always skipping town (Dominique)

[Deleted]

Vic often decided that she was done wallowing would get up to go out to do something and then immediately sit back down. It was at least once a week where she would gather her wits about her, grab her stuff and put on her biggest smile. She'd whip out her shiny resume, put her hair up in the perfect bun that she was known for and head out towards the ministry.

What were her qualifications? Many. She had experience in the Auror training program, and of course in politics as the former minister from Magic (was this her only personality trait left?). However, her hiatus from the world of work in the world of magic had made her slightly less qualified now, at least in her own eyes. She wondered if there was any job at the ministry that didn't require using her wand excessively. Something to do with words and wit and wisdom. Three things she was incredibly skilled with, as well as cunning and resourcefulness, of course.

Today was one of those days, and in the middle of tightening up her bun to perfection she caught her reflection in the mirror and her heart started to sink. Pale skin, sunken eyes, her freckles barely even noticeable, did she even look like a person?

She quickly shook off that thought. She of all people shouldn't be judging someone based on the way they look. She knew better than most how horrible it was to read a book only by its cover but never look at what was on the inside. She had spent her whole life proving that what was on the outside did not reflect the brilliance within, so why should she treat herself the way she despised others treating her?

She steeled herself, finished her bun finally was one step out the door. Sure, she was talking to herself a little bit, reminding herself that this is what she was meant to do, go out of the world and be useful and helpful. She wondered if maybe somewhere outside of the country she could be for useful If maybe she should try for greatness and leadership somewhere else. This was an idea she hadn't brought up with her husband, Jim, yet. She wasn't sure if Jim would approve. He loved his job. They could live apart? It's not like they were really a traditional married couple anyway. She walked down the street, thinking over all of this rapid speed and her mind. Barely even noticing that she had finally reached one of the entrances and to the ministry.

There was a line of people waiting to get in, probably other witches and wizards knowing what this place really was. Vic suddenly felt embarrassed that someone might recognize her. Of course someone would recommend if nothing else she was the niece of the former minister Hermione Granger. She felt the traditional lump in her throat at that thought and pushed to the side. Grieving in this time was no longer useful.

Someone got in line behind her, and instinctively she turned around to try and catch a glimpse of who was.

@dominique

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Dominique did like working for the Ministry, but sometimes she missed her bounty hunting days. She had to give it up to “go straight” as some of her contacts would call it, but she got to work with some really amazing people now. Well, she’d only really interacted with Ana, but she was sure there were other people she just hadn’t gotten to know in the department. Plus, she got to travel and track down the bad guys too - just legally now. Still, the Ministry could seriously come up with some better ideas on how to get down to the offices. Nikki hated traveling by Floo Network, and since her flat was close enough to the London office, she didn’t see the need to Apparate.

So she got in line, wondering what the day would bring, when she saw a familiar messy bun ahead of her. What was Victoire doing at the Ministry? And more than that, why was she taking the normal way in? Maybe her illness had flared up again and traveling a normal magic quick way was too painful. Either way, Nikki decided she’d try to surprise her sister with a poke in the side. Just before she could though, Vic turned. She did have an annoying habit of being aware of her surroundings. Nikki pouted. “Damnit Vic! I was going to surprise you,” she exclaimed, before smiling and giving her sister a quick squeeze. “What brings you to this avenue of the Ministry? Is everything okay?” she asked, a look of concern crossing over her face. It was funny; a few years ago Nikki was the green monster of envy when it came to Victoire, but after Ethan had died, none of that seemed to matter anymore. They were sisters, and they were there for each other when it mattered the most.

@victoire

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Vic looked down at Nikki's hands and then back up at her sisters face. Every inch of her told her to run, that this was embarrassing, but she held back those thoughts. "Well, well, well," she said affectionately, a smile gracing her lips. The concern on her sisters face made her feel about a million times worse, but she didn't want to show that. No, Victoire was a master at the 'poker face'. "I'm..." he held up her resume in hand, "just seeing what's out there and all," she admitted, trying to sound confident. She was good at faking it, usually, but her sister was a hard person to hide her true emotions from. Especially since the two had only gotten closer and closer over their years together. Victoire may have been an intellectual, but everyone who knew her well knew that she felt her feelings incredibly deeply.

Her feelings of shame were no exception.

@dominique

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Nikki raised an eyebrow in surprise as Victoire held up her resume. “Thinking about coming back to the Ministry?” she asked, trying to hide the shock in her voice. Last time Vic had worked in the Ministry, she had been successful enough to become Minister. And it damn well near killed her. Nikki plastered on a fake smile. “Well, if you think it best,” she said, gesturing her sister that it was her turn to enter. It would give Dominique a small respite so she could try and be honest about her opinion of Victoires employment.

A minute later, both girls were standing in the atrium of the Ministry. “Vic…” Dominique began to say, then sigh. “I’m not saying you wouldn’t be welcomed back enthusiastically. I think that any department who interviews you will try to actively recruit you to their side.” Dominique gave a small chuckle. “But…after everything that’s happened to you Vic, is this what you really want? To just come back to politics? Don’t you want to try something completely new?“ she finally blurted out. There, she said it. She didn’t want Victoires illness to get worse, but she wanted to be sure her sister actually wanted to come back, and not that she thought it was what she HAD to do.

@victoire