18, 1986

Starter: Closed for @franklinlong​

In all honesty the remembrance gala was something that Alice had not wanted to attend. Thinking about the war still was hard for Alice, and the past five years had not been easy. There were still many nights that she woke up with nightmares, and she still struggled to sleep when Frank wasn’t there. But she knew that she had to be there. Alice knew people would talk if the Longbottoms didn’t attend, and Frank and his father had already been through enough. She wouldn’t be the reason why they faced more burdens. The only good thing about the gala was that she was able to dress up, and wear some of her Rosier Jewels for once. The brunette was wary though. The gala was held in her cousin’s house, and she knew in any other circumstance she would not be welcome here.

She had her arm curled through Frank’s, and she just smiled up at her husband. Him being here definetly made things easier, and she was so glad that they had been able to leave Neville with his grandfather. “I hope Neville doesn’t cause too much trouble for your dad...” She mused, grinning at Frank. “It’s nice for them to spend some time together” Even if being away from him did make her more anxious. She was also looking forward to spending some quality time with Frank too, even if it was at this stupid gala.

002. ST. MUNGO’S REMEMBRANCE BALL

Next up in this month of October festivities celebrating the fifth year anniversary of the end of the war, the Ministry for Magic is proud to announce that they are partnering with St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries to host a Remembrance Ball! Hosted in the stunning ballroom of the Nott Estate, the Remembrance Ball is a time for all adults of the wizarding world to come together and celebrate peace! The ball is also an opportunity to raise funds for those still suffering from the war who seek treatment at St. Mungo’s. There will be a silent auction going on throughout the night, and all proceeds of the auction and the tickets will go to the St. Mungo’s War Memorial Fund. 

——— The Details

What — a ball held in remembrance of those who suffered during the war to raise funds for those still seeking treatment

Where — the Nott Estate Ballroom (home of Elizabeth Nott)

When — IC: October 18, 1986; OOC: July 6 - July 20 with plot drop happening halfway through

Trivia — the ballroom at the Nott Estate is rumored to be the biggest ballroom in a private residence in the world, boasting to be larger than even that of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg!

A PLAN GONE WRONG

The plan of the Order of the Phoenix to infiltrate the Nott manor and try to discover if the Death Eaters are indeed once on the move was underway. Minerva McGonagall and Sirius Black searched the downstairs, stumbling into what looked like an office. 

Marlene McKinnon, Alastor Moody, and Kingsley Shacklebolt went upstairs to search and found their way to the bedroom of Elizabeth Nott, where they began to snoop around for any information that they could find. Little did they know that little Liza Nott, the almost five-year-old daughter of Elizabeth, was asleep in her mother’s bed. Awoken by the arrival of three unfamiliar wizards in her mother’s room, Liza called out, startling Alastor, who is well known by now for his fast reflexes as an auror. He casts the Impedeminta curse, which throws the little girl into the headboard of the bed she is in. She screams.

Marlene, Alastor, and Kingsley barely have time to place a memory charm on the little girl so that she can’t rat them out before Liza’s screams attract the attention of one of the house elves, who quickly summons Elizabeth.

The party is thrown into chaos. The hostess’ four year old daughter has been attacked in her bed, and people are worried. Some begin to depart from the party, while others stay behind to watch the drama unfold. The Aurors in attendance at the party are called upon to investigate, and Marlene McKinnon and Kingsley Shacklebolt volunteer to question little Liza. 

   events like this could really bring out the worst in people. parties, especially, seemed to inspire in some a temporary leave from their common sense and good manners. manners were especially important to orpheus.

   for example, it was important to maintain one’s dignity and air of grace when in the presence of most of wizarding britain’s important figures. it was important to not embarrass oneself by acting in an undignified way.

   and it was important not to punch anyone in the face. 

   that was, however, his first instinct upon nearly bumping into one severus snape out of the blue; he refrained from doing so, but only just. the auror couldn’t even form words for a moment, too stunned by the other man’s abrupt appearance. he hadn’t so much as thought of snape himself in well over a year, too caught up in his work, and would have preferred it stay that way. he was perfectly content not seeing snape ever again, really.

   even if he still kept up with the man’s published work almost religiously. that was purely academic pursuit. and meeting him in person now was proving to orpheus that he was right to wish it stayed that way. swallowing something that felt bitter and unpleasant, he loosened his grip on his glass and took a step back as large as he was allowed by the crowd. yes, stepping back would be a good first step in continuing not to punch severus snape.