June 4, 1887 - Dervish and Banges
The Coming Out Ball at Hogwarts just days ago had sparked a new fear in Melody. She had entered every summer for the past seven years with the distinct knowledge that there was more to come. There would be new spells to learn and potions to try. She always embarked for the summer faithful that she would return in September to become even greater. However, now that she had graduated and returned to her family's home, it was unlikely that she would ever step foot within the magnificent castle again for anything other than a ball of some kind. It was too daunting a prospect to face.
After a long morning of trailing after her mother in and out of various shops, Melody was given the rest of the afternoon to herself. The season was nearing its height of activity and it would likely be months before the debutante was afforded such an opportunity again. Mrs. Bradley, her chaperone, and she soon headed off to Whizzhard books with the promise to be home before supper. It was unlikely that the shop carried the books on transfiguration that Melody was after, but she had to stsrt somewhere. And if she happened to get distrscted reading a different tome altogether, who could fault her?
The pair decided to impulsively stop in on Dervish and Banges on their way home. Penelope's birthday was in a few weeks and Melody didn't want to be caught without a gift like she had a year prior. Perhaps the youngest Finch would like a new bow for her violin? Within minutes of wandering through the store, a puzzlebox on one of the back shelves caught her attention. Forgetting all about her quest for the musical tool, Melody examined the box in fascination. These Chinese boxes had intrigued her immensely during her lessons at school, but she had never been afforded the opportunity to explore on her own. Melody handled the small wooden box with extreme care as she took in the different clues. A shift here, a hidden button there, one last click, and the box sprang open.
As did a curse.
A startled shout drew the attention of her chaperone and the shop keeper. Melody's hand was fused to the box where she had opened it and her finger tips were starting to blacken. "Well don't just stand there!! Get help!" She snapped at the two stunned parties. It was moments like these that made Melody curse being unable to take every class available to her.
The Coming Out Ball at Hogwarts just days ago had sparked a new fear in Melody. She had entered every summer for the past seven years with the distinct knowledge that there was more to come. There would be new spells to learn and potions to try. She always embarked for the summer faithful that she would return in September to become even greater. However, now that she had graduated and returned to her family's home, it was unlikely that she would ever step foot within the magnificent castle again for anything other than a ball of some kind. It was too daunting a prospect to face.
After a long morning of trailing after her mother in and out of various shops, Melody was given the rest of the afternoon to herself. The season was nearing its height of activity and it would likely be months before the debutante was afforded such an opportunity again. Mrs. Bradley, her chaperone, and she soon headed off to Whizzhard books with the promise to be home before supper. It was unlikely that the shop carried the books on transfiguration that Melody was after, but she had to stsrt somewhere. And if she happened to get distrscted reading a different tome altogether, who could fault her?
The pair decided to impulsively stop in on Dervish and Banges on their way home. Penelope's birthday was in a few weeks and Melody didn't want to be caught without a gift like she had a year prior. Perhaps the youngest Finch would like a new bow for her violin? Within minutes of wandering through the store, a puzzlebox on one of the back shelves caught her attention. Forgetting all about her quest for the musical tool, Melody examined the box in fascination. These Chinese boxes had intrigued her immensely during her lessons at school, but she had never been afforded the opportunity to explore on her own. Melody handled the small wooden box with extreme care as she took in the different clues. A shift here, a hidden button there, one last click, and the box sprang open.
As did a curse.
A startled shout drew the attention of her chaperone and the shop keeper. Melody's hand was fused to the box where she had opened it and her finger tips were starting to blacken. "Well don't just stand there!! Get help!" She snapped at the two stunned parties. It was moments like these that made Melody curse being unable to take every class available to her.
*will edit in location
![[Image: dqAG6wz.png]](https://i.imgur.com/dqAG6wz.png)
beautiful set by mj