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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 11:36:42 GMT -5
The ballroom was sparkling as white orbs of light floated around. People mingled in their best fashions, laughing gaily and sipping the fine wines and champagnes being served on floating trays. Hors d'œuvres floated on similar silver trays, wafting between the crowd. A dance floor was set up, as instruments strummed themselves with gaily songs about Christmas. The various men and women mingling in the crowd were laughing and chatting. Anyone who was in the crowd was a somebody. All the finest people had come to what was shaping up to be the finest party of the year. And how could it not? Helena Black was hosting it after all.
The beautiful dark-haired woman moved among the crowd, her curly hair pinned up in an elegant bun. Dressed in a beautiful set of silver robes, with her lips done in a shocking red, she had the attention of every man in the crowd, and the admiration of every woman. Helena was coaxing a guest to have more wine on one side of the room, while offering another a fig stuffed with honey and cheese, insisting her house elves made them the finest. The woman was in her element.
Tables were set up at one side of the room for the elderly to take a seat and enjoy the party from afar. Children weaved in and out of the crowd, glancing excitedly at the clock. When it struck twelve, Helena would allow the children to open their presents, and they were ecstatically waiting. A two year old boy stumbled along, clutching a wooden toy soldier as he went. Dressed in expensive looking green robes, with matching silver accent and a festive red santa hat, the toddler walked with a sense of importance, glancing at the trays of food longingly. He was searching for his mother.
"Mama!" came a voice from behind Helena, and she turned from her conversation with a pureblooded lord to face her son, who looked up at her with his chubby hands extended. The woman bent down to lift her son to her hip.
"Yes my darling?" she asked, as the fair-skinned boy with rosy cheeks, and identical curls to his mother glanced at the crowd, before turning his attention to the woman.
"Presents?" he asked, cocking his head to the side.
"Not yet, my darling," she said with a smile, "Two more hours to go. Have you eaten yet?"
"No," replied the boy, pouting and earning a coo from the women around.
"Oh dear," said Helena, smiling as she tapped his nose with her finger, "Excuse me while I see to it that my son is fed."
"Oh just call the house elf dear," said a woman, but Helena laughed and waved it off as she lead the boy to a smaller table for children. A house-elf arrived with a plate of steaming pasta.
"I eat myself!" said Siri proudly, lifting the spoon up and waving it at his mother, who gently corrected, "I eat by myself."
"Twiggy, watch Siri eat, please? I have guests to attend to," said Helena, ruffling her son's hair as she returned among the crowd. The little boy began to stab at the pasta with the spoon, lifting tiny mashed morsels to his mouth.
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 30, 2013 11:45:42 GMT -5
Herbert weaved through the crowd, exchanging words with several people as he mingled. Serveral commented on the little girl who was attatched to his legs, not saying a word and merely staring at everything in awe. Every so often he scanned the room until he caught sight of one of his sons to check up on them. It was in one of these scans that he noticed the hostess of the night. Glancing once at his daughter, he approached Helena.
"Hello Helena. This is a fine ball as of yet, and this little girl for one can't wait until midnight." Irene looked up at Helena and gave a smile.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 12:03:29 GMT -5
"Herbert! I'm so glad you could attend!" Replied Helena warmly, planting two soft kisses on each cheek of his, before drawing back to see Irene. The beautiful woman smiled warmly down at her, nodding knowingly as she said, "Is this little Irene? A pleasure to meet you, sweetie. Have you tried any of the snacks floating about, sweetie? My own son wasn't able to keep his hands off them early on. Almost ruined his appetite for dinner! How are your sons, Herbert? I think I saw one floating about. Are you enjoying yourself. Do tell me you've stepped on the dance floor!"
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Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 30, 2013 18:52:29 GMT -5
Alice sighed as she straightened her baby blue dress robes one last time. Lucky, her personal house elf, had almost had a conniption at the idea of her leaving for this ball with her hair in braids and her feet in tennis shoes.
Balls weren't exactly her 'thing' but as her father pointed out, it is the duty of a pureblood woman to attend these social gatherings. Just because it was her duty didn't mean she had to like it though. Her feet were crammed into dress shoes she was sure were two sizes too small. She had to say, she did like the way her hair fell in waves from all the years of being trapped in two braids.
Walking through the crowd, Alice grumbled under her breath as she nearly rolled her ankle twice trying to walk in her dress shoes. Smiling and nodding to people as they said hello, Alice scanned the room. Just like in many of her 'social preparation' classes, the importance of greeting the host was impressed upon her from a very young age. However, it seemed that the hostess was talking to someone. Alice inwardly smiled. She was more than willing to wait.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 19:59:03 GMT -5
Siri had finished eating his dinner all by himself, and had escaped Twiggy after having the sauce vanished from his shirt. Unfortunately, a great deal remained on his mouth, and Twiggy was running around trying to find the mischievous toddler. He still clutched the wooden soldier in his hand as he tried to find his mummy. He'd eaten all his dinner, and it had taken forever! Surely it was time for presents now! The little boy had been moving so quickly he didn't realize where he was until he bumped into a blue dressed woman. Falling back on his rump, the toddler stared up in awe at the woman.
"Sowwy Madama!" Said the toddler formally, with a polite air that he really didn't mean, his dark eyes looking imploringly at her.
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Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 30, 2013 20:05:27 GMT -5
Alice stumbled forward as she felt a slight pressure near her legs, causing her ankle to nearly roll for the third time that day. Turning to snap at whoever had done that, she frowned in confusion at not seeing anyone. It wasn't until she heard a voice near the ground that she looked down to see a young child sitting on the ground. The retort died in her head as a kind smile graced her face.
"It is perfectly alright," she said as the child apologized. "Just be a little more careful."
It was at that point that she didn't know what to do. Did she stay and greet her hostess or did she try to help the child find his parents? None of her classes had covered this situation before and she was completely clueless.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 21:18:52 GMT -5
The lack of reprimand made Siri warm up to the woman immediately. He instinctively decided to trust her, and upon seeing Twiggy trying to find him, he frowned and tugged on her dress, not realizing the young woman wasn't very balanced in her shoes. Having mostly only been surrounded by his mother and her few most elegant friends, the toddler didn't realize there were women of a different kind. This was the little boy's second debut party, his first having been the birthday party where his mother had let him do as be please. Of course, his mother always let him do as he please.
"Up!" He said, lifting his arms in a commanding manner for a toddler, as he wanted to find his mother. The toddler's saucy face combined with his eager look to get into the air exuded his innocence. He was going to find his mother, using this pretty lady.
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 30, 2013 22:34:11 GMT -5
Irene smiled at the woman, "Nana made me my favorite 'tatoes an' fesh for dinner, said I only eat a few sweets. My daddy let me have a chocolate!" To emphasise, Irene held up her fingers, as if holding a small sweet."
Herbert grinned at his daughter and looked at Helena, nodding. "Yes, we'll have to watch this one, you know how children get if they have too many sweets!" He laughed and glanced toward the dance floor, "I have yet to dance, though I suppose I must take my little lady for a song or two sometime tonight." Reaching down, Herbert swooped the little girl and kissed her on her head, causing her to giggle as she settled herself in his arms.
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Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 30, 2013 22:52:53 GMT -5
Alice didn't exactly expect the tug on her dress robes but thankfully it wasn't strong enough to change her balance in anyway. Still, the feeling of dread didn't leave her until her balance had been reclaimed.
Smiling at the young boy's command, Alice couldn't help the chuckle that emitted from her lips. The sauce that was all over his face took away from any sense of commanding air he was trying to show.
"Alright," Alice bent down and lifted him up into her arms. The feeling of dread returned as she straightened up.
What am I doing? she thought for the briefest of seconds. I don't know this child. What if his parents are members of a more powerful house than I? What if they take offense?
Then she banished the thought. Worry about the effects later, she told herself. Looking at the child, she smiled once more.
"What's your name?" she asked him as she used the height given to her by her dress shoes to scan the area, looking for anyone who might be looking for a child.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 23:32:29 GMT -5
The sheer pleasantness of the girl was hard to miss, and Helena smiled softly at her, before watching Herbert's gentleness. A pang raced through her heart as she thought of Sirius, and his own father. He was still too young to ask the questions she knew he'd someday ask, and she was still too unprepared to give them. Mirth danced on Helena's lips as she watched the father and daughter interact.
"Alas, my son is still too young to lead me on the dance floor," said Helena, before bestowing a smile to Irene, "I'm jealous sweetheart. I don't have a daddy to dance with me. What am I to do now?"
------
Meanwhile, Sirius was enjoying his new found height as he stared around the room, trying to find his mother and ask for his presents. The little boy squirmed slightly in Alice's arms, before cocking his head to listen to her question. Remembering his mother's instructions, he tried to make himself tall, an impossible feat in this woman's arms.
"My name is Si'ius Cassus B'ack! I'm two!" he said proudly, looking smug about the fact, before glancing at the girl. His mama had always said to know who he spoke to. "Who's your name?"
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 30, 2013 23:36:15 GMT -5
Irene immediately pouted. It would not do for this woman to be left without a dance partner. Then she smiled widely and leaned over to her father and whispered in his ear, grinning. Herbert rolled his eyes and gently put Irene down before bowing to Helena in a most exaggerated fashion.
"Would you care to dance Madame? My little lady has given you permission to borrow me for a song." Irene clapped happily before adding in quickly.
"Just one song! He's my Daddy!"
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Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 30, 2013 23:37:10 GMT -5
Alice smiled once more at how proud the young boy seemed as he announced his name and age. Though that didn't stop the small panic attack that emerged in her brain at the idea that she was holding the son of her hostess.
"Well Sirius," Alice turned her head so she made eye contact with him. While she found the antics of young children amusing, she hated those in society who would talk down to younger children, "my name's Alice. Alice Spinnett. I'm 23."
She tried to convey the same proudness that the young boy had when announcing his name but somehow she didn't think it came out.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 23:48:10 GMT -5
Helena laughed, but not derisively as she gave Herbert a wicked grin, before smiling gently back at Irene. The song changed to a lovely waltz, and Helena took the offered hand daintily. Glancing at Irene conspiratorially, she said, "I'll make sure to return him in one piece!"
Returning her smile to Herbert, she added, "I do believe it's a while since I've had the pleasure to grace the floor. Please excuse my steps. Shall we?"
---
Meanwhile, Sirius was listening to the lady introduce herself, nodding as she said it. The woman sounded pleasant, not like the other ladies he had to endure. The lady's were always cooing at him. He was not a kid to be cooed at! He was Sirius!
"That's old," said Sirius, scrunching his nose up, "You a mommy too?"
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Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 30, 2013 23:51:04 GMT -5
Alice tried to keep a straight face, honestly she did. But the sight of Sirius scrunching his nose up just invited a chuckle or two to emerge from her uninvited.
"No, I'm not a mommy," Alice shook her head. "And it's not that old!" she said in a friendly retort to Sirius' first statement. 23 was not old! Now her father's age of 54, that was old.
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 30, 2013 23:53:49 GMT -5
Irene nodded, satisfied that she would get her daddy back. With that taken care of, she waved at her father before disappearing into the crowd, hoping to find her second brother who would hopefully be in a good mood.
---
Hebert watched Irene go before looking at Helena again and nodding, "We shall." He responded before leading the way to the floor and taking up the dance. While not an expert dancer, as his main dance partner since his wife passed was his daughter, he did know the proper moves.
"This is a rather lovely set-up you have here. " He began conversationally, looking around the room at the decor.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 0:12:09 GMT -5
Despite her reservations, Helena was an impeccable dancer. It wasn't long before she recalled the steps and was matching Herbert's steps within seconds, moving like a swan in water along the dance floor. She nodded politely at his words, smiling as she did.
"It's just a quiet affair," said Helena, waving it off, "Ever since Cassius passed due that awful illness, well, I've had little time to entertain. But I've attended so many affairs that it's time to pay my dues. Not to mention the house was getting rusty. I doubt Cassius has used the ballroom since he inherited the house- or I should say, had. But thank you, nonetheless. I had much help in the matter. House elves are a blessing in this day and age."
------
Sirius shrugged, still thinking the lady was old. 23 must be a thousand years away. His mommy was so big and she was 27! Glancing to the dance floor, he excitedly pointed at the graceful silver-dressed dancer on the floor, looking far more audacious than any normal woman. He pointed excitedly at the woman as he said, "Mommy!"
Then turning to Alice he said, "Why don't you dance? Mommy does. That's my mommy! See? She's got my presents! Does your mommy have presents? Or is Santa not giving them to her for safe-keeping?!"
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Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 31, 2013 0:19:27 GMT -5
Looking in the direction that Sirius was pointing, Alice saw her hostess dancing with a man who Alice assumed was another guest. Turning her attention back to the little ball of energy she was currently holding, Alice smiled once more.
"I'm not much of a dancer," she said, all the while thinking that if she was wearing something other than the death traps she called shoes, she'd be more willing to dance. "Your mother looks like she's a really good dancer."
"Oh, and how many presents do you think Santa left for you?" she asked, shifting her weight from one foot to the next. Alice avoided the question about her own mother; how do you explain death to a two-year-old?
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 0:22:25 GMT -5
"My condolences for your late husband, I'm afraid I've been unable to do such before. Such a shame he should pass so, especially just before his son was due to be born." Herbert shook his head sadly, at least his wife had held Irene once, and had even named the little girl. "I'm sure he would be fond of what you've done with his house. All the guests certainly are!" He gestured to the other guests, steering the conversation away from the topic of her deceased spouse as he knew from experience it was a touchy subject.
---
Irene wandered around quietly, watching happily at all the pretty people dancing in nice dresses and dress robes. She even got one more chocolate, though the server had reminded her not to eat too many sweets. The girl was quite content as she began to unwrap the chocolate until she felt a sharp prod in the back. Turning she saw Xavier glaring at her and the candy she held in her hand. Before she could say anything, he'd snatched it from her and begun to eat it himself.
"Murderers like you don't get sweets!" He stated cruelly, roughly prodding her once more, causing her to fall to her bottom before he ran off, laughing once as she felt tears begin to form in her eyes.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 0:55:26 GMT -5
Sirius nodded to the woman, quite confused as to what a not-dancer was. His mind was immediately derailed to the topic of presents. The little boy carefully considered it, thinking hard. Finally he came to a conclusion.
"Twenty-three!" he said proudly, thinking the number sounded quite large and important, "'Cause I'm a good boy! I ate all pasta myself! Tiggy didn't help me! I'm hiding from Tiggy! He wanted to wipe down! I don't want to wipe down! When's the p'esents opening? Mama said midnight! It's night!"
--------
Helena bit back the grimace at what Cassius would have thought of the affair. Or of his son. She knew quite well what he'd really have considered. And how he'd really have held Sirius. Smiling she glanced around the house, appreciating the compliment.
"It's a pleasure to hear that," said Helena with a sigh, "It's hard work redecorating when the duties of a mother call. And I only have one! How are your three? How goes the duties of being a father?"
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Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 31, 2013 1:00:04 GMT -5
"Why that's quite a lot of presents," Alice said, wishing she had a free hand to brush the strands of hair that had gotten into her eyes out of the way.
Hearing the rapid fire comments, Alice thought for a moment. "I'm sure your mother knows the best time for you to open presents," she said after a few minutes. She had to admit, there was something about this child that prevented her from going back into her own standoffish ways. Maybe because he was younger?
Merlin help her!
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Post by Miss Wings on Mar 31, 2013 8:59:20 GMT -5
The door opened with a creak and Emily Thomas jumped at the noise, she and her Fiancé, George Potter had just entered the main Potter home in order to meet his father Robert. They entered the main room to find Robert sitting in his favourite armchair and smoking a pipe with the newspaper folded neatly across the arm of the chair.
"Ahh Georgie boy! It's so nice to see you again, and with a beautiful woman as well, who are you my dear?" Robert asked in curiosity as he got up to shake George's hand and kiss Emily on both cheeks.
George looked at Emily fondly before replying, "Father I'd like you to meet my intended, Emily Thomas, Emily meet my Father Robert John Potter, head of the Potter family.
Robert had a peculiar look on his face as he replied back, Hmm Thomas ehh? Would that be the pureblood family of Sir Griffith Thomas?
Emily gulped before remembering the answer that she and George had prepared, "Yes Sir, I'm the child that was sent away to Belgium in order to live with my Father's Aunt Elizabeth, Father wanted me to have a good education so that I would be prepared to start my life with my future Husband".
Robert suddenly laughed, "Ahh of course Sir Grffith would do that, he's a very paranoid man isn't he? No one truly knows the identity of he's children do they? Now I suggest that we be on our way dear children, after all we do have a Ball to attend".
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 12:50:05 GMT -5
"The path of a father is difficult to tread, however it is a reward in itself." Herbert replied wisely, smiling as he thought of his children. "Of course, Xavier worries me sometimes- he's always so quiet and sad, I fear he has yet to accept his mothers passing." He sighed, "Nevertheless, he will come to acceept it when he is ready. Enough of my children though! How have you been with Sirius? After all, you are raising him all alone- your first child! I remember Xavier sent me and my wife for quite a spin when he was born!" He laughed, remembering their confusion as to how to care for their little boy.
---
Irene looked around, her lower lip poking out. She wanted her father, but he was nowhere to be seen. What if Xavier came back and made fun of her? Pushed her? Not knowing what else to do, Irene began to cry.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 13:35:39 GMT -5
As Herbert twirled her, Helena nodded sadly. She could understand how Xavier must feel, having lost his mother so early in his life. She smiled at the mention of her son, a light returning to her eyes as her hand came back to his shoulder, and they resumed the gentle steps.
"The boy is going to drive me mad," said Helena with a laugh, "He's so full of energy! I can't remember any of my siblings being so loud! Thankfully he doesn't miss his father yet. I'm certain Xavier will find inner peace soon. Children learn quick, and they adapt fast."
------
Sirius nodded, though pouting slightly. Mummy must know best. She was a mummy. He glanced longingly at the dance floor, when he heard someone crying. The boy began shaking his head, trying to find the source. He turned to Alice and said quickly, "Whassat?! Who's bawing?"
Sirius kept looking until he found the source. The little boy saw a blonde girl and pointed at her in his best regal manner, "Stop bawing!"
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Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 31, 2013 16:56:44 GMT -5
Alice turned to Sirius as he asked a question and frowned when she realized she didn't know the answer. It wasn't as if the young boy had given her a chance to answer either. It wasn't until she looked in the direction in which he was pointing that she realized the cries came from a young girl.
Walking in dress shoes was difficult; walking in dress shoes while carrying a two-year-old boy was almost impossible. Thankfully, she reached the young girl. It was at that point that she, once again, had no idea what to do.
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 17:26:42 GMT -5
A humourous twinkle entered Herbert's eyes as he laughed, "Yes, children never seem quite so energetic until you have on of your own!" Then he solemned, though he kept a small smile. "I'm sure he'll ask one day. However, your doing such a marvelous job. He'll come to terms with it, and I'm certain you'll do well when you must explain to him. Xavier simply had the fortune of actually knowing his mother before she passed- making it more difficult to let go."
---
Irene look up, her tears still flowing and sher still hiccuped threw her tears. As she looked at the boy, she didn't reply. Instead, Irene instinctly reached forward and hugged the woman's leg.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 17:31:54 GMT -5
Sirius glanced down curiously at Irene, staring at the crying girl. He didn't understand why anyone could be crying. He was getting presents soon! That meant everyone should be happy! The little boy came to the quick decision that she wasn't getting presents.
"I share!" said the boy happily, thinking the problem solved, "I give you mine too!"
------
"Sometimes I wonder how Sirius would be if he'd known Cassius," said Helena thoughtfully, "It makes me grateful that I'll never know."
Realizing her mistake, the curly haired woman rushed to cover up by saying, "I fear I couldn't handle it. He's so young and innocent, how does one explain death to a child? If you ever need anything, for your children, as a fellow widow, I'm here to help."
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Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 31, 2013 19:21:19 GMT -5
Alice now had two young children to pay attention to, and one was making it extremely difficult and dangerous to walk.
"Are you okay?" she asked the young girl in a gentle voice, keeping the chuckle from her voice as she heard Sirius declare that he would share his presents. At that age, presents solved everything.
Where were this young girl's parents? Alice thought as she looked around the dance floor. Well, this would be more eventful than she thought originally.
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Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 19:31:20 GMT -5
Herbert nodded, not quite catching Helena's mistake- he'd assume she meant that she was glad that Sirius didn't have a chance to get to know his father, only to have him snatched away.
"Rosie has asked me several times about her mother so far- I've simply put it that Belvina was sick and had to go to get better, and she couldn't come back. I'm a bit worried with how often Rosie seems to be thinking about it- she keeps asking me if she made her mother sick. I have no idea how to tell her that, while Belvina died giving birth, it isn't her fault..." He sighed, he hated it when his daughter got upset thinking it was her fault.
"Don't forget that the offer extends both way, I'm sure my boys would happily act as stand-in brothers if need be, and Rosie would love a play mate."
---
Irene smiled at the boy- it always made her happy when her younger brother shared with her, when Xavier wasn't around. With her older brother always stealing things, it was nice to be given something. " 'Rene gets Presents too!" She responded, her tears subsiding some, though she still hiccuped a bit. " 'Rene will share too!" Looking up at the woman, Irene sniffled and said,
" 'ver pushed me and stole my sweet, though 'Rene promised not to eat too many sweets."
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Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 31, 2013 19:38:45 GMT -5
Alice inwardly groaned as her arms grew tired at holding Sirius for so long. The interaction between the two children was so cute, she almost cooed. Almost.
She didn't know who "'ver" was but she knew one thing. Taking sweets from a little kid was cruel, and leaving them alone to cry was even worse. Looking around, Alice grabbed two sweets from a near by waiter.
"Here," she said to the little girl. "It'll be our secret." she said with a smile and a wink. Twisting her body so she could hand Sirius the other sweet, she said, "Sirius, is it okay with your mother for you to have sweets?"
The last thing she wanted was for her hostess to get angry with her.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 19:43:14 GMT -5
It was fairly obvious Alice didn't have much experience with children as she asked Sirius if he was allowed to have sweets. Or at least, with sly little boys like Sirius, who smiled brightly as he accepted the sweet in his pudgy little hands. The soldier he'd been holding dropped, just nearly missing Irene.
He seriously replied to Alice first, "Mama says I'm a good boy! I can have evy-thin!" Then he turned to Irene and simply pointed to the soldier as he requested it back with, "Mine."
------
Helena nodded at his words as the dance began drawing to a close. Her lips tightened at the thought of the little girl blaming herself and said, "I'd be careful with that. Gossipers must have said something of that nature around her. I've seen it happen before. You should probably discuss that with all your kids. To ignore the gossip I mean. Heavens knows it's a lesson they don't want to learn from society."
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