If anyone were to ask, Lily was celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. She was certainly not getting drunk just to get drunk -- that’d be horribly improper of her. She took back another shot that she ordered from the bartender, starting to feel the signs of tipsiness. She orders a beer, deciding to slow down a bit. The night is young after all; there’s no need to rush. 

She feels someone sit down next to her but she ignores them in favor of taking a sip of her new beer. “Happy St. Patrick’s Day,” she murmurs to herself, not feeling all that celebratory. 

When Severus had asked Narcissa for help learning manners of all things, she’d been surprised. Even though he was most certainly lacking in that department, Narcissa figured him too prideful to ever ask for help. She’d been all too happy to agree. Manners in exchange for a sleeping draught? Hardly a fair trade in her opinion. They’d agreed to meet twice weekly in the mornings around nine. Narcissa had planned the whole thing. She would have breakfast prepared, they’d talk about what she was going to teach him that day, and then they’d practice it. It was a perfect plan. What she didn’t tell him was that she was planning to put his skills to the test towards the end of the month at the spring soirée she and Lucius were planning. Well, it was really just her. Lucius preferred to take a back seat in this sort of thing. Narcissa didn’t really mind; she saw it as part of her responsibilities as the lady of the house. 

Severus’s knock rang through the house and she let the elves get it, finishing checking through the dining room to make sure everything was in order. Once she was satisifed, she went to the front hall. “Good morning, Severus. Just hand your coat off to the elves, they’ll take care of it.” Lottie was waiting patiently to take his coat. “I’ve set us up in the dining room.” 

Lily didn’t often have friends around her flat. She liked the place well enough, but it’d only recently started to feel like home. It’d taken a lot of decorating to accomplish, but the tiny one-bedroom finally looked like it belonged to her. There were touches of James too -- how could there not be with how often he came around during the set up process. All in all, she’s proud of how far she’s come since she moved in a month ago. Finally, after all that hard work, she’s up for having people around. So Edgar had gotten the first invite. He seemed like he needed a break, so last time he stopped in the apothecary she reached out to him and invited him around for tea. 

Lily had just put the kettle on when she heard a knock at the door. 

“Coming!” She makes her way there and opens the door with a flourish, smiling broadly at her friend. “Edgar! Come on in - how are you?” She steps aside to let him in, motioning to the coat rack for him to hang up his winter gear. “I just put the kettle on.” 

Narcissa hates hospitals, always has. The smell of bleach, the death that hangs in the air, the horrible lighting... All of it has always grated her the wrong way. However, in the name of decorum she has to put that hatred aside to visit an old acquaintance. She adjusts the small card and bouquet she has in one hand as she politely taps the shoulder of some man who seems to know what he’s doing. “Excuse me, could you point me in the direction of magical illnesses? I’m visiting a friend who had a mix up with some potions and I’m afraid I’ve gotten a bit turned around.” 

@pandora-flourish​

Lily had taken Pandora’s offer to heart when the other woman had invited her to the bookstore to see those new-old potion books. She picked a day she was off work, needing an excuse to get out of the house. Lily liked being busy, it kept her mind off their darkening world. With another Ministry official missing, her mind had been spinning with all the darkness in their world. A few new books would surely be a great way to interrupt her dismal thinking and get her brain focused on something other than worrying her days away. 

She dresses as warmly as she needs and makes her way to the bookstore, a bit of a bounce in her step as she does. Thankfully her trip there is without incident, and she’s able to make good time. The bell above the door jingles a bit as she steps inside, hands in the pocket of her coat. Her eyes dart around for Pandora, and as soon as Lily spots her she smiles and waves. “Hello!” Her voice is cheery but subdued, mindful of the other patrons in the store. She approaches and brushes a bit of hair back from her face before adjusting the bag on her shoulder. “It’s lovely to see you again. Thanks for inviting me in -- I needed the excuse to get out of my flat.” 

The party was going perfectly. It seems all of Narcissa’s careful planning was paying off. The decorations were perfect, the music set a nice mood, and the food was divine. All that was left was to enjoy the party. 

Narcissa flits through the crowd, greeting everyone with a smile on her face. She’s got no clue were her husband is, hasn’t seen him since they formally welcomed everyone to their home. She grabs a drink off of a passing tray and smiles at someone who’d caught her eye. “Hello. I hope you’re enjoying the party.” 

Lily approached Moody at her own risk. They hadn’t spoken much, but she trusted him, and she was in need of some advice. She hadn’t been on a mission quite like this one before. She knew nothing of tracking people down and bringing them back. 

“Do you have a moment?” She caught his sleeve to grab his attention before letting go. “I was wondering if I could get your advice.” She gives him a smile.