be the serpent underneath

josephine flint: character sheet

As soon as the lights went back on there were screams. Several others were running and even more were running from the premises. Bellatrix tried her best to calm those she came in contact with but there was no use. They were too frantic and panicked to comprehend what she was saying. She wasn’t stupid, Bella knew that this had to be the workings of the Order. Who else would take their chances and attack her home. She ran, trying to find Severus and Andromeda amidst all the chaos. Needing to make sure that they were safe and out of harms way. She could hear someone yelling above the screams and crashes that became deafenig. It sounded vaguely like Severus and Bellatrix pushed passed those who ran he way to get to him.

But her foot got caught in one of the decorations that had been torn down in the process. Making her fall to the ground. Her face made contact with the floor and the sweet tang of blood erupted in her mouth. Her bottom lip swelled as she pushed herself up only to be pushed back down by several pairs of feet pressing on her back. Then before she could blink, there were a pair of hands yanking her out of the way. Bella placed her hand on her chest as she tried to gather her bearings. “Josie?” she said, her eyes meeting her sister’s best friend, “Yes, I’m fine. Have you seen Severus or ‘Meda?”

Josephine got Bellatrix to her feet, giving her a quick once over to check she wasn’t injured. Thanks to her carefully crafted reputation, few would bat an eyelid at seeing Josephine help Bellatrix, the opposing leader to the group she was supposed to be a part of. But Josephine was known for being kind, courteous and polite to all - besides, with all the chaos around them it was highly unlikely anyone would even notice - they’d been quick to trample over their leader after all.

“I haven’t seen Severus, but think I saw Andromeda over there,” she said motioning to where she’d last saw her friend “She was looking for Ted, she can’t find him anywhere. But it’s a nightmare with all this panic about. Are you alright?”

Alexander had been just as surprised as anyone when the robed figures began to attack, but unlike many of the event’s other attendees, he tried to keep a calm head about himself, especially when he realized that they weren’t targeting people but rather the Black manor itself. That in itself was enough to confirm to him that this was the Order at work, even if the red robes and gold masks (classic Gryffindors – his housemates would be audacious enough to do something this bold) hadn’t done the trick.

Unfortunately for Alexander, the people around him weren’t as quick to notice this reality, and as a result, he was knocked down by a particularly frantic man who was searching for his wife. Before he could get back up on his own, he felt a strong hand grab him and pull him out of the way of being trampled. 

Righting himself, he tried to shake off the frustration (and fear, though he wouldn’t admit it) that had overtaken him after being barreled over and met the eyes of his savior. Josephine Flint. Though he wasn’t a member of the Order, his siblings were, and he knew enough of the organization to know that it was her family money that funded it (his mother always seemed to know how to get this kind of information out of Sebastian). It was slightly out of place that she would be at a Lestrange fundraiser, but he supposed she was in a similar position as himself.

“I’m okay,” he replied with a nod of thanks. “But we should probably get out of here before another elephant overtakes us, yeah?” 

As Josephine pulled the figure out from the crowd, she was somewhat surprised to see Alexander McKinnon on the other side of her hand. Though she supposed she should take it as a good sign. Aside from Sebastian, the McKinnons had remained neutral, though Sebastian said that their mother at least seemed sympathetic to the purist party. The family had been named as one they wanted to get on their side, as their money and influence could be great for Lestrange’s support. 

Though that was hardly the most pressing matter now.

“That sounds like a smart idea.” Josephine agreed, looking around “Do you have any idea what’s going on?” she asked. Of course she had put two and two together that it was the Order attacking, but she was curious if others had caught on as well.

Emmeline was happy to be able to smile so boldly and talk without hiding. She glanced around briefly as Josephine began to lead, though at the other woman’s words, Emmeline was drawn back to looking at Josephine. “I’m doing alright, I suppose. Starting to get very bored, and we all know that’ll just lead to trouble,” she said with a grin. “But how are you? I want to hear all about what you’ve been up to.”

Josephine grinned, opening double doors a large dining room, a table already set for two. “We can’t have you idle for too long.” She teased, as she motioned for Emmeline to sit with her. “Oh I’ve been keeping busy. With James’ death, the department’s really heated up, but they’re idiots, all tripping over each other. Meanwhile, my parents are trying to find me a husband, which is both touching and amusing.”

moodboard (2/??)

‘Just be careful, Josephine’

She knew it was the Order attacking, of that she was certain. Which meant she had to be absolutely careful that her allegiance to them was secure. It was why she’d spoken to Lily before attending the event. And while she couldn’t converse freely with her friends and voice her support for Rodolphus, she could still attend and engage in polite conversation. 

The masked group seemed to be targeting the house itself, not anyone. But that didn’t mean the panic and fear wasn’t high in the room, as guests scrambled to evacuate. She saw someone fall and nearly be trampled underneath. She couldn’t even see who it was but that didn’t stop her from reaching out a hand and pulling them out of harm’s way. 

“Are you alright?”

Lestrange Political Fundraiser Outfit

As soon as the door opened, Emmeline smiled, no hint of false courtesies or grief on her face anymore. “Josie,” she chimed, giving Josephine a hug. “Lovely…I’m happy that we won’t have anyone to pretend around now. I have been getting so sick of pretending to be grieving. It gets so dull after awhile, doesn’t it?”

“It certainly gets quite draining, especially when around friends. I’m happy for a chance to speak plainly.” Josephine said with a smile, taking Emmeline’s arm in her own and walking down a hall. “How are you? How have you been? It’s been so long since we’ve been able to actually speak without pretence.”

“Depends on the face,” Em joked with a soft laugh. “England was my parent’s home, and I moved to France quite young, since my husband passed I thought it’d be good to… Come here and get to know another part of myself. Plus, I hear there’s a new Minister to be picked and I’d love to put my backing towards one of them. A pity no woman is running.”

Josephine looked up with a light chuckle. “Well, your face is certainly not dull.” she said, with a smile. “I’m sorry to hear about your husband. I do hope you find what you’re looking for, though I wish you were arriving to better circumstances, and not a war. I imagine both candidates will be wanting your support.” she mused, wondering if Rodolphus and Bellatrix knew of Emlia’s arrival yet. “A pity indeed. I’m all for equality, but I find women are usually far more capable.” she added, only half-joking.

Emmeline apparated just outside of the property line, striding through and up to the door that belonged to the Flints. She had wiped all the false grief from her appearance and dressed in white. She was all for dramatic wardrobe changes when she felt the mood needed it. In her arms, she carried a bottle of wine.

Upon the doorstep, she sent a quick text to Josephine– if she could avoid running into any parents, all the better. It was exactly on time, there was no being fashionably late for Emmeline Vance.

@underneathsilk​

Josephine’s phone pinged just as the family’s housekeeper knocked on the door. She read Emmeline’s text with a small smile as they spoke.

“Mam? I believe your company is at the door. Should I let them in?”

“No it’s alright Paula, I’ll see to it myself, thankyou.” she said, as she stood up, walking the halls until she reached the front door. Opening, she grinned as she saw her friend, and with wine. It was a relief to shed the false grieving persona and be herself. “Emmeline, come in, please.” she greeted, hugging the other woman. “This way, I managed to talk my parents into going out for the night. So we won’t be disturbed.”

Andromeda felt better about the Peter situation to know that Josie didn’t view him as that big of a threat. She was right. Severus could be counted on to keep him in line if Bella couldn’t, and Andromeda knew she would be unwise to underestimate her sister’s ability to keep her soldiers in order. There was a reason Bella made for such a perfect leader of their army.

A smile spread across the witch’s face at her best friend’s words, and Andromeda was unable to hide the relief that she felt at Josie’s assurance. She felt ridiculous for even doubting her, but the sting of Sirius’ and Regulus’ (not to mention her own sister’s) betrayal was one that she had never been able to rid herself of, no matter how hard she tried to feign indifference whenever anyone was foolish enough to bring the topic up. 

“Forgive me,” she said lightly, but meaning her apology. “I should know better than to doubt your loyalty. If it weren’t for the work that you and Emmeline do, we would be lost.” It was just such a sacrifice to have to pretend to be complete strangers with Josie whenever they encountered each other out in the world, and Andromeda couldn’t help but wish that her best friend had some role in this war other than being the spy. Another role would mean that Andromeda would be able to see her more often, and make sure that none of the members of the Order ever swayed Josie with passioned words in the way that Sirius had once been swayed by Potter. 

"There’s nothing to forgive, Andy.” Josephine said, with a smile, taking her friend’s hand. “It’s a precarious position, and I don’t take your trust in me lightly. But I was chosen because you do trust me. And I am good at this, playing the part. And that’s all it is, a part.” she reassured as she squeezed Andromeda’s hand.

“If everything keeps going according to plan, in the years to come James Potter’s death will be seen as the beginning of the Order’s downfall. And I won’t have to play pretend and can actually spend time with a friend without it having to be so secretive.” she said, with a soft sigh. Her work was important, it’s true and she did enjoy it. It kept her mind working constantly. But she looked forward to relaxing after it was all over. ““On another note, I hear the wedding plans are coming along well?”

“That’s me,” she said with a nod, walking in further to the room and taking out her wand, offering it to the woman in front of her. “It’s alright, I don’t mind,” she said taking a seat. “I imagine this must be quite boring though, compared to other duties I’m sure you’re given.”

Josephine took the wand with a smile and a nod, placing it on the desk in front of her as she took notes on her computer. “Perhaps, but learning a new face is never dull.” she said, looking up with a grin and taking measurements of the wand. “Any particular reason you moved here? Or did you just want to shake things up?”

“He will be dealt with but there’s too many eyes on him right now, we have to wait until this all… Passes,” he said waving his hand in annoyance. “For one he can’t keep his mouth shut, while the Ministry has no evidence, the entire Order knows he’s involved. Remus is a weak link for them, his friendship with Peter has more loyalty than his care for the rest of them, so that’ll be a good place to hit. Beyond that, no, it seems everyone wants him dead, if we want him dead too, we can just choose one of the Order we want locked in Azkaban and let them do the deal.”

Loose lips sink ships. “Do you know if he’s the one who leaked about the attack?” Josephine asked, concern knitting her brows together. If Peter talked too much that could spell trouble for them later. "I’ve overheard that there has already been some mistrust of Remus within the Order, given his close friendship with Peter. We could certainly put pressure on it.” Josephine agreed with a small mischievous smirk. Anything to continue undoing the Order. “I can think of a few who we could set up to do the deed, once Peter has served his purpose of course.”

“Josephine Flint?” Em asked as she entered the office of Magical Law Enforcement. It’d been a long day already, traveling and settling in, and all Em wanted to do was to get back home for the day. “I believe I was told to find you to get my wand registered for England, I just arrived from France. I do hope it’s you I was meant to find.”

@underneathsilk​

Josephine looked up at the sound of her name, ready with a warm smile. “Yes, that’s me. You must be... Emlia Cardion?” she asked, looking over her paperwork. “It shouldn’t take too long, more of a formality than anything else.”

Emmeline matched the other’s smile, the tiniest up-tick of her lips, “Perfect. My place or yours?” She wanted, no, needed this time. It had been awhile since she had spoken to anyone freely, or gotten any insight into what was going on on the other side. 

“Hmm my place, I think. It’s been too long since I had a guest over.” Josephine said, with a small smile. “Let’s say 7 o’clock? My parents will probably want to say hello, but they won’t bother us.”