"Luck? This is nothing more than a game," Aludra scoffed. Apparently, she had given off the wrong signals by the smile on Sylvia's face. The last thing she wanted was to be associated with that man, the possible blood traitor he was, and an investigation. Rules were rules, and she made damned sure she followed every one. "I would sooner live in poverty," she spat. "Besides, the single life suits me. I love my freedom, and my money, more than the idea of being a prisoner in marriage. You of all people can understand that." Aludra smiled an all knowing smile at Sylvia. In a way she was her idol and in a way she wasn't. The woman had a good career and was respected and well known in the community; there was not a thing in the world she could not accomplish/had not accomplished. An inspiration to any woman. On the other hand, Aludra longed for a traditional life and did not envy this woman one bit. She wanted, at least some part of her, a prestigious pure blood husband to show off to society. People would look at her and respect her, thing of her as desirable, not some lonely spinster no one would look twice at. It was a struggle only she understood.
Aludra had barely been paying attention to the party outside of her own small bubble and narrow vision. But she did notice that brazen little Frenchwoman take her man prey to the dance floor. Genevieve was enjoyable company, at she was the few times Aludra had talked to her. That, and her fashion sense was just marvelous. Even Aludra could appreciate that. What she could not appreciate was the kind of person she was. Kind and pretty, two things Aludra lacked (but would never admit to anyone else). Maybe it was the sickening jealousy that made her dislike her so. Miss Lamour got to travel around the world while Aludra was stuck here; it was either home or Hogwarts and nothing in between. Thinking back to her childhood it was a boring life. Good, but boring. There was no adventure, no danger! The most thrilling thing she had done was kiss that one lad in her third year at Hogwarts, but that was a story for some other time. An adorable shriek sounded off not too far from Aludra's current position. Of course, it was Eleadora, that girl seemed to welcome all manner of attention. It was almost enjoyable to see her so disheveled but Miss Avery jumped into action to apprehend this 'ghost'. Aludra's would have bet money that it was one of the lesser bloods trying to ruin this perfectly (horribly decorated) Pure Ball.
Of course just as the party was getting interesting the Headmaster decides to show up. It was the same as when he arrived at dinner, the whole room seemed to shut down at his entrance. The silence was so loud you could vaguely hear the thought of the person next to you. Aludra was called to attention because Black ever muttered the words. He seemed... fragile, more frail than at dinner. Had he always been so weak? His feeble body was overtaken by the powerful voice that took shelter inside of it and all was well again; a leader should be strong and his voice signified strength. The tone was familiar and comforting but Aludra was not listening to the words. As the goblets of drink were floating by she grabbed a gaudy glass, probably Armistead's doing. The subject of horrid glassware would have to wait until after the Headmaster's speech. She stood smiling up at the podium, half paying attention, ignorant to the words being spoken. Ignorant, that is, until she heard him say 'change'.
'Change,' she panicked. 'Times have changed?' What in Merlin's name was he going on about?! The more Aludra tried to listen the more confused she became. Since when were dragons an issue the Headmaster was concerned about. She scoffed at the idea of slaying a dragon, this lady was not going to slay a thing except the dessert bar! Black was losing his damn- 'Oh.' She thought that this was another usual rant about how those with pure blood were superior (which of course is true) and tuned out the majority of it but had no idea he was going to go off on a tangent and change the school motto. A scowl formed across her face; if there was one thing she hated more than Armistead it was unnecessary change. In her opinion it was idiotic, but who was she to question a great man like Headmaster Black. If he felt the need to change such a sacred tradition, then no one could stop it. Accept for the sexy bearded gentleman that will enter the room in a few moments. Hot damn, I am excited.
"Manibus puro, corde puro, mentem puro, sanguinem puro," Aludra muttered rather quietly, the words felt foreign and unwelcome. "Pure hands, pure heart, pure mind, pure blood." She did not like it one bit, it sounded so forced. Perhpas a letter to Mr. Bearded Sexiness the Ministry of Magic would be in order after the ball. Until then, she would have to grin and bare this change. Aludra raised her goblet towards the Headmaster as if to salute his authority and drank in a few dainty sips. The drink tasted cheap and entirely too sweet. The kitchen staff really needed to be redone, they had been slacking off for far too long. 'Heh, long like their ears,' Aludra chuckled internally. Without warning a loud 'HA' escaped from her mouth and interrupted the silence. The half full goblet clamored to the floor as her hands clamped over her mouth to muffle more tiny giggles that were trying to escape. She had no idea what was wrong, it wasn't even that funny. The giggles turned into chuckles and the chuckles soon turn into full blown side-splitting laughter.
"S-so, orr-y. Can't breath." The words came out in wheeze, she couldn't catch her breath from all of this laughter. She had no idea wha- Someone had spiked the damn drinks. How could Aludra have been so blind, she was the Matron for Merlin's sake. The sweet sickening taste was a laughing potion. At least she had antidotes in her office if she could manage to make it there. Sadly, it did not look like she was going anywhere in this state. The laughter was shaking her to the core and rooting her in place. Aludra had to place a hand on the nearby table to steady her rocking frame. 'I will make it my personal mission in life to find this person and end them.'
'Damn,'
"Pin my hair up so it's all even, I want no lumps or I will be very displeased, Lomey. And for God's sake warm the pearls next time!"
Downton Food List
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Mefistofelis Crossley
