Into the woods...

[Ursula Black]

A thousand lies have made me colder

Ursula wanted to be out of the house. She wanted to escape the confines of the infernal building she had coccooned herself in for the past few months. Knowing what she did now, she came to the conclusion that she ought to make the most of her time before she felt obliged to confine herself to the house until the child was born. In a response to this realization, she had decided to visit the school and take a little detour through the Forbidden Forest. She knew there were creatures in there that were possibly quite dangerous but she was armed with a wand and her arrogance, so naturally nothing could harm her.



Ursula had been in the forest for precisely ten minutes and was in denial about the fact that she was lost. It was darker than she expected, though wand light did help greatly, and the sound of the occasional twig snapping terrified her. Now that she was within the gloom and murk of the wood, everything seemed louder, more terrifying and real than it had at home. It was cold and she was sure there were creatures lurking nearby. Why had she made the foolish decision to walk through the forset? How BIG was the forest at any rate? It wasn't like she could apparate or disapparte either. There was a slight rustling noise and Ursula froze, panic settling in. No one knew where she was, no one would know until it was too late. Was she about to get savaged and eaten by a werewolf? A few twigs snapped and she whirled around, her wand held out and her pulse racing. "Who's there?" she called, panicking more when she couldn't see anyone. There was another rustling noise and she screamed. As she attempted to take a large gulp of air, she struggled due to the overly tight corset. Backing away, she stumbled and the forest began spinning. It might've been her imagination but she could've sworn she saw something but as she turned to run, she found herself unable to breathe and before she knew it was unconscious on the forest floor.

Tag: Edward
Clothes Words: 356

created by kay of caution and sds

  

[EDWARD CHURCH]

Edward marched across the foliage of the Forbidden Forest, wishing he wasn't there. He'd quite happily be at home in his cottage or at the Ministry in his cubicle office. He could murder for a nice drink, but instead he was stuck searching for woods, because a local detected dark magic. Normally when a local detects dark magic, they're just looking for a bit of attention, but of course at the ministy, "no stone goes unturned". Edward had began to hope that they had started to trust his judgement on such matters nowadays, but they still appeared to just as ignorant and obtuse as always. Hopefully with the upcoming elections that would all change, but he hadn't a clue what would happen, especially considering some of the applicants. To be honest, he wasn't even sure if any of them would get his vote.

He carried on walking, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets to stay warm, and looked around at the darkened trees. Nothing. Or was there nothing? He could have sworn he could make out something moving, deeper into the forest. He stopped for a moment, and eyed the spot carefully, feeling for his wand in his pocket. Had somebody actually been right for once? He seriously doubted it, but you could never be sure. He carried on, slightly more cautious this time, and looked around more avidly. In the distance, he heard a voice, that sounded slightly unnerved, almost scared. This time he whipped out his wand and ran towards the voice, as quickly as he could, no ambling. He jumped over logs and skidded through dead leaves, until he stumbled across a woman, around his age, laid out across the ground, apparently unconscious. He knelt down beside her, and patted her cheek in an attempt to wake her up.

"Are you alright? Miss?" he asked, as he listened for a heartbeat. This wasn't at all what he was expecting.

  

[Ursula Black]

A thousand lies have made me colder

As she slowly came round, Ursula thought she could hear a voice, a man's voice... "Phineas?" she murmured a little incoherently. "Phineas... is that you?" Taking a deep breath, she prized her eyes open slowly and for a brief moment, struggled to remember where she was. "Where..." She suddenly remembered where she was and where she had been going but who was the gentleman? And more importantly why was she on the ground? She hastily made the move to sit up at least, getting to her feet immediately would probably render her lightheaded again and she did not like the feeling of vulnerability that came with passing out in the company of a complete stranger.



"Do forgive me, Sir, I am not entirely sure what came over me. I am not often found unconscious in the Forbidden Forest, I assure you." It was quite embarrassing really, there had probably been no such creature lurking in the trees and she had merely overreacted. "May I ask your name? That way I shall not feel as though you are a complete stranger." She wished to get to her feet but she also did not want a repeat of her fainting spell.

Tag: Edward
Clothes Words: 199

created by kay of caution and sds

  

[EDWARD CHURCH]

"Phineas? Phineas... is that you?" she asked in a weak voice, and Edward didn't reply.

She was obviously confused, and giving her anything more to comprehend would probably just make it worst. The fact she was awake was good, but he didn't know if she'd seriously hurt herself. He gently held her head and lifted it to see if there was any wounds on the back of it, before lowering it down. It all seemed fine, or as fine as it could possibly be.

"Where..."

"You're in the Forbidden Forest," Edward said gently, "It looks like you had a fall."

She sat up, and Edward leant back to allow her to do so, resting a hand on her back to keep her steady. He wasn't any medical man, but he knew the basics enough to look after her while she was like this. Well, he hoped he did, and was happy to pretend he did long enough to give her and himself a bit of confidence over the matter.

"Do forgive me, Sir, I am not entirely sure what came over me. I am not often found unconscious in the Forbidden Forest, I assure you," she said, causing Edward to smirk.

"I should certainly hope not. I'm Edward Church, an Auror at the Ministry. And you are? And while you're feeling well enough, what exactly happened?"

  

[Ursula Black]

A thousand lies have made me colder

She felt a little unnerved by the contact, probably because she was still ashamed of herself and had been trying her hardest not to give the impression to others that she would commit such a shocking deed though it was not likely to be something many people would even think about, she was simply paranoid.



So she had stumbled across the path of an Auror? That certainly made her feel a little safer. If anyone from the Ministry stood a chance in a forest full of nasty magical beasts, it was the Aurors. And... Well... Probably those in the dangerous beast disposal sector but that was irrelevant. "Mr. Church, it is a pleasure. I am Mrs. Black," she paused for a second or two before adding, "My husband is the Headmaster up at the school." Ursula fully expected him to know who she was now, after all, who did not know of the Headmaster of the only wizarding school in the country? "I was on my way to the school as it happens when... Well, there were strange noises as if I were not alone. Of course I assumed werewolves were behind it and the very thought of those frightful beasts rendered me somewhat faint..."

Tag: Edward
Clothes Words: 204

created by kay of caution and sds

  

[EDWARD CHURCH]

"Mr. Church, it is a pleasure. I am Mrs. Black, my husband is the Headmaster up at the school." she informed Edward, and he nodded, a small smile on his face.

"A pleasure, Mrs Black, I hope your husband's well," Edward smiled warmly.

He'd never really been affiliated with Hogwarts ever since he left, but he read about it constantly in the Daily Prophet, and Mr Black appeared to be doing a good job. However, there was all that business about mudbloods recently, but Edward didn't like to comment on that. He didn't exactly pay attention to the politics of the world too much, and didn't want to get involved in something like that unless his job forced him to.

"I was on my way to the school as it happens when... Well, there were strange noises as if I were not alone. Of course I assumed werewolves were behind it and the very thought of those frightful beasts rendered me somewhat faint..."

Edward looked around when she mentioned werewolves, keeping an eye out for anything of the sort. He hated werewolves, and considered them to be a pest to the world he lived in, and a burden. He wouldn't flinch in taking one down if they were here.

"Then I suggest we get out of here, Mrs Black, and get you to the hospital," Edward told her, standing up.

  

[Ursula Black]

A thousand lies have made me colder

"He is as well as circumstances allow," she replied, avoiding a truly informative answer, though perhaps she had inadvertantly given cause for suspicion. If that were the case she had not realized it. Ursula followed his gaze as if to affirm that there were really no werewolves around. Ursula made to get to her feet but stopped to look at her hands which were dirty, making her grimace. She almost didn't want to stand up in case her dress was also dirty. Why did she have to take the ridiculous detour?



"Mr. Church, it is very kind of you to be concerned but I assure you I am quite well, I need not visit the hospital. It was simply a brief fainting spell, nothing to concern a Healer with." She forced a smile to try and reassure him that she was in fine condition - pregnancy and overly tight corsets aside. "Though, I definitely would like to be a safe distance away from the forest." Ursula started to get to her feet, hoping she wouldn't trip over her skirts or come over light headed and make a fool of herself.

Tag: Edward
Clothes Words: 190

created by kay of caution and sds

  

[EDWARD CHURCH]

"He is as well as circumstances allow,"

Circumstances? Edward wasn't quite sure what she meant by the comment, but felt that meant something could well be afoot at Hogwarts. However, he reminded himself that it wasn't his problem whatsoever. He had no child there, and it wasn't his department to worry about Mr Black and the goings on at Hogwarts. That was for the type who liked to fill in forms, and certainly not Edward.

"I'm glad to hear so," Edward replied, thinking it would be a lot simpler.

"Mr. Church, it is very kind of you to be concerned but I assure you I am quite well, I need not visit the hospital. It was simply a brief fainting spell, nothing to concern a Healer with."

"Miss, I really do insist. You could well have hurt yourself when you fell, and I don't want to be responsible for a prestigous woman like you being permanently hurt, just because of my ignorance. Now, let's head off," Edward told her, making his intentions clear.

He helped up the woman softly, and began to lead her back towards Hogsmeade. He kept his wand out, looking around every so often to make sure the place was safe. If she was hurt and didn't go to the hospital, there'd undoubtedly be rumours flying around about how "Mr Church had mistreated the wife of the school's headmaster!", and that would just add to the many things getting in his way. No, he had to take her to the hospital, whether she's willing, or kicking and screaming.

  

[Ursula Black]

A thousand lies have made me colder

Ursula was glad he had not pressed her further for a more straight forward answer, she felt she had lost the right to claim that her husband was well when she had done things that would seem quite malicious and spiteful - even if Ursula had had a 'justifiable' reason when she had set out to do it in the first place. But of course, Edward would have no idea about this though it might pique his curiosity, Ursula however, would not be revealing anything if not her own sake then her husband's.



"Really, I am quite well! There is no need to concern yourself or the Hospital, I have not been savaged by wild beasts, Mr. Church," she attempted to reason. Despite her reluctance to be taken to a hospital of any sort, she was thankful to be helped onto her feet. As she slowly regained her balance, she gave her dress a quick brush down, not wanting to appear unkempt or covered in forest dirt to those who might see her at some point before she could return home and clean herself up properly. "You have my gratitude, Mr. Church, though I still insist that a hospital is not necessary."

Tag: Edward
Clothes Words: 201

created by kay of caution and sds

  

[EDWARD CHURCH]

"Really, I am quite well! There is no need to concern yourself or the Hospital, I have not been savaged by wild beasts, Mr. Church,"

"Maybe not Mrs Black, but I still insist! What would your husband think if you'd seriously hurt your head, and you hadn't even realised, hmm? I'm sure he wouldn't be impressed, and neither would I if I were him!"

He wasn't going to give this one up, and so he grabbed the lady and picked her up in his arms. It might be deemed in appropriate, but he was going to stick to his moral compass this time, even if it killed him.

"I'm sorry, Miss, but I'm afraid I'll have to take you to the hospital myself!" he told her, and began to march on, carrying her.

"You have my gratitude, Mr. Church, though I still insist that a hospital is not necessary."

"Well, unfortunately for you Miss, I'm slightly stronger than you, so I'm going to make you. Once again, I apologise if this is deemed inappropriate to you..."

  

[Ursula Black]

A thousand lies have made me colder

Ursula frowned indignantly at him, "Mr. Church, I assure you, I would realize if I had injured myself and I am very sure that I have not. I am in the peak of physical condition and intend to stay that way for a good while yet," she replied before shrieking in surprise when he lifted her off her feet. She would've attempted to free herself from his arms but she felt that would only be unladylike and so restrained herself from doing so.



"Mr. Church, I insist that you put me down at once! You are quite misguided in your belief that I need the attention of a Healer," she gave him a truculent scowl. Ursula shifted slightly to see what he would do. "You might be stronger than me, Mr. Church, but if you do not put me down immediately, I shall- I shall tell my husband that you had mischief on your mind and attempted to kidnap me." She smirked triumphantly at him, sure he would put her down after her threat. "Either that or I shall scream and claim you molested me and it shall reflect quite poorly on yourself." Her threats were idle however, she would not be following through as she feared that her husband might not trust her were she to say it had been Edward with mischief on their mind and not herself after she had proven herself quite capable of adultery.

Tag: Edward
Clothes Words: 238

created by kay of caution and sds

  

[EDWARD CHURCH]

"Mr. Church, I insist that you put me down at once! You are quite misguided in your belief that I need the attention of a Healer," she proclaimed as Edward carried her off, and he looked down at her uncertain.

"Ah, and when exactly Mrs Black, did you become a medical expert?" he teased her as they went along, not planning to give up.

"You might be stronger than me, Mr. Church, but if you do not put me down immediately, I shall- I shall tell my husband that you had mischief on your mind and attempted to kidnap me. Either that or I shall scream and claim you molested me and it shall reflect quite poorly on yourself."

Edward laughed at the notion as he walked along, being able to picture the scene in his head. It would be hilarious.

"You may try and scream if you would like, Mrs Black, be my guest," he told her, doubting she would, but knowing that if she did, it was unlikely anybody would hear.

  

[Ursula Black]

A thousand lies have made me colder

Ursula scowled at him, growing more and more irritated that she wasn't getting her way. "I may not be an 'expert' as you put it, but I am not completely ignorant of what it would feel like were I to have done myself injury. I am certain that I am not about to drop dead at any given moment, I am in fine health." The fact that he found her threats amusing and not to be taken seriously only vexed her further. "I shall hex you if you do not set me down! I shall!" She gave him a stern look, not wanting to actually follow through with her threat.



"If I scream, it shall probably attract every werewolf and vicious beast in the forest and I do not care how good an Auror you might be, but I am sure that even you would not be able to hold off the hordes of the wilderness for much longer than a moment or so and I certainly wouldn't assist you as I would much rather die sooner than later if the situation were to arise."

Tag: Edward
Clothes Words: 184

created by kay of caution and sds

  

[EDWARD CHURCH]

"I shall hex you if you do not set me down! I shall!"

"My apologises, Mrs Black, but that seems to be a slightly empty threat..."

"If I scream, it shall probably attract every werewolf and vicious beast in the forest and I do not care how good an Auror you might be, but I am sure that even you would not be able to hold off the hordes of the wilderness for much longer than a moment or so and I certainly wouldn't assist you as I would much rather die sooner than later if the situation were to arise."

"Then by all means try, Mrs Black, it'd give me something entertaining to do. Haven't been able to do that in months..."

He could put up this defence against her claims and threats all day if he had to. His exterior was a lot harder than others when it came to this sort of thing, and it wouldn't take much for him to be able to get out of it. He was a crafty man after all, and he doubted the idle threats of Mrs Black would come of anything.

  

[Ursula Black]

A thousand lies have made me colder

Ursula was almost ready to give in, she struggled to think of anything else she could do or say without embarrassing herself or acting in an unbecoming way. "Only slightly? Not completely then, you still ought to watch your back, for all you know I might be rather proficient in dark arts." Ursula did know her fair share of dark magic but she didn't practice it openly, nor that often privately. What she did know, she reasoned was reserved for self-defensive causes only.



Despite him almost encouraging her to start screaming and alert all the creatures within the vicinity of their presence, she remained in resentful silence. "This is utterly ridiculous, Mr. Church. Not to mention unnecessary and a waste of both our time. Now, do you not think it would be far wiser to simply bid me farewell at Hogsmede and that shall be that?" Ursula had decided to try and make him 'see sense' by means other than threats. "After all, it cannot be comfortable or ideal for a man, even as strong as you may be, to carry myself all the way to the Hospital." She would try flattery now, though she was a little rusty having not had reason to exercise her skills for quite a while now.

Tag: Edward
Clothes Words: 212

created by kay of caution and sds