Sorrows Drowned in Firewhisky

by **Ophelia Zabini** Sat Jan 21, 2012 5:38 pm

Ophelia was lonely.

There was no other word to describe this emotion of emptiness inside of her. Or, perhaps she was sad? Sad and lonely. That was it. She missed her home, she missed her family, she missed her mother, she missed her father, she missed him.

Him.

That man with his locks of midnight black that were a curly mess on the top of his head. His physique not muscled, but not scrawny. His tall build that made him so adorable when he was cuddly and cute and loving. Him, with his tender, caring lips that would caress her own and his impeccable fashion sense. He, with his understanding of everything that she was and his love for her though she as a freak. The man with the eyes of emerald green, flecked with sky blue that had entranced her the first time she saw him.

"One Firewhisky," Ophelia said to the barman as he came over, sliding him the required money and waiting for him to return with her drink. Once he gave it to her, she skulled half of it and smashed it down on the bench, nursing her glass.

Him.

With his great sense of humor, and adorable habit of running his hand through his hair when he was nervous. Him, with his gentle and sweet nature. He with his love of all creatures great and small. The one that had always told her he loved her, every day they had been together. That man that had captured her heart and stolen it for his own, promising to love and cherish it until the day that he died.

Ophelia drunk from her new glass of Firewhisky, finishing that and ordering another. And another. And another.

She had hoped to marry him one day, longed to hear his promise to be with her until the day he died. That day had come too soon. She choked on her 5th or 6th shot of Firewhisky as she remembered his mother phoning her - yes she had a phone, she had lived with him and he was a muggle after all - and telling her he had died on impact with a speeding car.

It had broken her, torn her apart, ruined her entire life. She had nothing left now, just an empty heart. Her heart was shattered, broken, torn, only to be repaired by someone who was willing to pick up the pieces. Which, was why she had fled from Australia to Britain. To escape those who would pity her for her loss, and think that she was using them as a rebound. To find a new love, a new man and a place to find a family.

"It's too soon!" Her mother had nagged at her. "You can't go off and get married the moment the one you love dies!" Her mother had persisted, but calmly Ophelia had reminded her that it had been a month and she was ready to move on.

Was she? She thought sourly to herself. Is that why she was sitting her, wallowing in her own loneliness and misery? Her head was beginning to feel far too heavy for her neck, her body felt loose and floppy and her mind was spinning with thoughts that made no sense. The voices of other people talking, and the sound of the music made her ears and head hurt.

She ordered another Firewhisky and downed that. What was she on now? 7? Yes that sounded right. 7 shots of Firewhisky and she was feeling pleasantly tipsy. She hiccuped and rested her head in her hands.

by **Briony Romain** Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:14 pm

Briony had realised that this was pretty much her home now, she lived in this bar and night club but she didn't think that was such a problem, it was an interesting place to live, much better than living at home or somewhere boring like that.

Upon spotting a rather young women seemingly drinking her heart out at the bar Briony thought it might be a good idea to tell her that she had better try some of the muggle drinks, they worked a whole lot faster, especially when mixed.

"Hello there, seems like you're having a grand time tonight." Briony smirked her tone unsure of whether she was being sarcastic or being truthful.

"You should try the abstinthe that works a whole lot faster."

by **Ophelia Zabini** Wed Jan 25, 2012 10:47 pm

Ophelia raised her head as she heard a British accent. She turned her head and looked at this un-known woman who had suggested she was having a grand time with a smirk. Ophelia chuckled - but it was a hollow and dark sound. "Grand, indeed." Ophelia shook her head at the woman as her tone came out rough.

Ophelia coughed to clear her throat. "Abstinthe? Bah, I don't want to go loopy," Ophelia laughed. "I used that once, it was the weirdest experience of my life. Im torn between Scotch and Whisky, which do you suggest?" Ophelia asked the woman.

She had never seen this woman before, not even when she wandering Diagon Alley. Which meant she didn't come here often or had a busy life. Ophelia was willing to bet on the second one, the woman looked like someone who needed a break from stress. "What's your name?" Ophelia asked.

by **Briony Romain** Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:07 am

Briony knew if she didn't already that this woman was desperately inneed of something to help her forget whatever it is that had winded her up in this state, and she hoped that it was not a man, that really wasn't her forte.

"I don't blame you, I've only ever had it a few times and woke up violently ill the next day, something I don't reccommend unless you really do need to get off your face drunk."

Thinking for a moment Briony decided: "Out of those? I'm a whiskey drinker. But generally it's vodka."

Wondering if this woman was from a different country, or maybe if she just didn't really look into politics that much, after all, she didn't really before she became Headmistress, Briony took a seat and offered her hand.

"Briony Romain, and you?"

by **Ophelia Zabini** Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:05 am

"I don't need to get that drunk," Ophelia shook her head with a dry laugh. "I just want to wallow in my self-pity and waste away my days as a drunk, until one day some German idiot thinks im British and avada's me. What a good day that will be." Ophelia grumbled sourly.

When the woman expressed her preference for whiskey, Ophelia pursed her lips and then sighed. "Whiskey it is then." She said, scratching the back of her neck as she looked at this woman. She seemed like a friendly, nice woman and Ophelia already was beginning to appreciate the company. She had not talked with another human in around 2 months, and had become very loner-ish over such time.

Ophelia took Briony's hand as she introduced herself and shook it, before letting it drop. "Ophelia, Ophelia Emerald Zabini," Ophelia introduced herself, tone sour as she spat out her last name. It was not that she despised being 'Zabini', it was just that she despised not being able to ever be 'Ophelia Emerald Williams'.

She raised her hand for the Barman, and after a few minutes he bustled over and asked her what drinks he would like. "A shot of Whiskey and Scotch." She ordered, and he hurried off to get it, sliding it down the bar to her once he had gotten the drink. She placed the money in his hand as he rushed by her to serve more customers. Downing the shot, she turned to Briony. "Did you want a drink as well? That was rude of me." Ophelia blushed, brushing her hair off of her face.

by **Briony Romain** Thu Jan 26, 2012 9:29 pm

Briony had never really met someone with such a strong want to be destroyed, it was something she had never had a problem with sinceshe had one of the personalities that really wasn't bothered by what other people thought of her.

"Really? You have a desire to be killed that much? What could be wrong that you'd want to end your life that badly?"

Upon hearing the name Zabini Briony couldn't help but think about what that name reminded her of, making a note to think of it later she smiled her normal swift smile and thought also about the contempt at which the name was spoken.

"Well, aren't you very happy to be part of your family, but, I suppose it is none of my business and I do not wish to pry."

Briony shook her head with a smirk, she bought her own drinks, its what being headmistress taught you, never to trust people who were from a different country, or who offered to buy her drinks. They could spike them.

"No no, I'll get a vodka. 2 shots please." she said putting some money down on the bar, and cradling the shots when they arrived.

by **Ophelia Zabini** Sat Jan 28, 2012 12:00 am

Ophelia chuckled softly as Briony questioned why she would want to be killed. "Ah, picture the one you love the most Briony... or loved," she added as an after-thought, turning her eyes to the woman. "Then imagine them dead. Understand, now?" She asked, her fingers tapping against the bar.

Ophelia smiled when Briony said she didn't wish to pry. "Don't worry about it. I do love my family, of course, it's just... complicated." Ophelia licked her lips and could taste the alcohol she had been consuming on them. Her vision was beginning to become blurred if she moved her head to fast - for the world would spin if she did that.

"I do hope I have some hangover potion left, otherwise im going to hate myself in the morning." Ophelia grumbled.

Ophelia shrugged when Briony shook her head at her offer to buy her drinks. "Alright, whatever you say." Ophelia stopped tapping her fingers and sighed, running a hand through her hair. "So, whats this war i've been hearing about between you and Germany?" Ophelia asked. "What started it?"

by **Briony Romain** Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:43 pm

Briony smirked softly and shrugged her shoulders, for a woman who didn't really know much about her Briony could let it slide but she was very familiar with the feeling.

"They are dead. My husband died, but then came back. My grandmother is dead. Burnt alive by German Muggles. I know how you feel."

Chucking back a shot Briony didn't even grimace but wondered how much stomach lining she actually had left after all of this harsh alcohol she had been drinking.

"I turned into a killer after the death of my grandmother instead of loosing purpose in life." Briony smirked a little "Families are terribly complicated. I agree."

When the conversation turned to the war against Germans Briony shrugged her shoulders, there were so many potential causes that they didn't really know which was the main point.

"I suppose the last Triwizard tournament was the start, unfair conduct or something between the schools, then there was the magical separation act between our countries, bad feeling in Quidditch matches all built up and up until war was upon us."

by **Ophelia Zabini** Sun Jan 29, 2012 10:05 pm

Ophelia smiled sadly at Briony. "I am sorry for your loss. My grandma is also dead, and I was very close to her." Ophelia sighed. It seemed that death was starting to take more than his fair share these days, or becoming to impatient for his own good.

Ophelia frowned when Briony said she was a killer, but she didn't show too much that it sort of frightened her. "Families are indeed complicated. And i'd tell you not to murder after your grandmother's death and deal with it another way, but honestly I can't talk. The love of my life recently died, and here I am, drowning in sorrows." Ophelia shook her head.

She was of course ashamed of herself, for becoming this sad, sad person, but she had no one to encourage her to change now. Her family were all back home, and she knew no one other than Briony here.

Ophelia sighed. "Ah, war. Such a terrible thing." She shook her head. "Sorry, i'm not used to war and all. Australia is pretty peaceful, though we have the odd fight, and the muggle army is very helpful in aiding other countries, but no one attacks us really." Ophelia explained.

"Though, I do hold a feud against the German's. The couple who hit my boyfriend with their car were muggle German's, so I shall probably join this war just to get my revenge on Germany." Now that Ophelia said it, it sounded like an okay idea. She'd never really been peaceful, and she was still most angry and upset about her boyfriend's death.

by **Briony Romain** Mon Jan 30, 2012 7:35 pm

Briony smiled softly, everyone was close to their Grandmothers, it was just something that happened, and she didn't think that it could ever happen any other way, purely because there was nothing about Grandmothers to not love.

"My Grandmother died years ago, I am a little too set in my ways now to stop the person that I am, but I'm not a killer all the time, so relax a little."

It was always a tricky business talking about love, especially when the one you love had died, she remembered how she felt about Richard dying and then tried to make it permenant. It was unthinkable.

Glad for the subject change Briony smiled softly and sipped at her alcohol.

"Yes, war is a terrible thing and it takes some getting use to, but it is something everyone will have to get to terms with, and it might spread, who knows?"

Briony's ears pricked up but decided not to take advantage of a woman who's lover had just died: "If you think that would make you feel better, it might be the way to go."

by **Ophelia Zabini** Mon Jan 30, 2012 9:35 pm

Ophelia laughed lightly and made sure to relax each muscle so she came across completely relaxed and at ease, but she was ready to grab her wand at any moment. Not at all because she felt threatened by Briony, but she knew that German's enjoyed wrecking havoc at random points.

"Im relaxed, im relaxed." Ophelia smiled at Briony.

Ophelia saw Briony's features become thoughtful, and then pained. She was probably imagining her husband who she had spoken of being dead permanently.

Briony's expression then changed into a smile as they changed the subject.

"It would be terrible if it spread, but its more than likely. If I join in the war, on Britain's side of course. It would be the perfect way to get revenge, much like you." Ophelia sighed.

"I think it should be the way to go. Alright, i've decided im going to take part in this war. Might as well start now anyway, it'll spread soon."

by **Briony Romain** Mon Feb 06, 2012 7:19 pm

Briony smirked a little when Ophelia began to relax, of course, it was never wise to relax completely when you were out and about, but there were times that one needed to cut loose, and here was quite a good place to do that.

Nodding her head Briony liked the way this was going, she needed all the followers she could get and they needed to start up an attack against the Germans soon.

"That's a very good idea, very smart, the last war between Britain and Germany took years and I believe Australia did get involved, although my Muggle history is very weak."

A small smile appeared on her lips and Briony nodded again:

"Good choice, if you ever need a place to come to, I'm starting a group, sort of like a response unit, to counter German attacks on Britain and form attacks on Germany."

by **Ophelia Zabini** Mon Feb 06, 2012 10:45 pm

Ophelia shrugged when Briony mentioned her muggle history being weak, and she smiled as she drank from her glass.

"I wouldn't have a clue. I've never cared much for history, other than learning from our mistakes." Ophelia responded.

Ophelia's interest was perked as she turned to face Briony full on, but decided to change the subject from war, which Ophelia didn't care much for, Ophelia smiled.

"So, what do you do for a living?"

by **Briony Romain** Tue Feb 07, 2012 5:43 am

Briony nodded, this was a good way to live and she was glad that this girl seemed to be wise in that department, and she hoped that things wouldn't end badly for her, she was beginning to like her.

The change in subject was not surprising but it was somewhat welcome, she discussed two things far too much, but the topic turned to the other frequently conversed idea.

"I work as the Headmistress of Hogwarts School, what do you do for a living? Or are you over here for a holiday or something nice like that?"

Once again Briony was reminded of her desire to go to Venice again, and she scolded herself for not remembering to ask Richard about it.

"I'd like to go on holiday I think."

by **Ophelia Zabini** Tue Feb 07, 2012 8:49 am

Ophelia frowned as she searched through a mental list of Wizarding schools that she knew, and she knew that she had heard of Hogwart's before. Drumming her fingers lightly on the bar, she suddenly remembered what Hogwart's was.

It was the popular school that many transferred countries just to go to, and it was also the school that Harry Potter himself had attended. Ophelia let out a small 'ahh' as she remembered, and she smiled at Briony.

"Wow, how amazing that would be. A lot of work, but amazing." Ophelia then sighed at the next questions. "I just recently scored a job in Hogsmeade, at The Three Broomsticks. And im here to... escape certain places that remind me of the past." Ophelia's tone went sour at the last part, and she hoped Briony could figure out why due to information she already knew.

"Where to?" Ophelia asked, as she thought about where she had always wanted to holiday. Rome, or Paris. She had always wanted to visit both cities, for truly France and Italy were magnificent countries.

by **Briony Romain** Tue Feb 07, 2012 9:08 pm

Briony smirked as she heard the sound of recognition from Ophelia, after all the school was pretty well known even in Australia, but Briony wasn't sure if they had their own magical school that they went to, or if they had to transfer here.

"Oh yes, it's a lot of work, that mostly I like to try and avoid, but sometimes I just have to face it, lots of all nighters."

Sighing softly Briony grinned at the woman, so she was working at the Three? Maybe now she could get some free drinks while she was there as opposed to paying thousands of galleons.

"The Three huh? Maybe I could drop by and swing some free drinks once and a while, it might be nice."

Nodding swiftly Briony showed that she understood the things that Ophelia was escaping and that she didn't want to dwell on them lest she make the woman upset.

"Venice. My husband and I went there for our honeymoon, it's a beautiful place."

by **Ophelia Zabini** Tue Feb 07, 2012 9:37 pm

Ophelia's vision was becoming slightly hazy, and she mentally searched her house to see if she still had any hangover potion. Remembering there was still a couple of flasks left in the pantry, she relaxed and ordered another drink.

"Well. I'm surprised you're headmistress, not because I don't think you're capable," Ophelia hastily added. "But because you look too young to have so much work piled on you."

Ophelia shuddered at the thought of piles upon piles of work, though teaching did sound like fun. She had always wanted to be a Potions teacher, or just any sort of teaching. She adored children, and smiled at how wonderful it would be to teach them all something and feel pride in their accomplishments, for you had taught them well.

"Im sure the teaching is worth it, I just love children... most of the time."

Ophelia laughed but nodded at Briony.

"Sure, it'd be nice to see you and perhaps hear about your day. I deal with annoying customers all the time, i'd like to have a bit of a break." Ophelia chuckled.

Glad that Briony seemed to understand it was a sore subject, she grinned at the mention of Venice.

"The underwater city? Hmm, that does sound like a nice place to visit. I'd like to go just about anywhere in France or Italy to be honest."

by **Briony Romain** Wed Feb 08, 2012 6:27 am

Briony chuckled slightly and smiled at Ophelia, she was the youngest Headmistress that Hogwarts had ever seen and many people underestimated her because of that, and normally they found out rather swiftly that they shouldn't.

"You flatter me, although you are correct, many people don't consider me wise enough yet for the job but they are often proved wrong, sometimes a younger head is needed."

With a small grin Briony ordered another shot and chucked it back in one go, shuddering slightly: "I'm 22."

Shrugging her shoulders slightly Briony didn't really enjoy teaching children because she didn't really like children, but she knew that during the later years things would get much better.

"Well, it's a mixed bag, you get good days and bad days, I teach Duelling currently."

Briony nodded her head and made a mental note to make sure to visit there as soon as she was able: "How come you don't drink the free alcohol at the Three then if you work there?"

"Italy is beautiful, although, I have not spent much time in France." she said quietly.

by **Ophelia Zabini** Wed Feb 08, 2012 8:10 am

Ophelia swirled the drink in her glass, before throwing it down her throat and sighing as she placed the glass back down, turning to face Briony again with interest. She completely agreed with Briony about needing younger people.

"I think so too. At a young adult age, the knowledge you earnt at school is still nice and fresh in your brain, and you're a better problem solver. Adults make things way to complicated." Ophelia grinned at Briony.

Ophelia looked up as Briony ordered another shot, and she ordered a shot of firewhisky. She found that after muggle alcohol, firewhisky burned the taste out of your throat so you could start again without the ickiness. Downing the firewhisky and shuddering as it burnt her insides, she nodded at Briony.

"Mhhm. I suspected around 20-24, so right in the middle. I'm 21."

Ophelia laughed and scratched the back of her neck slightly, ordering another shot and downing that. She blinked in an attempt to clear her vision, but it didn't work.

"You get good days and bad days in everything. Duelling, that'd be a great subject to teach."

Ophelia bit her lip before responding.

"I work night shifts and day shifts a lot of the time there, I don't want to drink there as well, where my boss comes up to me and asks if I can work another shift. Though, sometimes I do drink there when I want to get smashed so it doesn't cost as much, but I don't feel like getting absolutely, deliriously drunk tonight."

"Really? I've been there once, I went to Paris and Besançon."

by **Briony Romain** Wed Feb 08, 2012 11:06 pm

Briony smirked lightly, she too felt the same way about teaching. If people were too old they became patronising and there was nothing worse than a patronising teacher in Briony's mindset, they don't command the attention of the class.

"I agree, I think that older people tend to disconnect from the people they are making decisions about, because they are wise they don't listen to others, following their own plans."

Shrugging her shoulders Briony sighed: "That's the problem with age."

When Ophelia stated her reason for not drinking in the Three Briony nodded, it was understandable of course, she wouldn't want to be asked to work more and more when she was attempting to enjoy a drink.

"Personally I would just tell them where to go but I presume you're a little more tactful than that and would like to keep your job, so, good idea."

Smiliing swiftly Briony ordered some more drink; "How was it? I might be taking a trip there soon, to Beauxbatons."

by **Ophelia Zabini** Sat Feb 11, 2012 10:13 am

Ophelia was glad that Briony agreed with her, for it was always awkward when you spoke passionately of something and ended up offending the person you were talking too. Nodding her head in agreement, Ophelia smiled.

"Indeed. I always loathed my older teachers at Urelic, and adored my younger teachers. They are able to make things a lot more enjoyable, understanding what the children enjoy doing after all."

Ophelia nodded her head. "Yes, it is."

Ophelia worried that perhaps her reason for not drinking at the Three Broomsticks was a bit strange, after all, many always longed to be able to receive free drinks from a bar, and she was completely passing the opportunity by. But, she really did not want the extra shifts, and she didn't want her boss bustling over when perhaps she was happily conversing with someone. It would be mortifying.

At what Briony said, Ophelia laughed.

"That is brilliant, but I would like to keep my job. If ever I feel like a dramatic exit, i'll keep that in mind."

Ophelia wondered how to describe France, but then her attention was caught by Briony's words about Beauxbaton's. She had a suspicion that Briony may be trying to draw France onto Britain's side, and she thought it a wonderful idea. It made her think about Australia, and perhaps she should try to convince Urelic to join the war. Urelic being the most prestigious Wizarding school in all of Australia would most definitely attract the attention of the rest of Australia.

"It was beautiful. So, what brings you to Beauxbaton's? An attempt to attract France to our side of the war? If that's so, i'll probably convince Urelic. It's a very prestigious school over there, so it may cause the rest of Australia to help Britain. The more on our side, the merrier."

by **Briony Romain** Sun Feb 12, 2012 4:03 am

Briony nodded at the mention of Ophelia's school, Briony felt her ears prick up, she wondered if it would be wise to open up communications with different countries, that was the reason she was going to France after all, because the more back up they could get the better.

"At least I attempt to make my lessons interesting, then again, in duelling there's very little theory work you can do in duelling, just spell work."

Grinning when Ophelia laughed Briony was glad that she was coming across as someone approachable, it was hard to have a conversation with someone when they were afraid of you or constantly kissing ass.

"I could make it more dramatic if you would like me to, I'll have a small think on it but something with filibuster fireworks would be in order."

Already the wheels in her head were beginning to turn about the idea. Some ideas were really evil.

When Ophelia asked about the reason why she was going over to France Briony stopped looking so relaxed and tensed up, looking around the bar before nodding her head swiftly.

"Well that's the idea, I don't know if it will work we've not been very close since the last Triwizard tournament, and the head isn't stupid, they'll know I want to create allies because of the war."

by **Ophelia Zabini** Sun Feb 12, 2012 3:01 pm

Ophelia nodded her head in agreement. She could remember enjoying duelling at school, mostly because there was hardly any theory, mostly just the fun stuff. A smile arose to her features as the memories flashed through her mind.

Good memories, that were tinted with sadness now that Ophelia knew what was to happen.

"Well, it's good to be the fun teacher." Ophelia grinned.

Ophelia laughed at the thought of fireworks,and the devious glint in Briony's eyes.

"What fun that would be. I can picture it now." Ophelia shook her head.

Ordering another drink, Ophelia downed that as Briony tensed and looked around carefully. Realising this was probably not the best time to discuss such subjects, Ophelia nodded her head to acknowledge what Briony had said.

"Moving on," Ophelia searched her head for another topic. "When does the school term start back up?"

by **Briony Romain** Sun Feb 12, 2012 7:46 pm

Briony chuckled softly, she wondered if she was in fact the 'fun' teacher, she doubted it to be honest, she was quite intimidating to be honest if anything her husband might be the fun teacher actually, people seemed to like his lesson the best.

"Hopefully I'm not the worst teacher, but I don't think im the funnest, after all, I'm the big scary headmistress."

When Ophelia laughed Briony too thought about what it would be like to blow the pub up with fireworks, and then thought that it might not be the most professional of things.

"Ever need it, just give me a holler."

Holler? Briony had never said holler in her life and blinked a little, how odd it sounded coming from her.

Glad of the change in subject Briony nodded her head and thought for a moment, thinking of when the term was starting back up, a few weeks yet she thought.

"A few weeks of freedom left thankfully, I'm not looking forward to returning actually."

by **Ophelia Zabini** Mon Feb 13, 2012 9:22 pm

Ophelia cradled the glass between her hands, raising it to her lips to take another sip before placing it down again. Her eyes were beginning to droop, and she was long since used to the pounding in her head. She heard Briony speak again, and turned to face the woman as she did so.

"Good point. Kids are always either intimated or adoring of the headmistress/master, and rarely it is adoring. Those cases are only found in people like Dumbledore, who had an order of merlin first class so it was more that he gave off a feeling of security. No offence intended, just stating the facts."

Ophelia shook her head with a wry smile at Briony, effectively cheered up by a lot since arriving. She decided that she liked Briony, though you could never really trust anyone to much nowadays. War and all.

"I will."

Ophelia frowned, envisioning herself as headmistress of a school. She imagined that she'd definitely feel the same way, for she did like kids but some of them were just plain rude, perstering and annoying. Not to mention the piles of work.

"Why not? The kids or the work or what?"