And so this is Christmas
Dec. 24th, 2010 02:14 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
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*Remarkably, the simple concept of maintaining a façade has remained almost universally successful as a way to convince others that everything is merry and bright, even in the darkest of times. Tonight, in one of London's grandest Wizarding hotels, everything certainly looks the part. Enormous deep green wreaths decorate the walls, elves circulate the room dressed as very small porters carrying trays above their heads, and soft dots of snow swirl down from gilded ceilings only to fade away before reaching the guests, their delicate passage not at all deterred when passing by the great chandeliers holding hundreds of candles each that wash the Ministry's finest in gleaming candlelight. Even Bernadette looks rosy and almost healthy in their glow, and his son would too if he would hold still long enough for anyone to tell. For once, however, Barty is not the person he is least pleased to see enjoying the fruits of his position.
Though he keeps a weather eye on his son, that prize belongs to the members of the aristocracy tonight - those with enough money to hold great influence and enough arrogance to presume that makes them neighbouring forces in the political world Crouch Sr. has dedicated his life to controlling. Their presence here among the men and women who have done more than donate and bribe to achieve their power, himself being at the top of this list, occupies a great deal of his obsession tonight. He, like all those with authoritarian blood running in their veins, is a hypocrite, and believes that this façade of righteousness should be his alone to exercise. After all the fear the attack on the ICW had fuelled, tonight is to remind those present and the public at large that no government in it's right mind would celebrate after disaster unless it truly had the upper hand and had utmost security even when threatened.
Christmas to him is the public relations opportunity of the year, and he will spend it in plain view of all, watching the moves of everyone in the room who he knows have some hand in trying to destroy him. They may be protected, wrapped in various different ways in this world of reputation and power, but he will see them all with their defences stripped as his grow stronger. Crouch Sr. celebrates this cheering thought of the season with a drink.*
Though he keeps a weather eye on his son, that prize belongs to the members of the aristocracy tonight - those with enough money to hold great influence and enough arrogance to presume that makes them neighbouring forces in the political world Crouch Sr. has dedicated his life to controlling. Their presence here among the men and women who have done more than donate and bribe to achieve their power, himself being at the top of this list, occupies a great deal of his obsession tonight. He, like all those with authoritarian blood running in their veins, is a hypocrite, and believes that this façade of righteousness should be his alone to exercise. After all the fear the attack on the ICW had fuelled, tonight is to remind those present and the public at large that no government in it's right mind would celebrate after disaster unless it truly had the upper hand and had utmost security even when threatened.
Christmas to him is the public relations opportunity of the year, and he will spend it in plain view of all, watching the moves of everyone in the room who he knows have some hand in trying to destroy him. They may be protected, wrapped in various different ways in this world of reputation and power, but he will see them all with their defences stripped as his grow stronger. Crouch Sr. celebrates this cheering thought of the season with a drink.*
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Date: 2010-12-29 11:21 am (UTC)However, Fudge is nothing compared to his own father, who eyes the insectoid crowd predatorily like a frog. His assessment of the political food chain is far from light-hearted and yet Barty bursts into sudden, uncalled for laughter, flapping his arms slightly as he does so. He doesn't care for his father's hunger or Fudge's slime. He knows that in this equation, he is the heron.*
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Date: 2010-12-29 05:54 pm (UTC)The exact figures are kept just this side of private, though, to avoid looking tacky. Still, enough is known that they're gratifyingly noticed when they arrive, and Lucius is satisfied. It's one of the biggest social events they've been able to attend since Draco was born, and oh, how he's missed the attention.*
Long overdue, darling, don't you think?
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Date: 2010-12-31 11:19 am (UTC)Knowing with absolute certainty that she looks stunning, she squeezes Lucius' hand gently as they make their way through the lesser people.*
Just a tad. I do think we managed a more than passably acceptable entrance, given how little practice we've had lately.
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Date: 2011-01-15 05:18 am (UTC)*His smile's nothing short of doting, and he raises her fingers to his lips for a quick, affectionate kiss before lowering his voice.*
Who first? Is there anyone in particular you've been wanting to, ah...visit, with?
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Date: 2011-01-15 09:01 am (UTC)*Her smile is just as devoted, though anyone watching would think it merely a pleasant expression. Narcissa smiles at Lucius with love in her eyes, not on her lips.*
The Minister ought to be first, and if you could keep me well away from the Skeeter woman, I'll be forever grateful - I've seen her darting about the place already.
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Date: 2011-01-15 07:37 pm (UTC)*On the one hand, Lucius rather likes the idea of being in the paper; he's never one to turn down his name being in print. But if Narcissa would prefer to avoid the press, then avoid it they will. An elf walks by with a tray of drinks above its head, pulling his attention.*
Crouch it is, then. Would you care for a drink?
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Date: 2010-12-30 10:24 am (UTC)Transferring her olive from her drink to her mouth, she leans in toward the one like-minded citizen there and revels calmly in their success.*
How many people here are under fifty, do you think?
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Date: 2010-12-30 10:52 am (UTC)Smiling crookedly she nods toward a plump witch in unflattering, silken dress robes.*
That's Ingrid Hildegarde. She's the shady side of forty. I blew the lid the on her husband's affair with his secretary last year. Can't say I blame him.
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Date: 2010-12-30 11:03 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-31 10:50 am (UTC)*The crowd parts slightly giving Rita a view of the Crouches. Smirking, she scans Bernadette's slight, fragile figure with a derisive snort.*
There's one who wont be reaching fifty.
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Date: 2011-01-01 01:31 am (UTC)My sister in law may have a weak body but her mind is stronger than you can comprehend.
*She smiles and raises a glass.* Hello again old enemy.
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Date: 2011-01-01 02:07 am (UTC)(no subject)
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Date: 2011-01-01 03:35 am (UTC)Smoothly detaching himself from an unwanted conversation with the withered form of Griselda Marchbanks, Crouch Sr. approaches his sisters to ensure they are having a pleasant holiday and refraining from displeasing him.*
Madrona, Henrietta, I didn't see you arrive.
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Date: 2011-01-02 12:05 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-02 12:08 am (UTC)*Rettie turns to her brother and politely kisses his cheek* Lovely party this year Barty, and how is Bernadette holding up?
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Date: 2011-01-02 11:23 am (UTC)*He has to bow his head slightly to allow her greeting, despite his lifelong disinclination to be kissed hello.*
She's doing well, I believe the celebrations will do her good.
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Date: 2011-01-02 11:45 pm (UTC)*Rettie is also glad her sister in law is feeling better, though her brother is mostly good target practice and a brilliant tease the sisters really do care for their family and have worries about their health as any normal family would.*
Oh good, I suppose it helps to be around others and in a relaxed atmosphere, I can't imagine your house can ever relaxed with Barty bouncing off the walls.
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Date: 2011-01-03 06:17 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-03 11:32 pm (UTC)(no subject)
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Date: 2011-01-10 09:57 am (UTC)Sinking onto the cushions she takes the last sip some the flute glass of sparkling water and allows herself to close her eyes - only briefly, to rest. Just getting off her feet helps but it also makes her realise how much effort it is to be on them. Still, behind her eyelids the room still seems enchanting. Being the centre of a party was never Bernadette's motivation to make the holidays good, but still she enjoys these evenings so much more genuinely than her husband does. She has been watching him all evening, remembering fondly how he had never had much spirit around Christmas. Not much has changed there, it still endears her just as much as it did then.
Her glass is empty but she touches it to the back of her hand, the cool glass reminding her to only rest for a moment.*
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Date: 2011-01-10 10:06 am (UTC)You look marvellous tonight, a real belle of the ball if you don't mind me saying.
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Date: 2011-01-10 10:16 am (UTC)Oh - why thank you, that's kind. I think everyone looks their best tonight.
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Date: 2011-01-10 10:18 am (UTC)*She offers her free hand, nails pointed and painted.*
Rita Skeeter, a pleasure.
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Date: 2011-01-10 10:32 am (UTC)I think I've heard your name before, but haven't had the pleasure.
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Date: 2011-01-10 10:40 am (UTC)(no subject)
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