A Taste of Magic

Chapter 124: 124th Course - Holiday Hoopla

"Thank you," Narcissa said softly.

"You are welcome," Andromeda said just as softly.

Narcissa was once more in Grimmauld and this time, she had been an invited guest. She and Andromeda continued to write to one another with regularity and Andromeda decided to invite her over for tea. Sirius offered Grimmauld for her to use and she took the offer. It was not just Narcissa either. Primrose, Linda, Adele, and Valentina were there as well as Pansy, Aster, Daphne, and Astoria.

Narcissa had stopped when she saw the others and her eyes glimmered ever so slightly before she took her seat with customary placidity and grace. At first it was a touch awkward but as they ate and drank, the atmosphere went from cordial to friendly.

"Where is Millicent by the way?" Valentina asked.

"In the Forest," Linda said with a wry smile. "Doing some winter training, allegedly."

"Millie wouldn't lie about that," Pansy said. She giggled. "Though she probably would count hurling as training."

"Exactly," Linda laughed. "Still, she is happy and she is being trained by a Hunter group that is also potentially scouting her. The opportunity cannot be ignored."

"Which group?" Adele asked.

"Riannon's Rangers," Linda said.

"Oh they are a very proficient Hunter group," Adele said. "We do business with them. They are quite talented and are one of the best in the United Kingdom. They have a long history as well."

"Steven Li is a part of them I believe," Daphne said.

"I think Harry said he was taking Millie and Ron on," Pansy said. "Probably how they got introduced.

"I have done a bit of research on them since Millicent made her wants known," Linda said. "But I feel much better hearing you say that."

"Millie's tough," Aster said brightly. "Last game day, she trampled the most people all day and even broke a hurley club. Wasn't her fault though. Birch hit her with it and it broke over her arm and she rolled him in retaliation. Ow! What?!" Aster glared at Pansy who shook her head while Linda groaned and palmed her face, much to the amusement of the others.

"I always knew she wouldn't be the epitome of a Society Lady," Linda said with a sheepish smile. "Never imagined she would play a sport with centaurs and be respected for it though."

"Respected and feared," Astoria said. "If that makes you feel better."

"Oddly, it does," Linda said while the other older women laughed.

"How are things at Sanguis?" Primrose asked politely.

Narcissa smiled gently. "Well enough. I fear my hair may turn into Dumbledore's though." That made them laugh. "So much to do to keep a school running and Sangus is much smaller. But I find the work gratifying and engaging. And very very frustrating. I have a newly grown respect for instructors and school administrators."

"Well if anyone can keep a place running properly, you would be the one to do it," Valentina said lightly.

"Are you having the Soiree again?" Aster asked.