|
|
Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 31, 2013 19:56:35 GMT -5
Handing the sweet to Sirius, Alice gave an inward sigh of relief. She really didn't want to do anything that might ruin her evening. Despite the fact that she didn't want to go to this ball in the first place, she found herself having fun.
"Sirius," she said with a light warning as he said one word too few in his request to have his toy back. Alice couldn't fault him totally; young children weren't born with manners so why expect them to have them?
Merlin, her feet were killing her! For the first time, she hoped the parents of these two children might cross her path just so she might have the chance to sit down.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 20:08:04 GMT -5
"That would be a good idea," Herbert replied thoughtfully, "I'd never really considered discussing gossip with my children. However, it does seem to be necessary, if what you say is true." He scowled, "I can't believe anyone would gossip about a child killing their mother- especially when the child could be in ear shot." Shaking his head he added, "People these days can be so cruel."
--
Irene smiled widely when she was offered the sweet. "Thank you Miss!" She said a bit too quickly, eager to eat. Gingerly she opened it, and licked it.
When the toy soldier fell at her feet, she jumped back in surprise before realizing it was just a doll of some sort. Curiously she reached down and picked it up as she ate the candy. "What's this?" She asked the woman.
|
|
|
|
Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 31, 2013 20:13:20 GMT -5
Smiling as the young girl thanked her for the sweet, Alice watched as she jumped from Sirius' toy.
"It's a toy," she said. "It looks like it's a soldier."
Swaying a bit to the beat of the music, Alice found herself growing more and more content with having to attend this ball. Maybe it was the fact that she didn't have to talk to anyone beside the two children?
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 20:17:03 GMT -5
Finally the song came to an end, and Helena lead the both of them off the dance floor, letting Herbert's hand go as they came to the edge of the dance floor. She nodded at him with a shrug, as she said, "It's the sad truth. Gossip is gossip, and people are wicked. Use it right though, and it can be beneficial. Thank you for the dance, Herbert. And please, feel free to stop by whenever you require."
------
Sirius stared at Alice, but he heard the warning as he stuffed the chocolate truffle into his mouth, mixing chocolate with pasta sauce as he pouted. The boy reached down for the soldier as she said again, "Mine, peez."
|
|
|
|
Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 31, 2013 20:20:55 GMT -5
Alice stopped swaying as the song ended, and smiled at Sirius as he added the word 'please' toward his command.
She didn't know why but tears prickled at her eyes as the interaction with Sirius grew. She had been the eldest of her siblings, spending time with them when their parents didn't have the time. Sirius greatly reminded Alice of her little brother, the one born directly after her.
What brought that feeling up? She didn't know.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 20:22:43 GMT -5
Irene's mouth formed into an O shape as she began to move the different arms, surveying it with great intensity. When Sirius spoke, she looked up and hesitated before solemnly handing back the soldier, still watching it curiously.
----
Herbert nodded to Helena's wise words as she led them off the dance floor. "Thank you as well, you are an exquisite dancer." He smiled, "Likewise, you are free to come calling anytime you like, even if Sirius simply becomes too energetic and needs another child to tire him out." As he stepped away from her, he surveyed the area and wondered, "Where did Rosie go too? I did promise her a few dances."
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 21:04:46 GMT -5
Helena glanced around the floor, searching for the child, before humbly saying, "Don't worry about it. I'll help you find her. Pity she's still so young, otherwise we'd be able to spot the beauty in the room. I'd worry about that, when she'd older you'll have suitors lined up for her."
The teasing tone Helena used was more than enough to suggest she didn't mean it seriously. As the two began to move through the crowd, Helena tried to spot the child, searching through the various crowds. It didn't help that the party was meant for families, so plenty of children were sifting through the crowd. Young men and women flirted here and there, when Helena suddenly heard a loud cry of 'Mama!'
She knew the voice immediately, and turned to see her son, her very messy son, in the arms of a woman. Irene was at her hip. Smiling, Helena turned to Herbert and mouthed, 'Found them' to him, before turned to approach her boy. As soon as she came nearby, the boy immediately stretched his arms out to her, nearly tumbling out of Alice's, and Helena grabbed him before he fell and hurt himself, Alice or Irene.
"Darling, what have you done to your face?" she asked the boy, pulling her wand out and scourgifying it to the boy's squeals of displeasure. "Thank you, for watching him by the way. I'm Helena Black, the hostess of the evening. I don't believe we've met."
Helena flashed the other woman a beautiful smile, as Sirius was clean now and tugging her shirt, demanding her attention, but she simply ignored him, sliding the boy to her hip, and earning a pout as she calmly said, "It's not time for presents yet, Darling."
|
|
|
|
Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 31, 2013 21:10:28 GMT -5
Alice's attention snapped at the squeals of Sirius and her heart stopped as he nearly tumbled out of her arms. Thankfully, the woman she assumed to be his mother caught him before any harm could come to him.
Wait, there was sauce on his face this whole time? Alice thought with a dawning realization that the back of her robes might not be as clean as they once were.
"You're very welcome ma'am," Alice said with a small curtsey, remembering what her father had told her. "It's nice to meet you Madame Black. I'm Alice Spinnett. You have a very lovely home, and a very enjoyable child."
She returned the smile Madame Black gave her, and felt the smile change to a fond one as Sirius was trying to gain the attention.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 21:19:31 GMT -5
"Yes!" Herbert replied with a booming laugh, "I must be ready to fend them off my little girl, don't I?" When they reached the children and the woman, he smiled gratefully at Alice as he saw how Irene had clearly taken to her.
Upon seeing her father, Irene quickly unlatched herself from Alice's legs and scurried to her father, who scooped her up and kissed her cheek, causing her too giggle.
When she was up close, Herbert noticed that her eyes were read and there were tear marks on her face. Frowning slightly he turned to the woman and carefully asked, "I hope Irene wasn't any trouble?"
|
|
|
|
Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 31, 2013 21:25:56 GMT -5
Turning to the man who Alice could only assume to be the young girl's father, she smiled at the man and shook her head.
"Irene was no trouble at all," she said. "In fact, I could probably take a few lessons from her on how to behave in public."
She hoped the lighthearted manner of her voice shown through, just like her father had taught her. But it was true; Alice needed to learn how to accept being in public. Regrettably, it wasn't something she wanted to do.
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 21:34:08 GMT -5
"Thank you," said Helena with a smile, as she listened to her compliments, "I'm glad our children haven't driven you insane yet. Lord knows how Siri hasn't driven me to the edge yet."
She ruffled the boy's hair, who was standing a bit taller now that he heard his name. Immediately the young boy began babbling, "I good! I said peez when toy fell and 'Ene picked it up! She was bawing and I told her to stop bawing. She was bawing cause of 'Ver. What's a 'Ver?"
Helena listened to her little boy's story, both amused and surprised as he held the toy up proudly and pointed to Alice adding, "That's Aice! She's not a mommy."
"It seems like my son is equally charmed, Miss Spinnet. I do hope he didn't bother you too much. You look lovely tonight, and I'm sorry my son has kept you from the dance floor and the many young men who'd be very much be interested in a beauty like yourself," said Helena with a smile, before turning to Irene and saying, "Now who's this 'Ver that made you cry, sweetie?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 21:40:12 GMT -5
As Sirius began to babble, Irene watched him with interest until he mentioned he bawling and 'Ver. She glanced over her Daddy's shoulder, she knew better then to tattle tale. It had been stupid to tell Alice about it, but she'd been so upset she hadn't thought.
"No one, 'Rene just fell down and dropped her sweet- it got stepped on, and 'Rene couldn't find it." She then pointed at Alice, " 'Aice," She began, copying how Sirius had said her name, "Got 'Rene new treat!" Then she smiled at Herbert, " 'Aice nice!"
Herbert gave a forced smile to his daughter. He didn't know what Irene was hiding, but he didn't like that she didn't tell him the truth- after all, as only a little girl she wasn't very good at lying.
"Now Irene, are you sure this... 'Ver didn't do anything?"
|
|
|
|
Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 31, 2013 21:43:36 GMT -5
Alice flushed at the concept of her being a beauty, but kept the smile posed on her face. Her hostess didn't need to know that on every other day, Alice looked like she was really four years younger than she really was.
"Thank you," she said to Madame Black as her hostess complemented her appearance.
She honestly couldn't help the small giggle that emerged from her lips as Sirius introduced her as 'not a mommy'. That didn't stop her from hoping Madame Black hadn't heard that of course.
"He wasn't a bother at all ma'am," she said. Before she could say anything else, she felt a slight pang in her lower left side, a tell-tale sign that she was going to get a present tonight whether she liked it or not.
"Ma'am? May I inquire as to where I might be able to find a restroom?" she asked quickly, trying to judge how fast she could prevent anything from happening.
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 22:04:09 GMT -5
Helena watched the little girl, very sure she she was lying. However, she didn't question the girl as she let Herbert be a parent. Instead, she kept her attention on Alice, before nodding. She glanced at Sirius, who was already getting squirmy and knew he wouldn't sit still for long.
"Herbert, would you watch Sirius as I show Alice to the powder room?" Asked Helena. After he replied, she gently put Sirius down, instructing her Darling to stay with Herbert. The boy nodded, and Helena began to lead Alice away.
"I do hope you're enjoying yourself, Miss Spinnet," said Helena as she reached the powder room, reeking the same expense as the ballroom with the porcelain fixtures and the row of sinks and stalls of toilets. "Here you are, anything else you require that I can provide, of will you be alright?"
|
|
|
|
Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 31, 2013 22:07:48 GMT -5
Trying not to gape openly at the powder room, Alice nodded and said "I'm finding myself having a great time tonight ma'am."
Really, she was. Oddly enough, such an event usually occurred with her in the corner reading and looking like she just stepped off of a playground.
"Thank you," she replied to her hostess. "But I do believe I'll be alright."
|
|
|
|
Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 22:10:26 GMT -5
"Yes, of course Helena," Herbert replied quickly. Once the two women had left, he glanced once more at his daughter who had not replied before deciding to ask her about it once they were home. Looking down at the boy he set Irene down and smiled.
"How are you enjoying yourself Siri?" He asked kindly.
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 23:02:56 GMT -5
Sirius glanced up at the man, and simply raised his arms in a commanding manner and said, "Up!"
The boy ignored the fact that there was already a little girl in his arms, he wanted to be up. He glanced around for the presents, his soldier dangling in his hand as he replied, "I have fun!"
Helena smiled gently at Alice, the younger girl reminding Helena of herself at that age. Before things soured. She gave the girl a smile as she said, "It's been a while since I've had pleasant company. Do join me and my son for lunch sometime. I'd enjoy the company. I'm always alone in this large home. Who knows, perhaps I can even help you learn the ropes of these things. Shall I meet you for dinner? I'm going to have the elves set it up."
|
|
|
|
Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 23:05:31 GMT -5
Laughing once more as the boy reminded him of his own sons, Herbert leaned down and easily held the boy in the other arm. Irene grinned at the boy from her own perch.
"That's a really nice soldier you've got there, where did you get it?" He asked, glancing around for maybe a seat- he could hold both children, but it did look a bit awkward.
|
|
|
|
Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 31, 2013 23:11:22 GMT -5
Returning the smile, Alice nodded as she accepted the invitation to lunch. Her father would be pleased--the Blacks were rather known in the Pureblooded families after all. Not to mention that Madame Black seemed to be a rather nice woman.
"I would have to see what my father says, but I would be delighted to," she said, "and yes please. Dinner would be lovely."
Please leave, please leave, please leave! she thought in the back of her mind. Was it her imagination or could she feel the beginning of what might be one awkward week for her and her father?
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Mar 31, 2013 23:14:15 GMT -5
Sirius glanced at the soldier and then said up to Herbert excitedly, "This is a sold-ja! He strong! Mummy says they can beat anything!" Quietly he added, "Mummy says he'll keep me safe from bad guys!"
The soldier was a precautionary measure Helena took, made to keep Sirius close to her. It had a charm to alert her if Sirius was taken more than 50ft from her, and automatically used a Portkey to bring him back to her arms. All Sirius knew was that it kept him safe, and he adored it because of that.
Helena nodded, and exited the bathroom, glad to have found the young girl to take under her wing. The Spinnets, though not powerful, were a well-respected and well-known family. It woudn't hurt to have the only daughter in her wing.
She headed outside, summoning the Head House Elf. The appetizers were floated away, and the tables began to move, spreading out further as a large buffet floated in. Hot steaming entree platters were settled around the place, settled for people to join. Helena's voice resounded through the hall as she said, "Dinner is served!"
|
|
|
|
Post by ginnyrules27 on Mar 31, 2013 23:22:32 GMT -5
Leaning against the door, Alice sighed in relief as the footsteps of her hostess faded away. Maybe someday she wouldn't be as ashamed of her monthly gift as she was now, but the current time was not the time to dwell on it.
Sitting down on the toilet, Alice sighed in relief as it was revealed the lack of severe staining on her panties. A quick cleaning charm would prevent any awkward questions by her father; now she just needed to conjure a sanitary napkin and she'd be set--at least until the ball ended.
Gearing back up, she cast a quick cleaning charm on the back of her robes--just in case Sirius had gotten any on her when he bumped into her. Modifying her shoes a bit to increase the size, she exited the powder room just in time to hear the words she'd been looking forward to all night--dinner is served.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nahara46 on Mar 31, 2013 23:28:29 GMT -5
"Well than, if your Mummy say's it'll keep you safe, I'm sure it'll do the trick!" Herbert replied as he approached a small sofa situated along the side of the room, sitting down and setting the two kids next to him.
He heard Helena's voice and smiled, "Well then, it seems your Mummy is also going to make sure we're well fed! I'm sure she'll fetch you in just a moment." He'd then taken Irene's hand, glancing around the room so that he could call his two boys to come and sit when him whilst they ate.
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Apr 3, 2013 21:47:36 GMT -5
No expense or extravagance was spared for the dinner. Platters of succulent roast chickens floated in the air. Silver platters with ducks drizzled in parsley and orange sauce followed. Large golden turkeys hovered in the air, surrounded by white-capped mushrooms, and red roasted peppers. Salads tossed so finely with green lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and finely sliced onions. Walnuts danced along the leaves, fluttering in the bowls. Freshly baked rolls floated in baskets, going through the air. Each platter landed on the tables as people headed around to take their seat on the white linens. Fine china rolled in the air, and landed before each seat.
Helena moved to the centre of the room, a glow on her face as she settled into her element. Applause went into the air at seeing the gracious hostess, smiled lighting their faces. The woman had a wide and charming smile as she faced the crowd. Her dark hair seemed to have flecks of gold in it, and the silver dress robes she wore, while scandalous, had an ethereal glow to it. The woman walked as though she floated, much like the platters of food.
"Welcome, dear friends! And a Happy Christmas to you all," she said, casting a silent sonorous charm on herself to have her voice echo in the room. "I am so fond to have my dearest and most darling friends with me to bring in the Christmas festivities! In an hour, to think we shall all be opening our presents together! The holidays are such a wonderful time for us all. I do hope the music and the dancing had kept you entertained. For now, please, enjoy the feast and the dinner music."
Behind Herbert and the children, two stuffy old women were busy gossiping away. Sirius was watching his mother with happiness and pride as he pointed excitedly to Herbert and said, "Look! Mama!"
Behind the child, the women became more audible, to the point where the young boy could hear them.
"Such a daring dress for a widow to wear! Wouldn't see girls wearing that in my day, let me tell you. Course, you wouldn't expect to see girls wearing that now. I suppose without a man in the house she can get away with it!"
"Forget the dress, two years and still no signs of marriageable prospects despite all her partying. Imagine the son! With no father he's not going to have a very good handle on life, not with that kind of mother."
"But it is a rather lovely fete. I guess blowing the Black Fortune on fiestas are more than enough for Helena Black."
Sirius frowned as he heard the comments. Some went very far over his head, but he could make out that they weren't being nice about his mama. And that he was missing something. Turning to Herbert, the little boy frowned as he asked in a quieter and subdued tone, "What's a fadder?"
|
|
|
|
Post by ginnyrules27 on Apr 3, 2013 21:58:42 GMT -5
Sitting down at the table, Alice shot a small smile over to the children she had met during her time here when she realized that she was sitting by them. Clapping softly after her hostess finished her speech, it wasn't until she placed her napkin in her lap that she overheard the women talking.
Alice honestly didn't know what to do. Had this simply been a small gathering, she would have spoken up. But this was an actual ball! It wasn't proper for a pureblooded woman to speak up at social functions like these.
Settling on shooting the women a filthy look, Alice narrowed her eyes slightly and made sure that she was making eye contact with at least one of the women. While it was fine to speak one's mind--they were a free land after all--it wasn't proper to do so in such a loud voice.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nahara46 on Apr 3, 2013 22:00:48 GMT -5
Irene looked around in awe at the large selection of food, including her favorites of onion. (Herbert claims she got that particular trait from his grandfather.) The girl was loving the magnificence of it all, the beauty that such simple things could display.
The girl's father looked down at the boy when he pointed out his mother, "I see her, Such a nice night she's put together." Herbert was quite pleased with how the night had turned out, if Irene's odd crying were to be disregarded. Such pleasantry was quickly shattered by the gossips of the old crones. He stood up and glared over toward the women said to them,
"To speak in such a way of a noble woman who has just put together of a magnificent night for you is truly disgraceful, especially within ear shot of her son." Herbert gestured toward the boy, whom he then sat back down with and turned away from the women, putting his back to them. He had no wish to bicker with the women, especially in front of children. Once that was dealt with, he looked toward Sirius and responded carefully,
"A Father is the man in you're life who.... protects you and teaches you things, such as ethics or, when your much older how to deal with women." Herbert cracked a smile at that, "Right now you're mother is filling in for the role, and she is doing a marvelous job. Perhaps you'd better ask her."
"Daddy's my fadder!" Irene piped up. She then smiled at Alice, whom Herbert hadn't noticed yet.
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Apr 3, 2013 22:11:01 GMT -5
On cue, Helena arrived at the table, smiling when she saw Alice there. Sirius, however, was still pouting. The explanation was good, but it didn't make sense. Why didn't he have a father? He gave Irene a jealous glare. He wanted a father too! Helena barely noticed her pouting son as she poured a glass of wine for the adults, still playing the gracious hostess.
"Mama, why don't I have a fadder?" Asked Sirius suddenly, tugging on her dress. Helena froze, the wine pouring into Herbert's glass. Her eyes went wide. She thought she'd have hears to answer such a question! It was the wine over-flowing in Herbert's glass that drew her attention back.
"Mama will tell you before bed, Darling," she said, closing the topic as her wand came out and vanished the mess in a wobbily manner. Smiling at the guests, she asked, "How is your night? I do hope you've been having fun!"
|
|
|
|
Post by ginnyrules27 on Apr 3, 2013 22:17:27 GMT -5
Her attention drawn from the incredibly rude women, Alice smiled at Madame Black and nodded her head.
"Yes Ma'am," she replied at the question of whether she was having fun. The truth was: she was actually having fun. While she was glad she didn't have to dance, the rest of the time was fun.
Minus the whole incident happening inside of her right now. Dear Merlin, don't make her sneeze or cough.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nahara46 on Apr 3, 2013 22:37:48 GMT -5
"I've been having a fine evening, you've done a fantastic job with this whole party." Herbert complimented, the little girl next to him nodding enthusiastically. He glanced at Siri, a bit concerned of how the conversation between him and his mother would go later. However, this was not his business.
"You haz Onions! Very good!" Irene told Helena, looking at where some onions were. Herbert rolled his eyes,
"I still wonder who in their right minds would love onions as much as my little one does."
|
|
|
|
Post by G. Novella on Apr 4, 2013 22:03:11 GMT -5
"Oh everyone has a quirk," said Helena with a laugh, as she nodded to Irene, "And onions aren't unhealthy. Unlike some things a lady shouldn't enjoy. Why, I myself have a love for walnuts. When I see them, I simply must get my hands on some. And what do you like?"
"Fogs!" Said Siri excitedly, "Fogs!"
"Yes Darling," said his mother with a chuckle, "Sirius likes the new candy, Chocolate Frogs. I believe they're getting popular nowadays, but being an old woman, I hardly have time or them. And you two?" Helena slid into a chair pleasantly. She wasn't seated anywhere special, for she had planned to hover around.
|
|
|
|
Post by ginnyrules27 on Apr 5, 2013 0:16:12 GMT -5
Alice stayed quiet, helping herself to a few of the onions that were offered on the table. Her favorite thing to eat, or rather to indulge in, was the turkey; particularly the dark meat. It was more moist than the white meat.
Smiling a little at Sirius' actions, Alice looked up from her plate, mentally urging herself to join in the conversation. The thing was, she didn't know if Madame Black was talking to her or Irene and her father.
|
|
