Peter spotted Mary across the bustling fayre and froze for a moment, stomach twisting. It had been too long since they’d spent time together, and he wasn’t sure she’d even want to see him — or if she did, whether things could ever feel like they used to.

He took a shaky breath, bottle in hand, and forced himself to step forward, letting a tentative smile creep onto his face. “Mary,” he called softly, slipping into step beside her, “it’s… been a while.” The words felt awkward in his mouth, but he hoped the warmth in his voice made up for it.

He nudged her shoulder lightly, unsure if the gesture would land the way he intended. “I thought… maybe we could catch up a bit? See if the old… us still exists somewhere in all this chaos.” His voice faltered slightly on the last word, betraying the insecurity he didn’t want her to see.

"He's definitely got the looks for it, name and all." Marlene began her usual rant, one she didn't share with the rest of the Order members but felt like she could with her best friend. "But do we think she's one of them too? I mean, if she's married to one, then we can't consider her innocent. James went to the wedding though, why would she invite him if she thinks he's a blood traitor?" The witch couldn't help but wonder, and the chit chat definitely made the mission a fun and simpler one than it would've been instead. They were about to sneak in a suspected death eater's house, that meant facing some risks they couldn't even begin to consider, but she was confident they'd make it. "Should we slip through a window or the back door?"

A bit of an awful night on her end as she'd spent most of it engagin in a heated argument with her grandmother, she'd decide to follow up on one of Caellum's advices over time, which was why she'd ordered not one but two drinks. Scanning the crowd, her eyes fell on a witch she was familiar with, or at least her face as they'd been classmates back in the day. "I've been told that when you need some cheering up, you ought to buy a pretty girl a drink. I thought I'd buy myself two, but you're pretty, so here you go." Charity voiced her thoughts, blunt as ever, setting the glass in front of Mary.

Dear Mary MacDonald,

I write to you in hopes you would agree to having tea with me tomorrow. We can discuss the details about the Parkinson wedding for your article then. I shall await your confirmation.

Regards,

"'Tis the last box." Marlene stated with a clap of her hand, the box levitating into the bedroom and falling on top of a pile with the rest of them, most yet to unpack. Still, the witch felt quite content with the progress made, no longer needing to go back and forth as now her things were all at her new home. "Miss Mary Anne Macdonald," she said turning to face her friend with a big smile on her lips, "I am pleased to inform you we are now offically roommates."

Hi sweetie, I do hope you’re okay! How’s work going this week? It’s been crazy on my end, I’ve been stuck behind my desk so I’m not in the best of moods. I do have something to ask of you, if you wouldn’t mind of course. Miss you already!!

A knock on the door, twice and thrice, then a whole beat played out on her friend's doorstep as she awaited for her to open up. The widest of smiles taking over her lips as she spotted the most familiar of faces, pulling the other witch into a tight hug. "My darling, I'm here to see you. I'm probably going to overstay my welcome, but you know me, I love you too much to make my visit short. How have you been?"

Agatha smoothed her skirt as she placed the final cup on the polished table, her hands lingering on the handle for a moment. “Mary,” she said warmly, the faintest edge of curiosity in her tone as she rose to greet her guest, “I’m so pleased you could make the time to join me.” She led her to the sitting area, gesturing gracefully to the chairs. “I thought it would be lovely to discuss the upcoming wedding I’m planning. It’s always interesting to share the details with the press, of course.” Her eyes flicked toward Mary for the briefest second, sharp and assessing, before softening again into a practiced smile. “Tea is ready, and I do hope you like it strong. We have… much to discuss.”