bait_backup | Your childhood home is just powder white bones, and you'll never find your way back (Reply)

*They could have Flooed, but when made to leave Amrita had a vicegrip on his arm and he didn't have the heart to shake her. From what he's told her to anticipate, he understands why--Esmerelda is formidable even when she is predisposed to like someone, and in this case, she isn't--so they Apparate instead. They have the long walk up through the gate, through the wards that recognize him instantly and can be peeled open for her, and then along the ivied garden path lined with snowdrops. In the wan, cold spring sunlight, the place looks beautiful, almost ethereal, and he's ready, relaxed, even hopeful that this might not be a complete disaster.

Amrita has been prepared, and Esmerelda knows well enough to leave anything that involves the Dark Lord alone, however much she may dislike it, and she certainly knows better than to bring Him up in front of Amrita. Most likely Esmerelda will cast a few barbs, which Amrita will naturally parry as she did with Damien and Lucius, and they will have tea and dicuss politics and the latest thing from Paris and how the herd of corgis are doing, and Lauren will embrace him, and Esmerelda will peck his cheek, and that will be that. Incredibly simple.

They reach the front door and Evan gives her waist a little squeeze and smiles at her, and then lifts the huge brass lion's head that serves as a door knocker.*