And so this is Christmas

[notquitefacist]

Comments

[consumptivewife]

*After several hours of socialising, Bernadette's smile remains intact but it is propped up by exhaustion. There is no need for a fuss but her head feels light and she makes her way slowly to a somewhat secluded bench on the wall, weaving politely through the partygoers looking as though everything is going wonderfully until she is able to take a seat

[beetlebitch]

*The cushions bob with the weight of something new as Rita joins her, her glass is still full and she nurses it with feigned sophistication.*

You look marvellous tonight, a real belle of the ball if you don't mind me saying.

[consumptivewife]

*Her eyes open, but she covers her surprise gracefully despite the interruption.*

Oh - why thank you, that's kind. I think everyone looks their best tonight.

[beetlebitch]

Don't they just?

*She offers her free hand, nails pointed and painted.*

Rita Skeeter, a pleasure.

[consumptivewife]

*She switches her glass to the other hand and takes Rita's. Only the faintest of bells go off in her head from half-recalled conversations with Henrietta and Madrona, she doesn't make it a habit of keeping up with the type of news Rita has been known to report on in the past.*

I think I've heard your name before, but haven't had the pleasure.

[beetlebitch]

Well I've certainly heard yours. It must be fascinating, being married to the Minister for Magic himself.

[consumptivewife]

Oh, well, he's a great man but he wasn't always the Minister. Barty and I met in school.

[beetlebitch]

Simply precious.

*Rita of course knows all of this already, however a little rehash is necessary to start the flow of conversation.*

Hogwarts sweethearts, the public's always loved them.

[consumptivewife]

There don't seem to be as many these days as there were then, do there. Whole new generation out on their own.

[beetlebitch]

*This is derailing away from where Rita would very much like to go. She decides it's time to reel back the fish.*

Mhm.

Speaking of being out and about, what brings you to this shadowy corner?

[consumptivewife]

Oh just... having a bit of a sitdown. Feet pay a price for holiday shoes.

[beetlebitch]

*Peering down at Bernadette's footwear, Rita nearly raises her eyebrows in distaste. She'd hardly call those heels.*

Oh, I know. Exhausting things, really. I don't know why I bother with them.

[consumptivewife]

Oh it's worth it, just nice to get off them here and there.

My sisters in law are both in the journalism business. Have you ever worked with them?

[beetlebitch]

*She looks genuinely surprised. Here she was thinking she'd escaped recognition.*

Can't say I have. We work in very different streams.

[consumptivewife]

That's a shame, they're wonderful people. I think they're why your name sounded familiar.

[beetlebitch]

Talked about me, have they? I trust they said good things.