Date To Be Determined, spring 2010
Xiomara Hooch's house in muggle Edinburgh

A pair of tickets was on the bureau nestled in an envelope.  An old witch of nine decades plus some was sitting on the bed.  She had short shock-white hair, and eyes that looked yellow in the lamplight.  Her companion was at the wardrobe and turned to show a rich gold and ochre set of dress robes. 

"You always looked good in gold, Xio," said Heliose Bailrigg to the white-haired witch.  Who was unimpressed.  She waved it away and shook her head.

"This is not a party, Heloise.  It seems a bit morbid to dress like it is one.  After what's happened? We should all be in black."

Heloise scoffed.  Hooch pointed a finger at her and added, "and shiedling charms!  Hector's been snuffed and I'm beginning to think everyone thinks it's perfectly normal for Hector to go off and do a think like die."

Heloise softened and sat on the bed next to her oldest friend.  "You're determined to follow this rabbit hole to the very end aren't you.  I can't say I blame you.  But you know most of us would just as soon forget all that.  Dark stuff, that."

"If Hector's dead, then it's not over.  And I'm not going to wrap myself up like a bow and be next."[/i]

"You're not going to go to the benefit?"

"Bones! Of course I'm going! How the hell else am going to find out what's going on! Of course I'm going.  Just not in that."  Hooch pouted and dismissed the dress robes once more.

"Right. The armor."

They both sat in silence for a few minutes, the way the oldest of friends could do.  Bosom companions, once lovers.  And still lovers in a way.  It wouldn't be long until they were both whipping off on broomsticks to London for the Harrison's charity's annual benefit.  It was very unlikely Hooch would find any solace in the philanthropy, but hopefully some answers.