BY fates design

Adeline

"It's late," Fleamont stood first, stretching slightly, "we've been watching these all day and the light seems to have slipped away from us." Outside the window stars twinkled like fireflies in an endless void. "Perhaps, it's high time we turn in for the night."

Agreement washed over the individuals present in a wave. Mutters of 'good night' and 'sleep well' filled the hall as they filed out, dispersing to their sleeping quarters for the evening.

Amelia Bones and Mad eye Moody took Dumbledore with them, keeping a close eye on him as they dragged him away.

Delilah stood first, kissing Cassiopeia's cheek before bouncing away to join her brother and Hermes sons. Eventually, Cassiopeia stood as well, bidding a good night to her siblings and Sally before heading towards the door, Percy right behind her.

"Lady Cassiopeia." She turned to see who was addressing her. "Forgive the improper address, I was unsure what name you wished to go by. A lady such as yourself could stand to use a different one each day."

"Oh I do consider it." Cassiopeia jested. "All I know is that I prefer Lady Potter on Tuesdays."

"As opposed to Lord Potter on Wednesdays?" Adeline Riddle stood before her, brow raised, smirk on her lips, and her long brown hair tied back with a black ribbon.

"I like you." Cassiopeia laughed.

"I feel that is not a compliment to be taken lightly." Adeline smiled. "Thank you."

"It's not." Cassiopeia shook her head. "But just Cassiopeia is fine, or Lady Pendragon if you must choose a title." She informed. "What can I do for you, Lady Riddle or perhaps you prefer Lady Farrow?"

"Adeline is quite fine." She said, "and I wish to speak with you. Nothing malicious, I assure. Simply, I enjoyed our conversation last night over tea with the other ladies, and was wondering if you would join me once again. Your husband and Lady Crouch-Rosier are more than welcome as well." She extended the invitation to the two blondes that stood beside Cassiopeia.

"I would be delighted to join you, Adeline. I must admit, I am eager to know more about you as well." Cassiopeia smiled politely though there was a calculating glint to her eye.

Nodding, Adeline turned back to the Great Hall, walking back inside and sitting down again. The sofa's and coffee tables had once again be rearranged, now comfortable, but more proper, chairs circling little tables covered in tea and food.

Percy took Cassiopeia's left hand, resting it in the crook of his elbow, while Achlys followed behind them as they went to join Adeline.

They weren't the only people who stayed back, many of the other tables were filled with lords, ladies and heirs. They were in smaller gatherings than the night before, more private.

Notably, Walburga, Orion, Euphemia and Fleamont had sat together. Near to them was Lucius, Tom, Alphard and Cygnus with Druella, Narcissa, Bellatrix and Andromeda on the tables beside theirs.

All the heirs were distributed throughout the room, Draco, Luna, Daphne, Pansy, Theo and Astoria sat together as well. While James, Remus and surprisingly Regulus took to conversing at a table in the corner.

"What is it exactly that you wish to know, Adeline?" Cassiopeia asked, pouring both herself and Adeline cups of lemon and mint tea.

"I suppose I'm merely curious about you." Adeline admitted, gently lifting her teacup to her lips. "You intrigue me. I can't help wondering what our relationship would have been should you have been born in time to attend Hogwarts with me."