( The truth is that Bella is exactly the kind of person who needs to have something to do at all times, or else she goes stir crazy. Patience has never been her strongest suit – which makes her decisive and efficient on the one hand, and a terrible socialite on the other. Her position within the ministry has been, in many ways, a blessing: a right cross between something socially acceptable and admirable, while also granting her some level of independence from the parts of pureblood society who are eager to see her married with children (because that is absolutely not on the agenda). )

I dare say shame is not something they are capable of, Cissy.

( She puts her quill away and leans back in her chair, smiling at her sister. One of the few people around whom she doesn't fake or force it. ) Regardless, it's Rodolphus who takes the brunt of them. ( His department being the one holding the registration office, that is. ) I get their filthy parents, though, who achive the impossible by being an even worse blight.

( Lovely pair, aren't they? )

How is your gala coming along?